Week 6 Waiver Wire: MUST ADD Players, Injury Replacements & Streamers (10/13 Fantasy Football Podcast)

Could practice this week with his practice window potentially opening, though practicing does not guarantee he will play.

Confirmed healthy and available; team has a bye week coming up.

Ranked as top quarterback for long-term value despite facing Tampa Bay this week; has performed well in recent games with three touchdowns across last three contests against Cincinnati, Cleveland (28 points two weeks ago), and Indianapolis; two of three recent matchups were favorable defenses, suggesting matchup-proof performance.

Three straight games with 28+ fantasy points; locked in and playing fantastic; recommended as third waiver priority despite not-easiest matchup against Tampa Bay; alternative Kirk Cousins has better matchup against Bills but Rodgers' recent form is elite.

Aaron Rodgers was named as one of Jamie's top three quarterbacks to add on the waiver wire this week, indicating a positive projection for streaming or pickup value.

Rodgers is preferred over Jacoby Brissett for both this week and rest of season. The source also discusses Rodgers as a viable option compared to Jameis Winston and Kirk Cousins.

Baker Mayfield is at 44% roster percentage and the source recommends not adding him yet, suggesting he is not a priority waiver wire target at this time.

Backup running back who plays a lot and should be rostered; had a touchdown prior to this week and is part of a group of handcuff backs entering bye-week territory who could become relevant.

Strange has been the underneath/check-down target for Trevor Lawrence, recording eight targets in each of his last two games; he gets looks when Lawrence sees zone coverage and when pressured, plus quick design throws; available in half of CBS leagues and viable for at least one week against Houston despite the tough matchup.

The source's favorite tight end to pick up this week; Strange has received 8 targets in each of the last two games, though it's a one-week play due to Jacksonville's bye after Week 6; the role and target volume are attractive.

Brenton Strange was named as one of Jamie's top three tight ends to add on the waiver wire this week, indicating a positive projection for pickup value.

Strange is presented as a viable tight end replacement for Loveland in roster crunch situations where managers are carrying injured players without IR spots. The source suggests Strange could help your team more than Loveland in a one-for-one tight end swap, though Strange has a bye next week.

Backup running back who plays a lot and should be rostered; had a three-touchdown game and is part of a group entering bye-week territory who could become relevant.

Caleb Williams could play this week, indicating he is progressing from injury or illness.

Robert Sala has committed to Cam Ward as the starter for the remainder of the season.

Tate receives a drop-o-meter rating of only 4/10 when compared to Khalif Raymond, indicating the source views Tate as a more holdable asset. The low drop rating suggests Tate has more fantasy appeal than Raymond.

Arizona could make Carson Beck active as a backup quarterback option, with potential to play if Cam Ward is unavailable.

Suffered a quad injury last Thursday night; status for this week uncertain, which creates opportunity for Jake Ferguson.

Missed four games last year (technically three, but barely played in one other); when he was out, Jake Ferguson was great and Floyd didn't do much with only one good game, suggesting Ferguson could be the beneficiary if Lamb misses time this year.

Source discusses a potential trade scenario where Chuba Hubbard is exchanged for Devontae Adams, noting this type of one-for-one trade probably helps the manager receiving Hubbard more than the one receiving Adams, particularly for teams needing running back help.

Parkinson played last night for the Rams but is not the primary target; Higby is the clear starter while Ferguson is out.

Loveland is cited as one of the quality tight ends the Jets have faced this season while maintaining their fifth-best tight end defense ranking.

Loveland has produced only one good game so far this season and the source gives him a drop-o-meter rating of 7/10, indicating significant concern. The source wants to see one more game with Caleb before dropping him, but acknowledges that in roster crunch situations, Brenton Strange could be a better immediate option. If forced to choose between Loveland and Kincaid, the source would start Kincaid.

Had three targets in a recent game; is the second choice to target among Eagles receivers in non-PPR formats if DeVante Smith doesn't play, behind Jalen Coker.

Kincaid is being abandoned by fantasy managers looking to pivot at the tight end position, suggesting declining confidence in his role or production.

Route rate unlikely to remain this high for the rest of the season; when DJ Moore returns from shoulder injury, he becomes another option for Josh Allen instead of Kincaid, reducing target opportunities. In 10-team leagues, Kincaid is droppable; in 12-team leagues, only drop if in major roster crunch. Source notes he's scored less than 4 PPR points in three of the last weeks.

Good matchup opportunity against Raiders defense this week; similar to Hunter Henry and Eli Rattan who both performed well against this defense. Source recommends holding Kincaid one more week to see if he capitalizes on this favorable matchup.

When forced to choose between Kincaid and Loveland, the source would start Kincaid, citing familiarity with 'the Kincaid movie' and expressing faith in him despite some nervousness. Kincaid is preferred over Loveland in a head-to-head tight end comparison.

Waller is ranked third among tight ends to pick up this week, just ahead of Hunter Henry, though the source notes caution flags around his low target share (13%), which typically makes it difficult to win at the tight end position in fantasy.

Out with a groin injury; status unclear for upcoming games.

Expected to miss a few weeks with a groin injury, creating opportunity for backup Woody Marks in shallow leagues.

Will miss a few weeks with a hamstring injury; extended absence expected.

Devontae Smith could return this week against the Panthers, providing a boost to the Eagles' receiving corps.

The source notes that if something happens to Metcalf, Bernard would be in an even better spot in the Seahawks receiving core, highlighting Metcalf's role as the primary target and Bernard's upside contingent on Metcalf's health.

Practice window is now open for Sampson; he could be an alternative to Jaleel McLaughlin as the replacement running back, depending on team's trust level and whether they pursue external options.

Dylan Sampson's practice window is now open, meaning he could be activated and potentially compete for playing time at running back, offering an alternative to Jaleel McLaughlin as a waiver wire target.

Fannin Jr. was open frequently in the Browns-Jets game but did not receive targets; the source notes this as context for the Jets' tight end defense strength.

Henry faces the Jets, who are fifth-best against tight ends and have faced quality tight end competition (Harold Fannin Jr., Sam Laporta, Tucker Craft, Colson Loveland) without allowing a touchdown; the source expresses skepticism about relying on this matchup advantage despite the statistical profile.

Hunter Henry is ranked just behind Darren Waller among tight ends to pick up this week, though the source does not provide specific reasoning for his ranking.

Had a good game against Raiders defense, demonstrating that tight ends can succeed in this matchup. Source uses his performance as evidence that Dalton Kincaid should have similar opportunity this week.

No injury reports have surfaced; source considers this a good sign despite limping off late in the game.

83% rostered in shallow leagues; listed as a quarterback waiver wire option despite not loving the upcoming schedule; throws the ball a lot and has potential to be benched at some point; recently scored 31.3 fantasy points and typically hovers in the 18–20% range.

Brissett is 83% rostered. The source prefers Aaron Rogers over Brissett for this week and rest of season, indicating Rogers is the better fantasy option.

Don't drop Ferguson yet; he was excellent last year when CeeDee Lamb was injured, making him a valuable waiver wire target if Lamb misses time.

Don't give up on him; mentioned as a tight end to hold despite recent struggles.

Was great last year when CeeDee Lamb missed time; could be a beneficiary if Lamb misses games this year, making him a potential target for teams needing tight end depth.

Career average of 4.9 yards per carry over 228 carries (not a small sample size); if both McLaughlin and Dylan Sampson are active, McLaughlin could get more work, though team may not fully trust him as the primary replacement.

Jaleel McLaughlin is available on the waiver wire in most leagues and could be a starting running back this week, particularly with other backs injured. However, the source cautions against assuming McLaughlin is the automatic replacement, as Dylan Sampson's practice window is now open and could also be in consideration.

Designated to return with a 21-day window; if he doesn't return within that window, he goes on the PUP list for the remainder of the year and cannot play; has until October 22nd or 23rd to return, which would allow him to be activated for week seven without rushing back for a Thursday game.

Had eight targets and five catches for 63 yards in a recent game; is the preferred Eagles receiver to target in PPR if DeVante Smith doesn't play, with Cooper being the second choice in non-PPR formats.

Ranked second among quarterbacks; coming off two strong games with favorable matchup against New Orleans at home in Week 6.

Jameis Winston was named as one of Jamie's top three quarterbacks to add on the waiver wire this week, indicating a positive projection for streaming or pickup value.

Available in over 80% of leagues; the source likes him more than typical, suggesting he has value as a streaming option.

One of two prominent quarterbacks missing this week due to bye; impacts waiver quarterback strategy.

Mike McCarthy acknowledged that Warren will continue to get work in the backfield despite Rico Dowdle being the primary back.

One of two prominent quarterbacks missing this week due to bye; impacts waiver quarterback strategy.

The source dropped Jordan Addison to acquire Kendrick Bourne in one league and plans to attempt to re-acquire Addison, suggesting Addison remains a viable target despite the initial drop.

Eligible to return after bye week and sounds like he's going to step back into a prominent role, not as the starter but as somebody who will share time with Aaron Jones at receiver.

The source dropped Josh Jacobs for Marvin Harrison, citing uncertainty about Jacobs' return timeline from suspension. The source states 'We're about to get to week six. This is the point of the year where we thought Jacobs would be just about done with the suspension and coming back to Green Bay, and we haven't heard anything.' The source prefers to roster a player known to be playing over one with an unclear return date, making Jacobs his most droppable player.

Return timeline uncertain; unclear if he will instantly go right to starting lineup and be phenomenal for Packers; uncertainty makes Marshawn Lloyd worth considering as running back pickup.

88% rostered; available to pick up in some leagues; not going to be in projections but worth checking on as a potential waiver wire add.

Raymond receives a drop-o-meter rating of 9-10/10, indicating the source wants to drop him. However, the source acknowledges wanting to see one more game with Caleb before making that decision. The source would prefer Bernard over Raymond but is willing to give Raymond one more week to prove himself with Caleb playing.

Keenan Allen was named as one of the top three wide receivers to add on the waiver wire this week, indicating a positive projection for pickup value.

Facing Tennessee in week 6, which is a pretty good matchup for the Chargers wide receiver.

Kendry Miller is ranked as a top running back waiver wire option this week; one the source ranks him first among Pierce and Lloyd, while another ranks him third, making him a viable target if Woody Marks is unavailable.

Kendrick Bourne is taken in every league that the source analysts are in, indicating he is a top priority waiver wire target. The source dropped Xavier Worthy to acquire Bourne in multiple leagues, suggesting Bourne is preferred over Worthy at this stage.

Kendrick Bourne has been claimed in every league that the source analysts are in, indicating strong waiver wire demand and perceived value as a must-add player.

The source recommends 7% to 8% FAB on Bourne, lower than Bernard due to less certain top-30 rest-of-season upside; contingent on Jacoby Brissette remaining starter.

In unbelievable spot with no Marvin Harrison; five for 70 in first game without Harrison; two games this season with eight targets and two games with 12+ PPR points; winning on middle-of-field routes with slants and in-breakers; good speed and likely a piece of Cardinals offense rest of season; under 10% rostered.

Bourne is operating in the short area and getting consistent targets; Aaron Rodgers is playing well and Mike McCarthy has historically favored receivers of this type, supporting short-term viability as a waiver wire target.

Bourne has secured the starting job in Arizona's offense but faces headwinds from a poor offensive line and Carson Beck at quarterback. At 31 years old, Bourne is transitioning to a brand-new role with a 60% plus slot rate—significantly higher than anything he's experienced previously. While slot receivers historically age well (citing Keenan Allen, Larry Fitzgerald, Julian Edelman), there's a pathway to top-30 upside, though it's less clear than Bernard's opportunity.

Has a concussion and should be dropped; ran only 18% of routes in the first half while Mason Taylor ran 75%, indicating reduced role even before injury.

Sadiq receives a drop-o-meter rating of 9-10/10, indicating the source views him as a strong drop candidate.

Had three pass plays negated by penalties and scored a touchdown; much easier opponent coming up against the Raiders; should be rostered in easier situation to manage this week since it's not a primetime game and you can figure out if DJ Moore will play.

Great matchup this week against Bills who stink and got beat up; alternative to Aaron Rodgers for waiver quarterback pickup; long-term outlook uncertain and may get replaced by Fernando Mendoza at some point.

Ranked third among quarterbacks with best matchup of the three against Buffalo; however, carries risk of benching if Buffalo builds a large lead given Cousins' recent poor performance (first bad game last week) and Vikings' season struggles; Mendoza could see action in blowout scenarios.

Cousins faces Buffalo, which has allowed at least three touchdown passes to three different quarterbacks this season; Cousins scored 15.7 fantasy points in his last game before being pulled, and had scored 26+ fantasy points in three straight games against the Chargers with 19.8 points in every game before this, suggesting strong bounce-back potential against Buffalo's vulnerable pass defense.

Kirk Cousins was named as one of Jamie's top three quarterbacks to add on the waiver wire this week, indicating a positive projection for streaming or pickup value.

Cousins has a phenomenal matchup against the Bills. The source notes that three quarterbacks have thrown at least three touchdown passes against Buffalo, and Cousins had success before his recent poor game, making him an attractive streaming option.

Best game of the season was last week in a three-game sample size with Michael Penix; in two of those three games he's been more involved and more productive, suggesting he may be building towards something reliable.

Murray is entering his bye week but has an excellent schedule ahead: Colts, Lions, Bills, and Packers. He had an impressive game running the ball without his left tackle and two starting offensive linemen, and threw a strong touchdown pass to Justin Jefferson, demonstrating upside even without his full receiving corps of Jefferson, Addison, and Hawkinson available in any single game.

Lamar Jackson is doing better and may provide a significant boost at the quarterback position this week.

Scoring 10-11 PPR fantasy points per game; however, the Eagles could add more receivers like Caleb Douglas, Chris Bell, and Jordan Tyson could return at some point, which could limit his opportunities.

Should have been in the playoffs; has a touchdown and dropped one; not playing well but still has an opportunity to give 10 or more PPR points, which he's done in two of his last four games.

Available in 42% of CBS leagues; worth pickup if you need running back depth; Josh Jacobs return timeline uncertain and unclear if Jacobs will instantly be phenomenal for Packers; Lloyd has favorable upcoming schedule with Dallas, Detroit, and Carolina.

Marshawn Lloyd is ranked as a top running back waiver wire option this week; one the source ranks him first among Pierce and Miller, while another ranks him second behind Miller, making him a contested but viable target if Woody Marks is unavailable.

Lloyd averaged 3.1 yards per carry against the Bears but looked good and the Packers offensive line performed well; he was part of a two-back rotation with Caleb Johnson (who had seven garbage-time carries) and Pierre Strong handling passing downs; the source dropped him in multiple leagues but plans to try to get him back, noting improved line play and positive feedback from Jordan Love about his physicality and vision.

The source suggests 15% to 20% FAB spend on Lloyd depending on running back desperation level, positioning him as a secondary waiver target behind Marks.

Available in 42% of CBS leagues and about half of ESPN leagues; favorable schedule moving forward makes him an attractive waiver wire target at running back.

The source acquired Marvin Harrison on waivers, prioritizing him over Josh Jacobs because 'I know Marvin Harrison is going to play,' indicating confidence in his availability and role clarity compared to Jacobs' uncertain return timeline.

Out; his absence benefited Kendrick Bourne who had five for 70 in first game without him; unclear if Bourne saw huge uptick in routes or if Cardinals just used someone else to run sideline routes instead.

Source prefers Woody Marks and Bernard over Marvin Harrison Jr. this week and the next couple weeks, suggesting Harrison Jr. will struggle early with the Texans and is not the priority waiver target compared to running back options.

Mentioned as a shallow-league waiver wire option available in many leagues; positioned among players to target for shallow league rosters.

Ran 75% of routes in the first half, indicating he is the primary tight end target; significant role advantage over Kenyon Sadiq.

Matthew Stafford has thrown 50 or more pass attempts for three consecutive weeks for the first time in his career, indicating elevated volume and workload.

Michael Penick Jr. is dealing with injured ribs and the team is hoping he can play this week against the Bears.

Michael Pittman's absence opened up opportunity for Jeremy Bernard, who recorded nine targets in his first game without Pittman, indicating a shift in target distribution within the offense.

Out for at least the next couple of weeks; his absence created featured role opportunity for Jeremy Bernard.

The source notes Pittman could return at some point from a foot injury and be a factor in the Colts receiving core, creating uncertainty around Bernard's role if Pittman returns to health.

Backup running back expected to see increased touches; Clint Kubiak stated after the game that Washington needs to get more touches as Ashton Gent is dealing with an ankle injury, suggesting Washington could become more relevant soon.

Friermuth is the second-ranked tight end to pick up; he's shown an uptick in red zone opportunities with Pittman and Roman Wilson out, and has already logged more games this year with a 75% route rate than he had in all of 2025; favorable schedule ahead (Tampa, New Orleans, Cleveland).

Pat Freiermuth was named as one of Jamie's top three tight ends to add on the waiver wire this week, indicating a positive projection for pickup value.

Strong is the designated passing-downs back in the Packers' two-back rotation with Marshawn Lloyd.

Puka Nakua's target volume is extraordinarily high; the source notes he is getting targeted at a ridiculous rate, with Stafford throwing 50 pass attempts in three consecutive games for the first time in his career. The source expresses concern about the sustainability of this workload, joking about whether Stafford's arm or Puka's body will give out first, but the sheer volume of targets underscores elite usage.

Playing with some type of pre-hernia condition; if he misses time, Devontae Adams could elevate to WR3 status, but his continued presence limits Adams' target share significantly below last year's 24% mark.

Expected to be the primary running back for the team this week; source expresses hope that Judkins will be the featured back come Sunday.

Quinchon Judkins was in a walking boot but is apparently day-to-day, suggesting his status could change rapidly.

If healthy, Sanders could be considered as a replacement running back option, though team may pursue external options or prefer other candidates like Sampson or McLaughlin.

Raheem Sanders left with a hip injury and is day-to-day.

Rice has an injury track record that warrants awareness; he attempted to return in Week 4 before being re-injured, and should be rostered despite the Chiefs' receiver depth concerns and the need to find interim solutions.

Confirmed as the primary back for the team; McCarthy's acknowledgment of Jalen Warren's continued work suggests Dowdle is the lead back.

Harvey receives a drop-o-meter rating of 5/10, indicating moderate concern but not an immediate drop candidate.

Roman Wilson got hurt in the same game where Jeremy Bernard recorded nine targets, contributing to Bernard's increased role and target opportunity going forward.

Got hurt in game where Jeremy Bernard had nine targets; injury contributed to Bernard's featured role opportunity.

Has an injury; status and severity not detailed in the source.

Dobbs receives a drop-o-meter rating of 3/10, indicating he is a hold with minimal drop risk.

The source cites Wilson's finger injury as a key uncertainty affecting Bernard's upside; the duration of the injury is unknown and could impact the Seahawks' passing game and Bernard's opportunity.

Laporta is cited as one of the quality tight ends the Jets have faced this season while maintaining their fifth-best tight end defense ranking.

Only 11% rostered; might get more work coming out of the Steelers' bye week, making him a potential waiver wire target for teams needing running back depth.

Saquon Barkley could return this week against the Panthers, providing a significant boost to the Eagles' running back room.

Left the game as right tackle for Buffalo; team did not slow down in his absence, suggesting adequate depth or replacement.

Tua could start in waiver wire consideration, though the source suggests hoping for panic-driven availability rather than a strong endorsement.

Craft is cited as one of the quality tight ends the Jets have faced this season while maintaining their fifth-best tight end defense ranking.

Tyler Higbee was named as one of Jamie's top three tight ends to add on the waiver wire this week, indicated by the phrase 'maybe Tyler Higby,' suggesting a positive projection for pickup value.

Tyler Huntley may have had one of his best games in deep leagues, though the source expresses some uncertainty about whether it was truly his best performance.

At 55% rostered, Hill is not recommended as a waiver wire pickup this week; the source expresses concern about civil suits and comments Hill made, creating uncertainty about his NFL future and making him a risky add.

Will Shipley has a foot injury and will miss some time.

Woody Marks is the headliner on the waiver wire this week. He is rostered in 72% of CBS leagues, 54% on Yahoo, and 57% on Sleeper, making him a priority waiver target despite high rostering rates on some platforms. The source identifies him as one of the two best running backs to acquire on waivers alongside Damian Pierce.

Woody Marks faces the worst matchup in fantasy this week against Jacksonville, which allows the fewest yards per carry to running backs at 2.53 yards per carry. Despite being a top waiver priority, this matchup presents a significant downside for his Week 6 production.

One of two most prominent guys to go get on waivers; recommended as running back option if desperate for depth.

The source recommends spending north of 20% FAB on Marks if available, indicating strong waiver wire priority for running back-needy teams.

Source prefers Marks over Marvin Harrison Jr. on waivers; Bernard will help sooner than Harrison Jr. this year, at least for the next couple weeks.

Identified as the top shallow-league waiver wire target; 72% rostered in CBS sports leagues; positioned as the primary add given David Montgomery's expected multi-week groin injury absence.

Woody Marks is identified as the top prize running back to target on waivers this week, ahead of other available options.

The source dropped Xavier Worthy to acquire Kendrick Bourne, and explicitly states 'I think I'd rather have Worthy,' indicating regret about the drop and suggesting Worthy may have been undervalued relative to Bourne in the waiver priority.

The source dismisses Worthy as a waiver wire target, noting that while he's had a couple of good games, the Chiefs' receiver room is complicated by Rice's injury track record and Thornton's absence; Worthy is not recommended as a priority pickup.

Mentioned as a shallow-league waiver wire option available in many leagues; positioned among players to target for shallow league rosters.

Should be 100% rostered despite not playing this week; eligible to return after short week, potentially available as early as week seven with a prominent role in the offense.

Charbonnet has been ruled out for this week and is likely out for the year after his practice window was opened; he is 84% rostered, making him unavailable on waivers for most leagues.

Should be 100% rostered despite not playing this week; team has a short week which could affect his availability; positioned as a priority waiver wire add for shallow leagues.