Defenses (DEF) to Start in Week 6 (2025): Best Fantasy Football Streaming Options

Shaun Albin analyzes which defenses (DEF) to sit or start in Week 6 (2025) of the NFL season, and provides his best fantasy football streaming options.

Finding the right defense to stream each week can often be the difference between pulling out a close fantasy win or falling just short. Matchups, injuries, and team trends all play a massive role in determining which units are worth plugging into lineups. Week 6 brings several intriguing options, with a handful of defenses drawing favorable opponents who have struggled to move the ball or protect the quarterback.

The good news for fantasy managers is that multiple defenses sitting on waiver wires are in position to produce strong numbers this week. From teams facing turnover-prone quarterbacks to those taking on offenses that can’t seem to find the end zone, the streaming landscape is as favorable as it’s been all season. Whether you need a one-week rental or a defense that could stick in your lineup for multiple matchups, there are quality choices available.

In this article, we’ll break down the best DST streaming options for Week 6, highlighting why each unit is worth consideration. The Raiders, Saints, Jaguars, and Rams all stand out as defenses with a strong combination of pass-rush ability and advantageous matchups, giving fantasy managers several paths to finding a productive plug-and-play option.

Best DST Streaming Options For Week 6

Las Vegas Raiders vs. Tennessee Titans

The Las Vegas Raiders defense has been a frustrating unit to figure out this season. After a promising Week 1 performance against the Patriots, they’ve largely struggled to keep opponents out of the end zone. Part of that inconsistency comes down to matchups—each of the last three opponents ranked in the top half of the league in offensive production, leaving the Raiders vulnerable against higher-powered attacks.

You can't fool Maxx Crosby 😤

CHIvsLV on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXnxV pic.twitter.com/ezn6uBepaQ

— NFL (@NFL) September 28, 2025

Week 6, however, presents a different story. The Raiders will face off against Cameron Ward and the winless Tennessee Titans, one of the weakest offensive teams in the league. The Titans rank 31st in total offense, dead last in passing yards, and 29th in rushing. Even more concerning for Tennessee fans, they average a league-low 12.8 points per game. That lack of scoring efficiency makes the Titans one of the most favorable matchups for opposing fantasy defenses.

The Titans’ biggest weakness may be their protection. They’ve allowed sacks on 12% of passing plays, ranking 30th in the NFL, which could set up a big day for Maxx Crosby and the Raiders’ pass rush. While Las Vegas has been fairly average on the defensive side overall, they’ve shown an ability to generate pressure at times, and this matchup plays directly into that strength.

Fantasy managers searching for a streaming defense should give the Raiders serious consideration this week. The combination of Tennessee’s offensive ineptitude and their inability to protect the quarterback makes Las Vegas one of the most attractive plug-and-play options on the waiver wire. Don’t expect elite numbers every week, but in Week 6, the Raiders defense could deliver one of their best fantasy performances of the season.

New Orleans Saints vs. New England Patriots

The New Orleans Saints defense hasn’t received much attention this year, but they’re shaping up as a sneaky strong play in Week 6. Despite the team’s winless record, the defense has quietly produced solid numbers, tallying 11 sacks through the first four games. That ability to generate pressure could be the key against second-year quarterback Drake Maye and a Patriots offense that has been inconsistent and vulnerable.

New England’s offensive numbers can be misleading. They’ve faced several struggling teams early on, including the Raiders, Dolphins, and Panthers, which has inflated their statistical output. While they currently boast the league’s seventh-ranked passing attack, their offense has been extremely one-dimensional, ranking just 25th in rushing yards.

That lack of balance has forced Maye into obvious passing situations, and opposing defenses have taken advantage. The Patriots offensive line has struggled mightily in protection, allowing sacks on 9.5% of dropbacks, the fifth-worst mark in the league.

The Saints, meanwhile, have shown they can pressure quarterbacks consistently, and Maye has already demonstrated the growing pains typical of a young starter. A heavy pass rush could lead to turnovers or stalled drives, and New Orleans will have opportunities to capitalize. While the Saints rank just 30th in points allowed overall, much of that stems from their offense failing to sustain drives and putting the defense in bad spots. When examining their talent up front and their ability to disrupt the pocket, the Saints look much stronger than their raw stats suggest.

For fantasy managers streaming defenses, New Orleans is firmly on the radar in Week 6. With their pass rush going up against a shaky Patriots line, they’re a strong bet for sacks and a potential takeaway or two. If they can keep the score manageable, the Saints could provide top-10 fantasy production this week.

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Seattle Seahawks

The Jacksonville Jaguars have been one of the NFL’s early surprises, opening the season 3-1 while leaning on a defense that has delivered steady fantasy production. Their wins have come against struggling offenses like the Panthers, Bengals, Texans, and 49ers, which has certainly helped pad their numbers. Still, the defense has been consistent regardless of matchup, scoring in double digits three times and notching at least eight fantasy points in every contest.

A big reason for that reliability has been their ability to force mistakes. The Jaguars have recorded at least three turnovers in every game this season, and their pass rush has generated a sack each week. That level of disruption keeps them fantasy-relevant even when they allow yards or points, as splash plays can offset defensive lapses.

Devin Lloyd intercepta o passe de Brock Purdy!

📺: #JAXvsSF ao vivo no NFL Game Pass pic.twitter.com/6Ll5fd6zdj

— NFL Brasil (@NFLBrasil) September 28, 2025

Week 6 brings a tougher test against Sam Darnold and the Seattle Seahawks. Statistically, Seattle is middle-of-the-pack in terms of yardage — ranking 16th in total offense, 13th in passing, and 18th in rushing. However, they’ve been much more efficient on the scoreboard, ranking sixth in points per game. That efficiency makes them a difficult opponent for fantasy defenses, as even limited yardage can still translate into touchdowns.

The key for Jacksonville will be maintaining their aggressive approach. If they can leverage home-field advantage, apply consistent pressure on Darnold, and force the Seahawks into mistakes, they’ll have opportunities to keep their fantasy streak alive. Managers should view the Jaguars as more of a risk-reward streaming option this week. While Seattle’s scoring ability makes them a volatile play, Jacksonville’s knack for turnovers gives them sneaky upside in leagues where big plays are heavily rewarded.

Los Angeles Rams at Baltimore Ravens

The Los Angeles Rams defense has quietly put together a strong start to the season, holding their own against tough opponents like the Eagles and Colts. While the upcoming matchup with the Ravens could be tricky, Lamar Jackson’s health status adds an interesting wrinkle. If Jackson is unable to go in Week 6, the Ravens would likely turn to Cooper Rush, which would give the Rams a massive boost as a fantasy streaming option.

What makes Los Angeles appealing is their ability to create pressure and generate turnovers. The Rams are tied for second in the NFL with 14 sacks through four games, and they’ve forced at least one turnover in every contest. Byron Young has been a breakout force off the edge, leading the league with five sacks, while safety Kamren Curl has made plays in coverage, notching two interceptions. That mix of pressure and opportunistic secondary play has made the Rams defense a consistent contributor in fantasy formats.

Byron Young didn't waste much time to get his first sack of the season 💪

HOUvsLAR on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/pIGjqXgp5n

— NFL (@NFL) September 7, 2025

The Ravens, meanwhile, are off to a sluggish 1-3 start. Offensive miscues have been part of the problem, as star running back Derrick Henry has already lost three fumbles this season. If Los Angeles can get ahead early, they’ll force Baltimore into a pass-heavy game script, which plays right into the Rams’ defensive strengths. A shaky Ravens passing attack led by either an injured Jackson or a backup quarterback could give the Rams multiple opportunities to capitalize.

Fantasy managers in need of a streaming defense should give the Rams serious consideration. With a pass rush that’s been among the league’s best and a Ravens offense struggling to find its rhythm, Los Angeles carries strong upside in Week 6, particularly if Jackson is sidelined.

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