Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em, NFL Week 6: Sit Trevor Lawrence, Start Jeremiyah Love?

Last week’s Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em produced results, with Seahawks RB Emanuel Wilson and Browns WR Denzel Boston each finding the end zone. Fantasy football never stops, meaning we’ve got more tough decisions to make in Week 6.

After only two teams were on bye last week, four will be off in Week 6, including superstars like Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs, Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase, and Vikings WR Justin Jefferson. That’s generating even tougher start or sit decisions for fantasy managers in the upcoming NFL slate.

Let’s look at a few options for NFL Week 6’s Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em, including player projections for picks on PrizePicks.

Make NFL picks for Week 6 on PrizePicks! 

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Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em, NFL Week 6

We’ve got a couple of surprises in store for Week 6’s Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em. A backup QB could be the better start over an MVP contender, a rookie RB may be headed for increased production, while wide receivers feature an intriguing clash between two of fantasy football’s top underperformers through five weeks.

We’ll cover the good and bad for each major position group for full-PPR leagues, including quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends.

Here’s who you should start and who should warm the bench for Week 6’s Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em.

Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: Quarterbacks

For Week 6’s Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em, an MVP-contending QB may need to be benched, while a backup signal-caller comes off back-to-back strong fantasy football performances.

Giants QB Jameis Winston: Start ‘Em

Game: Saints vs. Giants – Sunday, October 18, 1:00 p.m. ET

Projections via PrizePicks: 221.5 Pass Yards, 32.5 Pass Attempts, 0.5 INTs

After posting 20.0 fantasy points in Week 4 (QB8), Jameis Winston took it a step further with 25.7 fantasy points (QB6) in Week 5 vs. the Commanders. He’s made our waiver wire targets for the second consecutive week, making him a high-quality streaming option with just a 7.0% rostered rate, per FantasyPros. 

Over his last two games, Famous Jameis racked up 288.0 passing yards and 3.0 passing TDs per game in the split. Following 2 INTs in Week 4, he cleaned up the turnovers with 0 INTs vs. the Commanders. 

He continues to benefit from exceptional targets, as Giants WR Malik Nabers has 116.5 receiving yards per game over his last two outings. Meanwhile, New York TE Isaiah Likely has turned 12.5 targets per game into 9.0 receptions and 80.0 receiving yards per contest in his last two.

Furthermore, the Giants’ offensive line has a solid 50.0% pass block win rate that ranks 16th out of 32 NFL teams, per ESPN. Winston is in a good situation to keep producing, and that continues to Week 6’s matchup with the Saints, who allow 30.2 PPG (31st) and 5.7 yards per play (26th).

According to RBSDM, Winston’s 50.5% pass success rate is fifth among QBs since Week 4. Meanwhile, New Orleans cedes a 50.6% success rate (31st) and a 51.1% pass success rate (28th) on the season, forcing only 1.0 takeaways per contest (22nd).

Add Jameis Winston to your PrizePicks lineup.

Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence: Sit ‘Em

Game: Texans vs. Jaguars – Sunday, October 18, 9:30 a.m. ET

Projections via PrizePicks: 223.5 Pass Yards, 12.5 Rush Yards, 1.5 Pass TDs (Demon), 16 Fantasy Score

According to PrizePicks, Trevor Lawrence is firmly in MVP contention with the fourth-shortest payout to win the award (9.09x). But after finishing as QB4 for fantasy football last season, T-Law is currently QB12 through five games.

He’s essentially been feast or famine with the following fantasy point totals: 26.1, 7.2, 20.8, 13.1, and 22.7. That’s good for three weekly finishes in the top 12, but Lawrence also finished as QB29 and QB23 in Week 2 and Week 4. Which version will we get in Week 6?

Jacksonville plays its second consecutive game in London, facing the Texans in a key AFC South battle. Houston’s defense has underperformed by allowing 22.4 PPG (14th). 

However, the Texans’ D comes off its best game, holding the Titans to 187 total yards and 3.2 yards per play in a 26-3 win. No, I’m not moved by Houston shutting down an offense with a 40.3% success rate (24th), but there’s reason to believe Houston returns to its dominant form.

First, this defense still has perhaps the best defensive player in football, EDGE Will Anderson Jr., who is off to an absurd start with 10.0 sacks (first), 30 pressures (third), and 21 run stops (first), per Pro Football Focus. That looks like a full season stat line, and it’s been five games…

This unit also allows only a 39.9% success rate (fourth) and 5.0 yards per play (eighth), pointing to positive regression ahead. The Jaguars have a 42% pass block win rate (28th), and that’s a major issue against Anderson and Texans EDGE Danielle Hunter.

Lawrence has 3 INTs and 9 turnover-worthy plays in five games, setting off the alarms against a defense with an elite pass rush.

Make Trevor Lawrence picks on PrizePicks now!

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Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: Running Backs

Could the Cardinals lean more into their run game going forward? Meanwhile, Texans RB Woody Marks is headed for an increased role for Week 6. What’s the verdict for these running backs in our Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em?

Cardinals RB Jeremiyah Love: Start ‘Em

Game: Cardinals vs. Rams – Sunday, October 18, 4:05 p.m. ET

Projections via PrizePicks: 44.5 Rush Yards, 0.5 Anytime TDs (Demon)

The Cardinals have been hesitant about making Jeremiyah Love a workhorse. In Week 3, he posted a season-high 64.4% snap rate with 26 touches for 109 scrimmage yards; that fueled 21.9 fantasy points (RB4).

Since Week 3, Love has tallied 6.5 (RB41) and 2.2 fantasy points (RB57). That coincided with Arizona decreasing his role with 45.5% and 49.3% snap rates. The Cardinals’ -10.8 average margin per game (31st) is surely harming their 36.53% rush-play rate (26th).

Frankly, this offense’s identity should be running the rock, paired with easy throws and play-action looks featuring TE Trey McBride. That’s further emphasized by the offensive line’s 30% pass block win rate (31st) and 72% run block win rate (21st), and trading WR Marvin Harrison Jr. further points to the run game.

Perhaps Week 6 gives the Cardinals the opportunity to run often, as the Rams allow 4.6 yards per carry (24th) and a 39.6% rush success rate (17th). Love played 76% of snaps and took 11 of 12 RB touches in the first half of Week 5, but he then took only 24% of snaps in the second half of  Arizona’s 45-21 loss vs. the Lions.

After the Rams gave up 234 rushing yards and 6.3 yards per carry vs. the Bills on Monday Night Football, the Cards’ strategy is clear — run the ball and try to keep Los Angeles’ offense on the sideline. That should at least mean a heavy workload for Love in the first half.

Predict More or Less for Jeremiyah Love’s rush yards projection on PrizePicks! 

Texans RB Woody Marks: Sit ‘Em

Game: Texans vs. Jaguars – Sunday, October 18, 9:30 a.m. ET

Projections via PrizePicks: 47.5 Rush Yards, 12.5 Receiving Yards, 0.5 Anytime TDs (Demon), 11.5 Fantasy Score

Texans RB David Montgomery exited Week 5 with a groin injury and considered week to week. Woody Marks immediately took on a large role with an 84.8% snap rate with 15 carries and 4 targets in the passing game.

Marks went on to produce 62 rushing yards, 23 receiving yards, and most importantly, 12.5 fantasy points (RB22). If Montgomery misses Week 6’s battle with the Jaguars, Marks becomes a potential starter for fantasy football lineups.

However, Jacksonville’s defense is allowing only 2.9 YPC (first) and a 32.7% rush success rate (second). Opposing running backs record 13.6 fantasy points per game vs. the Jags (second-fewest), per Pro Football Reference.  

It’s already difficult to buy this run game, as Houston has a 71% run block win rate (24th). Marks has totaled only 3.5 YPC, and his 2.51 yards after contact per attempt ranks 34th among RBs with at least 30 carries this season.

Make Woody Marks picks on PrizePicks now!

Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: Wide Receivers

Ahead of the 2026 season, Broncos WR Jaylen Waddle (WR18) and Buccaneers WR Emeka Egbuka (WR21) were each drafted among the top 25 fantasy receivers for average draft position (ADP), per FantasyPros. 

Both players have stumbled through five weeks. Who could finally warrant a start in Week 6?

Buccaneers WR Emeka Egbuka: Start ‘Em

Game: Steelers vs. Buccaneers – Sunday, October 18, 1:00 p.m. ET

Projections via PrizePicks: 0.5 Anytime TDs (Demon)

Week 5 provided Buccaneers QB Jalon Daniels’ second full start, and Tampa Bay totaled 419 yards and 6.4 yards per play in a 24-16 win over the Cowboys. Daniels enjoyed a 50.0% success rate that tied for the 10th-best mark in Week 5.

Included in that success, Emeka Egbuka had 9 targets for 6 catches and 38 receiving yards while posting a 14-yard rushing TD. His 17.2 fantasy points (WR17) were his best finish yet. Most importantly, he’s logged 9 targets in two of his last three outings.

According to PlayerProfiler, he rarely leaves the field with an 84.9% snap share (13th), and a 14.8% motion rate (22nd) suggests the Bucs are making a consistent effort to give Egbuka favorable matchups in the passing game. 

Week 6’s opponents, the Steelers, allow a 47.8% pass success rate (22nd) and 7.4 yards per passing attempt (22nd). Egbuka has seen his average depth of target (aDOT) decline to season lows of 6.3 and 8.3 over his last two games, but that could lead to plenty of targets against Pittsburgh’s strong pass rush.

Furthermore, Bucs QB Baker Mayfield has a chance to return from his thumb injury this week. Baker’s return would likely increase Egbuka’s aDOT, proven by 14.0, 17.2, and 10.4 totals over Emeka’s first three games.

Pick More or Less for Emeka Egbuka’s projections on PrizePicks. 

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Broncos WR Jaylen Waddle: Sit ‘Em

Game: Seahawks vs. Broncos – Thursday, October 15, 8:15 p.m. ET

Projections via PrizePicks: 49.5 Receiving Yards, 4.5 Receptions, 0.5 Anytime TDs (Demon), 11 Fantasy Score

Jaylen Waddle is another target with a meager 9.8 aDOT, including 4.7 and 6.0 over his previous two appearances. However, it’s not leading to many targets, with Waddle totaling 5.5 targets per game in the last two. 

When Waddle recorded 21.8 fantasy points in Week 2 (WR9), he had a season-high 15.3 aDOT. But this feels like a lost cause with QB Bo Nix holding a sickening 6.5 aDOT for the season. Waddle’s been under 7.0 fantasy points in two of his last three.

Head coach Sean Payton took over play-calling duties in Week 5, and he had minimal impact on Nix with a 5.8 aDOT, 2 turnover-worthy plays, and 123 passing yards. Nix sports -0.013 adjusted EPA per play (25th) and a 42.1% success rate (27th) this season. Simply put, Waddle is stuck in QB purgatory.

Week 6 provides perhaps the Broncos’ toughest matchup yet against the daunted Seahawks defense. This unit gives up 4.1 yards per play (first), a 38.4% success rate (second), and a 41.2% dropback success rate (fourth).

According to FTNFantasy, Nix has -0.120 EPA per dropback (26th) against two-high coverage, and Seattle runs a two-high coverage on 49.5% of snaps (fifth-highest). The Seahawks generate an exceptional 37.5% pressure rate (fourth-highest), and Nix holds a 39.0% completion rate, 5.2 yards per passing attempt, and 8 turnover-worthy plays when under pressure.

Considering Waddle’s success is directly tied to Nix, he’s a sit for Thursday night’s tough matchup vs. the Seahawks.

Add Jaylen Waddle to your PrizePicks lineup for Week 6.

Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: Tight Ends

Injuries are shifting the Steelers’ offense and TE Pat Freiermuth’s role, while Bears TE Colston Loveland continues to struggle in the 2026 season. 

Steelers TE Pat Freiermuth: Start ‘Em

Game: Steelers vs. Buccaneers – Sunday, October 18, 1:00 p.m. ET

Pat Freiermuth is currently TE8 for fantasy football, and he comes off his best performance with 21.5 fantasy points (TE4) vs. the Colts.

Most of this production was carried by 2 receiving TDs, though his 7 targets for 5 catches and 44 receiving yards were still encouraging. He’s up to 4 TDs over five games, backed by a 17.6% red zone target share. 

Freiermuth’s 8.2 aDOT ranks as the seventh-highest mark for TEs, and his 3 deep targets lead his position group. He’s already getting a boatload of valuable targets, and that could increase with Steelers WR Michael Pittman Jr. on injured reserve, while WR Roman Wilson is expected to miss a couple of weeks due to a finger injury.

The Buccaneers concede 12.7 FPPG to TEs (11th-most), and they run zone coverage for 69.3% of snaps (10th-highest). Freiermuth sports 1.62 yards per route run vs. zone compared to only 0.56 vs. man coverage. Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers has a 2.0% DVOA vs. zone coverage, far ahead of -32.1% when seeing man.

Make Pat Freiermuth picks on PrizePicks now!

Bears TE Colston Loveland: Sit ‘Em

Game: Bears vs. Falcons – Sunday, October 18, 1:00 p.m. ET

Colston Loveland has already been labeled one of the biggest busts of the fantasy football season. After carrying a TE3 ADP, Loveland sits as TE33 with 4.8 FPPG (TE37). Need I say more?

He’s recorded the following fantasy point totals: 0.0, 1.3, 7.1, 11.7, and 3.9. That sole double-digit outing was driven by 9 targets, 6 catches, and 57 receiving yards. However, Loveland hasn’t surpassed 5 targets in his other four appearances. 

Among TEs, his 16.7% target rate is 35th, and a 5.7 aDOT sits 28th. Loveland’s low 61.1% catchable target rate (42nd) isn’t helping his cause, and despite a juicy 26.1% red zone target share (ninth), he’s yet to log a touchdown.

Perhaps positive regression is coming for Loveland finding the end zone, but I’ll have to see it to believe it. We have sound reasoning considering his deflating efficiency: 0.72 yards per route run and 7.64 total EPA, per SumerSports.

Loveland may need to warm your bench until he proves his worth, and Week 6 isn’t doing him any favors with the Falcons allowing only 6.2 yards per passing attempt (fifth) and a 41.7% dropback success rate (fifth).

Add Colston Loveland to your PrizePicks lineup for NFL Week 6.

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Turn Your Fantasy Football Takes to NFL Picks on PrizePicks

Coming off strong performances, Jameis Winston, Emeka Egbuka, and Pat Freiermuth could all warrant starts for NFL Week 6. Meanwhile, Trevor Lawrence, Woody Marks, and Jaylen Waddle all have difficult matchups ahead, drawing clear concern for fantasy football production.

You can turn your fantasy football knowledge into picks on PrizePicks! Pick players, predict More or Less on their stats, and cash in if you’re right. With Team Picks, you can make predictions on NFL game winners, spreads, and over/unders — now available in 36 states. 

As we head into the NFL season, stay locked in Playbook for weekly NFL start/sit advice, waiver wire analysis, and game picks.