We are five weeks into the 2021 NFL regular season. We are also five weeks into the 2021 Fantasy Football campaign. And to be honest, the injuries are beginning to pile up, especially at the running back position.
Injuries aside, we also have our fair share of fantasy football players that we paid a high price for during our fantasy drafts but are not exactly living up to expectations.
On top of all of that, we are about to enter Week 6. The significance? Week 6 kicks off BYE-WEEKS around the NFL.
To overcome the injuries, under-performing assets, and now the dreaded bye, it is critical to know the fantasy football sleepers that can help you win your week, and in some cases, your league in the long run.
Now, let’s dive into my top Fantasy Football Sleepers for Week 6.
Week 6 Byes: Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers
Please note that all NFL Week 6 odds and lines below are current as of Tuesday, October 12.
2021 Fantasy Football Sleepers Projections for Week 6
2021 Fantasy Football Sleepers for Week 6: Quarterback
Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Miami Dolphins
- Dolphins-Jaguars Total: 45.5 via DraftKings Sportsbook
- Over 45.5 (-110), Under 45.5 (-110)
Trevor Lawrence has had his fair share of growing pains in his rookie campaign but is beginning to trend in the right direction. After opening the season hot in Week 1, Lawrence has scored 19.8+ fantasy points in each of his past two games following a two-game lull.
It doesn’t take a genius to correlate the uptick in James Robinson’s usage to Lawrence’s recent positive swing in his trajectory.
Lawrence has totaled three touchdowns to one interception in his past two games after opening the year with a 5:7 TD/INT ratio in his first three outings. Lawrence will look to build on his recent success in Sunday’s matchup with the Dolphins in London.
This should be a matchup that Lawrence can exploit. Miami’s defense is allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season (25.5), including the sixth-most yards (1,526) and third-most touchdowns (12).
The Dolphins’ defense has yielded 2+ touchdown passes in each of their past three games to enemy signal callers, along with 386+ passing yards in two out of their past three.
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Deep QB Week 6 Sleeper: Taylor Heinicke, Washington Football Team vs. Kansas City Chiefs
- Chiefs-Washington Total: 55.5 via DraftKings Sportsbook
- Over 55.5 (-110), Under 55.5 (-110)
Up until last week, Taylor Heinicke has been red-hot. While he only managed 14.4 fantasy points in last week’s loss to the Saints, he finished with 24.4+ points in each of his first three starts of the year from Weeks 2-4.
Week 5’s loss to New Orleans also marked the first game this season in which Heinicke failed to record a score. Heinicke will look to get back on track in Sunday’s tilt with the Chiefs, whose defense is yielding 31.2 FPPG to quarterbacks.
While we know you can throw on the Chiefs, they are also leading the league in rushing yards (236) allowed to quarterbacks and second in touchdowns (3), which bodes well for Heinicke’s rushing floor. The former XFL star rushed for a touchdown or 43+ yards in each of his past three games.
The Chiefs have surrendered 31.7+ fantasy points to signal-callers in each of their past four outings, including 13 total touchdowns in that four-game period. They have also allowed quarterbacks to throw for 315+ yards on them three times in five games, including two straight.
More QB Sleepers To Consider
- Mac Jones, New England Patriots vs. Dallas Cowboys
2021 Fantasy Football Sleepers for Week 6: Running Back
Myles Gaskin, Miami Dolphins @ Jacksonville Jaguars
- Dolphins-Jaguars Total: 45.5 via DraftKings Sportsbook
- Over 45.5 (-110), Under 45.5 (-110)
Myles Gaskin has had an erratic year thus far. While he has finished with 10.4 PPR points in 3-of-5 games, his best outing was last week against the Buccaneers. Gaskin finished the week with 99 total yards and two scores on 15 touches (10 receptions), good for 31.9 PPR points.
Gaskin has another shot to pop in Week 6 facing a Jaguars defense that has been gashed by running backs all season, yielding the seventh most FPPG (28.0). Miami’s defense has allowed six different backs to drop 11.8+ fantasy points on them in five games.
While Gaskin is only seeing 11.2 touches per game, it is still good enough to lead Miami’s running back group. He also does most of his damage as a receiver. Gaskin has drawn five targets in 4-of-5 games this season. His PPR floor warrants him Flex consideration with RB2 upside if he scores.
Damien Williams, Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers
- Bears-Packers Total: 45 via DraftKings Sportsbook
- Over 45 (-110), Under 45 (-110)
With David Montgomery (knee) sidelined, the Bears operated with a two-headed monster approach to their backfield in last week’s win over the Raiders. While Khalil Herbert out-snapped Damien Williams 31-to-30, they both finished with 18 touches.
Williams, however, was the better back. He had 84 total yards and a touchdown to Herbet’s 75 total yards. Williams was also active in the passing game while Herbert failed to draw a target.
While both could be employed in your fantasy lineups, Williams has RB2 upside and a higher floor due to his passing game usage, while Herbert is a touchdown-needy Flex play in deep leagues.
Williams gets a solid matchup with the Packers, whose defense is allowing 25.1 FPPG to enemy rushers in 2021.
We know that you can run on the Packers, but they are also yielding the seventh-most receptions (32) to the running back position, which is where Williams can do some damage in Week 6.
Damien Williams Over 56.5 Rushing Yards at PrizePicks
Deep RB Week 6 Sleeper: Darrel Williams, Kansas City Chiefs @ Washington Football Team
- Chiefs-Washington Total: 55.5 via DraftKings Sportsbook
- Over 55.5 (-110), Under 55.5 (-110)
With Clyde Edwards-Helaire (knee) expected to be sidelined for the next few games, it is time to fire up Darrel Williams. Since CEH normally dominates running back touches for the Chiefs, we haven’t seen a lot of Williams. He has, however, scored two times in five games.
While we could see some Jerick McKinnon in the mix, Williams is expected to be the primary option in Kansas City’s backfield sans CEH. His anticipated opportunity share alone as the Chiefs’ RB1 catapults him into the Flex/RB2 tier, especially in his upcoming matchup with the Football Team.
Washington’s defense has taken a massive step back in 2021. While they are much better at defending the run than the pass, Washington’s defense can be still exploited on the ground. Just temper your expectations.
Still, Williams should bring a high enough floor to finish with double-digit PPR points.
More RB Sleepers To Consider
- Devontae Booker, New York Giants vs. Los Angeles Rams
- Zack Moss, Buffalo Bills @ Tennessee Titans
2021 Fantasy Football Sleepers for Week 6: Wide Receiver
Jakobi Meyers, New England Patriots vs. Dallas Cowboys
- Cowboys-Patriots Total: 49.5 via DraftKings Sportsbook
- Over 49.5 (-110), Under 49.5 (-110)
I am all about that anticipated garbage time production the Patriots are in line to rack up in Week 6 against the Cowboys.
If the Cowboys continue to play white-hot football and dominate inferior opponents, the Mac Jones-led Patriots’ offense will be throwing a lot more than they want to, which bodes well for Jakobi Meyers’ fantasy outlook for Week 6.
The proverbial possession receiver in the offense, Meyers should be in line for one of his most productive games of the year. Meyers has put up 10.4+ PPR points in 3-of-5 games this season, which were all in Patriots losses.
In those three games, Meyers has drawn 6+ targets. In the two games in which the Patriots won, Meyers has drawn fewer than four targets, resulting in fewer than 9.4 fantasy points in both of those victories.
In a game facing a Cowboys defense surrendering the sixth most FPPG to enemy wideouts (43.4), Meyers should be targeted early and often, especially if Dallas jumps out to an early two-possession lead.
I expect the Pats to lose this game. And per the trend, that will result in a favorable fantasy outing for Meyers.
Emmanuel Sanders, Buffalo Bills @ Tennessee Titans
- Bills-Titans Total: 54 via DraftKings Sportsbook
- Over 54 (-110), Under 54 (-110)
Emmanuel Sanders out of nowhere. Sure, Sanders has been a prolific fantasy asset earlier in his career, but I doubt many have thought he’d be the WR20 five games into 2021, five spots ahead of Stefon Diggs (WR25). Sanders has single-handily quieted Gabriel Davis truthers, much to my dismay.
In his past three games, Sanders has scored 13.1+ fantasy points, including two outings surpassing 20.4 in PPR. In those two games in which Sanders has popped for 20.4+, he’s scored two times in each of them.
Sanders isn’t getting it done with volume, however, as he’s corralled fewer than five receptions in every game this season.
The big play speedster will look to keep it going in a terrific Monday night matchup at the Titans. Tennessee’s defense is one of the worst in the NFL. They are allowing the third-most FPPG (47.4) to wideouts, including a league-high 1,122 yards.
The Titans have surrendered 10.4+ fantasy points to 12 different receivers this season. Sanders is in line for another big game in the Week 6 finale.
Deep WR Week 6 Sleeper: Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins @ Jacksonville Jaguars
- Dolphins-Jaguars Total: 45.5 via DraftKings Sportsbook
- Over 45.5 (-110), Under 45.5 (-110)
With the Dolphins hurting at wide receiver, Will Fuller (finger) is on IR and DeVante Parker (hamstring) is up in the air to play after an inactive designation last week, Jaylen Waddle will continue to operate as Miami’s WR1.
Waddle was hot to start the year with three straight games scoring double-digit PPR points but has quieted down since. He’s managed fewer than 6.3 fantasy points in each of his past two games.
Waddle, who has 6+ targets in 4-of-5 games played this season, will look to get back on track in Sunday’s matchup with the Jaguars in London.
Although the Jaguars’ defense is only allowing the 18th most FPPG (36.8) to wideouts, they have their fair share of holes that can be exploited. While they have only given up two receiving scores this season, they have allowed five different wideouts to drop 104+ yards on them in five games.
More WR Sleepers To Consider
- Rondale Moore, Arizona Cardinals @ Cleveland Browns
- Van Jefferson, Los Angeles Rams @ New York Giants
Look for Bills wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders to continue to put up big numbers in Week 6 against the Titans. (Image: USA TODAY Sports)
2021 Fantasy Football Sleepers for Week 6: Tight End
Hunter Henry, New England Patriots vs. Dallas Cowboys
- Cowboys-Patriots Total: 49.5 via DraftKings Sportsbook
- Over 49.5 (-110), Under 49.5 (-110)
Hunter Henry has appeared in my sleepers article a few times this season. He will continue to be a regular as long as the fantasy football world continues to overlook him for Jonnu Smith.
Currently, Henry is the PPR TE9 (53.9) and has a 10.7 FPPG average. Smith is the TE22 (33.6) while averaging a meager 6.7 FPPG.
Henry and Smith are close in targets, Henry has 26 to Smith’s 23, but Henry is dominating snaps (223-to-174) and routes run (112-to-64).
Henry is the Pats tight end you want in fantasy football. Henry has scored a touchdown and 13.2+ fantasy points in each of his past two games. He’s also drawn 5+ targets in three straight.
Henry will look to keep his streaks rolling in Sunday’s matchup with the Cowboys, whose defense is surrendering the 11th most FPPG (15.6) to enemy tight ends. If the Patriots are playing catch-up, which is the expectation, Henry has a terrific shot to be heavily involved in the game plan.
Deep TE Week 6 Sleeper: Mike Gesicki, Miami Dolphins @ Jacksonville Jaguars
- Dolphins-Jaguars Total: 45.5 via DraftKings Sportsbook
- Over 45.5 (-110), Under 45.5 (-110)
Mike Gesicki has been busy with Jacoby Brissett under center for the Dolphins. He’s drawn 6+ targets in each of his past four games.
While Tua Tagovailoa (ribs) is eligible to return from injured reserve this week and has a shot to play, I would still feel comfortable deploying Gesicki in my fantasy lineup.
With Miami hurting at the wide receiver position, Gesicki should once again draw his fair share of looks no matter who is under center. Gesicki has caught 4+ receptions for 43+ yards in each of his past three games, ending the week with 16.7 fantasy points in two of those outings (Weeks 3 and 4).
Gesicki will look to build on his totals in Sunday’s tilt with the Jaguars, whose defense is allowing the 11th most FPPG (15.6) to tight ends. They have also given up a league-best four touchdowns to the tight end position.
A tight end has scored against the Jaguars in three of their past four games, including two straight.
More TE Sleepers To Consider
- Jonnu Smith, New England Patriots vs. Dallas Cowboys
- Zach Ertz, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2021 Fantasy Football Sleepers for Week 6: Kicker
Nick Folk, New England Patriots vs. Dallas Cowboys
- Cowboys-Patriots Total: 49.5 via DraftKings Sportsbook
- Over 49.5 (-110), Under 49.5 (-110)
Nick Folk is one of the most consistent fantasy kickers on the market. It helps that he plays on an offense that struggles to punch the ball into the end zone, leading to stalled drives and additional field goal opportunities for Folk. Folk leads the NFL in field goals made (14) and in attempts (15).
While Folk is averaging a league-high 11.2 FPPG, he’s finished with 11+ points in 3-of-5 games, failing to reach the double-digit point plateau twice. Folk should once again be busy in Week 6 against the Cowboys, assuming the Patriots’ offense continues to fall short.
Also Consider: Dustin Hopkins, Washington Football Team vs. Kansas City Chiefs; Ryan Succop, Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Philadelphia Eagles
2021 Fantasy Football Sleepers for Week 6: Defensive Team
Indianapolis Colts vs. Houston Texans
- Texans-Colts Total: 43 via DraftKings Sportsbook
- Over 43 (-110), Under 43 (-110)
The Colts D/ST entered 2021 expecting to take a step forward. However, we have seen anything but. The Colts’ D/ST is ranked 11th in FPPG (7.5) but is more of a matchup play at best. In Week 6, they have one of the more favorable matchups of any D/STs on the slate in the form of the Texans.
The Texans are allowing the sixth-most FPPG to their opponent’s D/STs (9.5) this season, two more points than the Colts’ average. While the Colts have only scored double-digit fantasy points once this season, they have scored 7+ fantasy points in three of their past four games.
Look for that trend to continue against the Davis Mills-led Houston offense.
Also Consider: Miami Dolphins @ Jacksonville Jaguars; Cincinnati Bengals @ Detroit Lions
- Want more Week 6 fantasy football advice? Check out our Week 6 Fantasy Football Best Waiver Wire Adds.
NFL Week 6 Injuries to Monitor
- QB Daniel Jones (concussion)
- RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire (knee)
- RB Saquon Barkley (ankle)
- WR Kenny Golladay (knee)
- WR Tyreek Hill (knee)
- WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (shoulder)
- TE Travis Kelce (stinger)
Anthony’s Accountable: Sleeper Pick Success Rate
This is a recap of my plays from last week (skill position players only). I consider a sleeper a hit if the player scores 10+ PPR points (15+ for QBs):
Anthony’s Sleepers are 35-25 this season.
- QB Daniel Jones (4.8), injured
- QB Zach Wilson (9.0)
- RB James Conner (10.7)
- RB Cordarrelle Patterson (18.4)
- RB Leonard Fournette (21.0)
- WR Marquez Callaway (24.5)
- WR Hunter Renfrow (11.6)
- WR Corey Davis (8.5)
- TE Hunter Henry (19.5)
- TE Dalton Schultz (13.9)
