Welcome to the Week 6 waiver wire watch!
Best fantasy football RB waiver wire pickups for Week 6
Rico Dowdle, Michael Carter highlight the top waiver wire running back targets entering Week 6.
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The month of October is underway and another weekend of NFL action is in the books. A few of the best fantasy running back performances of the week came from backups and there’s always an opportunity to boost your roster depth by adding some of these rushers to your lineups.
We’ll go over some Week 5 performers that you should consider scooping off the waiver wire ahead of Week 6 and as always, we’ll classify a waiver add as someone who is rostered in 60% of leagues at the max.
Week 6 byes: Houston Texans, Minnesota Vikings
Rico Dowdle, RB, Carolina Panthers (48.2%)
Chuba Hubbard was sidelined for Sunday’s game against the Dolphins with a calf injury, so what did the backup Dowdle do? Oh, just post the best fantasy performance of the week to help the Panthers erase a 17-point deficit for a 27-24 win. No big deal.
Dowdle ran all over the Miami defense on Sunday, taking 23 carries for 206 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground, also adding an additional three receptions for 28 receiving yards through the air for good measure. He was already getting enough touches to be a solid handcuff for Hubbard and one would think he earned himself more carries in the coming weeks regardless of when the Panthers starter is able to return. Running back-needy managers need to submit a bid ASAP before it’s too late.
Week 6 matchup: vs. Dallas Cowboys, 1 p.m. ET
Michael Carter, RB, Arizona Cardinals (46.4%)
The Cardinals absolutely melted down in the fourth quarter in their 22-21 loss on Sunday, dropping their third straight game in the process. But it did get a productive outing from Carter, who recorded 51 rushing yards, 22 receiving yards, and a touchdown in the loss. The injuries to James Conner and Trey Benson opened the door for Carter to have 18 carries on Sunday and it looks like the fifth-year veteran will handle RB1 duties in Arizona for the foreseeable future. Like the aforementioned Dowdle, submit a bid before it’s too late.
Week 6 matchup: @ Indianapolis Colts, 1 p.m. ET
Kendre Miller, RB, New Orleans Saints (19.9%)
The Saints downed the Giants 26-14 on Sunday to get the first win of the season and Miller helped the winning cause by chipping in 10 carries for 41 yards. It wasn’t necessarily an explosive day, but it was noteworthy because 1. he actually outran Alvin Kamara in the win and 2. it was his second straight game with at least 10 carries. The third-year back is becoming a solid handcuff for the starter and he should continue to get work out of the backfield as New Orleans irons out its identity on offense. Keep him on your radars.
Week 6 matchup: vs. New England Patriots, 1 p.m. ET
Tyler Allgeier, RB, Atlanta Falcons (33.5%)
Atlanta was off on a bye this past weekend, but this is a reminder to give some waiver wire consideration to Allgeier, who had 16 carries for 51 yards and a touchdown against the Commanders the week prior. He’s been an excellent handcuff option in a contract year and he still ranks in the top 30 in yards after contact at 136. If the up-and-down Falcons are going to keep pace in a competitive NFC playoff race, then Allgeier will surely play a big role in their ascent.
Week 6 matchup: vs. Bills, 7:15 p.m. ET (Monday night)
