Matthew Stafford (QB - LAR) vs Baltimore Ravens
Stafford has finished as a top-five QB each of the past two weeks, throwing three touchdowns in each contest while throwing over 40 passes in those appearances. In Week 6, the 37-year-old quarterback faces a Ravens’ defense that allowed the overall QB1 finish to C.J. Stroud last week. Stafford may not see the same type of volume, but this is a prime spot to finish as a high-end QB1.
Bo Nix (QB - DEN) vs New York Jets
Nix has posted his two highest passing yardage totals of the season in the last two weeks, which is a fantastic transition into a matchup against the Jets. Through five weeks, New York has allowed the fifth-most points to opposing quarterbacks, which includes Aaron Rodgers and Tua Tagovailoa. Nix has struggled with consistency, but he has a strong chance of playing a complete game against the Jets’ lowly defense.
Drake Maye (QB - NE) vs New Orleans Saints
The second-year quarterback is coming off an elite performance against the Buffalo Bills, leading the Patriots to a win on the road over Josh Allen. His performance did not correlate with fantasy production, but that should not be the case in Week 6 against the Saints. New Orleans’ defense is giving up 204 passing yards and 23.8 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks.
Jordan Love (QB - GB) vs Cincinnati Bengals
The last time we saw Love, he threw for a season-high 337 yards and three touchdowns in Week 4 against the Dallas Cowboys. Coming off a bye, the 26-year-old quarterback will be in a great position to replicate that performance against a vulnerable Bengals secondary that allows the fourth-most passing yards (259) and third-most passing touchdowns (2.4) per game.
Jayden Daniels (QB - WSH) vs Chicago Bears
Daniels made his return to the starting lineup last week against the Los Angeles Chargers, and despite playing at less than 100%, the second-year quarterback produced a top-20 QB finish. This week, Daniels is up against a depleted Bears secondary without Jaylen Johnson. In addition, Chicago’s defense has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.
Sit 'Em
Trevor Lawrence (QB - JAC) vs Seattle Seahawks
Lawrence is coming off a strong performance against the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night, as he accounted for three total touchdowns. Seattle just allowed Baker Mayfield to throw for 379 yards and two touchdowns, but Lawrence still has too many questionable tendencies to trust against a high-flying defense. The 26-year-old quarterback is primed to disappoint in Week 6.
Justin Fields (QB - NYJ) vs Denver Broncos
Fields posted a 20+ point performance in Week 5 against the Cowboys, but the bulk of those points came on the Jets’ final two drives. The former 2021 first-round pick struggled against Dallas’ porous defense for the first three quarters, and the Broncos' defense is in another atmosphere. Denver’s defense allows only 200.2 passing yards and 16.0 points to quarterbacks this season.
Kyler Murray (QB - ARI) vs Indianapolis Colts
The Arizona Cardinals' offense has been one of the worst units in the league this season, and Murray will not turn that narrative around against the Colts. Despite eclipsing 30 pass attempts in three games, the 28-year-old quarterback has failed to throw more than 220 yards in any outing this season. Additionally, Indianapolis has given up the seventh-fewest points to quarterbacks this season.
Bryce Young (QB - CAR) vs Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have given up the most fantasy points to quarterbacks so far this season, but Young should not be started unless managers have no other viable options. Young has thrown for more than 200 yards just once this season, and that could continue to be the case after Week 6.
Jared Goff (QB - DET) vs Kansas City Chiefs
Goff had his second game of the season with at least 250 passing yards and three touchdowns in Week 5 against the Bengals, but the Lions’ passing attack could struggle to meet those standards on the road against the Chiefs. Kansas City’s defense has given up just five touchdowns through the air across five games. Steve Spagnuolo’s blitz schemes could also create issues for an immobile Goff, who does not offer much outside of the pocket.
By Dominic Orrico
Start 'Em
Chubba Hubbard/Rico Dowdle (RB - CAR) vs Dallas Cowboys
Whether Hubbard is back or Dowdle takes the lead back role, Dallas is a fantastic matchup. They are allowing an average of 127 yards on the ground and gave up 144 rushing yards last week to the Jets. This week, Dallas' defense is perfect for any starter to have a great day.
Rachaad White (RB - TB) vs San Francisco 49ers
Regardless of the matchup, White is the clear-cut RB1 in this Buccaneers offense, managing most of the workload. He was pretty bad on the ground but managed to haul in four receptions and two touchdowns in Week 5. He plays a banged-up 49ers defense that managed to let Kyren Williams go for over 31 fantasy points last week.
Quinshon Judkins (RB - CLE) vs Pittsburgh Steelers
Judkins is another running back who we are finding out is matchup-proof. He had 110 rushing yards last week against an elite Minnesota Vikings defense. He’s getting volume as well. This makes him a solid start against a Pittsburgh team that’s ranked middle of the pack against running backs (14th).
Cam Skattabo (RB - NYG) vs Philadelphia Eagles
Without Malik Nabers in the lineup, he’s one of Dart's favorite players and a solid safety valve. While the seven targets he garnered in New Orleans might not come every night, he’s getting enough volume to be a high-end RB2 this week, especially against an Eagles defense that allows 22.4 points to running backs this year.
Jacorey Croskey-Merritt (RB - WAS) vs Chicago Bears
After a breakout performance against the Chargers in Week 5, BILL gets another fantastic matchup with the Chicago Bears, which allows an average of 27.5 fantasy points per game to running backs, and before their bye, let Ashton Jeanty break out for 33 points.
Sit 'Em
Alvin Kamara (RB - NO) vs New England Patriots
Even against a great matchup with the New York Giants, his efficiency has gone down, and with Kendre Miller breathing down his neck. It is almost a 50/50 split in touches. His saving grace is his receiving work, and against a Patriots team with a top 5 defense against RBs, it’s best to look elsewhere.
Chase Brown (RB - CIN) vs Green Bay Packers
With no analytics involved, just hearing Chase Brown going up against the Packers makes you want to cringe a bit. He hasn’t had above 50 yards in a single game this season. While his target share his great, his production is not efficient enough.
Derrick Henry (RB - BAL) vs Los Angeles
This absolutely pains me to write this, and while Henry has generational talent, it’s unlikely he’ll have a great game. His volume is going down, and he’s losing touches to Justice Hill. He hasn’t had a game above 12 fantasy points since Week 1, and Cooper Rush is now the starting QB. Name value aside, his numbers have been atrocious.
Kareem Hunt/Isiah Pacheco (RB - KC) vs Detroit Lions
Both running backs had a statistically good day against Jacksonville on Monday night, with Pacheco averaging 5.1 yards per carry and Hunt grabbing two touchdowns. Going up against the 7th-ranked defense, only allowing an average of 69 yards per game and 12 fantasy points per game to running backs, it’s best to sit them.
Michael Carter (RB - ARI) vs Indianapolis Colts
Simply put, Carter had a great day against the Titans' defense. The Colts rank 6th against the run, allowing an average of 13.2 fantasy points to running backs. Carter isn’t an elite running back, and his volume could swing depending on the game script.
By Dominic Orrico
Start 'Em
Tetairoa McMillan (WR - CAR) vs Dallas Cowboys
T-Mac is always going to be a start despite the matchup, and after hauling in six receptions on eight targets, he had a solid 13.3 points. This game against Dallas is perfect for him to have an even better day, as Dallas has a dilapidated secondary ranked 32nd, allowing 38.6 fantasy points on average to wide receivers.
Stefon Diggs (WR - NE) vs New Orleans Saints
The Saints are ranked 6th strongest against wide receivers, and New England will be peppering Diggs with targets. He had 12 targets and 10 receptions for 146 yards against the Bills. He’s the Patriots' WR1 and is matchup-proof from here on out.
Calvin Ridley (WR - TEN) vs Las Vegas Raiders
By no means will this be a smash start, but if you need a solid flex option, Ridley has a nice chance to show out against a Raiders defense that’s giving up the 3rd most yards and an average of 20.4 fantasy points to opposing wide receivers.
Deebo Samuel (WR - WSH) vs Chicago Bears
Even with Terry McLaurin coming back, I still see Deebo smashing in this matchup. He looks back to prime form from the 49ers days, and had a crazy 42.3% target share in Week 5. He is the utility gadget player in this offense.
Courtland Sutton (WR - DEN) vs New York Jets
Sutton has been quietly having a top 10 fantasy season with only one dud in week 2. Like Stefon Diggs, he is matchup-proof due to the pure volume and his connection with Bo Nix.
Sit 'Em
Brian Thomas Jr. (WR - JAC) vs Seattle Seahawks
In short, Thomas Jr. isn’t a WR1 anymore. Even with his 26.8% target share, he’s not a suitable start anymore.
Cooper Kupp (WR - SEA) vs Jacksonville Jaguars
Slowly but surely, Tory Horton is taking over as the WR2 in this Seattle offense. While Kupp is not completely unstartable, his lack of touchdown potential and YAC means there are plenty of other options.
Jerry Jeudy (WR - CLE) vs Pittsburgh Steelers
Jeudy’s volume has taken a hit after Joe Flacco was traded from Cleveland. Guys like David Njoku, Harold Fannin, and Quinshon Judkins have way more priority in this offense.
Chris Godwin (WR - TB) vs San Francisco 49ers
Since his injury, he’s been mediocre, even with the absence of Mike Evans. He racked in the same stat line in both games he’s been healthy in, and his targets dropped significantly in a shootout game. He only caught 3/4 for 26 yards. Emeka Egbuka is this offense's main target, and other than that, there’s no real definitive target share for these other receivers.
Tee Higgins (WR - CIN) vs Green Bay
This Green Bay defense is elite, regardless of the position group. With Flacco at QB now, it could be different, but even with Burrow in, Higgins hasn't gone above three receptions in a game. His efficiency is at an all-time low, and until he can hit above 30 yards, there are better options.
By Alex Percey
Start 'Em
Darren Waller (TE - MIA) vs Los Angeles Chargers
The former elite tight end looks like his old self out there. With Tyreek Hill out for the season, Waller has taken on a bigger role, especially in the red zone. He makes the most of his opportunities each game and should be a reliable starter going forward.
Mason Taylor (TE - NYJ) vs Denver Broncos
Mason Taylor is my top waiver pickup for the week, and for good reason. He has had more targets each week than the last, reaching 12 this past week. He might just be Justin Fields’ new favorite target, and is putting up great numbers, even without any touchdowns. Yes, he’s playing the Broncos, but I still think he will have a good performance.
Juwan Johnson (TE - NO) vs New England Patriots
To put it simply, the Patriots have been awful against Tight Ends this season. Dalton Kincaid had his best performance of the season by far against New England, and it looks like the perfect situation for a Juwan Johnson bounce-back game.
Tucker Kraft (TE - GB) vs Cincinnati Bengals
Kraft has had a couple of poor weeks in succession, and you might be considering letting him ride the bench for a week. Don’t do that. He plays the Bengals, who have allowed the most fantasy points to tight ends this year.
David Njoku (TE - CLE) vs Pittsburgh Steelers
After last week’s performance, it’s safe to say that Njoku’s season has been revived. With Dillon Gabriel as his quarterback, he put up season highs in receptions, targets, and yards. He now plays a bottom-five defense against tight ends in the Steelers.
Sit 'Em
Kyle Pitts (TE - ATL) vs Buffalo Bills
Pitts had a great week, I’ll give him that. However, nobody is more inconsistent than he is. He also plays the second-best defense against tight ends, the Buffalo Bills. He’s safer on the bench this week.
Zach Ertz (TE - WAS) vs Chicago Bears
Ertz’s receiving numbers have declined each week since week two, culminating in a zero-reception performance against the Chargers. He doesn’t have a role carved out in the offense anymore and shouldn’t be in your lineup.
Theo Johnson (TE - NYG) vs Philadelphia Eagles
I’ve heard some hype around Theo Johnson in the last couple of weeks, as he seems to be a main target on the Nabers-less Giants. However, if you look at the stats, you’ll see why I’m concerned. Nearly half of his points this season have come from touchdowns, and that’s just not sustainable. They won’t get many red zone opportunities against the Eagles.
A.J. Barner (TE - SEA) vs Jacksonville Jaguars
Another highly touchdown-dependent tight end, Barner is due for some regression this week. The Jaguars are much better against the position than Tampa Bay, and stopping Barner will likely be in the defensive game plan this week.
Mark Andrews (TE - BAL) vs Los Angeles Rams
Inconsistent production and bad quarterback play make Andrews a confusing player to roster. This week looks like it will be a beatdown once again, and I doubt Andrews even has a shot at a touchdown against the Rams.
