Another week another injury! 2023 is starting to look like the season of the streamer as depth becomes a massive asset, and picking the right matchups off benches and waivers is becoming vital. Let’s help you out with some Week 6 streamers and stashes.
To keep things simple, we’ll define a streamer as any player you wouldn’t usually start who is a viable option for this week. We’ll define a stash as any player you can probably find on waivers that you should stash for the future, either because they have a favorable match-up coming up or because they could become a future starter.
I’ll also be reporting my streamer record from the season to date above each section to give you an idea of what to expect. Strong finishes mean the top third of starters at the position, moderate means the top half of starters, and bust is everyone else.
Please also check out my rankings at ffdfantasyfootball.com, and I answer all start-sit questions on Instagram @thefantasyfirstdown and Twitter @FantasyFirstDwn.
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QB Streamer (Week 1: 6 strong, 2 moderate, 6 bust):
Matthew Stafford (LAR): The Rams quarterback is yet to manage a top-12 fantasy finish this season, but he has his first top-notch matchup in Week 6 against the Cardinals, who have conceded the third-most points to opposing quarterbacks this season. With Cooper Kupp back on board, Stafford is a great streamer option this week.
Honorable Mention: Dak Prescott (DAL)
QB Stash:
Deshaun Watson (CLE): The Browns have a series of juicy quarterback matchups coming up, but this week isn’t one of them as Watson takes on the 49ers. But if you like planning ahead, stash him for the coming weeks.
Honorable Mention: Brock Purdy (SF)
RB Streamers (Week 2: 14 strong, 3 moderate, 2 bust):
Isiah Pacheco (KC): The Chiefs have a fantastic matchup against the Broncos this week, and Pacheco has been increasing his usage as the season has progressed. Most importantly, he’s been taking a lot more of the goal-line looks that have traditionally gone to Jerrick McKinnon, while Clyde Edwards-Helaire was also being phased out over the last two games. Pacheco is a must-start in Week 6.
James Cook (BUF): The Bills run-game has struggled the last two weeks, and Cook generally suffers when Buffalo is in tight games or behind. While their defense being banged up is a concern, in Week 6, they face the Giants, and that should be an easy win for Sean McDermott’s men. That makes Cook a solid starting option in a game the Bills may wish to shorten with the run to protect their defense.
Honorable mentions: Raheem Mostert (MIA), D’Onta Foreman (CHI) and Emari Demercado (ARI)
RB Stashes:
Justice Hill (BAL): The Baltimore backfield has been a total mess since JK Dobbins went down, but there have been signs all season that Justice Hill is the preferred primary back when he’s healthy. Unfortunately, staying healthy has been the challenge, but he’s slowly working back into a significant role. You shouldn’t be starting any Ravens running backs against the brutal Titans run defense, but it’s worth stashing Hill to see what emerges as the season progresses.
Roschon Johnson (CHI): With Khalil Herbert sidelined, Johnson should be the next man up once he clears the concussion protocol. He’s a stash until then.
Running backs get injured more than any other player in fantasy, with the average Top 36 running back missing two games per season in fantasy. For that reason, your best bet in fantasy is to roster running backs who are an injury away from an every-down role. While I can’t predict who will get injured, I can say who’ll be most effective when given the opportunity. Each week, I’ll be listing my favorite RB backups, only including players you won’t be starting most weeks.
Handcuffs: Zack Moss (IND), Tyler Allgeier (ATL), Zach Charbonnet (SEA), Joshua Kelley (LAC), Tyjae Spears (TEN), Kenneth Gainwell (PHI), Cam Akers (MIN), Rico Dowdle (DAL), Kendre Miller (NO), Antonio Gibson (WAS), and Tank Bigsby (JAC).
Honorable Mention: Chuba Hubbard (CAR) and Ezekiel Elliott (NE) – please note, they’re no longer considered handcuffs as they’ve both been splitting snaps almost equally of late.
WR Streamers (7 strong, 10 moderate, 5 bust):
Tyler Boyd and Trenton Irwin (CIN): With Tee Higgins unlikely to play in Week 6, the other Bengals pass catchers come into play against the second most generous secondary in the league. The Seahawks have allowed 39 half-PPR points per game to wide receivers so far this season, and they can’t all go to Ja’Marr Chase. Boyd is a solid WR3, and Irwin is an upside flex option this weekend, assuming Higgins doesn’t suit up. Boyd is still a flex option if Higgins is healthy.
Tutu Atwell (LAR): The return of Cooper Kupp had little impact on Atwell as he played his usual allotment of snaps with Van Jefferson instead of being totally shut out of the offense. The Cardinals have been a good wide receiver matchup this season, and if the Rams can hit the 80-snap mark they’ve managed in three games this season, Atwell should be productive.
Honorable Mentions: Jordan Addison (MIN) and Garrett Wilson (NYJ)
WR Stash:
Josh Downs (IND): The Colts slot receiver has been significantly more productive with Gardner Minshew under center, as Anthony Richardson’s legs negate the need for a safety blanket. Luckily for the rookie, Richardson is going to be out for a number of weeks, and while Week 6 isn’t a great matchup, Downs is someone worth stashing for a rainy day.
Honorable mentions: Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) and Curtis Samuel (WAS)
TE Streamer (5 strong, 1 moderate, 5 bust):
Logan Thomas (WAS): Anybody who heard Bobby LaMarco and I speak on the Razzball podcast during the pre-season would know we both love Logan Thomas. It’s great to finally see him back healthy and having some success. Luckily, he has a fantastic matchup coming up this week against the Falcons, who have allowed the second most fantasy points to tight ends this season. He’s a solid bye week cover option with upside as a weekly start in the future.
Honorable mention: Hunter Henry (NE)
TE Stash:
Noah Gray (KC): The injury bug has finally caught up with Travis Kelce, who has been the epitome of health for many years. His ankle ailment has a significant re-injury risk, and we saw Gray be quite productive in spot-start duty earlier in the season. It’s worth stashing him just to see what the next week or two hold.
Honorable mentions: Dalton Kincaid (BUF) and Luke Musgrave (GB)
K/DST Streamers (9 strong, 4 moderate, 5 bust):
Younghoe Koo (ATL), Jake Elliott (PHI), New England Patriots DST and Detroit Lions DST
Please note I won’t be listing any kicker or DST stashes, as you should never roster more than one of either of these positions.
