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Top 12 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Targets for Week 6

Top 12 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Week 6

Week 6 is here, and the waiver wire is heating up. Injuries and bye weeks have opened doors for fresh contributors — and savvy fantasy managers can capitalize. Whether you need a plug-and-play running back or a breakout receiver for depth, these are the top 12 waiver adds to consider heading into Week 6.

Running Backs

Rico Dowdle (CAR)

Dowdle exploded in Week 5 with 206 rushing yards and a touchdown, proving he can handle a full workload while Chuba Hubbard nurses an injury. His ability to contribute as both a runner and receiver makes him this week’s top waiver priority.Ideal for: Teams desperate for an RB who can produce immediately.

Michael Carter (ARI)

Carter saw a major bump in volume last week (18 carries and 5 targets) and looks poised to hold a key role while Trey Benson remains out. There’s risk here, but also legitimate upside if he stays hot.

Kendre Miller (NO)
The rookie is showing flashes of efficiency and has started to eat into Alvin Kamara’s touches. He’s worth a stash now before his workload potentially spikes.Ideal for: Deep-league stashes or long-term upside plays.
Kimani Vidal / Hassan Haskins (LAC)
With Omarion Hampton sidelined, the Chargers’ backfield is wide open. Both Vidal and Haskins are worth speculative adds until a clear lead emerges.Ideal for: Bench depth or emergency RB options.
Kenneth Gainwell (PIT)
When Jaylen Warren was out, Gainwell stepped up in a big way — 19 carries for 99 yards and six catches. If the Steelers’ backfield remains banged up, he’s a valuable short-term add.Ideal for: Managers needing short-term RB depth or matchup flexibility.

Wide Receivers & Tight Ends

Romeo Doubs (WR, GB)
With Jayden Reed sidelined and Christian Watson’s status uncertain, Doubs is positioned for a major uptick in targets. His chemistry with Jordan Love makes him a strong WR3 or flex play.
Troy Franklin (WR, DEN)
Franklin continues to see consistent usage in Denver’s passing game and could soon become a reliable weekly starter. He’s especially appealing in PPR or deeper leagues.Ideal for: Managers looking to bolster WR depth or flex options.
Kendrick Bourne (WR, SF)
Bourne is taking advantage of injuries in the 49ers’ receiving corps, hauling in 10 of 11 targets for 142 yards in Week 5. He’s a volume-based pickup who could stay hot if Deebo or Aiyuk remain limited.
Mason Taylor (TE, NYJ)
Taylor has quickly become a favorite target for Jaxson Dart, leading the Jets with a 27% target share in Week 5. He’s trending up and could be a weekly TE streamer.Ideal for: Teams struggling to find stability at tight end.
Theo Johnson (TE, NYG)
Johnson is quietly emerging as a red-zone weapon, catching 9 of 12 targets over the past two games and scoring three touchdowns. His usage and connection with the new QB make him worth a claim.
AJ Barner (TE, SEA)
Barner is finding his rhythm in Seattle’s offense, especially near the goal line. His recent stat line (7 catches, 53 yards, and 2 TDs) shows legitimate streaming potential.
Darren Waller (TE, MIA)
Waller is already rostered in many leagues, but if he’s somehow on waivers, add him immediately. He remains a key part of Miami’s high-powered passing attack and continues to produce solid volume.

FantasyLineups Takeaway

Week 6 is all about adjusting to injuries and identifying short-term starters who can stabilize your lineup.• Prioritize Rico Dowdle if you need instant RB help.• Take a chance on Kendre Miller or Kimani Vidal for longer-term upside.• At WR/TE, Doubs, Bourne, and Theo Johnson stand out as high-impact pickups.Stay ahead of the curve — monitor injuries, and use the FantasyLineups.com DFS tools and -layer news with analysis to make every waiver move count.