We’re just over a quarter through the 2023 NFL season and boy has it been a crazy year so far. We’ve seen fantasy superstar Puka Nacua come out of nowhere and produce mind-boggling numbers. The Detroit Lions offense has lived up to the hype with stars at every position. It’s been a wild ride and we’re still in the beginning. Let’s take a dive into who you should start or sit for Week 6.

Quarterback

Start ’em – Kirk Cousins

Kirk Cousins has been mostly phenomenal for fantasy managers in 2023. The overall QB6 has 17+ points in four of his five games this year. Although that hasn’t led to a lot of team success for the struggling Vikings, fantasy managers are only worried about stats. Cousins gets a date with the putrid Chicago Bears for week six and has another opportunity to throw for 300+ yards. Even with the absence of star wideout, Justin Jefferson, Cousins should have a great fantasy day and is a must-start for Week 6.

Sit ’em – Derek Carr

The New Orleans Saints sit with a record of 3-2 but the offense has not been a major factor. They currently rank 22nd in points and 25th in yards offensively. New gunslinger Derek Carr has not been lighting the world on fire as Saints fans hoped and now is playing through a tough AC joint sprain. Dink and dunks have been the name of the game for boys in the bayou and I don’t expect them to put up great numbers against a spry Houston Texans defense. Houston has only allowed three touchdowns through the air in the young season. Add that to a hobbled Carr and it could be another low-scoring day for the Saints. When thinking about whether to start or sit Carr, lean towards benching him this week.

Running Back

Start ’em – Raheem Mostert

Raheem Mostert is off to an incredible start to the year but has slightly come back down to earth after his monster week three. He has not eclipsed 60 percent of snaps since week two and has been banking on big chunk plays and touchdowns to fuel his fantasy day. Although we don’t root for injuries, Mostert is the last man standing in this Dolphins backfield. De’Von Achane hit the IR and Jeff Wilson is doubtful to suit up Sunday. Mostert is an absolute smash start for Week 6.

Sit ’em – Jerome Ford

After Nick Chubb went down, fantasy managers spent a majority of their FAAB to land his backup in Jerome Ford. Ford was able to power through his first start in week three on the back of two touchdowns. He came back down to earth in Week 4 not even touching 10 fantasy points. He is only averaging 48 yards from scrimmage without Nick Chubb and gets an all-time bad matchup against San Francisco in week six. If you’re on the fence about whether to start or sit Jerome Ford, sit him with confidence this week.

Wide Receiver

Start ’em – Jordan Addison

Rookie wide receiver Jordan Addison has had a decent year so far. He’s scored 16+ points in three of the five games but has yet to hit big with a 20+ bomb. That could all change this week. With superstar Justin Jefferson landing on the IR, Addison will get the chance to operate as the WR1 in a pass-happy offense. To add even more flavor, he gets a dance with the Chicago Bears in week six. I expect Addison to have a crazy week and could land himself as a top-three option at the position when it’s all said and done. Confidently lock Addison into your starting lineup this week.

Sit ’em – Terry McLaurin

Talent is certainly not the issue for Terry McLaurin, volume is. Scarry Terry has been underwhelming in fantasy this year due to his lack of usage. He’s only eclipsed 60 receiving yards or more once this year and has seen six targets or less in four of his five games played. Those numbers will never spell a week-winning fantasy performance. McLaurin and the Commanders will face the Atlanta Falcons in Week 6. Atlanta has been surprisingly good at defending the pass in this young campaign. They are only allowing an average of 121 receiving yards to wideouts through five games in 2023. It looks to be another disappointing day for Terry McLaurin managers this week. When considering to start or sit McLaurin, opt on the side of sitting.

Tight End

Start ’em – Evan Engram

Evan Engram has been consistent as one can be at the tight end position for fantasy purposes this year. He’s scored 10 points or more in three of his five games and barely missed that mark in Week 1 by a tenth of a point. Engram finds himself the TE7 on the year, all while without scoring his first touchdown. That could all change this week. He’s seen eight targets in the last four weeks and has been a go-to target for Trevor Lawrence. I’m predicting Engram to get his first touchdown this week and should be a top-five play at tight end. Lock Engram into your starting lineups with confidence.

Sit ’em – David Njoku

David Njoku is coming off his best game of the season before the bye in week five. In week four Njoku put up 10.6 fantasy points catching six passes for 46 yards. Where it gets complicated is THAT performance was his best. The Browns have been struggling offensively since the loss of Nick Chubb. Coming off a bye in week five they look to get things started against the league’s best defense in the 49ers. This game is shaping up to be a blood bath and I don’t trust any Browns players this week. There should be better streaming options at tight end on the waiver wire.

The Weeks Roll On

Over a quarter of a way through the season and we still have plenty of football left. Struggling managers still have time to turn their fantasy season around. All it takes is a few wins, smart lineup moves, and maybe a few lucky breaks and any team can jump back into it. Playing the matchups is crucial to put your team in the best possible position to succeed. Hopefully, this article will help you when you think on who to start or sit this week.

About the Author

Paul Orlando is a die-hard Ravens and Orioles fan and a fantasy football junkie. Paul is co-host of The Eye Test: A Fantasy Football Podcast on Youtube and has recently begun writing for Belly Up Sports. He gives expert advice in both Dynasty and Redraft settings, and loves finding the sleepers no one else talks about. Find all things fantasy football on Belly Up Fantasy Sports.