Steve and Zacks' Panic Attack: Week 6

Six weeks into the season (shoutout 6God), the excuses are running out, the Panic Room is filling up, and apparently touching the football is now considered a luxury. 

Well, ladies and gentlemen, it’s official! I can finally kill the A/C and open the house windows back up in Florida! I’m as excited for that as Marv was for a new team! Welcome back to another edition of Steve and Zack's Panic Attack! WOOOOOOO

Zack had some real-life stuff come up this week (y’all show him some love), so ol' Steve-O is taking the wheel once again, so buckle up, buck-a-roos! Nothing like having an entire NFL weekend's worth of disappointment dumped in your lap on a Monday night! God, I LOVE this ‘ish!

We're six weeks into the NFL season. Remember when we were telling everyone not to overreact after Week 1? Remember when we blamed the matchups, new offensive systems and play-callers, and players needing time to develop chemistry? Yeah, well, those excuses are starting to smell worse than the Chipotle sitting in the back of my refrigerator; I swear the protein is still good!

We've got quarterbacks who apparently forgot they're allowed to throw touchdowns, running backs who aren't allowed to touch the football, and receivers who can't catch a hint. The problem isn't always talent or production. Sometimes it's opportunity, and when that disappears, we've got a legitimate reason to panic!

The Panic Room is officially open! We're running out of beds…“Our operation is small, but there is a lot of potential for aggressive expansion.”

Seahawks @ Broncos

Broncos Passing Offense

Bo Nix: 17/27, 107 passing yards, 0 TD
Jaylen Waddle: 7 targets, 4 receptions, 24 yards
Courtland Sutton: 3 targets, 2 receptions, 19 yards

I'm starting to think Bo Nix is allergic to throwing the football downfield. I mean, you can see it all over his face.

Denver won this game 17-14 in overtime, so congratulations to Sean Payton I guess. Unfortunately, we as fantasy managers don't get six points every time their quarterback's team wins. (At least not in standard scoring.)

Nix has now thrown for 123 and 107 yards in consecutive games, and the rushing production we relied on throughout his first two seasons has essentially disappeared. Denver finished with just 168 total yards of offense (that’s not a typo). One hundred and sixty-eight yards of offense from a Sean Payton led team (this is more like the Kevin James version at this point), which makes it pretty difficult for anyone not named Wil Lutz to contribute meaningful fantasy production. 

Remember when Denver traded a first-round pick to acquire Jaylen Waddle? (I ‘member!) I'm starting to wonder if they do. Since his 138-yard performance against Jacksonville in Week 2, Waddle has produced just 88 receiving yards across four games. Sutton isn't doing much better, and there simply isn't enough passing production to support either receiver.

Denver is 4-2, so Payton has little incentive to change what's working for the actual football team, even if what's working is absolutely murdering our fantasy teams. The defense is shutdown, and the offense is ground-and-pound. “Slow and steady” says the turtle!

Panic Meter: 9/10. Nix is droppable in standard one-quarterback leagues, and I'm benching Waddle until this offense proves it can consistently move the football. If you can get any value in a trade, go for it, but I doubt many people will be excited to take on a WR in a stale offense who is going on 28 years old.

Texans @ Jaguars

Final Score: Texans 34, Jaguars 31

A tough loss for Jacksonville across the pond, as Houston escaped London with a last-second field goal from Ka'imi Fairbairn. Trevor Lawrence threw four touchdowns, C.J. Stroud added three of his own, and both offenses moved the football effectively.

Not much to panic about from a fantasy perspective here, outside of Brian Thomas Jr., who's already made himself comfortable in the Panic Room. At this point, I'm considering charging him rent. If you had any faith in Chris Rodriguez Jr as a late-round sleeper TD vulture, I think we can expel those concerns. Bayshul Tuten has taken full control of that backfield. If you're in a deeper league and you need the start, sure; otherwise, I'm dropping C-Rod. 

Saints @ Giants

Giants Running Backs

Cam Skattebo: 0 touches, 0 yards
Tyrone Tracy Jr.: 6 carries, 18 yards, 1 TD; 2 receptions, 27 yards, 1 TD
Najee Harris: 4 carries, 2 yards

Ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner. Or a loser? I'm not entirely sure how to classify this one. Did Skatt do something to Gumbo the dog? I thought he was a “The Farmer’s Dog” guy?

Skatt entered Week 6 as a legitimate starting fantasy running back, and finished the afternoon with ZERO touches. Not zero touchdowns. Not zero rushing yards. ZERO OPPORTUNITIES. Part of this makes me wonder if this isn't John Harbaugh trying to lay down the law after the offseason backflips and headlines that were Fanatics Fest NYC.

According to PlayerProfiler, the Giants planned to reduce Skattebo's workload following his fumbling problems. Apparently, someone forgot to explain that reducing a workload and removing it entirely are two very different things.

Skattebo played just six offensive snaps, while Tyrone Tracy Jr. somehow managed two touchdowns on eight touches. The Giants rotated four running backs, and outside of Tracy's touchdowns, nobody accomplished much of anything.

We don't know whether Skattebo's punishment lasts another week, but a running back who can completely disappear from an offense is damn near impossible to trust. 

While we're here, Juwan Johnson deserves an honorable mention. New Orleans scored 34 points, Tyler Shough threw three touchdowns and rushed for another, and Johnson finished without a reception on two targets. Fantastic.

Panic Meter: Giants RBs 9/10; Juwan Johnson 3/10.  Skatt is going to get a one-week pass! One more week of this and it's “Dishonor! Dishonor on you! Dishonor on your cow!”
Johnson gets another week before we start rearranging the furniture.

Chargers @ Chiefs

The Entire Los Angeles Chargers Offense

Justin Herbert: 204 passing yards, 0 TD, 1 INT
Omarion Hampton: 7 carries, 18 yards; 4 receptions, 21 yards

I'm blaming the turtle shell glasses at this point! 

Los Angeles is now 0-6 after managing six points against Kansas City. Six points. In an NFL game. I don't know what Justin Herbert did to offend the fantasy football gods, but I'd appreciate it if he apologized.

Herbert has thrown five touchdowns and eight interceptions through six games, and the Chargers haven't scored more than 23 points in a single contest. Something isn't working! At what point do we stop blaming injuries, offensive line problems, questionable playcalling, and Madison Beer’s astrological symbol? (She's a Pisces FYI.)

And then there's Omarion Hampton. The Chargers spent the 22nd-overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on him, only to give him the same number of carries as Kimani Vidal. For those curious souls, that number was seven. I am genuinely fascinated by the thought process. The four receptions helped Hampton salvage something in PPR formats, but it's difficult to establish a rhythm when your coaching staff treats the running back position like a game of musical chairs.

To make matters worse, Ladd McConkey entered concussion protocol following Sunday's game, adding another concern to an already depleted receiving corps.

Last week, Zack gave Herbert one more opportunity to avoid the Panic Room. Well, buddy, I've got some bad news. If you'll kindly follow me this way, I'll show you to your room. No, Ms. Beer cannot come with you.

Panic Meter: 10/10. Herbert joins Hampton in the Panic Room. I'm genuinely running out of excuses for this entire offense.

Jets @ Patriots

Patriots Running Backs, AJ Brown

Rhamondre Stevenson: 14 carries, 36 yards
TreVeyon Henderson: 7 carries, 31 yards; 1 reception, 9 yards; 1 lost fumble
AJ Brown: 10 targets, 3 receptions, 27 yards

Jets Passing Offense

Kenyon Sadiq: 1 reception, 12 yards

Remember when we were waiting for the TreVeyon Henderson takeover? Good times. Easy Credit rip-offs? Good times.

Unfortunately, six weeks into the season has not been DYNO-MYTE! Henderson hasn't seized control of New England's backfield, and Corey Kiner has apparently decided he'd like to join the party. Kiner led the Patriots with 57 rushing yards, Stevenson averaged just 2.6 yards per carry, and Henderson contributed ANOTHER lost fumble. Fantastic. (We’re leaving Kiner out cause he had essentially zero expectations…yet)

The frustrating part is that New England's offense is actually improving. Drake Maye threw three touchdowns against the Jets, and A.J. Brown immediately reclaimed a significant role in the passing game, commanding ten targets in his return from injury. Sure, Brown only caught three for 27 yards (it was not bonita), but according to PlayerProfiler, he ran a route on 97.1% of passing plays. That's an encouraging opportunity, even if his hands apparently took another week off.

On the Jets' side, Kenyon Sadiq continues to disappoint. After exploding for seven receptions, 105 yards, and a touchdown in Week 3, he's recorded just three receptions for 15 yards across his last three games. I love the athletic profile, but Geno Smith and this passing offense aren't giving us enough reasons to keep starting him. With the Jets’ WR corps and backfield slowly returning to full strength, I just don't see enough volume to start supporting every available option.

Panic Meter: Patriots RBs 9/10; Sadiq 7/10; A.J. Brown 3/10. Henderson's potential doesn't win fantasy matchups, and Sadiq belongs on benches until the opportunities return. Brown, on the other hand, looks like a potential buy-low candidate.

Titans @ Colts

Cam Ward and Josh Downs

Cam Ward: 11/22, 102 passing yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Josh Downs: 4 receptions, 40 yards; 1 carry, 7 yards

THE TENNESSEE TITANS WON A FOOTBALL GAME!

True story, I thought I had picked the Colts over the Titans in a survivor pool; I even got as far as getting excited at halftime cause Cam Ward was down by two scores. Fortunately for me, I switched my pick to the Chiefs. Tennessee somehow beat Indianapolis 26-20 despite producing just 186 total yards, and Ward threw for only 102. Carnell Tate accounted for 70 of those yards and his first, and the Titans' only, offensive touchdown.

We've talked about Ward's struggles before. We know his offensive line isn't particularly impressive, and the surrounding talent isn't exactly the Greatest Show on Turf. But this is Year 2, and we've now watched him throw for fewer than 185 yards in five of six games.

Meanwhile, Josh Downs continues to make me question my sanity. According to PlayerProfiler, he's playing 81% of offensive snaps and running routes on 92.5% of passing plays, but commands just a 17.4% target share. Indianapolis gained 399 yards against Tennessee, and Downs finished with four receptions. I feel like this had more to do with the defense targeting Downs and Keenan Allen, with the surprising addition of Tyler Warren to the injury report Friday night.

We finally got the expanded role we've been asking for, and somehow the targets STILL aren't there. At least Tate continues to demonstrate why we shouldn't give up on talented young receivers simply because their quarterbacks struggle.

Panic Meter: Ward 8/10; Downs 6/10. Dynasty managers can afford patience with Ward, but redraft managers cannot. As for Downs, I still believe in his talent. Unfortunately, talent doesn't score fantasy points without opportunity.

Ravens @ Browns

Both Passing Offenses

Harold Fannin Jr.: 1 reception, 9 yards
Denzel Boston: 1 reception, 15 yards
Mark Andrews: 1 reception, 4 yards

Cleveland beat Baltimore 13-10 with zero seconds left on the clock, and I'm not sure whether to congratulate the Browns or apologize to anyone who watched. After a lifetime of fandom and swearing at this organization, I can't even get excited about how this team is winning right now!

Harold Fannin Jr. has now recorded two receptions for 13 yards over his last two games. Denzel Boston also disappointed, but he'd been producing some encouraging numbers before this week. I'm not particularly interested in declaring a rookie a bust because he caught one pass against Baltimore. 

Both players have demonstrated talent. Unfortunately, Deshaun Watson and Cleveland's passing offense haven't provided the consistency necessary to support reliable fantasy production. 

On the flip side, Andrews has now totaled just 83 receiving yards over his last four games. Baltimore's quarterback situation deserves consideration with Lamar Jackson sidelined, but the fantasy production is becoming increasingly difficult to defend. Ja'Kobi Lane returned this week and immediately earned five targets, catching four for 40 yards. Great for Baltimore, but this adds another mouth to feed to an offense that isn't producing enough to begin with.

Panic Meter: Andrews 8/10; Fannin 6/10; Boston 3/10. I'm more concerned about the offensive environments than the players themselves, although Andrews is running out of excuses. The Browns just can't be trusted.

Panthers @ Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles Offense

This is an unfortunate late addition after the news that Jalen Hurts will miss the remainder of the season because of blood clots. For an Eagles team that has already dealt with so much attrition offensively, losing its star quarterback is another massive blow. Still, from a fantasy perspective, there may be a little room for optimism. Philadelphia now has no choice but to simplify things, lean on its best playmakers, and find out exactly what this offense looks like without Hurts at the center of it.

Panic Meter: 7/10. Remain skeptical, but I don't think this offense is dead! This is still a Super Bowl caliber team with a ridiculous amount of talent. 

Cardinals @ Rams

Michael Wilson

Michael Wilson: 4 receptions, 32 yards

Riddle me this, fellow fantasy managers. Arizona traded Marvin Harrison Jr. to Houston, seemingly clearing the runway for Michael Wilson to become the focal point of the passing attack in a Parker Washington-esque role. Except that's not exactly what's happening.

Wilson has now recorded four receptions in consecutive games, totaling just 62 receiving yards. According to PlayerProfiler, his target share over the last two weeks has fallen to 15.7%, a staggering departure from the larger role he'd previously established.

Somehow, removing Marvin Harrison from the equation has resulted in FEWER opportunities for Wilson. Make that make sense.

Kendrick Bourne has become a more prominent part of Arizona's passing attack, and until Wilson reestablishes his previous role, we're going to need to adjust expectations.

Panic Meter: 6/10. I'm not giving up on Wilson, but two consecutive weeks of declining opportunity following a major roster change deserve our attention! 

The Panic Room

Last week, Zack officially established our first three residents: Brian Thomas Jr., Omarion Hampton, and Marvin Harrison Jr. Unfortunately, two of those three really enjoyed our hospitality because they did nothing to warrant being released. The population of The Panic Room is also growing as we welcome in a new member: Justin Herbert!

Brian Thomas Jr. — STILL INCARCERATED. Another week, another goose egg. Nine receptions for 105 yards through six games, and now he's not even participating in the offense. I'm considering taking away his television privileges.

Omarion Hampton — STILL INCARCERATED. Seven carries for 18 yards, and the Chargers are now 0-6. His application for early release has been denied.

Marvin Harrison Jr. — ELIGIBLE FOR PAROLE. Three receptions for 34 yards doesn't sound impressive, but four targets on nine routes in his Houston debut is encouraging. We're not removing the ankle monitor just yet, but at least there's some hope.

Justin Herbert — NEW ARRIVAL. Six points against Kansas City, zero passing touchdowns, and an 0-6 record. Zack warned you last week. You didn't listen. Enjoy your stay.

Final Thoughts

Six weeks into the season, and the Panic Room is starting to look a little overcrowded. At this rate, we might have to start charging rent.

Before we wrap things up, we want to hear from you! What are you enjoying about the series? What would you like to see more of? Deeper statistical breakdowns, more dynasty angles, or maybe a player we've completely overlooked? And if you think one of our Panic Meters is ridiculous, don't be shy. We can take it!

At the end of the day, we're just a community of football fans sharing ideas, debating players, and helping each other chase fantasy championships. We certainly don't have all the answers, and that's why your feedback matters.

As always, thank you for reading and being part of what we're building here at AngleRanks.

Until next week, remember: Sometimes the problem isn't the player; it's the guy holding the clipboard.