Here are some players to consider picking up this week, if available, to get ahead of the other managers in your league. These players include potential bye-week fill-ins, players returning from injury, and defenses to consider in advance.
Week 6 Byes: Minnesota Vikings, Houston Texans
Beat the Waiver Wire: No-Brainers
In most leagues, these guys aren't available. But if you're fortunate enough to see them on the waiver wire, grab them.
RB Woody Marks, Houston Texans (71% rostered on Sleeper)
I know Marks didn't deliver on the usage he saw in Week 4 when he had 69 yards and one touchdown, but that doesn't mean the process wasn’t right. Nick Chubb is not getting any younger, and there is a better than even chance that Marks is the future in Houston. Hold on if you can.
Beat the Waiver Wire: Quarterbacks
QB Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears (74% rostered on Sleeper)
Many managers may have had to drop Williams as Chicago was on a bye in Week 5. But heading into the bye week, Williams was the QB16 on the season with two top 10 performances, including QB1 in Week 3. Chicago has a great run of matchups that look great for Williams, with Washington, New Orleans, Baltimore, and Cincinnati on tap.
QB Mac Jones, San Francisco 49ers (7% rostered on Sleeper)
I know he is dealing with an injury, but he played through pain like a champ in Week 5. Jones threw for 342 yards and two touchdowns against the Rams, and the team could be close to getting reinforcements. George Kittle is looking to return soon, and also Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall. The Niners get a Tampa defense this week that is allowing over 19 fantasy points per game to QBs this season.
QB Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers (22% rostered on Sleeper)
He hasn’t started the season exactly as we had hoped, but Bryce Young has been decent enough to target in good matchups. This week, they play Dallas, who bleeds fantasy points to the QB position, giving up the most all season. Following that, the Panthers have some games where they should be playing from behind, forcing Young to throw more.
Just a reminder to check your waiver wire for: Jaxson Dart (48%)