Fantasy Football waiver wire pickups, Week 6: Injury replacements galore
Injuries have unfortunately decimated many fantasy football rosters early in the season. Which players should you be targeting on the waiver wire in week 6?
If you are one of the many fantasy football players whose roster has been decimated by injuries early in the 2021 season, the good news is — you’re likely not alone. Not by a longshot.
Unfortunately, week five injuries have paved the way for many of the players that will be highlighted in this post, players you should be targeting on the fantasy football waiver wire ahead of week six matchups beginning on Thursday Night Football with the Philadelphia Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley suffered an ankle injury just a handful of games into his comeback season from a knee injury last year. Obviously, it’s been tough sledding for Barkley managers as far as fantasy football goes.
Other major injuries around the league could necessitate some pickups for your team or maybe you just want to capitalize at a position area of weakness.
Let’s take a look through the QB, RB, and WR/TE positions for fantasy football waiver wire pickups ahead of week six action.
Fantasy Football waiver wire, Week 6: Running Backs
1. Devontae Booker, Giants
Need a handcuff for Saquon Barkley? Struggling at the running back position in general?
Devontae Booker could be an intriguing pickup for your fantasy squad at this point in the season.
Booker, a former fourth-round pick out of Utah, is a pretty underrated all-around back who now has a golden opportunity ahead of him.
Last year with the Raiders, Booker had 110 total touches and 507 yards along with three touchdowns in a limited role behind Josh Jacobs. With the lion’s share of touches in New York, Booker will have value not only as a runner but receiver as well.
At worst, he’s a solid flex option going forward.
2. Darrel Williams, Chiefs
Clyde Edwards-Helaire went down with a knee injury in the Kansas City Chiefs’ loss to the Buffalo Bills at home.
That injury paves the way for backup Darrel Williams to be the featured back in one of the league’s top offenses. By default, he’s an option to keep an eye on for fantasy football purposes.
Already with two rushing touchdowns this season as well as seven receptions, Williams is in line for increased work if Edwards-Helaire is forced to miss significant time.
3. Rhamondre Stevenson, Patriots
Many fantasy football managers probably already drafted Stevenson, especially in deeper leagues, but if he remains available in your league, there’s now significant reason to snatch him up.
Stevenson could take over for Damien Harris as the lead back in New England after Harris suffered a chest injury over the weekend.
Even if Harris is healthy this week, he lost his second fumble of the season and Bill Belichick may be willing to give the rookie who had a huge preseason a significant shot going forward.
4. Khalil Herbert, Bears
The big fantasy football waiver wire pickup after David Montgomery’s injury was Damien Williams.
However, it was the rookie out of Virginia Tech who outsnapped Williams this weekend and ran for 75 yards on 18 carries.
Williams had the touchdown, but Herbert is a player worth monitoring and buying low on right now.
Other names to consider
Samaje Perine, Bengals
AJ Dillon, Packers
Alex Collins, Seahawks
Michael Carter, Jets