Week 6 RB waiver priorities hinge on injuries, byes, and shifting backfields. Rico Dowdle leads the pack in Carolina after Week 5, with a clear path to lead-back work if Chuba Hubbard remains sidelined. Kendre Miller and Michael Carter chase steady roles with breakout potential in New Orleans and Arizona, respectively. Kyle Monangai and Kenneth Gainwell offer flexible depth behind surefire starters. In deeper leagues, Brashard Smith, Hassan Haskins, Kimani Vidal, Bhayshul Tuten, Tyjae Spears, and Jaydon Blue provide darts-throw upside. Handcuffs Tyler Allgeier, Blake Corum, Brian Robinson Jr. and Ollie Gordon II anchor deep rosters as insurance. Bye weeks in Week 6 (Houston, Minnesota) amplify the need for smart adds, with several teams juggling reshuffled rotations and injury news.

Expect the Panthers to lean on Dowdle if Hubbard sits, while Miller and Carter can help across Saints and Cardinals lineups. The Chargers backfield could fragment further if Omarion Hampton’s status remains uncertain, elevating Haskins and Vidal. Tuten, Spears, and Blue carry ceiling plays in two-back systems or as upside stashes in deeper leagues. The Waiver Wire scene remains volatile but fertile for savvy managers building depth and upside for Week 6 and beyond.

Rome Odunze is on a tear, pushing toward the Bears' single-season receiving TD record as he sits with five scores in four games. Calibrated with Caleb Williams, he looks like a weekly anchor in red-zone and big-play scenarios, making fantasy managers circle him as a must-start option down the stretch. Chicago’s plan revolves around him, and if health cooperates, Odunze projects an uptick that could push him into historic Bears territory.

The rest of the season could bring a running back upgrade for Chicago as GM Ryan Poles eyes help on the ground. A midseason swap for a veteran back could unlock the offense’s ceiling, easing the load on Williams and Odunze while stabilizing the rushing attack. Austin Booker’s return could alter the pass rush and the defensive tempo, too.

On defense, Kevin Byard is playing at a high level, with secondary reinforcements on the way from injury. If Taj Edwards and Kyler Gordon return healthy, the back seven could improve enough to help the whole unit, including Booker who could lead the team in sacks upon activation. Cairo Santos has demonstrated reliability and could further extend his range, potentially hitting a career-long kick this year.