I didn't think this season would go beyond October, and I also didn't think the Patriots-Broncos game would be played despite more positive COVID tests. Roger Goodell and the owners are doing everything possible keep this titanic league afloat and iceberg-free. We'll find out in a few days if today's gamble paid off.
For now, here's the most notable fantasy storyline I'm tracking for each Sunday team. As always, I work all weekend these days, so talk amongst yourselves publicly or privately, and we'll meet back Monday morning to discuss what the heck just happened.
Titans vs. Texans -- If you have A.J. Brown, what a glorious time to sell high--either right now or possibly right after today's contest. His schedule is about to get tougher, and when the ascending Corey Davis returns, Brown can't be expected to match last year's breakout. For Houston, is Deshaun Watson no longer a QB1? There were clear warning signs when DeAndre Hopkins was traded. He's been playing like a back-end QB1 in an offense seeking a rhythm after Bill O'Brien's firing.
Colts vs. Bengals -- Can T.Y. Hilton continue to emerge as a playable weekly option? And can Tee Higgins (30 targets in four games) continue pushing to become Joe Burrow's #1 option?
Vikings vs. Falcons -- All eyes are on Alexander Mattison and whether he can play his way into a larger role when Dalvin Cook returns, while Matt Ryan (22nd most QB fantasy points per game) is struggling despite facing two bottom-6 pass defenses. While injured receivers are partly to blame, he's arguably been the most disappointing QB in fantasy. A favorable upcoming schedule will become much tougher down the stretch, so don't overpay.
Patriots vs. Broncos -- Will Cam Newton (#7 in QB fantasy points per game) pick up where he left off? and can Phillip Lindsay take advantage of a missing Melvin Gordon?
Steelers vs. Browns -- Their combined 8-1 record is in all likelihood the best start these two teams have ever had. And now we'll get to see why Pittsburgh is better. Seriously, Chase Claypool is one of the most interested DFS plays of the day, particularly with Diontae Johnson out. Will he again outplay JuJu Smith-Schuster? And Austin Hooper's numbers have risen each week, so I'm wondering if his 5/57 line last Sunday is a reasonable ceiling, or a sign of things to come.
Panthers vs. Bears -- Will Robby Anderson continue to dominate--despite scoring only once--and can David Montgomery build on last week's success as a true dual threat?
Giants vs. Washington -- Is Daniel Jones headed for a lost season, or is this the week he gets back into the streaming tier? And can Terry McLaurin thrive regardless of who's throwing to him?
Eagles vs. Ravens -- Again, Zach Ertz can't be this bad. With Dallas deflated and the Giants and Washington simply "not good," the 1-3-1 Eagles are at minimum co-favorites to win the NFC East. I can't imagine them doing it without a healthy dose of Ertz. Buy low. And is Lamar Jackson playing hurt, or is the team simply protecting him in a schedule filled with easy wins?
Jaguars vs. Lions -- And again, D.J. Chark: Is he the #1 receiver, or is it Laviska Shenault? The experts almost universally say Shenault. And will Kenny Golladay be at least a semi-regular WR1?
Dolphins vs. Jets -- Preston Williams remains one of the best largely unrostered fantasy players out there, while the Jets' backfield seeks a long-term identity after Le'Veon Bell's departure. It's hard to fathom Frank Gore continuing to carry the load for a franchise desperate for an overhaul.
Buccaneers vs. Packers -- My favorite Week 6 contest, purely for the drama of two all-time-great QBs going at it. Ronald Jones has been lights-out efficient the past two weeks and needs another strong performance to hold off the returning (and likely limited) Leonard Fournette. For Green Bay, I want to know if Robert Tonyan is for real.
49ers vs. Rams -- Is Jimmy G. a franchise QB? Easy answer: no. Longer answer: Depends whether he'll be given time to gel with a chronically injured and largely unproven receiving corps. And the Rams' backfield remains one of the most fascinating in fantasy.