Fantasy Football DvP Mismatch Report For Week 6: Matchups to Target or Avoid

“That’s on me.”

Those three words echoed through NFL postgame press conferences after Week 5. Coaches promising to do better.

Then there was Jim Harbaugh explaining his questionable decisions…

Well, it's my turn to own one.

Last week, I called James Cook more of a FLEX against what I thought was a tough Rams run defense.

Yeah, I got that wrong.

Give the Bills credit. They're a damn good running team. But 234 rushing yards on Monday night?

Hot damn! So much for that intimidating Rams defense.

Matchups matter, but talent, opportunity, and offensive tendencies can turn a scary matchup into a fantasy feast. That's why we study the numbers without pretending they're guarantees.

Now, let's get into two Week 6 matchups to target and one to avoid.

Week 6 Fantasy Football DvP Matchups To Target

RB Saquon Barkley vs. Carolina Panthers

Cue Kenny Loggins!

“This Is It!”

Make no mistake who you are…a disgruntled Saquon Barkley manager.

I feel your pain. What looked like a perfect late first or early second-round pick has become pure frustration.

Five games, zero touchdowns. That's not what we signed up for!

Getting past that hamstring injury and suiting up in Week 6 would be huge for the Eagles and fantasy managers alike. There's optimism he'll play, and Philadelphia needs its best player on the field if it wants to get back on track.

And wouldn't you know it? The Panthers are waiting.

Carolina might be rested, but Barkley has had some extra time to get that hamstring right, too.

The last time he faced Carolina, he averaged 6.2 yards per carry. Through four games, the Panthers have surrendered 26.5 fantasy points per game to RBs.

That's the matchup we've been waiting for.

If Barkley is healthy enough for his usual workload, I'm starting him with RB1 expectations.

After five weeks of frustration, could this finally be the week?

This is it!

WR Davante Adams vs. Arizona Cardinals

One would think when your teammate commands 24 targets, you might as well say adios to Davante Adams' fantasy value.

Not so fast!

Despite all that attention going elsewhere, Adams turned two of his five receptions into touchdowns in Week 5.

How about making the most of your opportunities?

It helps when Matthew Stafford trusts you near the goal line, and that chemistry paid off.

The Cardinals aren't doing themselves any favors, allowing the third-most fantasy points to opposing WRs.

The Rams have shown they can support multiple fantasy-relevant pass catchers. Puka Nacua can command all the targets he wants, but that doesn't mean Adams can't eat, too.

With this matchup on deck, both receivers could have a juicy feast.

Avoid This Week 6 Fantasy Football DvP Matchup

RB Jaylen Warren vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

D’Andre Swift was supposed to have the kind of Week 5 Jaylen Warren delivered. Instead, the Bears decided to take an early fall nap.

Meanwhile, Warren was wide awake, torching the Colts' porous run defense and finishing as the RB2.

He's made the most of his opportunities, sitting as the RB9 on the season and becoming a bright spot for fantasy managers.

Not bad for a guy who wasn't drafted to carry fantasy teams.

LIGHTS OFF!

SHHH!!!

It's not the boogeyman. It's worse!

It's Vita Vea and the Buccaneers' run defense, allowing the second-fewest rushing yards in the NFL.

And if that's scary, wait until you see Tampa Bay's home numbers. The Bucs tighten the screws even more, surrendering just 69.3 rushing yards per game.

Making matters worse, Pittsburgh's rushing attack practically disappears away from Acrisure Stadium, averaging a league-worst 21 attempts per road game.

That's trouble brewing for Warren.

Volume has made him a top-10 fantasy RB, but opportunities could be harder to come by here. He may still belong in your lineup, but another RB2 overall finish?

Not this week!