Statistically, 97% of fantasy managers lost a player to injuries this week. Also, approximately 88% of statements like that are made up on the spot. Jokes aside, it was a rough week for hamstrings, ankles, and skulls. When some of the best players in the league end up on IR, you will be looking at waivers to fill that void. Here are my favorite picks from the Week 6 Waiver Wire.
Pro Tip: With bye weeks starting, managers may have to drop players that they shouldn’t due to roster problems. Last week, the Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Chargers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Seattle Seahawks were all off, so check for any of their players who should not be available. Also, keep an eye on who your leaguemates drop this week with the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers on bye in Week 6.
Quick Note: All players listed are available in at least 50% of ESPN leagues. While not everyone plays on ESPN, studies show most do. So, if they’re available there, they’re likely available on your Week 6 Waiver Wire. Pick ‘Em Up!
Week 6 Waiver Wire
Quarterbacks
Normally, I don’t advocate blowing FAAB on QBs. There is always plenty to choose from in free agency after waivers, and you should just stream the position. This list will usually be small, but if you’re desperate, this is who I would prioritize this week.
Matthew Stafford (65% Available)
Stafford’s season-long numbers are mid, but he just got his favorite receiver back and dropped 20 fantasy points on the Eagles. His bye isn’t until Week 10, and his next four matchups are all very beatable. If you’re struggling at QB, he should be a priority.
Jared Goff (50% Available)
Goff is still the QB11 on the season and is coming off a 3-TD week against Carolina. He has road games against Tampa Bay and Baltimore before a Week 9 bye. He won’t set the world on fire, but he’ll get you through a pinch these next two weeks.
Running Backs
Tyjae Spears (74% Available)
The trend of Spears cutting into Derrick Henry’s work continued this week, and he scored the team’s only rushing TD. He is already a top-30 RB and is an injury away from the Top 15. Leaving him on waivers is willful ignorance at this point.
Roschon Johnson (63% Available)
This one is complicated. Johnson is dealing with a concussion, but Khalil Herbert is set to miss multiple weeks with an ankle sprain. Week 6 might not be his week, but Johnson will be the Chicago back to roster from Week 7 on, and you might as well stash him now. Their bye isn’t until Week 13.
Jaleel McLaughlin (51% Available)
With Javonte Williams missing time, McLaughlin is looking like a fantasy RB2 for the next week or two. In Week 5, he was a top-10 back. You’ll need to monitor Williams’ health, but the rookie is better than Samaje Perine and could be this team’s starter before long.
Justice Hill (74% Available)
I’m not quite sure what is keeping people from adding Hill, but he should be rostered. He is the RB34 on the season in only four games played. He also scored his fourth TD of the season last week and is clearly operating ahead of Gus Edwards.
Jeff Wilson Jr (70% Available)
With rookie superstar De’Von Achane set to miss multiple games, JWJ will get his chance to shine in this electric offense. He and Raheem Mostert will split time like they did in 2022, and it worked out well for both backs.
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Wide Receivers
Rashee Rice (76% Available)
Do I need to say more than “you want Patrick Mahomes’ top WR”? With Travis Kelce dealing with an ankle injury, Rice’s value could grow exponentially.
K.J. Osborn (78% Available)
Justin Jefferson just hit the IR this morning, meaning that for four weeks, the highest-passing volume offense in the league will operate with Osborn and rookie Jordan Addison as its top two WRs.
Josh Palmer (60% Available)
Coming off a bye, Palmer would be easy to overlook. He will be the Chargers’ WR2 until Quentin Johnston is ready to take the job, and that could be a while. There are plenty of targets left behind Keenan Allen, and Palmer should see the majority.
Josh Reynolds (75% Available)
Without Amon-Ra St. Brown in Week 5, Reynolds caught four balls for 76 yards and a TD. Jameson Williams caught two balls for two yards. Reynolds is a favorite of Jared Goff and isn’t going to give the WR2 job up easily.
Josh Downs (88% Available)
It took Downs some time, but he led the team in receptions and yards in Week 5. With Gardner Minshew set to take over for the next month, this should be a more traditional offense, and increased passing volume should mean more opportunities for the rookie Downs.
Tight Ends
Much like QB, I don’t usually recommend blowing any waiver priority or FAAB on a tight end, either. You can generally wait until Wednesday and play the streaming game. However, early in the season, there are sometimes players that should be rostered, and leagues are missing out. These are those players.
Dalton Schultz (50% Available)
Schultz might be your last chance to get a piece of this C.J. Stroud offense. He is the TE12 on the season and coming off a monster week.
Logan Thomas (92% Available)
Logan Thomas has played four games this season, averaging six targets, four receptions, 46 yards, and scored two TDs. He is the TE11 despite missing a game. This offense loves the TE, and Thomas will be a top-10 option as long as he remains healthy.
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