As Week 6 of the 2025 NFL season concludes, several key developments emerge that could impact fantasy football strategies. Coaches, players, and trends make headlines as teams vie for playoff positions. Below, we summarize the most significant takeaways from this week’s action.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba Targets WR1 Status
With Puka Nacua potentially sidelined, Jaxon Smith-Njigba (JSN) looks poised to seize the WR1 overall ranking in fantasy football. Through six weeks, JSN has accumulated an impressive 21.4 fantasy points per game, closely trailing Nacua. His metrics indicate that he is a strong candidate for wide receiver supremacy this season.
- JSN’s advanced stats include 4.4 yards per route run, over a yard higher than Nacua’s 3.4.
- He has a 34% target rate on his routes, ranking just behind Nacua.
- JSN boasts a remarkable 37% target share, outpacing all others in the league.
- Only Tyreek Hill and Malik Nabers recorded higher air yard shares than JSN’s 48% this season.
Cam Ward’s Troubling Performance
Cam Ward of the Tennessee Titans faced significant challenges leading to the dismissal of head coach Brian Callahan. Ward’s performance has been notably poor, ranking last in expected points added (EPA) per play among all quarterbacks this season. With a record of 4-19, the Titans hope a coaching change will revive their offensive strategies.
Rico Dowdle’s Continued Success
Rico Dowdle has emerged as a top performer, following a remarkable 206-yard game in Week 5 with 183 rushing yards and a touchdown in Week 6. He ranks fifth in the NFL for rushing yards and is gaining recognition as a potential starter for the rest of the season.
Eagles Struggles on Third Downs
The Philadelphia Eagles continue to underperform, evidenced by their recent loss to the New York Giants. A critical area of concern is their inability to convert on third-and-long situations, ranking low in both success rate and efficiency metrics. Quarterback Jalen Hurts struggles against defenses anticipating his passing plays.
Baker Mayfield’s Deep Passing Resurgence
This season, Baker Mayfield has significantly improved his deep passing game, boasting a league-leading deep throw rate of 16.4%. This season, he has connected on 44% of these long throws, contributing to his eight touchdown passes from deep. This resurgence helps bolster the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offensive potential.
Other Notable Developments
- Seattle Seahawks Backfield: Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet continue to split carries, with Charbonnet holding a dominant role, complicating Walker’s fantasy value.
- Michael Penix’s Improvement: The Falcons’ quarterback has displayed growth after a rough start, showcasing potential following the Week 5 bye.
- Jaxson Dart’s Rushing Success: Dart joins an elite group of quarterbacks with over 50 rushing yards in their first three starts, solidifying his place in the quarterback hierarchy.
Targeting Defensive Matchups
The Dallas Cowboys and Cincinnati Bengals have emerged as prime targets for fantasy players. Dallas has allowed the most points to quarterbacks and wide receivers, while Cincinnati leads for running backs and tight ends. This trend suggests favorable matchups for key players facing these defenses in the upcoming weeks.
Signs of Life from Matthew Golden
Matthew Golden has seen increased involvement in the Packers’ offense, particularly in the slot. After setting season highs in Week 4 and maintaining strong performance metrics, his future production is worth monitoring as the season progresses.
As we move into Week 7, these insights will help fantasy managers adjust their lineups effectively and enhance their chances of success in the 2025 NFL season.
