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Matt's must-start fantasy football waiver wire defenses (D/ST) to stream and start for Week 6 of the 2025 season. His fantasy defense start 'em, sit 'em picks.
As we head into Week 6 of the 2025 fantasy football season, managers will continue to deal with byes, as well as injuries. Looking for a Week 6 D/ST streamer? We've got you covered! RotoBaller analyst Matt Donnelly drops his fantasy football must-start defenses (D/ST) for Week 6 of the 2025 season.
The fantasy football grind continues with impactful decisions coming on a weekly basis. We are here to help with your Week 6 D/ST streamers, to give you the tools needed to set those winning lineups and dominate your matchups.
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Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:- 2025 fantasy football rankings
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2025 Fantasy Football: Week 6 Defenses To Start (D/ST)
Matt Donnelly drops his top Defenses for Week 6 of the 2025 fantasy football season:
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Week 6 Fantasy Football Defense Outlooks
New England Patriots D/ST vs. New Orleans Saints
New England has a fantastic upcoming schedule. The Patriots will play the Saints in Week 6, the Titans in Week 7, and the Browns in Week 8. As a result, you can start this D/ST in the next few weeks. In all three of those weeks, New England's defense is really a must-start. This unit has totaled at least four sacks in two of four different games this season, and its pressure rate ranks around league average.
Jack Gibbens says faster starts are a huge point of emphasis for the Patriots defense moving forward, which starts with better execution against opponents’ scripted plays. pic.twitter.com/Qb4ndGHBAc
— Brian Hines (@iambrianhines) September 29, 2025
That should help this Patriots defense total solid fantasy numbers during this stretch. New Orleans has allowed at least three sacks in two of its last three games, Tennessee ranks 32nd in points scored and second in sacks allowed through four weeks, and the Browns rank second in interceptions thrown this season. So, pick up this New England D/ST.
Las Vegas Raiders D/ST 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.
Jacksonville Jaguars D/ST vs. Seattle Seahawks
The Jacksonville Jaguars have been one of the NFL’s early surprises, opening the season 4-1 while leaning on a defense that has delivered steady fantasy production. 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 D/ST 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. The Ravens will 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
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 with Lamar Jackson sidelined.
Week 6 D/ST Rankings
| D/ST Tier | D/ST Rank | D/ST Name | Pos. |
| 1 | 1 | Philadelphia Eagles | DST |
| 1 | 2 | Los Angeles Rams | DST |
| 1 | 3 | Pittsburgh Steelers | DST |
| 1 | 4 | Green Bay Packers | DST |
| 2 | 5 | Denver Broncos | DST |
| 2 | 6 | Seattle Seahawks | DST |
| 3 | 7 | Indianapolis Colts | DST |
| 3 | 8 | Cleveland Browns | DST |
| 3 | 9 | Buffalo Bills | DST |
| 3 | 10 | Los Angeles Chargers | DST |
| 4 | 11 | New England Patriots | DST |
| 4 | 12 | Arizona Cardinals | DST |
| 4 | 13 | Las Vegas Raiders | DST |
| 4 | 14 | Dallas Cowboys | DST |
| 4 | 15 | Tennessee Titans | DST |
| 5 | 16 | Detroit Lions | DST |
| 5 | 17 | Jacksonville Jaguars | DST |
| 5 | 18 | Wash. Commanders | DST |
| 5 | 19 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | DST |
| 5 | 20 | Miami Dolphins | DST |
| 5 | 21 | Kansas City Chiefs | DST |
| 5 | 22 | San Francisco 49ers | DST |
| 6 | 23 | New Orleans Saints | DST |
| 6 | 24 | Chicago Bears | DST |
| 6 | 25 | New York Jets | DST |
| 6 | 26 | Carolina Panthers | DST |
| 6 | 27 | Atlanta Falcons | DST |
| 7 | 28 | New York Giants | DST |
| 7 | 29 | Baltimore Ravens | DST |
| 7 | 30 | Cincinnati Bengals | DST |
Who Should I Start Tool
Not sure who to start? Check out the Who Should I Start tool:
Compare up to four players and we'll tell you who to start...
Who Should I Start? Who Should I Sit? Some common Week 6 fantasy football lineup decisions are regarding defenses like the New England Patriots DST, Washington Commanders DST, Pittsburgh Steelers DST, Tennessee Titans DST, Miami Dolphins DST, Indianapolis Colts DST, Green Bay Packers DST, Denver Broncos DST, Seattle Seahawks DST. But not to worry, we are here to help make these decisions and build winning lineups in Week 6. Set your optimal fantasy football lineups for Week 6 of the 2025 NFL season. Our free Who Should I Start? tool will help make your fantasy football lineup decisions. Compare up to four NFL players, and we tell you who to start... all free! Get your winning lineups set, and make the right decisions.
Week 6 Player Decisions. Today's focus is on specific defenses like the New England Patriots DST, Washington Commanders DST, Pittsburgh Steelers DST, Tennessee Titans DST, Miami Dolphins DST, Indianapolis Colts DST, Green Bay Packers DST, Denver Broncos DST, Seattle Seahawks DST. These are some of the most common searches for fantasy football lineups in Week 6.
Using The Tool. This is a simple tool but very powerful. The first step is to enter the player names that you want to compare. In the first box, search for the first player name. In the second box, search for the second player name. Compare up to four NFL players at once, and then click the Who To Start? button to see who the recommended starts are based on weekly fantasy football matchups.
Improvements For Who Should I Start? You may have noticed, our Who Should I Start? tool has gotten an overhaul. We've added lots of great features for you to give you as much information as possible to win your fantasy football matchups each week. You'll see NFL player tiles with headshots and bye weeks, enhanced search results with data to compare, and a slick new interface. We hope you enjoy!
How It Works. Each week, our RotoBaller staff puts together their weekly fantasy football rankings and projections based on their research. That information is the core data that is powering the decision-making in this tool. When you search for player names, you will only see those players who are ranked. If someone is out for the week, they will not appear in the search results.
Scoring Formats. Fantasy football managers play in various types of leagues, and this tool allows you to choose whether it's PPR scoring, Half-PPR scoring, or Standard (Non-PPR) scoring. The second thing you want to do is to select the scoring format. There are three small radio buttons (small circle), so click on the scoring format you prefer. The results may vary based on the scoring format you select.
Popular Week 6 Searches. Curious to see some tough lineup decisions for Week 6 (2025)? Below you will find a list of some popular Who Should I Start? searches that RotoBaller readers are looking at this week. Click any of the links to see the result and recommendation.
Popular Week 6 Searches - Start/Sit Player Comparisons
Below are some popular Week 6 searches and comparisons from our 'Who To Start' tool for the New England Patriots DST, Washington Commanders DST, Pittsburgh Steelers DST, Tennessee Titans DST, Miami Dolphins DST, Indianapolis Colts DST, Green Bay Packers DST, Denver Broncos DST, Seattle Seahawks DST compared to others:
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