Fantasy Football Week 6 Running Back Start and Sit Recommendations

Best and Worst Fantasy Football Running Back Matchups for Week 6

As the 2025 NFL season progresses, understanding matchups is critical for optimizing your fantasy football lineup. The Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em column for Week 6 provides an in-depth analysis of running backs to consider or avoid based on a standard PPR scoring system. This guide highlights players outside of the elite tier who have the potential to exceed or fall short of expectations.

Key Running Back Matchups for Week 6

1. Bijan Robinson vs. Bills (Monday)
2. Christian McCaffrey at Buccaneers
3. Jahmyr Gibbs at Chiefs
4. Jonathan Taylor vs. Cardinals
5. Josh Jacobs vs. Bengals
6. De’Von Achane vs. Chargers
7. James Cook at Falcons (Monday)
8. Saquon Barkley at Giants (Thursday)
9. Kyren Williams at Ravens
10. Javonte Williams at Panthers

Byes: Texans, Vikings

Start of the Week: Quinshon Judkins at Steelers

Quinshon Judkins has solidified his role as the lead back for Cleveland, showcasing his abilities as an elite runner. He has consistently delivered strong performances against formidable defenses, including the Packers and Vikings. Facing a Steelers team that has allowed three running backs to score over 16 points in their last four games makes him a must-start this week.

Start ‘Em Players

Here are key players to consider starting in Week 6:

• Rico Dowdle vs. Cowboys (1 p.m. ET, Fox): Coming off a remarkable performance with 206 rushing yards and a touchdown, Dowdle is poised for another big day, especially if Chuba Hubbard remains sidelined. He enters this matchup against a Cowboys defense that has struggled against running backs this season.
• J.K. Dobbins at Jets (9:30 a.m. ET, NFL Network): Dobbins has been a standout for the Broncos, averaging 5.2 yards per carry. This week, he faces a Jets defense that has allowed significant points to opposing running backs, making him a solid start.
• Jacory Croskey-Merritt vs. Bears (Monday 8:15 p.m. ET, ABC): Croskey-Merritt is gaining momentum, having led the Commanders in snaps and touches while scoring twice last week. He has a favorable matchup against a Bears defense susceptible to allowing over 6.1 yards per rush.
• Tony Pollard at Raiders (4:05 p.m. ET, Fox): After scoring 14.8 fantasy points last week, Pollard faces a struggling Raiders defense that has allowed substantial fantasy points to running backs recently.

More Starts to Consider

• Javonte Williams at Panthers (1 p.m. ET, Fox)
• Rhamondre Stevenson at Saints (1 p.m. ET, CBS)
• David Montgomery at Chiefs (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC)

Sit of the Week: Alvin Kamara vs. Patriots

While Alvin Kamara remains a prominent name, his performance has declined, averaging only 3.9 yards per rush and 11.4 fantasy points overall. Facing a Patriots defense that has recently contained elite talent, fantasy players may want to temper expectations.

Sit ‘Em Players

Here are critical players you might want to bench this week:

• Derrick Henry vs. Rams (1 p.m. ET, Fox): Henry has seen a significant drop in productivity since an explosive Week 1, averaging just 3.2 yards per carry. The Rams have proven very tough against running backs, making this matchup particularly challenging for him.
• Chase Brown at Packers (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS): With the Bengals struggling this season, including the absence of Joe Burrow, Brown faces a tough Packers defense allowing only 3.7 yards per carry.
• Jaylen Warren vs. Browns (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Although Warren has been steady, the Browns defense has kept running backs limited in fantasy points, making this a potentially tough matchup.
• Isiah Pacheco vs. Lions (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC): Pacheco’s role is diminishing with the return of Kareem Hunt. Facing a Lions defense that limits fantasy production for running backs makes starting him a risky proposition.

Additional Sits to Consider

• RJ Harvey at Jets (9:30 a.m. ET, NFL Network)
• Kenneth Gainwell vs. Browns (1 p.m. ET, CBS)
• Kareem Hunt vs. Lions (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC)

Conclusion

As fantasy football demands nuanced strategies, make sure to analyze these suggested running back matchups for Week 6. With the right insights, you can make informed decisions that position your team for success as the NFL season continues.