Fantasy football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: 50 players to start or sit in Week 6

Week 6 of the NFL season started off with a bang as the San Francisco 49ers beat the Seattle Seahawks 36-24 on "Thursday Night Football." It was a good start for some fantasy football managers, especially those with Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, Kenneth Walker III and Tyler Lockett in their lineup.

The Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Rams, and Miami Dolphins all enter Week 6 on a bye. Those teams feature plenty of fantasy standouts so lineup choices may be tough this week.

If you're on the fence about final lineup decisions, we've got you covered. Here are 50 players to start or sit in Week 6.

Week 6 Fantasy football start 'em and sit 'em: QBs

START: Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons (at Carolina Panthers)

Cousins had just the 25th 500-yard passing game in NFL history along with four touchdowns last week in an overtime win over Tampa Bay. In Week 6, he has another favorable matchup. Carolina's tied for the league lead in passing touchdowns allowed to quarterbacks (11) with at least two every game this season. The Panthers are also allowing the 11th-most passing yards per game league-wide.

START: Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears (vs. Jacksonville Jaguars)

Williams has at least 300 yards passing and two touchdowns in two of his last five games. This week, he faces a Jacksonville defense allowing the most passing yards per game in the NFL (287.8). Williams could easily reach 300 yards and multiple touchdowns again as the Jaguars have allowed nine passing touchdowns in the last three weeks.

START: Daniel Jones, New York Giants (vs. Cincinnati Bengals)

Trusting Jones in Week 6 may not be the worst idea, as crazy as it sounds. He has multiple touchdowns in three of his last four games, including 257 yards and two touchdowns last week against Seattle. The Bengals have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. They've also allowed the second-most rushing yards to quarterbacks in the NFL. If your options are thin, Jones isn't a bad choice.

START: Will Levis, Tennessee Titans (vs. Indianapolis Colts)

Yes, Levis has a reputation for disastrous turnovers but he'll have his best matchup of the season so far against the Colts defense. Indianapolis is allowing the fourth-most passing yards per game (262.2) in the NFL. Like Jones, if your options are tough this week with bye weeks or in a two QB or SuperFlex league, Levis could be a good choice in a pinch.

SIT: Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills (at New York Jets)

Allen's an MVP candidate but this week could be a tough matchup. New York is one of the better defenses in the league and features a secondary that can handle the Bills' pass-catchers, especially if Khalil Shakir is out for the game. If Allen's your only viable option, that's understandable, but don't expect a standout performance this week.

SIT: Spencer Rattler, New Orleans Saints (vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Rattler is in for the Saints because Derek Carr will be sidelined by an obilque injury for the next couple of weeks. The rookie Rattler is facing a Buccaneers defense that may get some players back from injury this week, including Antoine Winfield Jr., and has allowed just one passing touchdown in their first four games prior to Cousins' breakout in Week 5. Rattler's an unproven commodity and should be avoided.

SIT: Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. Chicago Bears)

Lawrence had his best game of the season last week against Indianapolis with season-highs in yards (371) completion percentage (82.4) and quarterback rating (119.5). That luck may run out in London this week. The Bears are allowing the second-fewest points to opposing quarterbacks this season and have one of the best secondaries in the league.

SIT: Bo Nix, Denver Broncos (vs. Los Angeles Chargers)

The rookie Nix had his best performance of the year so far in Week 5 with 23.1 points in standard scoring leagues. His three total touchdowns against the Raiders equaled his season total through the prior four weeks. He likely won't have the same luck against the Chargers this week. Los Angeles is giving up the fourth-fewest fantasy points in the league to opposing quarterbacks. The Chargers held Patrick Mahomes to his worst performance of the season in Week 4. With an extra week to prepare with the bye, Nix could struggle even more.

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Week 6 Fantasy football start 'em and sit 'em: RBs

START: Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals (at New York Giants)

Brown out-touched fellow running back Zack Moss last week 15-12 against the Ravens. Moss is on the injury report this week and that means more opportunity for Brown. He should be a solid RB2 against a New York defense allowing the third-highest yards per carry in the NFL (5.1).

START: J.K. Dobbins, Los Angeles Chargers (at Denver Broncos)

Dobbins is fresh off a bye week and is playing against a Broncos defense that is much easier to run on (111.4 yards per game, 11th in the NFL) than to pass on (159.8 yards per game, fifth in the league). Expect Jim Harbaugh to take a run-heavy approach in this one, giving Dobbins the volume needed to be an effective RB2 despite Denver's recent defensive success.

START: Devin Singletary or Tyrone Tracy Jr., New York Giants (vs. Cincinnati Bengals)

Singletary may be sidelined with a groin injury this week. If he is, Tracy is a great play following his 129-yard performance against Seattle last week. If Singletary plays, both should be good flex plays against the Bengals who rank 30th in the league in rushing yards allowed per game (151.4).

START: Trey Sermon, Indianapolis Colts (at Tennessee Titans)

Sermon managed a goal line touchdown and six catches against the Jaguars last week. That could come in handy against the Titans, who have allowed three receiving touchdowns to running backs this season (tied for the most in the NFL). With Jonathan Taylor out with an ankle injury, Sermon could be a good play again this week.

START: Dare Ogunbowale, Houston Texans (at New England Patriots)

Ogunbowale should be a PPR sleeper if Joe Mixon is ruled out for this week's game against New England. Even if Dameon Pierce is back in the lineup, Ogunbowale has been Houston's third-down back and that likely won't change barring Mixon's return. New England's allowed the ninth-most catches to running backs this season and there should be more volume for Ogunbowale with Nico Collins out for the next four weeks.

SIT: Travis Etienne, Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. Chicago Bears)

Etienne is dealing with a shoulder injury and hasn't scored a touchdown since Week 2. Last week, Tank Bigsby looked like the much more effective running back. Chicago's defense is middle-of-the-pack against the run but recent history looks like Bigsby would be the one to capitalize, not Etienne.

SIT: Rico Dowdle, Dallas Cowboys (vs. Detroit Lions)

Dowdle posted season-highs in carries (20) and rushing yards (87) last week against Pittsburgh in addition to a receiving touchdown. He may struggle this week against the Lions defense which is allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to running backs this season.

SIT: Rachaad White and Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at New Orleans Saints)

The running back hierarchy in Tampa Bay isn't clear and New Orleans has allowed just three touchdowns to running backs all season. It's hard to predict which one could have a good day (if one even does) and that makes either a risky choice.

SIT: Jerome Ford, Cleveland Browns (at Philadelphia Eagles)

These aren't the Browns of years past. Cleveland is 26th in rushing yards per game league-wide and faces an Eagles team fresh off a bye week playing at home. Philadelphia hasn't allowed a 100-yard rusher all season. Ford hasn't scored since Week 1 and hasn't reached even 70 rushing yards in a game this season.

SIT: Cam Akers, Houston Texans (at New England Patriots)

Even if Mixon is out, Akers may barely see the field in Week 6 with Pierce set to return. Even if Pierce is limited, Ogunbowale looks to have leapfrogged him on Houston's running back depth chart. He's nothing more than a TD-dependent flex at best.

Week 6 Fantasy football start 'em and sit 'em: WRs

START: DJ Moore, Chicago Bears (vs. Jacksonville Jaguars)

Jacksonville just gave up 291 total yards and two touchdowns to wide receivers last week against Indianapolis. They're the most fantasy-friendly defense to wideouts in the NFL. Now that Williams is coming along, Moore should benefit this week following his best game of the year in Week 5.

START: Terry McLaurin, Washington Commanders (at Baltimore Ravens)

Cincinnati shredded the Ravens' pass defense last week with a whopping 55 fantasy points in standard leagues (75.5 in PPR) scored by the Bengals' wide receivers. McLaurin is the Commaners' top choice in the passing game and could have a strong week after putting up a season-high 112 yards last week.

START: Rashod Bateman, Baltimore Ravens (vs. Washington Commanders)

On the other side of that matchup, Bateman could be in for a good week as well. He put up season-highs in catches (four) and yards (58) and a touchdown last week against Cincinnati. The Commanders haven't been tested by opposing wideouts since Week 3 against Cincinnati, when they gave up three scores and 209 yards to the Bengals' corps. Bateman could have a solid week even if Zay Flowers or one of Baltimore's tight ends puts up numbers as well.

START: Darnell Mooney, Atlanta Falcons (at Carolina Panthers)

Mooney had a multi-touchdown day for just the second time in his career last week against Tampa Bay. He likely won't have another day like that in Week 6 but Carolina's allowing the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers in the NFL through five weeks. Mooney should be involved in the passing game this week as Atlanta can put up lots of points.

START: Michael Wilson, Arizona Cardinals (at Green Bay Packers)

Wilson made the most of his six targets last week for a team-high 78 yards. He could have a similarly good day in Week 6 against Green Bay. The Packers allowed 188 total yards and a touchdown to the Rams' depleted wide receiver group last week. Arizona is better at the position at this point of the season and Wilson could be a good start in a pinch with bye weeks.

SIT: Ladd McConkey, Los Angeles Chargers (at Denver Broncos)

McConkey and the Chargers return from a bye with a road trip to face one of the top defenses in the NFL. The Broncos are fifth in pass yards allowed in the league and are giving up 107 yards per game to wide receiver groups. Los Angeles will likely struggle through the air, McConkey included.

SIT: Keon Coleman, Buffalo Bills (at New York Jets)

The Bills may get top wide receiver Khalil Shakir back for "Monday Night Football" against the Jets. Even if they do, Coleman's a tough start this week. New York is allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to opposing wide receivers in 2024 and Coleman's been a very boom-or-bust player this season. He caught one of his five targets last week – albeit for a 49-yard touchdown – against a defense that's easier on receivers than the Jets.

SIT: Christian Kirk, Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. Chicago Bears)

The Jaguars finally got a win last week against the Colts but Kirk didn't play a huge factor in the win. He caught all four of his targets for a season-high 88 yards, both less than rookie Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. Chicago boasts one of the top passing defenses in the NFL and are giving up the seventh-fewest fantasy points to wideouts this season. The ones who've had the best success were more in Thomas Jr.'s mold than Kirk's.

SIT: Chris Olave, New Orleans Saints (vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Olave hasn't met expectations this season so far and struggled last week against the Chiefs to the tune of two catches for a season-low 10 yards. This has less to do with the Buccaneers as an opponent and more about the Saints starting rookie Spencer Rattler at quarterback. Tampa Bay's defense can be hard on rookie quarterbacks thanks to Todd Bowles' scheme and tendencies. New Orleans will likely struggle as a whole on offense.

SIT: Courtland Sutton, Denver Broncos (vs. Los Angeles Chargers)

In a similar vein, the Chargers had an extra week to prepare for the Broncos after opening the year as one of the tougher defenses on opposing wide receivers. Los Angeles has allowed 118 yards per game to that position and is giving up the fourth-fewest fantasy points. Sutton had just two catches for 32 yards last week against the Raiders. Things may be even tougher in Week 6, making him a tough choice even at home.

Week 6 Fantasy football start 'em and sit 'em: TEs

START: Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans (at New England Patriots)

With Nico Collins out, there's more opportunity for other pass-catchers in the Houston offense. New England's allowing the seventh-most yards to opposing tight ends in the league through five weeks. Schultz had nine targets last week in the win over Buffalo. With potentially two Patriots safeties out with injury, Schultz has a good matchup.

START: Tyler Conklin, New York Jets (vs. Buffalo Bills)

Buffalo's defense is missing players in the secondary and linebacker Matt Milano due to injury. Through five weeks, the Bills have allowed the seventh-most receptions to tight ends. New York has a penchant for throwing in the deep red zone, something that could benefit Conklin this week.

START: Tucker Kraft, Green Bay Packers (vs. Arizona Cardinals)

Kraft now has two breakout weeks in a row since Jordan Love returned for Green Bay. He has 10 catches, 141 yards, and three touchdowns combined over the last two weeks. With Christian Watson out, Kraft should continue to produce. Arizona just gave up eight catches for 64 yards and a touchdown to George Kittle last week and could offer similar upside to Kraft in Week 6.

SIT: David Njoku, Cleveland Browns (at Philadelphia Eagles)

Njoku returned to the field last week but left the game early with a knee injury. Even if he was healthy, the Eagles are a tough out. Philadelphia's allowed the second-fewest receptions, fourth-fewest yards, and zero touchdowns to tight ends this season. The Browns may lean more on wide receivers in the passing game this week.

SIT: Hunter Henry, New England Patriots (vs. Houston Texans)

Rookie Drake Maye will start for New England this week against Houston. Behind the Patriots' offensive line, he could struggle, making it hard to trust Henry - New England's leading receiver - this week. Houston's allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to tight ends in the league as well, making this a tough matchup.

SIT: Mo Alie-Cox, Indianapolis Colts (at Tennessee Titans)

Alie-Cox got his first touchdown of the season last week against Jacksonville but don't expect similar luck this week. The Titans are allowing the fewest fantasy points to tight ends in the league through Week 5. Regardless of who starts at quarterback for the Colts, Alie-Cox will likely be unable to recreate what he did last week.

Week 6 Fantasy football start 'em and sit 'em: Ks

START: Cameron Dicker, Los Angeles Chargers (at Denver Broncos)

The Chargers are playing in kicker-friendly Denver against the Broncos in Week 6, so Dicker – who is 9 of 13 on kicks from 50-plus yards for his career – should get a distance boost. That should be enough to quell any concerns about Los Angeles getting fewer scoring opportunities against a strong Denver defense.

START: Nick Folk, Tennessee Titans (vs. Indianapolis Colts)

Folk is more under-the-radar as a fantasy option, but he is also coming off a bye week and has a favorable matchup. The Titans are playing the Jacksonville Jaguars, who are allowing the third-most points per game in the NFL this season (28.6), so Folk should get more chances to knock through field goals and extra points in this contest.

START: Chase McLaughlin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at New Orleans Saints)

In the last two weeks, kickers facing New Orleans are a combined 8-of-9 on field goals and 4-for-4 on extra points. McLaughlin is fresh off a season-high 16 points in standard scoring with three field goals (two from 50-plus yards) and three extra points. He'll be kicking in a dome again this week and that should be good for the Buccaneers' kicker.

SIT: Blake Grupe, New Orleans Saints (vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

After a standout Week 1 performance, Grupe has just four field goal attempts in the last four weeks. With Derek Carr out, the Saints offense is hard to predict and could leave him with few chances to score in the first place. That doesn't help against a Tampa Bay team allowing 2.8 field goal attempts per game (tied for third-most in the NFL).

SIT: Jake Elliott, Philadelphia Eagles (vs. Cleveland Browns)

Elliott hasn't made a field goal since Week 2. The Eagles offense should be better coming out of its bye week with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith set to return. But it's hard to recommend trusting Elliott until we see the Eagles become the explosive offense they once were.

SIT: Austin Seibert, Washington Commanders (at Baltimore Ravens)

Seibert's yet to miss a kick since joining the Commanders after Week 1 but the game against Baltimore looks tough. These are two of the highest-scoring teams so there will be an onus to get touchdowns early and often. Seibert's also yet to attempt a kick from 50-plus yards, bringing his ceiling even lower in Week 6.

Week 6 Fantasy football start 'em and sit 'em: D/STs

START: Houston Texans (at New England Patriots)

The Houston defense was already a good start for this week in facing the New England Patriots' 31st-ranked scoring offense. And then Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo announced Drake Maye will be starting at quarterback. A rookie behind a New England offensive line giving up the second-most sacks in the NFL going against the likes of Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. is a recipe for fantasy success for the Texans defense.

START: Philadelphia Eagles (vs. Cleveland Browns)

Through the first four weeks of the season, Washington's D/ST had nine fantasy points total. In Week 5 against the Browns, they had 13 powered by seven sacks as a team. The Eagles' talent on defense is a step up from Washington's and should give this Browns offense lots of trouble, especially playing in Philadelphia off a bye week.

START: Pittsburgh Steelers (at Las Vegas Raiders)

The Steelers lost a Sunday Night Football game to the Dallas Cowboys last week, but that wasn't due to the defense's lack of effort. Pittsburgh forced three turnovers and had two sacks. This week, Pittsburgh faces a Raiders offense that is missing its top player wide receiver Davante Adams and boasts one of the worst running games in the NFL.

START: Atlanta Falcons (at Carolina Panthers)

The Falcons defense has a league-low five sacks but is scoring fantasy points behind five turnovers and two defensive touchdowns. That's a recipe for some success. This week, they get one of the most D/ST-friendly offenses in the league in Carolina.

START: Los Angeles Chargers (at Denver Broncos)

The Chargers had an early bye week this season and could benefit from it on defense. Denver's offense has turned the ball over seven times in five games and has struggled to score points consistently. Los Angeles is consistently forcing turnovers, and that, plus a low-scoring game, should make this a worthwhile week to start the Chargers' D/ST.

SIT: Washington Commanders (at Baltimore Ravens)

Baltimore is the hardest offense for opposing D/STs through five weeks. On average, they're giving up just 1.4 fantasy points per game, according to FantasyPros. They've tallied just five sacks and four turnovers on offense. Washington's defense feasted on the Browns last week, but this is an exponentially tougher opponent.

SIT: Dallas Cowboys (vs. Detroit Lions)

Detroit controlled their last game against Seattle in Week 4 behind a balanced, efficient attack through the air and on the ground. They gave up just five fantasy points to the Seahawks' D/ST: three sacks and a safety. The last time Dallas faced a running game of Detroit's caliber was in Week 3 against the Ravens when they scored zero points. Avoid the Cowboys this week if possible, even if star edge rusher Micah Parsons can make it back on the field.

SIT: New York Giants (vs. Cincinnati Bengals)

The Bengals' offense is firing on all cylinders, especially through the air, over the last three weeks. They've moved up to No. 4 in the NFL in scoring and Joe Burrow leads the league in touchdown passes. The Ravens managed three sacks and an interception against them last week but New York likely won't be able to hang on in the same way. Dexter Lawrence should have a good game but the secondary isn't built to slow down this passing game.

SIT: New Orleans Saints (vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

The Saints' defense has been solid over this three-game losing streak. They've tallied four turnovers, seven sacks, and allowed 22 points per game in that stretch. Unfortunately, Tampa Bay is giving up the fifth-fewest points in the league to opposing D/STs this season. With starting quarterback Derek Carr out this week, the offense could struggle to keep up, and Tampa Bay may control this one.

SIT: Arizona Cardinals (at Green Bay Packers)

Green Bay cleared 300 yards again last week against the Los Angeles Rams en route to a win. The Rams were able to get two sacks and a pick-six but did little else to slow down the Packers' offense. Arizona's defense doesn't have the same talent as Los Angeles', especially off the edge, and will likely struggle to slow down Green Bay.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fantasy football Week 6: 50 NFL players to start or sit