By The Commish (Cole Hoopingarner)
Week 6, already? That means we’re almost halfway through fantasy football’s regular season and more than a third through the NFL’s regular season. If that depresses you, fear not – here are some waiver wire pickups that can cheer you up!
Brandon LaFell
That’s now two straight weeks that Andy Dalton has looked to Brandon LaFell to score and this week, the veteran wideout produced two touchdowns. Dalton and LaFell clearly have the chemistry many people predicted the Bengals QB would share with Tyler Boyd, who hasn’t shown up this year. The impending return of Tyler Eifert could certainly mean fewer catches for LaFell, but he’s unquestionably the number two wide receiver in Cincy and they will need him to keep up the great work if they want to salvage their mediocre season.
Bilal Powell
After a red-hot start, Matt Forte has predictably cooled off, but not because of age like many may think. No, it’s just that besides Forte and Marshall, the Jets are dreadful, and it’s hard to get into a running rhythm when your quarterback throws nine interceptions in two games and your defense underwhelms. Bilal Powell represents incredible FLEX value, especially in PPR leagues as Fitzpatrick has to check down more often with Eric Decker out.
Sammie Coates
Big Ben’s unquestioned number three receiver (I say three because I really think Le’Veon Bell is second behind Antonio Brown), Coates has emerged as a WR2 in fantasy football, especially in PPR leagues. There’s nothing not to like about Coates. Get him if you can.
James Starks
Eddie Lacy is hurt. James Starks is not. In the past, when Lacy’s been out, Starks has filled in admirably. In a year where running backs can’t stop getting injured, starters are more valuable than ever before. Grab Starks and ride with it.
Cameron Artis-Payne
Fozzy who? CAP is the Panthers RB we can believe in with Jonathan Stewart sidelined or not 100%.
Jacquizz Rodgers
The holes were there for Charles Sims when he filled in for Doug Martin, but Sims’ specialty is catching passes, not running downhill or sneaking through holes. Rodgers stepped up admirably against the Panthers and hit those holes with focus and determination. Clearly when Martin returns, Jacquizz will fill in for the injured Sims as the third down and change of pace back, and he will on some weeks warrant FLEX consideration.