TST NFL Fantasy Football Week 6 Start 'Em & Sit 'Em

Week 6 of the NFL season is here, and it's already shaping up to be another prime week for fantasy managers. From breakout stars to disappointing dud performances, making the right start or sit calls can make or break your lineup. In this column, I will break down which players you can rely on and which players you can fade from this week's slate of games.  

While looking to help fantasy managers make difficult decisions to their lineup, we won’t be mentioning the players that are obviously no-brainers (ex. Ja’Marr Chase, Josh Allen, Saquon Barkley, CeeDee Lamb, etc.). So instead, we will explore more debatable scenarios. 

Quick note: I know not every player made the cut in this week’s column; I had to draw the line somewhere. This week, I included an additional section of players titled: "Honorable mentions" and "Lowlights". Keep an eye out for expanded coverage in future weeks where I hope to create a full rankings list for every player at their position.

Quarterbacks

Start ‘Em 

Matthew Stafford (LAR) @ Baltimore Ravens; Proj. FPTS - 19.9: Stafford continues to prove the doubters wrong, even in tough matchups. Last Thursday, he balled out against a 49ers team he’s historically struggled with, throwing for 389 yards. Now looking to build on that performance, he enters Week 6 against the Ravens — a defense that’s been a disaster against the pass. Baltimore has allowed the second-most passing yards and the most touchdown passes to opposing quarterbacks, while giving up the second-most fantasy points to the position. Last week, they let C.J. Stroud run amok on their secondary, tossing four touchdowns in his best outing of the season. With Puka Nacua and Davante Adams at his disposal, Stafford and the Rams’ passing attack could be in for another field day.

Justin Herbert (LAC) @ Miami Dolphins; Proj. FPTS - 20.3: It’s been a rough stretch for Herbert in fantasy. Over the past three weeks, he hasn’t topped 15 fantasy points and has thrown just one touchdown while tossing at least one interception in each game. This week, however, could be a get-right opportunity against the Dolphins, who have allowed the third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. Herbert should also exploit Miami’s struggles generating pressure and defending mobile QBs. I’m not calling Herbert Lamar Jackson, but he can pick up chunks of yardage on the ground — rushing for 60 yards last week and surpassing 20 yards in four of five games. The Dolphins have allowed the fourth-most rushing yards to QBs, making Herbert a start-worthy option this week.

Dak Prescott (DAL) @ Carolina Panthers; Proj. FPTS - 18.8: Through five weeks, Prescott has posted three top-five finishes among quarterbacks, including QB1 in Week 4 and QB3 in Week 5. In those two games alone, he threw for eight touchdowns — all without his top receiver, CeeDee Lamb. This week, he faces a tough matchup against the Panthers, who have allowed the ninth-fewest fantasy points to QBs. Still, Carolina has struggled to generate pressure, tied for the fewest sacks (5) in the league. Prescott looks poised for another high-end fantasy performance in Week 6.

Honorable mentions: Jordan Love (GB) vs. Cincinnati Bengals, Bo Nix (DEN) @ New York Jets, Drake Maye (NE) @ New Orleans Saints, Daniel Jones (IND) vs. Arizona Cardinals. 

Sit ‘Em

Kyler Murray (ARI) @ Indianapolis Colts; Proj. FPTS - 16.4: Last week was an absolute train wreck for Murray and the Cardinals. After starting the first quarter with a 43-yard pass to Marvin Harrison Jr. and a 12-yard touchdown run, it was reasonable to expect a top-10 finish. However, a poor game script, questionable play-calling, and costly mistakes limited Murray’s effectiveness. He briefly left for the locker room in the third quarter but returned with a noticeable limp after missing just two plays. In Week 6, Murray faces the Colts, who have allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Depending on the condition of his foot, his upside could be limited against a Colts unit tied for the third-most interceptions (6) and fourth-most sacks (14) in the league. Murray is not a recommended start this week.

Justin Fields (NYJ) vs. Denver Broncos; Proj. FPTS - 17.6: Fields is another mobile quarterback I wouldn’t plan to start this week. I expected a big performance from him last week against Dallas, but he finished just above 25 fantasy points, salvaging his day with two garbage-time passing touchdowns late in the fourth quarter. This week, the matchup against the Broncos looks even worse — they’ve allowed the second-fewest touchdowns and the third-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. While the Jets have surrendered 16 sacks (tied for fourth-most), even with three 25-plus fantasy point finishes this season, I wouldn’t trust Fields in this spot.

Trevor Lawrence (JAX) vs. Seattle Seahawks; Proj. FPTS - 18.0: I don’t know what's more shocking, the Jaguars stealing a Monday night win against the Chiefs or Lawrence finishing as the QB5. Either way, Lawrence had one of his best outings in his career, finishing with 221 passing yards and rushing for 54 yards with a pair of touchdowns on 10 attempts. While Lawrence does have moments where he can be effective using his legs, I wouldn’t bank on that being a regular thing. I wouldn’t recommend chasing his performance last week to his week against the Seahawks, who are a tough matchup. While the Jaguars have allowed the third-fewest sacks allowed, Seattle has generated 13, which is tied for fifth-most. The Seahawks defense have also recorded the second-most interceptions (7), and Lawrence has thrown a pick in four of five games.    

Lowlights: Sam Darnold (SEA) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, Aaron Rodgers (PIT) vs. Cleveland Browns, Jaxson Dart (NYG) vs. Philadelphia Eagles. 

Running Backs

Start ‘Em

Cam Skattebo (NYG) vs. Philadelphia Eagles; Proj. FPTS - 13.8: Has Skattebo emerged as one of New York’s top athletes? I believe his play style and personality have made him a favorite not just in the state, but across the league. Since Tyrone Tracy’s injury, Skattebo has shown the organization he’s fully capable of being the alpha in the backfield. Since Week 2, he’s averaged 60 yards per game and has caught at least two passes in every contest. His consistent usage and dual-threat ability make him a must-start every week, regardless of matchup. This week, he faces a vulnerable Eagles defense that has allowed the eighth-most fantasy points and receiving yards to running backs, and has surrendered a touchdown to a RB in three straight games. While the Eagles’ unit might look intimidating on paper, I expect Skattebo to easily hit his projection — and possibly exceed it.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt (WSH) vs. Chicago Bears; Proj. FPTS - 13.7: After Austin Ekeler’s injury, it was only a matter of time before Croskey-Merritt had a “Bill” breakout game. Against the Chargers, he finished with 150 scrimmage yards, scored two touchdowns, and averaged just under eight yards per carry (7.9). This Monday, he faces a juicy matchup against the Bears, who have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to running backs. Chicago has also surrendered the second-most rushing yards per game, the fifth-most total rushing yards to RBs, and the second-most yards after contact this season. Start Bill this week — he’s in line for another breakout performance.

TreVeyon Henderson (NE) @ New Orleans Saints; Proj. FPTS - 11.4: Similar to Croskey-Merritt, Henderson is expected to take on a larger role in the New England offense following Antonio Gibson’s season-ending injury. With head coach Mike Vrabel’s continued trust in Rhamondre Stevenson, Henderson still played 50% of the snaps last week, and it’s only a matter of time before he establishes himself as the top back with the volume he’s set to receive. This week, Henderson faces New Orleans, a team that has allowed the tenth-most fantasy points to running backs this season.

Honorable mentions: Rico Dowdle/Chuba Hubbard (CAR) vs. Dallas Cowboys, Travis Etienne Jr. (JAX) vs. Chicago Bears, Ashton Jeanty (LV) vs. Tennessee Titans, JK Dobbins (DEN) @ New York Jets.  

Sit ‘Em

Alvin Kamara (NO) vs. New England Patriots; Proj. FPTS - 13.7: It’s becoming clear that we may be witnessing the decline of Kamara. Over the last three weeks, he’s averaged just over nine fantasy points per game and hasn’t finished as a top-25 running back in any of them. What’s most concerning is that his floor is unstable and his ceiling has shrunk — most of his handoffs are met with contact behind the line of scrimmage. Unless he’s traded at the deadline, the 30-year-old remains trapped in a struggling offense. This week, he faces the Patriots, who have allowed the fifth-fewest rushing yards to RBs and recently shut down James Cook in Buffalo. Don’t walk — sprint away from Kamara this week.

Quinshon Judkins (CLE) @ Pittsburgh Steelers; Proj. FPTS - 13.8: Since Week 2, Judkins has scored at least 10 fantasy points in every game, highlighted by his first 100-yard rushing performance against the Vikings last week in London. However, he faces a tough test this week against the Steelers, who have improved defensively against the run over the past few weeks. Pittsburgh hasn’t allowed a running back to rush for more than 60 yards in a game since Week 2, and they’re also solid against the pass from RBs. While it wouldn’t be surprising if the rookie sneaks into the end zone, the Steelers could easily limit him to single-digit fantasy points for the first time this season.

Derrick Henry (BAL) vs. Los Angeles Rams; Proj. FPTS - 14.0: As of Thursday, Lamar Jackson has once again missed practice, making it increasingly likely he will sit for his second consecutive game. That’s the only reason I would even consider putting Henry on my list. With Jackson out last week, Henry averaged just 2.2 yards per carry — his second-worst rate in any game with the Ravens. He also had -4 yards before contact and hasn’t forced a missed tackle over the past two weeks. Without Jackson, defenses are stacking the box, knowing he’s become the focal point of the offense. Henry is also rarely involved in the passing game, making the 31-year-old extremely limited when the running attack struggles. This week, he faces a Rams defense that has been stout against the run — allowing the third-fewest fantasy points, the ninth-fewest rushing yards, and the only team yet to give up a rushing touchdown this season.

Lowlights: Michael Carter (ARI) @ Indianapolis Colts, Kenneth Gainwell (PIT) vs. Cleveland Browns, Isiah Pacheco (KC) vs. Detroit Lions, Chase Brown (CIN) @ Green Bay Packers. 

Wide Receivers

Start ‘Em

Tetairoa McMillan (CAR) vs. Dallas Cowboys; Proj. FPTS - 14.5: I’ve said it since Week 3: I will start any team’s top wide receiver if they’re facing the Cowboys secondary, which has allowed the most fantasy points to wideouts. McMillan has been the offense’s most productive player since his debut, finishing every game with at least eight targets and leading the team in receiving yards. The only thing missing is his first touchdown — and I expect that streak to end this week against Dallas. This could be the rookie’s breakout game. Start Tet.

Davante Adams (LAR) @ Baltimore Ravens; Proj. FPTS - 16.6: Adams, an 11-year veteran, was once considered the top receiver in fantasy football. While he still posts respectable weekly numbers, he now shares the field with this season’s best receiver, Puka Nacua. Adams has recorded at least eight targets in four of five games and has surpassed 50 receiving yards in every contest. He also leads the league in red-zone targets and ranks second in end-zone targets. This week, he faces a soft Baltimore secondary that has allowed a league-high 10 touchdowns to receivers. Even in tough matchups, Adams has shown a reliable floor and should take full advantage of an injury-plagued Ravens squad.

A.J. Brown/DeVonta Smith (PHI) @ New York Giants; Proj. FPTS - 14.1 (Brown), 12.2 (Smith): I thought Week 5 would be a breakout game for Brown, but he ended up with just over nine fantasy points, being blanketed by Patrick Surtain II. Smith, on the other hand, had a tremendous performance, catching eight passes for 114 yards. Aside from the first game against Dallas, Brown has seen at least eight targets in every contest. Both Eagles receivers have a strong chance for a big game this week against the Giants, who have allowed the second-most yards to wideouts and the third-most yards on deep passes of 20-plus yards. I’m expecting one — or both — to haul in a deep pass from Jalen Hurts.

Honorable mentions: Jerry Jeudy (CLE) @ Pittsburgh Steelers, Calvin Ridley (TEN) @ Las Vegas Raiders, Matthew Golden/Romeo Doubs (GB) vs. Cincinnati Bengals, Rome Odunze (CHI) @ Washington Commanders, DK Metcalf (PIT) vs. Cleveland Browns. 

Sit ‘Em

Tee Higgins (CIN) @ Green Bay Packers; Proj. FPTS - 11.5: The Bengals trading for Joe Flacco doesn’t move the needle for me. Higgins has shown he can’t be trusted, unlike Ja’Marr Chase, who continues to prove why you shouldn’t bench him. Through five weeks, Higgins is averaging just 31.6 receiving yards per game, even with deep-ball opportunities that haven’t connected. What hurts his value is a shaky floor and a shrinking ceiling without Joe Burrow. This week, he faces the Packers, who are likely to pressure Flacco and make it a tough outing for Higgins. While things could change with Flacco under center, we’ll need to see it on film first.

Jaylen Waddle (MIA) vs. Los Angeles Chargers; Proj. FPTS - 15.9: Rightfully so, people are getting high on Waddle, who is now the Dolphins’ lead receiver and comes off a 23-fantasy-point outing against the Panthers. This season, he’s averaged at least five targets per game and has recorded 30+ receiving yards in every contest. With that volume, double-digit fantasy outings are likely to continue. However, I’ll go out on a limb and say he may fall short of his projection this week against the Chargers, who boast a top-tier secondary. Los Angeles has allowed the second-fewest touchdowns, fourth-fewest fantasy points, and tenth-fewest yards to wideouts this season. I wouldn’t blame you for starting Waddle, but the Chargers need to stop him to avoid a third consecutive loss, making this a tough matchup.

Stefon Diggs (NE) @ New Orleans Saints; Proj. FPTS - 13.7: Over the past two weeks, Diggs has posted 100-yard performances, scoring 16.1 and 24.6 fantasy points. Alongside his QB Drake Maye, the Patriots’ offense has been on a roll, highlighted by their win over a division rival last Sunday night. However, the Saints are an underrated defense, allowing the eighth-fewest receiving yards and the tenth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers this season. While Diggs will likely be a key part of the game plan, I expect the Patriots to lean more on the run this week. I could be wrong, but personally, I wouldn’t start Diggs in this matchup.

Lowlights: Jameson Williams (DET) @ Kansas City Chiefs, Chris Godwin (TB) vs. San Francisco 49ers, Kendrick Bourne (SF) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Keon Coleman (BUF) @ Atlanta Falcons, Drake London (ATL) vs. Buffalo Bills.  

Tight Ends

Start ‘Em

Tucker Kraft (GB) vs. Cincinnati Bengals; Proj. FPTS - 10.5: I was right to start Sam LaPorta against the Bengals last week, and I’ll continue that trend by recommending Kraft this week. The Bengals have allowed the most fantasy points, the third-most receptions, the third-most touchdowns, and the fourth-most yards to tight ends this season. Another key factor: Jordan Love frequently targets his tight ends. Through four games, Kraft has seen at least four targets per game and has found the end zone twice. He also recorded a 100-yard outing this season against the Commanders. Trust Kraft this week against a struggling Bengals defense.

Jake Ferguson (DAL) @ Carolina Panthers; Proj. FPTS - 14.9: This will be the last time I put Ferguson on this list, as he has become a no-doubt must-start option moving forward. Since Week 2, he’s scored 16 or more fantasy points in every game and totaled 42 targets in a Cowboys offense missing CeeDee Lamb. His elite volume has translated into nearly 20 more fantasy points than any other tight end. This week, Ferguson faces the Panthers, who have allowed the most yards and the second-most fantasy points per game to tight ends this season.

David Njoku (CLE) @ Pittsburgh Steelers; Proj. FPTS - 9.9: A few of life’s guarantees: death, taxes, and Njoku finding success against the Steelers. Last week, Njoku got back on track against the Vikings, finishing with six catches for 67 yards and his first touchdown of the season. The Steelers have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points and the tenth-most touchdowns to tight ends. In 14 career games, Njoku has recorded 49 catches for 444 yards and four touchdowns. The last time he faced Pittsburgh, he had seven catches on 13 targets for 42 yards and a touchdown. Start Njoku this week.

Honorable mentions: Hunter Henry (NE) @ New Orleans Saints, Evan Engram (DEN) @ New York Jets, Tyler Warren (IND) vs. Arizona Cardinals, Mason Taylor (NYJ) vs. Denver Broncos, Zach Ertz (WSH) vs. Chicago Bears. 

Sit ‘Em 

Kyle Pitts (ATL) vs. Buffalo Bills; Proj. FPTS - 9.0: With Michael Penix Jr. under center, Pitts has regained relevance as a fantasy tight end. However, his matchup this week against the Bills is tough; they have allowed the third-fewest yards and the second-fewest fantasy points per game to the position. While I wouldn’t advise dropping Pitts from your roster, there are likely better streaming options for this week.

Theo Johnson (NYG) vs. Philadelphia Eagles; Proj. FPTS - 9.2: Johnson has emerged as a popular fantasy tight end recently, thanks to his two-touchdown performance last week. Since Jaxson Dart became the starter, Johnson has become his go-to red-zone target. This week, however, he faces a tough matchup against the Eagles, who have allowed the seventh-fewest yards and just one touchdown to tight ends this season.

Harold Fannin Jr. (CLE) @ Pittsburgh Steelers; Proj. FPTS - 9.5: While Fannin scored his first NFL touchdown last week in London, he only saw four targets, tied for his lowest volume of the season. Rookie QB Dillion Gabriel appears to favor Njoku over Fannin, making Njoku the more reliable fantasy option this week. Entering a tough divisional matchup, I’d look for a better streaming option than Fannin.

Lowlights: Dallas Goedert (PHI) @ New York Giants, Juwan Johnson (NO) vs. New England Patriots, Cade Otton (TB) vs. San Francisco 49ers, Chig Okonkwo (TEN) @ Las Vegas Raiders, Dalton Kincaid (BUF) @ Atlanta Falcons. 

Defense/Special Teams

Start ‘Em

Pittsburgh Steelers D/ST vs. Cleveland Browns; Proj. FPTS - 7.7: I fully expect the Steelers defense to exploit Gabriel, who held his own in his first NFL start. The Steelers have been on the rise over the past few games, recording 11 sacks and seven turnovers, and averaging 13 fantasy points per game. Returning to the States, it’s a tough task for the Browns to travel to a hostile environment and face a team coming off a bye.

Green Bay Packers D/ST vs. Cincinnati Bengals; Proj. FPTS - 7.9: I expect a big day for the Packers defense, coming off a bye and looking to quickly forget their tie against Dallas. Despite their reputation as a ferocious unit, they haven’t consistently delivered big fantasy performances. However, with the Bengals adding Flacco and an already struggling O-line, the Packers should generate plenty of quarterback pressure, creating turnover opportunities. Even with Cincinnati’s weapons, they’ve committed 11 turnovers — the most in the league. Play Green Bay this week.

Las Vegas Raiders D/ST vs. Tennessee Titans; Proj. FPTS - 6.2: Regardless of the Titans earning their first win of the season, it was an ugly outing, including a touchdown scored on Ward’s interception that was fumbled and recovered in the end zone. The Titans have allowed the second-most fantasy points and the second-most sacks to opposing defenses per game. No defense has scored fewer than seven points against Tennessee this season. The Raiders are a smart streaming option this week.

Honorable mentions: Tennessee Titans D/ST @ Las Vegas Raiders, Dallas Cowboys D/ST @ Carolina Panthers, Los Angeles Rams D/ST @ Baltimore Ravens. 

Sit ‘Em

Arizona Cardinals D/ST @ Indianapolis Colts; Proj. FPTS - 4.5: I wouldn’t touch the Cardinals this week against the Colts. They’re coming off a tough loss, while Indianapolis’ offense is hitting its stride. The Colts aren’t giving up sacks or turnovers and have been scoring efficiently. They’ve also allowed the fewest fantasy points per game to opposing defenses, just 0.2.

Kansas City Chiefs D/ST vs. Detroit Lions; Proj. FPTS - 3.2: The Lions are playing like the best team in the NFL right now. No matter how strong a defense looks, I wouldn’t consider starting one against Detroit. They’ve allowed the second-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing defenses. Plain and simple: do not start the Chiefs this week.

San Francisco 49ers D/ST @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers; Proj. FPTS - 4.0: The Buccaneers can put up points, even against top defenses. So far, the 49ers defense hasn’t scored 10 fantasy points in a single game, while the Bucs have put up 25 or more points in each of their last three contests. The takeaway is simple: do not start San Francisco’s defense.

Lowlights: Detroit Lions D/ST @ Kansas City Chiefs, Jacksonville Jaguars D/ST vs. Seattle Seahawks, New York Jets D/ST vs. Denver Broncos. 

Kickers

Start ‘Em

Brandon Aubrey (DAL) @ Carolina Panthers; Proj. FPTS - 9.0

Chase McLaughlin (TB) vs. San Francisco 49ers; Proj. FPTS - 8.8

Joey Slye (TEN) @ Las Vegas Raiders; Proj. FPTS - 7.4

Chris Boswell (PIT) vs. Cleveland Browns; Proj. FPTS - 8.3

Matt Prater (BUF) @ Atlanta Falcons; Proj. FPTS - 8.4

Cameron Dicker (LAC) @ Miami Dolphins; Proj. FPTS - 8.7

Jake Bates (DET) @ Kansas City Chiefs; Proj. FPTS - 8.7

Sit ‘Em

Joshua Karty (LAR) @ Baltimore Ravens; Proj. FPTS - 8.7 

Cam Little (JAX) vs. Seattle Seahawks; Proj. FPTS - 8.3

Cairo Santos (CHI) @ Washington Commanders; Proj. FPTS - 8.2

Tyler Loop (BAL) vs. Los Angeles Rams; Proj. FPTS - 7.5

Chad Ryland (ARI) @ Indianapolis Colts; Proj. FPTS - 7.3

Ryan Fitzgerald (CAR) vs. Dallas Cowboys; Proj. FPTS - 8.5

Andre Szmyt (CLE) @ Pittsburgh Steelers; Proj. FPTS - 7.1