Waiver Wire Adds for Offense – Week 6
Ryan Odell and Stephen Chalmers
Welcome back ladies and gentlemen, week 5 is wrapped up and now I feel like most people have a general idea of how their team is going to go, however fantasy football is a relentless game. Are you 4-1 and just lost Justin Jefferson? Did you use a zero RB strategy and lose Khalil Herbert or James Conner? The point is no matter how successful your draft was, the waiver wire will make or break your fantasy season. So, let’s break down the top options to help you win these crucial weeks!
Week 5 Byes: Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers.
K.J. Osborn MIN WR: Rostered 17%
This one seems straightforward; Osborn is a part of the number one air raid offense in the NFL and Justin Jefferson is going to miss at least 4 weeks as he was placed on the IR this morning. His absence opens about an average of 12 targets per game, we’ve already seen Osborn see an uptick in targets with 9 last week and I expect that to continue around there for the next few weeks. Kirk Cousins and Osborn have already connected for a couple of touchdowns on very limited targets, he could help you in these tough bye weeks.
Tyjae Spears TEN RB: Rostered 37%
Let’s be honest everyone, Derrick Henry is 29-years-old and finally starting to look human again, enter rookie Tyjae Spears who has seen 50%+ snap shares in all but one game this year. Spears has already been involved in the passing game with about four targets per game. He’s also been efficient on the ground with 5.78 yards per carry, and although the Titans offense isn’t the most high functioning offense, his game should continue to grow. Bonus points, the Titans offer a very favorable playoff schedule against the run.
Chuba Hubbard CAR RB: Rostered 42%
The Panthers have been off to a rocky start this season and are the only winless team left. Miles Sanders has looked ineffective this season despite a massive season in Philadelphia last year and the Panthers could look for a change. It’s already started quietly though as in back-to-back weeks Hubbard has led the team in carries. I know the Panthers aren’t the flashiest but over the next 5 weeks (including BYE), the team will face 4 of the bottom 7 rush defenses in the league, giving him a prime opportunity to earn the starting job in Carolina.
Curtis Samuel WAS WR: Rostered 28%
Who would have thought that in 2023 anyone would be writing about Curtis Samuel? He has demanded our attention though with a commanding 15 targets in the last 2 games despite playing behind Jahan Dotson and Terry McLaurin. He isn’t a big play guy but offers massive PPR upside as he seems to be Sam Howell‘s go to check-down man. He may not be someone you’re excited to start but the bye weeks are coming and so far, Samuel has offered a pretty consistent floor.
Emari Demercado ARI RB: Rostered 2%
Not every week do we get to write about someone as readily available as Demercado, but here we are. James Conner suffered a knee injury and, in his place, Emari Demercado averaged 4.5 yards per carry on 10 carries and took one to the house. I expect him to own this backfield while Conner is out, and the Cardinals offense has been to everyone’s surprise, pretty good so far. He is a must add if you’re a Conner owner and anyone in dire need of running back help.
Thank you for reading, Follow us on X at @FFDelly and @FFChalmers.
Also, make sure you check out our IDP Waiver Wire Article for Week 6.