After some circus-worthy schedule juggling by the NFL, we can all now focus on fantasy football roster decisions for Week 6. Pay attention to team byes as there are some heavy hitters taking a seat with the Saints, Raiders, Seahawks and Chargers all out of action.
Below are my top five waiver wire pickups, and as always, ask me any fantasy questions on Twitter @AndyMc81 using #AskAndy.
Andy Dalton, QB, Cowboys
Yahoo! League Ownership: 3%
Andy Dalton will undoubtedly be one of the most added players across fantasy football heading into the weekend after the horrible injury to Dak Prescott. “The Red Rifle” steps into an embarrassment of offensive riches the likes of which he never saw while in Cincinnati. The former Bengals signal-caller was last consistently fantasy relevant in 2016 as QB13, but over the years he has spiked for some quality stat lines.
The potential for a shootout is huge as the high-octane Cardinals come into Big D. The Cowboys’ awful defence gives up points by the bunches, which of course will force Dalton to sling it all afternoon. Consider him a back-end QB1 for Week 6.
Chase Claypool, WR, Steelers
Yahoo! League Ownership: 17%
What an explosion Sunday by Chase Claypool. The Canadian was the No. 1 fantasy wide receiver by a long shot with his three receiving touchdowns and one rushing touchdown. Of course, this type of performance is unsustainable. But Claypool’s 11 targets demonstrated incredible confidence in him from Ben Roethlisberger, and that makes him an enticing add.
Fantasy players should track Diontae Johnson’s back injury status as the week progresses. If Johnson misses the Browns game, then Claypool enters WR1 territory. That said, I’d advise caution when bidding for the newly nicknamed “Mapletron.” Serviceable wide receivers are easier to grab off waivers than other position groups, and rookies naturally go through plenty of ups and downs.
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Cameron Brate, TE, Buccaneers
Yahoo! League Ownership: 2%
In the continuously volatile tight end realm, Cameron Brate could provide a bit of a lifeline. When given the opportunity at a consistent target share in the past, the veteran has delivered. In 2017 he finished as TE8, and Tom Brady may be forced to look his way more often.
O.J. Howard is gone for the season and Rob Gronkowski has been a non-factor in the Tampa Bay passing game plan. What’s more, the revolving door of wide receiver injuries is screaming for increased production for Brate. The 29-year-old’s usage already popped up to five receptions for 9.40 FPTs in that Bucs loss to Chicago last Thursday.
At the very least, he’s worth a bench-depth stash.
Christian Kirk, WR, Cardinals
Yahoo! League Ownership: 34%
If you miss out on the rush for Claypool, Arizona’s Christian Kirk is a nice alternative for PPR leagues. The Cardinals battle a Cowboys defence that’s giving up the most points per game to opponents and ranks 27th in total yards allowed.
The limited talent in that Dallas secondary will have to focus on superstar WR DeAndre Hopkins, and that should leave some juicy opportunities for Kirk. The Texas A&M alum tied Hopkins for targets on Sunday, and has scored double-digit fantasy points in consecutive outings. Kirk makes for a nice low-risk flex or WR3 in your lineup.
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Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, Dolphins
Yahoo! League Ownership: 21%
This is Ryan Fitzpatrick’s second trip onto my Sportsnet waiver wire column. Why? Well, because thanks to averaging an impressive 25.11 FPTs over his last four starts, the bearded one is currently QB6 in all of fantasy football, and yet is still available in almost 80 per cent of Yahoo! leagues.
And if that didn’t sell you on the Harvard grad, how about the fact that he’s facing the sad-sack New York Jets on Sunday? The Jets are terrible at everything football and should be an easy smash spot for multiple Dolphins.
We all know the clock could strike midnight on “Fitz-Magic” at any moment, but he is on an absolute tear right now. Seemingly matchup proof, Fitzpatrick is a boom-or-bust option to help out Dak Prescott owners or those looking for bye-week coverage.
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