The rules are simple, ladies and gentlemen. We are combing through all the players who are rostered in under 40% of Yahoo leagues. And we are looking for players who could have a big week THIS week. For a lot of those who have four or even five losses, the time for stashing is over. We need to shake things up and potentially start some guys who can pop off THIS week. And we are looking at the players that no one else wants.
Of all the games, fantasy football is the one known for “diamonds in the rough”. We’ve hit a couple in this article along the way, and the folks in the Reddit comments when we share it have been arguably MORE impressive with their predictions. So let’s dive back in and see if we can snipe a big game for Week 6. Why not now? Why not us?
Week 6 Quarterback Sleepers
Jalon Daniels, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
There’s a reason it’s called the Konami Code, folks. How was Jayden Daniels the QB2 in all of fantasy this week while throwing for under 200 yards and no touchdowns? Rushing. The willingness to run alone gives us both floor and upside in fantasy football. Jalon Daniels has managed to throw a touchdown pass in each game so far but, more importantly, he has now run 7-to-8 times in each game, including designed runs. It might be our last game with Jalon Daniels as the starter here before Baker Mayfield gets back, but it’s not crazy for this guy to score on the ground, which is the easiest path to a three-touchdown week. I’m sure this will be the week Deshaun Watson breaks out now that we finally don’t have him in the article, but we can’t just list him every week until he has a good game.
Week 6 Running Back Sleepers
Jaleel McLaughlin, Cleveland Browns
This one is pretty gross. But that’s what happens at the running back position. Quinshon Judkins suffered an ankle issue this week that could have him out or possibly limited for this week. They already lost pass-catching back Dylan Sampson earlier this year. Raheim “Rocket” Sanders had been filling in there, but he also just landed on IR. That could leave Jaleel McLaughlin as the only show in town (or at least in a split with a banged-up Judkins). McLaughlin was zero-percent rostered on Yahoo before waivers ran last night, and he could be the starting running back for the Cleveland Browns this week.
Seth McGowan, Indianapolis Colts
This one is more of a dynasty deep cut. But I do think this could be the week when folks start finding out who this guy is and what he’s all about. The Colts have never really found a true backup that played any sort of meaningful snaps behind Jonathan Taylor, but Seth McGowan has slowly snuck into that role. After only taking a couple snaps in the first few weeks, he’s now gotten 19 in each of the last two, which is close to a 30% snap share. This week, the Colts get the Titans, who have yet to win a game or score 20+ points, so there is a chance we got some garbage time where McGowan could flash. Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon is a believer, as she famously asked Seth McGowan after drafting him, “Are you ready to prove to everyone that they’re ******* wrong?”
Week 6 Wide Receiver Sleepers
Germie Bernard, Pittsburgh Steelers
This is quietly the prototypical sleeper waiver add in fantasy, is it not? We’ve got a second-round pick rookie (granted, the Steelers wanted Makai Lemon and settled for Bernard, but still). By all accounts, he’s a smart player who has picked up the playbook quickly. In fact, Aaron Rodgers, in full Aaron Rodgers fashion, reportedly gave Germie Bernard an extensive quiz before the game this week. And he passed. Then he got nine targets.
We’ve seen this story with players many times. They are talented but are stuck behind veterans. It can even happen to megastars as rookies like CeeDee Lamb (Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup) and Jaxon Smith-Njigba (DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett). So, it’s no surprise Bernard has started slow. But with Michael Pittman, Roman Wilson, and Ben Skowronek all ruled out this week, Bernard has a big opportunity. And maybe he can hit the ground running and never look back.
Efton Chism, New England Patriots
In the summer the year before last, Efton Chism turned some heads by leading all players in receptions in the preseason before the 2024 season. Contrary to what CJ Gardner-Johnson might say, Efton Chism has had a spot on the Patriots roster, not their practice squad, because the Patriots actually do like him. They just didn’t have a role for him on offense - until now.
A.J. Brown is the split end for New England. But he suffered a high ankle sprain. Mack Hollins has been playing that role instead with Brown out, but he got put on IR. Chism ended up playing 57 snaps, which was second only to the 62 for Romeo Doubs. I know the “scrappy, lunch pail white guy” has become a meme in New England but Chism has fit the part so far when he’s gotten a chance. If Brown actually does return this week to spoil this one, we’ll replace him with another pick, but Chism is kind of interesting this week.
Week 6 Tight End Sleepers
Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers
Call it cheating if you want. But breakouts often come following injuries to other players that open up opportunities. So we are doubling down on the Steelers this week with Michael Pittman, Roman Wilson, and Ben Skowronek all ruled out. One of these guys has to hit, right?
Last week with all the wide receiver injuries, the Steelers leaned into two tight end sets. That saw Darnell “Mount” Washington playing more of an inline role with Pat Freiermuth running 27 routes from a wide receiver spot, either in the slot or split all the way out wide. Muth is now squarely on the streaming radar at the very least until some of these wideouts get back. He’s already been a favorite end-zone target of Rodgers’s with four touchdowns in five games.
Where Do We Rank The Fantasy Football Breakout Sleepers This Week?
The toughest question, week in and week out, is whether you should just start the “safe” guys you have or whether you can just throw a dart at this week’s possible breakout. Lucky for you, we rank every one of these guys for PPR, half PPR, and standard rankings every single week.
So check out the Fantasy Alarm Weekly Rankings to see exactly where these guys fall compared to the other options out there. If it’s anywhere close, it’s always more fun to throw in that sleeper!