San Francisco faces a defensive void with Nick Bosa and Fred Warner sidelined, pushing John Lynch to chase a marquee upgrade before the trade deadline. Trey Hendrickson emerges as the most plausible target to rev up the pass rush, even as replacing Warner’s versatility remains impossible. Cincinnati’s 2-4 start and Burrow’s injury add urgency to the talks, making a bold, win-now move feasible for a 49ers title push in 2025.

Hendrickson’s elite sack production makes him a fantasy-friendly fit, offering immediate impact on a defense that must contend with stronger offenses while its backbone recovers. The Bengals could demand significant draft capital, but San Francisco’s contender status could justify the price as Lynch navigates a beneath-the-surface deadline market.

Anthony Richardson is out with an orbital fracture after a pregame band incident, leaving Riley Leonard to handle Colts quarterback duties and forcing Indianapolis to navigate an uncertain depth chart for multiple weeks.

Across the league, Puka Nacua’s ankle sprain has him day-to-day as the Rams eye a London trip and a quick re-evaluation after the bye. Marvin Harrison Jr. exits with a concussion for the Cardinals, while the 49ers contend with Fred Warner’s season-ending injury. The Buccaneers face long odds for Irving and Godwin next week, and the Bengals monitor Hendrickson and Gesicki as they prep for a short week. Injuries to WOs and WRs ripple through fantasy lineups, with Evans, Morrison, McCollum potentially nearing returns and several teams weighing deeper changes to their rosters.

Week 6 reshapes the NFL chessboard: Warner’s season-ending injury tests San Francisco’s depth and leadership, while Rico Dowdle erupts for 183 rushing yards and 239 from scrimmage as Carolina beats Dallas, underscoring the value of midseason depth. KC’s offense steadies under Mahomes with a more efficient attack, signaling the Chiefs remain contenders. Maye’s ascent with New England adds stability, and Smith-Njigga emerges as Seattle’s go-to target despite a modest rushing game.

Pickens’ Dallas breakout adds a spark to a Lamb-dependent unit, while McConkey’s 100-yard day for the Chargers reinforces the value of secondary weapons. As the trade deadline nears, teams reassess the gap between contenders and sellers, with Daboll, Glenn, McDaniel and Gannon under pressure. The ripple effects touch Dolphins leadership questions and Baltimore’s revival chatter, shaping a tug-of-war for fantasy and betting angles.