Fantasy football managers know that every lineup decision can make or break a week, and choosing the right players to start or sit is where championships are won. With the 2025 NFL season underway, matchups, stats, and trends are more important than ever. Each week, we’ll break down the top fantasy football start ’em, sit ’em picks at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, defense, and kicker to help you set the best possible lineup. From favorable matchups and scoring trends to players you should avoid in tough spots, my weekly guide is built to give you an edge.
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Quarterbacks to Start
Jordan Love GB
Jordan Love should absolutely be on your fantasy football start radar in Week 6. The Packers’ signal-caller enters this matchup fresh off a bye and coming off one of his best outings of the year, torching Dallas for 337 yards, three touchdowns, and 26.28 fantasy points. He’s been a quietly consistent performer, ranking as the QB15 in fantasy points per game and posting a QB6 finish earlier this season. Love has been among the most efficient passers in the NFL, ranking top-10 in yards per attempt, completion percentage over expected (CPOE), and hero throw rate. When kept clean, he’s been elite, leading all quarterbacks in expected points added (EPA) when not pressured.
This week, Love faces a Bengals defense that looks like a dream matchup for fantasy purposes. Cincinnati has allowed 19+ fantasy points to three of the last four quarterbacks it’s faced while surrendering the second-most passing touchdowns and ranking bottom-10 in yards per attempt allowed. They also generate pressure at the fourth-lowest rate, which sets up perfectly for Love’s strengths. If the Packers’ offensive line gives him time, he has a real shot at another top-10 fantasy finish. Lock Love into your lineup with confidence this week; he’s a strong start in all formats.
Matthew Stafford LAR
Matthew Stafford is red-hot entering Week 6 and should be locked into your fantasy football lineups. After an inconsistent start, Stafford has exploded with back-to-back 375+ yard, three-touchdown performances, averaging over 25 fantasy points per game during that stretch. His command of the Rams’ offense has been masterful, ranking second in both passing yards per game and touchdown passes among all quarterbacks. Stafford’s ability to make difficult throws, shown by his league-best hero throw rate, has helped him sustain elite fantasy production while also having Puka Nacua and Davante Adams at his disposal. When he’s in rhythm, few QBs can match his efficiency and ceiling.
This week’s matchup against Baltimore gives Stafford another chance to shine. The Ravens’ secondary is banged up and struggling mightily, allowing the most passing touchdowns, the third-most passing yards per game, and the sixth-highest success rate per dropback. They’ve also surrendered the second-most fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks while failing to generate consistent pressure. That combination plays right into Stafford’s hands, as he thrives when given time to dissect defenses. Keep riding the hot hand, Stafford is a clear fantasy start with legitimate QB1 upside this week.
Daniel Jones IND
Daniel “Indiana” Jones finds himself in an intriguing spot for Week 6. Coming off his best game since Week 2, Jones has always been notably more effective against bad pass rushes, and this week, he draws an Arizona defense that ranks below average in pressure rate. Despite being held under 17 fantasy points in three straight games, Jones remains efficient as a passer, ranking top-10 in yards per attempt, passer rating, and catchable target rate among 40 qualified QBs. The results haven’t fully shown up in fantasy yet, but the underlying metrics suggest better days ahead. His dual-threat ability still gives him a safe floor, even if the rushing touchdowns have temporarily disappeared.
The Cardinals’ defense has been inconsistent, which gives Jones some upside as a sneaky fantasy start in deeper leagues. Arizona has allowed the fourth-most passing yards to quarterbacks, but has held strong in passer rating and yards per attempt, showing they can be beaten through volume more than efficiency. If Jones can find the end zone through the air and add a bit on the ground, he could easily post QB1 numbers. This isn’t a must-start spot, but it’s a positive one, and a bounce-back fantasy performance feels well within reach. Jones deserves streaming consideration for Week 6.
Quarterbacks to Sit
Jared Goff DET
Despite an impressive Week 5 outing, Jared Goff should be on your sit list for Week 6. His 20.1 fantasy points against Cincinnati came against one of the worst defenses in football, and the matchup gets far tougher this week against the Kansas City Chiefs. Goff has historically struggled outdoors, combining for just 27.5 fantasy points in two other outdoor games this season (at Green Bay and Baltimore). The Chiefs have allowed only one quarterback, Justin Herbert in Week 1, to throw for multiple touchdowns, and no one has surpassed 225 passing yards against them since. That kind of defensive consistency spells trouble for a stationary quarterback like Goff.
Kansas City’s defense is especially stingy against pocket passers, allowing the ninth-lowest passer rating and the 14th-fewest yards per attempt on the season. Where they have struggled is against rushing quarterbacks. With Goff averaging just 6 rushing yards per game, his fantasy ceiling is heavily capped. Unless you’re in a Superflex or two-QB league, it’s best to fade him this week. Expect modest production and a likely finish outside the top-15 fantasy quarterbacks in Week 6.
Trevor Lawrence JAC
Trevor Lawrence delivered one of his best fantasy football performances of the season in Week 5, finishing as the QB5 behind two rushing touchdowns and a season-high 54 yards on the ground. However, fantasy managers should be cautious chasing that performance into Week 6. Before that breakout, Lawrence had just 32 rushing yards total through four games, suggesting that kind of ground production isn’t sustainable. Through the air, he’s been merely average, ranking 29th in yards per attempt and 24th in highly accurate throw rate. While he’s shown flashes of improvement, his overall fantasy consistency just hasn’t been there.
This week, Lawrence faces a tricky Seahawks defense that’s quietly improving. Seattle ranks middle-of-the-pack in most categories but generates pressure at an above-average rate, which could disrupt Jacksonville’s passing rhythm. They’ve given up the seventh-most passing yards but haven’t been burned for many touchdowns, keeping most opposing quarterbacks in check. Unless Lawrence can replicate his rushing output, which seems unlikely, his fantasy ceiling is limited. He’s a borderline QB2 and a recommended sit in standard one-quarterback leagues for Week 6.
Justin Fields NYJ
Justin Fields has been one of fantasy football’s most exciting quarterbacks this season, topping 25 fantasy points in three of his four starts. However, Week 6 presents a brutal matchup that makes him a risky start. The Broncos’ defense, despite its inconsistencies, ranks second in fewest fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks. They’ve completely shut down rushing production from the position, holding every quarterback under six rushing yards. That’s bad news for Fields, whose fantasy value heavily depends on his legs.
Compounding the problem is the Jets’ offensive line, which has allowed pressure at the highest rate in the NFL, 10 percentage points higher than any other team. Denver also boasts an elite secondary led by Patrick Surtain II, who should make life difficult for Garrett Wilson and limit Fields’ passing options. Even though Fields has been electric in recent weeks, this is a matchup to avoid if you have another viable quarterback. He’s a borderline starter at best and a clear fantasy sit in standard one-QB leagues for Week 6
Running Backs to Start
Jacory Croskey-Merritt WAS
Jacory Croskey-Merritt has officially arrived on the fantasy football radar again after erupting for 150 total yards and two touchdowns last week. The Commanders finally unleashed him as the feature back, and he rewarded them by averaging 7.9 yards per carry while ripping off chunk gains at will. His 6.6 yards per carry and 4.7 yards after contact per attempt both lead all qualified running backs, showcasing elite efficiency. The Bears’ defense presents another mouthwatering matchup; they’ve allowed a league-high 6.1 yards per carry and rank near the bottom in explosive run rate allowed. That combination gives Croskey-Merritt massive upside in Week 6.
Given how dynamic he looked against the Chargers in Week 5, Croskey-Merritt should remain the centerpiece of Washington’s backfield ahead of Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Jeremy McNichols. Chicago has surrendered the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs, and five different backs have scored at least 13 PPR points against them this season. Everything lines up for another strong performance, especially with the Commanders likely to lean on their ground game early. Consider him a confident RB2 start with legitimate RB1 upside in Week 6.
Rico Dowdle CAR
Rico Dowdle exploded in Week 5 for 206 rushing yards and a touchdown, adding another 28 yards through the air in one of the most dominant rushing performances by a Panther in over a decade. His 206-yard outing was the fifth-highest single-game total in the NFL over the last five seasons, showing he’s more than capable of handling lead-back duties. This week, he faces a Dallas defense that has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs and the sixth-most PPG overall to the position. The Cowboys are giving up explosive runs at the fourth-highest rate and have struggled to contain backs in the passing game, yielding the most receiving yards to RBs. For Dowdle, this matchup is both a revenge game and a prime opportunity to stay hot.
Dowdle’s vision and physicality were on full display last week, and he should continue to thrive against a soft Cowboys front. Dallas has already allowed three running backs to post 18+ PPR points, including back-to-back weeks with Josh Jacobs and Breece Hall. That bodes extremely well for Dowdle, who has the volume and matchup to deliver another big fantasy day. Fantasy managers should confidently start Dowdle as a high-end RB2, with a real shot at finishing among the top 10 running backs in Week 6.
Tony Pollard TEN
Tony Pollard maintained his lead role in the Titans’ backfield despite Tyjae Spears returning from injury last week, handling 17 touches for 78 total yards and a score. He played 58% of the snaps and continued to dominate carries, proving that Tennessee still views him as their workhorse. Pollard has quietly been a model of consistency, scoring 13.9 or more PPR points in two of his last three games and seeing steady involvement in the passing game with at least three targets per contest. His efficiency metrics remain strong, ranking 16th among 47 backs in yards after contact per attempt. With his dual-threat usage, Pollard is set up for another solid outing against a Raiders defense that’s allowed seven rushing touchdowns in the past three games.
Las Vegas has been extremely vulnerable to the run, ranking in the bottom 12 across multiple categories, including missed tackle rate and yards before contact allowed. They’ve also surrendered 13.8+ PPR points to a running back in three straight games, and Pollard should exploit that. The Titans are starting to find offensive rhythm, and Pollard’s steady workload makes him one of the safer fantasy football start options this week. Expect him to flirt with 80-100 total yards and a strong chance to find the end zone. He’s a rock-solid RB2 start with top-15 potential in Week 6.
Running Backs to Sit
Jaylen Warren PIT
Jaylen Warren returns from injury just in time for one of the worst matchups imaginable against Cleveland’s dominant front seven. The Browns rank third in fewest fantasy points allowed to running backs and have completely shut down elite rushers like Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, and David Montgomery. They’ve given up the second-fewest rushing yards in the league, along with the lowest yards before contact per attempt. That spells major trouble for a Steelers offense that already struggles to open running lanes. With Kenneth Gainwell also likely to be involved after his explosive Week 4 performance, Warren’s touch share becomes even murkier.
Pittsburgh’s run game has lacked identity all year, and facing a defense this stout doesn’t inspire much optimism. Cleveland has yielded just three runs of 10+ yards and remains equally stingy against pass-catching backs, allowing the fourth-fewest receiving yards to the position. Warren’s best path to fantasy production is through volume, but that’s far from guaranteed this week. Even in PPR formats, he’s unlikely to provide much upside unless he breaks a big play, which is highly unlikely against this defense. Fantasy managers should sit Warren in Week 6, as he’s a low-ceiling flex play at best in one of the league’s toughest matchups.
Alvin Kamara NO
It’s becoming difficult to trust Alvin Kamara as a weekly fantasy starter, as he’s failed to reach 12 PPR points in three straight games and hasn’t scored a touchdown in four. His efficiency has completely cratered, ranking below league average in yards per carry, yards before contact, and explosive run rate. Even worse, Kendre Miller out-carried him last week and saw a season-high 39% of snaps, hinting at an emerging timeshare. Kamara’s age and declining burst may finally be catching up with him, and this Saints offense hasn’t done him any favors. The matchup doesn’t help either; New England ranks fifth in fewest fantasy points allowed to running backs and hasn’t allowed a 50-yard rusher all season.
The Patriots have neutralized some of the league’s most efficient backs, including James Cook and De’Von Achane, holding each under double-digit fantasy points. They’re especially effective at clogging running lanes early, allowing one of the lowest yards-per-carry figures in the league. Kamara’s usual safety net as a receiver also isn’t reliable this week, as the Patriots’ linebackers have limited receiving backs to minimal gains. With his floor collapsing and the Saints starting to phase in Miller more often, Kamara is trending in the wrong direction. Treat him as a sit in Week 6 and only consider starting him if your options are extremely thin.
Derrick Henry BAL
Derrick Henry’s production has fallen off dramatically over the past month, and things don’t get any easier in Week 6 against the Rams. He’s been held under 50 rushing yards in four straight games and hasn’t topped 10.7 PPR points in any of them. With Lamar Jackson sidelined due to a hamstring injury, defenses are stacking the box, forcing Henry to run into brick walls behind a banged-up offensive line. The Rams present another brutal challenge; they’ve allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to running backs and are the only team yet to give up a rushing touchdown to the position. Without Jackson’s mobility to keep defenders honest, Henry’s efficiency has cratered, averaging just 2.2 yards per carry last week.
The concerning part is that Henry’s trademark power and tackle-breaking ability appear to be fading, as he’s failed to force a missed tackle in each of his last two games. With negative yards before contact and an offense that’s frequently trailing, the Ravens haven’t been able to give him his usual workload. Los Angeles also ranks fifth-best in yards before contact and third-best in overall fantasy points allowed to running backs, meaning there’s no obvious path to a bounce-back. Henry remains a legendary talent, but this matchup sets up as another disappointment. If you have a reliable alternative, it’s best to sit Henry in Week 6 and hope Baltimore’s offense gets Lamar back sooner rather than later.
Wide Receivers to Start
Stefon Diggs NE
Stefon Diggs continues to prove why he needs to be in starting lineups heading into Week 6. Over the last two games, he’s been one of the league’s most dominant receivers, commanding a massive 42% target share and 54% air yards share, while ranking 3rd in total targets. His chemistry with Drake Maye has been electric, producing 16 catches for 247 yards and at least 16.1 PPR points in each of his past two games. What’s especially impressive is how efficient he’s been, ranking fourth in separation and 15th in route win rate among all wide receivers since Week 4. Those numbers aren’t just volume-driven; they show a receiver winning consistently at every level of the field.
This week’s matchup with New Orleans shouldn’t scare fantasy managers off. While the Saints rank seventh in fewest fantasy points allowed to wideouts, they’ve still given up 17.9+ PPR points to four receivers already this season. New Orleans also struggles against perimeter threats, surrendering the second-most PPR points per target and tenth-most receiving yards per game to receivers lining up outside. With his recent spike in downfield usage (10.4 air yards per target) and strong red zone involvement, Diggs is set up for another big performance. Keep him locked into your starting lineup with confidence.
Zay Flowers BAL
Zay Flowers continues to carve out a dependable role for fantasy managers, ranking as the WR19 in fantasy points per game and maintaining a strong 27.1% target share on the season. Even without Lamar Jackson last week, Flowers posted five receptions for 72 yards and a 25% target share, proving he can sustain fantasy relevance regardless of quarterback play. Flowers’ role within the offense is stronger than it has been in years past, with his 30% 1st read share and ranks top 10 in the NFL in target share. The TDs have not come just yet, but the usage is encouraging and has produced more consistency to start the season.
This week’s matchup with the Rams sets up favorably for Flowers. Los Angeles has allowed the ninth-most receiving yards per game and the 12th-most fantasy points per game to perimeter wide receivers, which aligns perfectly with Flowers’ usage. Even with Cooper Rush under center again, the Ravens’ offensive design ensures Flowers gets consistent first-read looks and intermediate opportunities. Expect the Rams to stack the box to stop Derrick Henry, allowing better matchups for Flowers on the outside. Expect WR2/3 production with legitimate upside if he breaks a deep ball or finds the end zone. He’s a strong start in PPR formats this week.
Ladd McConkey LAC
Ladd McConkey finally had some positives work his way and now has Omarion Hampton sidelined and the Chargers leaning even more on their passing attack. He’s coming off his best performance of the year, recording 14.9 PPR points and scoring his first touchdown, marking his second top-24 finish of the season. Over his last three games, McConkey has seen a steady 18.7% target share with a 22.5% first-read share, along with three red zone targets. While those numbers aren’t particularly flashy for a player drafted as high as he was two months ago, the matchup this week is enticing.
This week’s matchup against Miami offers another opportunity for McConkey to thrive. The Dolphins have allowed the fifth-most PPR points per target and the second-highest passer rating when targeting slot receivers, an area where McConkey lines up over 61% of the time. Expect Herbert to lean on McConkey even more this week based on the matchup. While all of the Chargers’ receivers have good matchups in this one, McConkey is in line for the biggest game of the bunch. McConkey is a low-end WR2 with WR1 upside this week against the Dolphins.
Wide Receivers to Sit
Jameson Williams DET
Jameson Williams remains one of the most frustrating fantasy wideouts in the league, and he’s an easy sit for Week 6. Despite elite athleticism and deep-threat ability, his production has been inconsistent and volatile, ranking as the WR63 in fantasy points per game. Williams has just a 15% target share, with 40% of his targets being deep shots, highlighting his boom-or-bust usage. His 19.4 air yards per target lead nearly the entire NFL, yet that hasn’t translated into steady output, as evidenced by his two-point fantasy performance last week. Detroit’s new offensive approach has emphasized short-to-intermediate passing, leaving Williams isolated as a low-volume field stretcher.
The matchup against Kansas City only makes matters worse. The Chiefs have been one of the best defenses against perimeter deep threats, allowing the sixth-fewest deep passing yards per game, the seventh-lowest deep completion rate, and the lowest deep passer rating in the NFL. Additionally, they utilize a two-high coverage shell over 62% of the time, and Williams has been nearly invisible against that look, earning just an 8.8% target share and 1.32 yards per route run. Unless you’re desperate for a Hail Mary play, Williams belongs on your bench. This is not the week to take the risk in Williams.
Brian Thomas Jr. JAC
Brian Thomas Jr. has flashed moments of promise this season, but he still profiles as a sit for Week 6. Despite back-to-back WR3 finishes (WR31, WR30), he’s averaged only 48.8 receiving yards per game with 1.53 yards per route run, and he has yet to find the end zone. Thomas holds a respectable 21.9% target share and 25% first-read share, but those opportunities haven’t translated into consistent fantasy value. His Week 5 outing (4 catches, 80 yards, 12 PPR points) was his best yet, but that stat line highlights his ceiling more than his floor. Without a strong red zone connection and with inconsistent quarterback play, Thomas remains a risky flex option.
This week’s matchup against Seattle is less than ideal. The Seahawks rank 12th in fewest fantasy points allowed to opposing receivers and are especially stingy against perimeter options, allowing the sixth-fewest PPR points per target. Thomas’s role as an outside receiver limits his scoring chances against this disciplined secondary. Unless you’re in a deep league that starts three wideouts, he’s better left on your bench. Consider this another week to sit Thomas and wait for a more favorable matchup before trusting him in fantasy football lineups.
Tee Higgins CIN
Tee Higgins continues to disappoint fantasy managers, entering Week 6 as the WR59 in fantasy points per game. He’s seen some opportunities, four red zone targets in his last four games, but his production has been pedestrian at best. Higgins is averaging just 31.6 receiving yards per game and a 16.9% target share this year. His 48% catch rate ranks among the five worst in the league (minimum 25 targets), and Cincinnati’s passing offense hasn’t been efficient enough to support multiple fantasy-relevant wideouts. While Ja’Marr Chase remains a weekly start, Higgins has become a touchdown-dependent flex play at best.
Week 6 doesn’t offer much hope for a rebound. The Packers have allowed the tenth-fewest PPR points per target to perimeter receivers, and their defensive scheme is built to eliminate big plays downfield, the area where Higgins typically thrives. Until the Bengals’ passing rhythm improves, or perhaps until Joe Flacco fully settles in, Higgins is too risky to trust. His floor is dangerously low, and his ceiling has been capped all season. Keep him on your bench this week and look elsewhere for more stable fantasy production.
Tight Ends to Start
David Njoku CLE
David Njoku is heating up at the right time and looks like a strong start for fantasy football in Week 6. Coming off his best game of the season in Week 5 with new quarterback Dillon Gabriel, Njoku posted six receptions for 67 yards and a touchdown on nine targets, good for 18.7 PPR points and a TE7 finish. He commanded a 24.2% target share, led the team in first-read targets, and was heavily involved in the red zone. The chemistry between Gabriel and Njoku appears legitimate, as the rookie quarterback relied on him as a security blanket in critical downs.
Pittsburgh has allowed a tight end touchdown in two of its last three games and ranks among the bottom five defenses in fantasy points allowed to the position. Historically, Njoku has produced well against Pittsburgh in their last meeting. He saw 13 targets, catching seven for 42 yards and a touchdown. With the Steelers struggling to defend tight ends and Njoku clearly establishing himself as the focal point of the passing attack, he’s an easy plug-and-play start for Week 6. Fantasy managers should ride the hot hand in what could be another top-10 finish
Jake Tonges SF
Jake Tonges continues to emerge as a legitimate start in George Kittle’s absence. Over the past two weeks, Tonges has hauled in 10 catches for 99 yards and two touchdowns on 16 targets, a massive workload for a fill-in tight end. His 11 targets and 17.1 PPR points in Week 5 highlight how involved he’s become in the 49ers’ offense, especially with injuries to Ricky Pearsall and Jauan Jennings. Tonges’ consistency makes him more than just a desperation streamer; he’s shaping up as a reliable fantasy starter. He’s posted 10 or more fantasy points in three of his last five outings.
The Buccaneers have been extremely vulnerable to tight ends recently, allowing four touchdowns to the position over their last two games. Tampa Bay has allowed the second-most fantasy points to tight ends since Week 4, making this matchup even more appealing. If you need a start at tight end in Week 6, Tonges checks every box, opportunity, matchup, and recent production. Fire Tonges up as a low-end TE1 in Week 6.
Mason Taylor NYJ
Mason Taylor has quickly become one of the most intriguing young tight ends in fantasy football, and he’s a clear start in Week 6 against Denver. The rookie has scored at least 11.5 PPR points in each of his last two games while commanding 25 targets over his past three contests, which is elite usage for the position. Last week, Taylor saw a team-high 12 targets, catching nine passes for 67 yards as Justin Fields repeatedly looked his way when the Jets fell behind. Since Week 4, he’s commanded a 26% target share and a 27.8% first-read share
That type of volume, especially with Patrick Surtain II likely to shadow Garrett Wilson, positions Taylor to once again serve as the primary safety valve in the passing game. Even though Denver has been a tough matchup on paper, their defense has allowed multiple tight ends to see seven or more targets and produce at least 9.6 PPR points this year. In what should be a competitive game in London, Taylor’s floor is extremely safe, and his ceiling continues to rise. Fantasy managers should confidently roll with Taylor as a top-12 option in Week 6.
Tight Ends to Sit
Kyle Pitts ATL
Kyle Pitts has shown flashes of returning to fantasy relevance, but Week 6 is not the time to start him. The matchup against Buffalo is brutal; the Bills have allowed the second-fewest fantasy points and third-fewest receiving yards to tight ends this season. Pitts’ fantasy production has been heavily tied to Darnell Mooney’s absence, as his two best games came when Mooney was sidelined or limited. With Mooney expected back this week, Pitts’ target share could dip once again, making him a risky play in a matchup that already caps tight end scoring potential.
The advanced stats don’t offer much optimism either. Pitts has just one deep target and one red zone target through five games, a concerning trend for a player who has required volume for fantasy production this year. Finally, the 15.7% 1st read share is not enough to trust against this tough matchup. Unless you’re desperate in a deep league, Pitts should be on the sit list for Week 6. Look elsewhere for a streaming option with a friendlier matchup.
Dalton Kincaid BUF
Dalton Kincaid has been a bright spot for the Bills’ passing attack this season, but Week 6 sets up as a clear sit against the Falcons. Atlanta’s defense has been elite versus tight ends, ranking No. 1 in fewest fantasy points allowed and holding every opposing tight end to six or fewer points in four straight games. No tight end has recorded more than four targets against them all season. While Kincaid has been productive, topping 14.8 PPR points in three of five games, his success has largely come from favorable matchups and high efficiency on limited snaps.
His 42nd-ranked snap share and 27th-ranked route participation rate are major red flags against a disciplined defense like Atlanta’s. His 23rd-ranked first-read target rate shows that he still can be a volatile option in tougher matchups. Atlanta will be a tougher matchup, and missing out on the end zone could crush Kincaid’s Week 6 performance. Expect Buffalo to lean more on their wideouts and running game in this spot. Unless you’re lacking depth at the position, Kincaid belongs on the sit side of your fantasy lineup in Week 6.
Mark Andrews BAL
Mark Andrews has been one of the biggest fantasy disappointments of 2025, and his Week 6 outlook doesn’t inspire much confidence. With Cooper Rush starting in place of Lamar Jackson, Andrews caught just two passes for 22 yards on three targets in Week 5, continuing a trend of inconsistency whenever Jackson is unavailable. Outside of one big game in Week 3, Andrews has averaged just 4.3 PPR points per contest, with only two red zone targets all year. Until Jackson returns, it’s tough to justify starting him, especially against a Rams defense that ranks middle-of-the-pack but has shown discipline in limiting tight end yardage.
The talent is still there, but the situation simply isn’t favorable this week. The Ravens’ offense has been less efficient without Jackson, and Rush hasn’t shown the same trust in targeting Andrews over the middle. The Rams have allowed just average production to tight ends, ranking 16th in schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game, which caps Andrews’ ceiling even further. With Baltimore heading into a bye in Week 7, it may be best to stash him and look elsewhere for production in Week 6. Fantasy managers should treat Andrews as a sit until Jackson is back under center and the offense regains its rhythm.
DEF to Start
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are an easy start this week thanks to an elite matchup against the struggling Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals have been a goldmine for opposing defenses, allowing at least 10 fantasy points in three straight games and leading the NFL with 11 turnovers. They’ve also given up the most fantasy points per game to defenses and surrendered 30 to the Vikings just two weeks ago. Even with the recent addition of Joe Flacco, this offense remains in disarray behind a shaky offensive line that’s given up relentless pressure. Green Bay’s defense, which has shown flashes of dominance but lacked consistency, now has the perfect opportunity to deliver a season-best performance. Expect a heavy dose of sacks and potential turnovers as the Packers look to capitalize on a mistake-prone Bengals offense.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the best defenses for Week 6 as they face rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel and a struggling Cleveland Browns offense. Pittsburgh’s defense has been red-hot lately, totaling 11 sacks and nine takeaways in its last three games while averaging 13 fantasy points per game in that span. Coming off a bye, they’ll be well-rested and playing at home against a divisional opponent that’s looked lost offensively. Cleveland’s offense ranks among the worst in the league with just 14.6 points per game and eight total giveaways through five weeks. With an elite pass rush and opportunistic secondary, the Steelers should feast on turnovers and are an easy start in all formats.
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots are another smart option this week as they take on a New Orleans offense that’s been inconsistent at best. The Saints have struggled to protect Spencer Rattler, allowing eight sacks in the three games before Week 5, and have scored fewer than 20 points in three of their first four contests. New England has quietly become one of the most reliable fantasy defenses, recording an interception in four of five games this season and holding both Carolina and Buffalo to just 33 combined points over the past two weeks. The Patriots are a strong streaming option in Week 6
DEF to Sit
Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs
Fantasy football managers should sit both the Lions and Chiefs defenses this week in what projects to be a high-scoring shootout. Detroit’s defense has been impressive lately, with five sacks and five interceptions over the past two games, but that success came against weak offenses in Cleveland and Cincinnati. This week, they’ll face Patrick Mahomes and a Kansas City offense that’s among the league’s most disciplined, allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses with just seven sacks and two turnovers all season.
On the other side, the Chiefs’ defense has been strong overall, but the Lions’ explosive offense makes them nearly matchup-proof. They’ve surrendered the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses at just one point per game. Expect plenty of offense and few defensive opportunities for fantasy production. Both defenses should be avoided in Week 6.
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are an easy sit this week as they face a surging Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense that’s been firing on all cylinders. Tampa Bay has scored 25 or more points in three straight games and is averaging 27 points per contest through five weeks. Baker Mayfield has been sharp, and the offensive line has limited sacks to just nine on the season. Even worse, only two teams have turned the ball over less than the Bucs, which drastically limits the 49ers’ fantasy upside. San Francisco’s defense has failed to score more than 10 fantasy points in any game this year and hasn’t topped five in its last four outings. Facing an efficient offense with few mistakes, the 49ers are best left on your bench in Week 6.
Kickers to Start
Joshua Karty LAR
Joshua Karty remains a strong start in Week 6 despite a down performance last week against the 49ers. Before that game, Karty had scored double-digit fantasy points in back-to-back outings, showing excellent consistency. The matchup this week against the Ravens is a favorable one. Baltimore has allowed at least 11 fantasy points to three different kickers this season. Expect a bounce-back performance on the road, with multiple field goal attempts likely in a competitive game script. Karty should be locked in as a top-12 option in Week 6.
Cameron Dicker LAC
Cameron Dicker is a quality start this week as he faces a Miami Dolphins defense that has consistently allowed production to opposing kickers. The Dolphins have given up at least nine fantasy points to four different kickers this season, with two scoring 11 or more. Dicker has averaged eight fantasy points per game this year, and this matchup gives him an excellent chance to exceed that mark. In a game with high scoring potential, Dicker has a strong floor and should easily finish among the top fantasy kickers in Week 6.
Kickers to Sit
Chad Ryland ARI
Chad Ryland is an easy sit this week due to his tough matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. Ryland disappointed in Week 5 with just three points and zero field goal attempts, marking his lowest fantasy output of the season. The Colts have been one of the most restrictive defenses against kickers, allowing the third-fewest fantasy points per game to the position. Ryland should be avoided in all formats for Week 6.
Harrison Butker KC
Harrison Butker is typically a set-and-forget kicker, but it is becoming hard to trust him. The Chiefs’ matchup against the Lions is projected to be high-scoring, but Detroit’s defense has quietly been one of the best at limiting kicker production. The Lions have allowed just five total field goals through five games, and only one opposing kicker has managed more than eight fantasy points. Butker has also been inconsistent this year, missing multiple kicks and PATs, further lowering his floor. In a week full of better streaming options, Butker is not worth the risk.
