Fantasy football is basically a game of lying to yourself. We tell ourselves that because a guy has a gold-standard name and a massive contract, he’s a lock for 20 points. Then Sunday rolls around, and you're watching a backup in a muddy jersey outscore your "elite" starter by ten. Honestly, Fantasy Football QB Rankings Week 6 are a mess this year, and if you aren't paying attention to the defensive EPA (Expected Points Added) numbers, you’re basically throwing darts in a dark room.
The reality of the 2025 season is that the "middle class" of quarterbacks is performing like high-end QB1s, while some of the legends are just... there.
The Top Tier: No Brainers or Potential Traps?
Look, you’re starting Jayden Daniels. He’s the QB1 for a reason. Coming off a massive month, he’s facing a Bears defense that is tough, but his rushing floor is basically a cheat code. When a guy can give you 60 yards on the ground and a score before he even completes ten passes, you don't overthink it.
Josh Allen is the other obvious one. He's at Atlanta this week. The Falcons have some talent, but Allen is playing with a level of aggression that makes him matchup-proof. He’s currently leading the league in red-zone carries for quarterbacks, which is all you really need to know.
What about Patrick Mahomes?
People are panicking. I get it. The Chiefs are 2-3, and Mahomes hasn't been the 30-point supernova we remember from three years ago. But check the air yards. His average intended air yards have jumped to 8.0 through the first five games. With Xavier Worthy back in the mix and the Lions coming to town, this looks like a vintage shootout. Detroit’s secondary can be exploited if you have the protection, and Andy Reid usually has a "get right" plan for these mid-season slumps.
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Why the Cowboys Defense is Your New Best Friend
If you own a quarterback playing the Dallas Cowboys, you start them. Period.
It sounds crazy because of the brand name, but the 2025 Cowboys defense is a literal sieve. They are allowing a league-high 27.1 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. They’ve given up 12 passing scores already. It’s a disaster.
The Bryce Young Resurrection?
This brings us to Bryce Young. Most people wouldn't touch him with a ten-foot pole in a standard 10-team league. But honestly? He’s playing the Cowboys at home. Young’s home/road splits are night and day. At home, his passer rating jumps nearly 12 points, and his completion percentage sits at a respectable 64.6%. If you’re desperate or playing in a SuperFlex league, Young is a legitimate top-10 play this week just because of the matchup.
Week 6 Quarterback Rankings: The Top 15
I hate perfect lists. They don't account for the fact that Sunday is chaotic. But if you need a hierarchy to settle your "Start/Sit" internal monologue, here is how the board looks for Week 6:
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- Jayden Daniels (WAS) vs. CHI: The rushing floor is unmatched.
- Josh Allen (BUF) at ATL: Elite volume and goal-line usage.
- Patrick Mahomes (KC) vs. DET: The metrics suggest a massive breakout is coming.
- Baker Mayfield (TB) vs. SF: Even against the Niners, Baker is chucking it 40 times a game.
- Justin Herbert (LAC) at MIA: Miami’s defense is reeling, and Herbert is finally healthy.
- Jordan Love (GB) vs. CIN: Cincy generates the fourth-lowest pressure rate. Love thrives in a clean pocket.
- Drake Maye (NE) at NO: The kid is the real deal. Stefon Diggs has revitalized this passing attack.
- Dak Prescott (DAL) at CAR: Dak is red hot, even if his defense is a "burn-it-down" situation.
- Caleb Williams (CHI) at WAS: This game could easily turn into a 35-31 track meet.
- Daniel Jones (IND) vs. ARI: "Indiana Jones" is a top-10 play whenever he faces a team that can't sack him.
- Kyler Murray (ARI) at IND: Monitor the foot injury. If he can't run, he drops to QB20.
- Jared Goff (DET) at KC: The "Dome Goff" vs. "Road Goff" narrative is back. Be careful here.
- Matthew Stafford (LAR) at BAL: The Ravens secondary is bleeding yards. Stafford has 375+ in two straight.
- Justin Fields (PIT) vs. NYJ: Tough matchup, but the legs keep him viable.
- Bo Nix (DEN) at NYJ: The Jets' defense is a nightmare, but Nix's volume is high.
Streaming Options: The "Hail Mary" Plays
So, you lost Lamar Jackson to that hamstring injury. Or maybe you're just sick of Trevor Lawrence giving you 12 points every week. You need a streamer.
Sam Darnold (SEA) at Jacksonville is the play.
Darnold is currently the QB1 in yards per attempt ($9.3$). That isn't a fluke; it's a byproduct of a system that actually uses his arm talent. The Jaguars sit in zone coverage more than almost anyone, and Darnold’s EPA against zone is top-tier this year. He’s only rostered in about 35% of leagues, which is borderline criminal.
Mac Jones (SF) at Tampa Bay is the deep-league special.
With Brock Purdy ruled out (toe), Mac Jones steps into the Kyle Shanahan machine. He looked surprisingly comfortable last week, throwing for 342 yards against the Rams. Tampa’s defense has allowed over 1,100 passing yards already. If you’re in a 14-team league, Mac is a life-saver.
Injuries and Red Flags to Watch
Fantasy seasons are won and lost in the trainer's room. This week is particularly brutal for the "studs."
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- Lamar Jackson (BAL): He’s OUT. Hamstring. Don't wait for a miracle; move him to IR and grab Cooper Rush or Tyler Huntley.
- Kyler Murray (ARI): Listed as questionable with a foot issue. He didn't practice much this week. If he plays, don't expect the usual 50 rushing yards. He’ll be a pocket passer, which severely limits his ceiling.
- Anthony Richardson (IND): The orbital fracture news was a gut punch. Daniel Jones is the guy in Indy for now, and honestly, for fantasy purposes, Jones might be more consistent.
The "Do Not Start" List
I’m fading Geno Smith this week. I know he has the targets, but he’s leading the league in turnover-worthy throws. Against a Raiders team that—despite their record—still has a decent pass rush, Geno is a recipe for a 2-interception afternoon.
Also, stay away from Bryce Young if the weather in Carolina looks bad. He needs perfect conditions to overcome his physical limitations. If there's wind or heavy rain, that "Cowboys matchup" upside evaporates instantly.
Actionable Strategy for Week 6
Don't chase last week's points. Chase Opportunity and Matchup.
Check your waiver wire for Sam Darnold immediately. If he's gone, look at Matthew Stafford. People forget Stafford is a future Hall of Famer because he’s old, but the guy is throwing for 300 yards like it’s a light jog.
Before you lock your lineup, verify the weather in Kansas City and New England. High winds are the only thing that can truly kill a high-volume passing game. If you have a choice between a dome QB (like Daniel Jones) and a guy in a windy outdoor stadium, take the dome every single time.
Next Steps:
- Check the Saturday afternoon injury reports specifically for Kyler Murray's status.
- Secure a backup for Lamar Jackson if you haven't already; Cooper Rush is a high-floor fill-in.
- Verify your league's scoring for "Sacks Taken"—if your league penalizes them heavily, move Daniel Jones down three spots.