Welcome to Week 6 of another NFL season of fantasy football start/sit lineup advice from The Sporting News.

Vinnie Iyer’s analysis, aka “The Decider,” remains your one-stop shop for fantasy start ’em/sit ’em in 2026, a unique mashup of rankings and matchup breakdowns to help you make those tough decisions on whom to play and whom to sit:

• Several high-drafted fantasy players who should be in lineups most weeks when healthy and active are the “must starts.”
• Borderline options with favorable matchups are “stronger starts,” while the recommended plays to avoid are “weaker starts.”
• The advice is based on 12-team, half-point PPR to split the difference between shallow and deep leagues and full-PPR and standard formats.

Going beyond redraft league starts and sits, “The Decider” also includes some DFS picks for different styles of games on DraftKings and FanDuel. Keep scrolling for tips on how to deploy the best fantasy football lineup for your league opener.

Teams on a bye in Week 6: Bengals, Lions, Dolphins, Vikings

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Fantasy Football Week 6 Start ‘Em: Quarterbacks

Must-start Week 6 QBs

1. Josh Allen, Bills (at. LV)
2. Brock Purdy, 49ers (vs. WAS)
3. Lamar Jackson, Ravens (if he returns. at CLE)
4. Matthew Stafford, Rams (at ARI)
5. Drake Maye, Patriots (vs. NYJ)
6. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs (at LAC)
7. Jalen Hurts, Eagles (vs. CAR)
8. Jayden Daniels, Commanders (at SF)

Strong Week 6 QB starts

9. Kirk Cousins, Raiders (vs. BUF): The Bills’ pass defense remains atrocious against strong-armed pocket passers, and Cousins qualifies, a la Stafford in Week 5.

10. Jordan Love, Packers (vs. DAL): The Packers have gone nuts passing for high volume, and he’s shredding it with his two young field-stretching wideouts.

11. Dak Prescott, Cowboys (at GB): He will need to keep on throwing often to have a chance as his defense will stink vs. Love.

12. Caleb Williams, Bears  (at ATL): Don’t hesitate in putting back in your lineups as he lifts the production of the entire Chicago offense, using his receivers for a big day.

13. Tyler Shough, Saints (at NYG): He’s been shaky at home for three games and should get on track against a weaker overall defense on the road.

14. Aaron Rodgers, Steelers (at TB: He’s on a three-game, three-TD hot streak and can keep it up even with more limited yardage.

DFS QB Week 6 pick

Kirk Cousins, Raiders (vs. BUF, $5,400 on DraftKings, $6,800 on FanDuel): Cousins has been better at home and the Bills’ pass defense cannot do anything to stop anyone of late. He also can get it done with high volume throwing to catch up with Allen.

MORE: Week 6 NFL picks against the spread

Fantasy Football Week 6 Sit ‘Em: Quarterbacks

Weaker Week 6 QB plays

15. Jacoby Brissett, Cardinals (vs. LAR): He’s getting closer to the bench with Carson Beck warming up and the Rams are better vs. the pass than vs. the run.

16. Jameis Winston, Giants (vs. NO): It’s not a bad idea in superflex and two-QB leagues but he’s too volatile to trust even in a fine matchup at home.

17. Bryce Young, Panthers (at PHI): Young has thrown for an average of 327 yards per game but cools off big time on the road vs. Vic Fangio’s defense.

18. Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars (vs. HOU): It’s feeling like another low-scoring game for them in London with the Texans defense on the other side.

19. C.J. Stroud, Texans (vs. JAX): Feeling like another low-scoring game for them in London with the Jaguars defense on the other side.

20. Bo Nix, Broncos (vs. SEA): He’s typically much better at producing at home but not against this defense.

MORE: NFL Week 6 power rankings: Vikings, Patriots, Packers rise again

Fantasy Football Week 6 Start ‘Em: Running backs

Must-start Week 6 RBs

1. Bijan Robinson, Falcons (vs. CHI)
2. Jonathan Taylor, Colts (vs. HOU)
3. James Cook, Bills (at LV)
4. Christian McCaffrey, 49ers (vs. WAS)
5. Kenneth Walker III, Chiefs (at LAC)
6. Saquon Barkley, Eagles (if he plays, vs. CAR)
7. Derrick Henry, Ravens (at CLE)
8. Kyren Williams, Rams (at ARI)
9. D’Andre Swift, Bears (at ATL)
10. Jaylen Warren, Steelers (at TB)
11. Bucky Irving, Buccaneers (vs. PIT)
12. Javonte Williams, Cowboys (at GB)
13. Rhamdondre Stevenson, Patriots (vs. LV)
14. Ashton Jeanty, Raiders (vs. BUF)
15. Chuba Hubbard, Panthers (at PHI)
16. Cam Skattebo, Giants (vs. NO)
17. Braelon Allen, Jets (at NE)
18. Omarion Hampton, Chargers (vs. KC)
19. Emanuel Wilson, Seahawks (at DEN)
20. Bhayshul Tuten, Jaguars (vs. HOU)
21. Jeremiyah Love, Cardinals (vs. LAR)

Strong Week 6 RB starts

22. MarShawn Lloyd, Packers (vs. DAL): Lloyd became more fantasy relevant with his TDs last week and the Cowboys cannot stop any running game.

23. Tony Pollard, Titans (at IND): The offense can at least stay in the game, giving him a shot at 80 scrimmage yards and a TD.

24. Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Commanders (at SF) : He’s become their best lead options near paydirt and the 49ers aren’t too daunting.

25. Blake Corum. Rams (at ARI): He deserves a big roll in the offense behind Williams and and will get blowing past the Cardinals.

26. Tyler Allgeier, Cardinals (vs. LAR): The Cards need to deal a run-heavier offense to have any shot of knocking off the Rams at home.

DFS RB Week 6 Picks

Cam Skattebo, Giants (vs. NO, $5,800 on DraftKings, $6,900 on FanDuel): The Skatt back will do his thing from scrimmage, as the Saints can’t stop versatile backs, allowing him to make amends for his big mistake against the Commanders.

Rhamondre Stevenson, Patriots (at NO, $6,000 on DraftKings, $6,300 on FanDuel): Stevenson is thriving in a major lead role with TreVeyon Henderson (ankle) ailing, and the Saints are best exploited with a power rushing attack.

Fantasy Football Week 6 Sit ‘Em: Running backs

Weaker RB Week 6 plays

27. Quinshon Judkins, Browns (if he plays, vs. BAL): Here’s not feeling him with his akle injury in a tough home matchup.

28. Woody Marks, Texans (vs. JAX): The Jaguars are downright nasty against the run.

29. Alvin Kamara, Saints (at NYG): You can’t really trust him with Kendre Miller remaining a big factor.

30. JK Dobbins, Broncos (vs. SEA): He scored last week but fade him against the Seahawks’ defense right along with RJ Harvey.

31. Brian Robinson Jr., Falcons (vs. CHI): The Bears can give up rushing yards, but not enough to play two B-Robs against them.

Fantasy Football Week 6 Start ‘Em: Wide receivers

Must-start Week 6 WRs

1. Puka Nacua, Rams (at ARI)
2. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seahawks (at DEN)
3. Christian Watson, Packers (vs. DAL)
4. CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys (at GB)
5. Chris Olave, Saints (at NYG)
6. Zay Flowers, Ravens (at CLE)
7. Nico Collins, Texans (vs, JAX)
8. Mike Evans, 49ers (vs. WAS)
9. Davante Adams, Rams (at ARI)
10. Malik Nabers, Giants (vs. NO)
11. George Pickens, Cowboys (at GB)
12. Tetairoa McMillan, Panthers (at PHI)
13. Drake London, Falcons (vs. CHI)
14. Garrett Wilson, Jets (at NE)
15. Parker Washington, Jaguars (vs. HOU)
16. Matthew Golden, Packers (vs. DAL)
17. Denzel Boston, Browns (vs. BAL)
18. D.J. Moore, Bills (if he returns, at LV)

Strong WR Week 6 starts

19. Michael Wilson, Cardinals (vs. LAR): He’s their clear-cut No. 1 wideout playing off the tight ends and will come through against a Rams’ secondary hurting away from trent McDuffie. 

20. Rome Odunze and 21. Luther Burden III, Bears (at ATL): With Williams back,  he will make sure to get his top two wideouts going right away on a Falcons’ secondary he can exploit all over the field.

22. Jaylen Waddle, Broncos (vs. SEA): The matchup isn’t great but he will see a ton of targets working inside.

23. Terry McLaurin, Commanders (at SF): He got warmed up well in his return last week and the 49ers’ secondary has some issues.

24. Devaughn Vele, Saints (at NYG). It’s almost time for Jordyn Tyson to return and Vele will want to prove he still needs a key receiving role

25. Wan’Dale Robinson, Titans (at IND): He’s the only thing kind of going OK in the passin game for the compression around Cam Ward.

24. Tre Tucker, Raiders (vs. BUF): The Bills’ cornerback situation is bad you can stake a shot on a non-Bowers target in Vegas.

25. Xavier Worthy, Chiefs (at LAC): With no Rashee Rice for a while, Worthy can use his big-time speed for a big breakout, starting this week.

DFS WR Week 6 picks

Davante Adams, Rams (at ARI, $6,600 on DraftKings, $7,200 on FanDuel): Adams cannot be stopped with his smooth route-running and finishing. Figure the Cards will try to put everyone on Puka to let Adams have free coverage.

Rome Odunze, Bears (at ATL, $4,900 on DraftKings, $5,900 on FanDuel): Odunze needs Williams at QB to have a real chance of a big game and you need to throw often to beat the Falcons.

Tre Tucker, Raiders (vs. IND, $4,700 on DraftKings, $5,800 on FanDuel): He makes for a nice affordable stack option with Cousins playing off Bowers.

Fantasy Football Week 6 Sit ‘Em: Wide receivers

Weaker Week 6 WR plays

26. Emeka Egbuka, Buccaneers (vs. PIT): He scored on a run last week but this passing game isn’t trusty with young Jalon Daniels.

32. Romeo Doubs, Patriots (vs. NYJ). The Jets’ cornerback situation has improved much more than you think.

33. Jakobi Meyers, Jaguars (vs. PHI): He’s still not getting the targets we need to trust him in there with Washington.

34. Josh Downs, Colts (at PIT): He’s had a couple of nice reception games but there’s not much confidence even in this matchup

35.  Carnell Tate, Titans (vs. IND): Play him only if you’re desperate, much like Cam Ward is to keep his QB job.

36. Dontayvion Wicks, Eagles (vs. CAR): The candle is about to burned out for his viable value.

37. DK Metcalf, Steelers (at TB): Rodgers seems to have eyes for a lot of other receivders besides him minus Michael Pittman Jr.

38. Courtland Sutton, Broncos (vs. SEA): Don’t chase his increased involvement and TD last week.

Fantasy Football Week 6 Start ‘Em: Tight ends

Must-start Week 6 TEs

1. George Kittle, 49ers (vs. WAS)
2. Brock Bowers, Raiders (vs. BUF)
3. Tyler Warren, Colts (vs. HOU)
4. Isaiah Likely, Giants (vs. NO)
5. Trey McBride, Cardinals (vs. LAR)
6. Tucker Kraft, Packers (vs. CHI)

Stronger Week 6 TE starts

7. Dalton Kincaid, Bills (at LV): He should get revved up again in a sweet spot that other tight ends have exploited.

8. Dallas Goedert, Eagles (vs. CAR): He will return to being a needed big part of the offense now fully healthy.

9. Travis Kelce, Chiefs (at LAC): He’s refreshed off a bye and ready to continue his rejuvenation in L.A.

10. Juwan Johnson, Saints (at NYG). Last week was rough but the Giants are much more giving to the position than the Vikings.

11. Pat Freiermuth, Steelers (at TB): He’s locked in as a key red zone target for Rodgers and the Buccaneers can’t cover him well.

12. Tyler Higbee, Rams (at ARI): He’s back involved with needed volume and the Cardinals keep on stinking vs. tight end.s

DFS TE Week 6 pick

Dallas Goedert, Eagles (vs. CAR, $3,900 on DraftKings, $5,100 on FanDuel): Go for some Goedert paydirt this week because the Panthers’ defense is beat up on the back end and doesn’t do well to handle the deep middle, where he thrives most for Hurts.

Fantasy Football Week 6 Sit ‘Em: Tight ends

Weaker TE Week 6 starts

13. Mark Andrews, Ravens (at CLE): It wasn’t pretty in Atlanta and Cleveland is tough, too.

14. Harold Fannin Jr., Browns (vs. BAL): Speaking of Cleveland, how about those wide receivers becoming so much a bigger part of the offense?

15. Colston Loveland, Bears (at ATL): The idea is OK but the execution is poor with this being an Odunze-Burden game for Williams’ return.

16. Jake Ferguson, Cowboys (at GB): The Packers struggle vs. the run but they are solid vs. the tight end.

17. Kyle Pitts, Falcons (vs. CHI): He might be dropping off the fantasy radar completely soon given the QB situation.

18. Brenton Strange, Jaguars (vs. HOU): He can be more involved but the matchup is tough for trust in any kind of extra passing asset.

19. Hunter Henry, Patriots (vs. NYJ): The Jets also are surprising good vs. this position, setting them up in a better position to run and score in the red zone.

Fantasy Football Week 6: Defense/special teams best starts

1. Kansas City Chiefs (vs. LAC)
2. New England Patriots (vs. NYJ)
3. Indianapolis Colts (vs. HOU)
4. Baltimore Ravens (at CLE)
5. Pittsburgh Steelers (at TB)
6. Seattle Seahawks (at DEN)
7. Denver Broncos (vs. SEA)
8. Los Angeles Rams (at ARI)
9. Houston Texans (vs. JAX)
10. Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. HOU)
11. New Orleans Saints (at NYG)
12. New York Giants (vs. NO)
13. San Francisco 49ers (vs. WAS)
14. Chicago Bears (at ATL)

DFS D/ST Week 6 pick

Indianapolis Colts (at GB, $3,400 on DraftKings, $4,700 on FanDuel): Cam Ward has been awful and is setting up to be sacked and picked a few times against what will be active defense trying to get right at home to push the team back up to. 500.