National Football League

Fantasy Football: Top 10 Sleepers for Week 6

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 2:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Oct 9, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Ryan Mathews (24) runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Heading into Week 6 Fantasy Football action, keep an eye on these top 10 sleepers that will undoubtedly thrive in favorable matchups.

Now that we’re after the first quarter of the regular season, fantasy football owners now have a good idea of what their main outlook is on their starting lineups. Working the waiver wire weekly is key, as well as know what matchups will give both household and unknown names favorable matchups.

Heading into Week 6, this is the time where the relationship between a quarterback and his receiver will ultimately shine. While it’s important to establish the run, expect this week to feature an aerial assault against weak defensive secondaries for the most part.

Fantasy owners should heavily emphasize these dynamic duos as they can enjoy a plethora of points from what should be incredible combinations. Defenses won’t truly know what hit them when all is said and done.

Without further ado, here are the top 10 fantasy sleepers heading into Week 6.

10. Colin Kaepernick, QB — San Francisco 49ers

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick has made all kinds of headlines and front covers of magazines across the globe for his latest stance. All eyes will be on him as he’s officially been named the starting quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers.

As they prepare to face the Buffalo Bills on the road, all that time spent on the bench will actually bode well for Kaepernick’s return to the spotlight. While the Bills’ defense is very good, Kaepernick made headlines in the past for his ability to be an incredible dual-threat quarterback that would consistently make highlights.

With some time away from the pressure of being a starter, he’s undoubtedly been able to take a step back and focus on honing his craft. His latest stance on kneeling during the national anthem will make him stand up and deliver to silence his critics.

Expect to see Kaepernick return to form and bring a much-needed spark to the 49ers, who are headed in a downward spiral. From purely a football point of view, he gives them the best chance to actually win football games. Kaepernick will rise to the occasion and deliver a surprise performance against the Bills.

Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jeremy Kerley (17) reacts after a catch during the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi

9. Jeremy Kerley, WR — San Francisco 49ers

Since Kaepernick will need a partner in crime to stun the Bills this week, fantasy owners should also consider starting wide receiver Jeremy Kerley as well. He’s a solid WR2 to have this week thanks to his speed and ability to take the top off of defenses.

The overall pass defense of the Bills, however, won’t be an easy task but a rejuvenated Kaepernick will be ready to push the envelope. Kerley has been one of the brighter stars on the 49ers offense and should be able to do his part in one of the biggest upsets of the week.

So far this season, Kerley has totaled 304 receiving yards, 26 receptions, and two touchdowns. Even though Kerley has received the majority of looks when on the gridiron, expect to also see him play with excitement thanks to a better quarterback under center.

Kerley could have his best game yet against the Bills as he has a lot of experience going up against them thanks to his time spent with the New York Jets.

Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) tries to run through the tackle of San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

8. Jonathan Stewart, RB — Carolina Panthers

Quarterback Cam Newton will be back under center for the Carolina Panthers after going through the NFL concussion protocol. The only problem is, it’ll take him at least another week or so to get acclimated back into a rhythm.

The Panthers will be facing the New Orleans Saints this week, who don’t exactly have any answers against opposing running backs. That’s why fantasy owners should consider starting running back Jonathan Stewart this week.

As a quality RB2 this week, Stewart should be able to get some serious yardage and a touchdown or two against the Saints defense. Considering that the Panthers won’t put Newton in a position to throw a lot of passes or rushing plays featuring him, expect to see them use Stewart heavily.

Make no mistake about it, if the Panthers plan to leave this game victorious against the Saints, it’ll be thanks to the efforts of Stewart.

Oct 2, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Coby Fleener (82) runs with the ball defended by San Diego Chargers defensive back Casey Hayward (26) during the first half at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

7. Coby Fleener, TE — New Orleans Saints

As the Saints welcome the Panthers to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, they know one of their main weaknesses is in their defensive secondary. Tight end Coby Fleener is exactly what they need to keep those chains moving.

It was just a few weeks ago that Fleener put up his best game yet this season against the Atlanta Falcons. Fleener totaled 109 receiving yards, seven receptions, and a touchdown.

Expect to see a similar performance as quarterback Drew Brees will continue his dominating ways of dissecting the Panthers secondary. Fleener could very well have a monster game thanks to everything he brings to the table.

The Panthers don’t do a good job at all when it comes to containing tight ends as this will be a great matchup to start Fleener in this week.

6. Ryan Mathews, RB — Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles hit the road to face the Washington Redskins this week. It’s no secret that the Redskins have problems containing the run which bodes well for fantasy owners that have running back Ryan Mathews.

The Redskins tend to give up lots of yardage to opposing running backs as Mathews is currently averaging 3.82 yards per run. It also doesn’t help the Redskins that they’ve given up seven touchdowns to running backs the past five games.

Fantasy owners should consider using Mathews as their RB2 this week or even as their FLEX option. Mathews has incredible speed and is very consistent once he turns on the jets straight to the end zone.

This should be another classic NFC East showdown which Mathews should put up a clinic against a run defense that won’t have any answers for him.

Oct 9, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick (25) celebrates with teammates center Graham Glasgow (60) and wide receiver Marvin Jones (11) after a touchdown run during the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

5. Marvin Jones, WR — Detroit Lions

As the Detroit Lions welcome the Los Angeles Rams to Ford Field this week, it is a solid matchup for wide receiver Marvin Jones. Quarterback Matthew Stafford is coming off his best game yet this season.

In a huge upset win last week against the Philadelphia Eagles, Stafford totaled 180 passing yards, 19 completions, and three touchdowns. Against the Rams’ defense, Stafford should continue this momentum and make Jones shine in this matchup.

The defensive secondary of the Rams is banged up as their depth isn’t good at all. They won’t be able to contain a red-hot Stafford who will want to start a winning streak with the Lions.

Fantasy owners should easily put Jones in as their WR2 or FLEX option this week as he should very well have a big game against the Rams.

Oct 9, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Brian Hoyer (2) throws a pass against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

4. Brian Hoyer, QB — Chicago Bears

When it comes to consistency, quarterback Brian Hoyer has slowly but surely proven to be exactly what the Chicago Bears need. Hoyer’s career hasn’t been exactly what he’d like but so far with the Bears, he’s been doing well.

As the Bears welcome the Jacksonville Jaguars to Soldier Field, expect to see Hoyer continue his consistency. So far this season after stepping in for the injured Jay Cutler, Hoyer has totaled 1,094 passing yards, 100 completions, six touchdowns, and zero interceptions.

Hoyer is 1-2 so far in starting for the Bears but should be able to bounce back this week against the Jaguars. He’s yet to have a huge breakout game and one especially in front of the home crowd.

Expect to see Hoyer play some lights out football and surprise the football world with a big win over the Jaguars. Fantasy owners would be wise to start him this week.

Sep 25, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) runs after a catch as Dallas Cowboys linebacker Justin Durant (56) pursues in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

3. Alshon Jeffery, WR — Chicago Bears

It’s hard to believe, but wide receiver Alshon Jeffery has yet to score a touchdown this season with the Bears. It’s nothing really against him, just terrible quarterback play from Cutler and now getting used to a new quarterback in Hoyer takes some time.

Fantasy owners, however, should take the big risk in starting Jeffery this week. Hoyer is getting into a nice rhythm and considering Jeffery is one of their main offensive stars, should see a lot of passes coming his way this week.

The Jaguars do have a good defense and their secondary is pretty strong, but this is the game that Jeffery will surprise many in. He should be able to put on a nice performance and finally, score his first touchdown or two this season.

Fantasy owners should consider making Jeffery their WR2 this week. He’s going to finally put up a game worthy of his solid skill-set.

Sep 22, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) runs against the Houston Texans during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

2. Julian Edelman, WR — New England Patriots