Waiver Wire Pickups Week 6
If the injury bug has bitten your team, the best place to replenish what you have lost is on the waiver wire. Each week, it seems like a few star players leave their games early with injuries. But that means plenty of lesser-known players are being vaulted into more critical roles. As we enter Week 6, we have a decent feel for most teams and the utilization of their players. Without further ado, here are the Week 6 waiver wire pickups.
Quarterback
Daniel Jones | New York Giants
Sometimes, it pays to play a fantasy quarterback on a bad team. The New York Giants are trailing in most of their games, which means quarterback Daniel Jones has to throw often. On Sunday, he played one of his best games of the season against the Seattle Seahawks. He threw for 257 yards and two touchdowns while adding 38 rushing yards on 11 carries. Jones put up impressive numbers despite not having Malik Nabers available. In 1QB leagues, Jones seems like a solid backup option; as for Superflex leagues, he should be owned and started depending on the matchup. Use around 5-10% FAAB if you are desperate for a QB or bye-week fill-in.
Running Back
Tank Bigsby | Jacksonville Jaguars
Another week, another breakout performance from Jaguars backup running back Tank Bigsby. His 23 snaps out-snapped starter Travis Etienne, who saw 22 snaps. Also, Bigsby was much more effective, having 13 carries for 101 yards and two touchdowns; he also added one reception for 28 yards. Even though Jaguars coach Doug Pederson said Etienne would remain the starter, keeping Bigsby off the field would be difficult. For now, Bigsby looks like a flex option but has immense upside.
Tyrone Tracy Jr. | New York Giants
It may have taken five weeks, but the Giants may have found their new RB1. With Devin Singletary injured, they turned the starting role over to Tyrone Tracy, who had a breakout game. The rookie rushed 18 times for 129 yards. This was, by far, the best rushing game of the season, and Tracy should be rewarded for it. Even if Singletary returns in Week 6, Tracy will be a factor. If the Giants give him the starting role, he could be a top-20 running back in fantasy. Spend anywhere from 10-15% FAAB on Tracy.
Ty Chandler | Minnesota Vikings
Whenever a potential starting running back is available on the wavier wire, everyone should consider picking him up. That could be the case with Ty Chandler in Minnesota. Aaron Jones left Sunday’s game with a hip injury and did not return. Chandler rushed 14 times for 30 yards and caught two passes for nine yards. While he was not effective, he faced a stout Jets defense. The Vikings are entering their bye-week in Week 6, and it remains to be seen how long Jones it out. For now, Chandler is worth a flier and bench stash. He should go for around 5-10% FAAB.
Wide Receiver
Jalen Tolbert | Dallas Cowboys
The injury to Brandin Cooks meant the Cowboys needed someone to step up in the WR2 role. That player was Jalen Tolbert. On Sunday, Tolbert had the best game of his NFL career. He caught seven passes for 87 yards, including the game-winning touchdown. Tolbert seemed to have a strong connection with quarterback Dak Prescott, which should continue to make him a valuable part of the offense. He led all Cowboys wide receivers in snaps with 68. Tolbert can be a solid flex option or WR3 against the Detroit Lions in Week 6. He should go for around 12-18% FAAB.
Josh Downs | Indianapolis Colts
Another young receiver who seems to be coming into his own is second-year player Josh Downs. In Week 5, Downs played 43 snaps (61.4%) and saw a team-leading 12 targets. He caught nine of them for 69 yards. There is obvious chemistry between Joe Flacco and Downs, but it will be interesting to see if his targets remain when Anthony Richardson returns. Downs is a must-add player and someone who can be a low-end WR2 in PPR leagues. Flacco under center would be better for his value, but either way, he is someone worth adding. Look to spend around 15% FAAB on the target hog.
Michael Wilson | Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals pulled off a shocking upset over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday; one player who played a significant role in that game was Michael Wilson. He had five catches for a team-leading 78 yards. Also, he played 42 snaps (72.4%) and has established himself as a factor in their offense, even with Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride standing in his way. This is the third straight game with at least six targets for Wilson. He should be picked up in 12+ team leagues and could be a separate flex play in Week 6. If you need a receiver without breaking the bank, spend around 5-8% FAAB on Wilson.
Tight End
Zach Ertz | Washington Commanders
The tight end position continues to be a struggle in fantasy football. All you can hope for is a player on a good offense that is frequently involved. That is the case with veteran Zach Ertz. The Washington Commanders continue to surprise the league with their offensive firepower. Jayden Daniels looks like a budding star who can spread the ball around the field. Ertz is coming off a quiet game where he only caught two passes for 10 yards, but he did receive eight targets. Ertz is a decent option for any manager who needs a tight end, but I would not go over 10% FAAB for him.
Tyler Conklin | New York Jets
Another tight end who is starting to develop a significant role in the New York Jets offense is Tyler Conklin. On Sunday, Conklin caught six passes for 55 yards on nine targets. That is his third straight game with at least four catches and six targets. The Jets have been struggling to run the ball, forcing Aaron Rodgers and the company to throw often. It helps that Conklin is on the field frequently, recording 59 snaps and an 81.9% snap share. Conklin will not be a league-winning player, but he should be able to get you consistent points, which have been tough for most tight ends this season. I would not spend more than 5% FAAB on him unless you are desperate for a TE.
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