Well we are getting into the middle of the 2023 season with the bye weeks to consider, so time to finetune your roster with our Week 6 Waiver Wire pickups. Week 5 of the NFL season was a whirlwind of high-scoring matchups, breakout performances, and the need for savvy fantasy football owners to improve their rosters. In this article, we’ll explore some standout waiver wire options for Week 6, assessing their potential upside and prioritizing them based on your team’s needs.
Whether you need a wide receiver, tight end, running back, or quarterback, there are players available to bolster your fantasy roster. Let’s take a look at some of the recent players increasing in value.
Rules for Selection & Order Priority
For a player to be considered to be added, they have to:
- Have an rostered % of 50% or under on ESPN
- Players below are listed by their roster %, not priority. Know your league settings. If there is a high-priority add, you’ll know.
Matthew Stafford (LAR) 34.2% rostered
With Puka Naku’s emergence, and Cooper Kupp back in the lineup. Matthew Stafford looks poised to be a high-upside QB2 for the rest of the season, especially with all his weapons healthy. Despite lacking rushing upside, Stafford has the potential to be a reliable QB2 during bye weeks.
Sam Howell (WAS) 17.4% rostered
Sam Howell, despite taking sacks, has been delivering great fantasy production. In Week 5, he threw for nearly 400 yards and added 20 rushing yards. Howell offers a complete package for fantasy production and is a viable QB2 option to fill in for bye weeks.
Others to Consider
- Desmond Ridder (ATL) 2.5% rostered
- Gardner Minshew (IND) 0.5% roster
Jaleel McLoughlin (DEN) 48.4% rostered
Jaleel McLoughlin outperformed Samaje Perine in Week 5 with Javonte Williams sidelined. If Williams continues to be absent, McLoughlin is a priority waiver wire pickup. His production has been impressive, even with limited snaps.
Roschon Johnson (CHI) 37.4% rostered
Despite leaving Week 5 with a concussion, Roschon Johnson is a player to stash, especially with Khalil Herbert suffering a high-ankle sprain. If Johnson is healthy by Week 6 or 7, he could be in line for a starting role. Monitor injury reports for updates.
Tyjae Spears (TEN) 25.5% rostered
Tyjae Spears continues to be a priority waiver pickup. He complements Derrick Henry and the Titans’ offensive scheme perfectly. In Week 5, Spears got into the endzone and showcased his versatility with receptions and rushing attempts. He’s worth stashing even if you don’t have Derrick Henry.
Others to Consider
- Justice Hill (BAL) 23.5% rostered
- Chubba Hubbard (CAR) 18.1% rostered
- Kendre Miller (NO) 7.1% rostered
- Emari Demercado (ARI) 0.4% rostered
Quinton Johnston/ Joshua Palmer (LAC) 43.9/ 40.2% rostered
With the unfortunate ACL tear of Mike Williams in Week 3, both Johnston and Palmer have an opportunity to shine in the high-passing-volume Chargers offense. Check if they’re available as they may have slipped under fantasy owners’ radars due to the bye week.
D.J. Chark (CAR) 43.2% rostered
Chark stepped up in Week 4 as the WR2 in Carolina. He gets a soft matchup in MIA whos allowing the 9th highest points to the wide receiver position. If the Panthers are trailing you could see a higher volume of throws in store for week 6.
Rashee Rice (KC) 23.3% rostered
Since Tyreek Hill left Kansas City, fantasy managers have searched for another WR1 to complement Patrick Mahomes. Rashee Rice is starting to emerge as a potential candidate, even though he’s only been on the field for 20% of snaps. Rice has shown reliability when targeted by Patrick Mahomes.
Josh Downs (IND) 10.9% rostered
Downs has been steadily breaking out since Week 3, with 12 targets in that game. Facing a Tennessee defense vulnerable to the pass, Downs caught all six of his targets for 97 yards in Week 5. He’s becoming a reliable option, having been on the field for 47% of snaps.
Others to Consider
- Michael Wilson (ARI) 25.7% rostered
- Josh Reynolds (DET) 24.5% rostered
- Curtis Samuel (WAS) 14.7% rostered
Gerald Everett (LAC) 27.0% rostered
Everett is a sneaky pickup after the bye week, especially with Donald Parham likely sidelined. While the matchup against Dallas may not be ideal, George Kittle’s recent performance against the same defense provides hope.
Jonnu Smith (ATL) 9.8% rostered
Smith has delivered back-to-back games with 50+ receiving yards. With Desmond Ridder favoring his tight end, Smith could be streamed week-to-week, although he shouldn’t be relied upon as your primary tight end.
Logan Thomas (WAS) 8.1% rostered
Thomas finished Week 5 with 11 targets and a touchdown, making him look like a reliable tight end option. His upcoming matchups against ATL, NYG, and PHI bode well for fantasy production.
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: Ron Chenoy – USA TODAY Sports
