Week 6 of the 2023 NFL season kicked off on Thursday when the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Denver Broncos 19-8.
For fantasy football fans, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce was Thursday’s star, totaling nine receptions for 124 yards, while quarterback Patrick Mahomes passed for 306 yards with a touchdown and interception.
One of the more intriguing games for fantasy football in Week 6 is a clash between the Washington Commanders and the Atlanta Falcons. Will this game resemble their 2021 game, which totaled 64 points, or last season’s version, which totaled 32 points?
Here are some players worth starting — and others worth sitting for this weekend’s game.
Start: Falcons RB Bijan Robinson
The rookie running back should be the highest-scoring fantasy player in this game. Washington hasn’t stopped the run consistently, so Atlanta running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier could combine for a huge game. Robinson is dangerous as a runner and receiver, averaging 102 total yards per game. He could have his best game of the season on Sunday.
Start: Falcons TE Kyle Pitts
The former No. 4 overall pick had 11 targets in last week’s win over Houston. He caught seven passes for 87 yards. It’s only a matter of time before he finds the end zone. It will be interesting to see who Washington matches Pitts up with on Sunday. Pitts and fellow tight end Jonnu Smith have combined for 59 targets through five games, indicating QB Desmond Ridder loves throwing to his tight ends.
Sit: Falcons WR Drake London
The Falcons don’t have a high-volume passing game, and Ridder loves the tight ends. However, London looks like he’s on the verge of a big game, as he had a season-high nine targets last week. The problem is, head coach Arthur Smith isn’t going to throw the ball 38 times every week, meaning one of the Falcons’ top pass catchers will be somewhat left out. I think it’s London this week.
Start: Commanders RB Brian Robinson Jr.
The running game got away from Washington in last week’s 40-20 loss to the Bears. I think this game remains close, meaning offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy will give the ball to Brian Robinson Jr., who has run well this season. The Falcons are better at stopping the pass than defending the run, although they have an underrated defense overall. I see Robinson coming out of this game with around 15-18 touches and one touchdown.
Start: Commanders TE Logan Thomas
Logan Thomas is fourth on the team in targets despite missing a game and a half. Last week, he had a season-high 11 targets, coming away with nine receptions for 77 yards. He leads the team with two touchdown receptions. While I don’t think Thomas has 11 targets again, don’t be surprised if he leads the Commanders.
Sit: Commanders QB Sam Howell
The second-year quarterback has had some good moments this season. However, he’s taken 29 sacks and thrown six interceptions. The Falcons have a fundamentally sound defense, although they aren’t great at getting sacks or turnovers yet. Will that change on Sunday? Regardless, I’d expect Howell to struggle a bit, as the Falcons have a top-10 pass defense.
