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

Week 5 was one of the more unpredictable ones we've seen in the early 2025 NFL season. Fortunately for fantasy managers, it didn't bring another avalanche of significant injuries.

That doesn't mean that managers will have access to all of their stars in Week 6. Several high fantasy draft picks remain sidelined, and the Houston Texans and Minnesota Vikings will both be on bye.

Many managers will need to continue playing the matchups and searching for sleepers on the waiver wire. You'll find recommendations for both, based on point-per-reception (PPR) scoring here.

Start: Josh Jacobs, RB, Green Bay Packers

AP Photo/Matt Patterson

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs has struggled to find open running lanes this season and is averaging just 3.3 yards per carry. However, he's found the end zone in three of four games and has seen enough running and receiving volume to reward fantasy managers.

Jacobs is coming off of a four-catch, 157-yard, two-touchdown outing against the Dallas Cowboys.

Actually, the Dallas game was two weeks ago. Jacobs and the Packers are coming off of their bye, meaning they've had extra time to prepare for the Cincinnati Bengals.

No team has surrendered more fantasy points to opposing running backs this season than Cincinnati, making Jacobs a true must-start in Week 6.

Sit: Jaylen Warren, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers

AP Photo//Matt Freed

The Pittsburgh Steelers are also coming off bye, which bodes well for running back Jaylen Warren.

Warren was a late inactive against the Vikings in Week 4 due to a knee injury. He returned to practice on Monday, according to Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. However, managers should explore other options before thrusting Warren back into the starting lineup.

With Warren out, Pittsburgh got an excellent game from backup Kenneth Gainwell (6 catches, 134 scrimmage yards, 2 TDs). Gainwell likely showed enough to cut more heavily into Warren's workload.

Additionally, the Steelers will face a tough Cleveland Browns defense in Week 6. The Browns have surrendered the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs this season.

Start: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Carolina Panthers

AP Photo/Steven Senne

The Carolina Panthers had one of the more surprising victories of Week 5, coming back from a 17-0 deficit to beat the Miami Dolphins. Rookie wideout Tetairoa McMillan played a big role in the comeback, finishing with six catches for 73 yards on eight targets.

McMillan has been a solid matchup-based play in PPR format, though he's still searching for his first NFL touchdown. He might find it this week against the Dallas Cowboys.

The Cowboys have surrendered 12 passing touchdowns and the most fantasy points to opposing receivers through five weeks.

McMillan should have a high PPR floor even if he doesn't find the end zone. Dallas' offense is potent enough to keep Carolina chasing points through all four quarters.

Sit: Keon Coleman, WR, Buffalo Bills

AP Photo/Matt Rourke

Buffalo Bills receiver Keon Coleman found the end zone for the second time this season in Week 5. However, he's very much been a touchdown-dependent fantasy option this season.

Since breaking out with a 112-yard game in Week 1, Coleman has averaged just over three receptions and 28 yards per game.

This week, Coleman and the Bills will visit the Atlanta Falcons, who have been very unfriendly to opposing passing games. Atlanta has surrendered a paltry 135 passing yards per game this season.

Expect the Bills to attack a Falcons run defense that has surrendered 4.6 yards per carry, which will limit Coleman's opportunities.

Sleepers and Waiver Wire Targets for Week 5

AP Photo/Butch Dill

Giants QB Jaxson Dart

Jaxson Dart, QB, New York Giants

Bryce Young, QB, Carolina Panthers

Michael Carter, RB, Arizona Cardinals

Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Troy Franklin, WR, Denver Broncos

Luther Burden III, WR, Chicago Bears

Darnell Mooney, WR, Atlanta Falcons

Mason Taylor, TE, New York Jets

Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Cleveland Browns

Theo Johnson, TE, New York Giants

*All Sleepers/Waiver Targets rostered in 50 percent or fewer of Yahoo and/or ESPN leagues. Fantasy scoring and roster information from FantasyPros.