It’s Week 6, and by now you should know where your strengths and weaknesses are. If, for example, you went all-in on Calvin Johnson in your draft like I did, you might need some help at the wide receiver position if you want to keep your playoff hopes alive. If that’s the case, I’m here to help.
Below I will take a look at some Week 6 wide receiver waiver wire pickups and sleepers, based on their current ownership numbers and fantasy outlooks.
For each week of the fantasy football season, I’ll also give you a bonus player to avoid (usually someone who might be a popular pickup that I disagree with). Good luck in Week 6 RotoBallers!
Fantasy Football Wide Receivers (WR)
Odell Beckham Jr. (NYG) — Owned in 20.0% of Fleaflicker Leagues
Eli seems to have figured things out, and right in time for Beckham to make an impact. This über-talented rookie made his debut in Week 5 and immediately made a splash, pulling in four catches on five targets for 44 yards and a touchdown. He has the speed to be a legitimate vertical threat, yet has good enough hands to make an impact in the red zone and in the short passing game.
He’s probably still the third option behind Victor Cruz and Rueben Randle, but I don’t trust either of those two to produce on a regular basis. I can see Beckham reaping the benefits of secondaries that key in on Cruz and Randle, and he’s got a couple great matchups in the next couple weeks (at Philly and at Dallas). Don’t expect anything better than FLEX numbers on a consistent basis, but this guy definitely has breakout potential. Roster him if you’ve got room.
Baller Move: Add in deep PPR/deep standard leagues
Marvin Jones (CIN) — Owned in 24% of Fleaflicker Leagues
Jones was a legitimate red zone threat in 2013, finding pay dirt 10 times—although to be fair, four of those TDs came in one game. I still expect Jones to slide into that same role when he makes his alleged return against Carolina.
With tight end Tyler Eifert still injured until at least Week 10, Jones will instantly become Andy Dalton’s second option in the passing game behind the incomparable A.J. Green. Jones should definitely be rostered in all leagues, but perhaps wait a week to see how he moves before starting him.
Baller Move: Add in all leagues
Louis Murphy (TB) — Owned in 3% of Fleaflicker Leagues
I told you about Murphy last week, and I’m going to do it again. With Mike Evans still injured, Murphy is a legitimate plug-and-play in deeper leagues, as he is Mike Glennon’s second option behind Vincent Jackson. He was second to VJax in targets in Week 5, but managed to find the end zone despite subpar counting stats.
I expect him to maintain his status as the WR2 on a Tampa Bay offense that is an entirely different animal with Glennon under center. You’re never going to get any monster games out of Murphy, but he could be a usable FLEX play in PPR leagues.
Baller Move: Add in deep PPR, monitor in all leagues
Brian Quick (STL) — Owned in 44% of Fleaflicker Leagues
This is the last time I’m going to say this. ADD. BRIAN. QUICK. Austin Davis has proven himself to be a legitimate QB2, and Quick is the main beneficiary. He has been amazingly consistent thus far, registering either seven receptions or a score in every game he’s played in.
He exploded in Week 5 for 84 yards and two scores on five grabs, proving what I said in Week 4 - that Davis looks for him often, and that the touchdowns would come. Guess what, RotoBallers - the touchdowns are here.
ADD. BRIAN. QUICK.
Baller Move: Add in all leagues
Wide Receiver To Avoid (Bonus)
Justin Hunter (TEN) — Owned in 35% of Fleaflicker Leagues
Hunter had a lot of hype coming into the season, so he may not even be available in your league. He was a big disappointment through 4 weeks even with plenty of snaps and targets. Hunter finally broke out in week 5 though, with 99 yards on 3 catches and his first score of the season. That said, even if he's available, I would let someone else take the gamble. Jake Locker can’t seem to make it through a week unscathed, leaving Charlie “Clipboard Jesus” Whitehurst to chuck the pigskin.
With a quarterback situation in flux, I don’t trust any of the Titans receivers, particularly Hunter, who hasn’t caught more than three balls in a game yet. You can find more reliable options, but keep an eye on Hunter as he has tons of talent and one more good game might change things.
I’ll be your wide receiver authority for the 2014 season, so don’t hesitate to reach out to me @Roto_Dubs with any questions whenever.