Week 6 of the 2022 NFL fantasy football season doesn’t kick off with an exciting game, unfortunately. Expectations are low for the Washington Commanders and Chicago Bears despite being a primetime game.
But regardless of how good or bad the matchup is on paper, we have you covered for all fantasy angles of every matchup each week. Let’s dive into whether you should start Commanders running back J.D. McKissic against the Bears.
Should You Start J.D. McKissic vs. the Bears?
Not every fantasy starter has to be someone capable of being an RB1 or superstar who wins you a matchup. There aren’t many better examples of a consistent PPR option than McKissic. The veteran has produced more as a receiver in five of his seven seasons and has been an asset for fantasy managers who are in a pinch.
Washington has a more crowded backfield than usual in 2022, but none of the backs have been especially effective behind a line that ranks fourth-worst in run-blocking effectiveness. Antonio Gibson is averaging 3.2 yards per carry, McKissic is at 3.8 on only 17 carries, and Brian Robinson managed 2.4 in his first career game. The only value these backs bring to the table is receptions.
However, considering McKissic is the third-leading receiver in targets, receptions, and yards in an offense that is third in attempts, 10th in yards, and fifth in touchdowns across the league, he is a valuable commodity. Quarterback Carson Wentz has continued to feed McKissic, making him a solid fantasy option.
MORE: Early Start/Sit Advice for Week 6
Entering Week 6, McKissic is ranked at RB33 and No. 119 overall in our expert PPR fantasy football rankings. He’s barely behind Gibson for this matchup and comfortably ahead of Robinson. Even if Robinson eventually takes Gibson’s starting job, McKissic should be comfortable in his specific role.
McKissic has three games of seven or more targets, and he finished the other two with three receptions for a combined 36 yards and 11 carries for 48 yards. He never scores zero fantasy points. Some fantasy managers simply need something out of a running back spot or flex opening, making McKissic viable for this week.
Our friends at Underdog Fantasy have modest projections for McKissic. He has a receiving line of 19.5 but no rushing props. Considering McKissic has hit the higher in all but one week this season, taking the higher is an informed decision.
Considering the Bears have allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to running backs, Washington should find some success on the ground or throwing to backs. Interestingly, the Bears have been more effective in slowing receiving backs, giving up only 3.8 receptions and 31.6 yards to the position. That could change facing an offense that actually prioritizes the action, though.
Chicago is also below-average against the run, ranking 22nd in EPA. We can never project a breakout game for a player who has a very limited upside, but we can strongly predict McKissic won’t let you down with a goose egg.
A sudden role change would be uncharacteristic of the Commanders staff and Wentz’s own preference of throwing to backs. If you need a back this week after injuries have struck your roster, you can start McKissic with confidence.