In the NFL, injuries play a significant role in how teams allocate playing time. However, while some players may benefit from increased opportunities, their actual performance is crucial in securing those advantages for the long term.

This week, fantasy managers should pay attention to a few scenarios in the AFC North division. One is unfolding in Cincinnati, where there may be changes in the backfield. Meanwhile, in Cleveland, a previously injured starter could shake up the shared workload.

Let’s examine players whose values have changed based on their performances in Week 5.

Fantasy Football Players to Buy in Week 6

RB Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals: Brown has carved out a significant role for himself, finding the end zone three times in his last two games. With RB Zack Moss suffering an ankle injury in the overtime loss to Baltimore, Brown could be the sole beneficiary of backfield carries in Week 6.

RB Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville Jaguars: Bigsby’s fantasy stock is on the rise. The former Auburn standout surpassed Travis Etienne in the Jaguars’ pecking order, achieving a career-high of 13 carries for 101 yards and two touchdowns in Week 5. His powerful touchdown run against the Colts showcased his capabilities.

RB Tyrone Tracy Jr., New York Giants: With Devin Singletary sidelined, Tracy impressed in his starting role with 18 carries for 129 yards (averaging 7.2 yards per carry). He has likely secured a place in the Giants’ rotation, even if Singletary returns next week.

WR Darnell Mooney, Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons’ offense seems to be gaining momentum with the additions of Mooney and QB Kirk Cousins. Mooney had a standout Week 5, catching nine passes for 105 yards and two touchdowns on 16 targets against the Buccaneers.

QB Joe Flacco, Indianapolis Colts: With Anthony Richardson missing Week 5, Flacco, at 39, stepped in and showed he still has it, throwing for 359 yards and three touchdowns in his first start of the season. Given Richardson’s inconsistency, the Colts may not rush him back onto the field.

Fantasy Football Players to Sell in Week 6

RB Jerome Ford, Cleveland Browns: Ford and D’Onta Foreman shared the workload in Sunday’s game against Washington without much production. With Nick Chubb returning to practice, Ford’s fantasy value will likely dwindle significantly once Chubb is back in action.

WR George Pickens, Pittsburgh Steelers: Although Pickens had a strong outing with 113 yards in Week 4, he has struggled to consistently produce, managing 29 or fewer yards in two of the last four games. His erratic performance reflects issues with QB Justin Fields and how the coaching staff utilizes him. Pickens could see improvement once Russell Wilson recovers from injury.

WR Dontayvion Wicks, Green Bay Packers: Wicks was expected to step into a bigger role with Jayden Reed during Romeo Doubs’ suspension in Week 5 but failed to make an impact. Instead, Reed and tight end Tucker Kraft excelled while Wicks remained mostly uninvolved.

QB Gardner Minshew, Las Vegas Raiders: Minshew has been hanging onto his starting role, but he currently seems at risk after a crucial interception that reversed the game’s momentum. Despite Minshew’s struggles, backup Aidan O’Connell’s performance did not help his case either.

TE Hunter Henry, New England Patriots: Henry has suffered from inconsistent quarterback play after an impressive 100-yard performance in Week 2. In the past three games, he has only managed six receptions for 53 yards on just 10 targets.