Week 5 gave us another reminder of how quickly fantasy football can change. Injuries have opened up several major opportunities across the league, while emerging players are beginning to earn larger workloads and establish themselves as legitimate fantasy contributors. With bye weeks approaching, finding reliable replacements and getting ahead of potential breakout players is becoming increasingly important.
This week, I’m focusing on the players whose opportunities could expand significantly heading into Week 6. Changes in snap shares, backfield rotations, target volume, and injury situations can tell us considerably more about a player’s future fantasy value than simply chasing one productive performance.
Here are my top waiver-wire targets entering Week 6.
1. Woody Marks, RB (HOU)
Rostered: 50%
Woody Marks is my top waiver-wire target entering Week 6 after David Montgomery suffered a groin injury during Houston’s matchup against Tennessee. Marks immediately became the Texans’ featured running back, finishing with 15 carries for 62 yards while catching all four of his targets for another 23 yards. More importantly, he reportedly played 47 of Houston’s final 48 offensive snaps following Montgomery’s departure, demonstrating how heavily the coaching staff relied on him once the backfield became depleted. His increased involvement wasn’t entirely unexpected, either. Houston had already started using Marks earlier in games, introducing him on its second offensive possession in consecutive weeks after previously waiting until the third. The Texans were gradually expanding his responsibilities before the injury, and his 19 touches against Tennessee demonstrated that he’s capable of contributing as both a runner and receiver.
Houston faces Jacksonville in Week 6, making Marks’ potential workload particularly appealing even against a difficult defensive opponent. The Jaguars have been effective against the run, so I’m more interested in his opportunity to accumulate touches than expecting a highly efficient rushing performance. His four receptions against Tennessee are encouraging because receiving involvement creates additional fantasy value if Houston struggles to establish its rushing attack. Dare Ogunbowale remains another option in the backfield, and the Texans could adjust their rotation with a full week to prepare if Montgomery is unavailable. However, Marks’ expanded involvement began before the injury, giving me more confidence that he can maintain a significant offensive role. If Montgomery misses Week 6, I’m treating Marks as an RB2 with additional PPR upside and one of the highest-priority waiver additions of the week.
2. Dameon Pierce, RB (PHI)
Rostered: 2%
Dameon Pierce could suddenly become Philadelphia’s primary running back after injuries completely disrupted the Eagles’ backfield. Saquon Barkley missed Week 5 with a hamstring injury, Tank Bigsby was placed on injured reserve following core muscle surgery, and Will Shipley exited against Jacksonville with a foot injury that has now landed him on injured reserve. Pierce stepped into the lead role following Shipley’s departure, finishing with 11 carries for just 14 yards while adding two receptions for negative two yards on five targets. Those numbers certainly aren’t encouraging, but his playing time is more important than the efficiency of a single performance. Pierce handled the majority of Philadelphia’s remaining running back work, while Carson Steele didn’t play an offensive snap despite being active. The distribution suggests Pierce is currently the preferred replacement when the Eagles need someone to handle substantial early-down volume.
Carolina provides an opportunity for Pierce to become fantasy-relevant in Week 6, although Philadelphia’s struggling offense remains a legitimate concern. His 1.3 yards per carry against Jacksonville demonstrates how difficult it could be to produce consistent rushing yardage, particularly if the offensive line continues struggling to create space. However, Pierce’s five targets were encouraging because receiving opportunities could help offset poor rushing efficiency if he maintains a featured workload. With Shipley now on injured reserve, Pierce has a clearer path to an expanded role beyond Week 6, although Barkley’s availability remains the biggest variable in determining his touches. I’m not assuming that opportunity will automatically translate into RB2 production, especially given Philadelphia’s recent offensive struggles. Still, running backs with a realistic path toward 15 or more touches are difficult to find on the waiver wire. At just 2% rostered, Pierce is worth adding as a speculative volume-based flex option, particularly for fantasy managers dealing with injuries and bye weeks.
3. Dontayvion Wicks, WR (PHI)
Rostered: 44%
Dontayvion Wicks continues receiving meaningful opportunities in Philadelphia’s passing offense, even if his production hasn’t consistently reflected that involvement. Through five games, Wicks has caught 17 passes for 260 yards and one touchdown on 28 targets, averaging 15.3 yards per reception. His eight targets against Jacksonville represented his highest total of the season, bringing his five-game average to 5.6 opportunities per contest. Wicks has remained involved while DeVonta Smith and Hollywood Brown have been sidelined, although Philadelphia continues rotating several receivers through its offense. Makai Lemon has maintained an important role in the slot, while Darius Cooper has also earned opportunities on the perimeter. That competition matters because Wicks’ fantasy value depends on consistently running routes and earning targets rather than relying exclusively on explosive receptions.
Philadelphia faces Carolina in Week 6, giving Wicks an opportunity to build on his increased involvement. The biggest concern is what happens when the Eagles’ receiving corps becomes healthier, particularly with Smith expected to reclaim a significant portion of the team’s targets when available. Cooper’s emergence also introduces additional competition for receiving opportunities, making it difficult to project Wicks’ weekly workload with complete confidence. However, his eight targets against Jacksonville were encouraging because they suggest Philadelphia is willing to involve him even while rotating its receivers. His downfield role gives him more upside than a traditional possession receiver, although the Eagles’ inconsistent passing production remains an obstacle. I’m interested in adding Wicks as a potential WR3 or flex option if his target volume remains elevated, but I want to see Philadelphia establish a more dependable passing attack before treating him as an automatic weekly starter.
4. Keenan Allen, WR (IND)
Rostered: 34%
Keenan Allen is becoming an increasingly appealing PPR option as Indianapolis deals with injuries throughout its receiving corps. Allen returned from a groin injury against Pittsburgh in Week 5 and caught five passes for 45 yards on nine targets, matching the nine opportunities he received in his previous appearance. He’s now recorded at least five receptions and 45 receiving yards in consecutive appearances, an encouraging sign for a player whose fantasy value has always depended more on consistent receiving volume than explosive plays. Indianapolis is also without Alec Pierce, who remains on injured reserve, creating additional opportunities for Allen while the Colts adjust their receiving rotation. However, Tyler Warren and Josh Downs continue commanding important roles in the passing offense, and Allen hasn’t established himself as an every-down receiver. His limited involvement in heavier offensive formations remains a concern because target volume can become difficult to sustain without consistent route participation.
Tennessee presents an opportunity for Allen to build on that receiving production in Week 6, particularly if Indianapolis continues leaning on shorter passing concepts. His nine targets in consecutive appearances are encouraging, but I’m more interested in whether the Colts increase his overall route participation than assuming that receiving volume will automatically continue. Allen doesn’t necessarily need to overtake Warren or Downs in the target hierarchy to become fantasy-relevant, but he does need consistent opportunities when Indianapolis spreads the field. I’m targeting Allen in full-PPR formats because his ability to earn short and intermediate targets creates a realistic path toward five or more receptions when he’s involved. At 34% rostered, he’s a worthwhile addition for managers who need receiving depth, although I’d view him as a potential flex rather than a dependable weekly starter until his playing time becomes more consistent.
5. Pat Freiermuth, TE (PIT)
Rostered: 18%
Pat Freiermuth delivered his most productive performance of the season against Indianapolis, catching five of seven targets for 44 yards and two touchdowns in Pittsburgh’s 34-22 victory. His seven targets represented a season high, while he ran 27 routes on Aaron Rodgers’ 38 dropbacks, giving him approximately 71% route participation. Freiermuth has now caught 19 passes for 169 yards and four touchdowns through five games, with his scoring involvement becoming particularly valuable in a Pittsburgh offense that has been productive through the air. The Steelers are also dealing with injuries at wide receiver, including Michael Pittman Jr. being on injured reserve and Roman Wilson suffering a finger injury. Those developments could create additional opportunities for Freiermuth to become a more consistent receiving option rather than depending almost entirely on touchdowns.
Tampa Bay presents an interesting Week 6 matchup, but I’m more interested in Freiermuth’s potential target volume than projecting another multi-touchdown performance. His seven targets and increased route involvement against Indianapolis suggest Pittsburgh is willing to use him as more than a situational red-zone threat, although one productive performance doesn’t guarantee that his role has permanently changed. Darnell Washington continues handling important responsibilities in heavier offensive formations, which could limit Freiermuth’s receiving opportunities if Pittsburgh leans more heavily on the running game. However, Rodgers has demonstrated a willingness to look his direction in scoring situations, and the Steelers’ receiving injuries could preserve his involvement. I’m comfortable targeting Freiermuth as a streaming TE1 with touchdown upside, particularly if his target volume remains closer to the seven opportunities he received against Indianapolis. At just 18% rostered, he’s worth adding before another productive performance makes him considerably more difficult to acquire.
6. Brenton Strange, TE (JAX)
Rostered: 30%
Brenton Strange has become one of the most encouraging tight end waiver-wire options following a significant increase in his receiving involvement over the past two weeks. After catching seven of eight targets for 95 yards against Cincinnati in Week 4, Strange followed that performance with another seven receptions for 68 yards against Philadelphia. Over those two games, he’s caught 14 of 16 targets for 163 yards while commanding a team-high 26.2% target share. That’s a substantial development for a player who received just five combined targets during Jacksonville’s first two games. Strange has now demonstrated that he can command meaningful receiving volume against different defensive opponents rather than relying exclusively on one favorable matchup. His increased involvement is particularly encouraging because Jacksonville has several other receiving options, yet Trevor Lawrence has continued looking in Strange’s direction.
Houston presents another opportunity for Strange to maintain that momentum in Week 6, although I’m more interested in his expanding role than assuming a particular matchup guarantees production. A 26.2% target share over two games is especially valuable at tight end because consistent receiving opportunities can create a dependable fantasy floor without requiring touchdowns. Jacksonville’s receiving room remains crowded, so I wouldn’t automatically expect Strange to receive eight targets every week. However, seven receptions in consecutive games suggest he’s becoming more than a complementary receiving option. His recent involvement gives him a realistic path toward consistent PPR production, even when he doesn’t find the end zone. I’m treating Strange as a potential weekly TE1 and one of my preferred waiver additions at the position, particularly for fantasy managers looking for consistent receiving volume.
7. Kirk Cousins, QB (LV)
Rostered: 37%
Kirk Cousins cooled off against New England in Week 5, completing 19 of 28 passes for 243 yards and one touchdown in Las Vegas’ 45-17 defeat. He completed 67.9% of his attempts and averaged 8.7 yards per pass attempt, although the Raiders struggled to establish their rushing attack, averaging just 2.1 yards per carry. Cousins has already delivered three fantasy performances exceeding 20 points this season, demonstrating that he can provide meaningful weekly production despite Las Vegas’ inconsistent offensive results. Rookie Fernando Mendoza also received late-game opportunities against New England, although that involvement came with the outcome already decided rather than representing a confirmed change at quarterback. Cousins remains the starter, but the Raiders’ struggles and Mendoza’s presence introduce some longer-term uncertainty about the offense.
Buffalo is the primary reason I’m interested in Cousins as a Week 6 streaming option. The Bills have struggled against opposing passing attacks, creating an opportunity for Las Vegas to generate additional passing volume, particularly if Buffalo establishes an early lead. Cousins doesn’t provide much rushing production, so his fantasy ceiling depends heavily on pass attempts, yardage, and touchdowns. That’s a concern in an offense that hasn’t consistently generated enough balance to prevent defenses from focusing on the passing game. Ashton Jeanty’s lingering health issues have also complicated Las Vegas’ rushing production, making it difficult for the Raiders to consistently stay ahead of the chains. Nevertheless, Cousins has already demonstrated that he can deliver useful fantasy performances when given enough opportunities. I’m not treating him as a long-term solution, but his Week 6 matchup and demonstrated passing production make him one of my preferred widely available quarterback streamers.
8. Jordyn Tyson, WR (NO)
Rostered: 41%
Jordyn Tyson remains an intriguing speculative addition because New Orleans desperately needs more production from its passing offense. The Saints managed just 142 total offensive yards against Minnesota in Week 5, with Tyler Shough completing only 16 of 25 passes for 96 yards and two interceptions. That’s an extremely difficult environment for any fantasy receiver, but it also creates an opportunity for a talented player to earn a meaningful role if the coaching staff believes he can provide more explosive production. Tyson entered the NFL as a first-round selection after an impressive college career at Arizona State, although hamstring concerns have disrupted his development during the opening month. His absence has prevented fantasy managers from seeing how New Orleans intends to use him within its passing offense. That uncertainty makes him a speculative addition rather than someone whose role can already be projected with confidence.
New Orleans faces the Giants in Week 6, creating a potential opportunity for Tyson if he’s cleared to return. However, fantasy managers need to distinguish between a receiver becoming available and immediately commanding a full workload. Tyson could initially operate with limited playing time, particularly if the Saints decide to manage his receiving routes and overall participation after an extended absence. The offense also hasn’t demonstrated that it can consistently support multiple productive fantasy receivers, so his eventual value depends on more than simply returning to the field. What interests me is the possibility that his ability to generate explosive plays could eventually earn him an important role as the season progresses. At 41% rostered, I’m comfortable adding Tyson as a bench stash in leagues where immediate production isn’t essential. I’d wait for meaningful route participation and target involvement before considering him for starting lineups.
9. Tyreek Hill, WR (FA)
Rostered: 40%
Tyreek Hill is a unique waiver-wire target because his fantasy value depends almost entirely on where he signs and how quickly he can return to the field. The veteran remains a free agent following the significant knee injury that ended his 2025 season. Before that injury, Hill caught 26 passes for 265 yards and one touchdown in four appearances, averaging 6.5 receptions and 66.3 receiving yards per contest. Those numbers provide a reminder of his ability to command meaningful receiving volume, although it’s difficult to project how closely his future production will resemble his previous seasons. His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, has indicated that Hill has been involved in discussions with multiple teams, with Kansas City among the potential destinations. However, no agreement has been confirmed, and any eventual return would require Hill to demonstrate that he’s physically prepared for a meaningful offensive workload.
I’m interested in Hill because his potential ceiling is considerably higher than that of most speculative waiver-wire receivers. Kansas City would be an appealing destination because of Patrick Mahomes and Hill’s familiarity with the organization, but I’m not building a fantasy strategy around a reunion that hasn’t occurred. Even if he signs with a productive offense, Hill could need additional time to regain conditioning and become comfortable within a new receiving rotation. That makes him substantially riskier than players already receiving consistent targets and playing significant snaps. However, fantasy managers with available bench space can afford to take chances on players whose circumstances could change dramatically. At 40% rostered, I’m willing to stash Hill when I don’t need immediate production, although I wouldn’t prioritize him over running backs or receivers with established Week 6 opportunities.
10. Kansas City Chiefs DEF
Rostered: 28%
Kansas City is one of my preferred defensive waiver-wire additions entering Week 6 because its pass rush has demonstrated the ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks even when it doesn’t consistently generate sacks. Against Las Vegas in Week 4, the Chiefs generated considerable pressure on Kirk Cousins, with George Karlaftis credited with 11 pressures and rookie R Mason Thomas also contributing multiple disruptions. Kansas City didn’t record a sack in that matchup, but the pressure production was encouraging because consistently forcing quarterbacks to operate under pressure can eventually translate into sacks and turnovers. The Chiefs also forced two turnovers against the Raiders, helping compensate for their inability to bring Cousins down. Coming off their Week 5 bye, Kansas City has an opportunity to build on that defensive performance with additional preparation before hosting the Chargers.
Los Angeles has been one of the more favorable opponents for fantasy defenses through five weeks, struggling with turnovers and pass protection. Those weaknesses align with Kansas City’s defensive strengths because opposing offenses that regularly fall into long-yardage passing situations create additional opportunities for sacks and mistakes. The Chiefs’ ability to generate pressure gives them a realistic path toward fantasy points, although their inability to record a sack against Las Vegas demonstrates that pressure doesn’t always translate into immediate production. I’m particularly interested in whether Kansas City can force the Chargers into obvious passing situations and capitalize on their protection issues. The Chiefs haven’t been a consistently elite fantasy defense every week, but their favorable matchup provides an opportunity for a stronger performance. At 28% rostered, I’m comfortable treating Kansas City as one of my preferred Week 6 defensive streamers.
Honorable Waiver Wire Mentions
- Aaron Rodgers QB (PIT) – 23% rostered
- Tyler Allgeier RB (ARI) – 42% rostered
- Kaelon Black RB (SF) – 30% rostered
- Keaton Mitchell RB (LAC) – 34% rostered
- Jaleel McLaughlin (CLE) – 1% rostered
- Kendre Miller RB (NO) – 9% rostered
- Malik Washington WR (MIA) -44% rostered
- Keon Coleman (BUF) – 39% rostered
- Kendrick Bourne WR (ARI) – 4% rostered
- Germie Bernard WR (PIT) – 2% rostered
- Chig Okonkwo TE (WAS) – 10% rostered
- Darren Waller TE (CAR) – 18% rostered
- San Francisco 49ers DEF 28% rostered
- Harrison Butker K (KC) – 33% rostered
