Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 6: Smart Matchup Plays, Sleepers and More

Lineup decisions should get a pinch easier in Week 6 of the 2023 NFL season, since only two teams have a bye.

And since those teams are the Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers, you hopefully shouldn't have a ton of players impacted by the off week.

Unfortunately, having an abundance of options sometimes adds to the challenge of these start-or-sit debates, so we'll try simplifying that process a bit with play and bench recommendations at each of the three marquee positions.

Start: Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys (at Los Angeles Chargers)

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SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 08: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys looks to pass during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on October 08, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

After a disastrous showing in San Francisco on Sunday night (14-of-24 for 153 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions), Prescott needs a get-right game in the worst kind of way. Luckily, the schedule-makers may have delivered him one.

The Chargers have allowed the most passing yards per game and were absolutely shredded by both Tua Tagovailoa (466 passing yards, three touchdowns) and Kirk Cousins (367 passing yards, three touchdowns). Prescott, who entered the Niners game having thrown for at least 249 yards in three consecutive contests, could be poised to deliver his most productive outing of the season.

Sit: Deshaun Watson, QB, Cleveland Browns (vs. San Francisco 49ers)

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CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 24: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns looks to pass during the second half against the Tennessee Titans at Cleveland Browns Stadium on September 24, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)

It's possible that fantasy managers will have this decision made for them, as Watson missed Week 4 with a shoulder injury and was still rehabbing on Monday. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters Watson won't return until he's "functionally ready," which is both confusing and vague and not at all encouraging.

Even if Watson can play, though, he should be avoided in fantasy. He's had two clunkers and one decent showing, so the odds of him finding his way against this San Francisco defense lie somewhere between a long shot and an outright impossibility.

Start: Raheem Mostert, RB, Miami Dolphins (vs. Carolina Panthers)

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MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 08: Raheem Mostert #31 of the Miami Dolphins runs the ball against the New York Giants during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium on October 08, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)

Miami's explosive rookie running back De'Von Achane has stolen the spotlight in recent weeks, but Mostert remains a viable starter in fantasy. Even amid Achane's ascension, Mostert has found the end zone in four of his five contests so far—twice delivering multiple scores.

With uncertainty around Achane's availability due to a knee injury, Mostert has a chance to be a real asset against a vulnerable Panthers run defense.

Sit: Javonte Williams, RB, Denver Broncos (at Kansas City Chiefs)

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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 01: Javonte Williams #33 of the Denver Broncos runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on October 01, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Despite being a full participant in Friday's practice, Williams was left out of Sunday's 31-21 loss to the New York Jets due to a quad injury. Even worse, he may have seen this running back group grow exponentially more crowded without him. Jaleel McLaughlin had 12 touches for 89 yards and a score, while Samaje Perine added 95 scrimmage yards on 10 touches.

Even if Williams is good to go on Thursday, it's unclear how big of a role he'll handle with other capable backs around him. Plus, this Kansas City defense has bottled up just about every running back it has faced.

Start: D.J. Moore, WR, Chicago Bears (vs. Minnesota Vikings)

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LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 05: DJ Moore #2 of the Chicago Bears runs the ball for a touchdown during an NFL game against the Washington Commanders at FedEx Field on October 5, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

If Moore is still on the start-or-sit bubble, this could be the contest that locks him into weekly-starter status for good. He has topped 100 receiving yards in three of his last four games and in the other he had a touchdown catch. He has scored in three straight contests and went berserk on Thursday night, turning 10 targets into eight receptions for 230 yards and three scores.

He doesn't necessarily need a great matchup to put up numbers, but he'll get one in Week 6 anyway. Minnesota's secondary has been picked apart by just about every passing attack it has faced.

Sit: Terry McLaurin, WR, Washington Commanders (at Atlanta Falcons)

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LANDOVER, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 05: Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Commanders runs with the ball during an NFL football game between the Washington Commanders and the Chicago Bears at FedExField on October 05, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)

Talent isn't a problem for McLaurin, but it seems like opportunity might be. Washington quarterback Sam Howell has really spread the ball around lately, which is how McLaurin wound up with just 49 of the 388 passing yards Howell produced on Thursday.

McLaurin has only topped six targets once this season, and not surprisingly, his entire stat line has suffered from a lack of volume. He has just a single touchdown catch and only once reached 60 receiving yards. To make matters worse, this is not a great matchup, as the Falcons have been one of the stingiest defenses against the wide receiver position.