Week 5 was rough when it came to injuries, and many Fantasy managers are now scrambling for replacement options. Several stars are going to be out in Week 6 and beyond, and it could be problematic. But hopefully we have players here who can help.
Let's go through the laundry list of injuries. At quarterback, Russell Wilson (finger) and Daniel Jones (concussion) were unable to finish their games in Week 5. Jones might be able to play in Week 6, but Wilson is out for at least a month, with Geno Smith now taking over as the starter in Seattle. Mike Glennon would start for the Giants if Jones is out, and Smith and Glennon are potential options for Fantasy managers in two-quarterback and Superflex leagues.
The main running back injuries happened to Saquon Barkley (ankle) and Clyde Edwards-Helaire (knee), and both are expected to be out in Week 6. Barkley is reportedly going to miss 1-2 weeks, but Edwards-Helaire could be out several weeks with a sprained MCL. Darrel Williams will likely be the most added player this week off the waiver wire, with Devontae Booker potentially No. 2.
We're also monitoring injuries for Najee Harris (cramping) and Damien Harris (ribs), although both are expected to play in Week 6. And we'll find out if Christian McCaffrey (hamstring), Dalvin Cook (ankle) and Chris Carson (neck) are able to return this week as well.
JuJu Smith-Schuster (shoulder) is reportedly out for the season, and he suffered the worst injury among wide receivers. But we also saw Kenny Golladay (knee), Curtis Samuel (groin), Sammy Watkins (hamstring) and Quintez Cephus (collarbone) get hurt, and all of them could miss extended time. DeVante Parker (shoulder) was ruled out prior to Sunday's game, but thankfully it appears like Tyreek Hill (knee) only sustained a minor injury and should be fine for Week 6.
Maxx Williams (knee) could be out for an extended period of time, but Travis Kelce (neck) should be fine when looking at the tight end injuries. However, we know Fantasy managers are looking for a starter in almost every league after George Kittle (calf) was placed on injured reserve Saturday.
We're going to go through the players you need to help as injury replacements, and let's not forget four teams are on a bye this week (Atlanta, San Francisco, New Orleans and the Jets). Along with DST and kicker streamers, it should be a busy week on the waiver wire.
Editor's note: For this waiver wire column, we are only looking at players rostered in less than 65 percent of CBS Sports leagues.
Week 6 Waivers
WAIVER WIRE
Quarterbacks
- Injuries: Russell Wilson (finger), Tom Brady (thumb), Joe Burrow (neck), Daniel Jones (concussion), Tua Tagovailoa (ribs), Trey Lance (knee), Jimmy Garoppolo (calf), Ryan Fitzpatrick (hip), Tyrod Taylor (hamstring), Jacoby Brissett (hamstring) and Taysom Hill (concussion).
- On a bye: Jameis Winston, Matt Ryan, Trey Lance, Jimmy Garoppolo and Zach Wilson.
- Drop candidates: Wilson (100 percent rostered), Derek Carr (89 percent) and Jones (64 percent). Wilson hasn't been placed on injured reserve, but it might be hard to carry him on your Fantasy roster for a month while he's out. ... Carr has combined for just 24 Fantasy points the past two weeks, and it will be hard to trust him in one-quarterback leagues in Week 6 at Denver. ... Jones might not play in Week 6 against the Rams, but you aren't starting him in one-quarterback leagues in that matchup.
Add in this order:
Quarterback
Week 6 Priority List
CBS Sports NFL Insider Jason La Canfora reports that Fitzpatrick could return in Week 7, but Heinicke could still remain the starter. A strong performance in Week 6 against the Chiefs could help his cause, and it's a great matchup since Kansas City is No. 2 in Fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks. Heinicke, who has scored at least 23 Fantasy points in three of four starts this year, is a solid streaming option and borderline starter in all leagues for Week 6. He's worth up to 5 percent of your remaining FAAB budget.
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Lawrence took advantage of a great matchup in Week 5 against Tennessee with 22 Fantasy points, and he has another quality matchup in Week 6 against Miami in London. The Dolphins are No. 3 in Fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, and the last three quarterbacks against them (Carr, Carson Wentz and Brady) have combined for 1,025 passing yards, nine touchdowns and one interception. Lawrence is a borderline starter in all leagues and worth up to 5 percent of your remaining FAAB.
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Bridgewater more than held up against the Steelers in Week 5 when he scored 22 Fantasy points, and he now has at least 22 points in three of four complete games this year. His best games have come when he's had at least 34 pass attempts, and he should be able to throw on the Raiders in Week 6. He's not a must-start Fantasy quarterback this week, but he's a decent replacement option for Wilson. After the Raiders, he faces Cleveland, Washington and Dallas in his next three games. He's worth adding for up to 5 percent of your remaining FAAB.
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Wentz played great in Week 5 at Baltimore with 402 passing yards and two touchdowns, although he lost a fumble. He's now scored at least 21 Fantasy points in back-to-back games, and he should have the chance for another positive outing in Week 6 against the Texans. It could be a good stretch run for Wentz because he then gets San Francisco in Week 7, Tennessee in Week 8, the Jets in Week 9 and Jacksonville in Week 10. Wentz could be a decent Fantasy starter in deeper leagues, and hopefully T.Y. Hilton (neck) will return soon. Wentz is worth 1 percent of your remaining FAAB.
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Roethlisberger just had his best game of the season in Week 5 against Denver with 20 Fantasy points, and he has a good matchup in Week 6 against Seattle. Hopefully he can take advantage of this defense, even without Smith-Schuster (shoulder), who is out for the rest of the season. It's tough to trust Roethlisberger in anything but deeper leagues, but hopefully last week's outing against the Broncos is the start of some positive performances for him this year. He's worth 1 percent of your remaining FAAB.
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Fields has yet to make a significant Fantasy impact with a combined 28 Fantasy points on the season, but hopefully better performances are ahead. He's worth stashing if you have an open roster spot, and maybe he can take advantage of his matchup with the Packers in Week 6, especially if the Bears are chasing points. Fields is worth 1 percent of your remaining FAAB.
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Winston is on a bye in Week 6, but he might be worth stashing if you need a quarterback moving forward. He's coming off a 33-point Fantasy outing in Week 5 at Washington, and he had a season-best 30 pass attempts, which hopefully is a sign of things to come. He will benefit if Hill misses extended time. And he could get Michael Thomas (ankle) back in Week 7 or soon thereafter. Winston is worth 1 percent of your remaining FAAB, and he has a tremendous upcoming schedule against Seattle, Tampa Bay, Atlanta and Tennessee in his first four games after the bye.
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Ryan is another quarterback worth stashing on his bye if you have an open roster spot. He scored a combined 61 Fantasy points in his past two games against Washington and the Jets, and hopefully he gets Calvin Ridley (personal) and Russell Gage (ankle) back for Week 7 in a great matchup at Miami. Kyle Pitts finally got going against the Jets in Week 6, and Ryan is getting hot at the right time. He's worth 1 percent of your FAAB.
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Smith is starting for Wilson for at least the next three games, and we'll see what happens after Seattle's bye in Week 9. He's worth adding in all two-quarterback and Superflex leagues, and he might be worth adding in deep one-quarterback leagues also. He looked OK in relief of Wilson in Week 5 against the Rams with 131 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception, as well as 23 rushing yards, and hopefully he continues to use his legs. He doesn't have an easy schedule the next two games at Pittsburgh and against New Orleans, but he could be useful in a desperate situation. Smith is worth 1 percent of your FAAB in one-quarterback leagues and at least 30 percent in two-quarterback and Superflex leagues.
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There's a chance Tagovailoa could return in Week 6 against the Jaguars in London, and he might be worth adding in deeper leagues. He would be a low-end starter against Jacksonville, and then Tagovailoa gets to face Atlanta in Week 7. We'll see if DeVante Parker (shoulder) will play in Week 6, and eventually Will Fuller (finger) will be healthy. There's still a lot to like about Tagovailoa's potential, and he could eventually become a decent Fantasy quarterback as well. He's worth 1 percent of your remaining FAAB.
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Mills played well against New England in Week 5 with 312 passing yards and three touchdowns, and we'll see if he can build off that in Week 6 against the Colts. There's a chance Taylor can return soon for the Texans, but we'll see if Houston makes a switch away from Mills or leaves him in to see how he develops. In deeper leagues, he might be worth adding for 1 percent of your remaining FAAB if your quarterback situation is struggling.
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Glennon could start for Jones if he's out in Week 6, and you might need Glennon in two-quarterback and Superflex leagues. He's got a brutal matchup against the Rams and only managed nine Fantasy points in relief of Jones in Week 5 at Dallas. But any quarterback who starts is worth adding in those formats, and Jones could be needed if you're stuck. He's only worth up to 10 percent of your remaining FAAB in two-quarterback and Superflex leagues.
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WAIVER WIRE
Running Backs
- Injuries: Najee Harris (cramping), Saquon Barkley (ankle), Christian McCaffrey (hamstring), Chris Carson (neck), Dalvin Cook (ankle), Clyde Edwards-Helaire (knee), Ezekiel Elliott (back), David Montgomery (knee), Damien Harris (ribs), Samaje Perine (illness), Peyton Barber (foot), Tony Jones (ankle), JaMycal Hasty (ankle), Justin Jackson (groin) and Rashaad Penny (calf).
- On a bye: Alvin Kamara, Elijah Mitchell, Trey Sermon, Cordarrelle Patterson, Mike Davis and Michael Carter.
- Drop candidates: Trey Sermon (95 percent rostered), Kenyan Drake (65 percent), Ty'Son Williams (63 percent) and Ronald Jones (60 percent). Elijah Mitchell returned from his two-game absence with a shoulder injury and sent Sermon to the bench in Week 5 at Arizona, leaving Sermon with one carry for 7 yards. And now Jeff Wilson (knee) could be returning to action soon. In 10-team leagues, it's easy to move on from Sermon, especially with San Francisco on a bye. ... Drake has combined for three total touches in his past two games and is well behind Josh Jacobs for the Raiders. ... Williams was back in action for the Ravens in Week 5 against the Colts after being inactive in Week 4, but he had just six total touches and finished with 21 total yards. ESPN reported that teams are looking into trading for a Baltimore running back, and maybe Williams can be set free. For now, while he's in Baltimore, you can cut him in most Fantasy leagues. ... Jones has combined for just 16 PPR points on the season and only has two catches. As long as Leonard Fournette is healthy you should expect minimal production from Jones, which is what has happened so far through five games.
- Check to see if available: Sony Michel (68 percent rostered) and A.J. Dillon (65 percent). Sean McVay said Michel is ready to take on a bigger role in tandem with Darrell Henderson, and Michel just had 12 total touches in Week 5 at Seattle. He's also a lottery ticket in case something happens to Henderson. ... Dillon has consecutive weeks with at least 12 total touches coming into Week 6 at Chicago, and he's getting more playing time in tandem with Aaron Jones. Dillon is also a lottery ticket in case something happens to Jones.
Running Back
Week 6 Priority List
Williams will start while Edwards-Helaire is out, and he should be considered a borderline Fantasy starter in all leagues. He's already been used this season as a short-yardage option for the Chiefs and has scored two touchdowns, and last year he proved serviceable for Kansas City in the playoffs. He had two games in the postseason with double digits in carries and scored at least 12 PPR points in each outing. We don't know the timeline for Edwards-Helaire, but the initial report was he would miss several weeks. I would spend at least 30 percent of your remaining FAAB budget on Williams, but if you need a running back desperately and are 0-5 or 1-4 then he might be worth all you have left. The Chiefs have a favorable schedule coming up against Washington, Tennessee and the Giants in the next three games. In deeper leagues, spend up to 5 percent of your remaining FAAB on Jerick McKinnon (2 percent rostered) since he should have an increased role also.
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Booker should start with Barkley hurt, and we don't know how long he's going to be out with his ankle injury. Against Dallas in Week 5, Booker took over for Barkley and finished with 16 carries for 42 yards and a touchdown, as well as three catches for 16 yards and a touchdown on four targets. He's looking at a big workload, but the Giants have tough matchups ahead against the Rams and Panthers in the next two weeks. It sounds like that's the most Barkley will be out, but the Giants could also be cautious with rushing him back. Booker is worth at least 15-20 percent of your remaining FAAB.
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We don't know if Carson will return in Week 6 at Pittsburgh, but Collins would be at least a flex play if Carson is out again. In Week 5 against the Rams, Collins had 15 carries for 47 yards, as well as two catches for 25 yards. It's not an easy matchup against the Steelers, and Wilson is out at quarterback. But Collins should still be looking at 15-20 touches, and we don't know if this injury for Carson will linger. Collins is worth 10-15 percent of your remaining FAAB.
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Herbert looked good as a complementary option to Damien Williams in Week 5 at Las Vegas. In the first game without Montgomery, Herbert had 18 carries for 75 yards. He didn't have a catch in the game, and the Raiders were playing with an early lead, which likely helped his workload. But he's worth adding in most leagues, with his value higher in non-PPR formats, because it's clear he's going to have a role until Montgomery returns. And if something happens to Williams prior to that then Herbert could have a significant workload. He's worth at least 10 percent of your remaining FAAB.
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ESPN is reporting the Chiefs could be interested in trading for Mack, and other teams might inquire about him also. He could be worth adding now just in case a move happens. With the Colts, he's played sparingly behind Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines, but he could make an impact on a new team. Mack is worth 5-10 percent of your remaining FAAB.
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Harris is expected to play for the Patriots in Week 6 against Dallas, but if he's out then look for Stevenson and Brandon Bolden (17 percent rostered) to see an increased workload. Stevenson had 11 carries for 23 yards against the Texans in Week 5, and Harris has three games this season with at least 14 carries. Stevenson would be at least a flex option in non-PPR leagues and is worth adding for 5-10 percent of your remaining FAAB in those formats. Bolden is worth adding in PPR, and he now has 10 catches in two games without James White (hip). Bolden is worth 5-10 percent of your remaining FAAB in PPR.
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Bernard returned from his one-game absence from a knee injury in Week 5 against Miami and caught a touchdown. He finished with four carries for 21 yards, along with two catches for 14 yards and the score on two targets. This is now consecutive games for him with a touchdown, and he's worth stashing in PPR. Leonard Fournette is clearly the main running back in Tampa Bay, but Bernard will still have a role in the passing game, especially in any outing where the Buccaneers are chasing points, as rare as that might be. He's worth up to 5 percent of your remaining FAAB.
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The 49ers are on a bye, and now is a good time to stash Wilson for a small FAAB bid (under 5 percent). He's eligible to return from the PUP list in Week 7, and we'll see what kind of role he has in the backfield with Mitchell and Sermon. It wouldn't be a surprise to see Wilson as the best 49ers running back down the stretch if he's healthy, much like he was last year.
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WAIVER WIRE
Wide Receivers
- Injuries: Tyreek Hill (knee), Chris Godwin (knee), Julio Jones (hamstring), Kenny Golladay (knee), JuJu Smith-Schuster (shoulder), Sterling Shepard (hamstring), Sammy Watkins (hamstring), Jarvis Landry (knee), DeVante Parker (shoulder), Will Fuller (finger), Curtis Samuel (groin), Michael Gallup (calf), Rashod Bateman (groin), Kadarius Toney (ankle), Quintez Cephus (collarbone), Russell Gage (ankle), Marquez Valdes-Scantling (hamstring), James Washington (groin) and Darius Slayton (hamstring).
- On a bye: Marquez Callaway, Corey Davis, Jamison Crowder, Elijah Moore, Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, Calvin Ridley, Russell Gage
- Check to see if available: Michael Pittman (84 percent rostered), Laviska Shenault (82 percent) and Shepard (67 percent). Pittman was a surprise star Monday night against the Ravens when he scored his first touchdown of the season, and he finished with six catches for 89 yards on seven targets. He now has at least seven targets in four games in a row, and he's scored at least 11 PPR points in each outing. ... Shenault only had one catch for 58 yards on three targets in Week 5 against Tennessee, but I'm still hopeful for him being a productive Fantasy receiver with D.J. Chark (ankle) out. He should have the chance for a bounceback performance against Miami in Week 6 in London. ... Shepard will hopefully return in Week 6 against the Rams after being out for the past two games with a hamstring injury. The Giants will likely need him to help Toney with Golladay out. Shepard scored at least 18 PPR points in the first two games of the season before getting hurt in Week 3.
- Drop candidates: Kenny Golladay (91 percent rostered), JuJu Smith-Schuster (86 percent), Robby Anderson (79 percent), Brandon Aiyuk (76 percent) and Curtis Samuel (43 percent). Golladay should only be dropped in 10-team leagues, and we don't know how long he'll be out with this knee injury. In four full games this year, he's scored more than 10 PPR points just once. ... Smith-Schuster is expected to miss the rest of the season with a shoulder injury, so only hold onto him in dynasty and long-term keeper leagues. ... Anderson had 18 targets the past two games against Dallas and Philadelphia and scored 14 PPR points combined in those outings. He's yet to top 60 receiving yards in a game and has scored just one touchdown. It's time to move on from Anderson in most leagues. ... Aiyuk isn't worth stashing on his bye and likely beyond that. He's been at six targets or less in every game this year and has one game with more than five PPR points. He's looking like a huge Fantasy bust this season. ... Samuel isn't worth holding while he's hurt again. This is looking like a lost year for him because of injuries.
Add in this order:
Wide receiver
Week 6 Priority List
Toney is expected to be fine with the ankle injury he's dealing with, and he's not expected to be suspended for throwing a punch in Sunday's loss at Dallas. That overshadowed his breakout game of 10 catches for 189 yards on 13 targets, and he now has 22 targets in his past two games while scoring at least 13 PPR points in each outing. The Giants could need him in a major way in Week 6 against the Rams if Golladay, Shepard and Slayton remain out, but we don't know if Daniel Jones will play either because of a concussion. It's also a tough matchup with the Rams. That said, like we said last week, you want Toney on your roster for the long-term, and he's looking like a potential star. He's worth at least 20 percent of your remaining FAAB budget.
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Moore is going to have inconsistent performances because the Cardinals have a crowded receiving corps, but you have to hope Arizona continues to find ways to get him the ball. That happened in Week 5 against San Francisco when he had five catches for 59 yards on six targets, along with three carries for 38 yards. He has two games this season with at least six targets, and he's scored at least 13 PPR points in both outings. While you might not start Moore in most leagues any time soon, he is worth stashing if you have an open roster spot for 5-10 percent of your remaining FAAB.
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Renfrow had a down game in Week 5 against Chicago, but he still managed to score 11 PPR points with six catches for 56 yards on eight targets. He's averaging 7.6 targets per game, and he has three games this year with at least 13 PPR points. He's not going to help you much in non-PPR leagues, but he should be rostered in all PPR formats. He's worth adding for 5-10 percent of your remaining FAAB in PPR and up to 5 percent in non-PPR leagues.
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St. Brown was my favorite Lions receiver coming into the season, and he's finally starting to show why with his performance the past two weeks. He's scored 13 PPR points in each game against the Bears and Vikings, and he has eight targets in each outing. The Lions just lost Cephus for an extended period of time, and teams are trying to take away T.J. Hockenson. St. Brown should continue to get targets from Jared Goff, and he's worth adding in PPR leagues for 5-10 percent of your remaining FAAB and up to 5 percent in non-PPR leagues.
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With Bridgewater back, Patrick was back to being productive again in Week 5 at Pittsburgh. He had seven catches for 89 yards on nine targets, and the receptions and targets were season highs. Jerry Jeudy (ankle) could return soon for the Broncos, but Patrick should be considered a No. 3 Fantasy receiver in all leagues until Jeudy is back. Patrick has scored at least 12 PPR points in four of five games this year, with the lone exception being Week 4 against Baltimore when Bridgewater left with a concussion. Patrick is worth up to 5 percent of your remaining FAAB.
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Mooney is still worth stashing even though he had a down game in Week 5 at Las Vegas with just three catches for 35 yards on five targets. He's still scored at least 12 PPR points in two of his past four games, and I'm hopeful Fields will continue to improve as he gets more comfortable in the offense. The Bears could also be chasing points in Week 6 against the Packers, and hopefully Mooney sees a spike in targets. He has three games this season with at least seven targets, which has led to two of his best outings on the year. He's worth adding in all leagues for up to 5 percent of your remaining FAAB.
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We don't know the extent of Watkins' hamstring injury, but this could be the opening Bateman needs to make his NFL debut if he's healthy. He's still on injured reserve, but the Ravens might need him if Watkins is going to miss any time. Watkins had at least seven targets in every game prior to Week 5 against the Colts when he got hurt. Bateman is worth adding in all leagues for up to 5 percent of your remaining FAAB.
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Hilton will hopefully return to action soon, and you might want to add him where available while he's cheap if you have an open roster spot. He could re-emerge as the No. 1 receiver for the Colts or at worst be a good complementary option to Pittman. Hilton is worth 1 percent of your remaining FAAB.
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Washington is dealing with a groin injury, but keep an eye on his status heading into Week 6 against Seattle. He could see an increased role with Smith-Schuster out. Prior to missing Week 5 against Denver, Washington had consecutive games with five targets, and he had four catches for 69 yards in Week 4 at Green Bay. Washington is worth 1 percent of your remaining FAAB.
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Williams will benefit for however long Parker and Fuller are out, and he just had three catches for 60 yards on five targets in Week 5 at Tampa Bay. The Dolphins have a favorable matchup in Week 6 against Jacksonville in London, and Williams could be a low-end starter in deeper leagues. Williams also could benefit if Tagovailoa returns this week. He's worth 1 percent of your remaining FAAB.
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WAIVER WIRE
Tight Ends
- Injuries: Travis Kelce (neck), George Kittle (calf), Rob Gronkowski (ribs), Dallas Goedert (illness), Logan Thomas (hamstring) and Maxx Williams (knee).
- Check to see if available: Check to see if available: Dawson Knox (83 percent rostered) and Zach Ertz (68 percent). Knox has emerged as a must-start Fantasy tight end in all leagues, and he should be 100 percent rostered. He's scored a touchdown in four games in a row, with five touchdowns over that span, and he just had three catches for 117 yards and a score on four targets in Week 5 at Kansas City. With the way Josh Allen is playing, you want Knox in your lineup until he has a couple of bad games in a row, which hopefully won't happen any time soon. ... Ertz could start Thursday night against the Buccaneers with Goedert on the reserve/COVID-19 list, and Ertz would be a quality Fantasy option in all leagues. He scored at least 12 PPR points in two of his past three games, and he should see an uptick in targets if Goedert is out.
- Drop candidates: Logan Thomas (66 percent rostered), Robert Tonyan (57 percent) and Tyler Conklin (39 percent). Thomas is only worth stashing if you have an IR spot. Hopefully, he'll be back before Washington's bye in Week 9. ... Tonyan has just one touchdown on the season and one game with more than four targets. It's hard to roster him if he's not finding the end zone, and the Bears are No. 6 in fewest Fantasy points allowed to tight ends. ... Conklin scored 20 PPR points in Week 3 against Seattle and 20 PPR points in his four other games. It's hard to trust him when he's not posting consistent production.
Add in this order:
Tight End
Week 6 Priority List
Henry has taken over as the top tight end for the Patriots, and he's been great the past two weeks against Tampa Bay and Houston. He has 13 targets over that span for 10 catches, 107 yards and two touchdowns, and he should continue to be a prominent target for Mac Jones. Henry is emerging as a must-start option in all leagues, and he's worth at least 15 percent of your remaining FAAB budget.
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In Jacksonville's first game without Chark, Arnold had a big role with six catches for 64 yards on eight targets. Hopefully that's a sign of things to come, and he has a favorable matchup in Week 6 against Miami in London. Arnold is worth adding in all leagues for 5-10 percent of your remaining FAAB.
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