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Fantasy football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em and lineup advice for all 2025 Week 6 matchups. Joey analyzes in-depth Week 6 matchups via game-by-game breakdowns.
Welcome back, RotoBallers, to our Week 6 matchups analysis and fantasy football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em picks! If you are new here, this is our main weekly matchups column where we cover all games. Every week of the fantasy season, we will offer in-depth analysis of every player in every game.
Last week was a wild one, as players like Rico Dowdle and Rachaad White finished as top-7 fantasy RBs. Coincidentally, both players were featured on the love list heading into Week 5. This article is a way to help guide you in making winning start/sit decisions based on juicy matchups to target (or tough matchups to consider avoiding).
So, let's dive in and look at the best starts and sits of the week. Good luck with your fantasy teams for Week 6!
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:- 2025 fantasy football rankings
- Running back (RB) fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver (WR) fantasy football rankings
- Tight end (TE) fantasy football rankings
- Quarterback (QB) fantasy football rankings
- FLEX fantasy football rankings
- Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
- Kicker (K) fantasy football rankings
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
Matchups Analysis - Sunday 9:30 AM EST (London)
Denver Broncos at New York Jets
Matchups We Love:
QB Bo Nix
Bo Nix has been a solid QB1 option for managers this season. He has scored above 17.5 fantasy points in three of the past four games and will now have a favorable matchup against the Jets. New York has given up the sixth-most fantasy points per game to opposing QBs, while also allowing the 10th-most rush yards to the position. That's enough to make Nix a low-end QB1 this week.
TE Evan Engram
Evan Engram being on the love list doesn't necessarily make him a surefire TE1 this week. However, he could be a sneaky start in deeper leagues. The Jets have allowed a league-leading five touchdowns to TEs through the first five weeks, including two touchdowns to Jake Ferguson a week ago. Although Engram is playing around 40% of the team's offensive snaps, he could be a sneaky start in 14-plus team leagues.
Matchups We Hate:
Justin Fields has been a fantastic value pick through the first five weeks. He has scored above 25 fantasy points in three of his four starts, and currently ranks as the QB1 in rush yards per game. However, this is a brutal matchup for him. The Broncos have allowed only 15 rush yards to opposing QBs, which included holding Jalen Hurts to three rush yards last week. So, Fields is a risky QB1.
Garrett Wilson has finished as a top-12 fantasy WR in four of five games in 2025. However, it's hard to see him finishing that high in Week 6 against the Broncos. Patrick Surtain II will likely shadow Wilson in this game, and Surtain has held both A.J. Brown (43 yards) and Ja'Marr Chase (23 yards) to under 45 yards in back-to-back weeks. That makes the Jets' playmaker more of a WR2.
Courtland Sutton has resumed his WR1 duties in this Broncos offense this season. He has totaled over 80 receiving yards in three straight games and has finished as a top-16 WR in four of five contests. But Sutton has a difficult matchup against Sauce Gardner this week. Gardner only held George Pickens to two catches last week, making the Denver WR a riskier WR2 this week.
Other Matchups:
Broncos RBs
J.K. Dobbins continues to operate as the lead back in this Broncos offense. He totaled a season-high 20 carries in last week's win and scored in double figures for the fifth straight game. Therefore, Dobbins will be a strong RB2 play against a Jets defense that has allowed over 95 rush yards to an RB in three of the past four contests.
As for RJ Harvey, he should only be started in 14-plus team leagues. Despite the plus matchup against New York's front seven, Harvey played just 20% of the team's offensive snaps last week. After totaling less than five carries for the second time in three weeks, he will be hard to trust in most formats.
RB Breece Hall
Breece Hall has been a solid RB2 play each week. He has scored above 16 points in back-to-back games and has reeled in at least four passes in three consecutive games. As a result, Hall will come in as a solid RB play this weekend. Even though the Broncos have allowed the third-fewest receptions to opposing RBs this season, they have allowed at least 30 receiving yards to four different RBs.
With Gardner likely shadowing Sutton in this game, that leaves Franklin in a much better spot heading into Week 6. As the second option in Dallas' offense last week, Ryan Flournoy totaled six catches for 114 yards en route to a WR13 fantasy finish. While we shouldn't expect that performance from Franklin, he can be a viable flex play in 12-team leagues.
TE Mason Taylor
Mason Taylor is certainly trending up in fantasy. He has caught 14 passes for 132 yards over the past two weeks, while having a whopping 26.6% target share during this two-game stretch. Therefore, Taylor could be a solid TE1 start in Week 6. However, expectations should be tempered for him against a Broncos defense that ranks seventh in receptions allowed and eighth in fantasy points allowed to TEs.
Injuries:
- Allen Lazard (personal) - Out
Matchups Analysis - Sunday 1:00 EST Games
Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers
Matchups We Love:
WR Jerry Jeudy
The start of the season has not been kind to Jerry Jeudy. He has totaled six catches combined over the past three games and has been unstartable in fantasy. If there were one week to start him, though, this would be the one. Pittsburgh's secondary hasn't been great, as the defense ranks 31st in receptions allowed and 30th in receiving yards allowed. Therefore, Jeudy could be a potential flex play in 14-plus team leagues.
Browns TEs
In Dillon Gabriel's first start last week, both David Njoku and Harold Fannin Jr. were solid fantasy options. Njoku totaled six catches for 67 yards and one touchdown, while Fannin caught four passes for 13 yards and one touchdown. Given that Gabriel seemed to favor his TEs, both will be TE1s this week. Just a few weeks ago, Hunter Henry exploded for 29 PPR fantasy points against this Steelers secondary.
Matchups We Hate:
Fantasy managers can't trust Aaron Rodgers as a QB2 option in Superflex formats this week. He has scored under 13 fantasy points in three straight games, and now will go up against a Browns defense that has held QBs in check through five games. Cleveland has held Joe Burrow, Jordan Love, and Jared Goff to under 14 fantasy points this season.
Jaylen Warren missed the team's final game before its Week 5 bye due to a knee injury. Assuming he is good to go in Week 6, Warren will come in as a risky RB2 play. Although Warren has finished as a top-20 fantasy RB in all three of his games this season, he has a rough matchup against the Browns. Cleveland currently ranks second in fantasy points allowed and first in rush yards allowed to RBs this year.
Other Matchups:
QB Dillon Gabriel
Gabriel showed some nice things in his first NFL start, throwing for 190 yards and two touchdowns. With a top-18 QB finish last week and a great matchup against the Steelers in Week 6, the rookie signal-caller will be a middle-of-the-pack QB2 option this week. Pittsburgh has given up multiple passing touchdowns in three straight games, while allowing over 17 fantasy points to the position in all four contests.
Quinshon Judkins needs to be treated like an RB1 in fantasy moving forward. He has totaled over 80 rush yards in three straight games and has finished as a top-12 RB in two of those contests. As a result, Judkins should be started in every league this week. The Steelers have allowed a 100-yard rusher in two of their four games this year.
Q!!!!!!!!!#GBvsCLE on FOX & NFL+ pic.twitter.com/4FqF2Xyol0
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 21, 2025
WR DK Metcalf
DK Metcalf has had a bunch of difficult matchups on the outside to begin the year. He has faced Gardner and Isaiah Rodgers through the first four weeks and has another tough matchup against Denzel Ward this week. The good news for Metcalf, though, is that Ward primarily plays on the left side. That means Metcalf can be trusted as a solid WR3 option.
TE Jonnu Smith
Jonnu Smith should be avoided in most cases this week. He has totaled less than 30 receiving yards in every contest this season, and played just 25% of the team's offensive snaps in his most recent game in Week 4. Therefore, he's not even a TE1 option in deeper 20-team leagues. The Browns have also not allowed a TE to total over 40 receiving yards in any game.
Injuries:
- Jaylen Warren (knee) - On track to play
Los Angeles Chargers at Miami Dolphins
Matchups We Love:
Justin Herbert hasn't had much time to throw in recent weeks, as his offensive line hasn't done a great job protecting him. That has resulted in three straight games under 16 fantasy points for Herbert. However, he will be a strong QB1 play in Week 6 against the Dolphins. Miami has allowed a top-5 fantasy QB in four of five games.
Chargers RBs
With Omarion Hampton (ankle) out, the Chargers will turn to Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal in their backfield. While we don't know how this backfield will exactly play out, both Haskins and Vidal could be considered flex plays in 12-plus team leagues. The Dolphins just let Dowdle rush for 206 yards last week, and this defense has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to the position.
Matchups We Hate:
Darren Waller has looked solid in his first two games this season. He totaled 17.7 PPR fantasy points in Week 4 and 18.8 PPR fantasy points in Week 5. In those two games, Waller took advantage of favorable matchups. However, things won't be easy for the veteran this week. The Chargers have allowed the fourth-fewest catches and receptions to TEs so far this year. So, the 33-year-old is a risky TE1.
Other Matchups:
Tua Tagovailoa has been a decent QB2 option for fantasy managers this season. He has thrown multiple passing touchdowns in four straight games and is coming off his best fantasy performance of the year (22.7 fantasy points). As a result, Tagovailoa will be a solid QB2 in Week 6 against a Chargers defense that has allowed over 17 fantasy points to three different QBs.
De'Von Achane will continue to be an RB1 in Week 6. He has totaled over 16 PPR fantasy points in every game this season and has caught at least six passes in three of his last four contests. Although the Chargers rank top-10 in receptions, receiving yards, and fantasy points allowed to RBs through five weeks, you are still starting Achane.
In Jaylen Waddle's first game without Tyreek Hill, he amassed six catches for 110 yards and one touchdown. That 23-point PPR fantasy day helped him to finish as the overall WR8 for the week. With Hill out for the season, Waddle will come in as a low-end WR1 this weekend. The Chargers have allowed big fantasy games to WR1s like Sutton (118 yards) and Deebo Samuel Sr. (96 yards) in recent weeks.
WRs Keenan Allen/Ladd McConkey
Keenan Allen and Ladd McConkey both scored in double figures in PPR formats last week, but both will be more WR3s in Week 6 against the Dolphins. Miami has allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to slot WRs this year, where Allen and McConkey play most of their snaps. This defense held Hunter Renfrow to one catch last week and Khalil Shakir to four catches a few weeks ago.
Still, since both players play a little bit on the outside as well, they will both be high-end WR3s. McConkey caught his first touchdown pass of the season last week en route to a WR21 fantasy finish, and Allen has totaled at least five catches in every game this season. That's enough to start both WRs in most formats.
Update: Johnston is questionable due to a hamstring injury.
Quentin Johnston had his first bad performance of the season in Week 5, catching just four passes for 40 yards. Despite that subpar fantasy day, he will be a solid WR2 option this week against the Dolphins. Miami has done a solid job against WRs this year, but both Tetairoa McMillan (73 yards) and Wilson (82 yards) have had solid receiving yards against this secondary recently. That should work in Johnston's favor.
Injuries:
- Quentin Johnston (hamstring) - questionable
New England Patriots at New Orleans Saints
Matchups We Love:
QB Drake Maye
After three straight top-10 QB finishes from Week 2 to Week 4, Drake Maye didn't quite reach that mark in Week 5. He only scored 12.1 fantasy points en route to a QB24 finish. However, Maye is in a great spot to rebound this week against the Saints. Given that New Orleans has allowed multiple passing touchdowns in every game and ranks 26th in rush yards allowed to QBs, Maye is a strong QB1 option.
Following three strong performances to start the year, Juwan Johnson has sadly come back down to earth. He has totaled under six PPR fantasy points in back-to-back games. Nevertheless, Johnson is actually a sneaky TE1 play in 14-plus team leagues this week. The Patriots have allowed the second-most receiving yards to TEs this year, which included a 108-yard day from Dalton Kincaid in Week 5.
TE Hunter Henry
Henry has been a very inconsistent fantasy option this year. He has caught two passes or fewer in three of the past four games, and his target share sits at just 13% over the past two weeks. Henry, though, will be a low-end TE1 in an excellent matchup for Week 6. New Orleans just allowed 10 catches to the Giants' TEs last week, while ranking 27th in fantasy points allowed to the position through five weeks.
Matchups We Hate:
WR Chris Olave
The volume continues to be there for Chris Olave. He has caught at least six passes and seen at least 10 targets in four of five games this season, which is a significant reason why he finds himself as the WR23 in PPR formats. However, Olave will be a riskier play this week, considering Christian Gonzalez could be shadowing him. Gonzalez has only allowed three receptions in his two games played.
Other Matchups:
Spencer Rattler has no doubt played better under center in recent weeks. That has helped him score above 16 fantasy points in two of his last four games. Unfortunately, he will be a lower-end QB2 in Superflex formats this week. He doesn't have the same fantasy ceiling as some of the other QBs this week.
Patriots RBs
For the first time all year, both Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson played at least 50% of the team's offensive snaps last week. With Antonio Gibson (knee) out for the year, Henderson should be the biggest beneficiary. However, it's too hard to trust this Patriots backfield right now. Stevenson seems to have a firm hold of the starting job, and Henderson has totaled under seven carries in three of five games.
Therefore, Stevenson and Henderson will be riskier flex plays in Week 6. The Saints held Cam Skattebo in check on the ground last week and have only allowed one rusher (James Cook) to total more than 70 yards against them on the ground. Stevenson will be a slightly better play, considering he will continue to operate as the team's goal-line back.
RB Alvin Kamara
Update: Kamara is questionable for Week 6 due to an ankle injury.
Alvin Kamara hasn't been the best fantasy option to start the season. He is averaging just 11.4 PPR fantasy points per game, and Kendre Miller continues to eat into his workload. Kamara played a season-low 56% of the team's snaps last week. Given that the Patriots have yet to allow a rusher to total more than 50 yards against them this year, Kamara will be more of a low-end RB2 in Week 6.
WR Stefon Diggs
Stefon Diggs is starting to build a nice connection with Maye. He has totaled over 100 yards in back-to-back games and has a 42.5% target share over the past two weeks. Even though Diggs' snap share is sitting at only 51% on the season, that hasn't hurt his fantasy value too much. As a result, he will be a low-end WR2 play against the Saints.
Rashid Shaheed finished as a top-10 fantasy WR last week, thanks to a massive 87-yard touchdown. His four catches in that game marked the fifth straight week that he has totaled at least four catches. Therefore, Shaheed will be a boom-or-bust flex play in 12-plus team leagues this week. His 17.4% target share, though, makes him a riskier option against a much-improved New England secondary.
Injuries:
- Alvin Kamara (ankle) - questionable
Arizona Cardinals at Indianapolis Colts
Matchups We Love:
Things appear to be trending up for Marvin Harrison Jr. He has finished as a top-24 WR in back-to-back games and just totaled a season-high 98 receiving yards last week. Now, Harrison gets a favorable matchup against a Colts secondary that ranks 28th in fantasy points allowed and 29th in receptions allowed to WRs. That's enough to start him as a WR2 this weekend.
TE Tyler Warren
Tyler Warren is one of the few set-it-and-forget-it TE options at this point in the season. He finished as a top-12 fantasy TE in four of five games and currently ranks first in receiving yards per game at the position. That's enough to start him as a TE1 this week, especially against a Cardinals defense that ranks 29th in receptions allowed and 28th in receiving yards allowed to TEs.
Matchups We Hate:
Cardinals RBs
We got clarity on how this backfield will play out moving forward. It appears Michael Carter will take most of the early down work, and Emari Demercado will stay in his third-down role. However, this will be a tougher matchup for both Arizona RBs. The Colts have allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points and ninth-fewest receptions to opposing RBs this year.
For that reason, Carter will be more of a low-end RB2 play, while Demercado will be a risky flex play.
Other Matchups:
QB Daniel Jones
After a strong start to the season, Daniel Jones has cooled off a bit in fantasy. He has finished outside the top-16 at the QB position in consecutive weeks and has rushed for just one yard over the past two games. As a result, he will be a lower-end QB1 this week against the Cardinals. Arizona has allowed just five passing touchdowns through five weeks.
QB Kyler Murray
Update: Murray is listed as questionable.
It remains to be seen if Kyler Murray will play in Week 6, as he is currently dealing with a foot issue. If he does, he will be more of a QB2 this week. He has finished outside the top-12 at the QB position in all five games, and his foot injury could prevent him from running in this contest. The Colts also have allowed the sixth-fewest rushing yards to opposing QBs.
Jonathan Taylor will remain a must-start RB1 in Week 6. He has finished as the overall RB1 twice this year and just finished as the overall RB2 last week against the Raiders. In that game, he ran for 66 yards and three touchdowns.
Michael Pittman Jr. has been a reliable WR2 option for fantasy managers to begin the season. He has scored above 14.5 PPR fantasy points in four of five games and will enter the week with a solid 23.3% target share. Therefore, Pittman will be a solid WR2 this week against the Cardinals. Just last week, Arizona's secondary allowed Calvin Ridley to total a career-high 131 yards.
WR Josh Downs
Josh Downs had his best fantasy day of the season last week, catching six passes for a season-high 54 yards. However, Downs should not be started in most formats in Week 6. He has just a 54% snap share and an 18% target share through five weeks. With three games under 6.5 PPR fantasy points, it's too risky to trust him this weekend.
TE Trey McBride
Trey McBride will remain a strong TE1 for fantasy managers this week. He has caught at least five passes in every game and has finished as a top-12 TE in four of five contests. Therefore, he should be in all lineups in Week 6. The Colts just allowed eight catches to the Raiders' TEs last week, putting him in an excellent spot for this weekend.
Injuries:
- Kyler Murray (foot) - questionable
Los Angeles Rams at Baltimore Ravens
Matchups We Love:
Matthew Stafford appears to be heating up. He has thrown for at least 375 yards and three touchdowns in back-to-back games and could replicate those numbers in a Week 6 matchup against the Ravens. Baltimore has allowed the second-most fantasy points to opposing QBs this year. With this secondary allowing three top-3 fantasy QB finishes through five weeks, Stafford is a QB1 this week.
Kyren Williams is coming off his best game of the season. He scored 31.3 PPR fantasy points and caught a season-high eight passes in the receiving game. The 25-year-old will continue to be a strong RB1 this week against the Ravens. Baltimore has allowed the second-most fantasy points and fourth-most receptions to opposing RBs this year.
Rams WRs
Fantasy managers should be starting both Puka Nacua and Davante Adams this week. Nacua is the overall WR1, so he is a guaranteed start no matter what.
As for Adams, he will be a strong WR2 against a banged-up Baltimore secondary. Kyle Hamilton (groin), Marlon Humphrey (calf), and Chidobe Awuzie's (hamstring) statuses are all up in the air for Week 6. So, you're starting Adams against a Ravens defense that ranks 31st in fantasy points allowed to WRs. Baltimore has also given up the most receiving touchdowns to the position through five weeks.
Matchups We Hate:
It has been tough sledding for Derrick Henry in recent weeks. He has rushed for under 55 yards in four straight games and hasn't scored more than 11 PPR fantasy points since Week 1. On top of that, Henry will have a tough matchup against the Rams' front seven in Week 6. Los Angeles has yet to allow a rushing touchdown this year, making the veteran a risky RB2 option.
Other Matchups:
Ravens QBs
Update: Jackson has been ruled out for Week 6, and Rush will start in his place.
There's a strong chance that Lamar Jackson (hamstring) won't be able to play in Week 6. That will leave Cooper Rush and Tyler Huntley as possible starters for Baltimore in Week 6. However, you likely can't start either in this matchup against the Rams. Rush only scored 4.2 fantasy points last week, and Huntley scored under 12 fantasy points in four of his five starts for the Dolphins in 2024.
WR Zay Flowers
Update: Flowers is listed as questionable for Week 6 due to a shoulder injury.
Even though Jackson will likely not play in Week 6, Zay Flowers will still be a high-floor WR2 this week. He caught five passes for 72 yards last week, and this Rams secondary has allowed some big games to opposing WRs this year. Three different WRs have totaled over 95 receiving yards against this secondary in three straight games. That's good enough to start him in most cases.
TE Mark Andrews
Mark Andrews has certainly been an inconsistent fantasy option this year. He has scored at least 10 PPR fantasy points twice, but has also scored under five PPR fantasy points three times. So, Andrews will be a riskier TE1 play this week. However, he could be worth a look in most 12-plus team leagues, considering the Rams have allowed a top-10 fantasy TE in three straight games.
Injuries:
- Lamar Jackson (hamstring) - out
- Zay Flowers (shoulder) - questionable
Seattle Seahawks at Jacksonville Jaguars
Matchups We Love:
Travis Etienne had his first bad game of the season last week. He scored under 10 PPR fantasy for the first time while playing just 58% of the team's offensive snaps. But Week 6 is a perfect bounce-back opportunity for Etienne. Seattle has allowed the most receptions and the second-most receiving yards to opposing RBs this year. That should help him finish as an RB2 this week.
Matchups We Hate:
Seahawks RBs
Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet continue to split reps almost 50/50 out of the backfield. Walker played 44% of the snaps last week after playing 50% of the snaps in Week 4, and Charbonnet played 56% of the snaps last week following a 47% snap share in Week 4. That makes it hard to trust either as RB2s this week.
The Jaguars have yet to allow a 50-yard rusher through five weeks, and Kareem Hunt's two touchdowns against this defense last week marked the first two touchdowns Jacksonville has given up on the ground this year. So, Walker and Charbonnet are more in the RB3 territory for Week 6.
WR Cooper Kupp
Cooper Kupp has not been a solid fantasy option this year. He has scored above 12 PPR fantasy points just once and totaled under 35 receiving yards in three of five games. Unfortunately, things won't get easier for him in a Week 6 matchup. Although the Jaguars rank 21st in fantasy points allowed to WRs, they have given up the second-fewest fantasy points to slot WRs. That makes him a risky flex option.
Other Matchups:
QB Sam Darnold
Sam Darnold has established himself as a reliable QB2 for those in Superflex formats. He has scored above 16 fantasy points in four straight games, which included a 28.6-point outbreak last week against the Buccaneers. As a result, Darnold will come in as a middle-of-the-pack QB2 for Week 6. Three different QBs have scored over 19 fantasy points against this Jacksonville secondary since Week 2.
The passing numbers weren't necessarily there for Trevor Lawrence last week, as he threw for just 221 yards and one touchdown. However, he did it on the ground by rushing for 54 yards and two touchdowns. But we shouldn't expect that rushing upside to continue for him in Week 6. That's why Lawrence is more of a middle-of-the-pack QB2. Only one QB has finished top-15 against Seattle this year.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba will continue to be a strong WR1 for fantasy managers this week. Smith-Njigba has scored above 18 PPR fantasy points in four of five games, and just totaled a season-high 132 yards in last week's loss. So, he should be in all lineups this week against a Jacksonville secondary that let Chase total 165 receiving yards back in Week 2.
Brian Thomas Jr. has been one of the most disappointing fantasy players through the first few weeks. He ranks outside the top-40 at the WR position in both receptions and receiving yards per game. Things won't get easier for him in Week 6, as Seattle has allowed just one WR to total over 70 receiving yards. If Devon Witherspoon (knee) and Riq Woolen (concussion) play this week, Thomas will be more of a WR3.
TE AJ Barner
AJ Barner has emerged as a potential TE1 option moving forward. He just finished as the overall TE1 last week and has three top-10 TE finishes over the past four weeks. Given that the Jaguars have allowed a top-10 fantasy TE finish in back-to-back contests, Barner could be a solid TE1 play in 14-plus team leagues.
Injuries:
None
Dallas Cowboys at Carolina Panthers
Matchups We Love:
QB Bryce Young
If there were a week to play Bryce Young, it would be this week against the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys have given the most fantasy points to opposing QBs this season. Each of the five QBs they have played against this year has gone on to score above 24 fantasy points. Therefore, Young could be a sneaky QB1 in 14-plus team leagues this week.
RB Rico Dowdle
With Chuba Hubbard still nursing a calf injury, Dowdle should lead this backfield for the second straight week. Last week, he ran for a career-high 206 yards and one touchdown en route to a 32.4 PPR fantasy point day. As a result, you are starting him as an RB2 this week if Hubbard misses. Dallas has allowed over 17 PPR fantasy points to an RB in back-to-back games.
WR Tetairoa McMillan
This could be the week that McMillan fully breaks out. The Cowboys rank 32nd in fantasy points allowed, 32nd in receiving yards allowed, 31st in receiving touchdowns allowed, and 27th in yards per completion allowed to WRs this year. For that reason, McMillan is a must-start WR2 this week. Six different WRs have scored at least 19 PPR fantasy points against this secondary.
Given this matchup against Dallas' secondary, Xavier Legette could be a sneaky flex option in 14-plus team leagues. The Cowboys haven't been able to stop many teams through the air, and Legette is coming off his best fantasy game of the season. He totaled 11.1 PPR fantasy points behind a two-catch, 31-yard, one-touchdown performance.
Bryce Young throws a dime to Xavier Legette for the TD 🎯
MIAvsCAR on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/x1Cw5veYGr
— NFL (@NFL) October 5, 2025
TE Jake Ferguson
Ferguson has been unstoppable for fantasy managers this year. He currently ranks first in fantasy points and first in receptions among all TEs through the first five weeks. As a result, Ferguson is a must-start TE1 in a favorable matchup against the Panthers. Carolina has given up the second-most fantasy points to the position this season.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
QB Dak Prescott
Dak Prescott is playing like an MVP right now. That has helped him finish as a top-6 fantasy QB in three of the past four weeks. With a matchup against Carolina upcoming, Prescott will be a low-end QB1. Although the Panthers rank 11th in fantasy points allowed and eighth in pass yards allowed this year, they have allowed a QB to score over 22 fantasy points in back-to-back games.
Javonte Williams has been one of the best value picks in drafts this year. He has scored at least 19 PPR fantasy points in four of five games and ranks top-5 in fantasy points scored, rush yards, and rush touchdowns among all RBs. Therefore, Williams will be an RB1 in fantasy this week against the Panthers.
WR George Pickens
George Pickens saved his fantasy day last week with a long touchdown. However, it's hard to sit him in most formats this week. CeeDee Lamb (ankle) isn't expected back yet, and the 24-year-old playmaker has finished as a top-24 WR in four straight games. Even though he will be matched up against Jaycee Horn -- who ranks eighth in catch rate allowed-- you're still starting Pickens in all formats.
Injuries:
- CeeDee Lamb (ankle) - questionable
Matchup Analysis - Sunday Afternoon Games
Tennessee Titans at Las Vegas Raiders
Matchups We Love:
Ashton Jeanty has a prime opportunity to explode in Week 6. The Titans have allowed the third-most fantasy points and fourth-most rush yards to RBs this year. After watching Carter, Demercado, and Bam Knight total 143 yards and two touchdowns on the ground last week against Tennessee's front seven, Jeanty is a strong RB1 play this weekend.
Titans WRs
There is potential for both Calvin Ridley and Elic Ayomanor to be potential flex plays in some formats. Ridley just put up a season-high 131 receiving yards last week, and Ayomanor continues to operate as the second option in this Tennessee offense. Therefore, Ridley is a solid flex play in 12-plus team leagues, while Ayomanor could be started in some 14-plus team leagues.
The Raiders have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing WRs this year, and both Pittman and Downs caught a combined 11 passes against this secondary last week. That's enough to roll with both players in deeper leagues.
Matchups We Hate:
QB Geno Smith
Geno Smith has definitely struggled through the air this year. That has resulted in some subpar fantasy games in recent weeks. Smith has scored under 13 fantasy points in three of his last four contests. Now, he gets a tougher matchup against a Titans defense that has allowed the eighth-fewest fantasy points to QBs. So, he's a lower-end QB2.
TE Chig Okonkwo
The Raiders have actually done a nice job against opposing TEs this year. Tyler Warren only totaled four catches for 44 yards last week, Zach Ertz was held to three catches back in Week 3, and Henry finished with four catches in Week 1. So, Chig Okonkwo should not be started in most cases this week. He has finished outside the top-20 at the TE position in four of five weeks.
Other Matchups:
QB Cam Ward
Cam Ward can't be started in any format right now. He has scored under 10 fantasy points in four of five games this season and is averaging just 7.95 fantasy points per game to start his career. Ward is simply unstartable right now.
RB Tony Pollard
With the return of Tyjae Spears last week, Tony Pollard played a season-low 73% of the team's snaps. As Spears gets more involved in the offensive game plan, Pollard will likely see his snap share decrease. Still, he will be a solid flex play in Week 6 against the Raiders. Las Vegas has allowed seven rushing touchdowns over the last three weeks.
WR Tre Tucker
Since his 40.9 PPR fantasy point explosion in Week 3, Tre Tucker has finished outside the top-36 at the WR position. With only a 17.5% target share through the first five weeks, Tucker will be a very hit-or-miss flex play this week. Tennessee ranks in the top 15 in yards per completion allowed, and the Raiders' playmaker has caught just six passes over the past two games.
Jakobi Meyers has been a bit disappointing through the first five weeks. He has scored under 10 PPR fantasy points in three straight games and hasn't totaled more than 65 receiving yards since Week 2. Therefore, Meyers will drop down to WR3 status this week. His matchup against Roger McCreary is also on the tougher side, as the slot corner ranks fifth among all CBs in fantasy points allowed per game.
TE Brock Bowers
Update: Bowers has been listed as out for Week 6.
Brock Bowers did not play last week, as he continues to deal with a knee injury. While his status for Week 6 is currently up in the air, you are likely starting him as a TE1 if he plays against the Titans. Tennessee has allowed at least five catches to a TE in back-to-back games. However, if he doesn't play, you should not play any other Las Vegas TE.
Injuries:
- Brock Bowers (knee) - out
San Francisco 49ers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Matchups We Love:
Update: Purdy has been ruled out, putting Jones in line to start in Week 6.
49ers QBs
Whichever 49ers quarterback (Brock Purdy/Mac Jones) starts in Week 6 will be a sneaky QB1 in 12-plus team leagues. The Buccaneers have allowed a top-12 fantasy quarterback in four of five games this season, and Darnold just tormented this secondary last week by throwing for 341 yards and four touchdowns. That makes Purdy/Jones a great start this weekend.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
Baker Mayfield has been a reliable QB1 option this season. He has scored above 17.5 fantasy points in every game this season and has finished as a top-12 QB in four of five contests. Therefore, Mayfield will come in as a low-end QB1 this week against the 49ers. San Francisco has allowed a top-10 fantasy QB in two of the past four games.
Christian McCaffrey will remain a must-start RB1 in Week 6. He has totaled above 22.0 PPR fantasy points in every game and currently ranks first in receptions and receiving yards among all RBs this season. Although the Buccaneers have allowed the fifth-fewest rush yards to opposing backs, McCaffrey will be just fine -- thanks to his receiving upside.
Buccaneers RBs
Bucky Irving won't play this week, as he continues to deal with a shoulder/foot injury. In his absence last week, Rachaad White played 80% of the team's offensive snaps en route to a 23.1 PPR fantasy point day. With Irving listed as out, White will be a must-start RB2. The 49ers have allowed the fifth-most receptions to RBs through five weeks.
49ers WRs
Update: Pearsall has been ruled out, while Jennings is questionable.
There are a ton of question marks whether Jauan Jennings (ribs/ankle) and Ricky Pearsall (knee) will play in Week 6. It sounds as if Pearsall won't be able to go, while Jennings has a shot to suit up. If Jennings plays, he will be a lower-end WR2 play against the Buccaneers. This Tampa Bay secondary has allowed a 20-plus PPR fantasy scorer at the WR position in back-to-back games.
If Pearsall and/or Jennings were to miss, then Kendrick Bourne would have some flex appeal in 12-plus team leagues. Bourne came up big last week by totaling 10 catches for 142 yards. While we shouldn't expect that type of production again this week, he should provide enough while serving as one of the top two WRs in this offense.
WR Emeka Egbuka
Emeka Egbuka has been the best rookie WR in fantasy this year. He is averaging 20.5 PPR fantasy points per game while ranking fourth in receiving yards per game (89) among all WRs. Therefore, Egbuka should continue to be in all fantasy lineups for Week 6. The 49ers allowed three different Rams WRs to total over 70 yards last week.
WR Chris Godwin
Update: Godwin has been ruled out for Week 6 due to a fibula injury. That moves Sterling Shepard into flex territory in 14-plus team leagues.
Chris Godwin hasn't been the best fantasy option in his first two games this season. He has scored 5.6 PPR fantasy points in both of those contests. The good news, though, is that Godwin has played above 75% of the team's offensive snaps to go with 14 total targets. With Mike Evans (hamstring) still likely out, the 29-year-old could be a potential flex play in 12-plus team leagues.
TE Jake Tonges
Jake Tonges has been a sneaky TE1 option over these last few weeks. He has finished as the TE7 (Week 4) and TE9 (Week 5) in back-to-back weeks. Mac Jones appears to have formed a strong connection with the young TE, so if he winds up starting this game over Purdy, then Tonges will be a strong TE1 play. The Buccaneers have let a TE finish as the overall TE1 in back-to-back weeks.
Injuries:
- Ricky Pearsall (knee) - out
- Jauan Jennings (ribs) - questionable
- Bucky Irving (foot/shoulder) - out
- Brock Purdy (toe) - out
- Mac Jones (knee) - questionable
- Chris Godwin (fibula) - out
- Mike Evans (hamstring) - out
Cincinnati Bengals at Green Bay Packers
Matchups We Love:
QB Jordan Love
Love has been a solid QB1 option this season. He has finished as a top-12 fantasy QB in two of his last three games and has a great chance to finish inside the top-12 again in Week 6. The Bengals have given up multiple passing touchdowns in four straight games, while allowing a top-12 fantasy QB in three consecutive games. Therefore, Love is a strong QB1 play.
RB Josh Jacobs
Josh Jacobs will enter Week 6 as an unquestioned RB1. The last time we saw Jacobs was back in Week 4 when he scored a season-high 31.7 PPR fantasy points. Now, he'll go up against a Bengals defense that hasn't been able to stop the run through five weeks. Cincinnati ranks 32nd in fantasy points allowed and 30th in rush yards allowed to opposing RBs.
Packers WRs
It's hard not to like Matthew Golden and Romeo Doubs as flex plays this week. The Bengals have allowed at least 18 PPR fantasy points to three different WRs over the last two weeks and currently rank 27th in yards per completion allowed. With the Packers also coming off a bye, we should expect Golden to be more involved in the passing offense.
That's enough to start the rookie and Doubs -- who had three touchdowns in his last game -- in most 12-plus team leagues. Both should see enough opportunities through the air, especially with Jayden Reed (shoulder) still out.
TE Tucker Kraft
Tucker Kraft is a must-start TE1 for fantasy managers this week. Although he has finished as a top-12 fantasy TE just once this season, he has a fantastic matchup against the Bengals in Week 6. Cincinnati has allowed the most fantasy points to opposing TEs through the first five weeks. Last week, this secondary allowed Sam LaPorta to total five catches for 92 yards and one touchdown.
Matchups We Hate:
RB Chase Brown
It'll be interesting to see if the addition of Joe Flacco helps Chase Brown's fantasy value. However, this matchup against the Packers isn't a great one. The Packers have allowed the eighth-fewest fantasy points and the sixth-fewest rushing yards per game to opposing RBs. That does not bode well for Brown, considering he's averaging just 2.46 yards per carry. So, he's more of an RB3.
Other Matchups:
QB Joe Flacco
Flacco will make his Bengals debut on Sunday. The 40-year-old veteran was traded from the Browns to the Bengals earlier this week. However, he should not be started in any Superflex leagues this week. He only scored 4.7 fantasy points against the Packers earlier in the year.
WR Ja'Marr Chase
Update: Chase has been added to the injury report due to an illness. He is listed as questionable for Week 6.
The addition of Flacco could help Chase be a more consistent fantasy option moving forward. The problem, though, is that Flacco has struggled with deep ball passes this season, and this matchup against the Packers is a tougher one for the All-Pro WR. Green Bay ranks first in yards per completion allowed. Still, he'll come in as a low-end WR1 in this matchup.
WR Tee Higgins
While Chase finds himself as a WR1 this week, Tee Higgins will be more of a WR3 this week. Green Bay ranks first in yards per completion allowed, and only one WR (Pickens) has totaled over 65 receiving yards against this secondary through five weeks. As a result, Higgins is a riskier WR3 with the uncertainty of Flacco under center.
Injuries:
- Ja'Marr Chase (illness) - questionable
Matchup Analysis - Sunday Night Football
Detroit Lions at Kansas City Chiefs
Matchups We Love:
Update: Worthy is off the injury report and will play in Week 6.
It remains to be seen if Xavier Worthy will be able to suit up in Week 6. He missed Thursday's practice due to an ankle/shoulder injury, and that puts his status in jeopardy this week. If he plays, though, he will be a strong WR2 play against the Lions. Detroit has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing WRs, and this secondary just let two Cincinnati WRs total over 80 yards last week.
Matchups We Hate:
Chiefs RBs
Fantasy managers can't trust either Chiefs RB (Isiah Pacheco and Hunt) this week. Pacheco has just 14 combined carries over the past two games, and Hunt only played 33% of the team's offensive snaps last week. Although Hunt scored twice in Week 5 and has some touchdown upside, both RBs will be risky flex plays. Only one RB has scored more than 14.0 PPR fantasy points against the Lions in 2025.
TE Sam LaPorta
Sam LaPorta has been somewhat of an inconsistent fantasy option through the first few weeks. He has finished as a top-5 TE twice, but has also finished outside the top-20 three different times. While LaPorta will still come in as a low-end TE1 this week, expectations might have to be tempered against this Kansas City defense. The Chiefs have yet to allow a top-15 TE finish this season.
Other Matchups:
Patrick Mahomes will remain a strong QB1 option this week against the Lions. Mahomes has scored over 23 fantasy points in four of five games this season, and that's more than enough reason to start him once again. Given that Detroit has allowed multiple passing touchdowns in four of five contests, the two-time MVP will be a top QB play.
QB Jared Goff
Goff hasn't been the most consistent fantasy QB through five weeks. He has two top-12 fantasy QB finishes and three QB finishes outside the top-20. Therefore, Goff might be more of a QB2 this week against the Chiefs. Kansas City has allowed just two passing touchdowns since Week 2, while allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to the QB position.
Lions RBs
The Chiefs have been known to have a great run defense over the years. However, this year has been a different story for this front seven. Kansas City ranks 25th in fantasy points, 21st in rushing yards, and 23rd in receptions allowed per game to opposing RBs. For that reason, Jahmyr Gibbs will be a must-start RB1, and David Montgomery will be a lower-end RB2.
Detroit RBs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery each scored a touchdown today, and now have scored a touchdown in the same game 14 times, tying Dallas’ Daryl Johnston and Emmitt Smith for the most games among RB teammates each scoring a touchdown. pic.twitter.com/1jzEztEZ9g
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 6, 2025
Amon-Ra St. Brown is no doubt a must-start WR1. He has finished as a top-7 WR in three of the past four games and is coming off an eight-catch, 100-yard performance last week against the Bengals. Even though Chiefs CB Trent McDuffie will be on him for parts of this game, you're still starting St. Brown because he always seems to be open.
It has been hard to trust Jameson Williams this season. After catching just one pass for nine yards last week, Williams will be a risky boom-or-bust flex option in Week 6. He has totaled under 50 receiving yards in four of five games, and the Chiefs rank in the top 12 in yards per completion allowed. So, he might not see many chances deep in this game.
TE Travis Kelce
Travis Kelce will continue to be a solid TE1 option for fantasy managers in Week 6. He has caught at least five passes in back-to-back games and just totaled seven catches for 61 yards and one touchdown in last week's loss. Although the Lions have allowed just one TE to finish top-14 at the position this year, Kelce should see enough targets to be a TE1.
Injuries:
None
Matchup Analysis - Monday Night Football
Buffalo Bills at Atlanta Falcons
Matchups We Love:
None
Matchups We Hate:
Bills WRs
Both Keon Coleman and Shakir will be riskier plays this week against the Falcons. Coleman will be a touchdown-dependent option, considering he will likely be matched up against A.J. Terrell for most of this game. Terrell ranks toward the top of the CB position in both passer rating allowed and yards per reception allowed. So, he'll be a low-end flex play.
As for Shakir, it might be better to roll with another WR in your flex. The Falcons have allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to slot WRs this year, and the Bills' playmaker has just a 19.5% target share through five weeks.
TE Dalton Kincaid
Kincaid has definitely shown signs of breaking out in 2025. He ranks third in fantasy points, sixth in air yards, and first in yards per route run among all TEs. With a strong game last week, it might be tough to sit him in most formats. However, the Falcons have been the best defense against TEs this year. They haven't allowed a TE to finish inside the top-26, making Kincaid more of a TE2.
It might be time to take Kyle Pitts seriously in fantasy. He has caught at least four passes in every game this season and scored 18 PPR fantasy points in his last game back in Week 4. But it's best to avoid Pitts in most situations this week. The Bills haven't allowed a top-18 fantasy TE this year and currently rank second in receiving yards allowed to the position.
Other Matchups:
QB Josh Allen
Josh Allen will be a QB1 again in Week 6. He is currently the QB1 in fantasy points this year and has scored over 20 fantasy points in four of his five games. Therefore, you are starting Allen every week.
The last time we saw Michael Penix Jr. was back in Week 4, when he threw for 313 yards and two touchdowns. That strong performance could give fantasy managers some confidence in rolling with him for Week 6. Nevertheless, Penix will be more of a middle-of-the-pack QB2 option this week against the Bills. Buffalo has allowed the second-fewest pass yards per game in 2025.
RB James Cook
Cook had his first disappointing game of the season last week, totaling just 4.9 PPR fantasy points. Despite that subpar fantasy day, the Bills running back will enter Week 6 as a low-end RB1 option. Even though the Falcons have allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing RBs this year, you aren't sitting the current RB5 in PPR formats due to a bad matchup.
Bijan Robinson is in a great spot to finish as the overall RB1 this week. The Bills rank 24th in rush yards allowed per game and 30th in rushing touchdowns allowed to RBs this year. As a result, Robinson is an easy RB1 in fantasy this week.
WR Drake London
The key to Drake London having a big fantasy day is based on Penix's play. In the two games that he threw for over 250 yards, London finished as a top-24 WR. In the two games he threw for under 200 yards, the 24-year-old finished outside the top-30 at the WR position. Given that Buffalo just allowed over 140 yards to Stefon Diggs last week, London will be a solid WR1.
Injuries:
- Darnell Mooney (hamstring) - questionable
Chicago Bears at Washington Commanders
Matchups We Love:
Caleb Williams will enter the week as a potential QB1 option. He has finished as a top-10 fantasy QB in two of his four starts, and the Commanders have allowed some QB1 finishes through the first five weeks. Given that Washington ranks 23rd in fantasy points allowed and 25th in rush yards allowed to QBs, Williams is a solid play. The Bears signal-caller will have some sneaky rushing upside in this one.
Things are definitely trending up for Jacory Croskey-Merritt. He played a season-high 47% of the team's offensive snaps last week, leading to a massive 111-yard, two-touchdown day. Now, he'll get a great matchup against a Bears defense that has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points and second-most rush yards per game this year. That makes the rookie an RB2 option in Week 6.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
Fantasy managers likely expected more from Jayden Daniels in his first three starts this year. He has yet to finish as a top-12 fantasy QB and has only thrown four passing touchdowns. However, Daniels will be a strong QB1 play this week against the Bears. Chicago has allowed a top-12 fantasy QB in two of its four games.
Despite having a clear RB1 role in this Bears backfield, D'Andre Swift hasn't done much with his opportunities. He hasn't scored more than 16 PPR fantasy points in a game and is averaging just 46.8 rush per game this season. Now, he'll face a Commanders defense that has allowed only one RB to score above 15 PPR fantasy points against them. That makes Swift more of an RB3 in Week 6.
Commanders WRs
It remains to be seen if Terry McLaurin (quad) will play in Week 6. He didn't practice on both Wednesday and Thursday, putting his status in jeopardy for Monday night. If he does wind up suiting up, he will come in as a WR3 against the Bears. As for Samuel, he is a must-start WR2 regardless of whether McLaurin plays. Samuel has scored above 17 PPR fantasy points in four of five contests.
WR DJ Moore
DJ Moore has been a disappointing fantasy option this season. He is averaging just 9.7 PPR fantasy points per game and has finished outside the top-45 at the WR position in three of his four contests. As a result, Moore will drop down to WR4 status this week against the Commanders. He will likely be matched up against Marshon Lattimore for parts of this game, which makes him hard to trust.
WR Rome Odunze
With Rome Odunze establishing himself as the WR1 in this Chicago offense, he will be a must-start WR this week. He has scored above 15 PPR fantasy points in every game, and the Bears continue to move him around the formation. Since Washington has allowed some big games to London and Tucker in recent weeks, Odunze is a WR1 in fantasy for Week 6.
TE Zach Ertz
Ertz was non-existent in the passing game last week, as he caught zero passes in a game for the first time since 2014. For that reason, many fantasy managers might choose to stay away from the veteran in Week 6. However, he could turn out to be a solid TE1 option in 14-plus team leagues against the Bears. Chicago has allowed the second-most receptions per game to TEs in 2025.
Injuries:
- Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) - questionable
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