NFL Waiver Wire: Week 6 Deep Dive

A number of last week's mentions are among the current hottest waiver wire options, exemplifying why it's such an edge to stay one step ahead of the curve in fantasy. Amid what seems like a ridiculous plethora of hurdles this season - injuries, bye weeks and schedule changes all stand out - keeping one close eye on the waiver wire is as important than ever. 

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The list below includes players rostered in no more than 50 percent of Yahoo leagues and is listed in order of preference based on half-point per reception scoring and a 12-team league. Depending on your league's scoring and roster settings, certain players might warrant higher consideration than what is listed. Each player's listed roster percentage is based on Tuesday's Yahoo statistics, to give a general sense of availability for a given week.

QUARTERBACK 

Ryan Fitzpatrick (21 percent) - After an abysmal start to the season, Fitzpatrick has now put up 28, 29, 23 and 34 fantasy points and has looked outstanding doing so. With Preston Williams finally looking like his pre-ACL tear self and both DeVante Parker and Mike Gesicki already established as lethal downfield weapons, the stage looks set for Fitzpatrick to dissect the Jets' feeble secondary in Week 6. On the other hand, Fitzpatrick is known for disappearing just as he's finally fully instilled confidence. 

Baker Mayfield  (39 percent) - Mayfield enjoyed his best fantasy day of the season versus the Colts in Week 5, and played a clean first half before throwing two picks in the third and fourth quarters. While not spectacular, he's now been serviceable in four straight games and makes a fine fill-in option for bye weeks - even with a tough matchup in Pittsburgh on deck.

Kirk Cousins  (32 percent) - Cousins has failed to produce 20 fantasy points in back-to-back games despite facing two unimpressive secondaries in Houston and Seattle. Things only get better for him as the Vikings host the Falcons in Week 6, and the veteran may be relied upon to air it out with Dalvin Cook (groin) not expected to play. Cousins is surrounded by solid weapons, with Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson looking like a potent duo and Irv Smith having just put together a mini breakout.

Andy Dalton   (3 percent) - Dalton is set to inherit the reins to Dallas's offense in the wake of Dak Prescott's season-ending injury, which is already enough to put him on the radar in multi-QB formats. Though not the most exciting name, we've seen Dalton exceed expectations in his career when supplied with talent - his 2016 season comes to mind - and the Cowboys' skill-position grouping may be the best the Red Rifle has ever had. It wouldn't be out of the question for Dalton to perform like a serviceable fantasy option the rest of the way, though he'll have to overcome some deficiencies on the O-line to do so.

Derek Carr  (21 percent) - Not only did Carr post a three-touchdown, 347-yard (one INT) performance against the Chiefs, but he's quietly also produced 27 and 24 point games this season. An 11:1 TD:INT ratio goes a long way and while it certainly seems like Carr is due for some regression, rookie WR Henry Ruggs also seems like the perfect weapon to open things up for this offense. The biggest knock on Carr's appeal is that the Raiders are currently on bye, so he's someone you'd need to stash.

RUNNING BACK

Alexander Mattison  (41 percent) - Mattison will probably be the hottest waiver wire pickup of the week with Dalvin Cook (groin) expected to miss at least one game, but possibly not much longer than that. The second-year back had 20 carries for 112 yards, 18 of those carries coming in the second half without Cook. With a prime matchup against the Falcons on deck, Mattison is a must-start for at least one week.

Phillip Lindsay (52 percent) - Lindsay is technically a smidge above the cutoff point for this article, but I'd deem him worth mentioning given his availability in 48 percent of leagues. If Melvin Gordon ends up facing a suspension for his recent off-field issues, Lindsay would inherit the full starting role in Denver - and would probably be looking at a 1A/1B split at worst if Gordon avoids missing time.

Justin Jackson (44 percent) - Jackson totaled over 100 scrimmage yards by rushing 15 times for 71 yards with five catches for 23 and looked convincingly better than rookie competitor Joshua Kelley who only managed 29 yards on 11 carries. With Austin Ekeler (hamstring) out indefinitely and Justin Herbert looking legit enough that opposing defenses will have to respect the pass - especially if Keenan Allen (back) doesn't have to miss much time - Jackson could consistently see a sizeable workload and do some damage with it. 

Tony Pollard (22 percent) - Pollard has managed back-to-back games with over a 20 percent snap share, though his opportunities didn't translate into fantasy points in Week 5. If the Cowboys increasingly lean on the running game with Dak Prescott (ankle) out for the year, there could be room for Pollard to get an increased workload even with a healthy Zeke handling his usual 20+ weekly touches.  

Malcolm Brown (39 percent) - The Rams' backfield looks like a nightmare committee for fantasy purposes. Darrell Henderson was the guy to play last week and Sean McVay has now said he wants to get Cam Akers more involved. Brown will still have his scoring days, and he's justifiable to play on bye weeks or in emergency situations. But good luck predicting when to start him. 

Duke Johnson (28 percent) - Top RB David Johnson got 17 carries and four targets to Duke's three/one versus the Jaguars on a rare day where the Texans went the whole game without falling far behind. Duke's Flex appeal basically only comes in matchups where Houston has to catch up, but his real value lies by providing upside as a handcuff. 

Matt Breida (25 percent) - The Dolphins surprisingly made Jordan Howard a healthy scratch Week 5, an indication their commitment to him as a short-yardage back has ended. That makes Breida a relatively high-value backup behind Myles Gaskin, who remains Miami's clear lead ballcarrier. 

Brian Hill (20 percent) - As a prayer for an RB-needy team, there are worse stashes than Hill. He'd presumably be the lead option for Atlanta if Todd Gurley were to miss any time, though Ito Smith (1 percent) would also probably receive a fair amount of touches. 

Jamaal Williams (15 percent) - Not only is Williams a high-end handcuff behind Aaron Jones, but he eclipsed 100 scrimmage yards before Green Bay's Week 5 bye. He's rostered in about 40 percent less leagues than Chase Edmonds, which is far too large a discrepancy.

Frank Gore (12 percent) - If you want a sexy pickup, this ain't it. But Gore could be a lock for 15+ weekly carries in the wake of Le'Veon Bell's release, which is worth something even if he hasn't yet gotten to double-digit fantasy points this season. La'Mical Perine (2 percent) is also worth a look, though Adam Gase recently said he doesn't want to rush the rookie running back, presumably meaning that 5+ touches per game would risk overwhelming (?) the collegiate workhorse.  

Benny Snell (11 percent) - Snell got roughly half of Conner's carries versus Philadelphia, but only put up 19 yards on those seven attempts. He doesn't get much (read: any) passing work, but will offer marginal Flex value in addition to his obvious handcuff appeal if he keeps getting consistent carries.

J.D. McKissic (6 percent) - McKissic has quietly logged two straight games with double-digit points in PPR formats, and led Washington in targets Week 5. He's a fair low-floor emergency option if you simply need points out of an RB slot.

D'Ernest Johnson (40 percent) - Six of Johnson's eight carries came when Kareem Hunt was on Cleveland's sideline dealing with cramps, with Hunt having 17 touches prior to that point. Nor did Johnson handle any red zone work, so there may not be much work left over for him even with Nick Chubb (knee) out as long as Hunt is healthy.

Darrel Williams (10 percent) - Williams isn't startable for the time being, but he'd stand to inherit Kansas City's high-value backfield touches if CEH were to miss any time. Darwin Thompson (0 percent) is only worth a flyer in extremely deep formats.  

Rashaad Penny (3 percent) - Penny is eligible to return from the PUP list as early as Week 7 against the 49ers. And if Chris Carson were to get hurt (lord forbid), he'd immediately vault into the conversation as a high-octane waiver wire pickup. For teams needing a lottery ticket at running back, it's justifiable to stash Penny a bit early.

Cordarrelle Patterson (7 percent) - The Bears have mostly used Patterson as a running back this season, and almost exclusively since Tarik Cohen (torn ACL) was lost for the season. Presumably he'd get the bulk of carries if David Montgomery were to go down, but that most fantasy leagues still list him as a WR really diminishes Patterson's value.

Mike Boone (0 percent) - Boone only had two carries - his first of the season - after Dalvin Cook (groin) left Sunday's game against Seattle, but it wouldn't be a shock for him to receive 5-10 touches per game as long as Cook is out - although Alexander Mattison will be the lead option in the Vikings' backfield.

WIDE RECEIVER

Brandin Cooks (44 percent) - Cooks' production finally caught up with his team-high 20.9 target share in Week 5, as he blew up for eight catches, 161 yards and a touchdown. As a perennial fantasy WR2 with fringe WR1 potential, it shouldn't have been too surprising to see him return to relevancy over the weekend - although his slow start in Houston had admittedly been concerning. Now that he and Deshaun Watson finally appear on the same page, Cooks should be an every-week starter.

Mike Williams (41 percent) - Williams came back fresh from his hamstring injury and rewarded patient managers with a 5-109-2 statline on Monday, numbers which were assuredly boosted by the departure of Keenan Allen (back) in the first quarter. The big-bodied WR has clearly built chemistry with Justin Herbert - who looks legit by all accounts - perhaps setting the stage for a long-awaited breakout. 

Chase Claypool (11 percent) - Claypool scored four times against the Eagles with Diontae Johnson (back) being forced out early. While the enormous rookie won't manage such performances regularly, he did play a legit starting role - more snaps than either JuJu Smith-Schuster or James Washington in the second half - with Johnson out. Even when all Pittsburgh's WRs are healthy, Claypool should've done enough to win a consistent role. 

Mecole Hardman (40 percent) - Hardman should be one of the primary beneficiaries of Sammy Watkins (hamstring) missing time, and it already looked like he was well on the way to fully usurping the No. 3 receiver gig from Demarcus Robinson. Though Hardman was only targeted three times during the loss to the Raiders and has been under five targets all but one game this season, he should begin seeing increased opportunities - and his big-play ability makes every touch valuable. 

Laviska Shenault (35 percent) - Shenault racked up seven catches for 79 yards versus the Texans on Sunday, a game in which DJ Chark (ankle) was forced out in the fourth quarter and didn't look at full health before. In PPR formats, Shenault has posted double-digit points in four of five games this season. 

Henry Ruggs (44 percent) - Ruggs' enormous fantasy day (2-118-1) came courtesy of two bomb targets, which isn't the sort of usage that lends to consistent production. He only handled 64 percent of offensive snaps and saw three targets, numbers which would need to increase before he can be considered more than a boom-or-bust Flex option.

Christian Kirk (34 percent) - Kirk didn't score Week 5, but his five catches for 78 yards marked his best of the season. He also saw seven targets, dead even with both DeAndre Hopkins and Larry Fitzgerald. While Kirk isn't experiencing the third-year breakout that fantasy managers hoped for, he's a fine replacement option on bye weeks.

Preston Williams (22 percent) - Williams didn't break double-digit PPR points through the first four weeks of the season probably due to a combination of facing tough cornerback matchups and coming off an ACL tear, but looked to get right in Week 5. Four catches for 106 yards and a TD might end up being Williams' best performance of the year, but he'll be in the WR3 conversation as long as Ryan Fitzpatrick is slinging him the ball.  

Travis Fulgham (4 percent) - Fulgham built upon last week's 2-57-1 statline with a convincing 10 catches for 152 yards and a score versus Pittsburgh, and suddenly looks at home atop Philadelphia's depth chart. Jalen Reagor (14 percent) will be eligible to return Week 7, but it wouldn't be surprising if Fulgham keeps his grip on a starting role the rest of the way.  

Golden Tate (36 percent) - Tate has seen between 5-7 targets this season, which is enough to consistently put up points even if he has yet to log a double-digit week in PPR. He's a fine emergency option if you simply need to get something out of your WR3 slot. Call Tate the J.D. McKissic of WR pickups.

Gabriel Davis (4 percent) - Davis is averaging roughly 10 PPR points per game over the last three weeks, which is enough to put him on the radar in deep leagues. Nor has the rookie's emergency only been a product of John Brown (knee) being injured, as his involvement previously came more at the expense of Cole Beasley.

Denzel Mims (3 percent) - The rookie second-round pick has finally been designated to return from IR, so he could be in line to make his NFL debut Sunday. The Jets' offense is generally one to avoid with one exception (Jamison "WR1" Crowder), but on paper there's every opportunity for another receiving threat to emerge.

Andy Isabella (3 percent) - Isabella is clearly behind all of DeAndre Hopkins, Larry Fitzgerald and Christian Kirk, so he's only worth attention in leagues with more than 12 teams or ridiculous starting requirements. He's had a catch of 20-plus yards in two straight games and flashed game-breaking speed as a rookie, so there are worse emergency Flex options in deep leagues.

Devin Duvernay (1 percent) - Duvernay only played 29 percent of offensive snaps Sunday - a season high - but turned his limited opportunities into a 42-yard run and 17 receiving yards on two targets. Back in Week 3, he showcased his speed with a kick return TD. The rookie second-round pick is only worth rostering in deep leagues, but Baltimore will likely continue to manufacture touches for him. And if Duvernay were ever to win the slot job outright, he'd offer significant weekly upside.

TIGHT END

Jimmy Graham (41 percent) - The Bears are committed to utilizing Graham in the red zone, and he returned on investment in Week 5 with a 3-33-1 statline. That sort of effort with low catches and yardage but the upside of a TD is about the best you can hope for with Graham, but he's on pace to work out as a low-end TE1 for fantasy purposes.

Dallas Goedert (43 percent) - Zach Ertz (1-6-0 on six targets in Week 5) simply hasn't been effective for the Eagles in recent weeks, and the team are desperately looking for capable pass catchers. Goedert is eligible to return as early as Week 7, though the team hasn't yet said whether it may take longer. Prior to going down with a fractured left ankle, Goedert was putting up servicable weekly numbers.

Mo Alie-Cox (32 percent) - One target, no catches and 38 percent of offensive snaps isn't going to do it for fantasy purposes, and the Colts seem to be utilizing both Jack Doyle and Trey Burton ahead of Alie-Cox. The big tight end has already showcased notable upside, but it'll be difficult to trust him as anything more than a streaming option until he receives more consistent offensive opportunities.

Irv Smith (6 percent) - Smith basically doubled his receiving total through the first four weeks with Sunday's 4-64-0 line. The Vikings designed a number of plays specifically to get Smith involved and looked impressive in limited opportunities, but Minnesota's run-first offense may simply not provide him with the room necessary to break out.