Fantasy Football Week 6 Wide Receiver Guide: Who to Start and Who to Bench
Wide receiver selections can make or break your fantasy football week, and Week 6 is no exception. But here's where it gets controversial: while many focus on the household names like Josh Allen or Ja'Marr Chase, the real fantasy payday often hides just beneath the surface. This guide zeroes in on those crucial wideouts who might either surprise us with a breakout performance or disappoint in tough matchups. And this is the part most fantasy players miss — the strategic value of analyzing matchups through a PPR (points per reception) lens, which directly impacts scoring potential.
For those final lineup tweaks, don't forget to check my regularly updated weekly player rankings throughout the 2025 NFL season, designed to keep you a step ahead.
Top Wide Receiver Picks for Week 6:
- Puka Nacua heading to face the Ravens
- Amon-Ra St. Brown making a trip to the Chiefs
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba taking on the Jaguars
- Ja’Marr Chase visiting the Packers
- Rome Odunze locking horns with the Commanders on Monday night
- Emeka Egbuka hosting the 49ers
- Drake London matching up against the Bills, also Monday night
- Deebo Samuel Sr. squaring off versus the Bears Monday evening
- Davante Adams playing at the Ravens
- Tetairoa McMillan facing the Cowboys
If you want to dive deeper, the complete Week 6 rankings are available for a comprehensive look at all receivers.
A quick heads-up: the Texans and Vikings have their bye week, so plan accordingly.
Start of the Week
Tetairoa McMillan vs. Cowboys (Sunday 1 p.m. ET, Fox): McMillan has yet to have a breakout performance, but this game could be the turning point. The Cowboys' defense is notoriously vulnerable against receivers on the outside, conceding the most fantasy points to perimeter wideouts this season. To put it simply, no fewer than six wide receivers have scored over 15 points against them, five have topped 19 points, and three have exploded for over 28 fantasy points. This matchup screams opportunity.
Recommended Starters
Deebo Samuel Sr. vs. Bears (Monday 8:15 p.m. ET, ABC): Since Terry McLaurin's absence, Deebo Samuel Sr. has taken center stage, racking up over 20 points in consecutive weeks and commanding 42% of the offense’s targets. Facing a Bears defense that ranks fifth in points allowed to slot receivers, Monday night’s game is primed for a strong fantasy showing from Samuel.
Xavier Worthy vs. Lions (Monday 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC): Worthy’s 11.1 points last week were steady, but this could be the week he jumps higher. The game total has soared to 50.5 points, hinting at a fast-paced, high-scoring affair. Detroit has allowed seven receiving touchdowns to wide receivers already, the seventh most in the league, indicating Worthy is set for bounce-back potential.
Marvin Harrison Jr. at Colts (Sunday 1 p.m. ET, Fox): Harrison Jr. has been steady with 33 PPR points over his last two games. The Colts’ defense has given up the fifth most points to wide receivers this season, with four receivers having scored 15-plus points against them. Plus, Harrison Jr. has added motivation facing his dad’s former team, adding an emotional edge.
Chris Olave vs. Patriots (Sunday 1 p.m. ET, CBS): Olave leads the league in targets behind only Puka Nacua, signaling he's the go-to receiver. The Patriots’ defense has allowed six wide receivers to log over 12 points, with three surpassing 16 points, making this matchup prime for a big game from Olave.
Additional Recommended Starters:
- Devonta Smith vs. Giants (Thursday 8:15 p.m. ET, Prime Video)
- Stefon Diggs at Saints (Sunday 1 p.m. ET, CBS)
- Calvin Ridley vs. Raiders (Sunday 4:05 p.m. ET, Fox)
Sit of the Week
Brian Thomas Jr. vs. Seahawks (Sunday 1 p.m. ET, Fox): Thomas Jr.'s season hasn’t been kind, ranking 40th among wide receivers in fantasy points. Starting him against the Seahawks is risky, as they’ve allowed only two touchdowns to perimeter receivers all season. Until the Jaguars stabilize their passing game, Thomas Jr. remains a shaky fantasy option.
Recommended Sits
DJ Moore at Commanders (Monday 8:15 p.m. ET, ABC): Moore’s role has diminished behind Rome Odunze in Chicago’s offense. He's failed to hit double digits in most games and rarely sees more than six targets, making him a risky start against the Commanders.
Jameson Williams at Chiefs (Monday 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC): Williams has struggled badly, with single-digit scoring in nearly every game and minimal target volume — only one catch last week despite favorable matchups. Kansas City’s defense is tougher, so Williams is best left benched.
Chris Godwin vs. 49ers (Sunday 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS): Returning from injury, Godwin’s numbers have been disappointing. Operating primarily outside rather than in the slot — where he's historically been stronger — combined with facing the 49ers' stingy perimeter defense, suggests this won't be a fruitful outing.
Jerry Jeudy at Steelers (Sunday 1 p.m. ET, CBS): Despite decent target volume, Jeudy’s production has been underwhelming. Although the Steelers have allowed points to perimeter receivers, Jeudy’s inconsistent output makes him a low-confidence flex only for managers desperate to fill spots.
Other Wideouts to Avoid:
- Ladd McConkey at Dolphins (Sunday 1 p.m. ET, CBS)
- Travis Hunter vs. Seahawks (Sunday 1 p.m. ET, Fox)
- Khalil Shakir at Falcons (Monday 7:15 p.m. ET, ESPN)
Final Thoughts
Does relying on matchup-based strategies lead to more consistent fantasy success, or do you think targeting only elite players is the key? Are you on board with these sleeper picks, or do you trust your tried-and-true stars over matchup plays? Share your takes and let’s get the debate rolling in the comments!
