As fantasy football managers prepare for Week 6, expert analysis has identified several strategic roster moves. Key recommendations include starting a wide receiver with a favorable matchup, acquiring a running back in line for a larger role, trading away a tight end whose value may have peaked, and stashing a receiver with significant upside for later in the season.
### Start Troy Franklin
Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin presents a compelling option for Week 6. While his recent production has been modest, his role in the offense has grown significantly. Franklin has maintained a route participation rate of over 79% for four consecutive games, establishing himself as the team’s clear No. 2 receiver.
This week, he faces a highly favorable matchup against the New York Jets. With top cornerback Sauce Gardner expected to shadow Courtland Sutton, Franklin is likely to draw coverage from Brandon Stephens and backup slot corner Malachi Moore. The Jets’ secondary has been vulnerable to secondary receivers, recently allowing an unexpected 114-yard performance to Cowboys WR Ryan Flournoy. Similar success was found by Steelers WR Calvin Austin (4 catches, 70 yards, 1 TD) and Buccaneers WR Sterling Shepard (4 catches, 80 yards), signaling a prime opportunity for Franklin to have a breakout performance.
### Add Hassan Haskins
Following injuries to Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton, who was recently placed on injured reserve, the Los Angeles Chargers’ backfield has a significant opening. Hassan Haskins is emerging as a valuable addition who could seize a key role in the coming weeks.
Last week, Haskins split snaps evenly with Kimani Vidal, but the game script was a crucial factor. The Chargers were playing from behind, a scenario that likely favored the pass-catching profile of Vidal. Haskins, known as a physical, between-the-tackles runner, is expected to see more work when Los Angeles can play with a lead. The team’s upcoming schedule against the Dolphins, Colts, Vikings, and Titans presents competitive matchups that could produce a more favorable game script for Haskins. A former standout under coach Jim Harbaugh at Michigan, where he rushed for 1,327 yards and 20 touchdowns in his senior year, Haskins is a reliable player who offers solid flex-play potential with touchdown upside.
### Trade Away Juwan Johnson
New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson is currently a top-10 fantasy performer at his position in PPR formats, creating an ideal window to trade him. Despite his strong season-long ranking, his usage and production have been in steady decline. After commanding a 99% snap share and a 96% route rate in Week 1, Johnson saw those numbers drop to a season-low 85% snap share and 81% route rate last week.
This decline in playing time has directly impacted his output. In the first three games, he averaged 9.3 targets and 14.2 PPR points, but in the last two contests, those averages have plummeted to 3.5 targets and 4.75 PPR points. The increased involvement of Taysom Hill and Foster Moreau, who combined for 32 snaps last week, is further cutting into Johnson’s role. Fantasy managers could capitalize on his current TE1 status by trading him for another usable asset.
### Stash Christian Watson in Deep Leagues
For fantasy managers in deeper leagues, Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson is a high-upside player to acquire and stash. Watson, who suffered a torn ACL on January 5, recently returned to practice and drew significant praise from Head Coach Matt LaFleur.
“Here’s a guy that’s so impactful,” LaFleur said. “There’s very few that are as big and strong and as fast as Christian Watson, and then you combine the fact he’s got a brilliant mind… His ability to process and get out there and get aligned correctly and know what everybody is doing is pretty remarkable.”
While a specific return date has not been set, Watson is projected to be back by mid-season, positioning him to be a factor during the fantasy playoff stretch. An opportunity exists for him to immediately join three-receiver sets, particularly with Jayden Reed currently sidelined. Furthermore, the strong play of quarterback Jordan Love, who is averaging 8.3 yards per attempt with a 69.4% completion rate, provides an optimistic outlook for Watson’s value upon his return.
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