NFL Fantasy 2025 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Defenses for Week 6

While the Packers have a really talented defense, it has not translated to big fantasy days. That could change this week, as the Bengals have allowed at least 10 fantasy points to every defense they've faced over the last three weeks. That might not sound like that much at first blush, but 10 fantasy points would tie the Packers' season high. The Bengals have allowed the most fantasy PPG to defenses and gave up 30 to the Vikings in Week 3. Acquiring Joe Flacco is not likely to fix the problem immediately, as he has struggled just as much as Jake Browning and the offensive line is a mess no matter who's behind it. Cincy leads the NFL with 11 turnovers. Play the Packers.

Dillon Gabriel held his own in his first NFL start. Still, this is a matchup -- Pittsburgh's D vs. a rookie QB -- I'd look to exploit. Especially since the Steelers have had better results in their last two games. In that span, they have picked up 11 sacks and averaged 13.0 fantasy PPG. In their last three games, they have nine takeaways. Plus, the Browns are returning from London and immediately hitting the road to face a divisional opponent fresh off a bye.

The Titans are coming off their first win of the season. In that game, they somehow scored a touchdown on a Cam Ward interception that resulted in a fumble and a recovery in the end zone. On the year, the Titans have allowed the second-most fantasy PPG to opposing defenses and have allowed double digits in three of five games. No defense has scored fewer than seven points against Tennessee this season. Stream against the Titans. 

Both defenses are in play in this one! It is no secret the Raiders have had a turnover problem. Geno Smith has a league-leading nine interceptions, compared to just six passing touchdowns. In total, the Raiders have averaged two giveaways per game, the second-highest rate in the NFL. They’ve allowed the third-most fantasy PPG to defenses. The Titans' D is a streaming option in Week 6. 

The Panthers have allowed 11 or more fantasy points to opposing defenses in three of five games. They also have averaged 1.6 giveaways per game, tied for the fourth-worst rate in the NFL. The Cowboys are coming off their first game with more than one defensive fantasy point. Last week, they were able to sack Justin Fields five times. They're a sneaky option against the Panthers this week. 

The Lions are just not a team to play defenses against in fantasy football. On the season, they have allowed the second-fewest fantasy PPG to opposing defenses at just one point per game. With their offense on one side and Patrick Mahomes on the other, this has the potential to be a high-scoring matchup.

There will be plenty of offensive players to start in this one. I would avoid the defenses, though. The Chiefs have allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy PPG to opposing defenses. They take care of the ball and have limited sacks. That typically leads to poor fantasy days for opposing defenses.

Indianapolis' offense is firing on all cylinders right now. The Colts are scoring at a high rate, limiting giveaways and preventing sacks. In total, they've allowed the fewest fantasy PPG to opposing defenses at just 0.2 per game. Get away from the Cardinals' D this week. 

The Bucs can put up points with the best of them. They dropped 38 on the road against a very tough Seahawks defense. They have scored 25 or more in three straight games. Plus, the 49ers have yet to score 10 fantasy points in a game this season and they’ve scored five or fewer in each of their last four. Get away from the Niners. 

New York's defense has been a flop so far. The Jets have allowed 27 or more points in every game this season. Last week, they finished with negative-three fantasy points. They have one game with more than three fantasy points, and their high mark on the year is seven. They have three sacks in their last four games and do not have a takeaway on the year. Do I need to keep going? Gang Green's D has a reputation of being a tough unit, but it's currently a mirage. Get far away from this group in fantasy.