Top 5 takeaways from week 6

Featuring Kimani Vidal, Oronde Gadsden, and more

October 13, 2025

Yooo!

I have one matchup that hangs in the balance tonight, and it’s coming down to D’Andre Swift vs Chris Rodriguez and Michael Penix 🤮

I’m currently up 16 points with Swift and projected to win by 7. I should feel comfortable, but I don’t… fun times.

Enough small talk. Let’s get to our top takeaways from week 6.

Giddy up.

RB - Rico Dowdle (CAR)

  • Dowdle has put together two exceptional performances, accumulating 200-plus scrimmage yards against both the Dolphins and Cowboys. In his most recent game, he rushed for 183 yards on 30 carries and added 4 catches for 56 yards against Dallas, resulting in 33.9 PPR points. The previous week, he rushed for 206 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries with 3 catches for 28 yards against Miami.

  • Dowdle's efficiency has been remarkable, with 52% of his carries going for at least five yards in the last two games, despite several injuries on the Panthers' offensive line. His performance has been so strong that he's now third in the NFL in rushing after just two starts.

  • The article suggests Dowdle should maintain RB2 status going forward, even when Chuba Hubbard returns from his calf injury. This is supported by Dowdle's track record - in his last nine starts, he's rushed for at least 72 yards in seven games and recorded six 100-yard performances. His production far exceeds Hubbard's 4.1 yards per carry average.

  • Our take: Rico done did it again. We talked about Rico last week and how his performance could cause a hit on Chuba’s value. Now, it feels almost certain. It feels like we’re heading to a 50/50 split, which would hurt both of them for the rest of the season.

  • Bonus insight: In a separate summary pulled from our premium feed, one podcast even suggested a potential Chuba trade given Dowdle’s recent performance: “Hubbard’s contract runs longer than Rico Dowdle’s one year deal, but the hosts note Carolina can get out after this season and even speculate Hubbard could be moved at the deadline with Trevor Etienne drafted on day three.“

WR - Brian Thomas Jr. (JAX)

  • Brian Thomas Jr. nearly had a massive 30.9 half-PPR fantasy point performance, but a second touchdown was called back due to a penalty. Despite this, he still managed to record his first double-digit fantasy game of the season, showing signs of improvement.

  • Thomas has shown significant improvement in his catch efficiency, with his catch rate jumping from 28% (7 receptions on 25 targets) in the early weeks to 74% (17 receptions on 23 targets) since Week 4. This improvement suggests better chemistry with his quarterback and mental game development.

  • The article suggests Thomas is poised for continued success, noting that his target share and route running have remained consistent throughout. Given his historically strong rookie season, the expectation is that touchdowns and fantasy points will continue to increase after his poor start to the season.

  • Our take: His 74% catch rate since Week 4 is even better than his 65% catch rate from last season. The arrow is pointing back up for BTJ. Let’s see him string two good starts back-to-back now.

WR - George Pickens (DAL)

  • George Pickens has transformed his role since joining the Dallas Cowboys, particularly after CeeDee Lamb's injury. He has showcased his versatility by not only being a deep threat but also by running a diverse route tree, which has led to impressive performances, including a 165-yard game against the Panthers.

  • With six touchdowns in his last five games, Pickens has established himself as a top target for Dak Prescott, currently ranking as the WR3 for the season.

  • Although Lamb's eventual return may impact his target share, Pickens has proven his worth and will likely remain a significant contributor in the Cowboys' passing game, making him a sought-after player in upcoming free agency.

  • Our take: Pickens has been thriving in a more pass-happy offense compared to his time in Pittsburgh. Tee Higgins feels like an obvious comp once Ceedee comes back from injury. I see him as a high-end WR2 with WR1 upside in his boom games.

RB - Kimani Vidal (LAC)

  • Despite pre-game reports suggesting Hassan Haskins would lead the Chargers backfield in Week 6, Kimani Vidal emerged as the clear leader with 18 carries for 124 rushing yards and added three receptions for 14 yards through the air.

  • The Chargers' running back situation remains fluid, with reports indicating the team is actively calling other teams for running back help, either seeking a depth piece or potential starter. This suggests Vidal could maintain a significant role in the interim.

  • With Omarion Hampton expected to miss more than four games on IR, Vidal currently appears to be the primary running back to target on the Chargers, though his role could change if the team makes a trade before the November 4 deadline.

  • Our take: I don’t know how much this week’s performance changes the Chargers desire to acquire another RB. But this feels like a short window to sell Vidal for whatever you can get (unless you value the potential short-term production more). Just know that the opportunity for production could go away quickly with a trade by the Chargers. 

TE - Oronde Gadsden (LAC)

  • Oronde Gadsden logged about a 75% snap share, 82% route share, and over a 21% target share with a top 10 positional finish this week

  • The host cites the Greg Roman tight end theory and pegs Gadsden as a stash who is already producing with 8 targets and 7 catches despite a rookie fumble

  • Our take: This usage is noteworthy because Will Dissly was active for this game, which suggests Gadsden might be taking over the starting role. It’ll be hard for Herbert to sustain 4 fantasy-relevant pass catchers every week (Ladd, Keenan, QJ, Oronde) but 8-target games at the TE position don’t grow on trees. He’s an upside stash for now.

Yesterday’s poll results:

🥇 Best subscriber comment (50/50): “They have too much talent and a coach who has been there before. Too predictable on offense. Need some misdirection plays and Hurts needs more accuracy on sideline throws. Let AJ win his battles for the ball. Run game needs fixed and Saquon has to get healthy. MISDIRECTION!!!”

Our take: Nobody knows what to do with the Eagles right now. My gut says BUY LOW or HOLD on Saquon, AJB, and Hurts. My eyes and ears are telling me to SELL. If you have conviction one way or the other, you could likely exploit that in your league, given the 50/50 sentiment from the majority.

Today’s poll:

If you were a Kimani Vidal owner, what is the lowest you'd sell for?

(Vote to see live results)

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That’s all for today!

See ya pizza,

Joe

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