Waivering: Week 6

Tue Oct 13 12:23am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Bourne moves into starting role


The good news is the injuries weren’t quite as bad last week. We also had a few players step up and perform when given the chance, making them waiver wire options for the week. The bad news is there are four teams on a bye this week, and many of them have really good fantasy offenses. So, once again, the waiver wire could be a busy place. Here are some options to consider grabbing for your team.

QUARTERBACKS

Aaron Rodgers, Steelers (39.3% owned). Rodgers was on this list last week but lands on it again because he is still owned in less than half the leagues on our site. Rodgers has thrown three touchdown passes in three straight games. The numbers don’t lie. He is getting it done, scoring 24-plus fantasy points in each of those games. He deserves some spot starts for fantasy teams.

Jameis Winston, Giants (24.1% owned). Winston is looking more and more comfortable in the Giants offense. He has played really well over his last two games, throwing three touchdown passes in each and reaching the 300-yard mark for the first time all season last week. Winston can be a roller coaster, but he certainly has the potential for big things.

RUNNING BACKS

Dameon Pierce, Eagles (7.9% owned). Pierce might be the last man standing in the Eagles backfield. Will Shipley injured his foot last week and left early, while Saquon Barkley is battling a hamstring injury. Pierce did very little with his opportunities last week, but any starting running back in the NFL has at least some fantasy value. He could be worth a look at the flex spot if he starts in Week 6.

Samaje Perine, Bengals (17.7% owned). Perine actually had the most carries of any Bengals running back last week, getting one more than starter Chase Brown. We wouldn’t expect that to happen every week, but perhaps Perine starts getting a few more chances after doing little early in the year. His previous season high was five carries in Week 1 before he rushed 14 times for 68 yards last week. Perine might be worth a speculative grab for fantasy owners.

Kimani Vidal, Chargers (15.7% owned). Vidal is gaining value in the struggling Chargers offense. He has found the end zone in two straight games and had a season-high eight carries for 57 yards last week. Vidal could be earning more work in the coming weeks, making him a guy to target in deeper leagues.

Kendre Miller, Saints (39.8% owned). Miller got more work at running back last week, seeing more carries than Alvin Kamara. Miller ran 10 times for 30 yards and a touchdown. He could be moving ahead of Kamara on the depth chart, making him worth a speculative grab for fantasy owners.

RECEIVERS

Darius Cooper, Eagles (0.4% owned). Cooper found the end zone again last week, giving him touchdowns in three of his last four games. He has also scored double-digit fantasy points in three of those games. Cooper posted his highest yardage total of the season last week, catching two passes for 71 yards and a score. He remains a bit of a touchdown-dependent player, but as long as he keeps scoring, he is worth a look.

Germie Bernard, Steelers (7.5% owned). Bernard had his best game as a pro last week, catching six passes for 90 yards on nine targets. He topped his combined yardage total for the entire season in Week 5. Bernard is a talented player who was generating some preseason hype, so perhaps this is the start of his breakout. He could start getting more opportunities, especially with Michael Pittman dealing with an injury.

Kendrick Bourne, Cardinals (6.5% owned). Bourne moves into the starting lineup for the Cardinals following the trade of Marvin Harrison. He led the team in receiving yards in his first chance in that role, catching five passes for 70 yards on eight targets in Week 5. He is worth grabbing for fantasy teams looking for receiver help and should get regular opportunities in this offense.

Ryan Flournoy, Cowboys (13.0% owned). CeeDee Lamb was limited at times last week because of a quad injury. Flournoy posted a season high in receiving yards, catching three passes for 40 yards. He could have an expanded role for a week or two if Lamb misses time. Flournoy is worth grabbing in this explosive Cowboys offense, especially for Lamb owners looking for some insurance.

TIGHT ENDS

Mike Gesicki, Bengals (52.6% owned). Gesicki found the end zone again, giving him touchdowns in four games this season. He caught just one pass last week, but at least it went for a score. Gesicki has been much more consistent for fantasy owners thanks to all the touchdowns. He has some real spot-start appeal at tight end.

Pat Freiermuth, Steelers (32.2% owned). Freiermuth had a two-touchdown performance last week and has now scored in two straight games. He has found the end zone in three of five games this season. He also drew a season-high seven targets last week, finishing with five catches for 44 yards. His yardage numbers aren’t great, but he is scoring and has recorded multiple receptions in every game.

Hunter Henry, Patriots (51.0% owned). Henry scored his first touchdown of the season last week. He has also scored double-digit fantasy points in two straight games after failing to reach that mark in each of his first three games. He is trending in the right direction as the Patriots offense heats up.

Brenton Strange, Jaguars (47.7% owned). Strange has seen an uptick in work over the last two weeks, drawing eight targets in each game. He has recorded seven receptions in both contests and topped 13 fantasy points each time. Strange has scored double-digit fantasy points in three of five games this season. He is a low-end TE1 for fantasy teams and remains available in a little over half the leagues on our site.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 6

Player Notes
Tetairoa McMillan Oct 14 11:10pm ET
Tetairoa McMillan

The last time Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan was on the field, he shredded the Detroit Lions defense for 14 receptions for 192 yards (13.7 yards per reception) and two touchdowns on a Sunday Night Football win in Week 4. The Panthers had a bye week in Week 5, but get back to action against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6. McMillan will look to continue his momentum, as he currently leads the Panthers in receptions (26) and receiving yards (385), and is tied for the team lead in touchdown catches (two). The Panthers are dealing with injuries to fellow wide receivers Jalen Coker (quadriceps) and Xavier Legette (knee). Leggete was placed on injured reserve on Oct. 3 due to a knee injury, while Coker missed the Week 4 contest against the Lions with an injury to his quadriceps. Ahead of Week 6, however, Coker got in a full practice session on Wednesday. Still, expect McMillan to be heavily involved for the Panthers against the Eagles.

From RotoBaller

Denzel Boston Oct 14 11:10pm ET
Denzel Boston

Cleveland Browns rookie second-round wide receiver Denzel Boston is the team's leading receiver through the first five games of his first season in the NFL, catching 16 of his 29 targets for 330 yards and three touchdowns. Meanwhile, rookie first-round receiver KC Concepcion Jr. has 18 catches for 149 yards and no touchdowns, and he went down early in the Week 5 loss to the New York Jets with a scary concussion. Boston, 22, is on the Week 6 injury report with a foot injury, but he was limited in practice on Wednesday and should have a good chance to play this Sunday against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens. He has had at least seven targets in three of the last four games and would see an even bigger target share this weekend if Concepcion cannot clear the league's concussion protocol by the weekend. Boston is the current betting favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year. The quick rise of both Boston and Concepcion has put Jerry Jeudy on the trade block. Boston should be considered a must-start against the Ravens, especially if Concepcion does not play.

From RotoBaller

Rhamondre Stevenson Oct 14 11:00pm ET
Rhamondre Stevenson

New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson (ankle) is expected to miss multiple weeks with a high-ankle sprain that he suffered in the Week 5 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, which will open up a workhorse role for backfield mate Rhamondre Stevenson, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Corey Kiner will also have an expanded role behind Stevenson for as long as Henderson remains sidelined. Stevenson had 13 carries for 64 yards and a touchdown in the blowout win over the Raiders after Henderson's injury. The 28-year-old Stevenson has been the Patriots' RB1 so far in 2026 with Henderson battling some injuries, and he has averaged 4.0 yards per carry for 227 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 57 rushing attempts through five games. The former fourth-rounder has also tacked on 15 receptions (19 targets) for 111 yards as a receiver. With Henderson expected to be ruled out for Week 6 this weekend, Stevenson becomes a must-start in fantasy lineups against the division-rival and visiting New York Jets, whose defense has allowed 118 rushing yards per game this year.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Allgeier Oct 14 10:50pm ET
Tyler Allgeier

Arizona Cardinals running back Tyler Allgeier saw just three carries for seven yards (2.3 yards per carry) and two receptions for nine yards in a 45-21 loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 5, but he may have the opportunity for a heavier workload against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 6. Rookie running back Jeremiyah Love (ankle), who has taken over lead tailback duties for the Cardinals, did not practice on Wednesday due to an ankle injury. His status is worth monitoring throughout the week, and if he can't play Sunday, Allgeier will slot into the No. 1 running back role. Against the Lions, Love handled 36 offensive snaps compared to Allgeier's 32, but Love out-touched Allgeier 12-to-five. In 2026, Allgeier has rushed 35 times for 119 yards (3.4 yards per carry) and a touchdown, while adding 12 receptions for 44 yards. Even if Love is able to play, the Arizona coaching staff may opt to give Allgeier more touches to keep Love fresh. Of note, the Cardinals signed Jerome Ford to the practice squad on Wednesday.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Jones Oct 14 10:50pm ET
Aaron Jones

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. has taken on a workload that not even his most fervent supporters could have envisioned. With Jordan Mason on Injured Reserve due to a thumb injury, Jones has seen at least 20 carries in three of the last four weeks and has gone over 100 yards rushing in two of those contests. In total, the 31-year-old veteran has 85 rushing attempts for 370 yards (4.4 yards per carry) and one touchdown, while catching 12 of his 17 targets for 72 yards through the air. It has vaulted Jones to RB15 in half-PPR scoring through the first five games of the 2026 season. He had a season-high in touches with 28 in the Week 5 win over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. Savvy fantasy managers will want to sell high on Jones as the Vikings head into their bye week. Mason is expected to return in Week 7 against the Indianapolis Colts, and at that point, Minnesota plans to give Jones a break so that he does not wear down early this season. In the season-opening win over the division-rival Green Bay Packers when Mason was healthy, Jones had 12 carries for 40 yards and a touchdown and went without a catch. His volume is about to fall.

From RotoBaller

Braelon Allen Oct 14 10:40pm ET
Braelon Allen

New York Jets running back Braelon Allen went from being an under-the-radar handcuff to a must-roster player due to Breece Hall's quad injury. Allen handled lead-back duties for the second straight game in the Week 5 win over the Cleveland Browns and had a breakout day on the ground, carrying the ball a season-high 24 times for 116 yards and his second rushing touchdown of 2026. The 22-year-old added one catch for no gain on four targets. He will inevitably fall back down in fantasy circles when Hall returns to take over his lead-back role, but for now, Hall is on the rise and should be considered a must-start in Week 6 against the division-rival New England Patriots on the road if Hall misses a third straight game. Head coach Aaron Glenn said that Hall is still week-to-week, and he was unable to practice again on Wednesday. Allen is averaging 4.1 yards per carry for 236 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 57 carries through his first five games, catching seven passes for 19 yards as a receiver. It will not be easy for Allen to go off again against New England's defense, though, as they are allowing only 90.8 rushing yards per game, the sixth-fewest in the NFL.

From RotoBaller

Isaiah Likely Oct 14 10:30pm ET
Isaiah Likely

New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely (foot) recorded a career-high 11 receptions on 13 targets (tying a career-high) in a 27-27 tie against the Washington Commanders in Week 5. He posted 94 yards and two touchdowns against the Commanders as well. Likely is dealing with a foot injury, but was a full participant in Wednesday's practice. He enters a Week 6 matchup with the New Orleans Saints as RotoBaller's No. 4 tight end this week. Likely is projected to score 10.6 fantasy points. According to Pro Football Reference, the Saints allow 9.5 fantasy points per game to tight ends. Likely is currently started in 70% of Yahoo leagues, but that number will almost certainly increase for Week 6. He is a must-start player moving forward.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Warren Oct 14 10:30pm ET
Jaylen Warren

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren has become the team's featured player over the last three weeks with Rico Dowdle sidelined with a dislocated toe. Head coach Mike McCarthy called Warren "our featured player" on Monday, according to Brooke Pryor of ESPN. The 27-year-old has really stepped up for Pittsburgh's offense with more touches, going for 490 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns in the last three games on 61 touches. McCarthy envisioned more of a 50-50 split with Warren and Dowdle going into the regular season, but Dowdle's toe injury might have McCarthy rethinking his backfield plan for the rest of the season. Dowdle has a shot to return this weekend against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the road, but even if he does, Warren has worked his way into must-start status in all fantasy football leagues. Going into Week 6, Warren has been a top-10 back with 70 carries for 410 yards and a touchdown while adding 19 receptions for 230 yards and another score through the air. The former undrafted free agent from Oklahoma State is easily on pace for his first 1,000-yard rushing season if he can stay healthy.

From RotoBaller

Bo Nix Oct 14 10:20pm ET
Bo Nix

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix has not looked right through the first five games of the 2026 season. Whether it be Nix's offseason ankle surgery or the move to offensive coordinator Davis Webb, something is not clicking for the former first-rounder from Oregon. Although the Broncos are 3-2 and tied for second place in the AFC West, Nix has just one game over 15 fantasy points and heads into a tough Thursday night matchup in Week 6 against the Seattle Seahawks as the QB23 overall. Fantasy managers who took the chance on Nix's dual-threat abilities despite his offseason ankle surgery have been left wanting more and disappointed with his output. Nix has gone 97-for-162 passing for 942 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions. He has run the ball 18 times for just 35 yards and one touchdown on the ground. The switch back to head coach Sean Payton as the offensive play-caller in the Week 5 win over the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers did little to help, as he threw for just 123 yards and one touchdown. Nix has time to turn things around this season, but fantasy managers in single-QB leagues should not be thinking that it will come on a short turnaround in Week 6 against a strong Seahawks defense.

From RotoBaller

David Montgomery Oct 14 10:00pm ET
David Montgomery

Houston Texans running back David Montgomery (groin) is considered week-to-week after suffering an injury during Sunday's win over the Tennessee Titans. Montgomery missed practice to begin the week, and head coach DeMeco Ryans said the injury is a week-to-week concern. The veteran back was struggling before the injury, with 33 rushing yards or fewer in his last four games. Backup Woody Marks took over for Montgomery on Sunday and immediately outperformed him. Marks rushed for 62 yards on 15 attempts in Week 5. The expectation is that he'll remain the lead back until Montgomery is back. Given Montgomery's struggles, Marks has a real chance to earn a bigger chunk of the playing time going forward. Fantasy managers who don't have an available IR spot and need another back could potentially move on from Montgomery if he misses several weeks.

From RotoBaller

Marvin Harrison Jr. Oct 14 9:50pm ET
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Houston Texans wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is expected to make his team debut against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 6. Harrison is hopeful to bounce back after struggling to find much consistency with the Arizona Cardinals. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect Harrison to offer a ton of value right now. Texans' head coach DeMeco Ryans said the team plans to make it easy on him, and he won't be out there for all 60 snaps. It sounds like the Texans plan to ease Harrison into the offense, which makes him tough to trust in fantasy formats. There could be some long-term stash value here, but fantasy managers in 12-team redrafts don't need to hold him. It's likely going to be several weeks before Harrison starts making a real impact with his new team.

From RotoBaller

Kyle Pitts Oct 14 9:40pm ET
Kyle Pitts

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. was able to find the end zone for the first time this season last week. The 26-year-old hauled in five of his six targets for 42 yards and a score in the loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Pitts has turned it on recently after an extremely slow start to the season. Over the first three games, Pitts recorded two receptions for 15 yards. He has done much better recently with eight receptions for 89 yards over his last two contests. It seems that having Michael Penix Jr. under center has helped Pitts, but he remains a risky starting choice given his inconsistent play to start the season.

From RotoBaller

Quentin Johnston Oct 14 9:30pm ET
Quentin Johnston

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston (chest) is hopeful to get back on the field in Week 6, but he hasn't been much of a fantasy option anyway. During his four games this season, Johnston has recorded seven receptions for 108 receiving yards with zero touchdowns. The Chargers' offense has struggled as a whole, but Johnston is giving almost zero value right now. The 25-year-old isn't a must drop player, but fantasy managers in 12-team standard leagues should begin looking for another option. The Chargers play the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 6, and then they have a bye in Week 7. It's unlikely that Johnston is going to offer fantasy managers much of anything over the next two weeks.

From RotoBaller

Zay Flowers Oct 14 9:10pm ET
Zay Flowers

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers is not on the injury report for Week 6. Flowers injured his hamstring in the Week 1 win over the Indianapolis Colts and was inactive in Week 2. A foot injury made the 26-year-old wideout questionable to play in the Sunday night game against the Atlanta Falcons, but he ended up suiting up and catching eight of his nine targets for 53 yards while adding a 13-yard carry on the ground. His hamstring and foot injuries are now in the past, so fantasy managers should have Flowers locked into their starting lineups for the Week 6 divisional contest on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns. When active, Flowers has had a high floor with WR1 upside, although fantasy managers would feel more comfortable if star quarterback Lamar Jackson (ankle) made a return this weekend. In his first four games of his fourth year in the NFL, Flowers has caught 26 of his 31 targets for 405 yards and two touchdowns. The former first-rounder from Boston College is still a must-start if backup QB Tyler Huntley makes a second straight start.

From RotoBaller

Alec Pierce Oct 14 9:10pm ET
Alec Pierce

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (heel) is no longer wearing a cast on his left ankle/heel, but The Athletic's James Boyd said that he did not get the sense that Pierce is close to a return. The earliest he can return from Injured Reserve would be in Week 7 on the road against the Minnesota Vikings. We will see if the big-play receiver can return to practice next week when he is eligible, but as of right now, fantasy managers should not be expecting Pierce to return immediately. The 26-year-old aggravated his heel/ankle injury in the Week 2 overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and was then placed on IR. Without Pierce in the fold, the Colts have leaned on Josh Downs and veteran Keenan Allen, although both pass-catchers are nursing injuries going into the Week 6 tilt at home against the division-rival Tennessee Titans. Pierce has led the NFL in yards per catch in each of the past two seasons, so even though he might not be back for another couple of weeks, he is worth stashing in most fantasy leagues. He is rostered in 55% of Yahoo leagues.

From RotoBaller

Ashton Jeanty Oct 14 9:00pm ET
Ashton Jeanty

Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (foot) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, according to The Athletic's Sam Warren. Jeanty has not been 100% lately while battling an ankle/foot injury that had him listed as questionable for last week's blowout loss to the New England Patriots. The 22-year-old has apparently improved since last week, and the Raiders are not going to rest the former first-rounder. He will be active in Week 6 at home against the visiting Buffalo Bills as the Raiders look to avoid a three-game losing streak after surprising everyone with a 3-0 start. But fantasy managers are wondering if Jeanty will be efficient while battling through his injury, and if rookie backup Mike Washington Jr. might continue to be more involved. Jeanty had a season-low 10 carries for only 27 yards and caught three passes for 50 yards on Sunday in New England. He is averaging just 3.3 yards per carry through five games in 2026, but his volume and involvement in the passing game (22 catches, 215 yards, two TDs) have kept his fantasy value afloat.

From RotoBaller

Brock Bowers Oct 14 8:50pm ET
Brock Bowers

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (knee) is on the Week 6 injury report and was listed as a limited participant in practice on Wednesday, according to Sam Warren of The Athletic. Bowers was also listed as limited early last week but played in the 45-17 loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday and caught eight of 10 targets for 110 yards and a touchdown for the third straight game. Look for the 23-year-old star tight end to return to a full practice soon and be a full-go for the Week 6 contest at home against the Buffalo Bills. He did have a trim on his knee before the start of the 2026 regular season that caused him to miss the first two games, but since his return, he has been the Bowers that everyone expected, catching 24 passes on 35 targets for 312 yards and three touchdowns in his three games played. Bowers has had great chemistry with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins so far, and fantasy managers are hoping that will continue as the Raiders try to avoid a three-game losing streak after a surprising 3-0 start.

From RotoBaller

Quinshon Judkins Oct 14 7:40pm ET
Quinshon Judkins

Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday and is in danger of missing Sunday's game against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens in Week 6, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Judkins no longer has a walking boot on his right foot after getting injured in the Week 5 loss to the New York Jets, but he is not practicing and is up in the air to be available this weekend. Cleveland's backfield is an injured mess right now with Judkins banged up and Raheim Sanders (hip) going on Injured Reserve on Tuesday. Dylan Sampson (knee) remains on IR, although the Browns opened his 21-day practice window this week. If Judkins is not cleared to play and Sampson does not return from IR, the Browns will be down to Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime in their backfield against the Ravens. The 22-year-old Judkins is averaging only 3.0 yards per carry through five games in 2026 with 73 rushing attempts for 221 yards and one touchdown on the ground, adding 18 receptions for 102 yards as a receiver. Judkins is shaping up as a very risky fantasy RB on the RB2/3 borderline in Week 6 against the Ravens.

From RotoBaller

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Oct 14 6:40pm ET
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (ankle) should deliver another WR1 performance in Week 6 against the Denver Broncos. Denver may rank as the No. 4 defense against opposing wide receivers in fantasy, but JSN has proven himself to be matchup-proof this season. Perhaps the most threatening factor to Smith-Njigba's Week 6 success is his current ankle injury. Smith-Njigba got hurt during Seattle's Week 5 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. While he was able to play through the injury during that game, JSN was constantly working through pain on the sideline. He has been a limited participant in practice throughout the week, but he is upgraded to full on Wednesday. Smith-Njigba's practice participation on Monday and Tuesday does raise the question as to whether the injury will limit his output at all. Even so, Smith-Njigba leads the league with a 36% target share. Injured or not, Smith-Njigba should push for double-digit targets regardless of the game script. Start him as you usually would in Week 6.

From RotoBaller

Jason Myers Oct 14 6:40pm ET
Jason Myers

Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers is a great option in Week 6 against the Denver Broncos. Myers is coming off a 23-point game in which he made all five of his field goal attempts. The knock on Myers this season had been a lack of field goal attempts, but that was sure to change at some point, and it appears to have reverted to the mean. Myers also continues to be very accurate this season. He has only missed one kick: an extra point against the Chargers in Week 4. With the Seahawks' offense often finding itself in scoring position, Myers is always a threat for double-digit fantasy points. The Broncos boast a quality defense, but it is nothing Seattle's offense cannot handle. Look for Myers to kick plenty of field goals and extra points in Week 6. Fire him up as a K1.

From RotoBaller