Week 6 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Decisions for Fantasy Football Fringe Starters

Week 5 was arguably the wildest week of the 2026 season so far. It began with a massive upset on the road, included several simply stunning finishes, and ended with a potential Super Bowl preview that went to overtime.

Along the way, we saw several fringe stars become difference-makers. In Monday night's game, for example, Buffalo Bills running back Ty Johnson (4 catches, 72 yards) and Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee (5 catches, 83 yards) were two of the biggest producers on the field.

With injuries continuing to mount and the Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, and Minnesota Vikings on bye this week, many fantasy managers will be looking for some fringe starters they can rely on, too.

Here are some early start/sit recommendations for Week 6 point-per-reception (PPR) play.

Start: MarShawn Lloyd, RB, Green Bay Packers

AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps

MarShawn Lloyd has not been particularly efficient as the Green Bay Packers' lead back in 2026. He has averaged just 2.8 yards per carry through Week 5 and has averaged a modest two receptions per game.

However, Lloyd did find the end zone twice against the Chicago Bears in Week 5, and he has another terrific matchup against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 6.

The Cowboys have surrendered six rushing touchdowns this season and have allowed an astonishing 5.1 yards per carry. They have also allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs.

Starting Lloyd does carry some risk, as the Packers worked in both Kaleb Johnson and Pierre Strong Jr. while giving Lloyd just 10 carries. However, Lloyd should see the red-zone work against a defense that can't seem to stop the run.

Sit: Braelon Allen, RB, New York Jets

AP Photo/Seth Wenig

New York Jets running back Braelon Allen got his second start in place of the injured Breece Hall (quad) in Week 5. He rewarded fantasy managers with a tremendous game that included 16 rushing yards and a touchdown.

However, it's worth noting that Allen's breakout came against a Cleveland Browns defense that was missing its top two defensive tackles. Allen also got a heavy workload as the Browns struggled to sustain drives and put points on the board.

Allen will have a much less inviting situation this week against the New England Patriots. The Patriots can put up points in bunches, and their defense has been solid, if unspectacular. New England has allowed just 4.0 yards per carry and ranks 16th in fantasy points allowed to opposing RBs.

The fact that Allen isn't a dependable pass-catcher (3 receptions in two starts) makes this a very risky matchup.

Start: Jalen Coker, WR, Carolina Panthers

AP Photo/Erik Verduzco

Carolina Panthers receiver Jalen Coker missed Week 4 with a quad injury, but he's trending to face the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6. Carolina was on bye last week, and head coach Dave Canales told reporters that Coker is "on track" to return.

There's no guarantee that Coker will return, of course, but managers should be prepared to put him back into their starting lineups. Bryce Young's second-favorite target was fantastic to start the season and should resume a high-volume role.

Coker caught eight of nine targets for 138 yards and two touchdowns in Week 1. He wasn't as productive in Week 2 but still finished with eight catches for 66 yards.

This week, Coker will have a favorable matchup against a struggling Philadelphia Eagles secondary. Philly has surrendered the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season.

Sit: Courtland Sutton, WR, Denver Broncos

AP Photo/David Zalubowski

We're still waiting for Jaylen Waddle to break out in the Denver Broncos' offense. However, Waddle's presence quickly diminished the fantasy value of former No. 1 receiver Courtland Sutton.

Sutton did come through with a touchdown grab in Week 5. However, he also caught just two of three targets for 18 yards. Through five games, he's averaged just five targets, 2.2 receptions, and 20.8 yards.

After topping 1,000 yards in each of the past two seasons, Sutton has become a touchdown-dependent fantasy option. That's not what managers want to trust in a matchup with the Seattle Seahawks.

Seattle, which will visit Denver on Thursday, has surrendered six passing touchdowns this season. However, it has also surrendered the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing wide receivers.

*Fantasy scoring information from FantasyPros.