Who To Start for Fantasy Football?
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Wan'Dale Robinson or Darnell Mooney or Josh Downs or Terry McLaurin: Who Should I Start for Week 6?
Summary
Strength of Schedule
Stats and Projections
News
Projections - Receiving and Rushing
PTS
13.9
TAR/GM
0.0
REC
5
REC/GM
5.4
YDS / REC
12.1
RUSH ATT
-
YDS / ATT
0.0
TOTAL YDS
66
TD
-
2026 Season - Receiving and Rushing
PTS
44.9
PTS / GM
9
P-RANK
44
GP
5
TAR
34
REC
20
CTCH%
58.8%
TAR/GM
6.8
YDS / REC
12.4
RUSH ATT
0
ATT/GM
0
FUM
0
YDS / ATT
0
TOTAL YDS
249
TD
0
Recent News
by John Johnson
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs just hasn't been a huge part of his team's game plan this season. Even after injuries to WRs Alec Pierce (heel) and Keenan Allen, Downs failed to have any big games this season, and has seen just 10 targets in his last two games combined. He wasn't able to eclipse double-digit PPR fantasy points in either. Despite separating well on film and being a reliable short-to-intermediate option in the passing game, Downs has been quiet for fantasy football this year. Frustratingly, he often takes a back seat to WRs like Laquon Treadwell, which can be infuriating for fantasy managers. The underlying efficiency metrics are encouraging, but they don't mean much when Indy just doesn't look the way of its slot receiver enough. Downs is a risky start due to his low volume this year, and there are better options if you're looking for a good WR3/flex for Week 6.
23BAL
1@KC
30HOU
29@WAS
5@PIT
21TEN
6@MIN
23@JAX
21DAL
2MIA
30@HOU
15NYG
BYE
27@PHI
21@TEN
11CIN
25@CLE
23JAX
Ranking
Rank
45
P-Rank
24
ADP
54
Projections - Receiving and Rushing
PTS
12.1
TAR/GM
0.0
REC
4
REC/GM
4.2
YDS / REC
13.9
RUSH ATT
-
YDS / ATT
0.0
TOTAL YDS
58
TD
-
2026 Season - Receiving and Rushing
PTS
42.3
PTS / GM
10.6
P-RANK
49
GP
4
TAR
26
REC
14
CTCH%
53.8%
TAR/GM
6.5
YDS / REC
14.5
RUSH ATT
0
ATT/GM
0
FUM
0
YDS / ATT
0
TOTAL YDS
203
TD
1
Recent News
by Kyle McCarthy
Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (hamstring) was a limited participant in practice this week, but he has been cleared to play heading into Monday night against the San Francisco 49ers. McLaurin was a bit limited in his return in Week 5, playing just 56.7% of the snaps with a 70.3% route share, but the veteran still made a handful of impactful plays, hauling in all four of his targets for 62 yards. Fellow wideout Stefon Diggs (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Week 6 after missing last week, but it seems there is optimism about his chances to suit up. The 49ers are one of just eight defenses to allow less than 200 passing yards per game through five weeks and also have allowed the seventh-fewest PPR points per game to opposing wide receivers. However, in a matchup with one of the highest projected point totals of the week, McLaurin projects as a solid WR2 for Week 6, ranking as RotoBaller's WR23.
27@PHI
21@DAL
3SEA
18IND
15NYG
9@SF
BYE
27PHI
10LAR
15@NYG
11CIN
28@ARI
21@TEN
30HOU
25ATL
6@MIN
23@JAX
21DAL
Ranking
Rank
65
P-Rank
34
ADP
94
Projections - Receiving and Rushing
PTS
10.1
TAR/GM
0.0
REC
4
REC/GM
4.4
YDS / REC
10.6
RUSH ATT
-
YDS / ATT
0.0
TOTAL YDS
47
TD
-
2026 Season - Receiving and Rushing
PTS
51.7
PTS / GM
10.3
P-RANK
35
GP
5
TAR
30
REC
22
CTCH%
73.3%
TAR/GM
6
YDS / REC
8
RUSH ATT
1
ATT/GM
0.2
FUM
0
YDS / ATT
1
TOTAL YDS
177
TD
2
Recent News
by Alex Ciulla
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson has been productive recently and will look to continue that trend on the road against the Indianapolis Colts. Robinson's 2026 numbers won't jump off the page, but he's still provided value, even in the league's worst scoring offense. Aside from a one-catch dud in Week 2, the fifth-year pro has been solid, collecting at least five targets in all but one appearance and five or more receptions in three. Robinson's outlook also improves in Week 6 with a tantalizing matchup against a sieve-like Colts pass defense. Over six weeks, Indianapolis ranks fifth in passing yards allowed per game (254) and sixth in points allowed per game (27.6). A sub-optimal offensive line and erratic play from quarterback Cam Ward work against him, but the Kentucky native is well-positioned to produce ahead of the divisional clash.
7NYJ
27PHI
15@NYG
23@BAL
30HOU
18@IND
25CLE
11@CIN
BYE
23JAX
21@DAL
23@JAX
29WAS
31@DET
18IND
20@LV
5PIT
30@HOU
Ranking
Rank
155
P-Rank
70
ADP
331
Projections - Receiving and Rushing
PTS
4.6
TAR/GM
0.0
REC
2
REC/GM
1.7
YDS / REC
12.9
RUSH ATT
-
YDS / ATT
0.0
TOTAL YDS
22
TD
-
2026 Season - Receiving and Rushing
PTS
19.8
PTS / GM
4
P-RANK
91
GP
5
TAR
17
REC
8
CTCH%
47.1%
TAR/GM
3.4
YDS / REC
13.6
RUSH ATT
1
ATT/GM
0.2
FUM
0
YDS / ATT
9
TOTAL YDS
118
TD
0
Recent News
by Bruno Mulé
New York Giants wide receiver Darnell Mooney (neck) is questionable to return to Sunday's Week 6 matchup against the New Orleans Saints, according to Art Stapleton. Mooney entered the contest having dealt with a neck issue during the practice week, he participated fully Thursday and Friday and carried no injury designation into Sunday. The veteran contributed a 20-yard rushing attempt before the latest injury update, but his availability for the remainder of the afternoon is uncertain. It remains unclear whether he aggravated his previous injury or suffered a separate neck issue. Malik Nabers and tight end Isaiah Likely remain New York's primary receiving options, while Malachi Fields could see additional playing time if Mooney cannot return.
21DAL
10@LAR
21TEN
28ARI
29@WAS
12NO
30@HOU
BYE
27@PHI
29WAS
23JAX
18@IND
9SF
3@SEA
25CLE
31@DET
21@DAL
27PHI
Our pick: start Josh Downs (WR20) over Terry McLaurin (WR24), Wan'Dale Robinson (WR34) and Darnell Mooney (WR70), based on RotoBaller's Week 6 PPR rankings.
Similar Matchups
Josh Downs or Luther Burden III · Josh Downs or Jalen Coker · Josh Downs or DK Metcalf · Terry McLaurin or DeVonta Smith · Terry McLaurin or Jaylen Waddle · Terry McLaurin or A.J. Brown · Wan'Dale Robinson or Keenan Allen · Wan'Dale Robinson or Germie Bernard · Wan'Dale Robinson or Rome Odunze · Darnell Mooney or Marvin Harrison Jr. · Darnell Mooney or Kayshon Boutte · Darnell Mooney or Efton Chism IIIRotoBaller’s fantasy football summary
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Who Should I Start? Fantasy Football Start/Sit Tool
Who should I start for fantasy football? This is a common question we all ask ourselves each week during the fantasy football season when setting lineups. RotoBaller provides this great free start/sit tool for comparing players, which can help you make your tough lineup decisions every week. Whether you're comparing quarterbacks, running backs, tight ends vs. wide receivers, or any other combination - we give you our player projection for that week based on a variety of factors including the team's opponent. This start/sit tool is updated regularly, starting on Wednesday each week, based on injury reports and staff ranks.Recent Improvements For Who Should I Start?
You may have noticed, our Who Should I Start? tool has gotten an overhaul this year. 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 team logos and bye weeks, enhanced search results with data to compare, and a slick interface. We hope you enjoy!How To Use Who Should I Start?
Tough lineup decisions to make? Can't decide between a few players? Not sure who to start? Compare up to four NFL players and see which player is recommended for your fantasy football lineups based on projections and rankings. Whether you're comparing quarterbacks, running backs, tight ends vs. wide receivers, or any other combination of fantasy football players - our Who Should I Start? tool gives you advice on who to start or sit.Selecting Players In Who Should I Start?
You can select NFL players to compare by using the search boxes, or selecting player names from the top rankings lists. You can also click on popular searches that other readers make in the start/sit tool.Fantasy Football Lineups Advice and Start/Sit Recommendations
Once you compare NFL players, the start/sit tool provides you with our fantasy football recommendation on who you should start or sit. When comparing the players, we show you our rankings, projections, recent news and strength of schedule side-by-side for you to compare each player.How Many Players Can I Compare?
You can select up to four NFL players at once, and compare them to see who you should start for fantasy football. It's 100% free! Other websites require paid memberships to compare more than two players at once, but at RotoBaller it's all free. Win big with RotoBaller.Who To Start for Quarterbacks
When deciding between two quarterbacks with similar outlooks, analyzing the potential game script is key. Quarterbacks who are likely to face negative game scripts will traditionally attempt more passes in an effort to come from behind. On the flip side, a quarterback on a team that is a heavy favorite could be relegated to handing the ball off and killing the clock in the second half of games.Quarterbacks with limited rushing upside on teams with elite defenses are likely to be low-volume passers, and the lack of rushing production makes it difficult to put together consistent fantasy-friendly outings. A quarterback on a team with a bad defense, facing a team with a good offense, will have to pass all game to keep up.
Other factors to consider:
- Weather
- Health of pass-catchers
- Health of offensive line
- Projected game total
Who To Start for Running Backs
To decide between two running backs with similar outlooks and rankings, the format of your league is key. Some running backs are primarily early-down grinders, while others are great pass-catchers but do not get many short-yardage or goal-line opportunities.Third-down backs benefit from negative game scripts, and early-down grinders benefit from positive game scripts. Pure runners are better in standard leagues, and pass-catching running backs can be cheat codes in PPR setups.
Not all touches are created equal, and a committee running back on a great offense with a plus matchup often outscores a high-touch workhorse on a bad offense that is unlikely to move the chains often and score touchdowns.
Other factors to consider:
- Recent usage
- Health of offensive line
- Matchup (pass-funnel vs run-funnel defense)
Who To Start for Wide Receivers
Like quarterbacks, wide receivers reach ceiling outcomes when passing volume is high, meaning you want to choose a wide receiver who is expected to be in a high-scoring game or face a negative game script.Some wide receivers are valuable in PPR leagues if they catch short passes in high volume, even on a struggling offense. This type of wide receiver production is not as valuable in standard and half-PPR formats, as yards and touchdowns carry a higher premium in those leagues.
Other factors to consider:
- Cornerback matchup
- Health of offensive line
- Health/caliber of quarterback
Who To Start for Tight Ends
The tight end position is always the thinnest in fantasy football, meaning they present the trickiest start-or-sit decisions. If you do not have a must-start stud, identifying a tight end in an above-average offense with a red zone role is key.If you don’t have the ability to start a highly-targeted tight end, identifying a player who has a strong chance to score a touchdown is the next best option.
Other factors to consider:
- Caliber of opposing safeties/linebackers
- Quarterback health
- Missing wide receiver teammates
- Defense red zone stats
Who To Start for FLEX
As mentioned with QB, RB, WR, and TE, finding a Flex option on a strong offense is the first step. In general, when comparing RBs and WRs with similar rankings and projections, choose an RB in standard and half-PPR formats, and choose a WR in PPR formats.Who To Start for Defense (D/ST)
To identify high-upside defenses, determine which streamer-level units have plus matchups each week. Target defenses that are facing offenses with high turnover rates, high sack rates, low scoring numbers, and injuries (especially at quarterback)Avoid bottom-dweller defenses even in plus matchups, as offense often trumps defense when both units are bottom-tier.
Who To Start for Kickers
Kickers attached to strong offenses present the most fantasy upside, and kickers with consistent accuracy and 50-yard-plus range are the safest fantasy football options. Consider targeting kickers set to play indoors, or at least avoid kickers slated to play in poor weather conditions, such as high wind, rain, or snow.It’s also worth noting that many kickers are denied opportunities if the weather is a factor or if a head coach is more aggressive than most on fourth downs.
Making Tough Start/Sit Decisions Between Players - Tiebreakers
- Matchup strength: look up fantasy points allowed by position
- Recent target/touch trend: determine positive or negative opportunity trend
- Red zone/goal-line role: analyze the number of high-value touches
- Injury risk: pre-game game designation and recent practice reports
- Quarterback health and quality: target strong quarterback play
- Snap share and route participation: determine positive or negative opportunity trend
- Weather: analyze game conditions
- Indoors vs outdoors: favor the player indoors as a tie-breaker
- Game script: predict whether a player will likely be trailing or leading
- Floor vs. Ceiling: lean toward boom-or-bust player if you’re a heavy underdog, consider floor player as favorite
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