Week 6 DFS Cheapskate Plays is here to spotlight a few budget-friendly players who can help you stretch your salary cap without sinking your lineup.
We’re not chasing the “studs”. If I don’t mention the slate’s most expensive QB, it’s not because I think he’s a bad play; it’s because you don’t need me to tell you they will score the most points. The real purpose here is to dig for value, the affordable (cheap) options that make it possible to fit those high-priced studs into your build.
Of course, these picks come with more risk, and they don’t have the same floor as the proven stars. But when they hit, the payoff is huge. DFS is ultimately a game of points per dollar: a $4K player scoring 20 points (5x value) actually outperforms an $8K player scoring 24 points (only 3x). That’s why we hunt for these gems. They give you a better return on investment, even if they whiff more often.
Player prices are referenced from DraftKings, but the concept applies across all major DFS platforms.
Week 6 Cheapskate Quarterback
Joe Flacco $4,000, CIN at Packers
Even I’ll admit Joe Flacco’s probably washed, but that doesn’t mean he’s out of juice. The man still owns a cannon for a right arm, and now he gets to fire it at Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. It’s easy to picture Zac Taylor dialing up a few deep shots just to see what happens. Flacco threw for 290 yards in Week 1 with Cleveland, and now he’s min-priced while throwing to arguably the best duo in football.
This play will likely end up chalky, but for good reason. Even average quarterbacks can stumble into 20 fantasy points with average receivers, so let’s take a shot with elite ones, amirite? Fear of the Packers’ defense evaporated the moment Dak Prescott and the Cowboys dropped a 40-burger on them during that wildly exciting Week 4 SNF game. Knowing is half the battle, so GO JOE!
Week 6 Cheapskate Running Backs
Jaylen Warren $5,400, PIT vs Browns
Jaylen Warren has logged 132 rushing yards on 43 carries, a pedestrian 3.1 yards per rush average. However, he’s added 11 receptions for 142 yards for a healthy 12.9 yards per catch. Now pair that with the matchup. The Browns boast one of the league’s staunchest rushing defenses, allowing just 75.6 yards per game on the ground. But their run-stopping strength may be less effective when attacked through the air, or with a pass-catching back who can evade linebackers in coverage. Warren’s dual-threat usage gives him a path to produce even if the rush lanes are clogged.
The encouraging injury update makes his upside even more interesting: he returned to full participation in Wednesday’s practice after missing a game due to a knee issue, and both coaching staff and practice reports say he “feels great.”
Rhamondre Stevenson $5,300, NE at Saints
Rhamondre Stevenson…definitely a tough click. However, his role as a three-down back gives him higher leverage, particularly in PPR formats. Though his rushing numbers this season are modest, he also has 13 receptions for 154 yards, signaling the Pats are happy using him in passing situations, too.
What boosts his projection this week is the injury to Antonio Gibson. Gibson is now on IR, which opens more opportunities for Stevenson to soak up carries and pass-game work. Despite fumble concerns, head coach Mike Vrabel has remained public about his faith in Stevenson. After a shaky performance, Vrabel said, “He knows just as much as we know … We need him throughout the season”, and emphasized support and trust. Moreover, Vrabel has stuck with Stevenson, even amid turnovers, because he views him as the back he can lean on most.
Week 6 Cheapskate Wide Receivers
Matthew Golden $5,000, GB vs Bengals
Matthew Golden is starting to flash a legitimate DFS appeal heading into Week 6. The rookie wideout is coming off his best performance of the season, hauling in 5 catches for 58 yards in Week 4, showing both improved chemistry with Jordan Love and an ability to create after the catch. With Jayden Reed sidelined and Christian Watson still ramping up from injury, Golden has steadily earned more snaps and targets in Green Bay’s evolving offense.
The matchup only adds to his DFS intrigue. Cincinnati’s defense ranks near the bottom of the league in passing yards allowed and has been particularly vulnerable to slot and intermediate routes. Seeing as this is exactly where Golden operates most effectively, he profiles as a high-upside value play.
Marvin Harrison Jr. $5,300, ARI at Colts
Marvin Harrison Jr. is a tempting DFS target in Week 6, especially while taking on his Hall of Fame father’s old team. The second-year star has 20 receptions for 286 yards and two touchdowns through five games, including a breakout 4-catch, 98-yard performance in Week 5 that reminded everyone why he was one of the most prized prospects to enter the league in years.
Speaking of the matchup: the Colts’ pass defense ranks 19th in the league, allowing about 217 passing yards per game. That sets up a favorable environment for Harrison to break free, especially if the Cardinals lean on the air attack (after inevitably falling behind).
But the most compelling angle is the emotion and motivation. Harrison confirmed that facing Indianapolis “is going to be a special game for me, for sure.” His connection to that franchise and the opportunity to perform in front of the fan base that knew his father best adds a nice intangible upside.
Cooper Kupp $4,600, SEA at Jaguars
Cooper Kupp is quietly building a case as a DFS value in Week 6, especially as Sam Darnold becomes more comfortable and the target volume stabilizes. He’s already drawn nine targets in two separate games this season, showing that despite his old man status, he’s still in the thick of the passing attack.
What makes Kupp more intriguing is the upward trajectory of his quarterback. Darnold, settling into the Seahawks’ offense, has spoken about improvements in communication, execution, and timing during camp and preseason. As those connections solidify, Kupp should continue to benefit from added trust and looks in critical situations.
With his role already established as Seattle’s secondary weapon and Darnold’s chemistry improving, Kupp offers a blend of floor and ceiling. He can easily beat his DFS salary and stands out in tournaments as a reliable veteran threat.
Week 6 Cheapskate Tight End
Hunter Long $2,500, JAX vs Seahawks
Hunter Long is a low-cost DFS dart with intriguing upside in Week 6 if usage aligns. Through five games in 2025, he’s only caught seven passes for 44 yards, but two of those were touchdowns. While those aren’t eye-popping numbers, the context is key: with Brenton Strange on IR, Long is expected to move into a more prominent role in Jacksonville’s tight end hierarchy.
Long has run 31 routes with a 26% target per route run rate, averaged 1.42 yards per route run, and drawn eight (of eight) first-read targets already. In last week’s game, he saw a 70.6% route share in the second half, an 8.3% target share, and a 10% first-read share, showing the Jaguars are trusting him more in passing situations.
If Jacksonville leans on him as its primary receiving tight end, Long offers upside.
Week 6 Cheapskate Defense
Cleveland Browns $2,500, CLE at Steelers
The Cleveland Browns’ defense is worth rostering in DFS for Week 6 thanks to its top-tier performance and the presence of a sack-hungry edge rusher in Myles Garrett. So far in 2025, Cleveland is among the stingiest units in the league, allowing just 172.2 passing yards per game. Their run defense is stout, too, with opponents only managing around 3.0 yards per carry.
Garrett is showing no signs of slowing down. Through four games, he has logged 4.0 sacks and continues to be a dominant force off the edge. His reputation for hunting future Hall of Fame quarterbacks adds a bit of swagger. When the Browns were scheduled to face Aaron Rodgers, Garrett quipped he was eager to “put him in the graveyard.”
Under defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, the Browns have recaptured some of the ferocity seen in past years. Their pass rush and coverage units have combined to force turnovers and pressure opposing QBs into mistakes. Cleveland’s defense has real upside in DFS formats, both for sacks and the potential for takeaways.
For help filling out the rest of your lineup, check out the FSAN Rankings Page.
Check out Dan Mader and Chase Thornton’s Week 6 Sit & Start & DFS Cocktail Hour video on the FSAN YouTube Channel on this week’s Operation Domination.