Week 6 Waiver Wire Pickups: Sleepers Who May Be Available After Box Score Analysis

Week 6 Waiver Wire Pickups: Sleepers Who May Be Available After Box Score Analysis0 of 4

Jaguars RB Tank BigsbyCourtney Culbreath/Getty Images

With one game down and four teams on bye, fantasy managers may be running out of waiver-wire options for Week 6.

Due to injuries and those aforementioned byes—the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins and Minnesota Vikings are off this week—managers may also be in need of some reinforcements.

Fortunately, some players are still available late in the week who may be worth a spot start on Sunday or Monday. We’ll dive into the top options who could still be available here.

All picks and analysis are based on point-per-reception (PPR) scoring.

Andy Dalton, QB, Carolina Panthers1 of 4

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We don’t have the highest of hopes for the Carolina Panthers in Week 6. Carolina will host the Atlanta Falcons, who have shown that they know how to win tough games in 2024. The 1-4 Panthers are also not particularly good.

However, quarterback Andy Dalton could be worth a start in a pinch. He’s performed better than Bryce Young in Carolina’s offense, and he’s had the occasional good fantasy performance since taking over.

While Dalton struggled in Week 5, he topped 200 passing yards with at least two touchdowns in each of his first two starts this season. The Falcons have a solid defense, but they’ve been middle-of-the-pack against opposing quarterbacks.

Atlanta has allowed the 15th-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season.

Dalton shouldn’t be considered a high-end starter this week, but he can help managers of Patrick Mahomes or Sam Darnold navigate the bye. He should also be available. The 36-year-old is rostered in only 11 percent of Yahoo leagues and seven percent of ESPN leagues.

Tank Bigsby, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars2 of 4

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Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby is far less likely to be available than Dalton—though there’s still a chance. The second-year back is rostered in 61 percent of Yahoo leagues but only 41 percent of ESPN leagues.

If Bigsby is available, he’s a must-get.

The 23-year-old has emerged has looked like Jacksonville’s best backfield option over the last couple of weeks and has cut into the workload of Travis Etienne Jr. significantly. He rushed for 90 yards in Week 4 and tallied 129 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 13 carries and one reception last week.

Barring an unforeseen development, Bigsby should be a viable flex option moving forward. His matchup this week is decent enough too, though Jacksonville will face the Chicago Bears in London.

Chicago has a stout defense but it has also allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season.

Jalen Tolbert, WR, Dallas Cowboys3 of 4

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Dallas Cowboys wideout Jalen Tolbert might be the top waiver target at any position based on last week’s box scores alone. The third-year receiver racked up seven receptions on 10 targets for 87 yards and a touchdown against a very good Pittsburgh Steelers defense.

This week, the Cowboys will host the Detroit Lions, whose defense isn’t quite up there with Pittsburgh’s. While Detroit has been terrific against the run, its second remains a bit of a liability.

The Lions have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season.

It all adds up to a tremendous matchup for Tolbert, who is rostered in 28 percent of Yahoo leagues and 30 percent of ESPN leagues. With one of the league’s least imposing backfields, the Cowboys are likely to rely on Dak Prescott and the passing game in this one. And with Brandin Cooks on injured reserve, Tolbert will remain Dallas’ No. 2 receiver for the foreseeable future.

Allen Lazard, WR, New York Jets4 of 4

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There’s no shortage of uncertainty surrounding the New York Jets. New York fired head coach Robert Saleh early in the week and recently announced that Todd Downing will replace Nathaniel Hackett as the offensive play-caller.

“I’m not saying it’s a better or worse take on things by any means, but just a different take on things, a fresh approach,” interim coach Jeff Ulbrich said, per ESPN’s Rich Cimini.

While the game-planning may change, Aaron Rodgers’ chemistry with Allen Lazard probably won’t. We may see more of a concerted effort to get Garrett Wilson the ball with Downing in charge, but Rodgers is still likely to target Lazard in critical situations.

Lazard, who is still available in roughly 60 percent of ESPN and Yahoo leagues, has caught a touchdown pass in two of his last three games—while tallying at least three receptions and 34 yards in each of his last three appearances.

Starting Lazard this week will be riskier than starting Tolbert of course. On Monday, the Jets will host the rival Buffalo Bills, who have allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing receivers. However, he’s a tremendous grab-and-stash option and can be played if necessary.

*Fantasy roster and scoring information from FantasyPros.