Week five was entertaining, with nine of the 14 games hitting the over. Only two of the five highest projected over/unders hit the over, whereas three of the bottom five projected over/unders went over.
We had another unfortunate season-ending injury in New England for Antonio Gibson, accompanied by the ultimate “revenge game” from Stefon Diggs. “Backup” running back Rico Dowdle made his best attempt at Wally Pipping Chuba Hubbard, who sat out with a calf injury.
The Vikings escaped Tottenham with a close victory against the Browns, the Eagles suffered their first loss at home to the visiting Broncos, and the Cardinals continued to sputter and allowed the Titans their first win of the season. We saw shootouts in Seattle against the Buccaneers, in Jacksonville against the Chiefs, and some garbage time production in Cincinnati against the Lions that made the score closer than it really was, but made fantasy managers happy.
Heading into this week, the biggest storyline might be the interdivisional trade that sent Joe Flacco from the Browns to the Bengals, as it appears the Bengals' front office has seen quite enough from Jake Browning.
There are two teams on bye this week, though both typically have some must-start options, which elevate some names not normally considered into startable territory heading into week six.
In our start/sit series this season, we will use FantasyPros weekly consensus rankings for point per reception (PPR) scoring as a reference. I will go game by game, identifying the must-start players, those worthy of a matchup consideration or flex plays and deeper leagues, and the fantasy fades/concerns whose matchup or recent performance should give fantasy managers pause.
I will also be using FFtoday as a reference for points allowed metrics at each position. These should be taken with a grain of salt as reference only this early in the season, though they will get more relevant as we get further in the season. Spreads and over/unders are from ESPN and are accurate as of the writing of this article.
Recommendations will be based on 12-team leagues, so often they will be reflected within the top-12 quarterback and tight end rankings and the top-24 running back and wide receiver rankings on FantasyPros at the time of this article’s writing. Obviously, your roster construction may dictate that players who are listed as matchup considerations or flex plays are actually your best available RB1/2 or WR1/2.
Player ranked outside the top-12 for quarterback, tight end, DST, and kicker, and outside the top-24 for running back and wide receiver, who I am listing as must-starts, will be underlined, and I will spend the most time discussing them. Likewise, if they are within these top rankings and I have them as matchups/flex or fades, I will also underline their names and discuss them.
Without further ado, let's dive into those Week Six matchups!
Week Six Byes: Minnesota Vikings, Houston Texans
Denver Broncos @ New York Jets
Sunday, October 12th, 9:30 AM EST (London, England)
Spread DEN -6.5
Over/Under 43.5
Must Starts: Bo Nix, J.K. Dobbins, Breece Hall, Courtland Sutton, Garrett Wilson, Wil Lutz, Broncos DST
This Jets defense is mediocre against both the run and the pass. Even with Sutton’s matchup against Sauce Gardner this week, he handled Player Profiler’s top-ranked cornerback Quinyon Mitchell just fine last week, so I would continue to lean on Sutton as a must-start wide receiver.
Though they are a good defense overall, the Broncos are allowing the sixth most receiving yards to running backs, making Hall a strong start with his PPR upside.
Matchup Considerations/Flex Plays: Justin Fields, RJ Harvey, Troy Franklin, Mason Taylor
I expect this Broncos defense to put the Jets’ offense in conflict, which includes Fields. When under pressure, Fields is completing only 36.4% of his passes (per Player Profiler), which is ranked 33rd. The Broncos will present Fields with one of his biggest challenges of the season.
Franklin, Fantasy Pro’s WR46 this week, could find some space against Player Profiler’s 84th-ranked cornerback, Isaiah Oliver.
Taylor has been getting much more involved in the Jets' offense as the team is devoid of many other pass catching options outside of Wilson and Hall. He earned 12 targets last week, the most on the team. While the Broncos allow the eighth fewest PPR points to tight ends, the Jets seem intent on getting the rookie involved and I expect that to continue.
Fantasy Fades/Concerns: Everyone Else
Arizona Cardinals @ Indianapolis Colts
Sunday, October 12th, 1:00 PM EST
Spread IND -6.5
Over/Under 47.5
Must Starts: Daniel Jones, Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman Jr., Marvin Harrison Jr., Trey McBride, Tyler Warren, Colts DST, Michael Badgley
I like a lot of Colts in this matchup and very few Cardinals. Kyler Murray’s status is unknown heading into the weekend, which would elevate Jacoby Brissett as the starter if he sits. Murray hasn’t been great this season anyway, and with Brissett being less of a scrambler and more of a pocket passer, it may add some volume for the Cardinals' pass catchers if that comes to fruition.
Badgley takes over at kicker for the injured Spencer Shrader, and does so in a favorable indoor home matchup, with the Colts favored by 6.5 points.
Matchup Considerations/Flex Plays: Michael Carter
Carter received the majority of the work last week with 18 of the 25 backfield carries, and he also received five targets. Emari Demercado had been used more as the third-down pass-catching back previously, but the Cardinals seem to trust Carter more overall right now.
Fantasy Pros has him as RB24, but I like him more as a high-floor flex option.
Fantasy Fades/Concerns: Josh Downs, Emari Demercado
Fantasy Pros has Downs as WR44 for the week, putting him in flex consideration for some. With Alec Pierce returning from a concussion and Warren taking many of the targets that had gone to Downs in the past, I am fading Downs in a game that the Colts should be able to control on the ground, limiting the available targets.
Similarly, Demercado is ranked as RB44 this week, but I am looking elsewhere in this range.
Cleveland Browns @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Sunday, October 12th, 1:00 PM EST
Spread PIT -6.5
Over/Under 38.5
Must Starts: Quinshon Judkins, DK Metcalf, David Njoku, Browns DST, Steelers DST
For those who caught the London game last weekend, it looked like a possible Harold Fannin Jr. game. While he did score a touchdown on a play-action goalline pass early, he would only see three more targets the rest of the game and none in the second half. It became the Njoku show, who led the team in targets with nine.
While this could go back and forth moving forward, Njoku looks like the more trusted target between the two, or among all the pass catchers on Cleveland in general. It is a good matchup, regardless, as the Steelers allow the seventh most PPR points to the tight end.
The over/under on this game suggests it will be a defensive slugfest. Not only do the Browns have the second-lowest implied point total among all teams this week, but the Steelers have the second-lowest implied total among the favored teams. Both DSTs are very playable this week.
Matchup Considerations/Flex Plays: Jaylen Warren, Kenneth Gainwell, Harold Fannin Jr., Jerry Jeudy, Isaiah Bond
Cleveland has a good run defense, allowing the fewest PPR points to running backs. Despite Warren’s RB22 ranking, I prefer him more as a high-floor, low-ceiling flex play. Gainwell filled in admirably in Warren’s absence and was also producing well when sharing the backfield, so both could offer similar floor-level flex production.
See notes above about Fannin Jr., who could be flex worthy or be your starting tight end if you are in need. I will take a moment here to also call out Bond, who has quietly emerged as the primary target earner among the Cleveland wide receivers. His targets have increased each week, including last week when he had seven, which was second only to Njoku’s nine.
He only converted that into two catches, but I expect that he and new starting quarterback Dillon Gabriel will continue to develop chemistry, which should result in a larger percentage of those targets resulting in catches.
Though he has been lackluster thus far, I also expect Jeudy to start to get more involved and help out the rookie quarterback a bit more with some quicker underneath stuff. Jeudy was 20th last season in yards after catch, so he has some ability to make things happen with the ball in his hand.
Fantasy Fades/Concerns: Everyone Else
Dallas Cowboys @ Carolina Panthers
Sunday, October 12th, 1:00 PM EST
Spread DAL -3.5
Over/Under 49.5
Must Starts: Dak Prescott, Javonte Williams, Rico Dowdle, George Pickens, Tetairoa McMillan, Jake Ferguson, Brandon Aubrey
Similar to some games we previewed last week, this will be a very consolidated game with all of the production likely going to the players listed above, leaving very little for the ancillary options.
With Chuba Hubbard officially ruled out Friday morning, it’s another Dowdle start and a “revenge game” at that. Dowdle told the Cowboys to “buckle up,” so to say he is looking forward to this matchup against his former team (one that allows the fifth most PPR points to running backs) is an understatement.
CeeDee Lamb was seen doing some work on the side earlier this week, but was listed as DNP on Wednesday and Thursday. It looks like he is getting closer to a return, but he is probably another week away, making Pickens a top-tier option once again this week.
Matchup Considerations/Flex Plays: Nope
Keep an eye on Jalen Coker’s status, though. He practiced in full both Wednesday and Thursday, and may return to the lineup this week. I don’t think I start him right out of the gate, but he could be the missing link this Panther’s offense needs to get things clicking more consistently.
Fantasy Fades/Concerns: Everyone Else
Los Angeles Chargers @ Miami Dolphins
Sunday, October 12th, 1:00 PM EST
Spread LAC -3.5
Over/Under 43.5
Must Starts: Justin Herbert, De’Von Achane, Jaylen Waddle, Quentin Johnston, Keenan Allen, Darren Waller, Chargers DST, Cameron Dicker
It’s week six of the 2025 season, and yes, Waller is a must-start tight end. Who woulda thought?
While Ladd McConkey bailed out fantasy managers with a touchdown last week, he only converted his seven targets into 39 yards. Meanwhile, Allen led the team with nine, and Johnston matched McConkey’s yardage with three fewer targets.
All of this is to say that McConkey still hasn’t proven that he can be a reliable must-start option, whereas Allen and Johnston continue to be who Herbert leans on. Now this could change, with the offensive line woes continuing for the Chargers and possibly having to rely on more of the quick/short passing game with Omarion Hampton being out.
I need a bit more from McConkey to elevate him into this tier, while there are many other wide receivers you drafted later who have been much more reliable.
Matchup Considerations/Flex Plays: Ladd McConkey, Hassan Haskins, Kimani Vidal
I don’t want any part of this backfield, but with the running back position turning into a MASH unit this season, I wouldn’t blame anyone for flexing either Haskins or Vidal, especially if you just spent a decent amount of your FAAB on them.
I jokingly posted about Nyheim Miller-Hines on Monday, and he was recently signed to the practice squad. The Chargers could go and do the funniest thing…
Fantasy Fades/Concerns: Everyone Else
Los Angeles Rams @ Baltimore Ravens
Sunday, October 12th, 1:00 PM EST
Spread LAR -7.5
Over/Under 45.5
Must Starts: Matthew Stafford, Kyren Williams, Derrick Henry, Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, Rams DST, Joshua Karty
Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Even with Lamar Jackson at the helm, the Ravens were 1-3. The Ravens have a number of issues, many of which rest with the defense, which is allowing the most points per game in the league.
This bodes well for all of your usual suspects for the Rams, including Stafford, who finds his name on the must-start list for the first time this season.
Matchup Considerations/Flex Plays: Blake Corum, Justice Hill, Zay Flowers
If this game goes as planned, there may be plenty of mop-up duty, allowing Corum to give you flex-level production against a Ravens defense that gives up the most PPR points to running backs.
Hill didn't receive much work last week, but he has been a decent part of the offense so far this season. With the Ravens likely playing from behind this game, he could offer a nice receiving floor to help fill one of your flex spots.
While I was never a big Flowers backer, this isn’t how I planned on him falling out of must-start status. There could be some garbage-time production in his future, but I would not bank on him being better than a flex play.
Fantasy Fades/Concerns: Everyone Else
San Francisco 49ers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sunday, October 12th, 1:00 PM EST
Spread TB -3.5
Over/Under 47.5
Must Starts: Baker Mayfield, Christian McCaffrey, Rachaad White, Emeka Egbuka, Chase McLaughlin
Looks like we will have another game without Bucky Irving, elevating White into must-start territory once again. The 49ers have been decent against the run, but White offers additional upside as a pass catcher as well.
Matchup Considerations/Flex Plays: Kendrick Bourne, Jauan Jennings (Ankle/Ribs), Ricky Pearsall (Knee)
This may end up being another heavily consolidated fantasy matchup with very few if any other flex-worthy options. Chris Godwin Jr. was originally on this list, but he was rulled out Friday morning. Bourne is the only healthy option on the list, and if Pearsall is out again (which seems likely as of this article), Bourne could step in as a strong flex option. The early indications are that Jennings will return this week.
Fantasy Fades/Concerns: Sean Tucker
I warned everyone last week that I did not think Tucker would be a thing, but his backers continue to shout from the rooftops, and he finds himself as RB46 this week on Fantasy Pros. While I understand not many people will be starting him, even in a desperation flex decision, I would look elsewhere.
Seattle Seahawks @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Sunday, October 12th, 1:00 PM EST
Spread SEA -1.5
Over/Under 47.5
Must Starts: Kenneth Walker III, Travis Etienne Jr., Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Brian Thomas Jr., Seahawks DST, Jason Myers
My main hesitation is having Thomas Jr. on the must-start list; he is Fantasy Pros WR21 this week. But as I look down the other options, especially as I get past the top-24 rankings, I can’t keep Thomas Jr. off the list. There were some positives from the Monday night game that I think (hope) the Jaguars can build off of.
He also faces Player Profiler’s ninth-ranked cornerback Josh Jobe, which adds to my hesitation, but with the Jaguars being down one of their top receiving options in Brenton Strange, I expect Coen and company to continue to work on getting Thomas Jr. involved.
Matchup Considerations/Flex Plays: Zach Charbonnet, Cooper Kupp
Kupp and Charbonnet have been decent producers when asked to contribute. Kupp has the better cornerback matchup compared to Smith-Njigba; he could factor in more. Charbonnet continues to be relied upon more at the goalline, with five carries inside the five-yard line compared to Walker III’s three (and eight inside the 10-yard line compared to Walker III’s five).
Fantasy Fades/Concerns: Bhayshul Tuten
Despite the hype, Etienne continues to look good and has kept Tuten off the field. His RB42 ranking this week might tempt you to play him as a flex, but I would urge against it until we see his usage increase.
Tennessee Titans @ Las Vegas Raiders
Sunday, October 12th, 4:05 PM EST
Spread LV -3.5
Over/Under 41.5
Must Starts: Ashton Jeanty, Raiders DST
Pretty ugly game here. Not the lowest over/under on the week, but close.
Matchup Considerations/Flex Plays: Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears, Jakobi Meyers, Tre Tucker, Calvin Ridley, Elic Ayomanor
With Brock Bowers likely out again this week, the issue becomes keeping this team on schedule to produce any fantasy points. I love Meyers, but I don’t love what Geno Smith is doing as of late.
Spears didn't do much in his first game returning from injury, but I expect him to get more invovled moving forward. This offense is hard to rely on as it is, so the combination of Spears and Pollard make this backfield only flex-worthy.
Both Ridley and Ayomanor could be flexed this week. Ridley has the tougher cornerback matchup against Player Profiler’s 22nd-ranked Eric Stokes, whereas Ayomanor lines up against 91st-ranked Kyu Blu Kelly.
Fantasy Fades/Concerns: Everyone Else
Cincinnati Bengals @ Green Bay Packers
Sunday, October 12th, 4:25 PM EST
Spread GB -14.5
Over/Under 44.5
Must Starts: Jordan Love, Josh Jacobs, Ja’Marr Chase (Illness), Tucker Kraft, Brandon McManus (Quad), Packers DST
Joe Flacco can’t be worse than Jake Browning, but this offensive line isn’t doing either quarterback any favors. Look for the freshly deplaned Flacco to lean on Chase in this game if they have any chance of not getting completely embarrassed. Chase popped up with an illness on Friday, making him questionable for the game, but I would expect him to play.
Cincinnati has the lowest implied team total of the week. This Green Bay defense is coming off a bye week, playing at home. This could get ugly for Cincy.
Keep an eye on reports about McManus, who suffered a quad injury in practice. He downplayed it on Thursday, saying it was similar to one he had in 2022, where he hit two 50-yarders and a 40-yarder. He says he plans to play.
Matchup Considerations/Flex Plays: Chase Brown, Tee Higgins, Romeo Doubs, Matthew Golden
While Brown has worked himself out of must-start territory, one thing that may benefit him is that Flacco averaged 8.5 targets per game to running backs this season with the Browns. If this carries over into the Taylor/Pitcher offense, Brown could retain low-end RB2 production with a receiving floor.
Higgins is a low-floor, high-ceiling flex play; the same can be said for Doubs and Golden as well. As a high-exposure Golden manager, my hopes are that Green Bay spent the bye week working on ways to get the speedy rookie the ball in space, because he has housecall abilities.
Fantasy Fades/Concerns: Everyone Else
New England Patriots @ New Orleans Saints
Sunday, October 12th, 4:25 PM EST
Spread NE -3.5
Over/Under 45.5
Must Starts: Drake Maye, Stefon Diggs, Chris Olave, Hunter Henry, Patriots DST
Maye and Diggs have found their connection, which is great news for Patriots fans and fantasy managers. Henry remains in the mix as well as a reliable tight end option.
Matchup Considerations/Flex Plays: Alvin Kamara (Ankle), Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson, Rashid Shaheed
Kamara has not been as productive as in previous years, and Kendre Miller has seen his share of the backfield carries increase steadily, receiving 11 and 10 carries over the past two weeks. Kamara also sprained his ankle on Wednesday, but it is not considered a concern.
However, if Kamara misses time, Miller jumps into flex territory. Stevenson and Henderson will likely remain in a frustrating timeshare even after Antonio Gibson’s season-ending injury. They don’t seem to trust Henderson despite Stevenson’s fumbling problems.
Fantasy Fades/Concerns: Everyone Else
Detroit Lions @ Kansas City Chiefs
Sunday, October 12th, 8:20 PM EST
Spread KC -2.5
Over/Under 52.5
Must Starts: Patrick Mahomes II, Jahmyr Gibbs, Xavier Worthy, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Travis Kelce, Sam LaPorta, Harrison Butker, Jake Bates
Buckle up, this should be a fun one. With the highest over/under of the week and a tight 2.5-point spread, this one could go back and forth and come down to the final possession.
I am leaning into the road-Goff narrative this week, with Arrowhead being one of the tougher places to play. Despite his weapons being good options, Goff could hurt you with some turnovers. There are better options this week.
Matchup Considerations/Flex Plays: David Montgomery, Isah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, Jameson Williams, Hollywood Brown
Several nice flex options this week. Though not a sexy pick, this may be the last chance you have to use Brown with Rashee Rice’s return next week.
Fantasy Fades/Concerns: Brashard Smith
With all the noise that they would get Smith more involved moving forward, his snap count in week five dropped to 9%, down from 26% the previous week. That is even with the Chiefs trailing heading into the fourth quarter. They seem to trust Pacheco and Hunt more right now, so I am fine having Smith go off on my bench for the first time if that happens this week.
Buffalo Bills @ Atlanta Falcons
Monday, October 13th, 7:15 PM EST
Spread BUF -4.5
Over/Under 49.5
Must Starts: Josh Allen, James Cook III, Bijan Robinson, Drake London, Dalton Kincaid, Bills DST, Matt Prater
Another potential shootout if Michael Penix Jr. can keep the Falcons on track, I’m starting my normal cast of characters this game.
Matchup Considerations/Flex Plays: Tyler Allgeier, Darnell Mooney (Hamstring), Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, Kyle Pitts
Allgeier has been receiving an annoying amount of work, even in the red zone and goalline situations, so he offers some floor-level flex value with touchdown upside.
Mooney has been limited this week with a hamstring injury, and the Falcons are labeling him “day-to-day”. With this being a Monday matchup, you may not have the luxury of waiting on him, so watch Saturday practice reports, as that is like every other team’s Friday practice.
Fantasy Fades/Concerns: Everyone Else
Chicago Bears @ Washington Commanders
Monday, October 13th, 8:15 PM EST
Spread WSH -4.5
Over/Under 50.5
Must Starts: Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Bill Croskey-Merritt, D’Andre Swift, Rome Odunze, Deebo Samuel Sr. (Heel), Matt Gay
This game will wrap up week six, and it should be entertaining. Croskey-Merritt has worked his way into the must-start tier after terrorizing my home league team last week.
Samuel Sr. has been limited this week with a heel injury, but we have seen this from him before. If he is at least limited on Friday, you may see full practice participation on Saturday, which will put him on track to play, but this is one to watch.
Swift is RB21, putting him solidly among the back-end RB2s this week. I have some concerns, as the Commanders allow the 10th fewest PPR points to running backs, though they have allowed the 11th most receiving yards to the position.
My gut feeling was he should be a flex play, but his receiving upside has me keeping him as a must-start. Swift ranks highly among a number of metrics, which makes his floor solid and his upside valuable.
Matchup Considerations/Flex Plays: DJ Moore
If Moore doesn’t get involved this week off a bye, when will he? Can the Bears simply cut the cord already? There are several teams out there who could better utilize Moore, so let’s stop with the games and send him on his way.
Fantasy Fades/Concerns: Everyone Else