Justin Fields Benched? Week 6 Overreactions & Fantasy Football – ESPN

An 0-6 record is undoubtedly discouraging. It’s understandable that Jets coach Aaron Glenn’s demeanor wasn’t particularly upbeat during his postgame press briefing Sunday in London.

When asked if Justin Fields would maintain his position as the starting quarterback in the upcoming game against Carolina, Glenn responded with, “Is that even a serious question?” Considering Fields’ visibly struggling performance against the Broncos, it’s a valid inquiry, in my view.

However, is suggesting a change an excessive response? I’m glad you asked. Let’s delve into that, as well as a handful of other potentially exaggerated reactions to Week 6 NFL games, evaluating which concerns are justified and which are not. (And at the conclusion, we’ll also explore a few fantasy football considerations.)

Jump to:
Should the Jets replace Fields?
Is Maye the best QB of 2024?
Do the Cowboys require a defensive trade?
Was the Jags’ 4-1 start misleading?
Would the healthy Bucs be unbeatable?
Five fantasy football overreactions

The Jets ought to consider benching Justin Fields

Fields completed 9 of 17 passes for a mere 45 yards versus the Broncos. Additionally, due to nine sacks resulting in 55 lost yards, the Jets concluded the game with a net total of negative 10 passing yards. This occurred in the year 2025 … more than a century after the legalization of the forward pass. Fields’ running ability was also limited, as he rushed seven times for 31 yards. In total, the team amassed a mere 82 yards of offense and achieved a poor 2-for-15 conversion rate on third downs.

It was particularly unfortunate, as the Jets’ defense put forth a commendable effort in this particular game. New York had the possibility of securing a win if they could have produced any semblance of offensive output. Thanks to a safety in the third quarter, they held an 11-10 advantage until the Broncos converted a go-ahead field goal with 5:06 remaining. Following that, the Jets regained possession twice, yet those two drives resulted in negative 6 yards across nine plays. Fields faced pressure on 14 of his 29 dropbacks, making performance challenging. He seemed completely disoriented when facing pressure, completing only one pass for negative 1 yard and enduring the nine sacks.

Undoubtedly, Denver’s defense ranks among the league’s finest. However, this isn’t the first instance this season where Fields has struggled. Before the garbage time in Week 5, he floundered against a Cowboys defense previously exploited by the likes of Russell Wilson, Caleb Williams, and Bryce Young. Fields recorded a QBR of 0.9 in Week 2 against the Bills before leaving because of a concussion. Fields and the Jets’ offense don’t appear poised for improvement.

Verdict: EXAGGERATED CONCERN

Consider this: What is the rationale behind transitioning to Tyrod Taylor? The Jets have a 0-6 record. Their season isn’t progressing anywhere. They’re likely to begin trading players in the coming weeks leading up to the trade deadline. The Jets signed Fields to a $40 million contract last offseason and had the intention of evaluating him throughout the season to determine if he can be the long-term solution at the position. There’s no compelling reason to deviate from that plan unless the Jets now perceive the situation as completely beyond repair.

Fields has delivered a couple of strong performances this season, including against Pittsburgh in Week 1 (one of the best of his career) and against Miami in Week 4. The Jets face several offensive challenges, with Fields potentially being the most apparent. As unappealing as it seems, and as valid as the question may be, Aaron Glenn, the remainder of the season should be dedicated to evaluation. Fields arguably represents the most critical assessment they need to undertake.

---

Drake Maye will prove to be the premier QB emerging from the 2024 draft class

Following last Sunday night’s significant triumph over Buffalo, Maye and the Patriots exhibited no sign of complacency. They traveled to New Orleans and triumphed over a surprisingly competitive Saints team, securing a 25-19 victory. Maye connected on three touchdown passes in the first half, each traveling at least 20 yards in the air. At the time, this equaled the Giants’ Russell Wilson (Week 2 versus the Cowboys) for the most such touchdown passes by any player in a game this season.

The Patriots boast a 4-2 record. The last occasion they began a season with a 4-2 record without Tom Brady as their quarterback dates back to 1999. They’ve achieved three consecutive wins for the first time since 2022 and are firmly contending in the AFC East division thanks to that Week 5 victory. The Patriots aren’t cautiously managing their second-year quarterback.

Verdict: JUSTIFIED OPTIMISM

Jayden Daniels of Washington holds a clear lead and could remain the definitive answer to this question. Caleb Williams of Chicago possesses the talent to surpass both. However, considering the possibility that Maye could become the finest of the group is not at all outlandish.

This isn’t a conservative, short-passing offense in New England. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels seems to be making substantial alterations to the game plan weekly, based on the opponent, much like he did with Brady. That wouldn’t happen if there wasn’t significant faith in the quarterback’s capabilities. Maye is demonstrating a higher level of performance than many recognize, employing both his arm and his mobility to defeat teams with various receivers and a running back unit prone to fumbling. He is already a star.

---

The Cowboys should pursue a trade for defensive reinforcements this week

The week following their victory over the Jets in New Jersey, the Cowboys couldn’t restrain Bryce Young and the Panthers in Carolina. They suffered a 30-27 loss when the Panthers converted a tiebreaking field goal as time expired. Dallas conceded 410 yards of offense, including 216 rushing yards and 239 yards to former Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle. Dowdle, filling in for injured Panthers starter Chuba Hubbard in recent weeks, likely relished exploiting the team that allowed him to depart in free agency.

This marks the fourth game this season in which a Cowboys opponent scored at least 30 points, and Dallas yielded 24 and 22 points in the other two contests. The 184 points conceded by the Cowboys are the third-highest total through the first six games in franchise history.

Verdict: JUSTIFIED CONCERN

There was a time when the Cowboys faced offensive challenges and traded a first-round pick for receiver Amari Cooper before the trade deadline. This decision proved successful. The equivalent move on defense this season remains uncertain, but if such an option exists, the Cowboys must pursue it, and promptly.

The offense is of high quality, even without top wideout CeeDee Lamb and with the O-line suffering from injuries. Dak Prescott has tallied 11 total touchdowns in his last three games, while the Cowboys have a 1-2 record in those matchups. This marks the first instance since at least 1950 of a quarterback achieving that many touchdowns and a losing record over a three-game span. This indicates a significant issue on the opposite side of the field.

Dallas possesses an additional first-round pick as a result of the Micah Parsons trade and should assess the potential replacements for Parsons available for that pick.

---

The Jaguars’ 4-1 start proved to be misleading

Jacksonville failed to sustain momentum from its thrilling Monday night victory over the Chiefs, succumbing to a 20-12 defeat at home against the Seahawks on Sunday. Trevor Lawrence and an offense evidently still developing under coach Liam Coen appeared sluggish against a Seattle defense lacking three starters in its secondary.

The Jaguars’ defense performed adequately, limiting the Seahawks to a 1-for-12 conversion rate on third downs, making Seattle the first team this season to win despite converting fewer than two third downs. However, for the first time this season, the Jags failed to generate a takeaway. Without that element of the game, they struggled to contain Seattle from scoring in crucial moments. Jacksonville now stands at 4-2, feeling more disappointed heading into next week’s game in London against the Rams.

Verdict: EXAGGERATED CONCERN

That’s not the complete picture. There will be more successful days for the Jacksonville offense, which was hindered by penalties. Lawrence managed to create some magic on third and fourth downs to sustain drives. The offense, playing on Sunday without starting center Robert Hainsey and starting tight end Brenton Strange, will continue to improve. The defense has shown it can be relied upon to maintain performance in the meantime.

The Jaguars are a competent team that lost to another competent team on Sunday. Such occurrences are normal. This doesn’t imply their season is destined for failure.

---

If the Buccaneers achieve full health, they’ll emerge as the league’s top team

It’s becoming quite remarkable. Already lacking injured star wide receivers Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin Jr. (fibula), as well as starting running back Bucky Irving (foot/shoulder), the Bucs also lost rookie star Emeka Egbuka to a hamstring injury during Sunday’s game against the 49ers.

Baker Mayfield remains unfazed.

He continues to throw long touchdown passes to lesser-known players. These Bucs have been competing without starting right guard Cody Mauch (out for the year), starting right tackle Luke Goedeke (currently on injured reserve), and starting defensive tackle Calijah Kancey (out for the year). Wide receiver Jalen McMillan, who displayed promise as a rookie late last season, hasn’t played this season. Godwin has participated in only one game. The Bucs initially played without left tackle Tristan Wirfs and repositioned their center to replace him.

This list doesn’t cover all of their injuries. Despite all of these challenges, they triumphed over the 49ers 30-19, improving to 5-1 for the season.

Verdict: JUSTIFIED OPTIMISM

The 49ers won’t feel sympathy for the Bucs, considering their own injury concerns. One must admire Tampa Bay’s ability to consistently secure victories. Mayfield is a leading contender for the league’s MVP award through Week 6. While not all of the injured players will return, many are expected to, and if the Bucs can achieve a semblance of full strength, they’ll be formidable opponents.

This four-time defending division champion seeks to progress further in the playoffs than they have in that span. Securing victories early on despite the difficulties encountered positions the Buccaneers favorably for a high playoff seed, potentially paving the path towards that objective.

Brief fantasy football hot takes

• Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a top-five fantasy receiver. JUSTIFIED OPTIMISM. Seattle-Jacksonville was a game where the offenses struggled to generate momentum. The Seahawks adopted a conservative game plan due to the Jaguars’ ability to force turnovers. However, Smith-Njigba had eight catches for 162 yards, including a noteworthy 61-yard touchdown catch. This is his fourth 100-yard game this season, and outside of Puka Nacua, there are few receivers who contribute more consistently at a high level.

• Cam Skattebo is an RB1. JUSTIFIED OPTIMISM. He won’t score three touchdowns every week, but his workload is undeniable, particularly on a short week. Tyrone Tracy Jr.’s return to full health didn’t diminish Skattebo’s production. Keep starting him as long as he remains healthy. The Giants’ prospects currently appear bright.

• Kendrick Bourne is a starting WR in fantasy. EXAGGERATED CONCERN. He has recorded exactly 142 receiving yards in each of his last two games, achieving this with half as many catches this week. Once receiver Ricky Pearsall and QB Brock Purdy are healthy, Bourne will likely move down the depth chart. He has enjoyed catching passes from his former New England teammate Mac Jones these past couple of weeks, but he is likely there for depth and will fade back once the Niners are at full strength.

• You missed your chance to get Ladd McConkey at value. JUSTIFIED OPTIMISM. He had seven catches for 100 yards on Sunday, marking his second consecutive game with a touchdown catch. Quentin Johnston’s absence due to a hamstring injury played a role, but McConkey’s performance could continue even after Johnston returns. Justin Herbert was hit seven more times on Sunday, as the Chargers’ tackle injuries are creating problems in pass protection. With less time to throw, McConkey will be an even more reliable outlet for Herbert moving forward.

• George Pickens is the best Cowboys receiver for fantasy. EXAGGERATED CONCERN. Pickens is performing well and has caught a touchdown in every game. Within that Dallas offense, he’ll likely be a fantasy starter even after CeeDee Lamb returns from injury. However, we know Lamb’s fantasy potential, and Pickens’ target share will decrease once Lamb is back. Furthermore, Pickens’ current pace of 17 touchdowns isn’t sustainable. His value might present an opportunity to trade him at a high price, ensuring the return is genuinely substantial.