Tue Oct 13 12:23am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Bourne moves into starting role
The good news is the injuries weren’t quite as bad last week. We also had a few players step up and perform when given the chance, making them waiver wire options for the week. The bad news is there are four teams on a bye this week, and many of them have really good fantasy offenses. So, once again, the waiver wire could be a busy place. Here are some options to consider grabbing for your team.
QUARTERBACKS
Aaron Rodgers, Steelers (39.3% owned). Rodgers was on this list last week but lands on it again because he is still owned in less than half the leagues on our site. Rodgers has thrown three touchdown passes in three straight games. The numbers don’t lie. He is getting it done, scoring 24-plus fantasy points in each of those games. He deserves some spot starts for fantasy teams.
Jameis Winston, Giants (24.1% owned). Winston is looking more and more comfortable in the Giants offense. He has played really well over his last two games, throwing three touchdown passes in each and reaching the 300-yard mark for the first time all season last week. Winston can be a roller coaster, but he certainly has the potential for big things.
RUNNING BACKS
Dameon Pierce, Eagles (7.9% owned). Pierce might be the last man standing in the Eagles backfield. Will Shipley injured his foot last week and left early, while Saquon Barkley is battling a hamstring injury. Pierce did very little with his opportunities last week, but any starting running back in the NFL has at least some fantasy value. He could be worth a look at the flex spot if he starts in Week 6.
Samaje Perine, Bengals (17.7% owned). Perine actually had the most carries of any Bengals running back last week, getting one more than starter Chase Brown. We wouldn’t expect that to happen every week, but perhaps Perine starts getting a few more chances after doing little early in the year. His previous season high was five carries in Week 1 before he rushed 14 times for 68 yards last week. Perine might be worth a speculative grab for fantasy owners.
Kimani Vidal, Chargers (15.7% owned). Vidal is gaining value in the struggling Chargers offense. He has found the end zone in two straight games and had a season-high eight carries for 57 yards last week. Vidal could be earning more work in the coming weeks, making him a guy to target in deeper leagues.
Kendre Miller, Saints (39.8% owned). Miller got more work at running back last week, seeing more carries than Alvin Kamara. Miller ran 10 times for 30 yards and a touchdown. He could be moving ahead of Kamara on the depth chart, making him worth a speculative grab for fantasy owners.
RECEIVERS
Darius Cooper, Eagles (0.4% owned). Cooper found the end zone again last week, giving him touchdowns in three of his last four games. He has also scored double-digit fantasy points in three of those games. Cooper posted his highest yardage total of the season last week, catching two passes for 71 yards and a score. He remains a bit of a touchdown-dependent player, but as long as he keeps scoring, he is worth a look.
Germie Bernard, Steelers (7.5% owned). Bernard had his best game as a pro last week, catching six passes for 90 yards on nine targets. He topped his combined yardage total for the entire season in Week 5. Bernard is a talented player who was generating some preseason hype, so perhaps this is the start of his breakout. He could start getting more opportunities, especially with Michael Pittman dealing with an injury.
Kendrick Bourne, Cardinals (6.5% owned). Bourne moves into the starting lineup for the Cardinals following the trade of Marvin Harrison. He led the team in receiving yards in his first chance in that role, catching five passes for 70 yards on eight targets in Week 5. He is worth grabbing for fantasy teams looking for receiver help and should get regular opportunities in this offense.
Ryan Flournoy, Cowboys (13.0% owned). CeeDee Lamb was limited at times last week because of a quad injury. Flournoy posted a season high in receiving yards, catching three passes for 40 yards. He could have an expanded role for a week or two if Lamb misses time. Flournoy is worth grabbing in this explosive Cowboys offense, especially for Lamb owners looking for some insurance.
TIGHT ENDS
Mike Gesicki, Bengals (52.6% owned). Gesicki found the end zone again, giving him touchdowns in four games this season. He caught just one pass last week, but at least it went for a score. Gesicki has been much more consistent for fantasy owners thanks to all the touchdowns. He has some real spot-start appeal at tight end.
Pat Freiermuth, Steelers (32.2% owned). Freiermuth had a two-touchdown performance last week and has now scored in two straight games. He has found the end zone in three of five games this season. He also drew a season-high seven targets last week, finishing with five catches for 44 yards. His yardage numbers aren’t great, but he is scoring and has recorded multiple receptions in every game.
Hunter Henry, Patriots (51.0% owned). Henry scored his first touchdown of the season last week. He has also scored double-digit fantasy points in two straight games after failing to reach that mark in each of his first three games. He is trending in the right direction as the Patriots offense heats up.
Brenton Strange, Jaguars (47.7% owned). Strange has seen an uptick in work over the last two weeks, drawing eight targets in each game. He has recorded seven receptions in both contests and topped 13 fantasy points each time. Strange has scored double-digit fantasy points in three of five games this season. He is a low-end TE1 for fantasy teams and remains available in a little over half the leagues on our site.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (ankle) should deliver another WR1 performance in Week 6 against the Denver Broncos. Denver may rank as the No. 4 defense against opposing wide receivers in fantasy, but JSN has proven himself to be matchup-proof this season. Perhaps the most threatening factor to Smith-Njigba's Week 6 success is his current ankle injury. Smith-Njigba got hurt during Seattle's Week 5 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. While he was able to play through the injury during that game, JSN was constantly working through pain on the sideline. He has been a limited participant in practice throughout the week, but he is upgraded to full on Wednesday. Smith-Njigba's practice participation on Monday and Tuesday does raise the question as to whether the injury will limit his output at all. Even so, Smith-Njigba leads the league with a 36% target share. Injured or not, Smith-Njigba should push for double-digit targets regardless of the game script. Start him as you usually would in Week 6.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers is a great option in Week 6 against the Denver Broncos. Myers is coming off a 23-point game in which he made all five of his field goal attempts. The knock on Myers this season had been a lack of field goal attempts, but that was sure to change at some point, and it appears to have reverted to the mean. Myers also continues to be very accurate this season. He has only missed one kick: an extra point against the Chargers in Week 4. With the Seahawks' offense often finding itself in scoring position, Myers is always a threat for double-digit fantasy points. The Broncos boast a quality defense, but it is nothing Seattle's offense cannot handle. Look for Myers to kick plenty of field goals and extra points in Week 6. Fire him up as a K1.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner has struggled to shake loose this season. He does not project to do so in a Week 6 matchup with the Denver Broncos. This is a plus-matchup for tight ends given that the Broncos are No. 21 against opposing tight ends in fantasy. However, Barner is not receiving enough volume to merit fantasy consideration. Week 5 marked just the second time this season that Barner recorded at least five targets. Both of Barner's five-plus target games have come when quarterback Sam Darnold was forced to air the ball out consistently. The Broncos are entering this game with a struggling offense against a strong Seahawks defense. As such, Seattle's total passing volume should be low, especially if the team is able to get its ground game going against a weak Broncos rushing defense. Barner will have a spike game or two throughout the season, but this does not project to be one of them.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks running back Emanuel Wilson should enjoy an RB2 outing in Week 6 against the Denver Broncos. The Broncos are the No. 25 defense against opposing running backs in fantasy this season. They are allowing 4.5 yards per carry and 23.7 fantasy points per game to opposing running backs this season. Seattle will be looking to make some noise in Week 6 following a turnover-ridden loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 5. Wilson struggled to find running room in that game, but he scored his third touchdown in the last two games. Seattle has featured Wilson around the goal line since before he took over as the starter, and there should be plenty of scoring opportunities for Wilson this week. Wilson is a clear workhorse in an offense that is struggling with its running back depth. Expect him to record a third-straight game with at least 20 carries, which should lead to RB2 numbers.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed is ranked as RotoBaller's WR63 heading into Week 6 against the Denver Broncos. The ranking is valid given that Shaheed is the WR73 on the season with just nine receptions. Shaheed is not receiving enough volume in an offense dominated by wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Given his lack of volume and lack of big plays this season, Shaheed should not be considered for fantasy lineups in a Week 6 matchup with the No. 4 defense against opposing wide receivers. On the bright side, Shaheed is edging out fellow wide receiver Cooper Kupp with a 19-to-15 target number on the season. However, Shaheed's 47% catch rate leaves a lot to be desired. Until this offense proves it can support a pass catcher outside of JSN, you should leave Shaheed on your bench even if his usage on the season has been relatively solid.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is not a viable fantasy option in Week 6 against the Denver Broncos. Outside of a massive explosion in Week 3 against the Washington Commanders, Darnold has not provided any QB1 value for fantasy. The Broncos' defense has not been the unstoppable force it has been in the past, but this game feels like it has the potential to be a low-scoring affair. Darnold tends to not make much noise in games in which he does not need to air it out much. Additionally, Darnold has been struggling of late. He has thrown five interceptions across his past three outings. If those trends continue, he is not a player you can trust in fantasy if he is constantly at risk of getting negative points. While Darnold's connection with wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (ankle) is special, there is not much else to like about Seattle's receiving corps. No one else is stepping up to earn Darnold's consistent trust, which caps Darnold's own ceiling on fantasy. Until he proves otherwise, Darnold is better left on your bench in Week 6.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift (hip) is noticeably absent from the team's Week 6 injury report after being listed as a full participant in practice on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Kyle Monangai (thumb, toe) did not practice on Wednesday after sitting out the Week 5 blowout loss to the division-rival Green Bay Packers on Sunday. With Monangai sidelined, the 27-year-old Swift had only nine carries for 43 yards and a touchdown while adding four catches for 30 yards against the Packers. The Bears falling behind by multiple scores early made it hard for Swift to make much of an impact on the ground. His touchdown and work in the passing game salvaged his performance from a fantasy perspective, and his TD on the ground was his first since scoring three times in the Week 1 blowout win over the Carolina Panthers. If Swift has the backfield all to himself again in Week 6 against the Atlanta Falcons on the road, he will have clear RB1 upside and will be looking for more production.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (knee) was listed as a full participant in practice on Wednesday, according to Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle. It was a lighter practice, but it was still the first time that Dell has practiced in full since returning from a devastating left-knee injury that kept him out for the entire 2025 season. The Texans opened the 26-year-old's 21-day practice window last Wednesday, so he is technically eligible at any time to come off Injured Reserve to make his 2026 debut. The Texans are expected to ease Dell back into the fold when he is ready, but with an opportunity to carve out a pretty big role in the team's passing attack by the end of the season, Dell is worth a waiver-wire pickup with his season debut looming. Before his knee injury late in the 2024 season, the former third-rounder from Houston caught 98 passes for 1,376 yards and 10 touchdowns on 156 targets in 25 games over two seasons in the league. Dell has big-play abilities downfield, although his speed may not be the same as it was before his serious knee injury. Depending on how he fares the rest of the week, Dell could realistically make his return in Week 6 versus the Jacksonville Jaguars in London.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (knee) has officially been ruled out for the Week 6 game on Thursday Night Football against the Denver Broncos, according to Corbin K. Smith of Emerald Spectrum. Seattle opened Charbonnet's 21-day practice window last Thursday, but he is still not ready to make his 2026 debut after being limited in practice this week. The good news for the Seahawks and fantasy managers is that the 25-year-old has a realistic chance to make his return in a showdown in Week 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs. Rookie first-rounder Jadarian Price (chest) will miss at least two more games while on Injured Reserve, so if Charb returns next week, he will be sharing the backfield with Emanuel Wilson and George Holani. Wilson has been Seattle's lead back in the last few weeks, but things could change quickly once Charbonnet returns. The 25-year-old former second-rounder from UCLA had a bigger role last year alongside Kenneth Walker and had his most productive NFL season, rushing for 730 yards and 12 touchdowns on 184 regular-season carries, adding 20 catches for 144 yards through the air. Charbonnet figures to be eased in once he makes his season debut, but for his all-around solid skill set, he should be stashed in all fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (thigh) was able to practice in full on Wednesday, according to Pro Football Talk. Lamb missed the conclusion of the upset loss at home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last Thursday night due to a thigh injury, but the good news is that he has extra time to recover before the team's Week 6 game on Sunday Night Football against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The 27-year-old practicing in full already this week is a good sign that he will be available to play against the Packers. Reports last Friday suggested that Lamb was only dealing with a bruised thigh/quad, so he escaped a major injury. Fantasy managers should keep Lamb locked into their starting lineups for Week 6. The five-time Pro Bowler has been better than teammate George Pickens so far in 2026, catching 39 of his 51 targets for 507 yards and four touchdowns in five games. He already has more touchdowns than he did all of last year in 14 contests for Dallas. Lamb looks primed for a bounce-back game in Green Bay after catching only two of his five targets for nine yards last Thursday night before his injury.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals rookie first-round running back Jeremiyah Love (ankle) is battling through a lingering ankle injury and could be up in the air to play in Week 6 versus the division-rival Los Angeles Rams, according to Tyler Drake of Arizona Sports. "As much as he wants to battle through, we are all in agreement right now to just give him a little bit of rest and see as the week goes on as what that will entail for Sunday," head coach Mike LaFleur said on Wednesday. The 21-year-old third overall pick from Notre Dame suffered an ankle injury in the preseason and also came out of the Week 4 loss to the New York Giants with an ankle injury. Love played in the Week 5 loss to the Detroit Lions but had only 12 carries for 22 yards and failed to bring in his only target in the passing game. Love is averaging 3.7 yards per carry on 67 rushing attempts for 245 yards and one score on the ground in his first five NFL games, but his lack of involvement in the passing game has been disappointing for his fantasy managers. If Love is cleared to suit up in L.A., it sounds like he could have a limited role out of the backfield, so he is trending towards being more of an RB3/flex this weekend.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (illness) did not practice on Wednesday due to an illness, according to Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football. Olave is a little under the weather this week, but with three full days before Sunday's game against the New York Giants, fantasy managers should not be too worried about the star wideout's status for Week 6. After back-to-back 100-yard games in Weeks 3 and 4, Olave caught just four passes for 46 yards in the Week 5 loss to a tough Minnesota Vikings defense. Through five games, Olave continues to be money for his fantasy managers, ranking as the overall WR6 in half-PPR scoring with 39 catches for 537 yards and one touchdown on 54 targets. As long as he is healthy, Olave will continue to be quarterback Tyler Shough's go-to downfield passing target in an up-tempo, pass-happy offense in New Orleans. Fantasy managers should have the former first-rounder from Ohio State locked into their lineups this week for an upcoming road tilt at MetLife Stadium against the G-Men.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday, according to ESPN's Jamison Hensley. Even though Jackson has a realistic chance to return from a one-game absence due to a left-ankle injury suffered in the Week 4 win over the Tennessee Titans, he was not on the practice field on Wednesday. The 29-year-old is not going to rush back after backup Tyler Huntley led the team to an impressive overtime win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday Night Football. Head coach Jesse Minter said on Monday that Jackson is "definitely doing better," but he should still be considered questionable to face the division-rival Cleveland Browns on Sunday in Week 6. Jackson's lack of practice on Wednesday is not a great start, but his outlook could be looking better if he is able to practice on Thursday or Friday. The former MVP will be a must-start in all fantasy lineups this weekend if he is active against the Browns.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur said that running back Jeremiyah Love (ankle) will not practice on Wednesday, per Tyler Drake of Arizona Sports. Love has been battling nagging ankle injuries for most of the regular season so far. While the 21-year-old has yet to miss any time, he saw very little work in the second half of Arizona's blowout loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 5. Love has flashed significant upside in his best moments this season, recording 281 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 78 touches across five games. Given his practice status on Wednesday, the rookie back could be in danger of missing Arizona's Week 6 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. If Love is sidelined, Cardinals back Tyler Allgeier would move into borderline top-24 territory at the running back position for fantasy managers in Week 6.
From RotoBaller
After logging 3,727 passing yards, 498 rushing yards, and 29 total touchdowns in 2025, Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert was widely viewed by fantasy managers as a no-doubt top-12 quarterback entering 2026. However, the 28-year-old has played some of the worst football of his career through the first five weeks of the season, completing just 59.4% of his pass attempts for 937 yards, five touchdowns, and seven interceptions. The Chargers offense has also collapsed around Herbert. In Week 5, Los Angeles was without tackles Joe Alt (neck) and Rashawn Slater (ankle), as well as wide receivers Ladd McConkey (foot), Quentin Johnston (chest), and Brenen Thompson (quad). Between his own struggles and the situation around him, Herbert is no longer a must-roster player for fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
Across five games so far in 2026, New England Patriots wide receiver Romeo Doubs has recorded 13 catches for 219 yards and two touchdowns on 23 targets. After star Patriots wideout A.J. Brown (ankle) went down with an ankle injury early in Week 1, Doubs appeared to have a chance to lead his team's pass-catching corps. However, outside of one big game in Week 4, Doubs has largely underwhelmed. In Week 5, it was younger Patriots wide receivers Efton Chism III and DeMario Douglas who stepped up as the top targets for New England quarterback Drake Maye. Heading into Week 6, Brown is now eligible to return from Injured Reserve. While the star wideout may not play this week against the New York Jets, he will likely be back on the field sooner rather than later. Between Brown's impending return and Doubs' own unreliability, Doubs could be droppable in shallower fantasy formats.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said that it's "hard to predict how many a player is going to get" when asked about running back Omarion Hampton's declining snap count, per Alex Insdorf of the Guilty As Charged podcast. Across five games so far in 2026, Hampton has recorded 73 carries for 231 yards and three touchdowns. However, his workload has decreased in recent weeks as the Chargers have gotten fellow running backs Kimani Vidal and Keaton Mitchell more involved in the team's offense. After leading the team in running back snaps in each of the first three weeks, Hampton has now played the same number of snaps as, or fewer than, both Vidal and Mitchell in two straight contests. Between his uncertain workload and the Chargers' overall issues on offense this season, Hampton is becoming increasingly difficult for fantasy managers to trust.
From RotoBaller
Across five games so far in 2026, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. has recorded just nine catches for 105 yards and a touchdown on 18 targets. The 24-year-old's underwhelming season hit a new low in Week 5, when he was held without a catch on three targets by the Philadelphia Eagles. Thomas Jr. looked like a potential breakout superstar after his rookie season in 2024, when he logged nearly 1,300 receiving yards and 10 touchdown catches. However, his production has declined sharply over the last two years. Thomas Jr. has recorded more than three targets in just one out of five games in 2026, and he's fallen behind Jaguars wideouts Parker Washington and Jakobi Meyers on the team's depth chart. Thomas Jr. retains some deep-league appeal for fantasy managers, but he's droppable in shallower league formats.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is expected to make his team debut Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, who reports that head coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed the plan Wednesday. Acquired from Arizona earlier this week, Harrison participated in his first Texans practice Wednesday and has only a few days to get comfortable with the offense. The former fourth overall pick caught just five passes for 85 yards and one touchdown in four games with the Cardinals this season after recording 41 receptions for 608 yards and four scores in 2025. He reunites with former Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud, although that familiarity doesn't guarantee an immediate featured role. Nico Collins has caught 19 passes for 249 yards and three touchdowns in three appearances, while Jaylin Noel, Kayshon Boutte, and Xavier Hutchinson have also contributed to Houston's passing attack. General manager Nick Caserio indicated Wednesday that the Texans won't force a predetermined snap count as Harrison gets acclimated. His debut is encouraging for fantasy managers, but he's a risky Week 6 starter until there's a clearer picture of his role in the offense.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. has failed to capitalize on the opportunities many expected following Mike Evans' offseason departure, and his fantasy value continues to slide. Godwin caught all three of his targets for 37 yards in Thursday's 24-16 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, marking his fourth game this season with four or fewer targets. Through five contests, the veteran has recorded just 19 receptions for 179 yards without a touchdown on 21 targets, averaging only 35.8 receiving yards per game. Emeka Egbuka (33 targets) and Cade Otton (27) have both received more opportunities, even with Jalen McMillan (knee) sidelined on injured reserve. Tampa Bay's quarterback situation hasn't helped matters, as rookie Jalon Daniels has started the past two games while Baker Mayfield (thumb) recovers. Godwin also wasn't spotted at Wednesday's practice, although the reason for his absence remains unclear. His impressive catch rate means little for fantasy purposes without a more consistent workload. Godwin is becoming difficult to justify in 10-team leagues and can be dropped in some 12-team formats if better options are available. Managers in deeper PPR leagues can afford additional patience, but there is little evidence that a substantial increase in targets is coming.
From RotoBaller