The waiver wire was looking relatively thin heading into Week 6, but that changed in a hurry on Tuesday when news surfaced that Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones is expected to miss the remainder of the season with a foot injury. There are a few names who could be worth an add if you’re battling injuries or looking for bye-week replacements, though I don’t expect many lottery tickets from this bunch. In any event, here are your Week 6 fantasy football pickups.
Harry Douglas, WR, Falcons: As we explained in detail on Tuesday, Douglas is the favorite to receive the majority of targets in Atlanta with Jones reportedly out for the season and Roddy White battling a new hamstring injury in addition to his high ankle sprain. Douglas has experience in the Falcons’ system and is in his fifth season with the team. He has been known to make a big play every now and then, but other than that he has held little fantasy value. That should change with Matt Ryan desperate for someone to catch the ball.
Zac Stacy, RB, Rams: Assuming he’s not lying about simply getting the wind knocked out of him against the Jaguars, Stacy should be locked in as the Rams’ starter for the foreseeable future. Isaiah Pead has found his way into Jeff Fisher’s doghouse for some unknown reason and Daryl Richardson, who entered the season as the starter, has been horrendous. The Rams’ running game leaves a lot to be desired, but Stacy rushed for 78 yards on 14 carries against Jacksonville. The Jags are horrendous, so we will have to wait and see if that type of production can continue. If you’re looking for running back help, Stacy is worth an add strictly because he has little competition in a disappointing backfield.
Rueben Randle, WR, Giants: The Giants are worse than everyone expected. No one anticipated an 0-5 start. Randle has been buried on the depth chart for the past two seasons behind stud receivers Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks, but he broke out for 98 yards and two touchdowns against the Eagles on Sunday. There’s no questioning Randle’s talent and ability as a route-runner. With Nicks set to become a free agent after the season and New York’s chances of making the playoffs almost completely diminished, now is a better time than ever to start fully integrating Randle into the system. He should be good for a least a few more big weeks as the G-Men play from behind.
Andre Ellington, RB, Cardinals: Ellington is easily the most talented running back in Arizona’s backfield. He has rushed for 120 yards on 18 attempts this season, which is an impressive 6.7 yards per carry average. The problem — if there is one — is that Ellington is incredibly small. He’s listed at 5-foot-9, 199 pounds. Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians has said he envisions Ellington receiving only around 30 snaps per game for the foreseeable future because of his size. Still, he has big-play ability and will have flex value with minimal reps.
Terrance Williams, WR, Cowboys: Miles “Hamstring” Austin missed yet another game on Sunday with — you guessed it — a hamstring injury. Williams got the start opposite Dez Bryant and hauled in four receptions for 151 yards and a touchdown. The Cowboys are going to throw it a lot this year, even if they stand no chance of throwing it as much as they had to in a loss to Denver. The rookie out of Baylor should have value as a WR3 during bye weeks as long as Austin remains out.
As we said, none of these guys are really all that enticing. If you have the No. 1 waiver priority, I wouldn’t bother using it unless you’re desperate — with the exception of Douglas. Good luck, all.
