Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Targets: NFL Week 6

• Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby shines in week 5: For the second straight year, Bigsby led the team in rushing yards.

• Josh Downs keeps catching passes: Downs recorded 20 receptions over the past three weeks, tied for fifth-most among wide receivers.

• Unlock your benefit with a PFF+ subscription: Get full access to all of our seasonal fantasy tools including weekly rankings, WR/CB matchup charts, weekly forecastsThe Start seat optimizer and more. Register now!

Estimated reading time: 29 minutes

With Week 5 of the 2024 NFL season almost complete, here are the key players to target on the fantasy football waiver wire. Here we'll go over options for both minor and major leagues, as well as highlight players to avoid.

Jump to a position group:

QB | RB | WR | TE

quarterback

Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears (Listed in 44.8% of leagues on ESPN)

Williams has turned things around in recent weeks after a slow start. Against them Carolina Panthers This week he completed 20 of his 29 passes for 304 yards and two touchdowns. His overall PFF grade has improved in each of the last three games.

Williams has averaged 18.1 fantasy points per game over the past three weeks after averaging 8.3 points over the first two weeks. He's currently a borderline fantasy starter, especially as some teams complete their bye week. While Williams is up for grabs in nearly half of ESPN leagues, and likely in a higher percentage of leagues for those reading this, he is still being mentioned by the fantasy managers who could potentially snag him.

Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons (45.1%)

Cousins is in a very similar position to Caleb Williams. He was selected as a high-end fantasy backup in single-quarterback leagues. He averaged 11.6 fantasy points per game through the first four weeks, making him the 30th ranked fantasy quarterback. He performed better in Week 4 than he did earlier in the season, but that didn't translate into non-touchdown fantasy production.

On Thursday Night Football in Week 5, Cousins laid the foundation Atlanta Falcons'Record for passing yards in a game. Among those reading this, he's another player that will be taken in most leagues, but if he's available, he's probably the best option.

Derek Carr, New Orleans Saints (34.5%)

Carr averaged 44.1 fantasy points for 443 yards and five touchdowns through the first two weeks. He hasn't been nearly as productive over the last two weeks, averaging 18.1 fantasy points — 29th at the position. This recent lack of production caused Carr to fall behind in several leagues. Carr at least did well last week Atlanta Falconsbut he threw no touchdowns as all three of the Saints' points came on the ground. New Orleans plays tonight on Monday Night Football.

The main reason to sign Carr is because the Saints are playing Tampa Bay Buccaneers next week, and they allow the second-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Carr still has a few great matchups on the schedule, but he's also the best option specifically for next week.

Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars (33.2%)

Lawrence joins Williams and Cousins as quarterbacks who had their best finish of the season in Week 5. Lawrence completed 28 of 34 passes for 371 yards and two touchdowns. He's averaged 18.5 PPR points per game over the last two weeks after performing decently in Week 4. Rookie Brian Thomas Jr. has emerged as Jacksonville's clear top wide receiver, which has greatly increased Lawrence's fantasy value.

Evan EngramLawrence's lead tight end, has missed time and should step up the offense once he's healthy. Lawrence typically endures hot and cold streaks, and after starting the season cold, this week could be the start of a hot streak.

Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins (29.7%)

Tagovailoa suffered a concussion in Week 2 that caused him to miss the final three games. According to reports, he is symptom-free. The Dolphins have their bye next week and Tagovailoa will have to serve another week on injured reserve but can return to the lineup in Week 8.

Tagovailoa was a top-10 quarterback in Week 1 and scored the ninth-most fantasy points among quarterbacks last season. His schedule starting in Week 8 is better than average, and he won't face a fantasy point-preventing team in the top quarter of the league until Week 14. He could become a fantasy starter right back when he returns.

Daniel Jones, New York Giants (13.7%)

Jones is up to 15.4 fantasy points per game. which ranks 20th among quarterbacks. His passing numbers have increased in recent weeks Malik Nabers He played well and still threw for 257 yards and two touchdowns in Week 5 without Nabers Darius Slaytonne rise.

Jones was helped by his rushing abilities, as his 34 carries on the season are the fifth-most among quarterbacks. While he may not be among the top 12 fantasy quarterbacks this season, almost every other quarterback who averages at least 15 fantasy points per game will be included in at least 30% of leagues. The only exception is Joe Flaccowho will one day return to a backup role Anthony Richardson is healthy.

Will Levis, Tennessee Titans (3.9%)

Levis got off to a shaky start in 2024, averaging 12.3 fantasy points per game through the first three weeks and then missing most of Week 4 due to injury. On defense, he has played against the three teams that have allowed the fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks this season, plus a fourth above-average defense. He also has a new head coach with a new offensive system and two new wide receivers. Levis has had his bye week, which should have given him enough time to recover.

The main reasons to sign Levis are his prospects for improvement and the Titans' schedule in the final third of the season.

The Titans will face each other from Weeks 12 to 17 Jacksonville Jaguars twice, that Indianapolis ColtsThe Washington commandersThe Houston Texans and the Cincinnati Bengals. That gives them four games against teams that have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, as well as the seventh and 14th most. This is a fantastic six week stretch. If Levis breaks through, he could be a fantasy starter in this stretch.

Run back

Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville Jaguars (9.5%)

Bigsby led the Jaguars in rushing yards for the second straight year

Last week, Bigsby ran seven times for 90 yards, fueled by a 58-yard gain Travis Etienne had a nice day with 11 runs for 50 yards.