1141: 15 Transactions for Week 6

After a disappointing start, Rodgers has thrown 3 touchdowns in each of his last 3 games. While that pace should slow, Pittsburgh's schedule (Tampa Bay, New Orleans, Cleveland over next 3 games before bye) and situation support him as a reasonable streamer or QB2 in a platoon; the Steelers rank 10th in quarterback schedule strength over the next 4 weeks and have the second-highest pass rate over expected this season, behind only Cincinnati.

Pierce has been sidelined since week two when he left early against the Chiefs. His absence has opened up target share for Keenan Allen (23% in weeks three and five) and Josh Downs (22% in those same games), indicating Pierce's role remains uncertain.

Carnell Tate ranks among the top rookie wide receivers in target share through five weeks, alongside Drake London, Puka Nakua, Malik Neighbors, and Zay Flowers. Despite Tennessee's offensive struggles—last in the NFL with six touchdowns and on pace for just 20-21 for the season—Tate has a top-10 wide receiver schedule over the next four weeks and rest of season by adjusted fantasy points allowed. JJ Zachariason acknowledges the risk of a rookie in a bad offense but argues the underlying profile is encouraging and suggests trading for him using bench players to mitigate risk.

Tate caught one of five targets for six yards in week five against the Titans with a 14% target share—his lowest of the season and first time below 20%. However, this single poor performance should not erase his established role; he maintains a 25.9% target share on the season. Among rookie wide receivers since 2016, only Drake London, Puka Nakua, Malik Neighbors, and Zay Flowers have commanded higher target shares in their first five weeks. Tate is in elite company alongside Chris Alave, Marvin Harrison Jr., Tedaroa McMillan, and Jamar Chase. The Texans' secondary is decent, and Tate remains a bye candidate with favorable matchups ahead.

Carson Steele was active for the Eagles' Week 5 game but did not see snaps; Damian Pierce played every offensive snap instead, establishing the depth chart hierarchy.

CeeDee Lamb was not 100% during Thursday night's game against the Buccaneers; while he may not miss time, his status warrants monitoring.

Montgomery left Week 5's matchup against the Titans with a groin injury. His status going forward is uncertain, but if sidelined, backup Woody Marks is expected to see close to a bell cow workload in the offense.

George Pickens has posted a 25% targets-per-route-run rate when CeeDee Lamb is off the field, the same rate as Ryan Flannoy in that situation, providing context for Flannoy's upside if Lamb misses time.

JJ Zachariason identifies a sell window on Jamison Williams despite Detroit leading the NFL in offensive touchdowns. Williams' 15.4% target share ranks outside the top 50 at wide receiver, down from 18.5% last year and 18.8% in 2024, suggesting the Drew Petsing offense has not been good for him from a target-earning perspective. He ranks 33rd at wide receiver in expected PPR points per game. While capable of spike weeks, his underlying usage is weak, and with Detroit unlikely to finish as the league's top offense in touchdowns all season, Williams' lack of productivity in this offense is concerning if the offense takes a step back.

Downs has seen a 22% target share in weeks three and five (when Pierce was sidelined), averaging 16.9 expected PPR points per game and 13.9 actual PPR points per game in those contests. While he underperformed in week five against the Steelers, that matchup was not favorable. Downs should not be dropped despite one disappointing week; Indianapolis wide receivers have an above-average rest-of-season schedule, and most fantasy players do not produce consistently week-to-week.

With Alec Pierce sidelined since week two, Allen has posted a 21.3% target share in the Colts offense overall, and 23% in weeks three and five when Pierce was completely out. Allen's expected PPR points per game average is 16.3, though actual production has been 13.9 PPR per game in those two contests. Despite Josh Downs receiving more attention, Allen needs to be rostered in more leagues and represents undervalued depth in an above-average rest-of-season schedule for Indianapolis wide receivers.

Michael Pittman Jr. was placed on injured reserve before week five's matchup against the Colts, missing his revenge game opportunity.

Roman Wilson left Pittsburgh's week five game late in the first half with a finger injury and is expected to miss at least the following week. This opens opportunity for Jeremy Bernard to take over the primary slot receiver role that Wilson had largely occupied all season.

Saquon Barkley is injured, contributing to the Eagles' backfield depth issues that create opportunity for Damian Pierce.

Tank Bigsby is injured, contributing to the Eagles' backfield depth issues that create opportunity for Damian Pierce.

Will Shipley left Philadelphia's game early with an injury, opening the door for Damian Pierce to take over the backfield workload.

Shipley left Sunday's game early; after his exit, Damian Pierce played every Philadelphia Eagles offensive snap, signaling a potential shift in the backfield hierarchy.

With David Montgomery sidelined by a groin injury in Week 5, Marks played every offensive snap except one (no QB kneel). JJ Zachariason expects Marks to see close to a bell cow workload if Montgomery remains out. Marks has outperformed Montgomery this season in yards after contact per attempt (3.07 vs. 2.27) and success rate (35% vs. 25%), despite identical yards before contact rates. Still available in 47% of Yahoo leagues.