From game-time decisions to injuries so significant they affect the value of every single position, let's break down the Fantasy and DFS impact of injuries for every Week 6 matchup. Know when to pivot and how your fantasy roster will be affected.
Below, you'll find a game-by-game look at the injuries you need to know that will have the biggest impact for Fantasy leagues, as well as the implications for DFS players. This week's list of notable names includes quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones and Jameis Winston; running backs Damien Harris, Jonathan Taylor and James Conner; receivers Keenan Allen, Chris Olave, Cooper Kupp and Michael Thomas; tight ends Kyle Pitts and Dawson Knox; and many others, including key offensive line and defensive injuries to know.
Notable injuries
- RB Tyrion Davis-Price (ankle) - Cleared
- OT Trent Williams (ankle) - Out
- DE Nick Bosa (groin) - Questionable
- DT Arik Armstead (foot) - Out
- DT Javon Kinlaw (knee) - Out
- TE Kyle Pitts (hamstring) - Questionable
- OG Elijah Wilkinson (knee) - Questionable
- OLB Adetokunbo Ogundeji (shoulder) - Questionable
Jeff Wilson has been the star of the San Francisco backfield but the return of Davis-Price combined with the existing presence of Tevin Coleman could limit the upside for Wilson. Despite injuries, San Francisco remains a top-tier DST and difficult matchup for all Falcons.
The potential return of Kyle Pitts should have a positive effect on Drake London. London has struggled over the past couple of weeks after a hot start to the season, and the injury to Kyle Pitts may have contributed to that. As the only vertical threat in the offense, defenses could focus on locking down London.
DFS impact
It's tough to trust Pitts or any Falcons players against a strong 49ers defense. Injuries may open up small opportunities but upside will likely be limited. Wilson is still a viable option despite increasing competition in the backfield but beware of his limited upside.
Notable injuries
- QB Mac Jones (ankle) - Questionable
- RB Damien Harris (hamstring) - Questionable
- WR Jakobi Meyers (knee) - Questionable
- WR Nelson Agholor (hamstring) - Questionable
- TE Jonnu Smith (ankle) - Questionable
- C David Andrews (back) - Cleared
- MLB Raekwon McMillan (thumb) - Questionable
- CB Jalen Mills (hamstring) - Cleared
- CB Jonathan Jones (ankle) - Questionable
- DE Myles Garrett (shoulder, biceps, hand) - Cleared
- DE Jadeveon Clowney (ankle, knee, elbow) - Out
- CB Denzel Ward (concussion) - Out
Jones' status will need to be monitored throughout the weekend. Jones should be avoided in one-QB leagues but can be a QB2 option in Superflex leagues. Regardless of who starts at quarterback, Meyers is a must-start in PPR leagues. His target share continues to dominate the Patriots. At running back, while Harris remains questionable, Rhamondre Stevenson will likely lead the Patriots backfield. Stevenson has size, strength and pass-catching capabilities that make him capable of being an every-down back. If Harris is out, Stevenson has RB1 upside, especially against a Browns defense with key injuries.
DFS impact
Stevenson is priced up slightly as his share of the backfield has increased over the past several weeks. However, even at $6K on DraftKings, Stevenson can be a value play as his upside in Week 6 is on par with backs priced $1,500-to-$2K higher.
Notable injuries
- OT Duane Brown (shoulder) - Questionable
- OLB Quincy Williams (ankle) - Cleared
- WR Christian Watson (hamstring) - Out
- OG Elgton Jenkins (knee) - Cleared
- OT David Bakhtiari (knee) - Cleared
- OLB Rashan Gary (toe) - Questionable
The Packers and Jets are both relatively healthy in Week 6. Watson returned to action in Week 6 for Green Bay but had little impact.
Notable injuries
- WR Zay Jones (ankle) - Questionable
- WR Marvin Jones (hamstring) - Questionable
- OLB Foye Olukun (calf) - Questionable
- RB Jonathan Taylor (ankle) - Questionable
- RB Nyheim Hines (concussion) - Questionable
- WR Ashton Dulin (foot) - Out
- C Ryan Kelly (hip) - Cleared
- DE Kwity Paye (ankle) - Out
- LB Shaquille Leonard (concussion) - Out
The availability of Zay Jones and Marvin Jones is significant. Both players combined for 19 targets in Week 5, while Christian Kirk saw only three targets. Expect a bounce-back week for Kirk in a tough matchup against the Colts if either Jones is unable to play. If active, both Zay Jones and Marvin Jones would only be a low-end flex option in very deep leagues due to the poor matchup.
For the Colts, status for both Taylor and Hines should be monitored throughout the weekend. There are multiple scenarios that can play out. Start Taylor if active. If Taylor is out and Hines is active, Hines is a top-24 back. If both Hines and Taylor are out, Deon Jackson is a flex-worthy option following a solid Week 5 performance.
DFS impact
If either Jones is out, Jamal Agnew becomes an interesting very low-priced option at only $3,200 on DraftKings. In the absence of Zay Jones in Week 4, Agnew had four receptions on six targets with two touchdowns. This was on a low snap count so it would be a risky play, but perhaps a very low-owned upside play in GPP.
Notable injuries
- RB Alexander Mattison (shoulder) - Questionable
- QB Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) - Out
- QB Teddy Bridgewater (concussion) - Questionable
- RB Raheem Mostert (knee) - Questionable
- WR Tyreek Hill (foot) - Cleared
- TE Durham Smythe (hamstring) - Questionable
- OT Terron Armstead (toe) - Questionable
- CB Xavien Howard (groin) - Cleared
Injuries continue to plague the Dolphins as they prepared to start Skylar Thompson at quarterback in Week 6. This will have a significant impact on the offense as a whole. With Thompson at quarterback in Week 5, Mostert had 18 carries for 113 yards and a touchdown. If Mostert is healthy, should be started in all formats. Production will likely drop for Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Hill was the preferred target in Week 5 and should be started in all formats. Fantasy managers can pivot from Waddle if possible in shallow leagues. Waddle failed to reach double digit fantasy points for the second week in a row.
DFS impact
While Hill and Waddle may be start-worthy in season-long formats, they should be avoided in DFS. Mostert is a solid value play at running back if healthy. For the Vikings, while Mattison's potential absence has little affect in season-long leagues, in DFS, his absence could strengthen the upside of Dalvin Cook. Mattison has had an increased presence in the Vikings offense in 2022.
Notable injuries
- RB Samaje Perine (abdomen) - Cleared
- WR Tee Higgins (ankle) - Questionable
- TE Hayden Hurst (groin) - Questionable
- OT Jonah Williams (knee) - Questionable
- QB Jameis Winston (back) - Questionable
- WR Jarvis Landry (ankle) - Out
- WR Michael Thomas (foot) - Out
- WR Chris Olave (concussion) - Questionable
- WR Deonte Harty (foot) - Out
- SS Marcus Maye (ribs) - Questionable
- CB Marshon Lattimore (abdomen) - Out
For Cincinnati, Higgins is the only status to monitor. In Week 5, many Fantasy managers started Higgins with confidence only to receive zero production from him. Higgins is a risky play in Week 6; if he's out, Tyler Boyd becomes an instant flex option.
Although Winston has not been officially ruled out, the Saints announced Andy Dalton will start at quarterback in Week 6. With Landry and Thomas out and Olave still in concussion protocol, Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill could see a repeat of their Week 5 performances. The Bengals are a tougher matchup than the Seahawks but the upside would be significant.
DFS impact
As Hill is listed as a quarterback on DraftKings, he would be an incredibly risky play. However, despite Cincinnati's success against the run, Kamara is an interesting contrarian option at only $6,700 on DraftKings. Avoid any of the lower tier Saints receivers, even if Thomas, Olave and Landry are all out. At $5,100, Boyd is in play if Higgins is out.
Notable injuries
- RB Justice Hill (hamstring) - Doubtful
- RB Gus Edwards (knee-ACL) - Out
- WR Rashod Bateman (foot) - Out
- LB Justin Houston (groin) - Out
- RB Saquon Barkley (shoulder) - Cleared
- WR Kadarius Toney (hamstring) - Out
- WR Kenny Golladay (knee) - Out
- WR Wan'Dale Robinson (knee) - Questionable
- LB Azeez Ojulari (calf) - Doubtful
- DE Leonard Williams (knee) - Questionable
The absence of Hill would make J.K. Dobbins more appealing option as a low-end RB. The absence of Bateman is also significant as Devin Duvernay would continue to be a low-end flex option.
For the Giants, the receiving corps is a complete disaster. Darius Slayton saw the most targets in Week 5. While that could certainly repeat, I could avoid starting him outside of very deep leagues. Robinson could return to action this week but should be avoided in all season-long formats.
DFS impact
Despite my apprehension to play Slayton or Robinson in season-long play, both receivers are intriguing GPP options against a struggling Baltimore defense. They are both low-priced options and while Slayton is the safer option to receive a decent floor of 5+ targets, Robinson could have a few high-value touches, similar to the way the Giants introduced Kadarius Toney in 2021.
Notable injuries
- WR Chris Godwin (hip) - Cleared
- WR Russell Gage (ankle) - Cleared
- WR Julio Jones (knee) - Doubtful
- TE Cameron Brate (concussion) - Cleared
- DE Akiem Hicks (foot) - Out
- DB Logan Ryan (foot) - Out
- TE Pat Freiermuth (concussion) - Out
- C Mason Cole (foot) - Cleared
- CB Cameron Sutton (hamstring) - Out
- CB Ahkello Witherspoon (hamstring) - Out
- CB Levi Wallace (concussion) - Out
- FS Minkah Fitzpatrick (knee) - Out
- SS Terrell Edmunds (concussion) - Cleared
Jones is the only significant offensive absence in Week 6 for the Bucs, but there's no major impact to season-long Fantasy managers.
With Freiermuth out, Zach Gentry could step in and command targets. Gentry caught 5 of 6 targets for 43 yards in Week 5. The Bucs are a tough matchup but the Pittsburgh defense will struggle to stop Tom Brady and Kenny Pickett will continue to throw for high-volume.
DFS impact
With the potential high pass volume and the absence of Freiermuth, there are two impact scenarios for the Steelers. Gentry could step into the role one-for-one and be a high-upside punt at tight end. However, the absence of Freiermuth could also benefit George Pickens, who is still value-priced and has seen a steady increase in targets over the past two weeks.
Notable injuries
- RB James Conner (ribs) - Out
- RB Darrel Williams (knee) - Out
- RB Jonathan Ward (hamstring) - Out
- OG Justin Pugh (elbow) - Cleared
- OT D.J. Humphries (hamstring) - Cleared
- C Rodney Hudson (knee) - Questionable
- NT Rashard Lawrence (hand) - Questionable
- LB Dennis Gardeck (ankle) - Cleared
- DB Trayvon Mullen (hamstring) - Out
- K Matt Prater (hip) - Out
- WR Tyler Lockett (hamstring) - Cleared
- WR Penny Hart (hamstring) - Out
- WR Dee Eskridge (illness) - Questionable
- WR Marquise Goodwin (knee, back) - Questionable
- OLB Darrell Taylor (neck) - Cleared
The Cardinals have officially ruled out the majority of their running back group, leaving Eno Benjamin as the last man standing. The Cardinals recently signed Ty'Son Williams and Corey Clement to their practice squad for depth. But Benjamin will likely operate as the lead back on Sunday. The Seahawks have given up the sixth most Fantasy points to running backs. Benjamin is a solid RB2 in Week 6.
DFS impact
Priced at just $4,600 on DraftKings, Benjamin will be an extremely popular play. But given the matchup and upside versus cost, Benjamin is a solid option in all formats.
Notable injuries
- QB Baker Mayfield (ankle) - Doubtful
- WR Laviska Shenault (hamstring) - Out
- WR Robbie Anderson (illness) - Questionable
- LB Frankie Luvu (shoulder) - Questionable
- CB Donte Jackson (ankle) - Questionable
- CB Jaycee Horn (ribs) - Questionable
- RB Cam Akers (personal) - Out
- WR Cooper Kupp (foot) - Questionable
- TE Tyler Higbee (ankle) - Questionable
- C Brian Allen (knee) - Out
- DE Aaron Donald (foot) - Questionable
While Carolina has not been a source of reliable fantasy production outside of Christian McCaffrey, there are big changes in the Carolina offense this week. Mayfield is doubtful and Matt Rhule has been fired. P.J. Walker will likely start at quarterback. McCaffrey is still a top-tier start at running back. D.J. Moore can start in deep leagues but should still be benched in shallow leagues.
The injuries to Carolina's secondary are significant. Matt Stafford has struggled this season with only five touchdowns and seven interceptions. It's possible he could take advantage of the injured secondary and be a streaming option this week. If Kupp and Higbee are active, they are must-starts. Fantasy managers need to monitor status leading up to the game. Akers has been ruled out, making Darrell Henderson a low-end RB2 against a Carolina defense that has given up the ninth most Fantasy points to running backs.
DFS impact
I would not expect significant changes to the offense as Ben McAdoo still leads offensive play calling. However, Walker at quarterback could increase short dump-offs to McCaffrey. The Rams are typically a tough defensive matchup on the ground but McCaffrey is still a high-upside option in DFS.
For the Rams, any potential limitations to Kupp could make Ben Skowronek and interesting value play.
Notable injuries
- WR Jake Kumerow (ankle) - Out
- WR Isaiah McKenzie (concussion) - Cleared
- TE Dawson Knox (foot) - Cleared
- MLB Tremaine Edmunds (hamstring) - Cleared
- FS Jordan Poyer (ribs) - Cleared
- CB Trent McDuffie (hamstring) - Doubtful
- DB Rashad Fenton (hamstring) - Out
Both the Chiefs and Rams are relatively healthy heading into Week 6. This is the first time in weeks the Bills will have a nearly complete receiving corps, meaning competition for targets will increase. Diggs is still the top option and Davis is a solid start coming off a strong Week 5 performance. McKenzie remains a low-end flex option and Knox is a TE2, as he's failed to reach double-digit fantasy points in a single game this year.
DFS impact
While injuries to the Bills' secondary could make Chiefs receivers more appealing options, the Chiefs' receiving corps has been wildly unreliable and should be avoided. Kumerow's absence has little affect on the Bills receiving corps.
Notable injuries
- QB Dak Prescott (thumb) - Questionable
- WR CeeDee Lamb (hip) - Questionable
- TE Dalton Schultz (knee) - Cleared
- DE DeMarcus Lawrence (chest) - Cleared
- LB Micah Parsons (groin) - Cleared
- RB Boston Scott (ribs) - Cleared
- RB Kenneth Gainwell (rib) - Cleared
- OT Jordan Mailata (shoulder) - Cleared
- K Jake Elliott (ankle) - Cleared
- CB Avonte Maddox (ankle) - Cleared
Prescott is expected to be out with Cooper Rush continuing to lead the Cowboys. If active, Lamb continues to be a must-start despite a tough matchup. Although Schultz is cleared, Fantasy managers should sit him until the return of Dak Prescott.
DFS impact
If Lamb is unable to play, Michael Gallup would be a potential play in showdown lineups with Noah Brown as a solid value play.
Notable injuries
- RB Melvin Gordon (neck) - TBD
- RB Mike Boone (foot) - TBD
- TE Eric Saubert (ankle) - TBD
- WR Keenan Allen (hamstring) - TBD
- OLB Joey Bosa (groin) - Out
- K Dustin Hopkins (quads) - TBD
The Chargers have struggled against the run and, if active, Gordon is a solid RB2 and Boone is a flex option. Allen is at risk of missing his fifth straight game. Fantasy managers need to prepare to be without him in Week 6. If he's inactive, despite two poor performances - likely affected by injury - Joshua Palmer remains a low-end flex option, Gerald Everett remains a TE1 and Mike Williams could see his third straight game with 100+ receiving yards.
DFS impact
This should be an incredibly fun showdown and injuries will play a significant factor. If either Gordon or Boone is inactive, the remaining back would be a strong option at captain. For the Chargers, the absence of Randy Gregory could provide high-upside opportunities for Ekeler. And if Allen is out, Williams should be included in all lineups.
