Get ready for some fantasy football insights that will have you on the edge of your seat! We're diving into the world of NFL Fantasy 2025 and exploring the Start 'Em, Sit 'Em decisions for quarterbacks in Week 6. It's time to make those tough lineup choices, and we've got the lowdown on who to trust and who to bench.
The Quarterback Conundrum: Who's Hot, Who's Not?
First up, let's talk about Dak Prescott. He's on fire right now, scoring over 30 fantasy points against the Packers and then following it up with another impressive performance against the Jets. With eight touchdowns in the last two weeks, he's a force to be reckoned with. But here's the catch: Prescott's not just relying on his arm, he's using his legs too, with a season-high 28-yard run last week. And this is where it gets interesting... the Panthers, despite being labeled a tough matchup, have one of the lowest pressure rates in the NFL. When Prescott's not under pressure, he's in the top league ranks for touchdowns and yards. So, are you ready to ride the Dak wave this week?
Now, let's shift our attention to Jordan Love. Remember when he threw for 337 yards and three touchdowns against the Cowboys, earning himself a season-best 26.28 fantasy points? That's right, he's got a solid floor and can really shine in the right situation. And this week, he's got just that - a matchup against the Bengals, who have been generous to quarterbacks, allowing over 19 fantasy points to three of the last four they've faced. The Bengals also have a low pressure rate, which plays into Love's strength. With the highest EPA (expected points added) when not under pressure, Love is a strong starter for Week 6.
Next in line is Drake Maye, the conductor of the hype train. While he might not have put up huge fantasy numbers in the win against Buffalo, his potential is undeniable. Maye has shown he can reach those 23-plus fantasy point games, and his legs add an extra dimension to his game. With Stefon Diggs as his top receiver, Maye has a reliable target. This week, he faces the Saints, who have been generous to quarterbacks, allowing the seventh-most fantasy points per game. The Saints also have a low pressure rate, which bodes well for Maye. With the fifth-best EPA when not under pressure, Maye is a solid choice.
Moving on to Matthew Stafford, who has been on a roll lately. He's thrown for over 375 yards and three touchdowns in each of his last two games, and this week, he faces the banged-up Ravens defense. The Ravens have been struggling, allowing the most touchdown passes in the league. Baltimore has also been generous to quarterbacks in terms of fantasy points per game. With a low pressure rate, Stafford could continue his hot streak.
Now, let's talk about Justin Herbert. The last three weeks haven't been kind to his fantasy managers, with him falling short of 15 points each time. But this week, he might have a chance to turn things around against the Dolphins, who have allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. The Dolphins also have a below-average pressure rate, which could work in Herbert's favor. And with Herbert running more, he could add some extra points with his legs.
Our next quarterback is Trevor Jones, or as some like to call him, "Indiana Jones." The key to Jones' success seems to be playing him against defenses that don't generate a lot of pressure. Last week, he had his best fantasy game since Week 2 against the Raiders, who struggle to get after the quarterback. This week, he faces the Cardinals, who also have a below-average pressure rate. The Cardinals have also allowed the fourth-most passing yards to quarterbacks this season.
But here's where it gets controversial...
It's time to sit Justin Fields this week. I know, I know, I'm a huge fan, and I've recommended starting him every week this season. But this matchup against the Broncos scares me. The Broncos generate pressure at an incredibly high rate, and the Jets' offensive line has been struggling. With Patrick Surtain II and Denver's secondary, it's a tough matchup. The Broncos have also allowed the third-fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. It's a risky move, but if you have another option, I'd take it.
Next, we have Dart, the rookie who's shown some promise. He's joined the ranks of Randall Cunningham, Lamar Jackson, and Jalen Hurts as the only quarterbacks to rush for over 50 yards in each of their first two career starts. But this Thursday night game against Philadelphia might be a tough ask. The Eagles' secondary has been impressive, allowing the second-lowest completion percentage in the NFL. It's a challenging defense for a rookie to face, especially on a short week.
Then there's Trevor Lawrence, coming off a big win against the Chiefs. He ran for two touchdowns and had his second-highest rushing total in the NFL. But here's the thing: he only had 32 rushing yards and no ground scores before that game, so it might not be a consistent trend. Plus, the Seahawks are a tough matchup, with an above-average pressure rate and a below-average passer rating allowed.
Lastly, we have Sam Darnold, who exploded for over 341 yards and four scores last week. But that was his first game of the season with over 17 fantasy points. This week, he faces the Jaguars' defense, which has been tough to throw on. The Jags lead the NFL with 14 takeaways and have allowed the second-lowest passer rating.
And this is the part most people miss...
Aaron Rodgers, a big name in the NFL, but not so much in fantasy football. He had a great Week 1, but since then, he's scored fewer than 13 fantasy points in each of his last three games. Despite running hot with touchdowns, his TD rate seems like a natural regression candidate. The Browns have also been tough on quarterbacks, allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points per game.
So, who are you starting and sitting this week? Make your choices, and let's discuss in the comments! Are you going with the hot hands or taking a risk on the big names? It's your call!
