Under normal circumstances, we have a good idea of who are true contenders by week 5. But on the NFC side, it’s been extremely competitive this season. The Eagles remain undefeated, but their strength of schedule has been on the low side. It comes as a surprise, but the NFC East is probably the most competitive division in all of football.
The Detroit Lions fantasy football hype train came to a screeching halt on Sunday against the Patriots. Through week 4, Detroit had the #1 ranked offense in the NFL, but New England shut the Lions down. Jared Goff, Jamaal Williams, T.J. Hockenson and Amon-Ra St. Brown were all busts. Maybe it’s back to reality from here on out with expectations regarding these players.
Week 6’s waiver wire is looking a little scarce, keep on reading for some players you should target this week!
Week 6 Fantasy Football Booms and Busts
| Booms | Busts |
| QB Josh Allen (BUF) 424 Pass Yards, 4 TDs | QB Jared Goff (DET) 229 Yards, 0 TDs, 1 Interception |
| QB Patrick Mahomes (KC) 292 Pass Yards, 4 TDs | RB Jamaal Williams (DET) 29 Rush Yards |
| RB Austin Ekeler (LAC) 199 Total Yards, 2 TDs | RB Khalil Herbert (CHI) 11 Rush Yards |
| RB Nick Chubb (CLE) 134 Rush Yards, 2 TDs | WR A.J. Brown (PHI) 3 Receptions, 32 Yards |
| TE Taysom Hill (NO) 112 Rush Yards, 3 TDs | TE T.J. Hockinson (DET) 1 Reception, 6 Yards |
Week 6 Fantasy Football Trending and Injured Players
| Trending | Injured |
| QB Geno Smith (SEA) | RB Saquon Barkley (NYG) |
| RB Mike Boone (DEN) | RB James Conner (AZ) |
| RB Eno Benjamin (AZ) | RB Damien Harris (NE) |
| RB Kenneth Walker (SEA) | RB Rashad Penny (SEA) |
| TE Taysom Hill (NO) | RB Tee Higgins (CIN) |
| WR Randall Cobb (GB) | RB Tyreek Hill (MIA) |
| WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (KC) | WR Christopher Olave (NO) |
Week 6 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups
QB Geno Smith (SEA) 32.5% owned (ESPN)
He was on this list of waiver wire targets last week, and he’s still a target considering he’s owned in less than a ⅓ of leagues. Through week 5, Geno Smith is the 5th ranked quarterback and this week he gets a poor Arizona Cardinal defense. The Seahawks themselves don’t have a great defense, so a shootout could be in the works. Geno Smith continues to prove that he is a league-winner, at least up to this point of the season.
TE Taysom Hill (NO) 11.8% owned (ESPN)
Don’t walk, run to your waiver wire this week for Taysom Hill. He’s only owned in 11.8% of ESPN leagues and is the 2nd ranked tight end in the league. He didn’t catch a single pass last week, but all his damage came via the ground. He throws the ball at times, but he won’t be designated as a quarterback if his passing numbers stay low. He finished Sunday with 112 rush yards on 9 carries and 3 touchdowns. This season, the tight end talent seems rather thin, and Hill can be a league winner.
RB Mike Boone (DEN) 26.8% owned (ESPN)
If you watched the game between the Broncos and the Colts, you deserve a personal apology from Jeff Bezos. It was one of the most disappointing Thursday Night Football games in recent history. Early in the game, running back Melvin Gordon fumbled for the 5th time in 5 games. This opened the doors for Boone to get more touches than anticipated. He had 38 yards on 7 carries and was active in the passing game. He’s not a must start yet, but he’s another fumble away from getting most of the snaps.
RB Eno Benjamin (AZ) 6.8% owned (ESPN)
The Arizona Cardinals backfield has been decimated with injuries. Both James Conner and Darrel Williams left Sunday’s game and did not return, which opened the doors for Eno Benjamin. He finished the game with 53 total yards and a touchdown. Conner has an extensive injury history, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he missed a game or two. With the matchup against the Seahawks, who have been awful against the run, strongly consider Benjamin as a strong flex option with a solid RB2 ceiling.
RB Kenneth Walker III (SEA) 47.5% owned (ESPN)
Kenneth Walker is my #1 waiver wire in terms of running backs. Starter Rashad Penny suffered a broken fibula, and it was announced that his injury requires surgery, and he is out for the year. There’s only one other healthy running back on the Seattle roster, and Walker is primed to get the starting job. He finished Sunday with 88 yards and a touchdown on 8 carries. Pete Carrol and the Seahawks love to establish the run game early. You can count on double digit touches against the Cardinals, who have done a bad job at stopping the run.