Fantasy plays: Players to start and
sit for NFL Week 6
[October 09, 2025]
By DORIAN COLBERT of RosterWatch
By this point of the NFL season, we’ve eliminated some outside
noise. Patterns, usage and coaching behavior are clearer now — but
midseason surprises still happen. We lean into matchups, volume and
inefficiencies with your fantasy plays for Week 6.
Quarterbacks
Start: Dak Prescott, Cowboys at Panthers
Prescott has turned a corner in 2025, showing better pocket presence
and command of his short-to-intermediate game. Carolina has
struggled to pressure elite quarterbacks and Prescott is playing
like one, throwing seven TDs the past two weeks. In this matchup,
Prescott should get clean pockets and enough downfield help to
deliver strong fantasy value — even without CeeDee Lamb.
Other locks:
—Jalen Hurts vs. Giants
—Jared Goff vs. Chiefs
—Brock Purdy vs. Buccaneers
Avoid: Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins vs. Chargers
Tagovailoa remains an efficient passer when kept clean, but Los
Angeles’ pass rush quietly has been one of the league’s most
disruptive. The Chargers' ability to pressure without blitzing
throws timing-based offenses such as Miami’s off rhythm. If Jaylen
Waddle sees bracket coverage, Tagovailoa's path to a ceiling week
gets slim — he’s more floor than fireworks in Week 6.
Running backs
Start: Ashton Jeanty, Raiders vs. Titans
Jeanty quickly has established himself as the centerpiece of the
Raiders’ offense, showing both patience between the tackles and
burst in space. Tennessee’s once-feared front has been far more
generous to running backs this season, especially on cutback runs
and in the passing game. With Jeanty commanding the lion’s share of
touches and goal-line work, he’s a rock-solid RB2 with RB1 upside in
this matchup.
Other locks:
—Christian McCaffrey vs. Buccaneers
—Jahmyr Gibbs vs. Chiefs
—Javonte Williams vs. Panthers
Avoid: Alvin Kamara, Saints vs. Patriots
Kamara’s usage keeps him in fantasy lineups, but this is a rough
draw against one of the league’s most disciplined front sevens. New
England’s linebackers have been excellent at closing passing lanes
to running backs, forcing offenses to work outside the numbers. With
the Saints leaning on their young quarterback Spencer Rattler to
manage the offense — and Kendre Miller starting to get significant
touches — Kamara’s opportunities are likely to be limited to
low-efficiency checkdowns and inside runs, not the recipe for a big
fantasy week.
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Dallas Cowboys' Dak Prescott throws during the second half of an NFL
football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in
East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Wide receivers
Start: Wan’Dale Robinson, Giants vs. Eagles
Robinson is set to increase his volume in New York’s passing game
with Darius Slayton questionable to play. The Eagles' defense has
shown vulnerability to route runners who win quick middle-field
leverage, and Robinson’s slot proficiency gives him a path to steady
targets even if the passing game struggles. He offers a safe floor
and sneaky upside as the possible “lead WR” by default.
Other locks:
—Stefon Diggs vs. Saints
—Rome Odunze vs. Commanders
—Emeka Egbuka vs. 49ers
Avoid: Marvin Mims Jr., Broncos vs. Jets
Mims has upside on deep chances, but this week’s matchup suppresses
that. The Jets have improved at defending vertical threats and force
offenses to rely more on shorter, safer routes. Without a target
guarantee, Mims is too volatile to open the week in your lineup.
Tight end
Start: Dalton Kincaid, Bills vs. Falcons
Kincaid has become a clear favorite for red-zone targets and
short-area scoring chances in Buffalo’s scheme. Atlanta’s defense
has shown vulnerability to athletic tight ends, especially when
drifting into seam or seam-to-go routes. Kincaid offers both floor
and ceiling, making him a strong TE1 start this week.
Other locks:
—Sam LaPorta vs. Chiefs
—Jake Ferguson vs. Panthers
—Tyler Warren vs. Cardinals
Avoid: Chig Okonkwo, Titans vs. Raiders
Okonkwo flashes athleticism every week, but the Titans’ offense has
been too inconsistent to trust. He is running plenty of routes, yet
he is averaging fewer than 30 yards per game and hasn’t found the
end zone in 2025. The Raiders also have been sneaky-tough on tight
ends over the past month. Unless he breaks a long play, Okonkwo’s
Week 6 outlook is all floor and no ceiling — sit him until
Tennessee’s passing game stabilizes.
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This column was provided to The Associated Press by RosterWatch,
www.rosterwatch.com.
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