It was indeed a thrilling Week 5 full of spectacular highlights, clutch moments and upsets. Plus of course, there were a number of names that stood out and surprised many fantasy owners with big-time productions. That being said, let’s take a close look at some of those players who can definitely bolster your respective lineups for the upcoming week. Just read on below to view our selection for each position on offense and a strong defense.
And if you’re searching for some more key pickups for the coming week, click here and check out what the experts are saying in our fantasy football experts guide article for Week 6.
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2015 NFL Week 6 Fantasy Sleepers
Kamar Aiken – Wide Receiver, Baltimore Ravens
[sc:NFL240banner ]The Baltimore Ravens are probably still hurting right now. They lost a game that they should have won opposite an underdog team in the form of the Cleveland Browns. The Browns managed to pull off an overtime upset thanks to the incredible performance from their QB Josh McCown, who threw for 457 yards on 36-of-51 passing and registered two TDs to pick up the 33-30 triumph.
Despite the loss, there’s a bright side that the Ravens can look forward to: Kamar Aiken. Aiken, their third-year wide receiver, provided them another notable performance and also further strengthened his fantasy value. He finished with 78 yards on 4 receptions and was targeted nine times. Across his previous three games, Aiken has compiled 244 yards and one touchdown, while garnering 26 fantasy points.
Most of the Ravens’ pass-catchers (Steve Smith, Crockett Gilmore, Breshad Perriman and so on) are also dealing with injuries. As long as that remains to be the case, Aiken is bound remain a relevant fantasy player for the next couple of weeks.
Thomas Rawls – Running back, Seattle Seahawks
Thomas Rawls. If you see this name still on the your fantasy league’s waiver wire or free agency pool, you better stop reading this right now and pick him up first regardless of Lynch’s health in Week 6.
Rawls seized the opportunity of Marshawn Lynch’s absence. The 22-year-old got the start in Week 5 and immediately had the best game of his life. He rushed 23 times for a career-best 169 yards with a 69-yard touchdown, while scoring 22 fantasy points. The Seahawks may have lost that game, but nevertheless, they have a reason to look forward to in their rookie running back.
Marshawn Lynch is currently listed as Questionable but should see Probable status shortly before the Hawks Week 6 matchup against Carolina. Should he play or opt out, Rawls is still a quality pickup – especially in keeper leagues. Rawls has a bright future and after his starting audition during Lynch’s absence, you can be sure that he will see the field often throughout the remainder of the season.
The idea for Lynch initially was to keep him healthy and not overuse the Beast Mode. Now that the big man has shown his fragility, you can bet Pete Carroll will take his plan up a notch to keep his number one safe for the postseason (should they turn it up). This is good news for Rawls owners.
Derek Carrier – Tight End, Washington Redskins
With Jordan Reed still questionable to return for Week 6 due to concussion, back-up tight end, Derek Carrier, will continue see more playing times serve as Reed’s replacement in the starting lineup for the Washington Redskins, who’ll be taking on the New York Jets this weekend.
Carrier did not impress but was efficient in his start on Sunday’s heartbreaking loss to the undefeated Falcons, catching two of three targets for 27 yards and a touchdown under his name. He racked up eight fantasy points during that game as well.
Blake Bortles – Quarterback, Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jags have only won one of their four games thus far this season but it’s safe to say things are starting to look promising with their second-year quarterback in Blake Bortles.
He was impressive in Week 5 despite garnering their third-straight loss against the Buccaneers, 38-31. The 23-year-old had a spectacular game, converting 69.7 percent of his passes for a total of 303 yards and a career-best of four touchdowns. Bortles also suffered a minor shoulder injury last week but is expected to play this Sunday against Houston.
That said, Bortles is expected to keep improving gradually throughout each game for especially having a solid offensive unit, composed of Allen Hurns, T.J. Yeldon and the soon-to-return Julius Tomas, surrounding him.
Josh Lambo – Kicker, San Diego Chargers
Josh Lambo has been making the Chargers’ decision to let go of Nick Novak look pretty good. Lambo went 2-for-3 on field-goal attempts and 2-for-2 on extra points in Monday night’s loss to the Steelers. It’s hard to blame him, though, for his miss from 60 yards right before the first half expired. He has also now put up back-to-back double-digit fantasy weeks (10 and 14).
Atlanta Falcons Defense
Atlanta’s offense has been clicking and so has their defense, which came up huge last week by scoring the game-winning touchdown in overtime on a pick-6 against the Redkins’ quarterback, Kirk Cousins. That marked their third defensive touchdown and their second-straight with double-digit fantasy points over the last two games.
Looking ahead to Week 6, their defense is bound to have another strong performance again opposite a struggling New Orleans offense that continues to miss the services of its starting signal-caller, Drew Brees.
All set for another explosive week in the NFL? Create a betting account now and get yourself ready for all the intense action in Week 2.
