Week 6 Waiver Wire: QB RB WR TE
Week 6 Waiver Wire RBs
Week six is almost behind us and with it your belief that you can properly evaluate running backs. Some of you thought James Conner had shown us all he had to give. And you were wrong. Some of you thought Kerryon Johnson had finally earned the right to be the workhorse in Detroit. And you were wrong. Some of you thought fantasy football could be fun. And oh boy were you wrong. Lucky for you, there are waiver wire running back options available to save you from yourself. If I don’t mention someone whom you think I should be talking about, just know there are many reasons why I overlooked them. Maybe they are owned in most leagues. Maybe they are so bad I don’t even consider them. Maybe it’s because your opinions cannot be trusted. After all, you are here. So let us examine what the best week 6 waiver wire RBs are.
Week 6 Waiver Wire RBs: THE BACKUPS (A.K.A When All Your Starters Are Dead)
Alfred Morris – Owned in 46% of leagues – While Matt Breida isn’t out for the season with his ankle injury, he is likely to miss a few weeks. That is why Alfred Morris is the most valuable of the week 6 waiver wire RBs you can probably grab. Unlike the Houston and Philadelphia backfield, there are no questions about who will be seeing the bulk of the carries in San Francisco. Alfred Morris is the only back left standing (cue darkhorse candidate emerging in week six that nobody has ever heard of). Morris had a combined 91 yards from scrimmage, but more importantly, he had 20+ touches. He is going to get the volume because no sane coach would want to keep the football in C.J. Beathard’s hands.
Wendell Smallwood/Corey Clement – Owned in 8%/27% of leagues – With Jay Ajayi going down for the season with a torn ACL, there is a major void at running back. Wendell Smallwood and Corey Clement are going to see more carries, but the question remains, “who is the back to own?” Frankly, the way the Philadelphia backfield has been playing, this answer will probably change week to week. Right now, Smallwood is the only back who is healthy, so by process of elimination, he probably has the most value. However, Corey Clement is ahead of him on the depth chart and is the more talented on the two. Once he comes back from his quad injury, he could take on a primary role. I personally lean towards Clement the rest of the way, but I suspect putting both their names on a dart board and throwing blindfolded would be just as accurate.
Alfred Blue/D’Onta Foreman – Owned in 15%/13% of leagues – Last week, Lamar Miller was limited in practice with a chest injury. When Miller was unable to play, Alfred Blue stepped in and put up high-end RB2 numbers for week five. But don’t let that fool you, because he looked terrible doing it. While he had 20 carries, he only averaged 2.3 yards per carry. His numbers came on 8 catches for 73 yards. The problem with Alfred Blue is he only holds value if Miller is out. As for D’Onta Foreman, there is the belief that Houston wants him to be the lead back. The problem is, he can’t stop himself from being injured or suspended. Since Miller practiced last week, it feels likely that he will play in week six. If he doesn’t though, Alfred Blue or D’Onta Foreman gets to face a Buffalo Bills team that is really bad at football. Basically, if you are wondering what Blue can do for you, the answer creates more questions than he can answer. If you are wondering if you can trust D’Onta Foreman, just know his coaching staff is asking the same questions. Wait on Lamar Miller’s status before doing anything, but if D’Onta Foreman is able to play and Miller is not, he is likely the superior option to Alfred Blue.
ABSURDITY CHECK AKA Look But Don’t Touch
Nick Chubb – Owned in 36% of leagues – Last week, I said that Nick Chubb was worth monitoring, but I also said it was too soon to act. I was right about this one, as he only had 3 carries for 2 yards. But that doesn’t mean I don’t think you should stop watching him. Right now, he isn’t getting the usage that his talent merits. But make no mistake about it. Nick Chubb is the future in Cleveland. Just try not to think too hard on the fact that any future in Cleveland is a dystopic nightmare. Once you see Nick Chubb’s usage numbers increase, he will be worth rostering. For now, you can look. Just don’t touch.
Mike Davis – Owned in 17% of leagues – Last week, I told you to avoid the Seattle backfield. This week, both Chris Carson and Mike Davis finished the week as RB2s, making me look somewhat foolish. You might be thinking that after two solid performances in a row, I may have changed my mind on Mike Davis, especially because he’s still available among the week 6 waiver wire RBs. You would be wrong. I still want no part of the Seattle backfield and I still think Mike Davis is not a very talented back. If you want to take your chances on him, go ahead. As a parent, I have always felt that the best way to learn is to make your own mistakes.
