Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em Week 6
Welcome back, fantasy degenerates. Last week’s NFL action just reminded us why we love, and simultaneously hate, this beautiful disaster of a game we call fantasy football.
Turning the page to Week 6, where short weeks, injury chaos, and questionable coaching decisions will once again test our patience and our rosters. But fear not! I’ve got your lineup decisions covered. Let’s dive into who to start, who to sit, and remember to carry the ball over the goal line!
Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em Series Ground Rules
- I will review and grade my picks every week for complete transparency. I think this is important.
- I’m only recommending players to start who have a start percentage of 75% or lower at Sleeper.
- I’m only recommending players to sit who have a start percentage of less than 60% at Sleeper.
Important Tip: When in doubt, always trust your gut over my picks. I’m good at fantasy, but it’s your team.
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Week 5 Recap
- Start Justin Fields – Back-to-back weeks of recommending the top 3 QBs with low starting%
- Start Tony Pollard – Great pick, Pollard’s best performance of the year
- Start Woody Marks – Yikes. I don’t get it. Marks put the team on his back to beat the Titans, and yet in a blowout game, he doesn’t get more than 7 carries?
- Start Bhayshul Tuten – womp womp
- Start Wan’Dale Robinson – 5 receptions for 30 yards, we all expected more.
- Start Keon Coleman – 4 catches for 23 yards and a score. The TD saved me here
- Start Josh Downs – 6 for 54 yards. I’m going to call this a win, it’s hard to find lower-tier guys to suggest lol
- Start Malik Washington – 4 receptions for 0 yards. How is that even possible
- Start Brenton Strange – He got injured halfway through the game
- Sit Chase Brown PPR leagues might get by with the seven catches, but no scores and barely any yardage
- Sit Travis Hunter – Made three great catches for 64 yards.
- Sit T.J. Hockenson – 38 yards is not enough
Overall, I’m going to give myself a B-
Start ‘Em Week 6
62% Starting at Sleeper
Dak should be an every-week starter. I’m getting a freebie here with only 64% starting him at Sleeper.
The Cowboys’ signal-caller is second in the league with 1,356 passing yards and boasts a 10:3 TD-to-INT ratio through five games. Carolina’s defense just surrendered three passing touchdowns to Tua Tagovailoa and ranks among the NFL’s worst units in points allowed. Even with CeeDee Lamb potentially returning from injury, Prescott has proven he can shred defenses with George Pickens and Jake Ferguson. The Panthers’ pass rush won’t generate enough pressure to disrupt Prescott’s rhythm. He’s a locked-in QB1 with legitimate MVP buzz.
33% Starting at Sleeper
The seventh-year back handled 72% of Arizona’s backfield carries in Week 5, posting 18 rushes for 51 yards and a touchdown while adding five receptions. Indianapolis ranks 19th against the run and just surrendered 147 rushing yards to Las Vegas. Carter’s workload is locked in as Arizona’s lead running back, making him a volume-based must-start, despite his moderate efficiency. Emari Demercado’s costly fumble only solidifies Carter’s stranglehold on early-down work. Feed this workhorse in your lineup.
42% Starting at Sleeper
The rookie sensation is impossible to ignore after exploding for 150 total yards and two touchdowns against the Chargers. Chicago’s run defense is atrocious, ranking 31st in the NFL and allowing 4.8 yards per carry.
Croskey-Merritt has earned the starting role through sheer dominance, averaging nearly 10 yards per touch in Washington’s ground-and-pound attack. The Commanders will ride their hot-handed seventh-rounder in a prime Monday night showcase. With Jayden Daniels managing the offense and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury dialing up creative run concepts, expect another massive workload for “Bill.” Lock him into your RB2 slot immediately.
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35% Starting at Sleeper
Charbonnet continues splitting work with Kenneth Walker but remains a quality flex option with touchdown upside. The Seahawks’ short-yardage specialist punched in his third rushing score of 2025 in Week 5 and leads the backfield in pass-blocking snaps, keeping him on the field during crucial situations. Jacksonville’s defense ranks 30th in points allowed and 31st in total yards, making this a smash spot for Seattle’s entire offense. Charbonnet’s 48 carries through five games guarantee continued opportunity, and his nose for the end zone adds weekly TD equity. With the Jaguars’ porous defense on tap, confidently deploy Charbonnet as an RB3/flex play.
44% Starting at Sleeper
Godwin is slowly rounding into form after missing the season’s first month recovering from his 2024 ankle injury. The veteran receiver caught three balls in Week 5 and should see increased targets with Mike Evans nursing a hamstring injury. San Francisco’s secondary has been gashed repeatedly, and Baker Mayfield ranks second among quarterbacks with 21.1 fantasy points per game. The Buccaneers’ high-powered passing attack creates endless opportunities for Godwin to break out in Week 6. Tampa Bay will air it out against a beatable 49ers defense, and Godwin’s chemistry with Mayfield continues improving. Start him as a WR2/flex despite the slow reintegration process.
15% Starting at Sleeper
Downs delivered a season-high 54 receiving yards in Week 5 and remains Daniel Jones’ most consistent target in Indianapolis’ short-area passing game. Arizona’s defense ranks 24th against the pass and just allowed 237 yards through the air to Dallas. The Colts’ slot specialist posted six catches on eight targets against Las Vegas, showcasing his reliable hands and chemistry with Jones. While his upside remains capped by limited deep-ball work, Downs’ 9.0 targets per game average provides a safe PPR floor. Lock him into your WR3/flex spot for a home matchup against a vulnerable Cardinals secondary that struggles covering the middle of the field.
24% Starting at Sleeper
Tucker has emerged as Geno Smith’s most reliable downfield weapon despite the Raiders’ offensive struggles. The speedster posted 62 yards and his fourth 20-plus yard reception of 2025 in Week 5, showcasing big-play ability regardless of game script. Tennessee’s secondary ranks 28th in pass defense and just surrendered massive yardage to Arizona before their comeback. Las Vegas desperately needs offensive firepower, and Tucker’s chemistry with Smith provides hope in an otherwise bleak passing attack. His six targets per game and explosive potential make him a solid WR3/flex option. The Titans’ beatable defense offers Tucker a chance to find the end zone finally.
37% Starting at Sleeper
Shaheed exploded back onto the fantasy radar with an 87-yard touchdown bomb in Week 5, proving his deep-threat ability remains elite despite Spencer Rattler’s inexperience. The speedy wideout finished with 114 yards on just two catches, showcasing his homerun potential. New England’s secondary ranks 25th in pass defense and struggles containing vertical threats. Shaheed’s ability to change games with one play makes him a must-start boom-or-bust WR3. The Saints will dial up shots downfield against an overmatched Patriots defense, and Shaheed’s blazing speed creates constant touchdown equity. Start’em him up despite the volatile target share; he only needs one catch to win your week.
A risky player to add to my Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em Week 6 series, but I’m going to roll with it.
53% Starting at Sleeper
Shakir leads the team in targets, receptions, and receiving yards through five games, cementing his role as the WR1 in this high-powered offense. Atlanta’s defense ranks 19th against the pass and struggles containing slot receivers working the middle of the field. The Bills will bounce back aggressively on Monday night, and Shakir’s consistent 8-10 target floor provides an excellent WR2 option. His chemistry with Allen and ability to generate yards after catch make him a locked-in starter for fantasy managers seeking reliable production in PPR formats.
Sit ‘Em Week 6
78% Starting at Sleeper
Pump the brakes on “Indianapolis Jones” this week. Arizona’s defense is imploding after blowing a massive lead to Tennessee, but the Colts won’t need Jones to air it out in this favorable home matchup. Jonathan Taylor has been feasting, and Shane Steichen will ride his workhorse back against a Cardinals run defense that just surrendered 206 yards to Carolina’s Rico Dowdle. Jones’ passing volume has already been limited; he threw just 21 times in the Week 5 blowout over Las Vegas.
With Indianapolis up big early, expect another run-heavy game script that caps Jones’ upside. He’s thrown zero touchdowns in two of his last three games. Sit Jones as a low-floor QB2 this week.
83% Starting at Sleeper
The rookie sensation faces a nightmare scenario on a short week. Philadelphia’s defense is fuming after blowing a 17-3 lead to Denver and will take their frustrations out on a Giants offensive line that ranks among the NFL’s worst. Skattebo’s 4.4 yards per carry won’t hold up against an Eagles front seven that’s held opponents to 3.8 yards per rush. Thursday night games favor defenses, and Jalen Carter will dominate New York’s interior. Also, with Tyrone Tracy potentially returning from a shoulder injury, Skattebo’s workload could shrink significantly. Avoid this brutal matchup; Philly will stack the box and dare rookie Jaxson Dart to beat them through the air. Sit Skattebo as a risky RB3/flex.
at Buccaneers
Don’t chase Bourne’s 10-catch, 142-yard eruption against the Rams. That performance was pure circumstance, with Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall sidelined, forcing Mac Jones to lean on Bourne as the last man standing. With Jennings expected back from his ankle/rib injuries and Pearsall progressing from his knee issue, Bourne instantly reverts to WR4/WR5 status in Kyle Shanahan’s pecking order. His 12% target share through three games before Week 5 tells the real story. Tampa Bay’s secondary just held Seattle’s passing attack in check until garbage time. Until Bourne proves he’s earned a permanent role with multiple healthy receivers active, he’s a volatile boom-bust option. Sit him and wait for confirmation.
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