10 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Targets Heading Into Week 6
Somehow, Bilal Powell has surpassed Matt Forte in terms of production in the Jets backfield. Powell, as recommended by numberFire’s Jacob Gibbs, is a top Week 6 waiver pickup. We all know the Jets love to pound the rock, and when they don’t run, they get the ball to their running backs in the passing game.
Gibbs shows us that Powell, who’s available in 65 percent of Yahoo! leagues and 55 percent of ESPN leagues, is averaging 67 yards from scrimmage per game to Forte’s 55 in the last three games.
While six to seven points per week isn’t great, it’s decent for a waiver wire pickup, and that’s not even counting any touchdowns Powell might score.
If you can’t claim Carolina running back Cameron Artis-Payne (the top player added in Yahoo! leagues at any position), Powell is a nice alternative.
Tuesday morning, Rotoworld.com wrote that Dez Bryant is likely out until Week 8, when the Cowboys face the Eagles in Arlington. The Dallas Morning News Cowboys Beat Writer Brandon George tweeted that it looks “like Dez Bryant won’t return” this Sunday when the Cowboys travel to play the Packers.
In three games this season, Bryant has made 11 receptions for 150 yards and one touchdown. If you have him on your roster, by all means keep him. But if you have an extra/IR slot on your roster, you may want to see if Cole Beasley or Brice Butler are available.
Though Dak Prescott is playing well and those two receivers have the potential for breakout games, that offense flows through Ezekiel Elliott and the running game, so temper expectations in Bryant’s absence.
Lions add Forsett to undermanned backfield
For whatever reason, the Lions running backs can’t seem to stay healthy. Starter Ameer Abdullah is out for the year with a foot injury, and his backups (Theo Riddick and Dwayne Washington), are banged up as well.
Enter: Justin Forsett. Now on his fifth team in five years, Forsett is looking to contribute immediately to Detroit’s offense. Although Lions Head Coach Jim Caldwell never coached Forsett in Baltimore, he knows what Forsett can do. One year ago yesterday, Forsett racked up 170 total yards and a rushing touchdown on 25 touches against the Browns. Forsett will turn 31 on Friday, but he can still get it done.
Rotoworld.com says that Forsett is “not worth an add in 12-team leagues.” I disagree. Between Detroit’s offensive style and their dwindling health at running back, Forsett has an opportunity to shine in the coming weeks.
Fantasy Football Week 6 Rankings: Trade Values Chart
By now, you’ve likely had to replace starters on their bye weeks with waiver wire additions. While the waiver wire can be a crutch of sorts, in that it’s always there to keep you from falling flat, the real help your team needs is usually only available via trade.
Depending on what league you’re in, after this week you’re at the mid-way point of your season. There’s no time to waste.
Fortunately, Dave Richard of CBSSports.com has you covered. In his latest post, Richard illustrates the top trade options (whether you’re buying or selling) at multiple positions, and provides a comparison chart for players in standard leagues versus ‘ppr’ leagues.
It’s very informative stuff. Check it out.
QB: Marcus Mariota (5,667, 13th overall)
WR: Sammie Coates (13,474, 3rd overall)
RB: Cameron Artis-Payne (21,422, 1st overall)
TE: Jesse James (5,398, 14th overall)
K: Cairo Santos (12,185, 4th overall)
D/ST: Tennessee (19,213, 2nd overall)
