Welcome to Week 6! We’re five weeks into the NFL season and every team has at least one loss, while all but one team has a win. The last time there were no undefeated teams after Week 5 was 2014. Drink up, ’72 Dolphins!
Is this parity? Maybe. Is this exciting? Definitely. Four different teams came back to win after falling behind by 14 (or more) points this past weekend. That includes the Jaguars, who capped another crazy NFL weekend by scoring their game-winning TD against the Chiefs on a bizzarro-world
play where Trevor Lawrence tripped on a lineman’s foot as he took the snap, fell down, fell again as he tried to get up, and hit the ground a third time as he dove to cross the plane. I won’t even try to describe how the Cardinals blew a 15-point fourth quarter lead to the Titans. You wouldn’t believe me anyway.
No teams are undefeated, but the NFL might be.
On to Week 6.
Stats of the Week:
- The Buccaneers are 4-1, and the margin in all four wins has been three points or less. Their one loss was by six points.
- Ja’Marr Chase was credited with three tackles on Sunday.
- This week’s trade of Joe Flacco from Cleveland to Cincinnati marked the first deal ever between the two Ohio teams (the Bengals were founded in 1968 by former Browns’ coach Paul Brown).
- The Giants’ last six possessions at New Orleans on Sunday all ended in turnovers (one was a turnover on downs).
- Justin Fields is on an 0-26 streak (as a starter) in games where the opposing team scores 21 or more points.
- The 2025 Jets are the first team since the NFL started tracking turnovers in 1933 to not force a single turnover in the first five games of a season. For comparison, the Jaguars lead the NFL with 14 takeaways.
- NFL history will be made this weekend when more than two lefties (Tua Tagovailoa, Michael Penix, Jr., and Dillon Gabriel) start at QB in the same week.
- Jake Ferguson has 41 catches. That ties the record for most catches by a tight end through the first five games of a season.
- Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold were the first and third players taken in the 2018 draft and have each been discarded by multiple NFL teams. On Sunday, they combined to compete 57 of 67 passes (85%) for 720 yards and six TDs in the Bucs’ 38-35 win over the Seahawks.
Week 6, here we go!
Bye Weeks: HOU, MIN
Week 6 Rides, Fades and Sleepers
For those who are familiar with this column, you know the drill. For everyone else: The Rides, Fades, and Sleepers is an analysis of players that I think are primed for an especially strong or poor performance, often as compared to consensus expectations. This isn’t a straight-up Start/Sit exercise. As a general rule, start your studs. I’ll rarely list the most obvious names at a position as “Rides” because those players are almost always expected to have strong performances. You don’t need me or anyone else telling you to start Josh Allen or Jonathan Taylor. While this analysis is intended for season-long play, it works for DFS formats too. Half PPR scoring and Expert Consensus Rankings (ECR) are used for the column.
Each week, I’m picking a Ride, Fade,and Sleeper of the Week. The rules: The Ride of the Week can’t be a truly elite option, the Fade can’t be someone who nobody is starting anyway, and the Sleeper must be an actual sleeper, from down in the rankings.
After a torrid week 4, my Week 5 calls were again very strong. Ride of the Week Garrett Wilson delivered a solid game (16.1 fantasy points, WR10 for the week), Fade of the week A.J. Brown posted just 6.8 fantasy points (WR 43 for the week), and last but definitely not least, Sleeper of the Week C.J. Stroud threw four TD passes and finished as the QB1 for the week with 29 fantasy points. Beyond those, the hits easily outnumbered the misses, including sleeper calls on Kendrick Bourne and Jake Tonges on TNF to get the ball rolling. You can check my work here: Week 5.
Ride of the Week: Matthew Stafford (@BAL). Cheat code warning! I’ll go right back to the well that delivered C.J. Stroud’s numbers last week: The Ravens’ “defense”. Baltimore’s banged-up unit is missing more than half its starters, giving up an average of 35.4 points per game, on pace to shatter the record for most points allowed in a season, and has yielded the second most fantasy points per game (FPPG) and most TD passes (13) to opposing QBs. Did you get all that? Meanwhile, remember how everyone was worried about Stafford’s back? Well, he’s playing as well as just about any QB in the league and is coming off back-to-back weeks with 25+ fantasy points. He’s ranked outside the Top-10 QBs this week but shouldn’t be. Get him in lineups wherever you can.
Fade of the Week: Chase Brown (@GB). I’ve seen enough, and if you’ve got Brown on your roster, I’m sure you have also. The Bengals’ offense isn’t functioning. Maybe Joe Flacco will help, but he’s starting this week’s game on very short notice. Brown has yet to crack 50 rushing yards in a game, hasn’t found the end zone since Joe Burrow got hurt, and is averaging a paltry 2.5 yards per carry. This week, he faces a stout defense that’s allowing the fewest rushing yards per game and third fewest FPPG to opposing RBs. He did have seven receptions last week (for just 21 yards), so maybe there’s hope. I just filled out a lineup in one league with Hassan Haskins starting, and Brown on the bench. Feel free to do the same.
Sleeper of the Week: Romeo Doubs (vs. CIN). I’m a bit surprised to see Doubs ranked as the WR35 this week, after his monster outing in Week 4, and with Jayden Reed still sidelined. Maybe the thinking is that the Packers won’t need to throw much in this game (Green Bay is favored by 14.5), or that even with Reed out, the ball gets spread around and you never know who will be on the receiving end of Jordan Love’s TD passes. Regardless, with so many bigger-name receivers not producing consistently, Doubs is easily in the WR3/Flex range this week.
Quarterback:
Elite options this week – Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts, Jayden Daniels, Dak Prescott, and Patrick Mahomes; the analysis starts below them.
Rides:
Drake Maye (@NO) is ranked as the QB5 this week and that seems about right. He’s been terrific and is quickly becoming an every-week must start, and the Saints have allowed the seventh most FPPG and fifth most rushing yards to opposing quarterbacks. I don’t expect a letdown from the Pats this week, as they enter an extremely favorable stretch of the league’s softest schedule.
Justin Herbert (@MIA). I think you’ll see Herbert chucking it a lot this week, as the Chargers try to get back on track after back-to-back losses. With their top two backs out injured and their O-line missing multiple starters, the Chargers figure to rely pretty heavily on the pass. Miami’s defense isn’t good (they’ve allowed the third most FPPG to opposing QBs), but Herbert’s receivers are.
Other QBs ranked inside the Top-15 this week who I think can beat their weekly ranking include Jordan Love (vs. CIN), Daniel Jones (vs. ARI), and Bo Nix (@NYJ, London).
Sleepers:
If you need a second quarterback in a Superflex, there aren’t all that many attractive choices in Week 6. Bryce Young (vs. DAL) has been up-and-down, but this week he gets the defense that’s allowing the most passing yards and FPPG, and second most passing TDs, to opposing QBs. Start him if you need him.
Whoever starts for the 49ers (I’m expecting it to be Mac Jones again) should have some success at the Bucs, who’ve given up the fifth most FPPG to opposing QBs and don’t mind getting into shootouts.
Finally, look for Trevor Lawrence (vs. SEA) to stay hot against a banged-up Seattle secondary that just got torched by Baker Mayfield.
Fades:
Justin Fields (vs. DEN, London) has been awful in the first half the past two games, but then managed to salvage things for fantasy with big second halves during attempted comebacks. I think the Jets will fall behind again, but piling up points against Denver’s big-boy defense won’t be a cakewalk like it was against Miami and Dallas. The Broncos have allowed the third fewest FPPG to opposing quarterbacks, and importantly, they’ve held them to just 15 yards rushing total in five games. Jalen Hurts had two carries for three yards on Sunday. If Denver can contain Fields as a runner, he offers very little upside.
I keep underestimating Jared Goff (@KC) on the road and outdoors, but this matchup scares me. The Chiefs still have a very good defense and at 2-3 they really need this home game. I don’t expect a QB1 finish from Goff this week.
The Colts’ defense has been terrific at home, and the Cardinals must be reeling after last week’s collapse. I’ve got Kyler Murray (@IND) outside my Top-15 QBs this week.
Others: Lower-ranked quarterbacks that you might be considering, but who I’d try to avoid in Superflex this week, include Sam Darnold (@JAC), Tua Tagovailoa (vs. LAC), Geno Smith (vs. TEN), Aaron Rodgers (vs. CLE), Joe Flacco (@GB), and Jaxson Dart (vs. PHI). Strange but true: Flacco already beat the Packers this season.
Running back:
Elite options this week – Saquon Barkley, Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, Christian McCaffrey, James Cook, Jonathan Taylor, and Josh Jacobs; the analysis starts below them.
Rides:
Javonte Williams (@CAR). The Panthers did a nice job on Devon Achane last week, and their defense is much improved over the unit that got gashed on the ground on a weekly basis last season. But keep riding Williams, who is the RB2 through five games and has topped 15 fantasy points in every week except one. The Dallas offense is on fire. In the same game, I’m sticking with Rico Dowdle (vs. DAL), against his old team. I don’t expect another 200-yard outing, but I do expect Chuba Hubbard to miss another contest which should open the door to lots of volume against a suspect defense (fifth most FPPG allowed to RBs).
Ride Kyren Williams (@BAL). Another Williams! The Ravens are missing the middle of their defense, and opponents are taking advantage. They’ve allowed the fourth most FPPG to opposing running backs, and eight total TDs to the position, second most in the league. Meanwhile, Williams is once again defying the naysayers and dominating high-value RB touches for the Rams.
Others ranked inside the Top-25 this week who I think have a good chance to outperform their rankings are Ashton Jeanty (vs. TEN), Quinshon Judkins (vs. PIT), Rachaad White (vs. SF), and J.K. Dobbins (@NYJ, London).
Sleepers:
I don’t understand why Rhamondre Stevenson (@NOS) is ranked outside the Top-25 RBs this week. Yes, he keeps fumbling, but Mike Vrabel keeps sticking with him nonetheless, and with Antonio Gibson injured there are fewer mouths to feed. Keep starting Stevenson as an RB2 or Flex. The real question is what to do with TreVeyon Henderson. The Gibson injury should open the door for more snaps and touches, but he’s been unimpressive after a dynamite preseason. If you’re stuck at running back this week, he’s worth a flier in a favorable matchup.
The Chargers’ backfield feels a lot like the Arizona situation last week. Nobody is sure how the touches will break down after an injury to the starter. My gut says Hassan Haskins (who played for Jim Harbaugh at Michigan) is the slightly better play than Kimani Vidal, and if you need an RB this week, I think you can roll with either one against a Miami defense that just made Rico Dowdle look like Barry Sanders, and that has allowed the sixth most FPPG to opposing RBs.
Other RBs ranked outside the Top-25 who I think are potential Flexes if you need them this week: Kenneth Gainwell (vs. CLE), and Zach Charbonnet (@JAC).
Fades:
Last week I said nobody is benching Derrick Henry (while recommending a fade), but I think you can seriously consider it this week (vs. LAR). Henry hasn’t broken 50 rushing yards since Week 1, doesn’t get used in the passing game, and with Lamar Jackson out and the offense stalled, is very TD-dependent for production. The Rams have allowed the second fewest FPPG to opposing RBs, and zero rushing TDs to the position.
R.J. Harvey (@NYJ, London) continues to be an auto-fade, as the usage just isn’t there yet.
Alvin Kamara (vs. NE) is ceding more and more work to Kendre Miller, and hasn’t been his usual self in the passing game. He’s just a so-so RB2 play against the Patriots, who’ve allowed the fifth fewest FPPG to opposing RBs.
Wide receiver:
Elite options this week – Puka Nacua, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Drake London. The analysis starts below them.
Rides:
Davante Adams (@BAL). There are certainties in life: Death, taxes, and good receivers getting theirs against the Ravens’ defense. Only Dallas has allowed more FPPG to opposing WRs, and the two defenses are tied with the most TD catches allowed to the position (10 each).
That’s a good segue into my next wide receiver Ride, Tet McMillan (vs. DAL). He’s ranked as the WR15 this week and I think he’s got an excellent shot at his first weekly WR1 finish (Top-12) against that generous Dallas secondary. McMillan doesn’t have a TD yet and he’s only got five red zone targets. Surely Bryce Young realizes how tall McMillan is, and how long his arms are. Aren’t they in meetings together?
I think it’s finally coming for Brian Thomas, Jr. (vs. SEA) this week. He’s ranked outside the Top-20 WRs, which I get, but we all saw what Emeka Egbuka did to Seattle’s banged-up secondary last week, and there were signs on Monday night that Thomas might be ready to break out of his slump.
There are a bunch of WRs ranked inside the Top-20 this week who have favorable matchups, and/or who I’m just high on for the week. They are: Xavier Worthy (vs. DET, who is down multiple starting DBs), Deebo Samuel (vs. CHI, who allows the sixth most FPPG to opposing receivers), Jaylen Waddle (vs. LAC, and he’s an auto-start for me with Tyreek Hill done for the season), Rome Odunze (@WAS), A.J. Brown (@NYG, who keep allowing big plays), Stefon Diggs (@NO), and Keenan Allen (@MIA).
Sleepers:
Kendrick Bourne (@TB) is ranked outside the Top-40 wide receivers this week and barring a return of BOTH of Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall, that’s way too low. This game could be high scoring and the 49ers are low on weapons right now. I’ll run back the sleeper call on Bourne that hit for me last week.
Calvin Ridley (@LV) came to life last week, and maybe that carries over in a favorable matchup. He’s back in the Flex conversation.
Khalil Shakir (@ATL) continues to have a decent floor with some upside, if you need a WR3 or Flex who won’t kill you. Teammate Keon Coleman is less reliable, but made some big catches last week.
Other WRs ranked outside the top-30 this week that I think you can take a swing on if you’re in need include: Tyquan Thornton (vs. DET), Josh Downs (vs. ARI), Ryan Flournoy (@CAR), Troy Franklin (@NYJ), Cooper Kupp (@TB), Dontayvion Wicks (Vs. CIN), and Tre Tucker (vs. TEN).
Fades:
Zay Flowers (vs. LAR) is a Fade for me once again this week. I’m sure he’ll see volume, but I just don’t see much upside with Cooper Rush under center. And you can’t even think about Rashod Bateman (the question with him is rostering, not start-sit).
D.J. Moore is feeling like the odd man out in Chicago. His target share of 16% is a far cry from the 28% he’s enjoyed over the last three seasons, which was elite. I can’t trust him in lineups at this point.
My Week 5 Fade call on Jameson Williams (@KC) was correct, and I’ll take the risk of missing out on his explosive playmaking and fade him again. The Chiefs don’t give up a lot of big plays, and he just isn’t getting much volume on a team with so many good weapons.
Other WRs ranked inside the Top-35 who I’m lower than consensus on this week include Garrett Wilson (vs. DEN, London), Marvin Harrison, Jr. (@IND), and Chris Olave (vs. NE). No, I don’t have anything against Ohio State.
Tight end:
Elite options this week –Trey McBride, Tyler Warren, Tucker Kraft, and Jake Ferguson. The analysis starts below them.
Rides:
Hunter Henry (@NO). This is straightforward. Henry has been a go-to guy for Drake Maye all season, and the Saints don’t defend tight ends well. They’ve allowed the fourth most FPPG and four total tight ends to opposing tight ends.
Other TEs in the Top-15 who I think have a good shot to outperform their weekly ranking this week: Travis Kelce (vs. DET), Mason Taylor (vs. DEN, London), and Harold Fannin, Jr. (@GB).
Sleepers:
Evan Engram (@NYJ, London) is ranked outside the Top-20 this week and that’s too low. He scored last week, and as he gets healthier I think he’ll continue to become more involved in Sean Payton’s offense.
Others to consider (outside the Top-15): Jake Tonges (@TB), Cade Otton (vs. SF), Juwan Johnson (vs. NE), Theo Johnson (vs. PHI), and A.J. Barner (@JAC).
Fades:
Mark Andrews (vs. LAR) is again a Fade for me, alongside the entire Ravens’ offense. Someone will score a TD this week, but there won’t be a lot to go around for Baltimore against another solid defense.
You probably don’t have better options than Kyle Pitts (vs. BUF) and in the same game Dalton Kincaid (@ATL), and both have been pleasant surprises so far this season. I list them here because the matchups are very tough. It’s a small sample size and some of it is who they’ve played, but the Falcons and Bills have allowed the least and third least FPPG to opposing tight ends. Atlanta has allowed a grand total of 8-69-0 (on just 14 targets) to the position across four games, while the Bills have allowed the second fewest yards to the position (111 across five games).
PK and D/ST Streamers (ranked outside the top-15 for the week): See my Week 6 Waiver Wire column.
That’s it. Good luck in Week 6!
***This column appears each Thursday right here at Big Blue View. Each Monday, my Waiver Wire column appears here, and on Fridays you can find my weekly Prop bets of the week for the Giants, also right here. ***
