With bye weeks and a wave of NFL injuries, Week 6 of the 2025 Fantasy Football season presents plenty of challenges. Fantasy managers are already navigating the absences of Lamar Jackson, Brock Purdy, Chris Godwin, and CeeDee Lamb. Ja’Marr Chase (illness) was a late addition to the injury report, though sources indicate he is trending toward playing.
How do these injuries affect your lineup decisions, and which under-the-radar players are poised to deliver? Let’s break it down.
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Fantasy Football: Fantasy Week 6, NFL Injuries Bye Weeks
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One surprise in Week 6: Detroit’s Jared Goff is not favored by the models. Despite leading the NFL with 12 passing touchdowns, much of Goff’s production came against weaker defenses. In other games, he’s averaged just 198.3 passing yards with four touchdowns and two turnovers. Facing Kansas City’s stingy secondary this Sunday, Goff may not merit a top-tier Fantasy spot.
Meanwhile, Matthew Stafford of the Rams emerges as a prime streaming option. Stafford has thrown for over 375 yards and three touchdowns in consecutive games and faces an injury-plagued Ravens defense that has allowed the most passing touchdowns in the league. Stafford, along with Kyren Williams, Puka Nacua, and Davante Adams, are strong Week 6 targets.
Wide Receiver Fantasy Sleepers
Fantasy managers should keep an eye on Raiders wideout Tre Tucker. The third-year pro leads Las Vegas with four touchdowns and ranks WR16 in PPR scoring. Facing Tennessee’s generous pass defense, Tucker is projected as a top-20 Fantasy option.
Other receiver notes:
- Marvin Harrison Jr. is a WR3 candidate against the Colts despite a challenging matchup with Charvarius Ward shadowing him.
- Calvin Ridley exploded for 131 yards on 10 targets in Week 5 and draws a Raiders secondary ranked among the league’s most permissive to perimeter receivers.
Deep-league managers may also consider Xavier Legette of the Panthers against a Cowboys defense struggling on the outside.
Running Back Fantasy Football Insights
The Week 6 running back landscape is chaotic, especially with injuries and backups in play. Chargers’ Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal will carry the load after Omarion Hampton joined Najee Harris on injured reserve. Haskins is favored for carries and goal-line work, but limited passing-game involvement makes both risky Fantasy options.
Elsewhere:
- Jonathan Taylor remains a solid RB2 despite Arizona’s stout defense.
- Rico Dowdle delivered 32.4 points last week in Hubbard’s absence and could continue to see a larger role in Carolina.
- Rachaad White leads Tampa Bay with Bucky Irving sidelined, though his rushing efficiency was modest in Week 5.
Fantasy Week 6: Tight Ends and Matchup Plays
Tight ends are heavily matchup-driven this week:
- Mason Taylor of the Jets has emerged as a TE2 option, benefiting from increased targets despite facing Denver’s tight end-focused defense.
- Darren Waller of Miami is a fringe TE1, with increased snaps in Tyreek Hill’s absence.
- David Njoku of Cleveland remains a fringe TE1 after posting career highs in targets, catches, and yardage in Week 5.
Fantasy Week 6 Strategy
For season-long leagues and DFS alike, consider these tips:
- Check injuries and late scratches — last-minute updates on Chase, Lamb, and Jackson will impact lineups significantly.
- Target favorable matchups — WRs like Tre Tucker and Ridley can outperform expectations against weak defenses.
- Avoid volatile RB situations — teams splitting carries due to injuries or rotation uncertainty can limit upside.
- Use data-driven rankings — models like SportsLine simulate outcomes to give a measurable edge over gut calls.
Ultimately, Week 6 is about flexibility and attention to matchups. With strategic roster adjustments and insight-driven selections, Fantasy managers can turn injury chaos into a winning opportunity.