Ladd McConkey’s Week 6 Fantasy Football Outlook: Should You Start Him Against the Broncos?

Ladd McConkey, the rookie wide receiver for the Los Angeles Chargers, is facing a critical matchup in Week 6 of the NFL season as his team takes on the Denver Broncos. McConkey has been a significant contributor to the Chargers’ offense, leading the team in targets, catches, and receiving yards, and scoring two touchdowns so far this season..

In his last outing against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4, McConkey had his best fantasy performance of the season, catching five of his seven targets for 67 yards and a touchdown, earning him 12.7 fantasy points. However, his performance has been inconsistent, with two below-average outings in Weeks 2 and 3.

For Week 6, McConkey is projected to face a tough defensive challenge against the Denver Broncos, who boast the fifth-ranked pass defense in the NFL. The Broncos have allowed only 159.8 receiving yards per game and have not given up more than one receiving touchdown to an opposing player in any game this season. Despite this, McConkey’s efficiency against single-high coverage could be a positive factor, as he has seen similar market share metrics and an increased yards per route run (YPRR) in such situations.

Fantasy projections for McConkey in Week 6 are modest, with an estimated 6.7 fantasy points. He is expected to catch around 4.5 passes for 52.1 yards and has a slight chance of scoring a touchdown. Given his target share and air-yard share, McConkey remains a viable option, but the challenging matchup against the Broncos’ defense makes him a riskier start.

For fantasy football owners, the decision to start McConkey hinges on his recent form and the specific needs of their lineup. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, the tough matchup against the Broncos might make other wide receivers more appealing. However, his role as the clear WR1 for the Chargers and his ability to perform against single-high coverage make him a consideration for those looking for a potential breakout performance.