There’s been plenty of value on the waiver wire this season. The Week 6 waiver wire is no different. As we prepare for yet another week of teams on bye, on top of inevitable injuries, the Week 6 waiver wire has enough solutions to keep you competitive. Remember: No waiver wire is created equal. Some players available in one league may not be available in others. Additionally, your team may need a player at a position more than others. There’s a lot to factor in when submitting claims, so weigh all options before making these crucial managerial decisions.
You may be dealing with injuries, bye weeks, or just need to cycle out players from your bench. Whatever the case may be, the waiver wire is there to help. There’s not always a need to put in a claim for players each week, but if you do, make it count. Below, we’ll look at players at each position, who are on 50% or less of most fantasy football rosters, that could be considered on the Week 6 waiver wire.
Teams with a Week 6 Bye: Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings
Week 6 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire By Position
Running Back
Notable Players on Bye: Kareem Hunt, Kyren Williams, De’Von Achane, Raheem Mostert, Aaron Jones
Just in Case: I’ve noticed a trend in plenty of fantasy leagues I play in. That trend is fantasy managers giving up on and dropping players, specifically running backs, earlier than they probably wanted to or should have. It’s possible some of these players are available in your league, though not the majority of others’. Double check! Those players regretfully dropped early due to a bye week need or other reasons, that have clear value, may be available on the Week 6 waiver wire. Here are some of those names that come to mind, valuable in their own way: Rico Dowdle, Chase Brown, Tyler Allgeier, Justice Hill.
Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville Jaguars
The Week 6 waiver wire is the last call for Tank Bigsby. He’s been mentioned on previous waiver wire columns, but his Week 5 performance is the one that catches everyone’s attention. First of all, Bigsby played more snaps than Travis Etienne for the first time ever. Bigsby’s 13 carries in Week 5 yielded 101 rushing yards and two touchdowns. He’s now averaging 8.0 yards per carry this season! Though I don’t think Etienne takes a complete backseat to Bigsby, it’s clear Bigsby should see more opportunities.
Even if you don’t need Tank Bigsby in your fantasy starting lineup, he’s a must-add on the waiver wire. Letting him go to one of your opponents when you had the chance to claim him, is arguably worse than not claiming him at all.
To take things a bit further, there’s an outside chance Travis Etienne ends up playing elsewhere before the NFL trade deadline. The Jaguars did pick up Etienne’s fifth-year option for next season, so he’s not on the expiring contract some teams may be looking for. However, Etienne is still a talented running back that could elevate a contender. It’s worth noting Etienne is a draft pick from the “Urban Meyer Era” in Jacksonville. Doug Pederson was the head coach when selecting Tank Bigsby. The bottom line is that if Etienne is unavailable for the Jaguars at any point this season, then Bigsby’s value soars.
Tyrone Tracy Jr., New York Giants
In his first career start, Tyrone Tracy looked like the real deal. For those unwilling or unable to watch the Giants, Tracy led New York’s backfield with 18 carries in Devin Singletary’s absence. With those 18 carries, Tracy rushed for 129 yards good for a 7.2 yards per carry average. He is one of just 10 running backs this season with 125 or more rushing yards in a single game. Did I mention he’s a rookie?
Devin Singletary could return as soon as Week 6 from a groin injury suffered in Week 4. Even if he does, it’s hard to imagine Tyrone Tracy losing significant opportunities moving forward. Singletary is averaging a fine 3.9 yards per carry this season. However, he has more than 65 yards rushing in just one game this season with an average of just 73 all-purpose yards per game. In just one start, Tracy gained positive yards on all 18 of his carries. The Giants have to get the ball in his hands more. You have to get him on your fantasy football roster.
Ty Chandler, Minnesota Vikings
It’s unclear the severity of Aaron Jones’ hip injury he suffered near the end of the first half of Week 5. Additionally, the Minnesota Vikings are on bye in Week 6. That being said, picking up Ty Chandler could be for nothing. You obviously won’t get anything out of him in Week 6 and Aaron Jones could be back in Week 7. Early reports suggest he will be, but we’ll wait to hear.
Suggesting Ty Chandler as a Week 6 waiver wire pickup is a good reminder for those who are able to pick up their starting running back’s handcuff. We are now one-third of the way through the fantasy football regular season. We’ve already seen backup running backs have major success, namely Jordan Mason in place of Christian McCaffrey. Ty Chandler isn’t quite as talented or in quite as good of a system, but he’s the next man up in Minnesota if and when Jones is unavailable.
Other Running Backs to Consider
Braelon Allen is still available in far too many leagues. Perhaps it’s a reflection of how we all feel about the Jets’ run game. Both Braelon Allen and Breece Hall have 74 rush yards total in the Jets’ last two games. That’s 74 yards combined, between the two of them! What!? Obviously this is more painful for those with Hall, but it’s also made Allen more available than he should be. Hopefully, the Jets can get back on track soon. When they do, Allen has a potential flex-worthy role in fantasy lineups depending on the matchup.
Roschon Johnson isn’t going anywhere despite D’Andre Swift’s recent success. Although Swift has led the Bears’ backfield in touches and production this season, Johnson has a role of his own. Specifically in scoring position, Chicago has demonstrated trust in the second-year back. He has three touchdowns from the one-yard line in the Bears’ last two games. While his three scores make up more than half of his 2024 fantasy point total, Johnson has at least seven carries in each of the last three games, as well. He’s worth a bench stash off of the Week 6 waiver wire, especially for those who want Swift insurance.
Jaylen Wright is part of a Dolphins offense I generally want nothing to do with right now. However, his 13 carries for 86 yards in place of De’Von Achane (concussion), who left Week 5 early, is notable. Wright and the Dolphins are on bye in Week 6. This waiver wire add is for those in deeper leagues and/or with deeper benches. Achane will probably return in Week 7, but he’s struggled so far in 2024.
Wide Receiver
Notable Players on Bye: Justin Jefferson, Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Jordan Addison, Xavier Worthy, Demarcus Robinson, Jordan Whittington, Tutu Atwell
Darnell Mooney, Atlanta Falcons
In a Week 5 matchup where Kirk Cousins attempted 58 passes (!!!), Darnell Mooney led the Falcons with 16 targets. His 40 total targets this season are second to only Drake London (44) and account for a 24.7% share of the team targets this season. After catching nine of his 16 targets for 105 yards and two touchdowns, it’s hard not to lead the Week 6 waiver wire list of wide receivers with anyone else. Mooney does have at least three receptions and 56 yards in every game except Week 1 this season. He still strikes me as a boom-or-bust player, but the volume suggests otherwise.
Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts
Downs has seen no less than 27% of the Colts’ targets in any of the three games he’s played in this season. In his last two games, with Joe Flacco playing the majority of snaps as the starting quarterback, Downs has caught 17 of his 21 targets for 151 yards and a touchdown. He’s posted a WR8 and WR17 finish over the past two weeks. Unfortunately, there is the possibility his production dips upon the return of Anthony Richardson. He has just a 50.6% completion percentage this season. I’m still willing to bet on the volume and talent of Downs on the Week 6 waiver wire.
Jalen Tolbert, Dallas Cowboys
We learned before Week 5’s kickoff that Brandin Cooks is now on the Injured Reserve list. He has an infection in his knee. Cooks is out a minimum of four games, including this past weekend. In his place, with a large opportunity, Jalen Tolbert had one of the best games of his career. Tolbert’s 10 targets in Week 5 account for 24% of the team’s share. Not only did he lead the team in targets, but he also led in receptions (7), receiving yards (87) and scored one of two receiving touchdowns, as well. In Week 6, Tolbert and the Cowboys host a Detroit Lions defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season.
Other Wide Receivers to Consider
Ja’Lynn Polk has a chance to rise in the rankings moving forward. The rookie ran a route of 100% of the Patriots’ dropbacks in Week 5. This is up from 87% in Week 4 and no more than 69% in each of his first three games. He’s extremely involved and a potential quarterback change, to Drake Maye, could be a big boost in production.
Allen Lazard remains a target on the Week 6 waiver wire. He now has eight or more targets in three of five games this season. That includes each of the last two. Lazard also has scored at least one touchdown in three of five games as well. He has Aaron Rodgers’ trust and deserves ours in fantasy football.
Jordan Whittington is on bye in Week 6. Cooper Kupp could also return as soon as Week 7. Given the uncertainty of Kupp’s return and health, I still believe Whittington to be worth the bench stash in some cases. He has caught 13 of 18 targets for 151 scoreless yards over the last two weeks. Whittington has no less than 12.0 fantasy points in either contest.
Keon Coleman still cannot be trusted in starting fantasy lineups. His utilization is downright confusing. The Bills fail to get him in space, especially in Week 5 without Khalil Shakir (ankle) available. Still, Coleman has five receptions in his last three games, two of which went for touchdowns.
Michael Wilson has 22 targets to Marvin Harrison Jr.’s 24 over the last three weeks. That’s also with 15 total from Trey McBride in two healthy games played. Wilson is averaging 11.3 points per game in this span without any touchdowns. He’s the clear WR2 on the Cardinals and a top-three option, in no particular order, of their passing game any given week.
Tight End
Notable Players on Bye: Travis Kelce, Colby Parkinson
Zach Ertz, Washington Commanders
When you’re looking for a tight end on the waiver wire, you’re of course looking for a player who’s going to score you the absolute most points possible. Easier said than done this season. Sure, there’s a handful of tight ends on the Week 6 waiver wire that could score a touchdown. It’s not the easiest way to score points, but even just a one-yard touchdown in Points Per Reception leagues is 7.1 points so it’s worth betting on. Colby Parkinson, the TE15 this season on a points-per-game basis, is averaging 7.1 points.
Rather than chase the possibility of a touchdown, why not chase volume? Zach Ertz is coming off of a season-high eight targets in Week 5. Granted, he only caught two of them for 10 yards, but he is one of the most-targeted tight ends so far this season. So, if you’re chasing that touchdown, follow the volume. Zach Ertz is the tight end for one of the best quarterbacks in fantasy football this season, Jayden Daniels.
Ertz’ Week 6 matchup, the Baltimore Ravens, haven’t allowed a touchdown to a tight end yet. However, they’ve allowed the second-most receptions (33) and second-most receiving yards (368) to the position thru five weeks. Then, in Week 7, he gets the Carolina Panthers. They’ve allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to the position thus far. So, if you need a tight end off of the Week 6 waiver wire for just one week, possibly more, Ertz leads the list.
Other Tight Ends to Consider
Tyler Conklin is one of six tight ends averaging 10.0 or more fantasy points per game over the last three weeks that’s played all three weeks. I can’t deny how awful the New York Jets offense is to watch. However, Conklin is a bright spot in the passing game as of late. He has 23 targets since Week 3. That’s second on the Jets behind only Garrett Wilson in that span. Though he has yet to find the end zone, Conklin has at least four receptions in each of the Jets’ last three games, as well. Conklin has more potential to boom than bust. Just know the latter of which exists, especially as a Jet.
Cade Otton, like Conklin, is also having a solid three-week stretch. Though he missed the above statistic of tight ends averaging 10.0 or more fantasy points per game, he’s on the near outside looking in with a 9.4 points per game average of his own since Week 3. Otton provides a much safer floor than most with Baker Mayfield as his quarterback. He has no less than 17% of the Buccaneers’ targets in each of their last three games. Ys, Otton has more competition for targets any given week, but Otton has still managed at least 44 receiving yards in each game since Week 3.
Colby Parkinson is on bye. I’m well aware of this before listing him as a Week 6 waiver wire target. If you need a tight end who’s actually playing in Week 6, then Parkinson is obviously not the guy for you. However, if he is available, or more likely gets dropped and becomes available, he should interest just about every manager. Parkinson has five or more targets in four of five games this season. That includes 13 in Week 5 and 25 total in his last three games. Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua could be back sooner than later, but I like rolling out Parkinson until it’s clear he’s no longer heavily involved.
Quarterback
Notable Players on Bye: Patrick Mahomes, Sam Darnold, Matthew Stafford
Daniel Jones, New York Giants
The Week 6 waiver wire isn’t too kind to fantasy managers who need a quarterback. Perhaps there are options in your league, not listed amongst these Week 6 waiver wire rankings, that are clearly more appealing. Before you ask, yes. Put in a claim for [player not listed below, though is clearly better].
Believe it or not, though, Daniel Jones is worth consideration. Jones has three really solid games and two really awful games. In his three solid games, he has scored no less than 18.3 points and as much as 22.1 points. The latter he scored in Week 5 in Seattle against the Seahawks without his top receiver, Malik Nabers!
In Week 6, we should see Nabers back on the field. He will have had since Thursday Night Football of Week 4, when he suffered his late-game concussion, until Monday Night Football of Week 6, when the Giants play next, to pass the protocol. With his top weapon back, Jones faces a Cincinnati Bengals defense that’s one of five to allow 10 or more passing touchdowns this season.
The underrated value of Daniel Jones for fantasy football is his rushing upside. Jones currently ranks fifth in total rush attempts (34) by a quarterback this season. He’s averaging just over 20 rush yards per game with at least one five-yard run in every game this season. His rushing numbers aren’t elite by any means most weeks, but for what he can often lack in scoring fantasy points through the air, he has potential to make up for on the ground. The floor is higher than you think with Daniel Jones as a Week 6 waiver wire pickup!
Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons
Kirk Cousins is coming off of an overall-QB1 fantasy finish in Week 5. His 35.4 fantasy points on Thursday Night Football are the most by a quarterback this season. Prior to, he had no more than 17.5 in a single game with an average of just 11.5 points per game over his first four.
Cousins also threw 58 pass attempts in Week 5 to achieve his heavy point total. I don’t expect that sort of volume often moving forward, but he should be more productive on fewer attempts against the Carolina Panthers in Week 6. I’m cautiously optimistic about streaming him on the Week 6 waiver wire. This could backfire if the Falcons come to their senses and lean on Bijan Robinson more in the run game, however.
Other Quarterbacks to Consider
Joe Flacco is worth adding on the Week 6 waiver wire especially if he’s the Colts’ starting quarterback for Week 6. Unfortunately, when you’re setting your Week 6 waiver wire claims, you won’t have 100% assurance that he will start again in place of Anthony Richardson (hip). My gut tells me Flacco will start. The Colts are taking on the Titans, off of their bye, in Tennessee. This is an important AFC South matchup. So far, the Titans have held Caleb Williams (first career start), Aaron Rodgers (second game since Achilles tear return), Malik Willis (second start as a Packer), and Tyler Huntley (first start as a Dolphin) to a total of 567 total passing yards and just three touchdowns. Joe Flacco, in his situation, should fare much, much better.
Bo Nix has shown he can put together a fantasy-friendly performance. He’s coming off of a career-high 23.1 fantasy point performance in Week 5, his second of 19.0 or more points in the last three weeks. Nix has surpassed 200 yards passing in three of his last four games. He also has five total touchdowns since throwing his most recent interception in Week 2. What’s key here is that Nix quietly has the sixth-most rush attempts amongst quarterbacks. He also has three rushing touchdowns. There is some risk-taking on the Chargers coming off of their bye, but at least Nix and the Broncos are playing at home in Week 6.
Aaron Rodgers and the Jets come home from a Week 5 loss in London to play the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football in Week 6. Rodgers has eclipsed 15.1 fantasy points just once in five games this season. He has just one game with more than 250 passing yards and adds next to nothing as a runner. The Jets are averaging 43.7 pass attempts over their last three games, however. That’s the most of any team in that span. Rodgers has a 20.0+ points ceiling, supported by volume, but understand how low the floor really is.
Drake Maye could make his first career start in Week 6 against the Houston Texans. Luckily for Maye, this game is in New England. Unlucky for Maye, the Texans have allowed the third-least amount of passing yards (867) amongst defenses that have played five games this season. It’s a huge risk choosing the rookie as your plug-and-play quarterback off of the Week 6 waiver wire. Assuming he and the Patriots are playing from behind for most of the afternoon, he could at least have some fantasy friendly passing volume.
Make sure to check out all of our Week 6 Fantasy Football Rankings and Analysis!