The NFL season is a long grind for the teams, players, and fans. The same goes for your fantasy football teams. Checking your rosters, and injury reports and trying to improve your roster via trade or the waiver wire can take a toll as the season progresses too. Every team needs a boost at some point during the season and it starts with a simple transaction. Add these players off the waiver wire for week 6 and get that quarter-season adrenaline shot.
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Top 5 Week 6 Waiver Wire Pickups
Jonnu Smith, TE Atlanta Falcons
Who needs a tight end? Surely everyone this time of year can take an upgrade or depth at the thinnest position in fantasy football. The Atlanta Falcons offense runs through their running backs and the tight ends. Over the last four games, Jonnu Smith has boasted a 20% target share. During that span, Smith also has at least four receptions and six targets. It’s rare to see an offense have two relevant fantasy tight ends, but Atlanta appears to have found a way. Jonnu Smith should be added via the waiver wire in every league.
Emari Demercado, RB Arizona Cardinals*
This relies heavily on the status of James Conner who left Sunday’s game with a knee injury. During his career, James Conner missed an average of three games per season. If he were to miss time, Emari Demercado would get the first crack at filling in. He handled the majority of the rushing attempts in the loss to the Bengals. If you’re in need of a running back, grab Emari Demercado off the waiver wire.
Josh Downs, WR Indianapolis Colts
A lowly 27% rostership just isn’t enough. Michael Pittman is the de facto alpha, but outside of him, Josh Downs is the only pass catcher stepping up. They’re the only two on the team with over 30 targets and Downs himself has a 21% target share on the year. Players earn targets and he’s getting open at an elite level. Averaging almost seven targets per game, Downs is a great flex player moving forward. Put him as a priority in your waiver wire claims.
Josh Downs averaged 5.19 separation yards. The league average is 2.94 yards. pic.twitter.com/hDBkbWQFRx
— Cody Manning (@CodyTalksNFL) October 8, 2023
Roschon Johnson, RB Chicago Bears
The rookie running back has been in a slight timeshare with starter Khalil Herbert. The numbers don’t look amazing when you look at them, but when given the opportunity he’s looked solid. With Khalil Herbert reportedly set to miss multiple weeks with an ankle injury, Roschon Johnson is set to get a boost in touches. Johnson is already sitting at a 52% rostership, but with him likely being the featured running back in Chicago for at least the next several weeks, he’s a must-add off the waiver wire for week 6.
Curtis Samuel, WR Washington Commanders
Ron Rivera’s long-time swiss-army knife is still making plays. Curtis Samuel is quietly having yet another solid season and is arguably the second-best receiver in Washington. Samuel is third in targets, second in both receptions and receiving yards then tied for second in total touchdowns (excluding passing). He’s also capable of getting involved in the running game too, adding a rushing touchdown already this season. Averaging 12.26 PPG through five weeks, Samuel is a great flex start each week. He’s sitting at a 27% rostership rate and after Thursday’s game, it should command a higher number. Go put in a waiver wire claim for him and help bump up those numbers.
Los Angeles Rams D/ST
If you’re one that streams a weekly defense, the Los Angeles Rams are the best option among all teams under a 50% rostership. They’ve got a divisional matchup against the Arizona Cardinals who could be without James Conner. The Cardinals are also giving up about two sacks per game. As far as streamers go, there are definitely worse options.
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Main Photo: Hali Tauxe – USA Today Sports
