Fantasy Football Lineup Dilemmas: Week 6 Quarterback Edition
Fantasy football managers, it's that time again—Week 6 is upon us, and the quarterback position is as unpredictable as ever. But here's where it gets controversial: should you stick with your gut or follow the stats? We're diving into the Start 'Em, Sit 'Em debate, offering insights that go beyond the obvious. And trust us, we're not just talking about the easy picks like Puka Nacua. If you're hunting for more tailored advice, don't forget to check out the latest NFL Fantasy lineup rankings (https://fantasy.nfl.com/research/rankings).
Note: All stats referenced are sourced from NFL Pro (https://pro.nfl.com/), Next Gen Stats, or NFL Research, unless otherwise specified.
Start 'Em
Dak Prescott (Cowboys) vs. Panthers
Dak Prescott is on fire! After a 30.96-point explosion against the Packers (https://www.nfl.com/games/packers-at-cowboys-2025-reg-4?tab=recap), he followed up with 28.28 points against the Jets (https://www.nfl.com/games/cowboys-at-jets-2025-reg-5?tab=recap). With eight total touchdowns in the last two weeks and a season-high 28 rushing yards, Prescott is proving he’s more than just an arm. And this is the part most people miss: the Panthers’ defense struggles to generate pressure, ranking third-lowest in the NFL. When Prescott isn’t under pressure, he ranks second in touchdowns and eighth in yards. This matchup screams upside.
Jordan Love (Packers) vs. Bengals
Love’s last outing against the Cowboys (https://www.nfl.com/games/packers-at-cowboys-2025-reg-4?tab=recap) was a masterpiece: 337 yards, three touchdowns, and 26.28 fantasy points. Fresh off a bye, he faces a Bengals defense that’s allowed 19-plus fantasy points to three of the last four quarterbacks. Here’s the kicker: Love has the highest EPA (expected points added) in the NFL when not under pressure, and the Bengals generate pressure at the fourth-lowest rate. This is a recipe for success.
Drake Maye (Patriots) vs. Saints
I’m all aboard the Drake Maye hype train. While his fantasy numbers against Buffalo (https://www.nfl.com/games/patriots-at-bills-2025-reg-5?tab=recap) weren’t eye-popping, his potential is undeniable. With two 23-plus point games in the last month and a resurgent Stefon Diggs (https://www.nfl.com/players/stefon-diggs/) as his go-to target, Maye is a rising star. The Saints have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks and generate pressure at the second-lowest rate. Maye’s fifth-best EPA when not under pressure makes him a solid start.
Matthew Stafford (Rams) vs. Ravens
Stafford silenced his doubters with back-to-back 375-plus yard, three-touchdown performances. This week, he faces a Ravens defense that’s allowed the second-most yards and most touchdown passes in the league. But here’s the twist: Baltimore’s pressure rate is eighth-lowest, and Stafford thrives when given time. Ride the hot hand here.
Justin Herbert (Chargers) vs. Dolphins
Herbert’s recent struggles have fantasy managers scratching their heads, but this could be his bounce-back week. The Dolphins have allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks and generate below-average pressure. Herbert’s sixth-best EPA when not under pressure is a bright spot. Plus, Miami’s vulnerability to rushing quarterbacks plays into Herbert’s recent trend of running more, including a 60-yard outing last week (https://www.nfl.com/games/commanders-at-chargers-2025-reg-5?tab=recap).
Gardner Minshew (Colts) vs. Cardinals
Minshew, affectionately known as 'Indiana Jones,' thrives against defenses that struggle to generate pressure. Last week against the Raiders (https://www.nfl.com/games/raiders-at-colts-2025-reg-5?tab=recap), he had his best fantasy game since Week 2. The Cardinals fit the mold, generating below-average pressure and allowing the fourth-most passing yards to quarterbacks. Expect sustained success here.
Sit 'Em
Justin Fields (Bears) vs. Broncos
I’m a Justin Fields believer, but this matchup terrifies me. The Broncos generate pressure at the second-highest rate in the NFL, and Fields has struggled against aggressive defenses. Here’s the real concern: the Jets’ offensive line has been abysmal, allowing pressure at the highest rate in the league. Add in Patrick Surtain II (https://www.nfl.com/players/patrick-surtain-ii/) and Denver’s stingy secondary, and this is a tough spot. If you have another option, take it.
Tommy DeVito (Giants) vs. Eagles
DeVito’s mobility has been impressive, but this Thursday night matchup against the Eagles is daunting. Philadelphia’s secondary has been lights out, allowing the second-lowest completion percentage in the NFL. The question is: can a rookie in his third start thrive against such a tough defense on a short week? I’m skeptical.
Trevor Lawrence (Jaguars) vs. Seahawks
Lawrence’s heroics against the Chiefs (https://www.nfl.com/games/chiefs-at-jaguars-2025-reg-5?tab=recap) were impressive, but his rushing production feels unsustainable. The Seahawks generate above-average pressure and have allowed a below-average passer rating. Are you willing to chase last week’s points? I’d think twice.
Sam Darnold (Vikings) vs. Jaguars
Darnold’s 341-yard, four-touchdown performance was a sight to behold, but it came in a shootout with Baker Mayfield (https://www.nfl.com/players/baker-mayfield/) and the Bucs. This week, he faces a Jaguars defense that leads the NFL with 14 takeaways and has allowed the second-lowest passer rating. The debate: is Darnold’s breakout sustainable, or was it a one-off?
Aaron Rodgers (Jets) vs. Browns
Aaron Rodgers’ name carries weight, but his fantasy production hasn’t matched the hype. Despite a 7.4% TD rate, his last three games have yielded fewer than 13 fantasy points each. The Browns have allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. The million-dollar question: is Rodgers a trap pick, or can he turn it around? Let’s discuss in the comments—do you trust Rodgers this week, or are you sitting him?
