In Week 6 of the 2025 fantasy football season, standout performances emerged alongside some disappointing outputs, prompting analyses from Matt Bowen and Tristan H. Cockcroft on the major winners and losers of the week.
Among the top fantasy performers, Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle shone brightly. With back-to-back weeks scoring over 32 PPR fantasy points, Dowdle scored a total of 66.3 points during his two starts, filling in for the injured Chuba Hubbard. His impressive stats include ten explosive runs and a 60.4% success rate, solidifying his role in the Panthers’ backfield. While Hubbard is expected to reclaim at least part of his starting position upon recovery, Dowdle undoubtedly remains a valuable asset, poised to be a fantasy RB1 against the Jets in Week 7.
Miami Dolphins’ De’Von Achane also made waves, scoring two touchdowns and racking up 128 rushing yards against the Chargers for a season-best 31.0 PPR points. His remarkable speed, averaging 13.8 mph, stands out among running backs, suggesting that while the Dolphins face challenges, Achane possesses the skills necessary to emerge as a top fantasy contender.
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo significantly improved his standing by scoring three touchdowns during the team’s “Thursday Night Football” game, building confidence among fantasy managers. As he took on a larger share of the offensive snaps and touches, his rising profile positions him as a reliable RB2 despite upcoming challenges against tougher defenses.
Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba of the Seattle Seahawks made headlines with a standout performance that included 162 receiving yards and a touchdown, earning a high score of 30.2 in PPR. His consistent ability to find the end zone and get open will keep him as a solid option in future matchups, notably against the Texans in Week 7.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes finally broke a long scoreless streak, posting 31.48 fantasy points to help lead the team to victory over the Lions. With a run of four games scoring at least 26 points, Mahomes continues to solidify his status among top-tier quarterbacks.
Other notable mentions include Josh Jacobs of the Green Bay Packers, with back-to-back performances exceeding 30 PPR points, and George Pickens of the Dallas Cowboys, who contributed an impressive 31.8 points in his game. Running back Kimani Vidal emerged as the clear frontrunner for the Chargers with solid production in Omarion Hampton’s absence.
On the flip side, Justin Fields of the New York Jets had a dismal outing, scoring just 4.9 points in London against the Broncos, leading to speculation about a potential switch to backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor ahead of Week 7. Field’s performance is indicative of his regression as a passer, presenting significant concerns for fantasy managers.
Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles and Jahmyr Gibbs of the Detroit Lions also faced challenging outings, with Barkley scoring a season-low 8.7 points. Despite this setback, both players are likely to bounce back in future matchups and potentially regain their strong outputs.
Overall, Week 6 presented a mix of triumphs and trials, setting the stage for critical matchups in the coming week as fantasy managers reassess their rosters and strategies in response to player performances.