With bye weeks in full swing (and plenty of injuries), lineup setting could get tricky this week! Off this week are the LA Rams, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings and Kansas City Chiefs, putting several top RBs out of commission, including new waiver wire savior Kareem Hunt.
To help you navigate the bye weeks and injuries, here’s a look at some of the top running back flex plays, sleepers and top-60 RB rankings for Week 6.
Week 6 RB flex plays of the week
David Montgomery, Detroit Lions (vs. Cowboys)
Remember that time the Dallas Cowboys were a defense to be feared? That feels like a long time ago, as a slew of injuries on the defensive line has rendered them less effective on the ground. This rushing defense allowed Alvin Kamara and Derrick Henry each 170+ scrimmage yards and 2+ touchdowns, and the Lions continue to lead one of the best rushing attacks in the league. David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs should both be in line for big days in Week 6 splitting red zone and goal-line work almost evenly through their first four games. There probably aren’t many looking to actively sit Montgomery, but the current matchup at hand is just a reminder to make him a priority start this week.
Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals (vs. Giants)
The New York Giants defense has been better than expected this season which could limit the efficiency of the Bengals’ run game this week, but an ankle injury for teammate Zack Moss could put Chase Brown in for all of the work he can handle. Brown has come on as of late with back-to-back top-15 finishes in standard-scoring leagues, currently averaging 5.61 yards per carry and 4.07 yards after contact per attempt — top-seven marks in the league.
Week 6 RB deep sleepers
Rostership percentages in Yahoo! Fantasy leagues are indicated in parentheses.
Braelon Allen, New York Jets (vs. BUF, 47%)
Putting your faith in the New York Jets offense right now doesn’t feel like the best move given the state of the franchise, having just fired their head coach Robert Saleh. However, they have a favorable rushing matchup this week against the Buffalo Bills, who have struggled a bit against the run this year. The Bills are allowing the fifth-highest explosive run percentage this year (17.5%) while leading the league in rushing yards per carry (5.2) and yards before contact per attempt (2.3) allowed.
Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons (vs. CAR, 25%)
The Atlanta Falcons have seemingly found their groove on offense as of late, even if it hasn’t translated to a slew of fantasy scoring for star running back Bijan Robinson. This could be the week for the run game to earn its flowers, however, for both Robinson and his backup Tyler Allgeier. Allgeier continues to play excellent complementary football this season, averaging 5.39 yards per carry while outpacing Robinson in yards after contact per attempt and matching his 21% missed forced tackle rate. Allgeier has also earned a significant portion of the red zone rush attempts in the offense, having totaled seven through five weeks to Robinson’s nine. The Panthers are allowing the second-most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs, having allowed a league-high nine rushing touchdowns to RBs this season.
Roschon Johnson, Chicago Bears (vs. JAX, 21%)
Chicago Bears RB D’Andre Swift has had a bit of an arrival in recent weeks, but it hasn’t been without some success for Roschon Johnson — mostly thanks to his usage in the red zone. Despite playing no more than 37% of team snaps in a single game this season, he’s earned a significant (and very valuable) role at the goal line, having totaled four such carries to Swift’s five this year. Johnson is coming off a season-high 10 rush attempts (even if he is averaging just 3.2 yards per carry this year) and has scored a touchdown in each of his last two games. The Jaguars are allowing the sixth-most fantasy points per game to opposing RBs, including plenty of work in the receiving game, where Johnson leads all Bears running backs with a 2.5-yard aDOT.
Fantasy football: Week 6 standard RB rankings
Kate Magdziuk is an editor and contributor for Yahoo Fantasy and co-host of the Locked On Dynasty Football podcast. She is also the managing editor for Behind The Steel Curtain, SB Nation’s exclusive Pittsburgh Steelers blog. Her previous bylines include Pro Football Focus, NBC Sports Rotoworld and 4for4 Football, among others.
