Even though Week 5 isn’t fully in the books, we are ready with our Week 6 waiver wire pickups for the 2021 season. This week we saw the first action in the UK, with the Falcons beating out the Jets. This week also brings in the first batch of bye weeks to have to deal with. The teams on bye this week are:
- Atlanta Falcons
- New Orleans Saints
- New York Jets
- San Fransisco 49ers
All of these pickups are written in percentage, not priority. For a player to be eligible they have to be owned in less than 50% of leagues. The rostered percentage is taken from ESPN. Now, let’s get into them!
Trey Lance (SF) BYE 35.0% rostered
Lance is on bye this week, so this isn’t a selection for this week, but he is talented. His rushing ability gives him a solid floor, and while he made some rookie errors, there are signs of promise. Pick him up while others are overlooking him.
Tua Tagovailoa (MIA) @JAX (UK) 24.7% rostered
There were reports that Tagovailoa was going to be set to return this week, with a nice matchup against Jacksonville. The Dolphins offense hasn’t really fired recently, but should get back on their feet in this game. Another bonus in this selection is the week after brings Atlanta, another target matchup.
Mac Jones (NE) v DAL 29.6% rostered
Jones hasn’t really shown what he can do in the league consistently. He struggled against Houston, which will put alot of people off. I’m not saying he is my favorite pickup, but a matchup against Dallas is good.
Teddy Bridgewater (DEN) v LV 17.0% rostered
Bridgewater has had a sneaky good season so far this year. Not only that, but the team are alot more competitive on the field when he is throwing the ball. A divisional matchup against the Raiders.
Others to Consider
- Jameis Winston (NO) BYE 24.0% rostered
- Taylor Heinicke (WAS) v KC 12.5% rostered
- Carson Wentz (IND) v HOU 5.4% rostered
Sony Michel (LAR) @NYG 49.4% rostered
Michel was given a healthy split of the carries in Week 5 against Seattle, scoring a TD in the process. The Rams backfield can be a minefield at times, but if Michel is available in your league, don’t wait too long until you add him. If Henderson were to go down again, you have a solid option.
Samaje Perine (CIN) @DET 34.7% rostered
Perine took the majority of the touches out of the backfield against the Packers in Week 5. It’s worth remembering that Joe Mixon’s status was in question for a lot of the week, but with a matchup against Detroit next, there should be enough work to go round.
Rhamondre Stevenson (NE) v DAL 5.8% rostered
The add of Stevenson isn’t about this matchup, because Dallas is a tough unit to play against. This is more a ‘Stevenson had a nearly equal split of carries with Damien Harris last week’ pick him up as a depth piece and see how this shakes out.
Khalil Herbert (CHI) v GB 4.6% rostered
Herbert was likely to be involved in the offense, but I don’t think he would have expected to be this involved. Herbert had more carries than Damien Williams last week, as a result he is going to be a popular add for teams needing RB depth.
Devontae Booker (NYG) v LAR 3.8% rostered
Last week the hot pickup was Damien Williams, this week it’s Booker. Saquon Barkley left with a nasty looking ankle injury, meaning there are carries up for grabs. Booker was the guy that was on the field, so unless the team bring in someone to play, Booker will be the guy.
Others to Consider
- Giovani Bernard (TB) @PHI 10.8% rostered
- Brandon Bolden (NE) v DAL 7.5% rostered
- Darrel Williams (KC) v BUF 7.5% rostered
- Ty Johnson (NYJ) BYE 5.0%
- Khalil Herbert (CHI) v GB 4.6% rostered
Marquez Callaway (NO) BYE 39.4% rostered
Callaway had a lot of hype in the offseason and preseason, but struggled in the early part of the season. But, he has started making the big plays that were hoped for him. This week he is on bye, but the next two bring some matchups that should suit him.
Rondale Moore (ARI) @CLE 38.2% rostered
Moore is an amazing player to watch in the game. He is just electric, and the team know it- looking to put the ball in his hands as much as they can. Moore has that ability to take any touch into the redzone.
Kadarius Toney (NYG) v LAR 10.7% rostered
Toney was drafted in the first-round, but struggled in making an impact on the team. With injuries to other receivers on the offense, Toney has really stepped up. The way that he has played, even when Shepard and Slayton return to the field.
Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET) v CIN 4.3% rostered
Well hello. After looking like he would lead the receiving group in targets for the season, he has shown that ability in Week 5. The offense isn’t as bad as many thought, and St.Brown looks like he is stepping up to be the slot receiver in the offense.
Others to Consider
- Jamison Crowder (NYJ) BYE (UK) 32.0% rostered
- Sammy Watkins (BAL) v LAC 27.9% rostered
- Bryan Edwards (LV) @DEN 9.6% rostered
- Donovan Peoples-Jones (CLE) v ARI 1.1% rostered
- Preston Williams (MIA) @JAX 0.1% rostered
Hunter Henry (NE) v DAL 35.6% rostered
Henry led the Patriots in targets, catching six passes for 75 yards and a TD. Next up for the Patriots are Dallas, who have struggled to stop TE’s being productive this season. If you are in need, with a few TEs on bye, picking up Henry for the week could help you out.
Zach Ertz (PHI) v TB 19.6% rostered
Ertz may have only caught a single pass last week, but he is still worth considering to be picked up. The reason? Targets! Ertz was targeted six times against Carolina. That opportunity is too good to miss out on. Especially if you are without Kyle Pitts, or looking for a George Kittle replacement
Others to Consider
- Evan Engram (NYG) v LAR 30.0% rostered
- David Njoku (CLE) v ARI 1.7% rostered
- Donald Parham Jr (LAC) @BAL 0.2% rostered
Green Bay Packers v CHI 20.1% rostered
The Packers defense are about to get their first look at rookie QB Justin Fields. Fields has shown plenty of rookie pains since coming into the league. A matchup against the Packers at a noisy Lambeau might be too much for the rookie.
Others to consider
- Minnesota Vikings @CAR 21.2% rostered
- Miami Dolphins @JAX (UK) 18.2% rostered
Rodrigo Blankenship (IND) v HOU 21.8% rostered
The Colts offense has been able to move the ball, but not found a way to consistently finish drives with scores. That should mean a few kicking attempts for Blankenship. Even if Houston can’t find stops, PATs are a solid foundation.
Others to consider
- Chase McLaughlin (CLE) v ARI 18.1% rostered
- Ryan Succop (TB) @PHI 32.2% rostered
There you have it! Any questions, or want some more specific help for your league on who to drop, just reach out. Reach out on social media, you can find us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Or jump into our Discord server. And checkout out rankings for each Week.
Image Credit: Scott Galvin – USA TODAY Sports
