The Fantasy Football USAGE Report | Week 6, 2026

by Wyatt Bertolone · Featured

Welcome to the Weekly Fantasy Football Usage Report, Week 6 edition. Volume is paramount in fantasy football, and a player’s usage determines the type of volume they receive. Each week, I’ll look at different usage trends across the NFL to help us prepare for the rest of the season and beyond.

Let’s dive into Week 6.

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Fantasy Football Usage Report | Week 6

AJ Barner Comedown

In 2025, AJ Barner was a streamable tight end more often than not, scoring six touchdowns and finishing with over 500 receiving yards. It’s not stellar, but it’s usable. As a good blocker, Barner is an every-down tight end, which affords him opportunities simply by always being out there.

In 2026, however, Barner’s ability to stay on the field isn’t translating into as many opportunities. Last season, he ran 68.1% of the routes. Interestingly, he’s running routes at a higher rate this year at 79.6%. However, he’s not part of the plans in the passing game. You’re likely not rostering him anyway, but it’s worth noting that you can’t count on him at all, even in a good matchup.

Marvin Harrison Jr.’s First Game as a Texan

We’ve followed the Marvin Harrison Jr. saga all season, and this week we got his first game as a Texan, playing alongside his college quarterback. Early impressions are a mixed bag.


The Texans planned to ease Harrison into the offense, as he played only 12 snaps — a 19% rate. However, when he was on the field, he was heavily involved. On his 12 snaps, he ran nine routes and was targeted on four of them. It’s disappointing that Houston felt like he wasn’t ready for a larger snap share, even with only a week to get ready. Still, the encouraging part was how involved he was when he actually stepped on the field.

Cam Skattebo Benched

We got word Sunday morning that the Giants planned to reduce Cam Skattebo‘s role after his recent fumbling issues, but I don’t think anyone saw how drastic the reduction would be. 

In Week 6, Skattebo didn’t register a single touch. Not one. We’ve seen running backs get in the doghouse for fumbling before, but I can’t remember the last time a team did this to a running back who seemed to be such a big part of their plans. This may be a one-week blip due to the Week 5 fumble. Either way, this backfield can’t be trusted until we see how touches are allocated in Week 7.

Ja’Kobi Lane is Back

Going into the season, Ja’Kobi Lane looked like he was poised for a big role in the Ravens’ offense after a strong training camp and preseason. Unfortunately, he broke his wrist in Week 1, and we haven’t seen him since. His first game back showed promise.


Against the Browns, Lane played 54.4% of the snaps, ran 57.9% of the routes, and had a 16.1% target share. That target share equated to five targets, of which he caught four for 40 yards. This was his first full game in the NFL as a third-round draft pick. That’s encouraging usage, relative to expectations when he was drafted. The Ravens have room for, and could use, a second option to rely on in the passing game. Lane may be that player.

A.J. Brown Returns

A.J. Brown returned in Week 6 from his high ankle sprain that held him out since Week 1. He didn’t produce much, but he jumped right in and came back to a great role.

Brown played 76.5% of the snaps, ran 97.1% of the routes, and had a 28.1% target share, which led the team in Week 6. We’ve seen this more and more with wide receivers returning from injury, and it’s a smart move from the teams. Brown ran nearly every route, but played little on running downs as a way to not overwork him. He only caught three of his 10 targets, but the usage is fantastic. Lock him in your lineups moving forward.

Germie Bernard’s Big Day

Before Week 6, whenever he was given the opportunity, Germie Bernard produced. The Steelers seemed to be taking it slow with him, however. But with injuries to Michael Pittman and Roman Wilson, it was Bernard’s time to step up.


Bernard was a vital part of the Steelers’ offense this week, had a fantastic day, and showed big potential. Bernard had a 24.5% target share while running 96.4% of the routes on 93.7% of the snaps. The game went to overtime, so everyone’s numbers were inflated, but Bernard’s production was impressive either way. On the day, he had 12 targets, catching 11 of them for 87 yards and a touchdown. Because of the passing volume in Pittsburgh, Bernard is a top-36 wide receiver for me now, and he’s pushing top-24 territory.

Josh Downs Fakeout

Since Josh Downs entered the league, many of us have been banging the table for him to get a larger role for the Colts. He’s a small wide receiver, but he has shown some ability to win outside. Indianapolis, however, wouldn’t let him play outside, limiting his role. In a cruel twist of fate, Downs has the role we’ve wanted for him, and it doesn’t matter.

This season, Downs is playing 81% of the snaps, running 92.5% of the routes, but has only a 17.4% target share even with Alec Pierce missing time. Even worse, he’s averaging a pathetic 8.9 PPR fantasy points per game, with only two games above 10 points. Downs is a bye-week fill-in at best right now.

Tanner McKee Gets His Shot

In surprising news, on Saturday we got word that Jalen Hurts is dealing with a blood clot that is going to keep him out, and he was placed on IR. That means Tanner McKee, who we’ve only seen in preseason or Week 18, will be the Eagles’ starter for the foreseeable future. He’s played well in those low-pressure appearances before, but this week was a reality check.

Tanner McKee’s Advanced Metrics

Against a Panthers defense that hasn’t played that well this season, McKee struggled. He completed 57.8% of his passes and barely threw for over 200 yards despite 45 attempts. The fact that he attempted that many passes is notable, though. We’re not used to that kind of passing volume in Philadelphia. If McKee can improve his play, we could see a lot of fantasy points all around.

J.J. McCarthy Revival

With Jameis Winston playing poorly and the Giants well behind the Saints, JJ McCarthy got his first extended action since being traded. He had a rough start, almost immediately throwing an interception, but he ended up having a ridiculously productive quarter of football to make it a close game.


McCarthy played the final 31 snaps of the game for the Giants — all in the fourth quarter — and still managed to throw for 243 yards, tying a franchise record held by Eli Manning. But he also completed only 52.4% of his passes, which needs to be better. McCarthy played aggressively, which is great to see. He has nothing to lose. It gives you some confidence that if he starts games, we’ll get production. We don’t know if the Giants will go back to Winston or not, so we’ll have to monitor this situation. 

Michael Wilson is Worse without MHJ

Over the last year, Michael Wilson has been what everyone expected Marvin Harrison Jr. to be. When Harrison was traded, you’d think that could only benefit Wilson. Through two games, though, the opposite has happened. Harrison being gone means Kendrick Bourne is playing more, and funnily enough, Bourne has commanded targets at a higher rate than Harrison.

Before Week 6, Wilson had a 30.1% target share. Over the last two weeks, he’s had a 15.7% target share. I wouldn’t expect his target share to remain that low moving forward, but it is a bit concerning to see it come down like this. You’re still starting Wilson, but you may have to adjust your expectations.


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