Joe Mixon has practiced multiple times this week, and signs are pointing to him returning to the field in Week 6. It could not come at a better time, as the Texans just lost Nico Collins for the foreseeable future to the IR. I do expect the Texans to be cautious with the veteran back, as they have playoff aspirations, that being said, Mixon comes in as my RB17 on the week. The rest of this backfield was incredibly unimpressive in Mixon’s absence, so depending on how this game goes, Houston may be forced to give him the ball more than they originally planned. It also helps Mixon that he should dominate any and all scoring opportunities.
Rhamondre Stevenson is a somewhat surprising OUT for Week 6 as he deals with a foot injury. It is still unclear if Stevenson will miss an extended period of time, so fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status. In his stead, Antonio Gibson will step in and support Drake Maye. Gibson has all the physical tools to be an elite NFL running back. The trouble is that he struggles with seeing the full field at times and has an extensive history of ball security issues. IF he can avoid turning the ball over, Gibson can impact the game on the ground and through the air. I would not be surprised to see him with 18-23 opportunities in a matchup where he will need to be involved early and often. If Stevenson misses more than one week, Gibson could provide RB2 value for the next few weeks. The Patriots face the Jaguars in Week 7, and that could be a BOOM week for the veteran.
James Cook‘s status is trending in the wrong direction as we approach the Bills’ Week 6 matchup. As things stand now, I am assuming Cook will not be available. It makes the Bills’ already piecemeal offense more of a mess in terms of fantasy football. Ray Davis and Ty Johnson would be the next men up, and I would not be surprised to see both backs get usage in this one. Davis has FLEX appeal, as he should dominate scoring opportunities and be the top option and likely starter. Ty Johnson may vulture some high-leverage touches, but he is not someone I would be comfortable putting into my lineups this week.
Brian Robinson Jr. has missed three practices this week after missing most of the second half of last week’s game. I have removed him from my rankings for now. If he does suit up, you are looking at a low-end RB2 with a difficult matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. If he does miss the game, that helps former superstar Austin Ekeler. Ekeler is far from who fantasy managers have grown to love, but he still can step up in Week 6. He comes in as my RB21 this week and may even provide more utility than Robinson would have at 50% with his impact as a receiver out of the backfield. Similar to Ty Johnson, Jeremy McNichols may fall into the end zone, but he is not a player I would trust in my lineups right now.
Rachaad White is listed as doubtful for the Buccaneers’ matchup against the Saints in Week 6. His absence provides a huge opportunity for Bucky Irving. The Saints are one of the better defenses against running backs this season, though, so while Irving’s increased opportunity is great for his potential long-term value, he is a low-end RB2 this week, coming in as my RB24.