Fantasy football waiver wire: 5 running backs to target for Week 6

The New Orleans Saints and Kansas City Chiefs are on bye in Week 6, so Jamaal Charles, Knile Davis, Pierre Thomas and Khiry Robinson are all unavailable in fantasy lineups. There's also been a handful of injuries to feature backs, and there's a wave of young players ready to step into their places. It's going to be a fascinating week on the waiver wire, and here are the top guys to target (owned in fewer than 50 percent of Yahoo! leagues):

Jerick McKinnon, Minnesota Vikings (owned in 44 percent of leagues): Matt Asiata is still getting the early-down and goal line work, but McKinnon's role in the offense should continue to grow. He was held in check last Thursday with Christian Ponder face-planting, but when Teddy Bridgewater was under center in Week 5 McKinnon exploded for 152 total yards and a touchdown on 19 touches. With Bridgewater expected to be back, McKinnon carries flex appeal for the bye weeks, although the Detroit Lions are a tough matchup in Week 6.

Andre Williams, New York Giants (owned in 26 percent of leagues): Rashad Jennings is on the shelf for a few weeks with a sprained MCL, so Williams is the new lead back. The rookie already showed that he could be up to the task, grinding out 65 yards and a touchdown on the ground against the Atlanta Falcons. With the Philadelphia Eagles up next this week, Williams has legitimate RB1 upside. He's a classic bruiser who can soak up touchdowns from the red zone.

Branden Oliver, San Diego Chargers (owned in 14 percent of leagues): Donald Brown was plodding and inefficient before getting concussed on Sunday. Oliver stepped in and may have won the starting job for good until Ryan Mathews gets back. Oliver had a dazzling performance against the New York Jets, racking up 182 total yards and two touchdowns on 23 touches. With the Oakland Raiders coming up next, Oliver should be a No. 1 waiver priority in almost every fantasy league.

Ronnie Hillman, Denver Broncos (owned in 9 percent of leagues): This is another case of "next man up." Montee Ball suffered a groin injury that could keep him out for several weeks, leaving the potential starting job to Hillman. He got some decent action in against the Arizona Cardinals, rushing for 64 yards on 15 carries. Peyton Manning is enough to keep defenses honest and potentially open up some opportunities for Hillman, putting him on the flex radar. It's worth noting that he struggled with fumbling and pass protection in the past, so C.J. Anderson could end up seeing his fair share of snaps.

Benny Cunningham, St. Louis Rams (owned in 5 percent of leagues): This is more of a speculative add, but the Rams backfield should continue to be monitored. Zac Stacy hasn't been too effective so far, and he was forced out of the game Sunday with a calf strain. Stacy isn't expected to miss any games, but the Rams' offense got a boost when Cunningham came in. He finished with 71 total yards and a touchdown on 10 touches, playing a key role in St. Louis' second-half rally. Stacy isn't in danger of losing his job yet, but watch the snap counts for both men when the Rams take on the San Francisco 49ers next week.