Welcome to Week 6, and welcome to Quick Grades, your weekly companion for start/sit clarity. We’ve combined consensus rankings and projections with The Primer’s matchup analysis to assign letter grades for every fantasy-relevant player, then added concise notes to illuminate the reasoning. Treat the grade as your default stance and the note as your context check.
Let’s make your weekly lineup calls easy. In general, A means start with confidence, C is matchup-dependent, and F is a bench. Scroll for every position’s call, plus key notes that explain the “why” behind the grade. Prefer a curated view of only your roster? Sync your team for a personalized My Primer experience.
Week 6 Fantasy Football Rankings & Start/Sit Grades
To keep this fast and scannable, we’re leading with the overall Week 5 rankings. Below that, you’ll find each position (QB, RB, WR, TE, DST, K) broken out with letter grades and quick notes. Use the rankings for a top-down view, then jump to the position sections for the grades behind each call.
Week 6 Start/Sit Rankings
Week 6 Quarterback Start/Sit Grades
Bo Nix (QB)
Bo Nix is the QB19 in fantasy points per game as he’s run hot and cold. He has surpassed 20 fantasy points in two games while being held below 18 fantasy points in the other three contests. Nix has regressed big time from his monster rookie season. Among 40 qualifying quarterbacks, he ranks 30th in yards per attempt, 28th in passer rating, 29th in highly accurate throw rate, 32nd in catchable target rate, and he has the seventh-highest off-target rate. With all that said, this matchup lines up as another probable spike week for Nix because the Jets’ pass defense has been horrendous. New York has allowed the seventh-highest yards per attempt, the fourth-most passing touchdowns, the third-highest passer rating, and manufactured the fourth-lowest pressure rate.
Matthew Stafford (QB)
Matthew Stafford has been absolutely ballin’ out. He’s the QB9 in fantasy points per game with at least 25.6 fantasy points in each of the last two games. Among 40 qualifying quarterbacks, Stafford ranks second in passing yards per game and passing touchdowns, seventh in passer rating, and first in hero throw rate. Stafford should smash again this week. Baltimore’s pass defense is in shambles, allowing the third-most passing yards per game, the most passing touchdowns, the third-highest in CPOE, and the sixth-highest success rate per dropback.
Dillon Gabriel (QB)
Last week, in his NFL debut, Dillon Gabriel finished as the QB19 in fantasy, but his per-dropback stats were quite concerning. Yes, he was 11th in passer rating and had three passing scores, but his accuracy metrics were rough even for his first start. Among 40 qualifying passers, he ranked 36th in aDOT and still managed to rank dead last in highly accurate throw rate and catchable target rate. Yes, it was a horrible matchup and his first NFL start, but those numbers still aren’t great at all. Gabriel could have more luck this week against a Pittsburgh pass defense that has allowed the third-most yards per attempt, the second-highest CPOE, and the eighth-highest success rate per dropback.
Aaron Rodgers (QB)
Aaron Rodgers has been and will continue to be a low-end QB2. He is the QB25 in fantasy points per game, while the Steelers aren’t asking much out of him these days. Among 40 qualifying passers, he is dead last in aDOT and has the second-highest percentage of his passing yards coming after the catch (72.9%). Despite these short area throws, Rodgers still ranks 19th in catchable target rate and has the ninth-highest turnover-worthy throw rate. The Browns haven’t been an overwhelming pass defense, allowing the seventh-highest passer rating and the sixth-most passing touchdowns, but they are 17th in success rate per dropback and rank 11th-best in pressure rate. If the Browns’ pass rush can get home, Rodgers will have a long day. Rodgers has the tenth-lowest adjusted completion rate and the third-highest turnover-worthy play rate when pressured.
Sam Darnold (QB)
Sam Darnold has been ballin’ this season. Last week, Seattle let him chuck it more with the matchup and script. He finished as the QB2 for the week with 341 through the air, 10.0 yards per attempt, and four passing touchdowns. Overall, he is the QB21 in fantasy points per game. Among 40 qualifying passers, Darnold ranks first in yards per attempt, third in passer rating, second in highly accurate throw rate, and third in hero throw rate. The matchup this week isn’t nearly as good, but Seattle could be forced to pass more this week with the Jaguars also fielding a strong run defense. Jacksonville has allowed the 12th-fewest yards per attempt, the second-lowest passer rating, and the ninth-lowest CPOE, but Jacksonville has also given up the sixth-most passing yards per game and the 12th-most passing touchdowns per game. Darnold should have a solid day with the upside to be a QB1 again.
Trevor Lawrence (QB)
Last week, Trevor Lawrence finished as the QB5 for the week on the strength of a season-high 54 rushing yards and two scores on the ground. He also contributed a season-high 8.8 yards per attempt and 221 passing yards with his arm. Among 40 qualifying passers, he ranks 29th in yards per attempt, 24th in highly accurate throw rate, and 13th in catchable target rate. He faces what has become a middle-of-the-road pass defense with Seattle. The Seahawks have allowed the seventh-most passing yards per game and 13th-most passing touchdowns (tied) while also ranking 18th in CPOE and 17th in success rate per dropback. Lawrence could surprise this week if the rushing becomes a bigger part of his game moving forward.
Baker Mayfield (QB)
Receiver injuries don’t matter. Offensive line injuries don’t matter. Baker Mayfield just keeps doing the damn thing as the QB5 in fantasy points per game. He is shoving himself into the MVP conversation this season. His rushing production has helped his fantasy output, with at least 13 rushing yards in each game and three outings with at least 33 rushing yards. Among 40 qualifying passers, Mayfield ranks sixth in passing yards per game, 13th in yards per attempt, and second in hero throw rate. Mayfield will likely post another QB1-worthy stat line this week against a 49ers’ pass defense that has allowed the 12th-most passing touchdowns, the 11th-highest success rate per dropback, and ranks 19th in CPOE.
Week 6 Wide Receiver Start/Sit Grades
Matthew Golden (WR)
In his last two games played, Golden has a 67.5% route share, a 14.7% target share, a 40.8% air-yard share, 55 receiving yards per game (2.12 yards per route run), and a 20% first-read share. Golden was the WR37 and WR30 in weekly scoring. He has two red zone targets and four deep targets this season. Since Week 4, the Bengals’ pass defense has featured two high at the 12th-highest rate (54.2%). Golden leads the team with a 24% target per route run rate, 2.87 yards per route run, and a 26.5% first-read share against two high. He’s a decent flex this week. Cincy is 16th in fantasy points per game and 20th in receiving yards per game allowed to perimeter wide receivers.
Romeo Doubs (WR)
Doubs is the WR23 in fantasy points per game, but that is largely due to his three-touchdown eruption before the bye. Outside of that game, he has only one finish inside the top-36 wide receivers in weekly scoring (WR35). This week, Doubs faces a Bengals pass defense that over the last two games has featured two high at the 12th-highest rate (54.2%). Doubs ranks third on the team in target per route run rate (13%) against two high, with only 0.53 yards per route run and a 14.7% first-read share (third on the team). Doubs has six red zone targets in four games played. The Green Bay passing attack is so unpredictable weekly that I won’t fault anyone for playing Doubs even though the coverage shell matchup says to sit him. Just don’t be surprised if he returns a dud. Cincy is 16th in fantasy points per game and 20th in receiving yards per game allowed to perimeter wide receivers.
Tee Higgins (WR)
Tee Higgins is the WR59 in fantasy points per game with two top-36 weekly finishes (WR28, WR35). He has four red zone targets across his last four games. He has a 16.9% target share, 0.99 yards per route run (31.6 receiving yards per game), and a 24.1% first-read share. Higgins is a dice roll flex play with limited upside and a bad matchup. The Packers have allowed the tenth-fewest PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers.
Xavier Worthy (WR)
Since his return to the lineup, Xavier Worthy has been the WR24 in fantasy points per game. He has seen a 21.8% target share with a 40.4% air-yard share with 62.5 receiving yards per game (2.02 yards per route run) and a 25.5% first-read share. Worthy has three end zone targets in his last two games while leading the team with six deep targets. Worthy should smash this week against a banged-up secondary that was already allowing the tenth-most PPR points per target and the fifth-most receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers. Detroit has also allowed the third-most deep passing yards per game while ranking 17th in deep completion rate.
Jameson Williams (WR)
Jameson Williams has been incredibly disappointing this season. We heard all the hype all offseason about the growth of his role and skillset, yet he’s just been Detroit’s field stretcher again this season. Williams is the WR63 in fantasy points per game, with 40% of his target volume coming via deep shots (he leads Detroit in deep targets). This isn’t the matchup to covet Williams’ role in the offense. Kansas City has allowed the sixth-fewest deep passing yards per game, the seventh-lowest deep completion rate, and the lowest deep passer rating. Even if you don’t believe me with that angle, then let’s talk about the coverage matchup. Kansas City has the third-highest two high rate (62.4%). Against two high, Williams has only an 8.8% target share, 1.32 yards per route run, and an 11.4% first-read share. Sit Williams this week.
Khalil Shakir (WR)
Khalil Shakir has been a steady WR3 as the WR35 in fantasy points per game. Shakir has finished as a top-36 wide receiver in three of his five games in weekly scoring (WR26, WR25, WR15). He has four red zone targets and two scores this season. Shakir has a 17.5% target share with 45.2 receiving yards per game (1.78 yards per route run) and a 17.7% first-read share. This week, he faces an Atlanta secondary that has featured single high at the highest rate in the NFL (68.5%). Against single high, Shakir has seen his numbers rise with a 20.5% target share, 2.38 yards per route run, and a 21.1% first-read share. Shakir has a tough matchup against a secondary that has allowed the fourth-fewest PPR points per target to slot receivers, but he should lead the way as Josh Allen‘s trusted weapon. It all balances out to make him a solid flex for Week 6.
DJ Moore (WR)
It has been a disappointing season for D.J. Moore so far as the WR44 in fantasy points per game. He has only two red zone targets and two deep targets this season. Moore has only one top-36 weekly finish this season (WR29). He has a 15.8% target share, a 17.5% air-yard share, 1.36 yards per route run (43.3 receiving yards per game), and a 15.4% first-read share. He has a nice matchup this week, which gives him some flex viability. Washington has allowed the 11th-most PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers.
Week 6 Running Back Start/Sit Grades
D’Andre Swift (RB)
D’Andre Swift has been a snooze-worthy volume-based RB2 this season (RB24). Swift is 14th in snap share, ninth in opportunity share, 20th in weighted opportunities, and 14th in targets among running backs. Among 47 qualifying backs, he ranks 39th in explosive run rate and 42nd in yards after contact per attempt. He has averaged 17.3 touches and 68.1 total yards. Washington is a middle-of-the-road run defense, ranking 16th in rushing yards per game, 14th in yards after contact per attempt, and allowing the tenth-lowest rushing success rate. Swift is a solid volume bet again this week, but there’s not much chance of a ceiling performance.
J.K. Dobbins (RB)
Dobbins continues to rumble along as a dependable RB2 as the RB17 in fantasy points per game. He has averaged 16.6 touches and 85 total yards. His production has come almost exclusively from his rushing work, as he has only one reception through the air in four of five games this season. Among 47 qualifying rushers, Dobbins ranks fourth in explosive run rate and 19th in missed tackles forced per attempt. Dobbins should have another strong week against the Jets’ porous defense. New York has allowed the sixth-most rushing yards per game, the sixth-most yards after contact per attempt, and ranks 15th in missed tackle rate.
RJ Harvey (RB)
Sean Payton rug-pulled us again. After Week 4, when the backfield was whittled down to J.K. Dobbins and R.J. Harvey, Payton was back on his bs in Week 5. Tyler Badie cut into R.J. Harvey’s role, crushing his fantasy outlook. Harvey’s snap share fell to 21.4% with only four of 25 running back rushing opportunities. His route share fell to 18.6% despite getting three targets on his eight routes run. This is incredibly frustrating after he played well in Week 5, after seeing a growth in his usage. Until we see some sustained consistency in his usage, Harvey has to sit on fantasy benches.
Michael Carter (RB)
Last week, Michael Carter took over the workhorse role for Arizona with 57.4% of the snaps with 23 touches and 73 total yards as the RB8 for the week. He had 18 of the 25 running back carries and a 35.1% route share (15.6% target share). He wasn’t very efficient with an 11% missed tackle rate and 1.26 yards after contact per attempt, but as we always say, “volume is king in fantasy.” Carter did split the red zone carries (two apiece) with Bam Knight. He looks in line for another solid day in Week 6. The Colts have allowed the 11th-highest explosive run rate, the fifth-highest yards before contact per attempt, and the 11th-highest success rate to gap runs (Carter 73.7% gap).
Derrick Henry (RB)
It has been a tough season for Derrick Henry so far. Lamar Jackson has had hammy issues, and the Ravens’ defense has fallen apart, which has hurt his weekly volume. Henry is the RB27 in fantasy points per game, averaging 13.6 touches and 70.6 total yards. He hasn’t had more than 50 rushing yards since Week 1. Henry’s gamescript sensitive role and his lack of passing game usage have crushed him. He still has been efficient with his rushing volume. Among 47 qualifying backs, he ranks seventh in explosive run rate and ninth in yards after contact per attempt. Sadly, this is another game that doesn’t project well for Henry. The Rams’ offense should shred the Ravens’ pass defense, and Baltimore will likely be trailing in this game. Los Angeles has also fielded an elite run defense. The Rams have allowed the tenth-fewest rushing yards per game, the lowest explosive run rate, and the fourth-fewest yards after contact per attempt. Henry will need at least one touchdown to save his fantasy day.
Travis Etienne Jr. (RB)
Travis Etienne is the RB14 in fantasy points per game, averaging 17.2 touches and 96.8 total yards. He is 17th in opportunity share, 18th in weighted opportunities, and seventh in red zone touches among backs. Among 47 qualifying backs, Etienne ranks 11th in explosive run rate and 14th in yards after contact per attempt. Etienne will have uphill sledding this week. Seattle’s run defense has remained stout, giving up the second-lowest explosive run rate and yards after contact per attempt and the third-fewest rushing yards per game.
Kenneth Walker III (RB)
The Seattle backfield usage has been frustrating. Over the last two weeks with Zach Charbonnet back, Walker has been the RB34 in fantasy points per game despite averaging 15.5 touches and 98 total yards. He has been losing the red zone fight with Charbonnet, with only four red zone rushing attempts to Charbonnet’s seven. In this two-game sample, Walker has had 29 of 50 running back carries, a 47.5% snap share, a 26.6% route share, and 5% target share. With his efficiency, touchdown regression will hit, but he’ll remain a frustrating player to have until he overtakes Charbonnet in the red zone department. He has clearly been the more efficient and explosive player, ranking third in explosive run rate and tenth in missed tackles forced per attempt. He’ll have another tough matchup on the ground to overcome this week. Jacksonville has allowed the 11th-fewest rushing yards per game, the fourth-lowest missed tackle rate, and the third-fewest yards after contact per attempt.
Zach Charbonnet (RB)
Since his return, Zach Charbonnet has been the RB29 in fantasy points per game, averaging 12 touches and 46 total yards. He’s been productive as the team’s goal line back with scores in both games. Since Week 4, he has seven red zone carries to Kenneth Walker’s four. Charbonnet has had 21 of the 50 running back carries, a 50.8% snap share, a 43.8% route share, and a 6.7% target share. He hasn’t been an efficient player, with only an 8% missed tackle rate and 1.94 yards after contact per attempt. Charbonnet remains a touchdown-dependent flex this week with a bad matchup. Jacksonville has allowed the 11th-fewest rushing yards per game, the fourth-lowest missed tackle rate, and the third-fewest yards after contact per attempt.
Week 6 Tight End Start/Sit Grades
Darren Waller (TE)
Darren Waller is BACK! Over the last two weeks, he has finished as the TE4 and TE6 in weekly scoring while seeing three red zone targets and scoring three touchdowns. Overall, he has a 53.7% route share with a 14.8% target share with 52.5 receiving yards per game (2.92 yards per route run) and a 19.6% first-read share. Last week, he saw his route share increase to 65%. Waller could live in the 60-70% route share area code weekly, which is fine. I’m not projecting for Waller to have a big game in Week 6, though. Since Week 3, the Bolts have the tenth-highest single high rate (57.4%). Since Week 4, against single high, Waller has had only one target (4% target share) and a 5.9% first-read share. The Chargers have been one of the toughest teams against tight ends, giving up the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game and the fourth-fewest receiving yards to the position. Waller needs a touchdown to save his Week 6.
Hunter Henry (TE)
Hunter Henry has been a wonderful draft value for Fantasy GMs this season as the TE8 in fantasy points per game. He ranks first in deep targets and second in red zone targets among tight ends. Henry has an 18.2% target share, 1.88 yards per route run (50 receiving yards per game), and a 20.6% first-read share. He should destroy the Saints this week, who have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game and the ninth-most receiving yards to tight ends.
Juwan Johnson (TE)
Juwan Johnson has an 18.8% target share, 1.39 yards per route run (44.2 receiving yards per game), and a 23.1% first-read share. This week, he’ll face a Patriots’ pass defense that has the sixth-highest rate of single-high (60.4%). Against single high, Johnson has a 21.4% target share, 1.58 yards per route run, and a 25% first-read share. Last week, with Taysom Hill and Foster Moreau active, Johnson still retained an 81.3% route share as Hill and Moreau combined to only run six routes. Maybe that changes in the weeks to come, but Johnson should still be viewed as the team’s full-time starting tight end. Johnson is a strong TE1 facing a defense that has allowed the second-most receiving yards and the seventh-most fantasy points per game to tight ends.
Travis Kelce (TE)
Travis Kelce is the TE10 in fantasy points per game, seeing a 16.4% target share with 48.6 receiving yards per game (1.54 yards per route run) and a 20.5% first-read share. He is tied for third amongst tight ends with five red zone targets. Kelce should have a solid stat line this week, but don’t expect a monster outing. Detroit has allowed the 11th-fewest schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game to tight ends while also ranking 14th in receiving yards allowed. The Lions have given up the fifth-most receiving touchdowns (tied) to the position, so Kecle could get in the end zone this week to help boost his fantasy day.
Kyle Pitts (TE)
Kyle Pitts has been a nice surprise this season as the TE9 in fantasy points per game. He has only one deep target and a red zone target so far. Pitts has an 18.2% target share, 1.64 yards per route run (51.3 receiving yards per game), and a 15.7% first-read share. Fantasy GMs shouldn’t expect much from Pitts this week, though. The Bills have the fourth-highest rate of two high (61%). Against two high, Pitts has seen his target share drop to 15.4% with 1.58 yards per route run and a 14.3% first-read share. Buffalo has been tough on tight ends over the last few seasons. This year, Buffalo has allowed the fewest schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game and the second-fewest receiving yards to the position. Look for a streamer this week instead of starting Pitts.
Week 6 Defense / Special Teams Start/Sit Grades
Week 6 Kicker Start/Sit Grades
