Week 6 waiver targets center on depth with upside across all spots as injuries and byes bite fantasy rosters. Michael Carter and Rico Dowdle lead the RB pool with clear workload roles and the potential for more if starter injuries persist. Bhayshul Tuten and Kenneth Gainwell offer high-contingency value, while Brashard Smith and Kendre Miller provide late-season upside fits in deeper leagues. At WR, Kendrick Bourne, Darnell Mooney, and Romeo Doubs pop in the short term, with Troy Franklin and Tre Tucker as longer-shot bets. Darren Waller headlines the tight end adds, and Jaxson Dart and Matthew Stafford headline QB streaming options. Packers, Rams, and Colts stand out as the top D/ST streamers for Week 6.

Longer window, the waiver wire emphasizes prioritizing fit-for-need—immediate starters for byes or injuries, plus high-upside stashes who could pay off in Weeks 7–12. The article underlines the importance of assessing team context, matchup, and the likelihood of role growth, especially in backfields that could shift with injuries or trades. Use this week to balance safe floor plays with potential breakouts and to plan for the league-wide byes ahead.

Promo notes aside, the core message is clear: target players with clear paths to touches, leverage late-season upside, and stream defenses with favorable schedules to weather Week 6's chaos.

The Steelers sit at 3-1 after four games and a bye week, with four clear questions shaping their second half. Freiermuth needs a bigger role in the passing game, while the running back depth chart must settle between Warren and Gainwell. A strategic WR addition could be on the agenda if the aerial attack stalls, and Nick Herbig deserves the chance to start opposite TJ Watt to maximize pressure.

If these moves click, Pittsburgh can maintain its division edge and momentum through a demanding 13-game stretch, even as the health of Calvin Austin III and the line’s performance influence how aggressively they chase upgrades and lineup tweaks.

Week 5 waiver watchlist centers on emerging backfields and sleeper WRs across the NFL. Kendre Miller looks to siphon early-down work in New Orleans as Kamara’s efficiency dips, while Emari Demercado appears primed to lead Arizona after Conner’s season-ending injury. Sean Tucker could become a deeper-league spark for Tampa Bay if Bucky Irving’s injury lingers. Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Kenneth Gainwell provide mid-season depth and potential flex appeal in Washington and Pittsburgh, respectively. Malik Washington could grow in Miami with Hill sidelined, and Darius Slayton, Romeo Doubs, and Isaiah Bond offer late-season stash upside for NYG, Green Bay, and Cleveland. All are widely available in under 50% of leagues, making Week 5 a prime window to pounce.

Pair these names with a cautious eye on workload splits and injury news. The list favors players with a clear path to touches or targets in the coming weeks, especially in deeper formats where a handful of reliable options can swing matchups. Fantasy managers should weigh Week 5 projections against long-term roles, resting on team context and quarterback stability as Week 5 approaches.