NFL Week 6 Takeaways: Fantasy Winners, Losers & Team Grades 2025

Oct 13, 2025, 01:16 EDT

Discover NFL Week 6 highlights. Learn about the team grades, fantasy football winners & losers, key injury updates, and top waiver-wire tips for Week 7.

NFL Week 6 Key Takeaways (Credits: Pro Football Network)
NFL Week 6 Key Takeaways (Credits: Pro Football Network)

You must be thinking who dominated the NFL Week 6. To begin with, the Standout playersRico Dowdle, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Drake Maye, and Jonathan Taylor were the star performers. Massive yardage, multiple touchdowns, and breakout displays that shook up fantasy football boards. During Week 6 of the NFL 2025 season, one of the most action-packed weeks so far. 

Where did it make an impact? Across fantasy leagues nationwide, influencing starting lineups and waiver-wire decisions. Moreover, they highlighted which players are reliable fantasy assets and which emerging talents could reshape rosters moving forward. How did they do it? Through strong rushing attacks, precise passing, and clutch playmaking in key moments.

Who were the Fantasy Winners? Players Who Dominated Week 6

Week 6 delivered standout performances that shook up fantasy football. Rushing backs and key playmakers like Rico Dowdle, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Drake Maye, and Jonathan Taylor showed their breakout and reliable fantasy potential. The table below highlights the top performers of the week.

Player

Team

Performance Highlights

Fantasy Impact

Rico Dowdle (RB)

Panthers

239 total yards, 3 TDs

Breakout RB; must-start in Week 7

Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR)

Seahawks

162 yards, 1 TD

Emerging WR2 option

Kimani Vidal (RB)

Chargers

124 rushing yards

Reliable FLEX play

Josh Jacobs (RB)

Packers

2 TDs, 100+ scrimmage yards

Consistent RB1 value

Drake Maye (QB)

Patriots

3 passing TDs, 0 INTs

Strong waiver add

Jonathan Taylor (RB)

Colts

123 rushing yards

Return to elite RB form

Key takeaway: Run-heavy teams dominated Week 6. Carolina, Indianapolis, and the Chargers all received CBS grades of B or higher, proving ground control remains the foundation of victory.

Fantasy Losers: Who Fell Flat in Week 6?

Week 6 saw several big names struggle, such as Justin Fields and Tua Tagovailoa faced heavy pressure. While running backs like Saquon Barkley and Javonte Williams underperformed, as confirmed by CBS Sports. Moreover, Matthew Stafford lost rhythm after Puka Nacua’s injury, and the Browns’ offence collapsed, earning a low CBS grade. Fantasy managers felt the impact as even top stars faltered.

  • Justin Fields (Jets): Sacked nine times, only 45 passing yards.

  • Saquon Barkley (Eagles): Managed just 8.7 fantasy points against a tough run defence.

  • Matthew Stafford (Rams): Lost rhythm following Puka Nacua’s ankle injury.

  • Javonte Williams (Cowboys): Minimal carries; overshadowed by Dowdle’s dominance.

  • Tua Tagovailoa (Dolphins): Three interceptions in key moments derailed Miami.

  • Browns Offence: Earned a “D” grade from CBS after collapsing 23–9.

How did Every Team rank in the Weekly Analysis? 

According to Week 6 analysis, the balance of power shifted across the league as dominant defences and efficient run games stole the spotlight. The Broncos earned an A+ for their defensive masterclass with nine sacks, while the Panthers and Seahawks impressed with balanced attacks and elite playmaking. 

The Patriots continued to build momentum under rookie QB Drake Maye, securing a solid B+, whereas the Eagles and Jets struggled offensively, slipping to D and C- grades, respectively. Overall, Week 6 revealed clear divides between well-rounded contenders and teams still searching for rhythm. Here is the table that gives details of the team rankings: 

Team

Grade

Highlights

Panthers

A-

Dowdle leads breakout ground assault

Seahawks

A-

7 sacks + Smith-Njigba’s 160-yard game

Patriots

B+

Drake Maye directs three scoring drives

Colts

B

Jonathan Taylor controls the game tempo

Cowboys

B-

Offence steady, defence fades late

Jets

C-

Fields’ regression is a major concern

Eagles

D

Barkley bottled up; offence sputters

Broncos

A+

9 sacks and defensive domination

Source: ESPN

Key Injuries to Watch

  • Puka Nacua (Rams): Ankle sprain: status day-to-day.

  • Fred Warner (49ers): Season-ending injury: major defensive blow.

  • Emeka Egbuka (Buccaneers): Hamstring strain: questionable for Week 7.

  • David Njoku (Browns): Knee issue: multi-week absence likely.

Fantasy Tip: Keep an eye on Jordan Whittington (Rams) and Harold Fannin Jr. (Browns) as potential waiver-wire gems.

Week 6 Key Takeaways

Majorly, Week 6 brought a blend of breakout performances, and injury twists that reshaped both team standings and fantasy football dynamics. It highlighted how dominant defences, resilient rushing attacks, and rookie surges are beginning to redefine the mid-season narrative of the NFL 2025. 

  • Defensive dominance: Denver, Seattle, and Carolina all recorded 7+ sacks.

  • Running wins games: Teams with 25+ rushing attempts averaged B+ or better grades.

  • QB pressure kills: Every quarterback sacked four or more times lost.

  • Injury chaos: Week 6 reshaped fantasy rostersexpect a waiver wire frenzy ahead of Week 7.

Conclusion 

Therefore, Week 6 reinforced one truth that no team is untouchable, and no fantasy star is guaranteed. From Rico Dowdle’s explosive rise to Denver’s defensive masterclass, the league continues to surprise and shift its hierarchy. As we approach Week 7, the message for fantasy managers is clear: Stay adaptable, monitor injuries, and trust emerging talent.

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Manvi Upadhyaya
Manvi Upadhyaya

Content Writer

    Manvi Upadhyaya is an experienced content writer who is passionate about creating authentic content by delivering credible facts to people. She holds a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and is fond of art, languages, culture, and education. She has been a published co-author and compiler for many anthology book projects. She creates educational and informative content for international audiences. You can reach out to her at manvi.upadhyaya@jagrannewmedia.com

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    FAQs

    • Who should fantasy managers target before Week 7?
      +
      Consider Drake Maye, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Kimani Vidal, and Harold Fannin Jr. as prime pickups.
    • Any major injury updates for Week 7?
      +
      Puka Nacua (ankle) and Fred Warner (season-ending) are the biggest concerns.
    • Which teams earned the best CBS grades?
      +
      The Broncos (A+), Panthers (A-), and Seahawks (A-) topped the list.
    • Who was the top fantasy performer in Week 6?
      +
      Rico Dowdle led all players with 239 total yards and three touchdowns.

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