Week 6! Time flies when the NFL is having fun, and we are moving quickly.
Heading into this Sunday’s slate, here are four stars who should prove to be worth their high price tag.
Matt Ryan, QB, Atlanta Falcons
Price: £8,100
Is this the week that Dan Quinn, the head man of the Atlanta Falcons, gets fired?
If Matt Ryan and the team don’t improve their play, he may be looking for work. Here’s a reason to be bullish on Ryan — their opponent this week, the Arizona Cardinals, ranks 25th against the pass. The Cards play at an extremely fast pace on the offensive side of the ball, leading to plenty of opportunities for their opponents. And the Falcons throw the ball a ton as they lead the NFL with a pass-to-run ratio of 2.57.
Our heat map shows this game to be a high-scoring affair, so look for Ryan to put up a crooked score.
LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 30: A general view of the Philadelphia Eagles offensive line and the Washington Redskins defensive line during the second half at FedExField on December 30, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Alvin Kamara, RB, New Orleans Saints
Price: £7,900
With or without Drew Brees, the New Orleans Saints continue to roll along, and that’s partially due to the outstanding play of Alvin Kamara, who is in another blow-up spot this week.
Kamara has been an absolute beast again in 2019, touching the rock 101 times so far on the year with 75 carries and 26 receptions. He will look to gash the Jacksonville Jaguars’ defence, who ranks as fourth-worst against the run this season.
Last week, Christian McCaffrey rushed the ball 19 times for 176 yards and two scores on the Jags, so a big scoring effort is obviously in play with Kamara. Look for him to be heavily involved.
Nov 26, 2018; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) makes a reception as Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree’ Jackson (25) defends during the third quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Houston Texans
Price: £8,400
Yes, it’s been two poor back-to-back weeks for DeAndre Hopkins. But all systems should be ready to go for the Houston Texans’ star wide receiver this week.
Here are a few reasons to be bullish — the Texans opponent in Week 6, the Kansas City Chiefs, is strong against the pass, but Kansas City plays at an extremely fast pace, clocking in at third in situation-neutral pace.
While Hopkins hasn’t scored since Week 1, things haven’t been too shabby still. Nuk Hopkins has received seven or more targets in every game, giving him both a high floor and high ceiling.
Bet on a strong rebound from Houston’s star receiver in a spot where the Texans should be passing to keep pace with KC.
George Kittle, TE, San Francisco 49ers
Price: £6,500
Who would have anticipated that the San Francisco 49ers would be undefeated at this point in the year?
It’s been a very impressive beginning to 2019, and George Kittle hasn’t gone off yet. However, Week 6 could be his jam. While the Los Angeles Rams have been solid on defence, they have struggled against the pass, ranking only 21st in the league.
The 49ers and Jimmy Garoppolo have quietly been one of the league’s most efficient passing offences, ranking fifth by our metrics.
Kittle does lead the team with 29 targets and a 25.4% target market share, and he’s dipped below six targets only once this year. The usage is there, and Kittle could score big in Week 6.
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