FantasyPros Staff | Mon, Oct 10th 2022, 11:58am EDT

Fantasy Football Week 6 Waiver Wire FAAB Advice: Players to Target, Stash & Drop (2022)

This is going to be an eventful week on your league’s waiver wire. We had some impactful players – Tyreek Hill, Tee Higgins, James Conner, Damien Harris – go down with injuries. And now, the bye weeks are upon us. The waiver wire is going to be a busy place.

One injury from Week 5 sent a shockwave throughout fantasy leagues. Seahawks RB Rashaad Penny fractured his tibia. That would almost surely mean the end of his season. Next man up: Ken Walker, the second running back taken in this year’s NFL Draft,

Walker whet our waiver appetites with a 69-yard TD run in the fourth quarter of the Seahawks’ loss to the Saints. He’s a widely acclaimed NFL prospect. Unless someone in your league had Penny and Walker handcuffed, there was a huge value swing when one team lost Penny and another stepped into an opportunity windfall with Walker.

Or perhaps Walker is still available in your league. He’s unrostered in 56% of Yahoo leagues. If he’s out there, he’s going to command a king’s ransom in FAAB bidding.

There is some other promising RB help out there, too. It’s a good week to find Band-Aids at running back – or, in Walker’s case, a tourniquet.

Help is less abundant at the pass-catching positions this week. There are several options, none involving the sort of player you can’t wait to start. The streaming options at defense and kicker aren’t especially attractive either. But this bumper crop at running back is going to send the FAAB dollars flying.

Week 6 Waiver Wire Grade: A-

(Rostership percentages are based on Yahoo leagues, Recommended FAAB bids are based on a $100 budget.)

Week 6 Waiver Wire Rankings

Waiver Wire Rankings powered by FantasyProsECR ™ – Expert Consensus Rankings

Running Backs

Written by Bo McBrayer

Ken Walker (RB – SEA): 44% rostered

Next opponents: ARI, @LAC, NYG
True value: $69
Desperate need: $100
Budget-minded: $42

Analysis: It’s not every season where the league-winning waiver claim strolls into our lives in Week 6. If your team has any perceived weakness at RB, you must throw your weight behind a claim for the rookie Ken Walker. He dominated the snap share over DeeJay Dallas after Rashaad Penny went down with a fractured tibia on Sunday. He produced 88 yards and scored a majestic go-ahead touchdown. He is the reason why good FAAB management can lead to a fantasy championship.

Mike Boone (RB – DEN): 36% rostered

Next opponents: @LAC, NYJ, @JAX
True value: $18
Desperate need: $45
Budget-minded: $6

Analysis: If you were not as judicious with your precious FAAB dollars and haven’t a prayer at landing Walker, Mike Boone could be a very solid consolation prize. I did (very sarcastically) lament getting outbid on Boone last week, but he showed me enough burst and workload to sway me into a more aggressive bid for Week 6.

Rachaad White (RB – TB): 34% rostered

Next opponents: @PIT, @CAR, BAL
True value: $16
Desperate need: $28
Budget-minded: $6

Analysis: The Bucs know what they have in the rookie RB from Arizona State. White is a wonderful athlete in space and is an ace on third downs. He is also looking more physical between the tackles than he ever let on in college, despite having prototypical size for the position. I need not explain how beneficial it can be to roster Tom Brady‘s receiving back. The best part about White is he is already earning full series to spell Leonard Fournette in addition to passing down work.

Isiah Pacheco (RB – KC): 35% rostered

Next opponents: BUF, @SF, BYE
True value: $12
Desperate need: $21
Budget-minded: $5

Analysis: This entire offense is humming. Kansas City ran a clinic in pure efficiency in shelling the vaunted Bucs defense with 41 points. Clyde Edwards-Helaire has been the prince of purity so far in 2022, with five touchdowns in four games despite earning fewer than 50% of the Chiefs’ offensive snaps overall. Pacheco (and Jerick McKinnon) share the load and have looked just as good in their roles as CEH. Pacheco is still a semi-stash. Once Kansas City runs through two hellacious defenses in San Francisco and Buffalo, they get their bye week. Pacheco’s role in the offense could very well be more substantial and established by then.

Tevin Coleman (RB – SF): 0% rostered

Next opponents: @ATL, KC, @LAR
True value: $12
Desperate need: $16
Budget-minded: $4

Analysis: In a stunning development, the 49ers put the ball in recently elevated Tevin Coleman‘s hands 11 times on Sunday. The Shanahan Tree RB cashed in with two touchdowns and a shocking 21.7 fantasy points. Shanahan has reiterated the “hot hand” mantra all season. Even though Jeff Wilson has been more than adequate, Coleman’s prowess as a receiver makes him a really nice value add who might get lost in the shuffle while everyone drops their FAAB load on Ken Walker.

Caleb Huntley (RB – ATL): 14% rostered

Next opponents: SF, @CIN, CAR
True value: $10
Desperate need: $15
Budget-minded: $3

Analysis: Huntley and fellow bruiser Tyler Allgeier had some tough sledding in Week 5 versus the Buccaneers. Neither of them earned a single target in the passing game, either. Cordarrelle Patterson will be on the shelf for a minimum of three more weeks. I have been even less impressed with Allgeier than I have with Huntley, so if I’m filling a need on my fantasy roster, I’d rather take a shot on who I deem to be the better player.

Stash Candidates: James Cook, Deon Jackson, Eno Benjamin, Jaylen Warren, Avery Williams, Joshua Kelley

Analysis: James Cook has looked fantastic with his opportunities this season since he fumbled his first career touch in Week 1. Those chances haven’t been in any leverage situations yet, instead going to the mediocre Devin Singletary. Stash Cook in case of injury, but also in case he continues to whittle away at Singletary’s belligerently high snap share in the explosive Bills offense.

Deon Jackson and Eno Benjamin fared well in Week 5, each hitting double-digit fantasy points. They still aren’t more than stashes for deeper leagues, but the nature of the RB position means they’re only one snap away from stepping up in an even larger capacity.

Jaylen Warren and Joshua Kelley are similar, but to a lesser degree since they haven’t shown many flashes of start-worthy play at all in 2022.

Avery Williams was the third RB in touches for the Falcons in Week 5. He is an ace kick returner and scored a touchdown versus the Bucs in a goal line situation. Arthur Smith’s dimly-lit galaxy brain might just be crazy enough to turn Williams into the next Cordarrelle Patterson a lot sooner than we expected.

Wide Receivers

Written by Derek Brown

Jakobi Meyers (NE): 47% rostered

Next opponents: @CLE, CHI, @NYJ
True value: $6
Desperate need: $10
Budget-minded: $3

Analysis: This isn’t Meyers’ first time making the waiver column, but after two games missed due to injury, he’s slipped back below 50% rostership. Before the missed time, he saw a 29.7% target share (eighth-best), a 35.8% target per route run rate (fifth-best) and was the WR21 in fantasy points per game. Well, not much changed through the absence. Meyers returned just in time to feast on Mike Hughes in the slot against the Lions with a 38% target share, seven grabs, 111 receiving yards and one touchdown. Meyers has a dumpster-fire slot corner buffet upcoming with Greg Newsome, Kyler Gordon and Michael Carter on deck. If you need wide receiver help, Meyers is the player to spend aggressively on this week.

Alec Pierce (IND): 8% rostered

Next opponents: JAC, @TEN, WAS
True value: $5
Desperate need: $8
Budget-minded: $3

Analysis: Rookie wide receivers selected outside the first round of the NFL draft rarely hit the ground running from Day 1. Such has been the case for Pierce, who has been splitting routes with Ashton Dulin and Mike Strachan. Parris Campbell (why, I don’t know) and Michael Pittman have been the only full-time receivers for the Colts. This week, FINALLY, the Colts bumped up Pierce’s route run rate to 75%, and he responded by commanding a 21.9% target share. He’s now logged back-to-back games with 80 or more receiving yards. The Colts need another consistent pass catcher to step up opposite Pittman. Pierce could be that guy. He’s 27th in yards per route run, immediately behind D.K. Metcalf and CeeDee Lamb (per PFF, minimum 10 targets). The talent and athletic measurables are real. Pierce’s upcoming schedule is juicy, with a plus matchup against Jacksonville followed by heavenly contests against Tennessee and Washington, who entered Week 6 allowing the most and fourth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers.

Isaiah McKenzie (BUF): 48% rostered

Next opponents: @KC, BYE, GB
True value: $5
Desperate need: $8
Budget-minded: $3

Analysis: McKenzie missed Week 6 (concussion), but before the missed game, he was playing well and earning more opportunities in the Bills’ offense. His snap rate had increased every week, and he has averaged 7.5 targets over his last two games, finishing as the WR10 and WR29 those weeks. Khalil Shakir just helped dismantle the Steelers and is now a possible threat to assume the Jamison Crowder role as a roadblock to a full-time role for McKenzie. That’s the worrisome case, but it’s equally possible that Shakir returns to the bench while McKenzie returns and assumes an every-down role. He’s made the most of his previous opportunities, so there’s little reason to dial back his workload once he’s fully recovered from the concussion. Over the next three weeks, McKenzie has two plus matchups (KC, NYJ) for slot wide receivers.

Rondale Moore (ARI): 18% rostered

Next opponents: @SEA, NO, @MIN
True value: $3
Desperate need: $5
Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: Moore shook off pregame injury worries to play 91.3% of the snaps in Week 6, with a 97.6% route participation mark. After playing on the perimeter in Week 5, he returned to his customary slot role with A.J. Green back. Moore drew a 19.0% target share, finishing second on the team in receiving yards. Only Marquise Brown and Zach Ertz finished with more targets than Moore. While DeAndre Hopkins‘ return looms on the horizon, Moore can retain value as a solid flex play moving forward. Over the next five weeks (SEA x 2, LAR, MIN), Moore has four mouth-watering matchups for slot receivers that could lead to production spikes.

Jahan Dotson (WAS): 46% rostered

Next opponents: @CHI, GB, IND
True value: $3
Desperate need: $5
Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: Yes, Dotson is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury. This is one of the reasons he is being mentioned here, as his rostership has fallen below 50% in Yahoo leagues. If not for the injury, Dotson would still be above this watermark. Pick him up now and look to flex him in the upcoming weeks if you’re looking for a possible ceiling play for the flex position. Carson Wentz entered Week 6 third in the NFL in deep passing attempts. Dotson has been a big part of the downfield passing, ranking 12th in aDOT, with 31.8% of his target volume coming on deep heaves. If he can make it back soon, Dotson has beautiful upcoming matchups with GB and IND, who rank 30th and 31st in DVOA against deep passing (per Football Outsiders).

Zay Jones (JAC): 27% rostered

Next opponents: @IND, NYG, DEN
True value: $1
Desperate need: $2
Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: In the four games he’s played, Jones has earned target shares of 17.0%, 28.2%, 13.3% and 21.4%. He’s finished with at least six receptions and 65 receiving yards in half of his games. Despite tough matchups ahead, this type of bankable volume makes Jones a weekly WR3/4 and solid flex play.

Darius Slayton (NYG): 0% rostered

Next opponents: BAL, @JAC, @SEA
True value: $1
Desperate need: $2
Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: Yes, Slayton just saw a 25.9% target share and logged 79 receiving yards against a talented Green Bay secondary, but – you knew there was going to be a but – his value in this offense is capped even if he now assumes the top receiver role. New York entered Week 6, fourth in neutral rushing rate and fifth in red zone rushing rate. While the Giants are 4-1, this is a team built around the run. Slayton’s volume and touchdown equity are capped in this offensive scheme. Outside of needing a desperation Week 6 bye week fill-in, Slayton should not be a player you’re spending more than $1 on to get on your roster.

Stash candidates: Jameson Williams, Skyy Moore, Khalil Shakir

Jameson Williams should be on your roster immediately. Detroit entered Week 6 first in points scored and yards per play. Marry that with a defense that also walked into this week allowing the most points and yards in the NFL, and you have a perfect equation for offensive scoring. Williams was an uber-prospect for a reason, with his game-changing speed and special ability to stretch a defense. Even after accounting for three more weeks for Williams to get up to speed, the remaining schedule is favorable. In Weeks 8-18, Detroit faces five opponents with pass-defense DVOAs of 19th or lower.

As my colleague Joe Pisapia has said, “Skyy Moore could be this year’s Amon-Ra St. Brown.” Moore has the talent profile that can crush once he’s a full-time player in one of the league’s best offenses. In limited receiving duty, he has logged 2.33 yards per route run, 9.3 yards after the catch per reception and a 75.2 PFF receiving grade. No other Chiefs’ wide receiver currently has a PFF receiving grade over 65.0. The route for this offense to get back to crushing souls weekly begins with Moore. Grab him off waivers now and wait for the breakout.

With McKenzie out this week, Khalil Shakir made the most of his opportunity. He saw a 16.1% target share that he turned into 75 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. He played 69% of the snaps with a 77.7% route participation mark. McKenzie will reassume his starter duties once back, but Shakir is a player with weekly WR3/4 ability in the Bills’ offense if McKenzie misses any more time.

Tight Ends

Written by Derek Brown

Evan Engram (JAC): 24% rostered

Next opponents: @IND, NYG, DEN
True value: $3
Desperate need: $5
Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: Engram is coming off a game in which he handled a 21.2% target share with a season-high in receiving yards (69). While Engram hasn’t been efficient (27th in yards per route run), his 70% route participation entering Week 6 and upcoming matchups make him an appealing waiver target at tight end. His next three opponents are 28th, 22nd and 16th in DVOA (per Football Outsiders) against TEs. With a nearly full-time role and good matchups upcoming, Engram could easily find his way into the top 12 in each of the next three weeks.

Hayden Hurst (CIN): 29% rostered

Next opponents: @NO, ATL, @CLE
True value: $3
Desperate need: $5
Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: Hurst entered Week 6 with top-12 marks at the tight end position in targets (12th), routes run (eighth), route participation (12th), and red zone targets (10th). Volume, routes and high-value usage: These are the building blocks for a streamer tight end.

Hunter Henry (NE): 38% rostered

Next opponents: @CLE, CHI, @NYJ
True value: $1
Desperate need: $2
Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: Henry shouldn’t be a big-ticket item for your squad, but his role should be fantastic as long as Jonnu Smith is out. In Week 6, Henry played 98% of the snaps, seeing a 23.8% target share and 95.2% route participation. He finished second on the team with 54 receiving yards.

Stash candidates: Taysom Hill, Cade Otton, Greg Dulcich

Analysis: Hill is a stash and nothing more. Yes, he has tight-end eligibility and rattled off 112 rushing yards with nine carries against the Seahawks. This type of production is more fluke than substance. Hill only ran three routes and played on 33% of the snaps in Week 6. Don’t chase box scores and fantasy points. Chase usage. Hill could see a spike in it moving forward, and with his raw physical talent, he’s worth a stash to find out.

Otton came off the bench with Cameron Brate out (concussion) to play 93.6% of the snaps with an 88.4% route participation and 13.4% target share. As a possible every-down option in a Tom Brady-led offense, Otton is a stash candidate. He isn’t higher on this list because as soon as Brate is back, his role likely becomes split or fully evaporates.

Dulcich should be nearing a return in the coming weeks. This Denver passing attack is yearning for a consistent third option. Albert Okwuegbunam has been a bust to this point. With five of Denver’s next seven opponents ranking 17th or lower in DVOA (per Football Outsiders) against tight ends, Dulcich could enter the streaming conversation with the upside to become a weekly starter.

Quarterbacks

Written by Bo McBrayer

Geno Smith (QB – SEA): 35% rostered

Next opponents: ARI, @LAC, NYG
True value: $6
Desperate need: $12
Budget-minded: $2

Analysis: Enough is enough. Geno is balling out in 2022. HIs matchup versus the Saints in Week 5 was deemed “too difficult” by many fantasy managers hoping to stream a week-winning QB. Smith rewarded those who took that leap of faith with his third consecutive game with more than 20 fantasy points. It can be vehemently argued that Geno has earned himself a fantasy roster spot more secure than just for weekly streaming.

Justin Fields (QB – CHI): 38% rostered

Next opponents: WAS, @NE, @DAL
True value: $5
Desperate need: $12
Budget-minded: $2

Analysis: It wasn’t much, but Justin Fields put in some honest work in Week 5 with his best fantasy performance of the season. It would have been an even more incredible day if a magnificent rushing touchdown wasn’t wiped off the board by a ticky-tack, weak-sauce penalty. Fields and the Bears are finally thawing out on offense, especially through the air. Darnell Mooney and Cole Kmet made cameo performances in the offense for the first time, with more to come. I love patterns, and Fields is on the rise. His talent is immense and could be a league-winning asset prowling in the weeds.

Daniel Jones (QB – NYG): 22% rostered

Next opponents: BAL, @JAX, @SEA
True value: $5
Desperate need: $11
Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: Don’t look now, but the New York Football Giants are 4-1. Even more bizarre is how Daniel Jones has officially gone consecutive games without committing a turnover. Everyone will scoff at rostering Jones until he shows up and puts up numbers against a mild upcoming schedule. They will also sleep on his solid rushing production at their own peril.

Jameis Winston (QB – NO): 32% rostered

Next opponents: CIN, @ARI, LV
True value: $4
Desperate need: $10
Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: Even though Winston has now missed the past two games, he is an incredible streaming option over the next three weeks. The Saints have been cautious with Winston, pulling the plug on his status in Week 5 at the last possible moment. Andy Dalton has not been horrible in his stead, but Winston is the fantasy option we can eagerly await. Let’s hope he can get back on the field very soon.

Jimmy Garoppolo (QB – SF): 26% rostered

Next opponents: @ATL, KC, @LAR
True value: $4
Desperate need: $10
Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: Jimmy Garoppolo is one of the least-inspiring starting QBs in the NFL, but the perfect streamer is sometimes that guy. The 49ers have a string of underperforming defenses on their upcoming schedule, one that Jimmy G might actually look good against. Don’t hesitate to pick him up in a time of need, especially in deeper 1QB leagues.

Stash Candidates: Sam Howell, Desmond Ridder, Malik Willis

This is the first time I will mention the rookie from North Carolina, Sam Howell, but it certainly will not be the last. Carson Wentz is an absolute abomination under center for the league’s most embarrassing franchise. I had Howell scouted as the top QB in this 2022 class. His very strong preseason put a leash on Wentz as the starter in my mind. As the mercurial vet continues to falter, that leash will be reined in substantially. The Commanders are not a team contending for anything at the moment anyway.

Desmond Ridder and Malik Willis remain exciting rookie signal callers whose hot breath can be felt by starters on short leashes. Willis has already seen some game action in mop-up time, while Ridder is still donning the clipboard behind the painfully mediocre Marcus Mariota. Deeper superflex leagues should have these future starters rostered.

Defenses

Written by Pat Fitzmaurice

New England Patriots: 41% rostered

Next opponents: @CLE, CHI, @NYJ
True value: $1
Desperate need: $2
Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: Fresh off a shutout of the previously high-flying Lions offense, the Patriots visit Cleveland. It’s not easy for a defense to score points against a run-heavy team like the Browns, but Bill Belichick’s defenses always seem to find a way to provide fantasy value. Matchups against the Bears in Week 7 and the Jets in Week 8 give New England multi-week viability.

Indianapolis Colts: 33% rostered

Next opponents: JAC, @TEN, WAS
True value: $1
Desperate need: $2
Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: The Colts’ offense may be broken, but their defense is legit. The entered Week 5 ranked 13th in defensive DVOA and second in DVOA against the run. The Jaguars pay a visit to Indianapolis seven days after their offense malfunctioned in a loss to the Texans. That game might have been a one-week hiccup for the Jags’ offense, but this is still a neutral matchup at worst for the Indy defense. The Colts also get playable matchups against the Titans, Commanders and Patriots in Weeks 7-9.

Cincinnati Bengals: 28% rostered

Next opponents:@NO, ATL, @CLE
True value: $1
Desperate need: $2
Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: The Cincinnati D was averaging a respectable 7.5 fantasy points per game entering Week 5 and gets a playable Week 5 matchup against the Saints, who’ll be quarterbacked by either Jameis Winston or Andy Dalton. You could potentially use the Bengals against the Falcons in Week 7 and the Browns in Week 8 as well.

Cleveland Browns: 15% rostered

Next opponents: NE, @BAL, CIN
True value: $1
Desperate need: $2
Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: With only nine sacks and two interceptions on the season, the Browns’ defense has amassed few fantasy points in 2022. But edge rusher Myles Garrett returned to action last week after recovering from a rollover car crash, and CB Greedy Williams could make his season debut after missing the first five games with a hamstring injury. The Browns host the Patriots, who’ll be quarterbacked by either Mac Jones two weeks after a high-ankle sprain, venerable journeyman Brian Hoyer or third-string rookie Bailey Zappe. The Browns would be a one-week rental only. You wouldn’t want to use them against the Ravens in Week 7.

Stash candidates: None.

Kickers

Written by Pat Fitzmaurice

Brett Maher (DAL): 39% rostered

Next opponents: @PHI, DET, CHI
True value: $2
Desperate need: $3
Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: Maher is 13-of-14 on field goals this year, and he’s been scoring well even with backup QB Cooper Rush running the Dallas offense. Dak Prescott could be back from his thumb injury as early as this week for a potential divisional shootout with the Eagles, and then the Cowboys have favorable matchups against the Lions and Bears.

Riley Patterson (JAC): 36% rostered

Next opponents: @IND, NYG, DEN
True value: $1
Desperate need: $2
Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: Even with the Jaguars’ offense unexpectedly quiet against the Texans in Week 5, Patterson at least checked in with a pair of field goals in the first half. He’s averaging 8.4 fantasy points per game, going 9-of-10 on field goals and 10-of-10 on extra points. Patterson has a weather-proof game against the Colts in Indianapolis this week.

Graham Gano (NYG): 20% rostered

Next opponents: BAL, @JAC, @SEA
True value: $1
Desperate need: $2
Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: Gano has booted 11 field goals in five games and is averaging 10.4 fantasy points per contest. The limitation of the Giants’ passing game might actually work in Gano’s favor, since the G-men are destined to have trouble scoring touchdowns this season and may have to settle for more field goals than they’d prefer.

Mason Crosby (GB): 11% rostered

Next opponents: NYJ, @WAS, @BUF
True value: $1
Desperate need: $1
Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: The 38-year-old Crosby has been perfect on kicks this season, going 6-of-6 on field goals and 11-of-11 on extra points. The Packers have a seemingly favorable home matchup against the Jets this week and another appealing matchup at Washington in Week 7. The disclaimer here is that Packers head coach Matt LaFleur routinely eschews FG attempts in favor of going for it on fourth down.

Greg Zuerlein (NYJ): 4% rostered

Next opponents: @GB, @DEN, NE
True value: $1
Desperate need: $1
Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: Greg the Leg still combines long-distance range with accuracy, and he’s tied to an ascendant Jets offense. Zuerlein is averaging 9.0 fantasy points per game.

Stash candidates: Harrison Butker

Harrison Butker‘s ankle injury has lingered, but the Chiefs kicker could be back as early as this week and is tied to a potent offense.

Fool’s Gold

Randall Cobb had 7-99-0 on a season-high 13 targets Sunday in the Packers’ 27-22 loss to the Giants in London. He hadn’t drawn more than four targets in any of the Packers’ previous four games, and he entered Week 5 as the WR72 in half-PPR fantasy scoring.

In his last four games, Josh Reynolds has had 22-307-2 on 31 targets. So, what’s not to like? Well, D’Andre Swift played sparingly during that stretch due to injury, Amon-Ra St. Brown missed one of those games and was limited in another, D.J. Chark missed two of those games, and rookie first-rounder Jameson Williams will probably return from a knee injury within the next 4-6 weeks. We can’t count on Reynolds continuing to see a steady diet of targets as other Detroit pass catchers get healthier.

Nico Collins has 147 receiving yards over his last two contests, but he hasn’t had more than four catches in a game this season and is still looking for his first touchdown. The bigger issue is that he’s the No. 2 receiver in a low-octane passing attack.

Marvin Jones had 11-104-1 in his first four games before erupting for 7-104-0 in Week 5. The 32-year-old Jones will be a dicey fantasy play from week to week while sharing targets with Christian Kirk, Zay Jones and Evan Engram.

Joshua Kelley seems to have pulled away from Sony Michel in the battle to be the Chargers’ RB2 behind Austin Ekeler. Kelly had 10-49-1 rushing and 2-33-0 receiving Sunday against the Browns, while Michel had just one carry for no gain. We need to see more from an RB who’s averaged 3.3 yards per carry during his career before buying in.

Dyami Brown had a 75-yard TD catch and a 30-yard TD catch vs. the Titans in Week 5. Those were Brown’s only two catches and only two targets. He’ll likely fade back into the woodwork as soon as first-round rookie Jahan Dotson returns from a hamstring injury.

Drop recommendations

Droppable

Matt Ryan, 37, looks his age these days. He has only five TD passes in five games, and he’s thrown seven interceptions while also being a sack magnet. The Colts’ offense looks broken. It’s hard to see how this gets better. Ryan offers no rushing value, so the upside here is midrange-QB2 value – and at this point you’d have to squint to see that upside.

Davis Mills showed promise late in 2021, but now it seems clear he’s just keeping the seat warm for whichever quarterback the Texans draft in 2023. Mills is averaging 6.3 yards per attempt and has a 5-4 TD-INT ratio through five games.

DeVante Parker drew a couple of long pass interference penalties on Sunday but had no receptions. The Patriots don’t have a lot of steam in their passing game, and Parker has had 24 or fewer receiving yards in four of his five games this season.

We know Diontae Johnson is good, and Steelers rookie George Pickens looks like a star in the making. We’re not sure where that leaves physically gifted but often-frustrating WR Chase Claypool, but we know that he doesn’t need to be on your roster.

If you’re an Allen Robinson investor, we recommend that you make it a celebration when you release him this week. Open a bottle of champagne, have some hors d’oeuvres. You’re going enjoy being rid of him, so why not go all out?

Droppable with a chance of regret

Mecole Hardman has lethal speed, and we’re probably going to see some big plays out of him this year, but there are too many holes in his game for Hardman to develop into a consistent fantasy scorer.

If you have David Montgomery on your roster, it makes sense to keep Herbert. But if you don’t have Monty, it’s time to part ways with Herbert. Montgomery returned from an ankle injury on Sunday and out-snapped Herbert 36-14. Montgomery had 12 carries and four targets. Herbert had four carries and zero targets.

Joshua Palmer had a 66-99-0 performance in Week 3 but has since gone quiet, with 4-49-0 on seven targets over the last two weeks. We can trust Palmer this week, and it should only be a few weeks before Keenan Allen returns from a hamstring injury. There might not be a lot more fantasy value to squeeze out of Palmer.

Chase Edmonds‘ usage may have bottomed out in Week 5 with 10 snaps and a single carry. It’s safe to say goodbye.

Don’t drop yet

If benches in your league are short, we’ll understand if you cut Russell Gage. We’d prefer to keep him around another week or two just in case the other Tampa Bay receivers can’t stay healthy.

Elijah Moore hasn’t exceeded 53 yards in any game this season, and he had just 1-11-0 in Week 5. We know there’s talent here. Try to give it another week and cut him if he can’t get it going against a slumping Green Bay defense in Week 6.

It’s hard to understand what the Rams are doing with their backfield. Cam Akers was out-snapped by Darrell Henderson 37-30 in Week 5, but Akers had 13 carries, Henderson zero. Akers hasn’t looked good, and the Rams’ offensive line is playing poorly. Still, volume is volume at the RB position – especially with the bye weeks upon us.

We beg you not to spite-drop Kyle Pitts. Trust us: You’ll hate yourself later.

NFL

MLB

NBA

NHL