As we head into Week 6 of the 2025 NFL season, fantasy managers are starting to see clear separation between true breakout players and early season mirages. Injuries, offensive shifts and matchup volatility are reshaping fantasy value every week. This column highlights which players are trending up or down, and how to adjust your roster accordingly. For a deeper look at evolving player roles, check the RotoWire NFL team depth charts.
Fantasy Football Risers
Quarterback
Sam Darnold 
Through four games, Darnold had only one outing above 19 fantasy points, but Week 5 was a statement. Facing a blitz-heavy Buccaneers defense that typically exposes him, he erupted for 341 yards and four touchdowns. With multiple touchdown passes in three of his last four games, Darnold is clearly settling into Seattle's offense. He's developing rhythm with Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp, putting him on the streaming radar in single-QB leagues.
Running Backs
Michael Carter 
Carter resurfaced as Arizona's starter after injuries decimated the backfield and responded with 18.3 PPR points against Tennessee. He ran inefficiently but benefited from volume and red-zone work. Though tougher matchups will likely limit his production, Carter's opportunity share alone makes him relevant again. Volume remains king in fantasy football, and Carter currently has it.
Breece Hall 
Hall's season has been uneven, but his dual-threat workload is holding firm. After two quiet weeks, he's bounced back with strong usage against Miami and Dallas. While New York's scoring ceiling remains low, Hall's combination of rushing and receiving volume gives him a stable weekly floor. He's back to being an every-week RB2 with spike-week upside.
Wide Receivers
Calvin Ridley 
Ridley opened the year as one of fantasy's biggest disappointments, but his five-catch, 131-yard breakout last week could mark a turning point. Tennessee's frequent negative game scripts will force more passing volume, and rookie QB Cam Ward showed improved timing with his top target. Ridley still needs another solid showing before becoming trustworthy again, but the arrow is pointing up.
Jaylen Waddle 
With Tyreek Hill's season-ending knee injury, Waddle became Miami's primary receiving option. He responded with six catches on nine targets for 110 yards and a touchdown against Carolina. Waddle has already scored in three of his last four games, and his target volume should only grow. Expect consistent top-20 receiver production as Miami leans on its top receiver.
Tight End
Darren Waller
After missing three games with a hip injury, Waller has quickly become a major factor. He scored twice on limited snaps against the Jets, then posted 76 yards and a touchdown by halftime versus Carolina. His playing time continues to rise each week, and Miami lacks a consistent second wideout. That gives Waller a real path to top-tier tight end production the rest of the season.
Fantasy Football Fallers
Quarterback
Daniel Jones 
Jones started the season red-hot, averaging 29 fantasy points through two games. Since then, he hasn't topped 19 points in any of his last three. His rushing output has cratered, totaling just one yard over the past two weeks. Jones remains a steady real-life QB but has fallen into superflex territory for fantasy purposes.
Running Backs
Derrick Henry 
Henry's Week 1 explosion feels distant. Since then, he's failed to match his opening rushing total even when combining his last four games. With the Ravens defense struggling and Lamar Jackson battling a hamstring injury, game scripts have worked against him. Henry's efficiency and volume are down, making him more touchdown-dependent than ever.
Alvin Kamara 
Kamara started the season well but has cooled off fast, averaging just over nine PPR points across his last three games. His rushing volume has declined weekly, and Kendre Miller continues to eat into his touches. The receiving efficiency that once carried Kamara has evaporated, and the Saints' weak red-zone offense limits scoring chances. He's slipping into RB3 range unless the workload rebounds.
Wide Receivers
Jameson Williams 
Last season's breakout deep threat hasn't found his footing in 2025, and Detroit's offensive line is no longer dominant, which has limited Jared Goff's downfield opportunities. Williams has topped 6.6 PPR points just once and averaged 4.7 over the last three games. His big-play potential remains, but the volatility makes him nearly impossible to start confidently.
Jakobi Meyers 
Meyers opened the year with two strong outings but has since disappeared amid the Raiders' offensive collapse. He's managed just four catches and roughly 30 yards in each of the past two games. With Geno Smith struggling, the passing game has become unwatchable. Meyers' reliable floor from past seasons has vanished, leaving him on fantasy benches for now.
Tight End
Juwan Johnson
Johnson looked like a breakout candidate after a hot start, averaging 10 targets per game early on. His usage has cratered since, and his snap count continues to decline. He's totaled only seven targets in his last two and has fallen out of the Saints' passing rhythm. Managers can give him one more week, but the trend suggests he's droppable soon.
Conclusion
Week 6 brings major shifts in player value as roles evolve and injuries reshape fantasy football depth charts. Whether you're chasing upside or trimming dead weight, keeping up with usage trends can make all the difference. Use the RotoWire weekly projections to stay ahead of the next wave of fantasy football risers and fallers as we approach the midseason stretch.
