The Primer: Week 6 Edition (2025 Fantasy Football)

Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

• PIT -5.5, O/U 38
• Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Player Prop Bets via BettingPros

Browns Players & Weekly Rankings

Steelers Players & Weekly Rankings

Must-Start

These are no-brainer MUST starts.

• Quinshon Judkins

Strong Starts

Here are players that should be in starting consideration for most fantasy teams.

D.K. Metcalf (WR)

D.K. Metcalf is the WR18 in fantasy points per game, seeing a 20% target share with 65.3 receiving yards per game (2.51 yards per route run) and a 26.7% first-read share. He has only one deep target this season and three red zone targets. Metcalf will face a Browns’ pass defense that has utilized the fifth-highest single high rate (61.3%). Against single high, Metcalf has seen his target share increase to 25.5% with 2.46 yards per route run and a 31.7% first-read share. Metcalf should have success this week against a secondary that has allowed the fourth-most PPR points per target and the third-highest passer rating when targeted to perimeter wide receivers.

David Njoku (TE)

David Njoku is the TE16 in fantasy points per game, ranking sixth in deep targets and 11th in red zone targets among tight ends. He’s coming off a season-best performance last week with Dillon Gabriel under center. In Dillon Gabriel‘s first start, Njoku had a 24.2% target share (led the team), 67 receiving yards (2.39 yards per route run), and a 28.6% first-read share (led the team). Njoku was the TE7 in fantasy for the week. Njoku could build upon last week’s performance in Week 6 against a Steelers’ pass defense that has allowed the third-most fantasy points per game and the sixth-highest yards per reception to tight ends.

Fantasy Football Flex & Deep Plays to Consider

Let’s fill out those flex spots.

Dillon Gabriel (QB)

Last week, in his NFL debut, Dillon Gabriel finished as the QB19 in fantasy, but his per-dropback stats were quite concerning. Yes, he was 11th in passer rating and had three passing scores, but his accuracy metrics were rough even for his first start. Among 40 qualifying passers, he ranked 36th in aDOT and still managed to rank dead last in highly accurate throw rate and catchable target rate. Yes, it was a horrible matchup and his first NFL start, but those numbers still aren’t great at all. Gabriel could have more luck this week against a Pittsburgh pass defense that has allowed the third-most yards per attempt, the second-highest CPOE, and the eighth-highest success rate per dropback.

Jerry Jeudy (WR)

Last season looks like a distant memory at this point. Jerry Jeudy is the WR72 in fantasy points per game with the sixth-most deep targets among wide receivers and two red zone targets. He hasn’t surpassed 50 receiving yards in a game since Week 2, and his season-high for receiving yards in a game this year is 66. He has finished as a top-36 wide receiver in weekly scoring only once. In Dillon Gabriel‘s first start, Jerry Jeudy had only a 9.1% target share, a 16.5% air-yard share, 15 receiving yards, and a 14.3% first-read share. The matchup and his role in the passing offense could allow him to have a surprisingly strong game this week. Overall, he has a 16.8% target share, 39.4 receiving yards per game (1.08 yards per route run), and a 24.4% first-read share. Pittsburgh has utilized single high at the second-highest rate (63.4%). Against single high, his target share has increased to 17.7% with a 26% first-read share. Jeudy also leads the team in deep targets, and the Steelers have allowed the third-highest deep completion rate, the fifth-most deep passing yards per game, and the highest deep passer rating. Pittsburgh has given up the eighth-highest PPR points per target and the fourth-most receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers.

Isaiah Bond (WR)

Isaiah Bond is an interesting deep league flex this week. Over the last two weeks, he has had a 16.2% target share, 43.5 receiving yards per game (1.64 yards per route run), and a 17.8% first-read share. This season, he ranks 17th in deep targets among wide receivers, and across his last two games, he has two red zone targets. In Dillon Gabriel‘s first start, Bond had a 72.2% route share, a 15.2% target share, 29 receiving yards (1.12 yards per route run), and a 14.3% first-read share (tied for second on the team). Pittsburgh has utilized single high at the second-highest rate (63.4%). Against single high, since Week 4, he has had a 19.4% target share with 2.07 yards per route run and a 24% first-read share (leads the team). If Jerry Jeudy doesn’t secure a long reception this week, Bond should be in play for some. The Steelers have allowed the third-highest deep completion rate, the fifth-most deep passing yards per game, and the highest deep passer rating. Pittsburgh has given up the eighth-highest PPR points per target and the fourth-most receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers. Bond could surprise people this week.

Harold Fannin Jr. (TE)

In Dillon Gabriel‘s first start, Fannin Jr. had a 12.1% target share, a 47.2% route share, 13 receiving yards (0.76 yards per route run), and a 14.3% first-read share. It was Fannin Jr.’s lowest route share of the season. The touchdown he secured saved his fantasy day. With the lackluster usage in last week’s game, I would have to be quite desperate to start Fannin Jr. this week, but the matchup is nice, so I understand it if people have no other choice and are banking on another score from Fannin Jr. this week. The Steelers have allowed the third-most fantasy points per game and the sixth-highest yards per reception to tight ends.

Concerning Starts & Players to Fade

Players in consideration for lineups, but temper your expectations this week.

Aaron Rodgers (QB)

Aaron Rodgers has been and will continue to be a low-end QB2. He is the QB25 in fantasy points per game, while the Steelers aren’t asking much out of him these days. Among 40 qualifying passers, he is dead last in aDOT and has the second-highest percentage of his passing yards coming after the catch (72.9%). Despite these short area throws, Rodgers still ranks 19th in catchable target rate and has the ninth-highest turnover-worthy throw rate. The Browns haven’t been an overwhelming pass defense, allowing the seventh-highest passer rating and the sixth-most passing touchdowns, but they are 17th in success rate per dropback and rank 11th-best in pressure rate. If the Browns’ pass rush can get home, Rodgers will have a long day. Rodgers has the tenth-lowest adjusted completion rate and the third-highest turnover-worthy play rate when pressured.

Jaylen Warren (RB)

Jaylen Warren missed the Steelers’ last game with a knee issue. I’m expecting him to be back this week. Before he sustained the injury and missed a game, he was coming off a week where he played a season-high 79.6% of the snaps. Maybe he gets reinstalled in that role, but I expect the Steelers to ease him back in at least a tiny bit, especially with Kenneth Gainwell looking good in his absence. Warren should remain the lead back, though. Warren is the RB16 in fantasy points per game, averaging 18 touches and 91.3 total yards. Among 47 qualifying backs, Warren is sixth in missed tackles forced per attempt and 24th in yards after contact per attempt. Warren will need all the volume he can get this week with a rough matchup. Cleveland has allowed the fifth-lowest explosive run rate, the fewest rushing yards per game, the lowest yards before contact per attempt, and the third-lowest rushing success rate. The Browns have even been tough on receiving backs, so I don’t project Warren to have more success through the air. Cleveland has allowed the fourth-fewest receiving yards and the fifth-lowest yards per reception to running backs.

**No one should have Jonnu Smith or Pat Freiermuth on a fantasy roster at this point. They have COMBINED for only 10.2 fantasy points per game. Even their combined production this season wouldn’t equal a TE1 in fantasy points per game (TE17), sadly.**

PHI vs. NYG | DEN vs. NYJ | ARI vs. IND | LAR vs. BAL | CLE vs. PIT | SEA vs. JAC | LAC vs. MIA | DAL vs. CAR | NE vs. NO | TEN vs. LV | SF vs. TB | CIN vs. GB | DET vs. KC | BUF vs. ATL | CHI vs. WAS

Seattle Seahawks vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

• JAC -1.5, O/U 47.5
• Seattle Seahawks vs. Jacksonville Jaguars Player Prop Bets via BettingPros

Seahawks Players & Weekly Rankings

Jaguars Players & Weekly Rankings

Must-Start

These are no-brainer MUST starts.

• Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Strong Starts

Here are players that should be in starting consideration for most fantasy teams.

Hunter Long (TE)

With Brenton Strange on the IR, Hunter Long will assume the starting duties for the Jaguars. Last week, in the second half of the game, Long had a 70.6% route share, an 8.3% target share, and a 10% first-read share. Overall, he has had a 26% target per route run rate and 1.42 yards per route run with eight first-read targets with his 31 routes. Long is the ultimate matchup-based streaming option with upside this week. Seattle has allowed the eighth-most receiving yards and fourth-most fantasy points per game to tight ends. Seattle has given up the most schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game to tight ends this season.

Fantasy Football Flex & Deep Plays to Consider

Let’s fill out those flex spots.

Sam Darnold (QB)

Sam Darnold has been ballin’ this season. Last week, Seattle let him chuck it more with the matchup and script. He finished as the QB2 for the week with 341 through the air, 10.0 yards per attempt, and four passing touchdowns. Overall, he is the QB21 in fantasy points per game. Among 40 qualifying passers, Darnold ranks first in yards per attempt, third in passer rating, second in highly accurate throw rate, and third in hero throw rate. The matchup this week isn’t nearly as good, but Seattle could be forced to pass more this week with the Jaguars also fielding a strong run defense. Jacksonville has allowed the 12th-fewest yards per attempt, the second-lowest passer rating, and the ninth-lowest CPOE, but Jacksonville has also given up the sixth-most passing yards per game and the 12th-most passing touchdowns per game. Darnold should have a solid day with the upside to be a QB1 again.

Trevor Lawrence (QB)

Last week, Trevor Lawrence finished as the QB5 for the week on the strength of a season-high 54 rushing yards and two scores on the ground. He also contributed a season-high 8.8 yards per attempt and 221 passing yards with his arm. Among 40 qualifying passers, he ranks 29th in yards per attempt, 24th in highly accurate throw rate, and 13th in catchable target rate. He faces what has become a middle-of-the-road pass defense with Seattle. The Seahawks have allowed the seventh-most passing yards per game and 13th-most passing touchdowns (tied) while also ranking 18th in CPOE and 17th in success rate per dropback. Lawrence could surprise this week if the rushing becomes a bigger part of his game moving forward.

Travis Hunter (WR)

Last week, Travis Hunter‘s route share jumped to 73.5% with a 12% target share but only a 5% first-read share. The route share was his highest since Week 1, but his first-read share was the lowest of the season. I still can’t trust Hunter’s usage week-to-week. If you want to risk it this week because of the matchup or if you’re out of other options, I understand it, but in most leagues I’m sitting Hunter. He has only three deep targets and two red zone targets this season. Seattle has allowed the seventh-most PPR points per target and the fifth-most receiving yards per game to slot receivers.

AJ Barner (TE)

Barner is the TE15 in fantasy points per game with five red zone targets and four scores this season. He has three TE1 finishes this season (TE9, TE8, TE1). He has a 10.9% target share, 1.52 yards per route run (26.8 receiving yards per game), and a 9.5% first-read share. He’s a viable streaming option at tight end this week against a defense that has allowed the 12th-most receiving yards and the 14th-highest yards per reception to tight ends.

Concerning Starts & Players to Fade

Players in consideration for lineups, but temper your expectations this week.

Travis Etienne Jr. (RB)

Travis Etienne is the RB14 in fantasy points per game, averaging 17.2 touches and 96.8 total yards. He is 17th in opportunity share, 18th in weighted opportunities, and seventh in red zone touches among backs. Among 47 qualifying backs, Etienne ranks 11th in explosive run rate and 14th in yards after contact per attempt. Etienne will have uphill sledding this week. Seattle’s run defense has remained stout, giving up the second-lowest explosive run rate and yards after contact per attempt and the third-fewest rushing yards per game.

Kenneth Walker III (RB)

The Seattle backfield usage has been frustrating. Over the last two weeks with Zach Charbonnet back, Walker has been the RB34 in fantasy points per game despite averaging 15.5 touches and 98 total yards. He has been losing the red zone fight with Charbonnet, with only four red zone rushing attempts to Charbonnet’s seven. In this two-game sample, Walker has had 29 of 50 running back carries, a 47.5% snap share, a 26.6% route share, and 5% target share. With his efficiency, touchdown regression will hit, but he’ll remain a frustrating player to have until he overtakes Charbonnet in the red zone department. He has clearly been the more efficient and explosive player, ranking third in explosive run rate and tenth in missed tackles forced per attempt. He’ll have another tough matchup on the ground to overcome this week. Jacksonville has allowed the 11th-fewest rushing yards per game, the fourth-lowest missed tackle rate, and the third-fewest yards after contact per attempt.

Zach Charbonnet (RB)

Since his return, Zach Charbonnet has been the RB29 in fantasy points per game, averaging 12 touches and 46 total yards. He’s been productive as the team’s goal line back with scores in both games. Since Week 4, he has seven red zone carries to Kenneth Walker’s four. Charbonnet has had 21 of the 50 running back carries, a 50.8% snap share, a 43.8% route share, and a 6.7% target share. He hasn’t been an efficient player, with only an 8% missed tackle rate and 1.94 yards after contact per attempt. Charbonnet remains a touchdown-dependent flex this week with a bad matchup. Jacksonville has allowed the 11th-fewest rushing yards per game, the fourth-lowest missed tackle rate, and the third-fewest yards after contact per attempt.

Brian Thomas Jr. (WR)

It has been a rough start to the 2025 season for Brian Thomas Jr. as the WR46 in fantasy points per game. He has six deep targets and four red zone looks with top-36 wide receiver finishes in each of the last two weeks (WR31, WR30). You know the struggle has been real when I’m highlighting WR3 finishes this year for Thomas Jr. Thomas Jr. has a 21.9% target share with 1.53 yards per route run (48.8 receiving yards per game) and a 25% first-read share. He could easily turn in another WR3 finish fueled by volume this week, but I’m not projecting a ceiling week against a defense that has held perimeter wide receivers to the sixth-fewest PPR points per target and the seventh-fewest receiving yards per game.

Cooper Kupp (WR)

Cooper Kupp is the WR53 in fantasy points per game with two top-36 weekly finishes (WR21, WR32). He has two red zone targets in his last three games. Kupp has a 20.4% target share, 1.94 yards per route run (44.2 receiving yards per game), and a 23.2% first-read share. He faces a Jacksonville pass defense that has the tenth-highest two-high rate (53.9%). Against two high, Kupp’s target share has bumped up to 20.6% and his first-read share has increased to 26.1% but his yards per route run have dipped to 1.37. He could get a volume bump this week, which helps him in PPR formats, but I’m not high about his prospects for this matchup with the Jags, allowing the second-fewest PPR points per target and the sixth-fewest receiving yards per game to slot receivers.

Tory Horton (WR)

This isn’t the matchup to consider flexing Tory Horton. The Jags have the tenth-highest two high rate in the NFL (53.9%). Against two high, Horton has only had a 48.5% route share, a 4.8% target share, and a 4.3% first-read share. His usage and playing time have been all over the map this season. The coverage matchup isn’t in his favor this week. Sit Horton.

LPHI vs. NYG | DEN vs. NYJ | ARI vs. IND | LAR vs. BAL | CLE vs. PIT | SEA vs. JAC | LAC vs. MIA | DAL vs. CAR | NE vs. NO | TEN vs. LV | SF vs. TB | CIN vs. GB | DET vs. KC | BUF vs. ATL | CHI vs. WAS

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Miami Dolphins

• LAC -4, O/U 43.5
• Los Angeles Chargers vs. Miami Dolphins Player Prop Bets via BettingPros

Chargers Players & Weekly Rankings

Dolphins Players & Weekly Rankings

Must-Start

These are no-brainer MUST starts.

• Justin Herbert
• De’Von Achane
• Jaylen Waddle

Strong Starts

Here are players that should be in starting consideration for most fantasy teams.

Keenan Allen (WR)

Keenan Allen is the WR15 in fantasy points per game, ranking fourth in red zone targets among wide receivers. He has finished as a top 20 wide receiver in three of five games in weekly scoring. Allen has a 23.1% target share, 1.84 yards per route run, and a 24% first-read share. Miami has the sixth-highest two high rate (60.4%). Against two high, Allen has led the way with a 25.3% target share, 1.86 yards per route run, and a 27.3% first-read share (tied for the team lead). Allen also ranks second on the team in deep targets. Miami has allowed the highest deep ball completion rate and the sixth-highest passer rating downfield. Allen should crush this week against a secondary that has allowed the ninth-highest PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers. Look for Herbert to lean on Allen this week with Quentin Johnston out.

Ladd McConkey (WR)

Last week, McConkey recorded his second top-24 finish of the season in weekly scoring (WR20). He has three red zone targets in his last three games. Overall, he has had an 18.7% target share with 1.15 yards per route run and a 22.5% first-read share. Miami has the sixth-highest two high rate (60.4%). Against two high, McConkey is second on the team with a 20% target share, 1.37 yards per route run, and a 27.3% first-read share (tied for the team lead). Keenan Allen and McConkey should lead the way for Herbert this week. Miami has allowed the fifth-most PPR points per target and the second-highest passer rating when targeted to slot receivers (McConkey 61.6% slot). With Quentin Johnston out this week, McConkey should see a bump in his target share.

Fantasy Football Flex & Deep Plays to Consider

Let’s fill out those flex spots.

Hassan Haskins (RB)

Last week, with Omarion Hampton sidelined, Hassan Haskins split up the work with Kimani Vidal. In the fourth quarter, he had a 40% snap rate, three of six running back carries, a 35.7% route share, and one target. Vidal had the same number of carries, routes, and targets. This backfield looks like a muddled mess. I think it’ll be a hot hand situation with Haskins likely getting the first crack at the job. I just don’t have a lot of faith that Haskins can hold off Vidal. Haskins has only 2.54 yards after contact with his 65 career carries and only two runs of 10-plus yards. The matchup is wonderful this week, so maybe if Haskins gets the first chance, he can run away with the work for the week. Miami has allowed the most rushing yards per game, the highest explosive run rate and yards after contact per attempt, and the eighth-highest missed tackle rate.

Kimani Vidal (RB)

Last week, with Omarion Hampton sidelined, Hassan Haskins split up the work with Kimani Vidal. In the fourth quarter, he had a 60% snap rate, three of six running back carries, a 35.7% route share, and one target. Haskins had the same number of carries, routes, and targets. I think it’ll be a hot hand situation with Haskins likely getting the first crack at the job. I just don’t have a lot of faith that Haskins can hold off Vidal. Haskins has only 2.54 yards after contact with his 65 career carries and only two runs of 10-plus yards. With 47 career carries, Vidal has 2.83 yards after contact per attempt, three runs of at least ten yards, and eight missed tackles forced (17%). If Vidal can get a chance this week, he could put some distance between himself and Haskins moving forward. The matchup is wonderful. Miami has allowed the most rushing yards per game, the highest explosive run rate and yards after contact per attempt, and the eighth-highest missed tackle rate.

Concerning Starts & Players to Fade

Players in consideration for lineups, but temper your expectations this week.

Tua Tagovailoa (QB)

Tua Tagovailoa has one QB1 weekly finish this season (last week, QB9). In his four other starts, he has finished as the QB17 or lower in each game. He has surpassed 260 yards passing only once this season. Among 40 qualifying passers, he ranks 27th in yards per attempt, 15th in highly accurate throw rate and catchable target rate, and he has the eighth-lowest aDOT. Tagovailoa is third in passing touchdowns (tied), though. This isn’t the matchup to look to stream him against. The Chargers have allowed the third-lowest yards per attempt and passer rating, the fourth-fewest passing yards per game, and the lowest CPOE.

Quentin Johnston (WR)

Quentin Johnston has been ruled out for Week 6.

Darren Waller (TE)

Darren Waller is BACK! Over the last two weeks, he has finished as the TE4 and TE6 in weekly scoring while seeing three red zone targets and scoring three touchdowns. Overall, he has a 53.7% route share with a 14.8% target share with 52.5 receiving yards per game (2.92 yards per route run) and a 19.6% first-read share. Last week, he saw his route share increase to 65%. Waller could live in the 60-70% route share area code weekly, which is fine. I’m not projecting for Waller to have a big game in Week 6, though. Since Week 3, the Bolts have the tenth-highest single high rate (57.4%). Since Week 4, against single high, Waller has had only one target (4% target share) and a 5.9% first-read share. The Chargers have been one of the toughest teams against tight ends, giving up the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game and the fourth-fewest receiving yards to the position. Waller needs a touchdown to save his Week 6.

PHI vs. NYG | DEN vs. NYJ | ARI vs. IND | LAR vs. BAL | CLE vs. PIT | SEA vs. JAC | LAC vs. MIA | DAL vs. CAR | NE vs. NO | TEN vs. LV | SF vs. TB | CIN vs. GB | DET vs. KC | BUF vs. ATL | CHI vs. WAS

Dallas Cowboys vs. Carolina Panthers

• DAL -3, O/U 49.5
• Dallas Cowboys vs. Carolina Panthers Player Prop Bets via BettingPros

Cowboys Players & Weekly Rankings

Panthers Players & Weekly Rankings

Must-Start

These are no-brainer MUST starts.

• Dak Prescott
• Javonte Williams
• George Pickens
• Jake Ferguson

Strong Starts

Here are players that should be in starting consideration for most fantasy teams.

Rico Dowdle (RB)

Rico Dowdle will be the Panthers’ starting running back again this week with Chuba Hubbard ruled out. Dowdle smashed last week as THE RB1 for the week with a massive 32.4 PPR point performance. He played 67.1% of the snaps with 26 touches and 234 total yards. Among 48 qualifying backs, Dowdle ranks sixth in explosive run rate, seventh in missed tackles forced per attempt, and 14th in yards after contact per attempt. Last week, he had a 41.2% route share and a 13.3% target share. He should have another strong outing against his former team this week. Dallas has allowed the 11th-most rushing yards per game, the third-highest explosive run rate, and the 11th-highest missed tackle rate.

Tetairoa McMillan (WR)

If Tetairoa McMillan could get average quarterback play this season, he’d be a star. McMillan is the WR33 in fantasy points per game with four deep targets and three red zone targets. He has a 22.8% target share, a 41.8% air-yard share, 2.02 yards per route run, and a 28.4% first-read share. This week, he faces a hapless Dallas secondary that has utilized two high at the seventh-highest rate (58.9%). Against two high, McMillan’s numbers have dropped some, with an 18% target share, 1.69 yards per route run, and a 21.4% first-read share. Those numbers don’t tell the entire story, as he faced a Dolphins’ secondary last week that utilized two high with 61.8% of their defensive snaps. Last week against two high, McMillan had a 27.8% target share, 4.06 yards per route run, and a 25% first-read share. Is this McMillan’s breakout week? I don’t know. We’ll see, but I’ll have him in lineups where I have him. Dallas has allowed the highest PPR points per target and the third-most receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers.

Fantasy Football Flex & Deep Plays to Consider

Let’s fill out those flex spots.

Bryce Young (QB)

All of the late-season magic from 2024 for Bryce Young appears to be gone. He has finished with more than 13 fantasy points in only one game this season. Among 40 qualifying quarterbacks, Young ranks 35th in yards per attempt, 29th in passing yards per game, 36th in highly accurate throw rate, and 31st in catchable target rate. Adding more salt to the wound, I have to point out that his rushing upside has dropped to nothing. Young has more than ten rushing yards in a game only once this season. If there was any defense that could make Young look more like the stretch run 2024 version…it’s Dallas. Dallas has allowed the most passing yards per game and yards per attempt, the second-most passing touchdowns, and the fifth-highest success rate per dropback.

Tommy Tremble (TE)

Over the last two weeks, Tremble has had a 63.9% route share, a 15.2% target share, 1.61 yards per route run (18.5 receiving yards per game), and a 23.8% first-read share. He has three red zone targets across his last three games. He’s a viable streaming option at tight end this week against a defense that has allowed the tenth-most receiving yards and the 11th-most schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game to tight ends.

Concerning Starts & Players to Fade

Players in consideration for lineups, but temper your expectations this week.

Chuba Hubbard (RB)

Chuba Hubbard has been ruled out for Week 6 (calf).

PHI vs. NYG | DEN vs. NYJ | ARI vs. IND | LAR vs. BAL | CLE vs. PIT | SEA vs. JAC | LAC vs. MIA | DAL vs. CAR | NE vs. NO | TEN vs. LV | SF vs. TB | CIN vs. GB | DET vs. KC | BUF vs. ATL | CHI vs. WAS