Notable absent players during Week 6 byes

Covid-19 complications have forced the NFL to make some schedule changes ahead of Week 6 of the 2020 NFL season. The New England Patriots’ Week 6 bye was rescheduled for Week 5 because of positive Covid-19 tests within the organization. Their Week 5 matchup that was supposed to be against Denver Broncos has been moved to October 18. That adjustment leaves the Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Chargers, New Orleans Saints, and Las Vegas Raiders with byes in Week 6. There are a ton of key fantasy options who won’t be available, and we’ve identified a few players you could need to work around not having.

Russell Wilson was the NFL’s most productive fantasy player through Week 4. He tallied = 1,285 passing yards and 16 passing touchdowns with two interceptions through his first four games. His duo of dynamic receivers — DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett — have stood out as elite pass catchers. Wilso, Metcalf, and Lockett are all inside the top 20 at their respective positions, so replacing any of them will be tough.

Justin Herbert has been named the Chargers’ full-time starter, and he’s averaging more than 300 passing yards per game. The rookie has thrown the ball to Keenan Allen a ton since taking over as a starter, which has given the wideout a high fantasy ceiling. Rookie running back Joshua Kelley is acting as the Chargers’ feature back while Austin Ekeler is out with a hamstring injury. His ceiling isn’t as high as Herbert’s or Allen’s, but his steady diet of touches has made him a desirable play so far this season.

Most fantasy players won’t be too beat up about not having Drew Brees, as he’s been a below average performer so far in 2020. There’s a chance his ceiling will rise with the return of Michael Thomas in Week 7, but the Saints’ most valuable fantasy player is Alvin Kamara. Kamara has been the NFL’s most productive running back so far thanks to his versatility and ability to rack up touches.

Derek Carr, Josh Jacobs, and Darren Waller are all nearly top 10 options at their positions. Jacobs and Waller are top five at their respective positions regardless of format while Carr is just outside the top 10 after throwing for 311 yards and two scores to upset the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 5. This trio has exceeded expectations so far this season. Henry Ruggs III has flown under the radar more most of the year, but exploded for 118 receiving yards and a score on two catches in Week 5. The rookie could begin to establish himself as a legitimate threat moving forward. Here’s a full list of key players with Week 6 byes.

Seattle Seahawks

QB: Russell Wilson
RB: Chris Carson
WR: DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett
TE: Greg Olsen
K: Jason Myers

Los Angeles Chargers

QB: Justin Herbert
RB: Joshua Kelley
WR: Keenan Allen, Mike Williams
TE: Hunter Henry
K: Michael Badgley

New Orleans Saints

QB: Drew Brees
RB: Alvin Kamara, Latavius Murray
WR: Michael Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, Tre’Quan Smit
TE: Jared Cook
K: Wil Lutz

Las Vegas Raiders

QB: Derek Carr
RB: Josh Jacobs
WR: Henry Ruggs III, Hunter Renfrow, Nelson Agholor
TE: Darren Waller
K: Daniel Carlson