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FFL: Week 6 | NFL: Week 6

Underachieving Bengals can't afford slip vs. banged-up Giants

Thu Oct 10 3:56am ET
Field Level Media

Two teams with hopes of salvaging their season meet Sunday night when the New York Giants face the Cincinnati Bengals in East Rutherford, N.J.

The Giants (2-3) not only have the advantage of playing in their home stadium, but they are also coming off a 29-20 road win over the Seattle Seahawks and now return with a chance to get to .500 on the season.

The Bengals (1-4) hope to get past their most recent disappointment in a season full of them, as they lost 41-38 in overtime to the visiting Baltimore Ravens last week.

The Giants are dealing with injuries to key performers on both sides of the ball.

Coach Brian Daboll said outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux is week-to-week after undergoing surgery to address a wrist injury, while rookie star wide receiver Malik Nabers will miss a second game in a row due to a concussion.

New York linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux (wrist) also was ruled out, while wide receiver Bryce Ford-Wheaton (shoulder) and punter Jamie Gillan (hamstring) were considered questionable as of Friday.

Giants running back Devin Singletary (groin) was a limited practice participant all week and was listed as questionable. He is "trending in the right direction" toward a return Sunday night, according to Daboll.

In their win at Seattle, the Giants recorded a season-best 420 total yards. They held the Seahawks to their lowest point total of the season, and New York is allowing just 20.8 points per game.

Dexter Lawrence has fought through double and triple teams to record six sacks, the highest total by a New York player through five games since 2011, when Jason Pierre-Paul had 6.5.

"It's not an easy thing," Daboll said. "There were times last week where there were three guys on him. So, again, he understands that. When he gets his opportunities, he's got to make them go. Very thankful that he's on our football team."

The Bengals have little to be thankful for lately.

Against the Ravens, they built three different 10-point leads in the second half thanks to an impressive performance from quarterback Joe Burrow. However, the defense failed to protect the advantages, Burrow threw a late interception in regulation and the special teams failed in overtime when holder Ryan Rehkow bobbled the snap on a potential 53-yard game-winning field goal.

Burrow, who threw a career-high five touchdown passes, completed 30 of 39 attempts for 392 yards and a 137.0 passer rating. Burrow's top receivers -- Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins -- each had a pair of touchdown grabs.

Cincinnati coach Zac Taylor preached the importance of not looking beyond this week's matchup against the Giants.

"We're five games into the season," Taylor said. "I know what the noise is. We're 1-4, and so we're accountable for all of that. It's not good enough. We have too much talent on this team to be in the position we've found ourselves in right now.

"But all we can do focusing forward is (to ask ourselves), how do we beat the New York Giants? How do we have a great week, how do we get back on the winning track? You look around the AFC and there's plenty of opportunity there moving forward, and we just need to take advantage of it."

The Bengals have scored 30-plus points in each of their past three games. They enter Week 6 tied for fourth in the NFL in scoring (28 points per game), ninth in total offense (359 yards per game) and fifth in passing offense (263 yards per game).

Cincinnati DJ Ivey, on injured reserve due to a knee ailment, returned to practice this week as a full participant and was listed as doubtful for Sunday. Cornerback Mike Hilton (knee) and halfback Chase Brown (quadriceps) were both listed as questionable.

The two teams are meeting for just the 12th time, with the Bengals leading the series 6-5. The Giants won the most recent meeting 19-17 in 2020 at Cincinnati, the only time the visiting team has prevailed in the past 11 encounters.

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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 6

Player Notes
Gabriel Davis Oct 13 3:40am ET
Gabriel Davis

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Gabe Davis (knee) is likely to suit up for Sunday's overseas matchup with the Chicago Bears. The wideout has battled various ailments over the last few weeks. However, a knee injury forced him to practice in a limited capacity throughout the week. With that in mind, Davis hasn't had more than three catches in a game this season. He also hasn't scored a touchdown. With Evan Engram (hamstring) also expected to play in London, Davis' chances of staying involved consistently during the contest aren't favorable. Fantasy managers should keep him out of the starting lineup, assuming he officially gets the green light to get on the field.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Oct 13 3:30am ET
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) continues to trend toward returning for Sunday's meeting with the Tennessee Titans. He's currently listed as questionable. However, according to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, the signal-caller should play if he has a "solid pre-game workout." Despite entering the 2024-25 campaign with plenty of hype, Richardson hasn't delivered, throwing for 654 yards, three touchdowns, and six picks while completing just 50.6% of his throws. As a result, he's a risky fantasy option no matter the opponent, although his outlook will improve slightly if Michael Pittman Jr. (back) and Josh Downs (toe) suit up in Week 6. Fortunately, both players are expected to get on the field.

From RotoBaller

Zamir White Oct 13 3:20am ET
Zamir White

According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (groin) is "considered a long-shot to play" in Sunday's game against the Steelers. The 25-year-old missed a few practices during the week, although he was on the field in a limited capacity on Friday. However, it appears he'll miss his second straight game, so his next chance to suit up will be for the Week 7 meeting with the Los Angeles Rams. Without White in the equation, Alexander Mattison should handle most of the carries out of the backfield, with Ameer Abdullah picking up some of the slack as his backup. But no matter who is atop the depth chart at the position, they are expected to have a challenging day against one of the most efficient run-stop units in the National Football League, something for fantasy managers to consider before setting their lineups.

From RotoBaller

Audric Estime Oct 13 12:30am ET
Audric Estime

Denver Broncos running back Audric Estime (ankle) was activated from the IR heading into Sunday's divisional clash with the Chargers. The 21-year-old rookie made his only appearance of the 2024-25 campaign in Week 1 versus Seattle. Estime had only two carries for 14 yards in that one. He also injured his ankle, putting him on the shelf. With that in mind, Estime's fantasy potential is severely limited in Week 6, assuming he sheds his questionable designation, considering Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin are the top options out of the backfield. However, the Broncos offense has struggled this season, so anyone on that side of the ball is hard to trust.

From RotoBaller

Chad Ryland Oct 13 12:20am ET
Chad Ryland

The Arizona Cardinals elevated kicker Chad Ryland from the practice squad heading into the Week 6 meeting with the Packers. With Matt Prater (knee) questionable, the team may look to Ryland to handle the kicking duties. He looked good in Week 5 against the 49ers, making three of his four field goal attempts, one of which secured the win for the Cardinals. However, with rain and wind in the forecast in Green Bay, fantasy managers in need of a kicker may want to look elsewhere.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Oct 13 12:10am ET
Davante Adams

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) "could wind up staying" with the team. Schefter didn't elaborate. However, it adds another dynamic to what has already been a volatile situation. The wideout will miss another game on Sunday due to a hamstring injury, with many still believing his days with the Raiders are over. But at this point, fantasy managers aren't as concerned with who he is playing for as long as he gets back on the field. As far as the Week 6 meeting with the Steelers is concerned, Jakobi Meyers (ankle) is doubtful, so it could be a rough day for Aidan O'Connell. Still, the door is open for Tre Tucker and DJ Turner, who both logged over 50 snaps in Week 5, to get more involved. Alex Bachman and Tyreik McAllister may also enter the equation, although Brock Bowers still has the best chance of being the top fantasy pass-catcher for Vegas in Week 6.

From RotoBaller

Jauan Jennings Oct 12 10:41pm ET
Jauan Jennings

Dynasty | 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings had just three catches for 27 yards in a win against Seattle Thursday night. Dynasty Analysis: Much like his teammate Brandon Aiyuk, Jennings has had one blow-up game (11/175/3) and four clunkers that have resulted in just 14 catches for 229 scoreless yards. Jennings is looking like a boom or bust player each week and dynasty managers are going to need to feel pretty desperate to trust him on a weekly basis at this point.

Kenneth Walker III Oct 12 10:41pm ET
Kenneth Walker III

Dynasty | Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker had 32 rushing yards, eight catches and 37 receiving yards with one touchdown in a loss against the 49ers. Dynasty Analysis: The yardage totals for Walker weren't good but eight catches and a touchdown made his night a good one, at least in PPR leagues. Even better, Walker continued to dominate backfield touches as he had 22 compared to the six from Zach Charbonnet. Walker is a prime trade target for a contending dynasty team as he's become one of the more consistent running backs in the game.

D.K. Metcalf Oct 12 10:39pm ET
D.K. Metcalf

Dynasty | Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf had three catches for 48 yards in a loss against the 49ers on Thursday night. Dynasty Analysis: Metcalf had 11 targets, but he and Geno Smith are just not on the same page. After three straight 100-yard games, Metcalf now has just seven catches for 103 scoreless yards over his last two games. He did have a long touchdown called back because of a penalty, but things seem to be going sour for Seattle in a hurry as they've lost three straight and seem to be losing their way a bit. Metcalf will likely bounce back but this is notable in future weeks as lineup decisions are being made.

Michael Pittman Jr. Oct 12 10:00pm ET
Michael Pittman Jr.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) plans to play Sunday in the team's Week 6 road matchup against the Tennessee Titans. A few days ago, there was talk that Pittman could miss multiple weeks with a back injury and began the week with back-to-back non-participant designations at practice. His fortune changed on Friday when he was able to log a limited session, and he is reportedly traveling with the team to Nashville ahead of the divisional tilt, per Stephen Holder of The Athletic. It's excellent news for the Colts, who should also have second-year wide receiver Josh Downs (toe) and quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) active for the contest as well. Reports are that the 27-year-old will "play through" the nagging back injury, so it's possible he is operating at less than 100% and could have his snap count monitored. Tennessee's defense has been difficult for opposing offenses this season, so expectations should be tempered due to his health and the poor matchup.

From RotoBaller

Josh Downs Oct 12 9:50pm ET
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (toe) is expected to be active for the team's Week 6 road matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Despite logging two DNPs this week and being listed as questionable, the second-year wideout will reportedly suit up, according to Stephen Holder of The Athletic. Teammate Michael Pittman Jr. (back) traveled with the team and also plans to play in the contest against the Titans. Downs has been a PPR monster over the last two weeks, racking up 17 catches, 151 yards, and a touchdown on 21 targets. However, it's worth noting that most of this production came with veteran quarterback Joe Flacco under center in stead of second-year QB Anthony Richardson (oblique). Richardson is also slated to be active for Sunday's outing, so the 23-year-old wideout could return to a lower-volume role. Still, he could see more work than usual with Pittman dinged up. Regardless, the Titans' defense has been one of the more staunch units against opposing offenses, so look for Indy's unit to have their hands full.

From RotoBaller

David Montgomery Oct 12 9:40pm ET
David Montgomery

The Detroit Lions and running back David Montgomery have agreed to a two-year $18.25 million extension, locking the veteran RB up through the 2027 season, per Adam Schefter. Montgomery had two years remaining on the three-year $18 million deal he inked in 2023, but the team saw fit to extend an integral part of their offense. The new contract includes $10.5 million in new guaranteed money, and Detroit handcuffs him and backfield mate Jahmyr Gibbs for the foreseeable future. Since 2019, the former third-round pick's 43 rushing scores are good for ninth-most in the league. The 27-year-old has been one of the more consistent fantasy backs this season despite fluctuating yardage outputs, scoring a touchdown in each of his first four outings. He'll look to keep that streak going in Week 6 on the road against the Cowboys.

From RotoBaller

Nick Chubb Oct 12 9:20pm ET
Nick Chubb

Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (knee) is scheduled to make his 2024 debut next Sunday when his team hosts the Cincinnati Bengals in a home matchup, per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. It will be his first regular-season action since Week 2 of last season when he was forced from the Browns' contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers after suffering a gruesome, complex knee injury. It's unclear what capacity that will be in, and it is fair to wonder whether or not he'll be on a snap count, but it's a remarkable feat for the 28-year-old. For one more week, it will be running backs D'Onta Foreman and Jerome Ford shouldering the load in the backfield before the former second-round pick's return. When that comes to pass, Chubb will likely make this backfield a three-man rotation until he is healthy -- or effective -- enough to siphon touches away from his teammates. That duo will face an Eagles squad in Week 6 that's let up the eighth-fewest yards on the ground to opposing defenses (515) but the third-most yards per carry (5.0).

From RotoBaller

Adonai Mitchell Oct 12 9:00pm ET
Adonai Mitchell

Indianapolis Colts rookie wide receiver Adonai Mitchell caught four of his seven targets for 38 yards in the team's Week 5 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Despite a decent target share, Mitchell saw a very low snap share, playing a total of just 19 in the game. With Michael Pittman Jr. (back) and Josh Downs (toe) trending to play, Mitchell will likely see a similar snap share again in Week 6. On top of that, Mitchell and the Colts will be up against the Titans' secondary, a unit that's allowed the lowest receiving yards/game as well as the fewest fantasy points to opposing WRs. Mitchell is better left on the bench in Week 6.

From RotoBaller

Joe Flacco Oct 12 8:30pm ET
Joe Flacco

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Joe Flacco had an outstanding Week 5 performance, completing 33 of his 44 passes for 359 yards in the team's loss. Flacco's starting status for Week 6 against the Titans is up in the air, with QB Anthony Richardson (oblique) tracking to play but still a game-time decision. If Flacco were to start, he would make for a deeper streaming option, with the Titans secondary allowing the fewest passing yards this season at a 124/game average. Fantasy managers in 2QB/Superflex leagues should stay up to date on the news on Sunday morning, should they need a last-minute replacement.

From RotoBaller

Alec Pierce Oct 12 8:10pm ET
Alec Pierce

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce popped in the team's Week 5 loss, grabbing all three of his targets for 134 yards and a touchdown. He'll now gear up for a Week 6 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, the team allowing the fewest points to opposing WRs this season. While Pierce has led the team in yards with 386, he comes in fourth in total target share at 12.1%. On top of that, reports suggest that the Colts will be starting QB Anthony Richardson (oblique) in Week 6, which may lower the team's passing volume as opposed to if they were to start QB Joe Flacco. While there remains the possibility that Pierce can catch a few deep shots like he has in weeks past, it's a hard thing to bank on in such a tough matchup. Fantasy managers can view Pierce as a WR4/5 option in Week 6, with him currently slated as the WR46 in our staff's half-PPR rankings.

From RotoBaller

David Montgomery Oct 12 7:53pm ET
David Montgomery

Updating a previous report, Detroit Lions RB David Montgomery's contract extension is for two years and $18.25 million, with $10.5 million in new guaranteed money, per source on Saturday, Oct. 12. The extension keeps Montgomery with Detroit through 2027.

From TheHuddle

David Montgomery Oct 12 7:33pm ET
David Montgomery

Detroit Lions RB David Montgomery agreed to a contract extension on Saturday, Oct. 12, that will keep him with the team through 2027, per source. The financial terms of the extension were not immediately disclosed.

From TheHuddle

Jamal Adams Oct 12 7:33pm ET
Jamal Adams

Tennessee Titans S Jamal Adams (hip) is 'frustrated' with his role after playing just one snap in Week 4, per source on Saturday, Oct. 12.

From TheHuddle

Tyler Goodson Oct 12 7:30pm ET
Tyler Goodson

Indianapolis Colts running back Tyler Goodson ran the ball five times for 26 yards in Week 5, also grabbing three targets for 31 yards through the air. Goodson was involved in the absence of Jonathan Taylor (ankle) but played a secondary role to RB Trey Sermon in last week's loss. With Taylor out again in Week 6, Goodson will remain involved in the backfield once again. He is in for a tougher matchup, facing a Titans defense that has allowed the 11th-fewest fantasy points to opposing RBs this season. While Goodson may see an increase in volume after a nice showing last week, it's too much of a speculation to start him with confidence in most formats. He is currently the RB48 in this week's staff's half-PPR rankings.

From RotoBaller