Welcome back to week six of Keeping it Real With Fantasy. As the NFL moves towards the middle of its season, fantasy teams have begun to take direction amidst a crucial part of the season. Many players haven’t lived up to their pick value, while other players have established themselves as steals in the waiver wire, trades, or drafts. It’s the perfect time for overreactions and panic about a player’s production, but there’s still plenty of time to turn it around.

News/Injuries:

Jonathan Taylor (RB) – After missing last week’s match up against the Broncos on Thursday night, there is some positive news for the star running back. Taylor is set to practice Thursday after missing the previous practices, hoping to bring back the spark this offense needs. 

Saquon Barkley (RB) – Barkley suffered a shoulder injury towards the end of the Giants week 5 matchup against the Packers. Since then, Barkley has been a limited participant in practice and will likely play this week, as the Giants face the Ravens.

Starts:

Breece Hall (RB) – The Jets have been off to an unpredictable start this season. The team is sitting at a record of 3-2 largely due to the rookie’s production. Over the last two weeks, the workload has shifted to Hall instead of Michael Carter. In the win over the Dolphins last week, Hall saw 18 carries for 97 yards and one touchdown along with an outstanding receiving performance; on only two catches Breece had 100 yards. The young running back should be in everyone’s lineup this week. 

Rhamondre Stevenson (RB) – The Patriots have been in the process of slowly adding Stevenson into the offense more and more over the last 5 weeks. With number one running back Damien Harris going down with an injury last week, fantasy owners got to see what Stevenson can do with a full workload. Rhamondre had 25 carries for 161 yards. This performance will continue into the following week as Harris will rest and Stevenson will continue to prosper in this run-heavy offense.

Sits:

Travis Etienne JR. (RB) – The running back had arguably his best game this season so far against a pitiful Houston defense. On only ten carries Etienne had 71 yards while also totaling three receptions for 43 yards. Despite the stats, Jacksonville’s backfield is a trap. Between James Robinson and Etienne, the carries have been split, and neither of them are getting the majority of either rushing or receiving workload. After the last game it may seem enticing to start Etienne, however, it’s best he’s out of the lineup this week. 

Najee Harris (RB) – In the loss last week, Harris was out snapped by rookie undrafted running back Jaylen Warren. Besides the lackluster workload, Najee has only been averaging 10.3 fantasy points a game with a season low of 6.3 last week against the Bills. The first round running back has been off to a rough start in an inefficient offense this season, keep him on your benches. 

Waiver Wires:

Rondale Moore (WR) – After missing the first 3 weeks, Moore has finally been put back onto the active roster. In his first game back he saw only 5 targets, but the following week saw 8 targets, third highest on the team for that game. With an easy matchup this week against a weak Seattle secondary Moore is a no brainer to pick up off waivers.

Hayden Hurst (TE) – Not a name on most people’s list, but Hurst should be on rosters after his performance last week. With an injured Tee Higgins, the tight end had the second highest target share only behind Jamar Chase. He made the most of his opportunity with 6 catches, 53 yards and a touchdown against the Ravens on Sunday night.