2025 Fantasy Football: Week 6 Quarterback Rankings (Weekend Update)

Week 5 was a fantasy football rollercoaster — a wild mix of breakout performances, statement games, and unexpected duds. C.J. Stroud surprisingly stole the spotlight, finishing as the overall QB1 (28.8 points) after torching the Ravens. He narrowly edged out Sam Darnold, who erupted for 27.6 points in a thrilling shootout that landed him as QB2.

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Meanwhile, several established stars continued to deliver elite production. Dak Prescott posted another stellar outing with 28.3 fantasy points (QB3), silencing critics who doubted his ceiling without CeeDee Lamb. After a slow start to the season, Trevor Lawrence finally broke through with 26.2 points (QB6), fueled by clutch rushing production on Monday Night Football. These performances reminded fantasy managers that high-upside weeks can come from anywhere — both proven veterans and emerging playmakers.

Other standouts included Patrick Mahomes (QB4, 26.7 pts) and Baker Mayfield (QB5, 26.7 pts), both thriving in high-scoring matchups. On the flip side, fantasy favorites Justin Herbert and Drake Maye stumbled to QB20 and QB25 finishes, respectively.

As we move into Week 6, the Texans (C.J. Stroud) and Vikings (Carson Wentz) head into their byes, forcing fantasy managers to adjust on the fly. The ever-changing QB landscape makes matchup context more crucial than ever.

Let’s break down this week’s matchups, tiers, and start/sit recommendations.

🔥 High-Total Games (Shootout Potential – 47+)

These matchups project the most offensive fireworks, offering elite upside for quarterbacks and pass-catchers alike.

Detroit Lions at Kansas City Chiefs — 52.0 (KC -2.5)

This week’s highest total belongs to Sunday Night Football. Patrick Mahomes remains a locked-in QB1 play at home, facing a Lions defense that’s allowed several splash plays downfield. Jared Goff has quietly been one of the most efficient passers in football and profiles as a strong mid-range QB2 with upside in a likely shootout.

Dallas Cowboys at Carolina Panthers — 49.0 (DAL -3.5)

Dak Prescott is fresh off a 31-point eruption and faces a Carolina defense ranking near the bottom in pressure rate. Prescott has stacked back-to-back strong fantasy outings without CeeDee Lamb and looks poised for another big day. Bryce Young, while inconsistent, could take advantage of a vulnerable Dallas secondary in one of the week’s highest-projected totals.

Buffalo Bills at Atlanta Falcons — 49.0 (BUF -3.5)

Josh Allen is due for a bounce-back QB1 performance after two straight weeks outside the top five (QB7, QB12). He’s in a fantasy-friendly spot against Atlanta’s conservative zone defense. Michael Penix Jr. has been volatile (QB10, QB32, QB31, QB12 before the bye), and while Buffalo’s defense presents challenges, he should be forced to air it out to keep pace, making him a high-risk, high-reward Superflex start.

Chicago Bears at Washington Commanders — 50.0 (WAS -4.5)

Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels headline this Monday night matchup that could quietly turn into the fantasy game of the week. Williams’ rushing upside gives him weekly QB1 potential, while Daniels’ blend of accuracy and athleticism keeps him locked in as a top-10 fantasy QB when healthy. Both are strong starts in 1QB and Superflex leagues.

San Francisco 49ers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers — 47.5 (TB -3)

This one features two reliable fantasy starters in Brock Purdy and Baker Mayfield. Purdy remains efficient when protected, and Tampa Bay’s defense has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to QBs over the past three weeks. Mayfield has finished as a QB1 in four of five games — keep him locked in as a strong start at home in a game with sneaky shootout potential.

⚖️ Mid-Range Totals (Balanced – 44 to 47)

These games could swing either way depending on pace, defensive strength, and turnovers.

Arizona Cardinals at Indianapolis Colts — 47.0 (IND -6.5)

Kyler Murray continues to offer a strong rushing floor and has shown growing chemistry with sophomore star Marvin Harrison Jr. Despite a tough Colts defense, Murray’s dual-threat skill set keeps him in the QB1 mix. Daniel Jones is a serviceable Superflex option thanks to steady efficiency.

New England Patriots at New Orleans Saints — 46.0 (NE -3.5)

After a strong start, Drake Maye faltered against Buffalo but should rebound against a Saints defense that struggles to generate turnovers. He remains a viable top-10 fantasy QB in Week 6. Spencer Rattler continues to flash underrated rushing upside and remains a low-end QB3 with streaming appeal in deep leagues.

Seattle Seahawks at Jacksonville Jaguars — 46.5 (JAC -1)

Sam Darnold is coming off his best game of the season, and this environment sets up well for another fantasy-relevant performance. Trevor Lawrence, meanwhile, finally found his groove in Week 5 (QB5) and carries QB1 confidence into another favorable matchup. Expect both QBs to land in the QB2 range.

Cincinnati Bengals at Green Bay Packers — (GB -15)

Jordan Love is coming off a bye week and should have no trouble finishing as a QB1, potentially hitting that mark by halftime in what projects as a home blowout. Meanwhile, the Bengals added veteran Joe Flacco on Tuesday, who is expected to start in Week 6. Cincinnati faces an uphill battle in this matchup and could be out of it early. Flacco  at least inspires a bit more confidence in supporting the Bengals’ elite offensive weapons.

Los Angeles Rams at Baltimore Ravens — 44.5 (LAR -7.5)

If Lamar Jackson (hamstring) misses another week, Cooper Rush would get the start — a clear downgrade for all Ravens pass-catchers. Rush would only be viable in deep two-QB or superflex formats. On the other side, Matthew Stafford profiles as a solid fantasy start against a Baltimore defense that was just shredded by Stroud in Week 5.

🛑 Low-Total Games (Defensive Grind – 43 or Less)

Expect slower tempos, ground-heavy game plans, and limited fantasy fireworks.

Denver Broncos vs. New York Jets — 43.5 (NYJ -7.5)

Bo Nix impressed last week in Philadelphia (QB15) and now gets a much softer test across the pond against the Jets in London. He has top-10 upside in this matchup. Justin Fields faces a brutal Denver defense but remains a mid-range QB2 due to his elite rushing production.

Los Angeles Chargers at Miami Dolphins — (LAC -4)

Tua Tagovailoa finished as a QB1 for the first time this season, capitalizing on a juicy matchup against Carolina. Despite the absence of Tyreek Hill (knee), Tua delivered a season-high three touchdown passes with zero interceptions. He remains a reliable QB2 option this week in most formats. Meanwhile, Justin Herbert is primed for a massive bounce-back performance against one of the league’s weakest defenses. With rookie sensation Omario Hampton (ankle) landing on injured reserve, Herbert should be forced to throw even more — putting him in an absolute SMASH spot for Week 6.

Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants — 40.5 (PHI -7.5)

Jalen Hurts continues to be matchup-proof and dominates with goal-line rushing usage. The Giants’ front seven can pressure QBs but struggles to contain mobile passers. Jaxson Dart is a desperation Superflex dart throw (no pun intended) against a tough Eagles defense.

Tennessee Titans at Las Vegas Raiders — 41.5 (LV -5)

Cam Ward has been up-and-down, and a surging Raiders pass rush doesn’t bode well for a rebound. Geno Smith remains a steady but low-upside QB2, best suited for deep leagues.

Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers — 38.0 (PIT -5)

This AFC North slugfest has the week’s lowest projected total — and fantasy managers should temper expectations. Dillon Gabriel flashed in his debut but faces a fierce Steelers pass rush. Aaron Rodgers hasn’t finished higher than QB23 since Week 2 and remains a bench stash outside of two-QB formats.

Check out all of our Week 6 Rankings: Flex Rankings | QB Rankings | RB Rankings | WR Rankings | TE Rankings

📊 Fantasy Football Week 6 Quarterback Rankings

Make sure to check out all of our Week 6 Fantasy Football Rankings and Analysis!