RADIO
NFL offenses finally woke up this past weekend! Most specifically, the passing offenses! It was about time because the passing yards and touchdowns had been unbelievably low through four weeks. Fantasy managers everywhere needed some of the performances we got this past weekend.
Week 5 was the first week fantasy managers had to deal with bye weeks, but that won't stop now. This will continue, and it'll be something fantasy managers will need to handle. The injuries continue to get worse and worse. Having quality players on your bench that fantasy managers can start when necessary is incredibly important. So, while there may not be any league winners on the waiver wire, please don't underestimate how important it is to have quality bench players.
Our rosters should never stay stagnant. There's almost always a spot on our roster that we can improve, and this article aims to help you identify who that upgrade can be. If you want to take advantage of our great premium tools, please use promo code "BOOM" to receive a 10% discount.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for the 2025 playoffs:- Quarterback fantasy football rankings
- Running back fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
- Tight end fantasy football rankings
- Kicker fantasy football rankings
- FLEX fantasy football rankings
- Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
- Superflex fantasy football rankings
- IDP fantasy football rankings
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
Quarterbacks - Fantasy Football Waiver Wire for Week 6
Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks - 50.8% Rostered
Smith is QB9 on the season, averaging 18.2 PPG. He’s scored 17 or more points in four of their five games and 21 or more in their last two. The new offensive system is one of the reasons why.
The #Seahawks rank:
3rd in plays per game
4th in situation-neutral pace
2nd in situation-neutral pass rate
1st in pass rate over expected pic.twitter.com/RyZWOCBWlN— Jared Smola (@SmolaDS) October 2, 2024
With Seattle leaning on the pass in such a big way, Smith is going to continue to have lots of success. The volume will be there, but Smith is also playing really well. He also has at his disposal good pass-catchers and an innovative play-caller. Smith should be valued as a QB1 for the rest of the season.
Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings - 55.6% Rostered
Darnold had a bad Week 5 against a tough Jets defense, but fantasy managers shouldn't overreact to one bad game. Not only was the opponent difficult, but playing in London also had disadvantages and difficulties.
Before Week 5, he had scored 19.9 or more points in three straight contests. Fantasy managers should expect some touchdown regression for Darnold moving forward, but this offense often exceeds expectations. The skilled players are incredibly talented, and head coach Kevin O'Connell is one of the best in the business.
The Vikings are on a bye in Week 6, so that's something to be aware of, but once they return to action in Week 7, they'll play the Lions, followed by the Rams and the Colts. All three teams are in the top 14 in fantasy points allowed to the quarterback position.
The Lions have one of the best run defenses, often forcing opposing defenses to become more pass-heavy. After their bye, Darnold has three plus matchups. It would be worthwhile if you could stash him on your roster.
Jared Goff, Detroit Lions - 45.3% Rostered
Goff had gotten off to a slow start in the first three weeks of the season, never eclipsing 15 fantasy points. He seemed to get back on track in Week 4 when he threw for 292 yards and two touchdowns en route to 27.2 fantasy points.
He did catch a touchdown pass, which inflated his fantasy production and obviously shouldn't be expected to continue. Regardless, it was nice to see Goff and the Detroit passing offense start clicking. The Lions will have had an extra week to prepare for their Week 6 opponent, the Dallas Cowboys.
They'll be without DeMarcus Lawrence, and they could be without Micah Parsons, as well. This matchup could turn into a shootout and will have one of the highest implied point totals in Week 6.
In Week 7, the Lions will face the Vikings, a game that is also likely to have one of the highest implied point totals of the week. The Vikings have been lights out in their run defense, which has forced defenses to attack their defense through the air.
The Vikings have allowed the 10th-most points to fantasy quarterbacks through the first four weeks. He's been disappointing thus far, but we may look back at Week 4 as a turning point for Goff's fantasy season.
Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears - 44.7% Rostered
Williams is one of the best streaming quarterbacks for Week 6. He's coming off his best game as a professional. He completed 20 of 29 passes for 304 yards and two touchdowns en route to 23.56 points. He has thrown for over 300 yards in two of his last three games.
The game appears to be slowing down for Williams, and that's showing up in just about every facet of his game reviews. The eye test shows it, as do the box score and advanced metrics.
Caleb Williams' progress this season 🐻⬇️
Week 1
Passer Rating: 55.7
EPA per Dropback: -0.39Week 2
Passer Rating: 51.0
EPA per Dropback: -0.37Week 3
Passer Rating: 80.8
EPA per Dropback: -0.10Week 4
Passer Rating: 106.6
EPA per Dropback: 0.04Week 5
Passer Rating:… https://t.co/jwJqzYPqgv pic.twitter.com/lMy6FvyvZJ
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) October 6, 2024
Williams and the Chicago offense will draw the Jaguars in Week 6. They have allowed the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks through the season's first four weeks.
Jacksonville's defense has allowed opposing quarterbacks to average 28.9 PPG in the season's first four weeks. Their passing defense has been abysmal, and with Williams getting better and better each week, he's in a great position to keep the positive trend going.
Other Players to Consider: Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons - 45.1% Rostered, Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins - 29.6% Rostered, Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars - 33.4% Rostered
Cousins, like Williams, also has a dream matchup in Week 6. The Falcons will play the Carolina Panthers, who have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season.
Like Williams, Cousins is also coming off the best game of his 2024 season. He threw for over 500 yards in their Week 4 upset win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If you're looking for a streamer and unable to land Wiliams, Cousins is a quality consolation prize.
Tagovailoa is widely expected to be back in Week 8. When he's healthy, he's a top-15 quarterback capable of putting up big numbers in favorable matchups. He's an elite QB2. Lawrence is also coming off the best game of his season but draws a tough matchup in Week 6 against Chicago.
Running Backs - Fantasy Football Waiver Wire for Week 6
Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville Jaguars - 9.5% Rostered
Bigsby has been the more effective runner for the Jaguars this season. Bigsby is averaging more yards per carry, more yards after contact per attempt, and more broken tackles per attempt.
1A/1B committee forming in Jacksonville in Week 5:
Tank Bigsby 📈
40% snaps, 57% attempts, 24% routes, 3% targets
39% snaps, 26% attempts, 44% routes, 21% targets
Bigsby was my No. 1 recommended RB add last week--still available in 78% of Yahoo leagues.
— Dwain McFarland (@dwainmcfarland) October 6, 2024
This could turn into a committee very quickly. Bigsby has been the better runner, and we should expect Bigsby to get 8-12 carries each week. The bigger bonus for Bigsby could be that he eventually earns scoring opportunities near the goal line.
In either case, with his expanding role and some of Etienne's struggles, Bigsby needs to be rostered. He's an elite handcuff who would be a top-15 running back if Etienne misses time and he's working himself into a 50/50 timeshare.
Jaylen Wright, Miami Dolphins - 8.0% Rostered
De'Von Achane left Week 5 with a concussion. The Dolphins have a bye in Week 6, so it's possible he won't miss any time. However, now is the time to add Wright. Raheem Mostert has struggled with a rib injury that has caused him to miss games.
Dolphins backfield after De'Von Achane injury on second drive today:
Raheem Mostert: 57% snaps, 47% attempts, 50% routes, 7% targets
Jaylen Wright: 37% snaps, 34% attempts, 31% routes, 0% targets
Dolphins get a much-needed by Week 6.
— Dwain McFarland (@dwainmcfarland) October 6, 2024
After Achane left, the split was 60/40 between Mostert and Wright. However, Wright was more effective with his opportunities. Wright had 86 yards on 13 carries, while Mostert had 80 yards on 19 carries. Wright seems to be more explosive at their respective parts of their career. Achane and Mostert both have high reinjury risks.
Alexander Mattison, Las Vegas Raiders - 40.1% Rostered
Mattison should now be viewed as the starting running back for the Raiders. He played 40 of the team's 71 snaps and handled 15 of the 20 running back carries. Zamir White was out this week, but he's been awful the first four weeks of the season. Mattison had been used near the goal line and now looked poised to be the Raiders' No. 1 running back for the foreseeable future.
#Raiders Week 5 RB opportunities (carries + targets):
Alexander Mattison - 18
Ameer Abdullah - 8— Jared Smola (@SmolaDS) October 7, 2024
If you need a starter for Week 6, Mattison should take priority over some of the running backs ahead of him on this list. His upside is lower because Las Vegas' offense has been inefficient, lowering scoring opportunities. However, fantasy managers should be able to count on 12-16 touches for at least the next few weeks. That'll put him in the top 30.
Ty Chandler, Minnesota Vikings - 35.0% Rostered
Aaron Jones suffered a hamstring injury this past weekend. He did return to the game. He had dealt with a hamstring injury earlier in the game. If he re-aggravated it, this could be a multi-week absence.
It will need to be for Chandler to have fantasy value. That's because the Vikings have a bye in Week 6, which will give Jones an extra week to prepare. However, Jones' absence led to a workhorse role for Chandler.
Ty Chandler in 10 drives today after Aaron Jones left:
83% snaps
79% attempts
56% routes
11% targetsVikings have a bye in Week 6 but Chandler would be a high-end RB2 option if Jones misses multiple games. Great offense.
— Dwain McFarland (@dwainmcfarland) October 6, 2024
If Jones is still out in Week 7, Chandler will be ranked as a top-2o running back. Even if Jones can get himself back on the field in Week 7, Jones dealt with a hamstring injury last year and is no spring chicken anymore. He should be rostered as a quality handcuff behind an older running back who has dealt with injuries the past few weeks.
Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons - 42.6% Rostered
Since Week 1, Allgeier has registered at least six carries in the past four weeks. Over the last four weeks, Allgeier has averaged nine touches per game. He has averaged 5.6 yards per touch. Bijan Robinson has been listed on the injury report for the past two weeks with shoulder and hamstring injuries. If Robinson were to miss time, Allgeier would become a top-20 running back.
#Falcons RBs over last two games:
SNAPS: Bijan Robinson 94, Tyler Allgeier 52
ROUTES: Bijan 53, Allgeier 28
OPPS: Bijan 26, Allgeier 19Worth noting Bijan has been on injury report with shoulder and hamstring. But didn't have an injury designation for either game.
— Adam Levitan (@adamlevitan) October 4, 2024
The Atlanta offense seemed to start heating up in Week 5. Allgeier is worth a spot on your bench because he's not just an elite handcuff, but he's also getting 8-10 touches per game, where he can be started in a pinch.
Braelon Allen, New York Jets - 41.9% Rostered
Allen gets 7-12 touches each week, giving him some standalone appeal. The problem is that the Jets' offense has been terrible. However, most handcuffs don't get the same weekly number of touches Allen gets. That makes him slightly more valuable than someone like Trey Benson, who is also an elite handcuff but doesn't get consistent weekly touches.
Allen's fantasy value would increase if the Jets' offense could start moving the ball with some consistency. As it stands right now, starting Allen is a desperate move. However, he's getting enough volume to be ranked around that RB4 range.
Allen's value lies in being Breece Hall's handcuff. His contingency value if Allen were to miss time is very high. He'd be ranked as a top-15 running back. He's a high-upside bench stash.
Tyrone Tracy Jr., New York Giants - 18.3% Rostered
Devin Singletary was out this past weekend with a groin injury. Tracy responded with 18 carries for 129 yards. He had 13.5 half-PPR points. He also had two targets, one reception and one receiving yard. If Singletary were out another week, Tracy would be ranked as a top-24 running back.
Tyrone Tracy Jr. in his first start:
18 rushes for 129 yards, all gained positive yardage.
62% snap rate
82% RB rush share https://t.co/9wH2U1qRxQ— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) October 6, 2024
Tracy is a solid handcuff to have on your bench. He could also see his role increase as the season progresses. Singletary signed a two-year contract with the Giants, but he's an older back.
New York knows who and what he is. If they fall out of playoff contention, which seems to be just a matter of time, they could opt to provide Tracy with more opportunities late in the season.
Roschon Johnson, Chicago Bears - 11.2% Rostered
Johnson has seen his role increase in the past three weeks. He's had 29 touches the past three weeks, just shy of 10 per game. That volume gives him some standalone value. He's also been utilized close to the goal line, allowing him to score three touchdowns in the past two weeks. He found the end zone twice this past weekend.
#Bears Week 5 RB opportunities (carries + targets):
D'Andre Swift - 23
Roschon Johnson - 10— Jared Smola (@SmolaDS) October 7, 2024
D'Andre Swift has turned it on in recent weeks after a dreadful start to the season. However, over the past three weeks, Johnson seems to have cemented himself as Swift's preferred handcuff. If he continues getting 8-10 touches per game, he'll also be someone fantasy managers can utilize during upcoming bye weeks.
Other Players to Consider: Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals - 25.1% Rostered, Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams - 19.8% Rostered, MarShawn Lloyd, Green Bay Packers - 9.6% Rostered, Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills - 7.3% Rostered
These players are nothing but handcuffs. However, they are handcuffs to highly valued running backs on elite offenses. They don't have any standalone value at this time, which can make it challenging to continue rostering during bye weeks, but if you have roster space, they all have high contingency value.
Wide Receivers - Fantasy Football Waiver Wire for Week 6
Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts - 34.8% Rostered
Downs's fantasy value depends somewhat on the Colts' quarterback. He has more fantasy value if Joe Flacco is under center than if it's Anthony Richarson. However, regardless of who it is, Downs should be a priority add in all leagues.
Downs returned in Week 3 after a high-ankle sprain in the preseason. In Week 4, he had nine targets, eight receptions, 82 yards, and a touchdown en route to 18.2 half-PPR points. This past weekend, he had 12 targets, nine receptions, and 69 yards, finishing with 11.4 half-PPR points.
Josh Downs target shares since returning from injury:
28%
32%
27%Still not getting enough air yards (low aDOT) and the return of Anthony Richardson looms.
Might be a low-end WR2 with Joe Flacco but a low-end WR3 with AR.
— Dwain McFarland (@dwainmcfarland) October 6, 2024
Since returning, he's been highly involved in the offense, and over the past two weeks, Downs has been the Colts' most productive receiver. This shouldn't be surprising. Before his knee injury last year, Downs was neck and neck with Michael Pittman Jr. in most statistical receiving categories. He should be valued as a WR3 moving forward.
Jalen Tolbert, Dallas Cowboys - 7.5% Rostered
Brandin Cooks was put on IR this past week. That move catapults Tolbert into the No. 2 receiver role opposite CeeDee Lamb. The Dallas offense is already short-handed in terms of capable pass-catchers.
Even before Cooks’ IR stint, Tolbert has had some good games this season. In Week 2, he had nine targets, six receptions, 82 yards, and 11.2 half-PPR points. In Week 3, he had five targets, three receptions, 47 yards, one touchdown, and 11.7 half-PPR points.
Last night against the Cowboys, Tolbert played the most snaps of any Dallas’ receiver and led the team with 10 targets. He finished with seven receptions, 87 yards, a touchdown, and 18.7 half-PPR points.
Cooks hadn’t been all that effective this season when he was healthy, so this four week period could very well be an audition for Tolbert to hang onto this No. 2 role for the rest of the year. He’s off to a good start. He’s a priority add because he can be used as a WR3 with upside for the next three weeks and if we’re lucky, the role could continue even after Cooks returns.
Ja'Lynn Polk, New England Patriots - 12.6% Rostered
The production hasn't been there yet, but his utilization has continued to improve. In Week 4, Polk led all New England receivers in snaps and routes. He also led the team in targets. This past weekend, Polk again led all New England receivers in snaps and routes.
After earning seven targets in Week 4, he had six this past weekend, second to only Kendrick Bourne with eight. Polk was a highly-regarded 2024 draft prospect, and New England drafted him as their first pick in the second round. That kind of draft pedigree is something fantasy managers should be betting on.
An emerging talent? 🤔
Fantasy Points Senior Film Analyst and one of the masterminds behind the invention of ASS @callmesteveo7 digs into Ja'Lynn Polk's Week 4 film! ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/Dae2S7hc8i
— Fantasy Points (@FantasyPts) October 3, 2024
While the production and box score stats haven't been there, the film shows a player who is getting open and could succeed. Right now, the New England offense is struggling immensely, negatively affecting all their players.
Eventually, they'll switch to Drake Maye, and that could be precisely what Polk needs to get going. Rookie receivers tend to get better as the season rolls along, and stashing Polk on your bench could pay dividends later in the year.
Allen Lazard, New York Jets - 38.1% Rostered
Rostering and starting Lazard doesn't make anyone feel good, but he's been a very productive fantasy receiver through five weeks. He has eight or more targets in three out of five games. He's scored 11 or more half-PPR points in three out of five games and over eight half-PPR points in four out of five.
He's on pace for just 816 yards, but it's clear that Aaron Rodgers trusts him in the red zone, and this has led to Lazard finding the end zone four different times this season. We can certainly make the case for Lazard as a regression candidate, but his situation differs from most. Rodgers likes his guys. He trusts the guys he knows.
Lazard is one of those kind of players. Lazard, with Rodgers under center, has run hot on touchdowns in the past when they were both members of the Packers.
Jordan Whittington, Los Angeles Rams - 11.2% Rostered
Whittington is a WR3 until Cooper Kupp and/or Puka Nacua returns. It's that simple. He's recorded 18 targets in the past two weeks. He's the most targeted player for the Rams in Weeks 4-5. He has been a full-time player with a route participation rate of over 90% in the past two weeks.
The Rams have a bye in Week 6, so he won't be able to help fantasy managers this upcoming week, but it sounds like Nacua is still a couple of weeks away before returning. Kupp could be back in Week 7.
Jordan Whittington is certainly an intriguing fantasy option until Cooper Kupp returns.
Currently has a 25% TPRR without Kupp and his routes spiked to a team-high 94% against Chicago in Week 4. pic.twitter.com/xpjvQtEtSs
— Mark Dankenbring (@MarkDank) October 3, 2024
If Kupp returns in Week 7, Whittington moves back to WR4 territory primarily because we don't know which Rams' receiver will be Stafford's No. 2 target behind Kupp.
Based on what we've seen over the past two weeks, it seems it will be Whittington who fantasy managers should prioritize. He's scored 9.2 and 12.4 half-PPR points the past two weeks, displaying quality flex value for fantasy managers.
Xavier Legette, Carolina Panthers - 35.4% Rostered
Legette injured his shoulder in the first half and did not return. It was unfortunate after Legette had 10 targets, six receptions, 66 yards, and a touchdown en route to 16.6 half-PPR points in Week 4, filling in for the injured Adam Thielen. Fantasy managers will need to pay attention to the severity of Legette's injury.
If it's not expected to be a significant injury, adding Legette still makes sense. There are rumors Carolina could trade Diontae Johnson if they continue to lose. If that were to happen, Legette could become the team's No. 1 receiver. He'd still have to contend with Adam Thielen, but the team could run the offense through their young, second-round rookie instead of the aging Thielen.
Legette showed promise in Week 4, and Thielen is still scheduled to miss the next two games. Week 5 was disappointing for the Carolina offense, but Chicago's defense is legit and has performed as a top-10 defense through the early portion of the season. Carolina struggling offensively shouldn't have been a surprise.
The schedule gets more manageable with matchups against Atlanta and Washington in the next two weeks. If Legette can suit up with Thielen, who is still out, Legette will likely be valued as a WR4 with upside.
Suppose Johnson is traded, or they allow Legette to stay in the starting lineup over Thielen once he returns to provide their rookie with more playing time for his development. In that case, he'll be a valuable player on your bench.
Quentin Johnston, Los Angeles Chargers - 33.6% Rostered
Johnston and the Chargers were on bye in Week 5, and while he's been touchdown-dependent, he's still worth adding in 12-team leagues. He's had at least five targets in three out of four games this season.
He only has one game over 50 yards and just one game with more than three receptions, but he's shown a knack for making big plays and has been targeted in the end zone. Johnston is being used on more shallow and crossing routes to utilize his yards after the catch skills.
This is a more suitable role for his skillset, and it's not surprising that he's been far more effective this year than last season. Johnston may never develop into a starting-caliber fantasy player, but he's been Justin Herbert's No. 1 or No. 2 target each week this season.
He has three touchdowns on the season. That's a player worth having on your bench to help handle the upcoming bye weeks and potential injuries.
Adam Thielen, Carolina Panthers - 27.0% Rostered
Thielen has missed the past two weeks on IR. He's eligible to return in Week 8 against the Denver Broncos. In Week 3, Andy Dalton's first start, Thielen had 40 yards and a touchdown.
There are rumors that if Carolina continues to lose, Diontae Johnson could be traded. He is in the final year of his contract and is 28 years old, so if Carolina does not intend to resign him, trading him makes a lot of sense. Thielen could become Dalton's No. 1 target if that were to happen.
There were reports that Carolina may go back to Bryce Young later in the year, but as long as Dalton is the quarterback, the Carolina offense should, at least, be competent. If you can add Thielen and stash him on IR, it could be a savvy move that could pay off big if Johnson is moved at the deadline.
Tutu Atwell, Los Angeles Rams - 25.3% Rostered
Since Week 3, Atwell has been a full-time player for the Rams. He's recorded five or more targets in the past three games and scored 11.3, 10.2, and 8.8 half-PPR points, all without finding the end zone.
With the injuries to Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, Atwell has stepped up and has leap-frogged Demarcus Robinson as one of Matthew Stafford's top two target-earners. Until Kupp and/or Nacua return, Atwell can be started as a WR4 with upside.
Atwell's targets have increased in each of the last three weeks. He had five targets in Week 3, six in Week 4, and just recorded ten this past weekend. He's had four or more receptions in the past three games and has had more than 60 receiving yards in all three contests. Atwell is a dependable starter until the Rams get healthier at receiver.
The Rams are on bye in Week 6, and it seems likely Kupp will return in Week 7. If that happens, Atwell's value will decrease. At this time, fantasy managers should prioritize teammate Whittington over Atwell. However, if you're struggling with injuries, stashing Atwell on the chance Kupp isn't ready to return in Week 7 could give you a decent streamer.
Tre Tucker, Las Vegas Raiders - 17.2% Rostered
Week 5 was a bit of a letdown after two quality performances in Weeks 3 and 4. However, while the production wasn't there, the playing time and the routes were. Tucker played on 59 of the team's 70 snaps and ran a route on 38 of the team's 42 dropbacks.
He had just four targets after having six in Week 4 and nine in Week 3. There are rumblings that Davante Adams could be traded this week, cementing Tucker's status as a full-time starter for the rest of the year. Tucker's fantasy value would still be the boom or bust variety because he'd be competing with the solid and undervalued Jakobi Meyers and the superstar in the making, Brock Bowers.
In Week 3, he finished with seven receptions, 96 yards, and one touchdown en route to 19.1 half-PPR points. He followed that up with five receptions, 41 yards, and 12.9 half-PPR points with a three-yard rushing touchdown.
His dip in production this past weekend could have resulted from a mid-game quarterback change. If Adams is traded, Tucker will be on the WR5 radar for the rest of the season. He'll be a quality bench piece fantasy managers can depend on in a pinch.
Other Players to Consider: Rashod Bateman, Baltimore Ravens - 4.8% Rostered, Michael Wilson, Arizona Cardinals - 12.3% Rostered, Alec Pierce, Indianapolis Colts - 14.9% Rostered, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Kansas City Chiefs - 4.0% Rostered
Bateman is someone to keep an eye on. He's recorded four or more targets in four of his five games this season. He's recorded 40 or more yards in three out of five games. He's had three or more receptions in three out of five games.
Bateman has scored double-digits in two contests. With the struggles from Mark Andrews, the N0. 2 target-earner is up for grabs every week for Baltimore. We know Zay Flowers will almost always be their No. 1 target earner, but who is Lamar Jackson's No. 2 will change weekly. With Andrews struggling, could Bateman cement himself in that role? He's coming off of eight targets this past weekend.
Pierce has scored over 14 half-PPR points in three out of five weeks, so why is he down here? He has more than three targets in just one game this year. He has scored three touchdowns on just 13 receptions. I don't trust his weekly role in the offense. He's still behind Josh Downs and Michael Pittman Jr., and as long as Anthony Richardson is under center, this passing offense cannot support three pass-catchers.
Smith-Schuster could find his value climbing with the loss of Rashee Rice. His skillset makes him the most likely player to attempt to substitute Rice. In 2022, JuJu had 78 receptions, 933 yards, and three touchdowns with the Chiefs.
Tight Ends - Fantasy Football Waiver Wire for Week 6
Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears - 58.8% Rostered
In the season's first two weeks, Chicago still utilized a tight end by committee with Kmet and Gerald Everett. That changed in Week 3, and Kmet has rewarded his coaches for giving him a more significant role. In Week 3, he had 11 targets, 10 receptions, 97 yards, and one touchdown en route to 20.7 half-PPR points.
Keenan Allen was out that week and returned in Week 4, negatively impacting Kmet's target-earning potential. In Weeks 4 and 5, Kmet had just seven targets, but he has made the most of those targets.
He has six receptions and 91 yards in the past two weeks. He scored 4.9 half-PPR points and 7.2 this past weekend. That isn't setting the world on fire, but no tight end is. Kmet is playing well right now, and he's playing a near full-time role. This past weekend, he ran 28 routes on 36 dropbacks. Kmet is a top-15 tight end moving forward.
Tyler Conklin, New York Jets - 37.2% Rostered
The tight end position has been one landmine after another this season. Fantasy managers are just searching for a player who is on the field. Conklin is doing that and more. His route participation rate has been over 85% in every game this season. That's an elite opportunity.
Time to drop all my stats to recap today’s games!
Get caught up with this thread via @FantasyPtsData:
1. Tyler Conklin has 6+ targets each of the last 3 weeks
No other TE in the league has done that through today’s early games
(Jake Ferguson has a chance to join him tonight)
— Ryan Heath (@RyanJ_Heath) October 6, 2024
Routes tend to lead to targets, which is the case for Conklin. He has seen his targets increase each of the past four weeks. He had two targets in Week 2. That increased to six in Week 3 and eight in Week 4. This past weekend, he had nine.
He has four receptions in the past three weeks and has gone over 50 yards receiving in two of the past three games. He's averaging 8.0 half-PPR PPG over the past three weeks. Defenses continue to move their coverage to Garrett Wilson but has opened up the middle of the field for Conklin.
Cade Otton, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 16.7% Rostered
Last year, Otton was in the top three among tight ends in snaps played and routes run the previous year. He's in that same role again this season. He never leaves the field. He almost always runs a route whenever Baker Mayfield drops back to pass.
That utilization gives him an opportunity every week to get targets, which is more than some tight ends can say. The problem is that he's competing for targets with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. That leaves him, at best, as Mayfield's No. 3 option.
Otton has gotten more involved in the offense over the past three weeks. He has 21 targets, 16 receptions, and 143 yards. He has gone over 40 yards in the past three games and scored 5.9 or more half-PPR points since Week 3.
This kind of production is unlikely to continue, but with Rachaad White's snap share decreasing, Otton may solidify himself as Mayfield's No. 3 option, which White was last season.
Other Players to Consider: Hunter Henry, New England Patriots - 23.7% Rostered, Taysom Hill, New Orleans Saints - 25.7% Rostered, Colby Parkinson, Los Angeles Rams - 48.2% Rostered, Theo Johnson, New York Giants - 1.3% Rostered, Lucas Krull, Denver Broncos - 0.1% Rostered
Henry is in the top two for New England regarding target share. He's a big red-zone target. Hill has a zero floor, but his ceiling is 20. Considering the position this season, is that upside worth chasing? Probably. However, he's dealing with fractured ribs, which could impact his ceiling moving forward.
Parkinson had 13 targets this past week, but even with Nacua and Kupp out, Parkinson still competes with Whittington and Atwell for targets. Johnson had a big Week 5, but his target-earning potential will significantly decrease, with Malik Nabers likely back in Week 6.
This past weekend, Greg Dulcich was inactive, and Krull was active. He was a preseason dandy, and Denver needs a quality pass-catcher behind Courtland Sutton. That was the appeal to Dulcich this season. That appeal exists for Krull. He's not someone to add yet; he's just someone to keep an eye on.
Team Defenses (D/ST) - Waiver Wire Streamers for Week 6
- Houston Texans - 20.9% Rostered (at New England Patriots)
- Philadelphia Eagles - 9.8% (vs Cleveland Browns)
- Los Angeles Chargers - 17.0% Rostered (at Denver Broncos)
- Chicago Bears - 48.5% Rostered (vs Jacksonville Jaguars)
- Buffalo Bills - 25.1% Rostered (at New York Jets)
- Cincinnati Bengals - 21.6% Rostered (at New York Giants)
Kickers - Waiver Wire Streamers for Week 6
- Austin Seibert, Washington Commanders - 60% Rostered (at Baltimore Ravens)
- Chase McLaughlin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 30.5% Rostered (at New Orleans Saints)
- Jason Myers, Seattle Seahawks - 10.2% Rostered (vs San Francisco 49ers)
- Chris Boswell, Pittsburgh Steelers - 56.5% Rostered (vs Dallas Cowboys)
- Tyler Bass, Buffalo Bills - 20.0% Rostered (at New York Jets)
Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Parameters
A few rules before we get started. Every league is different. Different roster formats. Different roster sizes. That makes this one of the more challenging articles because every league’s waiver wire can look dramatically different.
Even what host site you use matters. ESPN has rankings that are different from those of Yahoo!, which have rankings that are different from those of CBS or NFL, and all of that impacts which players are drafted or not drafted. This year, we’ll be using ESPN’s roster percentages.
The vast majority of players use ESPN. It’s a simple numbers game. We’ll only identify quarterbacks and tight ends with a roster percentage of less than 55%. For running backs and receivers, that number will drop to 45%. We won’t be diving into defenses and kickers too much, but I’ll identify a few streamers to target at those positions each week with a roster percentage below 60%.
Each position will be arranged based on who you should prioritize first at that position. In an attempt to cater to leagues of all sizes, you will see many players listed at each position, but remember, they're arranged in the order in which you add them. Hopefully, this makes the article relevant to even those playing in deep 12-team leagues or 14-team leagues.
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