Quinshon Judkins records 150 yards and two touchdowns
Judkins is coming off his quietest day as a pro after the Browns fell behind early and went on the air in comeback mode. Before that, Cleveland’s defense had held the team in most games and allowed its rookie to shine with at least 70 yards from scrimmage in each of his first four outings. Expect him to set new career highs against a Dolphins defense that has been circling the drain while giving big days to Kimani Vidal (138 yards, TD), Rico Dowdle (238 yards, TD), Breece Hall (111 yards), James Cook (118 yards, TD) and Rhamondre Stevenson (142 yards) over the last five weeks. In reality, the Browns are the favorites at home and can be expected to lean on Judkins to help them get the win. — Justin Boone
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Ladd McConkey gives us another top 10 result
I’m willing to attribute some of Ladd McConkey’s resurgence in Week 6 to the absence of Quentin Johnston. It was the first time the second-year receiver had a target rate above 20% since Los Angeles’ season opener. However, after a week-long drop, Justin Herbert’s passing trends have returned to being fantasy-friendly. Not only did his passing rate increase (from -6% PROE to +2%), but his passing aDOT remained in the short area of the field (5.8 passing yards), benefiting the Chargers’ slot man.
Now, I understand your concern about any WR facing the Colts defense. Through six weeks, they have allowed the 11th fewest points to QBs. But a “gauntlet” of Tua Tagovailoa, Bo Nix, Cam Ward, Geno Smith and Jacoby Brissett doesn’t sound daunting in retrospect. In addition, they have two starting CBs working due to injury and another retired. With the Colts quietly allowing the fourth-most PPR points to wide receivers, McConkey remains a solid play this week. — Chris Allen
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Rashee Rice finishes outside the top 24 at WR
The Bold Prediction Police can weigh in on how risky this decision is, although I note that the industry has placed Rice at WR11. But when a player has missed as much time as Rice has (his last NFL snap was in September 2024), I’ll be careful with my initial expectations. We like that Patrick Mahomes (the new MVP favorite) is playing at a high level, while Kansas City has basically thrown away the running game. But with a hapless Raiders team on the other side, the Chiefs could have the advantage of throwing less in this game and help Rice get back into the flow of NFL life. — Scott Pianoowski
Luther Burden III is a top 20 wide receiver
The rookie didn’t get a significant boost in playing time in the first game after the break, running a route on just 39% of dropbacks. Perhaps most importantly, though, he played good, confident football for another week.
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Burden earned a win on the big-boy route in man coverage on his deep catch, confidently catching the pass away from his body and transitioning to post-catch play right away. That’s the kind of accumulated skills that are critical for Ben Johnson to see in Burden as he pushes for an expanded role. He may be forced into that spot this week with DJ Moore looking very questionable after spending the night in hospital. Burden has a very similar skill set to Moore and will be promoted to the starting wing spot if Moore is out, not Olamide Zaccheaus. Burden’s after-catch skills will be critical against a Brandon Staley-led defense that wants to limit downfield shots. If Burden starts, I expect him to get a ton of underhand passes. He will be a Fantasy starter this week. — Matt Harmon
Justin Herbert finishes in top five in fantasy
No quarterback has been pressured more than Justin Herbert this month after losing three offensive linemen to injuries. With the possible return of LT Joe Alt and WR Quentin Johnston, Herbert will have more support in a good matchup against the Colts defense. Indianapolis ranks 24th against fantasy quarterbacks through the air, but more importantly, 26th in pressure rate. In non-pressure plays in 2025, Herbert is number one in passing yards. The Chargers’ offense is sixth in passing rate this season, while the Colts force the fifth-highest passing rate on average. The combination of high volume, health and matchup should give Herbert his first top-five finish in Fantasy since Week 1. Joel Smith