NFL Waiver Wire: Week 6 Pickups

Another crazy week is in the books, and with it some saw some huge fantasy performances. Christian McCaffrey, Michael Thomas, Will Fuller, Aaron Jones and Deshaun Watson had big-time games while Mike Evans, Wayne Gallman (concussion) and O.J. Howard (as usual) had terrible performances. Let's see who's out there to consider picking up this week.

QUARTERBACK

Secondary Targets

Kirk Cousins, MIN - Is Cousins back in the Circle of Trust? Not completely, but he took a big step toward it in Sunday's win against the Giants. He's still not using Stefon Diggs the way he should, but Adam Thielen is getting plenty of targets. Cousins finished 22-27-306-2, a more than respectable fantasy output. It makes sense that passing lanes are opening given that defenses are crowding the line more with the success of Dalvin Cook (5.9 yards per carry). The schedule doesn't look too daunting with the Redskins, Eagles and Chiefs on tap in the near future. FAAB: $3-$6

Hail Mary

Devlin Hodges, PIT - The pride of Samford set an FCS record for career passing yards with 14,584. He'll get a week to work with the starters and should be on anyone's radar in two-quarterback/super-flex leagues. It's unknown if or how long Mason Rudolph will be out, but it seems safe to assume he'll miss at least this week. That means Hodges should be under center in Los Angeles on Sunday night when the Steelers face the Chargers. FAAB: $1-$2, bump it up in the leagues mentioned

RUNNING BACK

Secondary Targets

Jon Hilliman, NYG - It's hard to imagine Wayne Gallman getting out of the concussion protocol by Thursday night and the Giants would be wise to bring Saquon Barkley back slowly. That means Hilliman should start Thursday night and find himself getting double-digit touches. The problem is it's a tough match up against the Patriots, and Hilliman seems like a one-week rental with either Barkley or Gallman returning for the Oct. 20 game against the Cardinals. FAAB: $2-$4

WIDE RECEIVER

Secondary Targets

Auden Tate, CIN - He's clearly the 1B option to Tyler Boyd in the Cincinnati offense, and we now know A.J. Green won't be back this week. Tate scored a touchdown and was targeted on another incomplete pass at the goal line, so the Bengals (Andy Dalton) are making an effort to get him the ball. In .5 PPR leagues he's scored 11.8, 7 and 10.1 fantasy points  the last three weeks, showing he's been involved in the offense. With no Green and now John Ross, he'll have a bigger role and see softer coverage playing opposite Boyd. FAAB: $4-$8

Darius Slayton, NYG - Slayton is starting to make some noise, finishing with a three catches for 82 yards in Week 3 and four for 61 and a touchdown Sunday against the Vikings. Like Gallman, Sterling Shepard is in the concussion protocol, so it seems doubtful he'll be ready by Thursday night. Slayton runs a 4.39 40 and had elite numbers in both the vertical and broad jump at the Combine. It's likely Golden Tate draws the coverage of Stephon Gilmore, allowing Slayton to work against softer coverage. FAAB: $4-$8

Duke Williams, BUF - Freshly signed off the practice squad, Williams made an immediate impact catching the game-winning touchdown, finishing with four receptions for 29 yards. Williams led the CFL in receiving in 2018 with 1,579 yards and 11 touchdowns (18 games). He'll have to compete with John Brown and Cole Beasley for targets but has the size they don't to be a big target in the red zone. FAAB: $3-$6

Byron Pringle, KC - Pringle capitalized on his opportunity Sunday night when Sammy Watkins (shockingly!) came up with a hamstring injury. This development led to a 6-103-1 line for Pringle, who is only mentioned because he is part of this high-powered offense. The return of Watkins or Hill will essentially kill any fantasy value, given he's still behind Mecole Hardman and Demarcus Robinson in the pecking order. However, Sunday night he showed he can produce if given the opportunity. FAAB: $3-$6

TIGHT END

Secondary Targets

Chris Herndon, NYJ - This is a terrible team that will be throwing from behind a lot, and Herndon should run a lot of short, safe patterns. Therefore, he should get a fair amount of targets at a position that has been a barren wasteland this season aside from a few players. He profiles more as a receiver than a blocking tight end, which is ideal for fantasy purposes. FAAB: $3-$6

Gerald Everett, LAR - After a slow start Everett has the confidence of Jared Goff and has scored 12.9 and 17.1 fantasy points in .5 PPR leagues his last two games. He appears to be a more athletic tight end than Tyler Higbee and has been more productive from a fantasy standpoint. Just realize there are plenty of receiving options in this offense. FAAB: $3-$6 

DEFENSE

Secondary Targets

Washington Redskins D/ST - Both teams in this game (Miami) are absolutely terrible. But the Dolphins have allowed double-digit fantasy points to every defense they've faced (four games). While I don't think the Redskins are any special defense, they're worth streaming this week based on the chance there's a turnover or two. The "coach was just fired" mentality sometimes rallies a team as well. Hold your nose and use them if you need a defense. FAAB: $2-$4