Fantasy Football Week 6 Wide Receiver Start Decision: Josh Downs, Ladd McConkey, Rashid Shaheed, Darnell Mooney and More

NFL Sunday is here, and every fantasy football owner is scrambling to put together the best starting lineup they can before games kick off.

Let’s tackle some trending wide receiver decisions from the FantasySP start/sit tool.

Looking for start/sit help? Be sure to check out the FantasySP Who Should I Start tool.

Start Darius Slayton or Josh Downs or Dontayvion Wicks or Tre Tucker or Ladd McConkey?

Slayton will be a bigger part of the Giants’ offense again this week as Malik Nabers misses another game. Slayton erupted last week for 122 yards and a score on eight receptions and 11 targets last week.

He’s projected for 11 PPR fantasy points this week in his matchup against the Bengals. Cincinnati allows opposing wideouts to score 33 fantasy points per game.

Downs is one of two Indianapolis receivers (Michael Pittman) who was dealing with an injury this week. Pittman is expected to play, as is Downs, and they likely will have Joe Flacco throwing to them.

Downs excelled when Flacco took a majority of the snaps the past two weeks. Downs is projected for 10 PPR points in his matchup against the Titans. Tennessee allows just 20 fantasy points per game to wideouts, which is the lowest mark in the league.

Wicks broke out two weeks ago, but has otherwise struggled to produce big fantasy games this season. The Packers were without Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson last week, and both could be back out there in week 6.

Wicks is projected for eight PPR points against the Cardinals. Arizona is average when it comes to slowing opposing receivers, allowing 33 points per week.

Davante Adams is out again with his “injury” so Tucker has a chance to be more involved this week again. He’s had two solid fantasy outings this season, and then three duds.

Tucker is projected for nine PPR points against the Steelers. Pittsburgh is a below-average matchup for receivers, as the Steelers allow just 30 points per week to the position.

McConkey had his best fantasy performance the last time he was on the field. He was also good back in week 1, but had two below-average outings between the good showings.

He’s projected for nine PPR points this week against the Broncos. Denver is the second-toughest defense against wideouts, allowing just 22 points per week.

I too would follow our projections and take Slayton first in this wideout start/sit decision. The matchup is favorable, and after having success last week, it’s fair to expect another good showing this week.

Give me Downs next. I know he’s banged up and has the toughest matchup out there, but I just trust him more than the other three guys based on their play the last few weeks.

I’d take McConkey here. It’s another tough matchup, but the last time he played, McConkey delivered, and that’s enough for me to trust him again this week.

I’d take Wicks over Tucker for the last spot. I think both have boom or bust potential, but I like Wicks’ offense more, so that’s what my decision comes down to.

Start Amari Cooper or Darnell Mooney or Rashid Shaheed or Chris Olave or Jameson Williams?

Cooper has just one above-average fantasy showing this season, and also two duds. He’s had a couple of solid outings the last two weeks, but nothing too special.

He’s projected for 13 PPR points against the Eagles. Philly is one of the most favorable defensive matchups for a receiver, as it allows 44 fantasy points per week.

Mooney starred on Thursday night the last time he played, and now is a popular starting option as a result. He’s posted at least solid fantasy totals in four of five games, including three above-average showings.

He’s projected for 14 PPR points against the Panthers this week. Carolina’s pass defense allows opposing wideouts to score 36 fantasy points per week.

Shaheed has four above-average fantasy outings this season, along with a goose egg. Olave has three solid fantasy totals and two duds. Both are interesting starting options now that Spencer Rattler is starting for the injured Derek Carr. 

Olave is projected for 12 points, while Shaheed is at 11 against the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay allows wideouts to score 40 fantasy points per week.

Williams has three good fantasy outings and one dud across four games this season. He’s only been targeted five times in the past two games though.

Williams is projected for 10 PPR points against the Cowboys. Dallas allows only 28 fantasy points per week, which is one of the lower amounts in the league.

After his big game last week and in a favorable matchup this week, I like Mooney the best of this bunch. He’s produced enough over the course of the season to expect a decent floor and a high ceiling.

I’d take Amari Cooper next. He hasn’t done a ton this season, but I really like this matchup for him. I think Cooper has a nice fantasy outing as he maybe hopes to boost his trade value in real life.

I’d take Olave next, followed by Shaheed. I’m not sure what to expect from Rattler really, but Olave and Shaheed simply have too high of floors to sit. I’d try to still get each guy into my lineup if I could - the only reason I rank them a bit lower here is because of the confidence level I have in each guy with Rattler throwing the ball.

Williams is the last guy in this grouping for me. The matchup is tougher and he’s been trending downward of late. He could still deliver a big fantasy score with a single long catch and score, but I wouldn’t want to be banking on that.

Best of luck in week 6!