Categories: Dynasty Strategy, Quarterbacks, Rookies, Running Backs, Tight Ends, Trades, Wide Receivers

Brandon Ghabbour

Week 6 was a doozy! Let’s dive in and see how we can leverage the week’s happenings for future fantasy success.

What’s good, Dynasty Rewind community? It’s your boy, Brandon Ghabbour, coming at you with a Week 6 NFL recap packed with insights to boost your fantasy game. In this episode, we’re diving into Week 6 injuries, waiver wire pickups, game recaps, and reflecting on some offseason predictions I nailed — and a few I missed.

Injury Updates: The Hits Keep Coming

Week 6 was brutal for injuries, and as a Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan, I’m no stranger to the pain of seeing key players go down.

The San Francisco 49ers took a massive hit with linebacker Fred Warner sidelined for the season with a severe ankle injury. It’s a gut punch for 49ers fans, and even though my Bucs benefited from facing a depleted defense, I hate seeing elite talent like Warner go down. He’s arguably the best defender in the NFL, and his absence will ripple through fantasy (start guys vs. SF) and real-life rosters.

Then, on my side of the ball, Emeka Egbuka will probably miss at least next week with a hamstring injury, and at 5-1, it makes no sense for the Bucs not to handle him cautiously.

Elsewhere, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is out for an estimated one to two weeks with an ankle injury, per NFL.com. Over in New York, Jets wideout Garrett Wilson is dealing with a knee problem that could keep him out for one to two weeks, potentially requiring an MRI or scope. These injuries open the door for some intriguing waiver wire options.

Waiver Wire Targets: Spot Starts and Long-Term Stashes

Tyler Higbee and Jordan Whittington (Los Angeles Rams, TE/WR)

With Nacua and Robinson out, these two step into larger roles. Higbee’s a reliable tight end option, and Whittington could see increased snaps as a deep-league flex play.

Mason Taylor (New York Jets, TE)

With Garrett Wilson potentially missing time, Taylor could see an uptick in targets. He’s been heating up, coming off a 12-target game in Week 5. At tight end, 8–10 targets per game is gold, making him a great spot start.

Sterling Shepard, Tez Johnson, Kameron Johnson, Cade Otton (Tampa Bay Buccaneers, WRs/TE)

My Bucs are facing a banged-up Detroit Lions secondary in what could be a shootout. All three wideouts are under 20% rostered in leagues and make for excellent spot starts — especially if you’re replacing Nacua, Egbuka, or just have guys on bye. Cade Otton also has a great shot to lead the team in receptions. Just be sure to check Mike Evans’ availability updates through the week.

Josh Reynolds (New York Jets, WR)

Another beneficiary of Wilson’s injury, Reynolds is a sneaky spot start for redraft leagues. I didn’t put him with Mason Taylor because I don’t think they’re in the same tier of waiver adds — Mason Taylor is definitely my preferred pickup.

Kendrick Bourne (San Francisco 49ers, WR)

Bourne has posted back-to-back 140+ yard games, making him a viable plug-and-play option while the 49ers deal with injuries.

Kimani Vidal (Los Angeles Chargers, RB)

Vidal exploded for over 25 fantasy points in Week 6, stepping up big in Omarion Hampton’s absence. He’s a must-add in dynasty and a solid redraft play until Hampton returns.

Lil’Jordan Humphrey (New York Giants, WR)

A deep-league dynasty dart throw, Humphrey brings size to a Giants receiving corps missing Malik Nabers. He’s seeing deep shots from rookie QB Jaxon Dart and could be a DFS gem with 3–4 receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown.

Luther Burden (Chicago Bears, WR)

Burden had four receptions for 60 yards in Week 6 and is getting more involved. He’s a great redraft stash with his after-the-catch ability and growing role.

Oronde Gadsden (Los Angeles Chargers, TE)

This rookie tight end’s snap share has increased every week, and he posted 7 receptions for 68 yards in Week 6 (despite a fumble). He’s a prime dynasty taxi squad stash, but may even be worth a look in redraft.

Game Recaps: Standout Performances and Key Takeaways

Giants 34, Eagles 17

The New York Giants are riding a wave of rookie fever, led by running back Cam Skattebo and quarterback Jaxson Dart. Skattebo dominated touches, even with Tyrone Tracy back in the mix. His ball security, forward-running style, and goal-line role make him a coach’s dream. With at least 20 touches in each of the last three games, Skattebo is the heart of this Giants offense. Dart’s mobility forces defenses to account for him, opening lanes for Skattebo. I’m not worried about Tracy stealing significant work — Skattebo’s locked in as a top fantasy RB, at least through his rookie contract.

On the Eagles’ side, special teams miscues (like fumbles by Tank Bigsby and AJ Dillon on kick returns) killed their momentum. The “tush push” play remains a fantasy headache — and even worse, Jalen Hurts and Dallas Goedert keep vulturing goal-line touches from Saquon Barkley. Goedert’s recent trend of “running back-like” touches inside the 10 (three in the last three weeks that went for TDs) makes him a must-start tight end. Meanwhile, DeVonta Smith is shaping up as a dynasty buy-low for rebuilders or reloaders. With AJ Brown dominating targets and stirring drama, a potential trade could skyrocket Smith’s value.

Seahawks 20, Jaguars 12

The Seattle Seahawks are one of my biggest misses this season projection-wise, particularly with wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (JSN). I was lower on him than his ADP, projecting a 27% target share. Instead, he’s rocking an unprecedented 34% — the highest I’ve ever tracked (beating DeAndre Hopkins’ 32.5% in 2022). JSN’s 12.4 yards per target is the third-highest among fantasy-relevant wideouts over the last three years, trailing only Brandon Aiyuk and Rashid Shaheed in efficiency.

Sam Darnold’s stellar play — leading the NFL in completion percentage over expected (+10.5%) and yards per attempt (9.6) — has fueled JSN’s breakout. Darnold’s career-best 4.3% sack rate and improved pocket presence have made him a legit franchise QB candidate for Seattle.

On the Jaguars’ side, Travis Hunter played a season-high 61 offensive snaps, signaling a shift toward prioritizing him at wide receiver. Brian Thomas Jr. had a solid day (8 receptions, 90 yards, 1 TD), showing chemistry with Trevor Lawrence. Keep an eye on Hunter’s growing role on offense — that’s where his best plays are.

Chargers 29, Dolphins 27

Ladd McConkey shined for the Chargers in Quentin Johnston’s absence, but don’t expect him to sustain that level with Johnston returning. Kimani Vidal was the star, erupting for over 25 fantasy points. He’s the RB to own until Omarion Hampton returns. Rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden’s rising snap share makes him a dynasty must-add.

The Dolphins, meanwhile, are exactly what we expected: Jaylen Waddle and De’Von Achane dominate, with Darren Waller serving as a serviceable tight end plug-and-play.

Cowboys 27, Panthers 30

George Pickens continues to prove me right. I ranked him as my WR16 in the offseason — way above his consensus ADP around WR30 — and he’s currently the WR4 in fantasy, thriving with Dak Prescott, who’s playing at an MVP level (highest PFF passing grade).

Even with CeeDee Lamb’s return looming, Pickens remains a must-start WR2.

For the Panthers, Rico Dowdle had a monster revenge game against his former team, racking up 30 carries and leading the team in receptions (yeah, I never thought I’d say that either). This spells trouble for Chuba Hubbard owners both short-term and long-term, especially with Jonathan Brooks returning next year. The Panthers’ backfield is a mess to avoid once Chuba returns — unless you’re desperate.

Patriots 25, Saints 19

Patriots rookie QB Drake Maye is turning heads, outpacing Baker Mayfield in most advanced metrics (completion percentage, yards per attempt, EPA, CPOE, etc.). He’s a dynasty cornerstone and a redraft streamer with upside.

Treveyon Henderson, however, continues to disappoint, with a measly 30% snap share and 11 touches in Week 6. Tough matchups against the Titans and Browns loom, but his schedule eases up later — making him a potential trade target.

For the Saints, Spencer Rattler has played well despite poor surroundings. If the Saints’ season tanks, they may bench him to evaluate second-rounder Tyler Shough, creating a dynasty buy window for Rattler.

Buccaneers 30, 49ers 19

As a Bucs fan, I’m over the moon — 5-1 and the NFC’s top seed! General Manager Jason Licht deserves his flowers. Since 2014, his first- through fifth-round draft picks lead the NFL in snap counts (132,000) and starts (1,873). Late-round gems like Chris Godwin, Bucky Irving, and many more have kept Tampa competitive for the long haul.

Christian McCaffrey was the star for the 49ers, delivering at least 23 fantasy points every week. I had him as my RB1 all offseason, and he’s exceeding my 20.9 points-per-game projection, pacing as the consistency king.

Other Game Notes

Justin Fields had 45 passing yards this week. Guess. Take a gander. Rush yards? No. Pass attempts? No. Passing yards… yuck.
With the Ravens’ season almost 100% out of reach, I feel more and more like Mark Andrews could/should be traded — the Bucs could use him with our injuries and his Baker Mayfield connection from Oklahoma (reunite with Sterling Shepard, too!).
Colts target shares through six weeks: Warren 22%, Pittman 21%, Downs 19% — Warren is that guy.
Harold Fannin Jr. leads the Browns in receptions, receiving yards, and efficiency (YPT)… he’s legit. Buy high in dynasty.
Chase and Higgins are so back — talking 75–80% production with Flacco, which I think we’re all happy with.
Might be something to Travis Kelce being better in primetime matchups (because his girl is definitely there watching). Small sample, but 3 of 4 games he’s played in primetime he’s scored 13, 19, and 14 fantasy points. Could be nothing, but it’s an interesting tiebreaker for TE start/sit decisions.
Dalton Kincaid was out and the Bills lost — weird, huh? (Just kidding.)
Luke McCaffrey has 3 TDs in his last 4 games — when is this man going to get more targets in this offense? He can ball.
Luther Burden led the Bears in receptions this week — man, you never really know with the Bears, huh?

Hits and Misses: Owning My Projections

I nailed some calls this offseason: Christian McCaffrey (RB1), Bijan Robinson (RB2), De’Von Achane (RB3), Josh Jacobs (RB8), and George Pickens (WR16) are all guys you would have drafted based on my Ultimate Draft Sheet recommendations — and they’re all delivering.

I was also the lowest on Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley (RB10 and RB11), and that’s paying off big time. But I whiffed on Kenneth Walker (RB6) and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, underestimating Seattle’s efficiency and JSN’s insane target share. I’m eating crow there for now, but it does beg the question:

Is regression on the way? Can JSN uphold a historic target share and historic efficiency, despite being the only legit pass-game threat? Can Sam Darnold throw a perfect deep ball all season? Those are the things that worry me.

Because the one thing I absolutely got right about the Seahawks? They’re passing way less this year — throwing the ball 27 times a game versus the 34 per game they averaged last year — and that’s why I was lower on JSN to begin with.

Final Thoughts

Week 6 was a rollercoaster, but it’s given us plenty to work with. Grab those waiver wire gems, monitor the injury reports, and don’t sleep on buy-low opportunities like DeVonta Smith or Spencer Rattler in dynasty.

Thanks for rocking with me, Dynasty Rewind crew. Drop a rating or review for Deep Dive Fantasy Football, and let’s keep chasing those titles.

Peace!