NFL DFS Values & Picks: Targets & Advice (Week 6)

London games, bye weeks and injuries have varied effects on the NFL DFS main slates.

This weekly article is not meant to be a roster builder, but a sifter of value for pieces of lineups. This week we have a 10-game slate to decipher, so let’s get into it.

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NFL DFS Values & Picks: Week 6

Quarterbacks

Kirk Cousins (QB – LV) vs. BUF | $5,400 (DraftKings)

What a time to be alive. Boring, surgically repaired, khaki-wearing Kirk Cousins is the QB11 in fantasy points per game. A feat he accomplished despite having the mobility of a belabored tugboat. He is tied for second-most touchdowns (12) and ranks eighth overall in passing yards (1,269). After witnessing his career to date, the most impressive and startling thing is that he has only four interceptions this season. Needless to say, Cousins is playing like Alex Smith did when rookie Patrick Mahomes was sitting behind him. Potential foreshadowing of things to come, perhaps.

The Bills allow the third-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. On average, they surrender 295.8 passing yards and 2.6 passing touchdowns per game. Among the quarterbacks they have faced were C.J. Stroud and Justin Herbert. Drake Maye used this Bills defense to turn his season around after three weeks of disappointment and a plethora of turnovers.

This game features a 53.5 over/under and should have multiple players sprinkled throughout DFS lineups. With a 20% implied rostership in DraftKings main slate contests, Cousins has the volatility to make him more valuable in cash contests and can also be used in aggressive GPP contests. This game is projected to be a back-and-forth affair that could see a few more pass attempts than usual if the Raiders are trying to keep up with Josh Allen and company.

Jameis Winston (QB – NYG) vs. NO | $7,000 (FanDuel)

It is one thing to have to start Jameis Winston in a season-long league. The waiver wire is dry or features options like Tanner McKee, bye weeks are in effect and injuries have piled up. Sure, you can start Winston in those situations out of sheer necessity. Purposefully selecting him for a DFS lineup for a Sunday main slate? Well, that, my friends, is a whole different mixed bag of feelings. Do not believe a humble DFS fantasy analyst takes this suggestion lightly. Instead, let’s examine what led us here.

In his first two games (one start, one relief), Winston put Giants fans in a panic. In those games, he averaged a debilitating 4.8 fantasy points per game. Over his last two, he is averaging 22.8 fantasy points per outing. In that span, he has thrown six touchdowns and only two interceptions, averaging 288 passing yards. Might be safe to assume he has knocked the rust off and is playing like the gun slinger we all remember.

This week, the Giants travel to New Orleans to face the Saints, who in their own right can be a competitive team, especially on their home turf. The Saints allow the 15th-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, so it’s more of a neutral opponent than Winston has faced in the last two contests. Still, volume is implied, as this game has a 46.0 over/under and the Saints are barely favored.

Winston does not always provide the cleanest path to fantasy points, but when he is on, he gets there. It is also worth noting that he has targeted Malik Nabers 27 times over two weeks. Might be worth a stacking option along with another player we may talk about a little later.

Winston is more of a volatile GPP play on this slate and would be preferred by users playing multiple lineups.

Running Backs

Jonathan Taylor (RB – IND) vs. TEN | $8,000 (DraftKings)

Normally, I try to avoid listing top-tier players as values. Unless there is reason to believe that player is a slate-breaker. Jonathan Taylor represents that this week. Now, it is doubtful that anyone truly needs a list of statistically backed reasons to plug a top-shelf running back into a lineup, so this will be brief yet offer some insight.

When looking over player props, Taylor’s caught my eye. On DraftKings Sportsbook, Taylor’s anytime touchdown scorer odds are set at -295 — a 74% chance that Taylor will score at least one touchdown. His two-touchdown prop is set to +180, still implying roughly a 35% chance of two scores. Curiosity set in.

Here are Taylor’s last three outings against the Titans, going back to 2024:

• 29 rushes for 218 yards and three touchdowns
• 17 rushes for 102 yards and three touchdowns
• 12 rushes for 153 yards and two touchdowns

The aerial portion of the Colts’ offense has left a bit to be desired. Taylor should have the volume and could see another multi-touchdown outing against a team he has fared well against over the last several seasons.

Daily fantasy players will be keyed into this one, so expect a high rostership percentage. If Taylor has the kind of game Vegas is setting odds to, he almost has to be rostered in cash contests. Again, this is not the kind of value typically covered here, but when Vegas is betting heavily that a player is nearly a lock for at least one score, the DFS community should pay attention as well.

Rhamondre Stevenson (RB – NE) vs. NYJ | $6,300 (FanDuel)

Rhamondre Stevenson is the RB20 in half-PPR fantasy points per game and ranks 11th in receiving yards among running backs this season. When not being punished for fumbles, Stevenson is averaging 56.7 rushing yards and 27.7 receiving yards per game.

Originally, this was anticipated to be a volume play as the general indication was that backfield mate TreVeyon Henderson was dealing with the dreaded high-ankle sprain. With no interlude whatsoever, Henderson returned to practice, albeit in a limited fashion. At the time of this writing, Henderson is listed as questionable and seemingly has a shot to play in this matchup. If there was a confused font, this would be written in it.

For the sake of value searching, let us at least assume that Henderson and his invisible sprained ankle are both less than 100% and will therefore not have the normal anticipated backfield volume. That puts Stevenson in the driver’s seat for the majority share of the workload. The Jets are a friendly matchup, allowing the ninth-most fantasy points to running backs. Over five weeks, they allow 102.2 rushing yards, 28.4 receiving yards and 0.8 rushing touchdowns per game.

Stevenson comes in at a good salary price-to-opportunity ratio on FanDuel. With a larger-than-normal expected workload, Drake Maye’s return to fantasy-productive football bodes well for Stevenson to hit the value marker in both cash and GPP contests.

Wide Receivers

Jalen Coker (WR – CAR) at PHI | $5,900 (DraftKings)

Jalen Coker started the season on fire, turning nine targets into eight receptions for 138 yards and two scores. He finished as the WR1 for the week. He followed that up by seeing nine more targets in Week 2, for 66 scoreless yards. The volume remained. After a shortened Week 3, a missed Week 4 and a Week 5 bye, Coker is nearly an afterthought in some markets. That fares well for both salary and rostership percentage for the current main slate. With accrued production (counted as three games instead of the more realistic 2.5), Coker ranks WR31 in fantasy points per game.

The Eagles’ defense is allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season. They are giving up 172.2 receiving yards and 1.2 receiving touchdowns per game. Their offense is also in shambles, from the offensive line to the running back. Most recently, their franchise quarterback is unavailable for an undetermined period.

Tetairoa McMillan will draw the prime coverage, giving Coker more room to operate against weaker corners. Coker is a baseline high-end WR2 with a backend WR1 possibility for this week. In full PPR scoring formats, he is a value play for both cash and GPP contests.

Luther Burden III (WR – CHI) at ATL | $5,800 (FanDuel)

Luther Burden III, he of the offseason hype train, enters Week 6 as the WR26 in fantasy points per game. In all fairness to the emerging receiver, he has played with three quarterbacks in five games. Burden did have one WR15 finish in half-PPR scoring formats, occurring in the week he recorded his only touchdown of the season thus far. Regardless of quarterback, Burden has cleared 60+ receiving yards in three out of five contests. Burden averages seven targets per game and is also seemingly quarterback-agnostic.

The Falcons allow the eighth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. On average, they are surrendering 181.1 receiving yards and 0.8 touchdowns to the position. The Falcons primarily run single-high safety coverage, in which Burden sees an increased target share.

Caleb Williams is expected to make his return from the hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined for the last few weeks. Burden should benefit from the return of his primary quarterback and in a matchup that will certainly facilitate scoring on both sides of the ball.

This game features a 52.5 over/under as both offenses can generate points. Treat Burden as a GPP contest FLEX play with upside for this slate.

Tight Ends

Isaiah Likely (TE – NE) vs. NO | $4,800 (DraftKings)

John Harbaugh did not pursue Isaiah Likely without familiarity or purpose. He knew what he saw in Likely and what he could be on the field in a full-time role. Through six weeks, that has resulted in Likely ranking third at the position in fantasy points per game, fourth in receiving yards and tied for first in touchdowns. Despite all of that, he is the TE6 in salary on this slate. Value has already been built into the price.

The Saints allow the ninth-most fantasy points to tight ends. They have allowed 45+ receiving yards to four tight ends in five weeks of play. Over that span, they have also allowed two touchdowns to the position.

We have already discussed the implied point total and have established Jameis Winston as a potential value for this slate. The matchup is there. Likely has been playing good football, and his quarterback is also undervalued for this slate. Fire up Likely in both GPP and cash contests this week.

Tyler Higbee (TE – LAR) vs. ARI | $5,000 (FanDuel)

Tyler Higbee has quietly finished as the TE7, TE15 and TE10 over the last three weeks, respectively. He has managed this feat almost purely on volume, having scored only once in that span. Over those three games, Higbee is averaging 7.6 targets and 70.6 receiving yards per game.

The Cardinals remain mostly tight end agnostic, allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to the position. On average, they allow 72.6 yards and 0.8 touchdowns to the position.

This game features a 51.5 over/under. Matthew Stafford dials up the pass attempts. Higbee sneaks into TE1 territory again, with plenty of upside versus his salary. He is an ideal GPP candidate with sub-5% expected rostership.

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Is Chris Olave Playing Week 6? Fantasy Football Injury Update

Another weekend of NFL football has arrived! Unfortunately, the injury watch for fantasy football managers is also here, and that’s certainly the case for Chris Olave. Players who appear on the injury report and haven’t practiced much during the week can often lead to trepidation for managers trying to make fantasy football lineup decisions and/or waiver claims. Don’t fret, though – FantasyPros is here to provide you with all of the latest news and updates on the players who are questionable heading into this week. Here’s what we know about Chris Olave‘s injury and his status for Week 6. And use our Are They Playing tool to see the probability of any injured player playing this week, including Chris Olave. So, is Chris Olave playing Week 6? Let’s take a look into this notable fantasy football injury.

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Fantasy Football Outlook: Will Chris Olave Play Week 6?

Here’s the injury outlook for Chris Olave Week 6.

#Saints RB Alvin Kamara (back) and WR Chris Olave (illness) are both listed as questionable and both expected to play, sources say.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 18, 2026

Chris Olave (illness) listed questionable Sunday

Chris Olave is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Giants.

Olave returned to practice on Friday. He should be on the favorable side of questionable heading into Sunday.

See the latest odds of Chris Olave playing this week >>

What the Experts Are Saying

• Our injury model gives Chris Olave a 95% chance to play this week.
• Week 6 expert consensus rankings have Olave ranked as the WR5.
• His injury is listed on the injury report as: Illness
• He was a Non-Participant on Wednesday, a Non-Participant on Thursday, and a Limited Participant on Friday.

The Saints have quickly turned into a dysfunctional mess. After upsetting the Ravens in Week 2, their defense has fallen apart. Not only has their defense turned into Swiss Cheese, but Brian Flores put on a clinic against Tyler Shough and company last week. You would think that Olave’s 46 yards was a bad outing, but when Shough only passed for 96, you can’t be mad about 48% of all passing yards. Thankfully, they have a much easier matchup against the Giants this week. The Giants are frisky on defense, allowing the ninth-fewest points per game. With the Saints’ defense in shambles, Tyler Shough will be forced to target Olave early and often. Touchdowns may be at a premium this week, but double-digit targets and triple-digit yards should be on the table for the veteran receiver.
– Ellis Johnson

Check out our NFL News Desk for the latest injury news >>

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Is Caleb Williams Playing Week 6? Fantasy Football Injury Update

Another weekend of NFL football has arrived! Unfortunately, the injury watch for fantasy football managers is also here, and that’s certainly the case for Caleb Williams. Players who appear on the injury report and haven’t practiced much during the week can often lead to trepidation for managers trying to make fantasy football lineup decisions and/or waiver claims. Don’t fret, though – FantasyPros is here to provide you with all of the latest news and updates on the players who are questionable heading into this week. Here’s what we know about Caleb Williams‘s injury and his status for Week 6. And use our Are They Playing tool to see the probability of any injured player playing this week, including Caleb Williams. So, is Caleb Williams playing Week 6? Let’s take a look into this notable fantasy football injury.

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Fantasy Football Outlook: Will Caleb Williams Play Week 6?

Here is the injury outlook for Caleb Williams.

He’s back: The Bears are planning to start Caleb Williams after he missed the past three games due to a torn hamstring but went through a full week of practice this week without any setbacks, per NFLN and ESPN. pic.twitter.com/zLxQ7Mbvsq

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 17, 2026

Caleb Williams (hamstring) questionable to play Sunday

Caleb Williams (hamstring) is questionable to play in Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons.

Williams has been out for several games while tending to a hamstring injury, but he is officially questionable and will have a chance to make his return in Week 6 after being a full participant at practice all week. It looks more likely than not that he will play, which would be good news for Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, and all of Chicago’s fantasy options in a matchup against the Falcons.

See the latest odds of Caleb Williams playing this week >>

What the Experts Are Saying

• Our injury model gives Caleb Williams a 67% chance to play this week.
• Week 6 expert consensus rankings have Williams ranked as the QB5.
• His injury is listed on the injury report as: Hamstring
• He was a Full Participant on Wednesday, a Full Participant on Thursday, and a Full Participant on Friday.

I’m expecting Caleb Williams to return this week (hamstring). He practiced in full all week and has been listed as questionable. In his only full game this season, Williams was the QB1 for the week with 37.3 fantasy points. He completed 72.4% of his passes with 9.3 yards per attempt, two passing scores, ten rushing attempts, and 65 yards on the ground (two rushing scores). I’m expecting some muted rushing production from Williams in his first game back from a hamstring injury, but I easily could be wrong there. In Week 1, Williams has a solid 7.85 aDOT and 76.4% catchable target rate. We’ll see how Williams shakes off the rust against a surprising Atlanta pass defense. The Falcons have allowed the sixth-fewest yards per attempt, the seventh-lowest passing success rate, and the 13th-lowest CPOE. Williams can still return QB1 production in a tough matchup with Ben Johnson at the controls.
– Derek Brown

Check out our NFL News Desk for the latest injury news >>

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Fantasy Football Week 6 Start/Sit Advice: Quarterbacks (2026)

Let’s take a look at a few polarizing quarterbacks and what fantasy football expert Derek Brown advises. And you can find all of DBro’s fantasy football outlook in this week’s fantasy football primer.

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Fantasy Football Start’em, Sit’em Lineup Advice: Week 6 (Quarterbacks)

Start em or sit em? Fantasy football start or sit decisions can be excruciating. While it feels great to make the right call and cruise to fantasy glory, it hurts just as much when you have someone erupt while on your bench. You can use our Who Should I Start? tool to gauge advice from fantasy football experts as you make your lineup decisions. And you can also sync your fantasy football league for free using our My Playbook tool for custom advice, rankings and analysis.

Here’s Derek Brown’s fantasy football Week 6 outlook for a few players to help with lineup decisions.

Strong Starts

Tyler Shough (QB – NO)

After a miserable 1.8 fantasy points last week, Tyler Shough has dipped to the QB15 in fantasy points per game. Shough was under duress on 46.2% of his dropbacks last week as Brian Flores had him in a blender. This week, Shough could have a solid bounce-back game. Among 29 qualifying passers, Shough is 17th in passing success rate and 20th in highly accurate throw rate, but he is also tenth in catchable target rate and sixth in hero throw rate. The Saints offense rides on his arm weekly. They don’t have the ability to run the ball, so it is all on Shough to move this offense. Shough should have more time in the pocket this week and have more success. The Giants have the fifth-lowest pressure rate while giving up the 14th-highest passing success rate, the 13th-highest CPOE, and the 12th-most EPA per dropback.

Bryce Young (QB – CAR)

Bryce Young is the QB3 in fantasy points per game. He has been excellent this season. Young has at least 21.5 fantasy points in four of his five games this season. Among 29 qualifying passers, Young is seventh in yards per attempt, ninth in passing success rate, 21st in highly accurate throw rate, and eighth in hero throw rate. He should see enough volume to finish as a QB1 again this week. Philly has been all over the map in defensive stats, ranking 18th in yards per attempt while giving up the ninth-highest EPA per dropback and allowing the 15th-lowest CPOE. This is best viewed as a neutral matchup for Young.

Caleb Williams (QB – CHI)

I’m expecting Caleb Williams to return this week (hamstring). He opened this week with a full practice. In his only full game this season, Williams was the QB1 for the week with 37.3 fantasy points. He completed 72.4% of his passes with 9.3 yards per attempt, two passing scores, ten rushing attempts, and 65 yards on the ground (two rushing scores). I’m expecting some muted rushing production from Williams in his first game back from a hamstring injury, but I easily could be wrong there. In Week 1, Williams has a solid 7.85 aDOT and 76.4% catchable target rate. We’ll see how Williams shakes off the rust against a surprising Atlanta pass defense. The Falcons have allowed the sixth-fewest yards per attempt, the seventh-lowest passing success rate, and the 13th-lowest CPOE. Williams can still return QB1 production in a tough matchup with Ben Johnson at the controls.

C.J. Stroud (QB – HOU)

C.J. Stroud is the QB16 in fantasy points per game after QB5 and QB9 finishes in the last two weeks in weekly scoring. Stroud has been balling. I will not say that he is back to his rookie season form because he looks even better than that. Among 29 qualifying passers, Stroud is 11th in yards per attempt, eighth in passing success rate, fourth in highly accurate throw rate, third in hero throw rate, and he has the second-highest aDOT. All of those metrics are incredibly impressive, especially when you consider his high aDOT. Stroud might come back to Earth some this week, but it’s also possible that he excels. The Jags have been a bend but don’t break defense that pressures the quarterback well (seventh in pressure rate). Jacksonville has allowed the seventh-highest yards per attempt while ranking 17th in passing success rate and 19th in CPOE. They have given up the second-fewest passing touchdowns. Stroud could be a QB1 this week if he can navigate their pass rush, but I’m not expecting a smash performance.

Fantasy Football Streamers & Deep Plays to Consider

Jameis Winston (QB – NYG)

YOLO Jameis is back, baby! Over the last two weeks, Jameis Winston has been the QB8 and QB6 in weekly fantasy scoring. Since Week 4, among 28 qualifying quarterbacks, Winston has the eighth-most passing yards, the 11th-highest passer rating, the fifth-highest aDOT (10.1), the sixth-highest fantasy points per dropback, and is ranked 18th in catchable target rate. Winston should flirt with QB1 production again this week. The Saints have allowed the tenth-most yards per attempt, the fourth-highest passing success rate, the third-highest CPOE, and the 11th-most fantasy points per dropback.

Michael Penix Jr. (QB – ATL)

After taking a shot to the ribs late in the game last week, it sounds like Michael Penix will play this week. He opened the week with a full practice. Penix is the QB23 in fantasy points per game. Among 31 qualifying passers, he is second in yards per attempt, sixth in passing success rate, and 19th in catchable target rate. Atlanta hasn’t asked a lot of him, as he has the second-highest rate of throwing to his first read while also having the ninth-lowest aDOT. Good thing for Penix is the Chicago pass defense isn’t very good. The Bears have allowed the second-most yards per attempt, the 11th-highest passer rating, and the eighth-most fantasy points per dropback this season.

Kirk Cousins (QB – LV)

Despite last week’s down game, Kirko Chainz is the QB11 in fantasy points per game. Among 29 qualifying passers, he is 12th in yards per attempt, 11th in passing success rate, 15th in highly accurate throw rate, and 17th in catchable target rate. The King of Kohl’s could bounce back this week with another QB1 performance. The Bills’ pass defense hasn’t been an imposing unit. They have allowed the second-most passing yards, the 12th-most yards per attempt, and the fifth-highest EPA per dropback and passing success rate.

Aaron Rodgers (QB – PIT)

After two weeks of fun as Jameis Rodgers, Ole Aaron turned back into a low aDOT machine last week. Against Indy last week, Rodgers had a 4.29 aDOT with only a 3.2% deep ball rate. We’ll see which version we get of Rodgers this week, but that was disappointing to see. Rodgers still had a nice fantasy day as the QB11 for the week. Rodgers has had at least 22 fantasy points in each of his last three games, as he has been the QB4 in fantasy points per game since Week 3. How successful the Bucs’ blitz plan is this week will go a long way to determining how Rodgers plays. The Bucs have allowed the 14th-most passing yards while ranking 15th in CPOE and 16th in EPA per dropback. The Bucs continue to blitz, though, despite it not helping their pressure rate. Tampa Bay has the fourth-highest blitz rate, but they also have the lowest pressure rate in the NFL. Against the blitz, Rodgers has the sixth-fewest yards per attempt and the fifth-lowest passing success rate. Rodgers could be a QB1 this week again, or he could fall flat. There’s a wide range of outcomes for the cave dweller this week.

Deshaun Watson (QB – CLE)

Deshaun Watson is the QB21 in fantasy points per game. Watson remains an overrated point guard who is still struggling with accuracy. Among 29 qualifying passers, Watson has the 13th-fewest yards per attempt, the sixth-lowest aDOT, and the fifth-highest turnover-worthy throw rate. Watson also ranks 15th in passing success rate while having the fifth-highest rate of passing yards arising from yards after the catch. Watson helped his fantasy value by adding 7.4 rushing attempts and 33.4 rushing yards per game. Watson is a passable QB2 again this week. Baltimore is 15th in passing success rate and EPA per dropback allowed while holding passers to the 14th-fewest yards per attempt.

Concerning Starts & Players to Fade

Jayden Daniels (QB – WAS)

Jayden Daniels triumphantly returned to the huddle last week as the QB2 for the week. That was on the strength of nine rushing attempts, 103 rushing yards, and two rushing scores. I don’t think we can count on a hundo on the ground weekly from Daniels, but it was nice to see him running despite the brace. Daniels hasn’t been good as a passer this season. Among 30 qualifying passers, Daniels has the fifth-fewest yards per attempt, the ninth-lowest passing success rate, the fourth-lowest catchable target rate, and the third-lowest hero throw rate. He’ll have to get a ton of his fantasy production from his legs again this week against the 49ers. The 49ers pass defense has been a shutdown unit this season, allowing the third-fewest yards per attempt, the eighth-lowest passing success rate, and the seventh-lowest CPOE. Daniels could easily be a QB1 again this week with his rushing production alone, but also Washington will be forced to attempt to keep pace with the 49ers’ high-powered offense.

Justin Herbert (QB – LAC)

Justin Herbert is having a nightmare fuel season as the QB33 in fantasy points per game. Herbert is lacking pass catchers, a run game, and an offensive line. Ya know…just everything a quarterback needs to succeed in the NFL. No worries. Among 29 qualifying passers, Herbert has the tenth-fewest yards per attempt, the sixth-lowest passing success rate, the third-highest turnover-worthy throw rate, and the fifth-fewest fantasy points per dropback. This week doesn’t look any better facing a Kansas City pass defense that has limited passers to the fifth-fewest yards per attempt, the third-lowest CPOE, and the third-fewest fantasy points per dropback. Sit Herbert until further notice.

Jacoby Brissett (QB – ARI)

Jacoby Brissett is the QB18 in fantasy points per game with two QB1 outings in weekly scoring (QB4, QB7). Brissett continues to operate as a low-aDOT point guard for Arizona. Among 29 qualifying passers, Brissett has the lowest yards per attempt, the tenth-lowest passer rating, the ninth-lowest aDOT, and the 12th-lowest deep passing rate. Brissett is headed toward another middling QB2 performance this week. The Rams have held passers to the second-fewest yards per attempt, the fifth-lowest passer rating, the second-lowest passing success rate, and the 12th-lowest EPA per dropback.

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Fantasy Football IDP Start/Sit Lineup Advice: Week 6 (2026)

Thursday Night Football is complete, and fantasy football managers now turn their attention to the weekend’s contests as we try to decide which players to start and which players to sit. For IDP managers, this often becomes a matchup-focused decision, as there are often more players of similar caliber competing for a flex or perhaps even a starting role as an LB2, LB3, DL2, DL3, DB2, or DB3. With that in mind, let’s take a look at five players to consider starting this weekend and five others to consider sitting.

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Fantasy Football IDP Start/Sit Lineup Advice: Week 6 (2026)

Start em

Budda Baker (S – ARI)

Budda Baker stayed hot in Week 5, posting six solos, five assists, one sack, and one tackle for loss. The DB3 through five weeks of action on the strength of two splash weeks and one spike week in his last four games, Budda looks like he is in the midst of a career renaissance. Baker is auditioning for one last big payday, so don’t expect the production to stop anytime soon either. Budda is a DB1 play through and through and should be treated as such for a plus Week 6 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.

Malaki Starks (S – BAL)

Malaki Starks stepped up in Week 5, tallying six solos, four assists, and two tackles for loss. The Ravens safety has recorded six solos in back-to-back games and has three spike weeks to his name on the season. The DB21 through five weeks of action, Starks can now be trusted as a top-20 option regardless of matchup. For Week 6, with the Cleveland Browns on tap and four teams on bye, he becomes a top-15 option. Treat him as such for the tasty matchup against Deshaun Watson and co.

Jaden Dugger (LB – SF)

Jaden Dugger stepped up in Week 5, racking up seven solos, two assists, one sack, and one tackle for loss. Dugger saw an expanded role with Dre Greenlaw ejected and should see one again this week with Dre suspended for one game. It was an impressive performance for the firth round rookie, who will be able to solidify an expanded role even when Greenlaw returns with another strong outing. Treat Dugger as an LB4/flex with LB3 upside for Week 6.

Tavius Robinson (DE/LB – BAL)

Tavius Robinson showed out in Week 5, racking up three solos, three assists, one sack, one tackle for loss, one forced fumble, and one pass defended. Tavius is up to three sacks on the season, with at least one sack in three of his five games. The DL22 through five weeks of action, Robinson should be counted as an elite DL3 option for Week 6, thanks to a tasty matchup against the Cleveland Browns.

Austin Booker (DE – CHI)

Austin Booker was excellent in Week 5, racking up four solos, one assist, two sacks, three tackles for loss, and one forced fumble. Booker is up to four sacks on the season, with at least one sack in three of his last four games. Tap Booker as a top-25 option for Week 6, thanks both to his hot streak and a plus matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.

Sit em

Isaiah McDuffie (LB – GB)

Isaiah McDuffie was tapped by many fantasy managers as the linebacker expected to draw the starts with star linebacker Edgerrin Cooper lost for the season. Instead, it was Ty’Ron Hopper who played 57 percent of the snaps while McDuffie handled just 46 percent. McDuffie has enough upside to be worth holding onto for at least one more week, but should not sniff fantasy lineups given the rotation we saw in Week 5. Look elsewhere for Week 6.

Cody Barton (LB – TEN)

Cody Barton has played 83 percent and 97 percent of the snaps in Week 4 and Week 5, respectively, but even with three games north of 80 percent of the snaps (97 percent in Week 1), Barton has failed to make much of a fantasy impact. Barton has remained a starter despite the return of Cedric Gray, as the coaching staff prefers having him next to rookie Anthony Hill to help him with processing his MIKE duties. Barton has topped three solos just once all season (four solos in Week 4) and needs to show more to be trusted as a flex option over defensive backs with more upside. Feel free to ignore Barton outside of 16+ team leagues.

Baron Browning (DE/LB – ARI)

Baron Browning showed up in Week 5, tallying two solos, two assists, one sack, one tackle for loss, and two forced fumbles on 43 percent of the snaps. It was the first sack of the season for Browning, who is more of a deep league bench option than someone those in 12 team leagues should have on their radars, at least for now.

Darrell Jackson (DT – NYJ)

Darrell Jackson stepped up in Week 5, registering two solos, two assists, one sack, one tackle for loss, and two passes defended. It was the first sack of the season for Jackson, who played just 42 percent of the snaps against Cleveland. The snap share was a season high, but he remains a rotational player who just had his first spike week. Put him on DT3 radars for now, but look elsewhere outside of 32 team leagues.

Jarvis Brownlee (CB – NYJ)

Jarvis Brownlee showed out in Week 5, notching five solos, one assist, one sack, and two tackles for loss. It was the first spike week of the season for Brownlee, who has managed just one solo in two of his other three games this season. Brownlee has deep league bench appeal due to playing the slot, but his inconsistent production ensures that he is not an option for those in 12-team DB leagues, in any shape or form. Look elsewhere for your Week 6 DB3.

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Raju Byfield is a featured writer for FantasyPros. For more from Raju, check out his profile and follow him @FantasyContext.

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Fantasy Football Week 6 Rankings (2026)

Set your lineup with confidence using our Week 6 fantasy football rankings for the 2026 NFL season. Whether you’re weighing a close start/sit decision or comparing options across your roster, our analysts’ rankings and expert consensus rankings can help you identify your best plays for the week. You can also sync your fantasy football league for free with My Playbook to get personalized rankings, advice and analysis tailored to your team. Explore our fantasy football rankings for Week 6 below.

• Pat Fitzmaurice’s Weekly Rankings
• Andrew Erickson’s Weekly Rankings
• Derek Brown’s Weekly Rankings
• Best Fantasy Football Rankings

Fantasy Football Rankings: Week 6

Here are our fantasy football rankings from our analysts. You can find our expert consensus fantasy football rankings for the week here. And you can also sync your fantasy football league for free using our My Playbook tool for custom advice, rankings, and analysis. Here are our fantasy football rankings for Week 6.

2026 Fantasy Football Rankings powered by FantasyPros

ECR – Expert Consensus Rankings

Fantasy Football Lineup Basics: Roster Positions

A fantasy football lineup consists of various roster positions, including quarterbacks (QB), running backs (RB), wide receivers (WR), tight ends (TE), kickers (K), and team defenses (D/ST). Most leagues require you to start:

• 1 Quarterback (QB)
• 2 Running Backs (RB)
• 2 Wide Receivers (WR)
• 1 Tight End (TE)
• 1 Kicker (K)
• 1 Team Defense/Special Teams (D/ST)

Additionally, many leagues feature a “flex” position, which allows you to start an extra RB, WR or TE, providing more flexibility in your lineup. Others add another quarterback, or a “superflex,” which can be any position, including quarterback.

The Importance of Bye Weeks

Bye weeks are weeks during the NFL season when a team does not have a game. It’s crucial to be aware of your players’ bye weeks, as you’ll need to find suitable replacements to fill in for them in your lineup. Keep an eye on the NFL schedule, and plan ahead to ensure you have enough depth on your roster to cover bye weeks without sacrificing too many points.

Strategies for Setting Your Lineup

Matchups matter
Analyze your players’ opponents each week and identify favorable matchups that could lead to higher point totals. Start players facing weaker defenses to increase your scoring potential.

Consistency vs. upside
Balance your lineup with consistent performers and players with high upside, or potential for a breakout game. Consistent players provide a solid point floor, while high-upside players can be difference-makers in tight matchups.

Monitor injuries and depth charts
Stay informed about player injuries and their position on their team’s depth chart. Injuries can create opportunities for backups to step into significant roles, providing valuable fantasy points.

Stay active on the waiver wire
Regularly check the waiver wire for potential lineup additions. Key pickups can fill in for injured or underperforming players, or even become long-term starters on your team.

Making Last-Minute Adjustments

Sometimes, last-minute changes to your lineup are necessary due to unforeseen circumstances, such as injuries or weather conditions. Stay informed and be prepared to make adjustments to your lineup when needed. Use trusted sources for NFL news and updates, and always have a backup plan in place.

Understanding and setting your fantasy football lineup is an essential skill for success in your league. By mastering roster positions, managing bye weeks and employing strategic lineup-setting techniques, you’ll be well on your way to dominating your league and claiming the championship. Stay proactive, informed, and adaptable, and you’ll be celebrating your fantasy football victories in no time. Good luck, and may the best lineup win!

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The 10 Most Intriguing Fantasy Football Players of Week 6 (2026)

October is the month when the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest.

And so it is in fantasy football. The 5-0 teams aren’t locks to make the playoffs, and the 0-5 teams aren’t dead yet.

The most important weeks of the season lay ahead. Keep grinding, friends.

Here are the 10 most intriguing players of Week 6.

• Waiver Wire Advice
• Weekly Fantasy Football Expert Rankings
• Fantasy Football Start/Sit Advice
• Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer

The 10 Most Intriguing Fantasy Football Players of Week 6

1. Caleb Williams (QB – CHI)

The Chicago Bears are licking their wounds after a humiliating 31-7 defeat at the hands of their archrivals, the Green Bay Packers.

Bears head coach Ben Johnson had been rather uncharitable to his northern rivals last season after beating them in overtime in Week 16 and then knocking them out of the playoffs in a stunning come-from-behind victory.

Not only did Johnson get a comeuppance in Green Bay, but it came as Chicago fans were still mourning the death of one of the most beloved Bears of all time, former tight end and head coach Mike Ditka.

Not to make too much out of a single loss, but the Bears could really use a morale boost this week. It appears they might be getting one with QB Caleb Williams’ return from a hamstring injury that has kept him out of action since Week 2.

The Bears crushed the Panthers in Week 1, 59-37, and it seemed as if their offense might be unstoppable. But then Williams was hurt late in a 9-3 loss to a windy day in Chicago. Williams left the field on a cart, and it was feared he’d been lost for the season.

But Williams is expected back for the Bears’ Week 6 game against the Falcons, who have been playing well after an 0-2 start.

Atlanta has a pass-funnel defense. The Falcons have faced a league-low 21.2 rushing attempts per game. The Falcons’ opponents have thrown the ball on 67.6% of their offensive plays – the highest rate in the league. Atlanta is tough to run on and not so tough to throw on.

How thick a layer of rust has Williams accumulated while his hamstring healed? And after running for 65 yards and two touchdowns against the Panthers in Week 1, will Williams proactively run so soon after returning from the injury?

Fantasy gamers who invested in TE Colston Loveland and WRs Luther Burden and Rome Odunze hope Williams can rehabilitate those sagging assets. Loveland’s average draft position in half-point PPR leagues was TE3. He is currently TE40 in half-point PPR fantasy points per game. Burden and Odunze had average draft positions of WR23 and WR27, respectively. Burden is WR30 in half-point PPR fantasy points per game. Odunze is WR60.

They call Chicago the City of Big Shoulders. Williams has a lot on his shoulders this week.

2. Jaylen Warren (RB – PIT)

The Steelers’ backfield was perceived to be a timeshare between Rico Dowdle and Jaylen Warren, with Dowdle ostensibly the preferred option on early downs.

Warren has changed those plans.

The proverbial genie who refuses to return to his bottle, Warren was given a larger role after Dowdle endured a double toe dislocation in Week 2. Over the last three weeks, Warren has rolled up 321 rushing yards, 169 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Jahmyr Gibbs, Bijan Robinson and Kyren Williams are the only RBs to have scored more half-point PPR fantasy points than Warren since Week 3.

Dowdle has been practicing this week and could return for the Steelers’ road game against the Buccaneers, but there is no pretense of Dowdle getting his early-season role back. Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy has made it clear that Warren is now Pittsburgh’s lead back.

Long one of the most efficient RBs in the league, Warren is averaging 5.9 yards per carry. Among RBs with at least 20 carries, Warren ranks third in rushing success rate, fifth in rushing yards over expected per carry, seventh in missed tackles forced per attempt, and 10th in yards after contact per attempt, per Fantasy Points Data. In the passing game, Warren is averaging 8.8 yards per target – a freakishly high number for a running back

The genie in the Pittsburgh backfield will try to grant more of his investors’ wishes on Sunday when the Steelers visit the Buccaneers.

3. Ashton Jeanty (RB – LV)

It seems as if the mood of Ashton Jeanty stakeholders is melancholy these days.

Please allow me to make the case for Jeanty optimism.

Jeanty is banged up. He came into the season with an ankle injury. You may recall the “War of the Worlds”-type panic that ensued when Jeanty crumpled to the turf during an Aug. 23 practice. Now, Jeanty has plantar fasciitis.

In Week 1, Jeanty had 23 carries for 102 yards against the Dolphins and added six catches for 45 yards and two touchdowns. Those who invested in Jeanty despite the injury concerns rejoiced.

Since then, things haven’t been as bountiful. Jeanty hasn’t scored a touchdown or reached 60 rushing yards in any of his last four games.

And yet, Jeanty is still RB16 in PPR points per game over the last four weeks because of the work he’s doing as a pass catcher. He is on pace for 102 targets, 75 catches and 731 receiving yards.

And this week, as hobbled as Jeanty may be, he gets a friendly matchup with the Bills. The Buffalo run defense continues to be mediocre vs. the run, ranking 19th in DVOA. Buffalo is likely to be without disruptive DT Ed Oliver, who missed Week 5 with a knee injury.

Based on his workload, Jeanty is averaging 20.37 expected fantasy points per game, according to Fantasy Points Data. He trails only Jahmyr Gibbs and Kenneth Walker in expected fantasy points per game.

Jeanty is practicing in full this week, and Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak (who has the Raiders’ offense looking sharp, by the way) said this week that Jeanty’s foot and ankle are starting to feel better.

Fret not, Jeanty enthusiasts. The former Boise State star should be fine.

4. Christian Watson (WR – GB)

After manhandling the Bears last week, what might Christian Watson do Sunday night against a wretched Cowboys pass defense?

Watson is having a banner season. Through five weeks, he has 26 catches for 476 yards and six touchdowns to rank WR2 in fantasy scoring behind only Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Watson is averaging 18.2 yards per catch, 12.8 yards per target and 3.10 yards per route run – sterling efficiency numbers.

Last week against the Bears, Watson had six catches for 143 yards and two touchdowns on eight targets. Early in the third quarter, Packers QB Jordan Love appeared to have connected with undrafted rookie free agent J. Michael Sturdivant on a 46-yard completion that would have put the Packers at the Bears’ 1-yard line, but Sturdivant was called for offensive pass interference. On the next play, Love hit Watson for a 53-yard touchdown.

Watson has to be licking his chops at the prospect of facing a Dallas defense that ranks last in the league in DVOA, EPA per pass and opponent passer rating. Watson’s fantasy stakeholders are pretty excited, too.

5. Germie Bernard (WR – PIT)

Is there anything Aaron Rodgers dislikes more than rookie receivers? (Well, other than vaccines?)

Rodgers has been known to freeze out young receivers who were unable to get themselves into particular spots on the field at the exact time the quarterback wanted them to be there.

The Steelers have an injury crisis at wide receiver that is going to push second-round rookie Germie Bernard into an expanded role. Michael Pittman is on IR with a foot injury. Roman Wilson is out with a hand injury. Ben Skowronek is out with a calf injury. Pittsburgh has Bernard, DK Metcalf and little else at receiver for its road game vs. Tampa Bay this Sunday.

Bernard might be the rare rookie who can avoid Rodgers’ wrath. Steelers beat writer Nick Farabaugh reported last week that Rodgers quizzed Bernard about the Colts’ preferred coverages in different situations ahead of last week’s Steelers-Colts game, and Bernard apparently passed the test.

During his college career at Alabama, Bernard was reportedly well-liked by teammates and was praised for his work ethic.

Let’s see if the rookie and the 42-year-old quarterback can click in Week 6. It’s possible Rodgers becomes smitten with his diligent young receiver. It’s also possible Rodgers blows his top and freezes out Bernard when the young receiver is three blades of grass away from where he’s supposed to be while running a 10-yard dig route.

6. Malik Nabers (WR – NYG)

Malik Nabers was said to be banged up going into the Giants’ Week 5 game against the Commanders. He finished with 11 catches for 121 yards and a touchdown on 20 (!) targets.

Jameis Winston threw a season-high 54 passes in the 27-27 tie between the Giants and Commanders, the details of which were largely overshadowed by the bizarre ending to that game, with the Commanders inexplicably failing to get off a game-winning field goal attempt at the end of overtime.

Winston had thrown 22 and 29 passes in his other two starts for the Giants this season. If the Giants’ coaching staff lets Winston go into full YOLO mode, Nabers could put up obscene numbers this season.

Of course, Winston could also throw a bunch of interceptions and force the Giants to bench him, in which case Nabers would work with former Vikings QB JJ McCarthy.

Ask Justin Jefferson how much he enjoyed having McCarthy as his quarterback.

Nabers and Winston are must-see television. In Week 6, they’ll face a Saints pass defense that ranks 27th in DVOA.

7. Tetairoa McMillan (WR – CAR)

Last we saw Tetairoa McMillan, he was gleefully destroying the Detroit Lions’ secondary, catching 14 passes for 192 yards and two touchdowns in Carolina’s 32-26 win over Detroit.

The Panthers now emerge from a Week 5 bye to face the downtrodden Eagles in Philadelphia.

Poor kickoff coverage cost the Eagles a win against the Jaguars in London last week. Philadelphia’s defense has underachieved, its offensive line is in tatters, and its skill players had already been besieged by injury problems even before the news that Jalen Hurts would be sidelined in Week 6 by a blood clot in his calf.

The eighth overall pick of the 2025 draft, McMillan had 70 catches for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie even though Panthers QB Bryce Young wasn’t particularly good last season.

Young seems to have turned a corner in 2026, so it will be fun to see what McMillan can do over the rest of the season with improved QB play.

McMillan figures to get some face time with Quinyon Mitchell, the Eagles’ outstanding cornerback, on Sunday. That should be an entertaining matchup.

8. Dalton Kincaid (TE – BUF)

Have we been rug-pulled on Dalton Kincaid?

It seemed as if Kincaid was on the verge of a breakthrough season. Over his first two games, Kincaid had 12 catches for 225 yards and a touchdown on 14 targets. Over his last three games, Kincaid has had four catches for 52 yards on seven targets.

There have been no discernible changes in Kincaid’s snap shares or route participation from the salad days of Weeks 1-2 to the fallow period of Weeks 3-5. Bills QB Josh Allen simply isn’t looking Kincaid’s way very often.

We can probably write off Kincaid’s two-target, one-catch performance last week as an anomaly. Allen only threw 19 passes in that game, so no one other than RB Ty Johnson (four targets) had satisfying target volume.

Kincaid has become a dilemma for his fantasy investors. Do they keep starting Kincaid and risk another dud performance against the Raiders in Week 6? Or do they bench Kincaid and risk missing out on the sort of explosive performances he had in the first two weeks?

9. Woody Marks (RB – HOU)

David Montgomery is out for Week 6 with a groin injury, leaving Woody Marks as the sole proprietor of the Texans’ backfield. The question is whether Marks will be able to conduct any meaningful business against one of the league’s top run defenses.

Marks and the Texans travel overseas to face the Jaguars in the second week of their two-week London residency. The Jaguars rank No. 1 in DVOA against the run. Jacksonville is giving up a league-low 42 rushing yards per game and 2.5 yards per carry to running backs.

One encouraging matchup note: Since the start of the 2025 season, Marks’ 63-yard rushing day against the Jaguars in Week 10 of last season was the third-best individual rushing performance against Jacksonville. The other two belong to the Colts’ Jonathan Taylor, who had 74 and 70 rushing yards against the Jaguars. But Taylor had 21 carries in both of those games. Marks needed only 13 carries to get those 64 rushing yards against the Jags. (Hat tip to my buddy Jake Ciely of The Athletic for that nugget.)

Fantasy managers generally chase projected touch volume when making start/sit decisions at running backs. Marks is a good bet for a dozen or more touches this week, but will they amount to much of anything against the Jaguars?

10. Blake Corum (RB – LAR)

What should fantasy gamers make of Blake Corum?

In Week 4, Corum played a season-low 13 snaps and only had five carries, one catch and 21 yards from scrimmage. Last week, Corum had 53 receiving yards, scored his first touchdown of the season and finished RB13 in PPR scoring for the week.

In the Rams’ first two games of the season, Corum had 10 touches and 13 touches. In the three games since, he’s had eight, six and eight touches. The games in which Corum had double-digit touches were lopsided affairs – a blowout loss to the 49ers in Week 1, and a blowout win over the Giants in Week 2. This week, the Rams are 12.5-point favorites vs. the Cardinals.

The uptick in passing-game usage bodes well for Corum. In 17 games last season, he had 14 targets and eight catches. Through five games this season, he has 11 targets and eight catches.

Corum probably isn’t going to overtake Williams as the Rams’ lead back anytime soon. The question is whether Corum can offer stand-alone fantasy value. We might get more clues about that in Week 6.

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