I’m predicting Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR, Det) to be next. Next for what—and why, you ask? Because I have a cursed team. Six of my first seven draft picks have been seriously injured, and St. Brown is the last man standing. It’s a keeper league, so the draft order looks a bit strange; here it is:
1.07: Malik Nabers (WR, NYG) — IR, out for season
2.12: Aaron Jones (RB, Min) — IR
3.01: Joe Burrow (QB, Cin) — IR, out for season
4.06: Xavier Worthy (WR, KC) — injured Weeks 1–3
5.12: Brock Bowers (TE, LV) — injured in Week 2; hobbled through it; out Week 5
6.11: Amon-Ra St. Brown
7.02: Jaylen Warren (RB, Pit) — injured Week 4
If that’s not bad enough, Spencer Shrader (K, Ind)—who was on all three of my teams—is headed to IR for the season. The devastation has left this team at 1–4 and in last place.
So if that isn’t a cursed team, I don’t know what is—and if it is a cursed team, surely St. Brown is next.
My dynasty team won last week, but it’s running on fumes and waiver moves with Joe Mixon (RB, Hou), George Kittle (TE, SF), and Omarion Hampton (RB, LAC) on IR.
Overall, my teams went 2–1 this week. My dynasty team and my other keeper team are in 8th place, both at 2–3.
Okay, enough bemoaning my fantasy woes—on to business…
If you’re familiar with my Streamers for the Desperate series, feel free to skip down to this week’s rankings.
If you’re new, here’s the quick background. These articles are based on the principles I outlined in How To Own Your League's Waiver Wire, and they’re geared toward deep-roster leagues (18–24 spots), where free agents thin out quickly, with extra consideration for dynasty and keeper formats.
Players with an asterisk (*) are available in my toughest 24-man league, where streaming is truly challenging. Rookies and sophomores have an (R) and (S) after their names to indicate they might have longer-term upside potential.
I loosely rank the players, but your roster needs and league type should guide your prioritization. In parentheses after each name, you’ll see the opponent’s rank against that position for the next four weeks — '1st' being the toughest matchup, '32nd' the softest. Then in the blurb, I give each player's four-week stat line, such as (CMP-ATT/YDS-TD-INT) for a quarterback.
If you are playing in more standard formats, such as a Yahoo redraft league, check out ASL’s Fantasy Football Adds - Week 6 by Colton Peters and Injuries & Opportunities - Week 6 by Chris Hexter.
Finally, a word on philosophy: I put in waiver requests every week for every team, not just to cover immediate needs but to strengthen my roster top-to-bottom. Deep benches build injury resilience and force other managers into weaker options — which opens the door for trades and future draft capital.
Quarterbacks
Sam Darnold, Sea @ Jax (24th, 1st, Bye, 22nd) – Darnold (82-111/1096-9-1, 1/24-0) just delivered his best Seahawk outing (341 yards, 4 TDs) and looked the most comfortable he’s been running the offense. The late interception stung, but his on-time reads, willingness to take the easy throws, and avoidance of negative plays point to QB2 stability with QB1 upside in softer matchups. The Jaguars are a workable matchup this week.
*Spencer Rattler (S), NO vs NE (20th, 28th, 27th, 15th) – Rattler (92-131/776-6-1, 18/94-0) played mistake-free in the Saints’ first win, working within a conservative game plan that minimizes risk and limits big-volume spikes. He’s quietly at a 6:1 TD:INT with modest rushing yardage, and his job security looks firmer than it did a few weeks ago. Expect another conservative, run-first plan with quick, defined reads and high-percentage throws to limit mistakes. A first rushing TD wouldn’t surprise. He profiles as a matchup-driven QB2 streamer.
*Mac Jones, SF @ TB (27th, 4th, 1st, 16th) – Jones (86-129/905-6-1, 11/10-0) gutted out a PCL issue and multiple big hits without missing a snap, posting a season-high 342 yards and a clean sheet. With Brock Purdy week-to-week, Jones should hold the job and benefits from extra rest before the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay’s pass defense is a favorable draw this week. If Brock Purdy remains out and Jones is ready, the Buccaneers are a favorable draw this week making Jones a viable streamer start.
Jake Browning, Cin @ GB (14th, 29th, 23rd, 28th) – Browning (80-124/757-6-8, 9/39-1) threw three early interceptions and padded stats late. After the loss, Bengals coach Zac Taylor wouldn’t commit to him for Week 6. If he starts, volume with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to throw to can still float usable fantasy numbers even if efficiency wobbles. If he sits, there’s nothing here for redraft streamers. Treat as watch-only until the Bengals name a starter.
Aaron Rodgers, Pit vs Cle (5th, 25th, 14th, 10th) – Rodgers (52-78/542-4-3, 8/12-0) has the Steelers operating efficiently and even drew Tom Brady’s praise: “Beyond impressed… he’s a surgical passer… hyper competitive… and he’s brought all those things to Pittsburgh.” Despite, Brady's over-the-top praise, durability and week-to-week consistency remain the questions at age 41. The Browns are a tough draw that compresses windows and that will push the Steelers toward ball control, which caps ceiling. He’s a floor-oriented start built on timing and risk management rather than long, explosive plays. Keep expectations modest against the Browns’ pass rush.
Running Backs
Tyrone Tracy (S), NYG vs Phi (25th, 11th, 24th, 15th) – Tracy (12/44-0, 6-8/43-0) appears close to returning after missing two games. Cam Skattebo filled in and lost a critical goal-line fumble, which keeps the door open for Tracy to reclaim the lead role if healthy.
Jerome Ford, Cle @ Pit (17th, 28th, 4th, Bye) – Ford (12/48-0, 12-14/57-0) saw his most offensive touches since Week 2 as the Browns shifted run-heavy to support rookie QB Dillon Gabriel. The return of right tackle Jack Conklin helped the ground game, but Quinshon Judkins remains the lead back. Ford’s passing involvement keeps a small PPR floor in a middling matchup against the Steelers with script-sensitive volume.
Hassan Haskins / *Kimani Vidal (S), LAC @ Mia (28th, 6th, 16th, 30th) – Haskins (5/13-0, 1-1/2-0) and Vidal (4/18-0, 1-1/1-0) split backup work in Week 5, but Omarion Hampton is headed to IR, opening touches for both. The Chargers could elevate depth, yet Haskins and Vidal project for a larger volume while Hampton sits. In deeper leagues they are a viable add with a chance at low-end flex usage against the Dolphins.
*Raheem Mostert, LV vs Ten (30th, 14th, Bye, 18th) – Mostert (11/84-0, 1-1/11-0) continues to see change-of-pace work while Zamir White is inactive, but Ashton Jeanty remains the focal point. Week 5 brought limited production despite opportunity, reinforcing a narrow path to standalone value. Consider him a Jeanty handcuff with short-term appeal only if White remains inactive.
*Bam Knight, Ari @ Ind (6th, 8th, Bye, 27th) – Knight (4/11-1, 1-1/13-0) mixed in behind Michael Carter while Emari Demercado’s late fumble may cost him snaps. With James Conner and Trey Benson on IR, Knight has a path to the No. 2 role and goal-line or change-of-pace touches. That gives him speculative flex appeal in deeper leagues this week at Indianapolis.
*Miles Sanders, Dal @ Car (13th, 10th, 11th, 22nd) – Sanders (16/64-1, 7-7/33-0) sat in Week 5 with knee and ankle issues. If active, in Week 6 the Cowboys still run through Javonte Williams with Jaydon Blue and Hunter Luepke mixing in, which limits Sanders’ touches. The Panthers are a middling draw this week, so his value is contingent and role-driven. Treat as a deeper-league flex only if active.
*Kyle Juszczyk, SF @ TB (12th, 1st, 9th, 26th) – Juszczyk (1/-1-0, 8-9/59-1) hit a season high in combined touches on Thursday night, functioning as a short-area outlet with Brock Purdy QB, Ricky Pearsall WR, Jauan Jennings WR, George Kittle TE dealing with injuries. The role still projects for occasional schemed looks rather than steady volume. Against the Buccaneers, he’s a deep-league PPR dart throw.
*Ameer Abdullah, Ind vs Ari (22nd, 5th, 30th, 17th) – Abdullah (2/6-1, 0-0/0-0) was elevated off the practice squad, punched in a late rushing TD, then reverted back to the practice squad. With Tyler Goodson (groin) still uncertain, he could be called up again, but most usage projects on special teams with spot carries. Only a deep-league contingency play if Goodson remains out.
Receivers
*Kendrick Bourne, SF @ TB (13th, 6th, 3rd, 30th) – Bourne (18-24/229-0, 0/0-0) just set a career high in yards while acting as the 49ers’ No. 1 with Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall out. If those injuries linger, he should remain a primary read and double-digit targets are in play if San Francisco’s other receivers don’t return. Volume keeps a usable PPR floor.
Tory Horton (R), Sea @ Jax (21st, 3rd, Bye, 23rd) – Horton (9-14/113-3, 0/0-0) has converted limited volume into three TDs, which signals red-zone design but also volatility. With modest targets, he profiles as a TD-chasing WR4/bench stash in deeper leagues. Jacksonville is a workable draw, but weekly floor is thin if the touchdowns don’t show.
Luke McCaffrey (S), Wsh v Chi (18th, 32nd, 8th, 11th) – McCaffrey (7-9/146-2, 0/0-0) popped a 50-yard catch and operated as the Commanders’ No. 3 while Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown sat. In Week 6 he likely stays in a depth role with kick returns, but his big-play snap shows why Washington keeps him involved. He's a Week 6 boom-bust WR4.
Sterling Shepard, TB v SF (12th, 25th, 10th, Bye) – Shepard (14-18/152-1, 2/1-0) scored in Week 5 and continues to fill the Buccaneers’ third-receiver role while injuries cycle through the top two spots. If Mike Evans sits again, routes and red-zone chances hold. If Evans returns, target share narrows. In deeper leagues, he’s a safer PPR start for steady catches and modest yards; upside is limited.
Josh Downs, Ind v Ari (14th, 4th, 26th, 27th) – Downs (18-24/163-0, 0/0-0) led the Colts in catches last week and remains a short-area staple. That usage caps yards-per-catch but gives a reliable PPR floor at home against the Cardinals. Expect 5–8 targets with chain-moving value.
KaVontae Turpin, Dal @ Car (2nd, 23rd, 5th, 14th) – Turpin (9-11/141-1, 1/4-0) missed Week 5 with a foot sprain. If he’s active in Week 6 and CeeDee Lamb remains out, Dallas should expand Turpin’s role with designed touches (screens, jet sweeps) and some downfield routes, creating chances for long, explosive gains. If Lamb returns, Turpin reverts to a volatile deep-league option tied to manufactured touches.
Parker Washington, Jax v Sea (11th, 19th, Bye, 29th) – Washington (11-21/126-1, 1/-1-0) has banked steady targets and a score, giving him a workable PPR baseline when Jacksonville leans short/intermediate. Game script could keep him active underneath.
*Ryan Flournoy (S), Dal @ Car (2nd, 23rd, 5th, 14th) – Flournoy (10-14/149-0, 3/22-0) erupted for 114 yards with CeeDee Lamb and KaVontae Turpin sidelined, making a strong case for more snaps. If both remain out, he projects for WR3/WR4 against a stout Panthers pass defense. If either returns, his routes and targets likely dip. Deep-league managers should track Dallas’ injury reports closely.
*Dyami Brown, Jax v Sea (11th, 19th, Bye, 29th) – Brown (9-14/79-1, 1/9-0) was cleared for Week 5 and should keep a defined role. With some designed touches, he profiles as a deep-league WR4 with modest big-play juice. Expect volatility tied to game script.
Alec Pierce, Ind v Ari (14th, 4th, 26th, 27th) – Pierce (8-10/135-0, 0/0-0) was ruled out in Week 5 after a concussion setback. If active, he returns to a downfield role that can spike on a few shots, but target steadiness favors other Colts wideouts.
*Olamide Zaccheaus, Chi @ Wsh (23rd, 10th, 31st, 22nd) – Zaccheaus (10-15/77-0, 2/21-0) offers rotational usage and occasional schemed looks. The floor is thin without a clear target share, but Washington’s defense has given up spurts to complementary receivers. He’s a deep-league dart throw when you’re chasing 3–5 looks and a big play.
Tight Ends
AJ Barner (S), Sea @ Jax (14th, 7th, Bye, 16th) – Barner (13-14/134-4) stayed hot with 7-for-7, 53 yards and two TDs last week. Usage and red-zone trust are trending up, giving him one of the sturdier PPR/TD floors at the position right now.
Jake Tonges, SF @ TB (21st, 1st, 7th, 9th) – Tonges (16-24/151-2) stepped into a featured role with Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall, Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle all out. He tied Kendrick Bourne for the team lead with 11 targets (7-41-1) and opened the scoring on a six-yard TD. If Kittle isn’t ready for Week 6, Tonges is a volume-driven streamer against Buccaneers. If Kittle returns, expect routes and targets to compress.
Theo Johnson (S), NYG v Phi (4th, 8th, 15th, 18th) – Johnson (14-19/28-3) scored twice (6-7-33-2) as rookie QB Jaxson Dart (R) leaned on his tight ends and Malik Nabers out for the season. Dart is still learning the pro game and keeps the ball in the short area. Johnson and Daniel Bellinger combined to go 10-of-11, but Johnson got both TDs. As long as Dart stays in a timing/quick game, Johnson holds a usable red-zone driven floor.
Mason Taylor (R), NYJ v Den (8th, 31st, 32nd, Bye) – Taylor (19-27/155-0) just posted 9-12-67. He’s emerging as the Jets’ No. 2 pass catcher behind Garrett Wilson, giving a clear PPR floor while he hunts his first TD.
*Albert Okwuegbunam, LV v Ten (10th, 3rd, Bye, 14th) – Okwuegbunam (5-6/36-0) played 31 snaps and caught five passes with Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer out, then reverted to the practice squad. If one or both remain out and he’s elevated again this week, he’s a viable streamer on route volume against the Titans.
Chigoziem Okonkwo, Ten @ LV (6th, 28th, 11th, 5th) – Okonkwo (14-20/153-0) was quiet in a rough outing, but he remains one of the Titans’ steadier target earners. Week 6 is a tough draw against the Raiders, so expect a volume-based line built on 4–6 short-area looks with some play-action chances near the red zone. The matchup eases after this week.
Cole Kmet, Chi @ Wsh (16th, 27th, 23rd, 32nd) – Kmet (6-12/85-1) has a featured red-zone role when the Bears get inside the 20, but his week-to-week targets vary. Against the Commanders, pencil in 3–5 catches with a shot at a short score. He’s a solid deeper-league PPR fill-in.
Tommy Tremble, Car v Dal (17th, 24th, 2nd, 29th) – Tremble (11-15/85-1) started again but drew only two targets as the Panthers brought other pass catchers back. If Ja’Tavion Sanders sits, Tremble should keep the playing time, but the Panthers haven’t used him much as a receiver or designed throws for him, so his targets will likely remain light. His receiving volume should remain thin unless injuries force a change against the Cowboys.
*Brock Wright, Det @ KC (3rd, 21st, Bye, 20th) – Wright (5-6/37-2) scored again on a pass from David Montgomery, but he remains the Lions’ clear No. 2 behind Sam LaPorta. That makes him touchdown-dependent with a very low targets floor versus the Chiefs.
*Jonnu Smith, Pit v Cle (12th, 32nd, 29th, 11th) – Smith (9-10/56-0) is the Steelers’ short-area outlet for Aaron Rodgers. Against the Browns, expect catch-driven points and limited yards after the catch. Emergency PPR plug only.
Kickers
Eddy Pineiro, SF @ TB (13th, 28th, 1st, 29th)
Matt Prater, Buf @ Atl (28th, Bye, 11th, 17th)
Cam Little, Jax v Sea (21st, 31st, Bye, 24th)
John Parker Romo, Atl v Buf (18th, 5th, 26th, 6th)
Matt Gay, Wsh v Chi (14th, 20th, 17th, 21st)
Defense / Special Teams
Pittsburgh Steelers v Cle (30th, 32nd, 7th, 1st)
New Orleans Saints v NE (26th, 4th,14th,16th)
New England Patriots @ NO(18th, 31st, 30th, 23rd)
Jacksonville Jaguars v Sea (11th, 16th, Bye, 29th)
Miami Dolphins v LAC (22nd, 30th, 23rd, 21st)
