Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Early pickups for Week 6

It’s never too early to look toward your next matchup and a chance to bolster your fantasy football lineups. Here are some options to consider for Week 6, which will feature four teams (Chiefs, Rams, Dolphins and Vikings) on bye.

Tank Bigsby, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars (22% rostered)

Rumblings of Tank Bigsby being the most improved player in the NFL definitely will increase after this young running back’s Week 5 performance. Bigsby completely outclassed Travis Etienne Jr., the Jaguars’ incumbent starter, as one of the main engines of the team’s 37-34 victory over the Colts.

Bigsby was electrifying all day, averaging 7.8 yards a carry, finishing with 129 total yards and two touchdowns. His 25.4 fantasy points made him Week 5’s top scoring RB after the early games.

Normally, this is where I’d say something like, “You should be adding talented backups,” but this might be more than a simple case like that. Doug Pederson has not been shy about riding the hot hand this season; this is as hot as it gets. Consider Bigsby the 1B to Etienne’s 1A — with room to grow.

Tyler Conklin, TE, New York Jets (30%)

The tight end position has been a nightmare this season. Most fantasy managers will just take any consistent points where they can get them. Well, if it’s consistency you’re looking for, the last three games from Tyler Conklin might be of interest to you.

Conklin caught six balls on Sunday in London, his third straight game of four or more receptions and six or more targets. Go get Conklin if you need help at tight end (which, let’s face it, you probably do).

Josh Downs, WR, Indianapolis Colts (40%)

Let’s hope this is last call for Downs off the waiver wire.

Since returning from injury, Downs has collected 20 catches on 26 targets for 173 yards and a touchdown in three games.

The Colts’ passing game has been flying high with Joe Flacco at the helm but regardless of whether Anthony Richardson returns in Week 6, Downs is so talented he should be fine to produce moving forward, now healthy. He should be rostered in more than half of fantasy leagues.

BONUS: Jaylen Wright (8%), Ty Chandler (28%)

Yes, both the Vikings and Dolphins will be on bye in Week 6, but this is exactly the time to plan ahead if you’re in good shape in the standings. Both De’Von Achane and Aaron Jones suffered injuries in Week 5. Raheem Mostert returned for the Dolphins, but Wright earned significant touches and out-rushed the veteran (86 yards to 80). Chandler stepped in and carried the load for the Vikings against the Jets, handling 16 touches, admittedly for just 39 yards. Still, both are valuable backups who should be rostered in way more leagues.