Gardner Minshew vs. Los Angeles
Minshew Mania has had it’s ups and down so far in 2020, but this week should be a good fantasy week for Minshew. The Chargers defense is giving up 26.25 fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. It is logical to believe that Justin Herbert will be able to sling the ball around against the Jaguars defense, so its reasonable to think the Minshew will have to throw a lot to stay in the game. In his last five games, Minshew has thrown a minimum of 40 pass attempts, so the volume has been consistent. He has thrown at least two touchdowns in 4/6 games in 2020, and even rushed for a touchdown last week. It’s an above-average matchup, game script should work in his favor for fantasy, and Minshew has proven to be reliable for fantasy managers.
Justin Jackson vs. Jacksonville
Jackson is a very good running back, that has always been the third option for the Chargers. Now he is getting a great chance to move into the main role this week. Jacksonville has struggled against running backs so far in 2020, giving up 31.68 fantasy points a game. But the matchup isn’t the main reason why I really like Jackson this week. Jackson’s ability in the passing game is what gives him such a high ceiling. Last week, in his first game playing without Austin Ekeler, he was targeted six times. He was on the field for 59% of the Chargers plays, while Joshua Kelley was only given 35% of the snaps. The Chargers are showing that they want to give Jackson more of the work, which gives him a solid floor for week seven, with the ceiling of being a top-12 running back in a great matchup this week.
JuJu Smith-Schuster vs. Tennessee
JuJu being a sleeper pick is very weird. He has the talent to be a top wide receiver in the NFL, but for the past few weeks he just hasn’t been getting the targets. He has finished as the WR63 and WR85 the past two weeks. Heading into week seven though, he has a great matchup against the Tennessee Titans. The Titans are giving up 40.76 fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. Game script should have this game as a shootout, which should give JuJu enough targets to have a good fantasy day. With Dionte Johnson coming back this week, that leaves JuJu in more 1-on-1 coverages in the slot. I’m trusting that he can win enough of those battles to have a good volume game, and is always a red zone threat for the Steelers.
Logan Thomas vs. Dallas
Like most tight ends, Thomas has only been good for fantasy when he finds the end zone. That’s only been twice this season. When we look at his stats however, he should be having a better 2020 campaign than he is. Thomas has been targeted 36 times in six games, but only has 17 receptions to show for it. To be fair to Thomas, he’s had three different quarterbacks throw him the ball. But with a great matchup against a Dallas defense that struggles against the pass, Thomas could see a few more targets than usual. He is a prime candidate to score in the red zone, so I’ll be starting Thomas if I need the help this week.