Week 6 Exemption Wire Watch
October continues, and we’re diving into another NFL weekend. It’s that time of the season where most fantasy leagues feature quarterbacks who are likely solid starters, which makes it tricky to dig up hidden gems. Yet, a few standout performers showed up over the weekend and are still waiting for that roster spot.
Let’s highlight some of the players who made a mark in the fifth week. If you’re looking to make some moves, checking the exemption wire is a smart play before week six kicks off. Just a reminder, we look at exemptions as those players making rosters in about 60% of Max’s leagues.
Goodbye for Week 6
Houston Texans, Minnesota Vikings
Sam Darnold, QB, Seattle Seahawks (23%)
Although the Seahawks lost a close one, 38-35 to the Buccaneers, Darnold had an impressive showing—perhaps his best yet with the team. Throwing alongside Baker Mayfield from the 2018 draft class, he completed 28 of 34 passes for 341 yards and four touchdowns, which eventually set up a walk-off field goal for Tampa Bay.
His 135.4 passer rating ranked third among starting quarterbacks for Sunday, and he scored 28.6 fantasy points, coming in just behind CJ Stroud. Seahawks fans have to be feeling hopeful about the connection he’s building with Jackson Smith-Njigba, and fantasy managers are probably seeing his potential too.
Week 6 matchup
@Jacksonville Jaguars, 1pm
Mac Jones, QB, San Francisco 49ers (3.8%)
With Brock Purdy sidelined for his third game in four weeks, Jones stepped up in a nail-biting 26-23 overtime win against the Rams, stirring up some QB controversy. He completed 67.3% of his passes for 342 yards and two touchdowns, showing some solid stats during his three starts.
We’ll have to see how Purdy’s situation unfolds ahead of next week’s game against the Bucs, but it seems like it might be wise for Kyle Shanahan to stick with the hot hand—Jones could be a good roster addition even if he doesn’t play against Tampa.
Week 6 matchup
@Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 4:25pm
Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Miami Dolphins (27.5%)
Even though Miami’s season isn’t looking great, Tagovailoa is still putting in some effort as they go 1-4. He completed 75% of his passes in a 27-24 loss to the Panthers, racking up 22.7 fantasy points thanks to three touchdowns and 256 yards. Sure, the Dolphins let a 17-point lead slip away, but his performance should still be encouraging for fantasy managers.
This game might be seen as his best so far this season, and as the team continues to face challenges, he could end up being a smart streaming option if injuries strike elsewhere.
Week 6 matchup
vs. Los Angeles Chargers, 1pm
Spencer Rattler, QB, New Orleans Saints (6.8%)
After nearly a year, Rattler notched his first NFL win as a starter during the Saints’ 26-14 victory over the Giants. He’s now the first QB drafted by the Saints to win since 1998. His numbers were pretty solid—21 completions out of 31 attempts, totaling 225 yards and one touchdown. Currently, he ranks as the 20th fantasy QB, averaging 15 points per game.
Rattler’s been described as spunky this season, and his ability to evade pressure could make him a valuable option as a backup in fantasy. If you’re managing a deeper league and need a QB fix, he might be worth a look.
Week 6 matchup
vs. New England Patriots, 1pm
