Week 6 was another week of fantasy chaos across the NFL. Cam Skattebo was benched by the New York Giants and they struggled to run the ball against the New Orleans Saints. Derrick Henry barely did anything for the Baltimore Ravens against the Cleveland Browns who are now 4-1. Anyone with Arizona Cardinals kicker Chad Ryland had a boatload of fantasy points.
But injuries continue to dominate the fantasy landscape. Washington Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin is feared to have suffered a season-ending injury on Monday Night Football. Davante Adams is out six to 10 weeks for the Los Angeles Rams, who also lost multiple players on defense and their second kicker of the season. Mike Evans is also battling multiple injuries and could not finish in the San
Francisco 49ers’ win against the Commanders.
With the Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills, Washington Commanders and Los Angeles Chargers on bye in Week 7, there are a lot of adjustments that need to be made to fantasy lineups this week.
Here is a look at the top five waiver wire pickups in fantasy football after Week 6 of the NFL season.
WR Germie Bernard, Pittsburgh Steelers
Rostered in 44.4% of ESPN leagues
Like most teams in the NFL right now, the Pittsburgh Steelers are dealing with a lot of injuries. DK Metcalf is banged up along with tight end Pat Freiermuth, while Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson are both on injured reserve. In other words, the Steelers do not have a lot of healthy players who can catch the ball. But, they trust Germie Bernard who was targeted 12 times and caught 11 passes for 87 yards and the game-winning touchdown in their overtime victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Especially in PPR leagues, you want Bernard on your roster.
RB Dameon Pierce, Philadelphia Eagles
Rostered in 55.7% of ESPN leagues
There is a valid reason to stay away from the Philadelphia Eagles in fantasy. They are relying on a third-string quarterback in Tanner McKee with Jalen Hurts out for the season. However, with McKee at quarterback last week against the Carolina Panthers, he actually did quite well with 35 rushing yards, a touchdown and another 15 yards through the air on four receptions. Especially in PPR leagues, it is beneficial to find a running back who can get some action in the receiving game. Unless Saquon Barkley is going to play on Monday, Dameon Pierce is a start-worthy running back in fantasy this week.
QB C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans
Rostered in 43.7% of ESPN leagues
Even though they started the year 0-4, Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has played well this year and that has translated to fantasy. Through the first six weeks, Stroud has the fifth-most fantasy points of any quarterback, including over 20 points in each of the past three games. He may not have the rushing upside of some quarterbacks, but he has been consistently performing this year and, for the most part, not turning the ball over. Especially if your quarterback is on bye or injured, Stroud is a really good pickup.
TE Evan Engram, Denver Broncos
Rostered in 2.6% of ESPN leagues
It is hard to predict with the Denver Broncos who is going to have a good game. Evan Engram has had two decent performances this year, most notably in the season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs when he recorded his first touchdown of the season. However, his Week 7 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals provides him with a good opportunity to find the end zone again. Arizona has allowed the third-most points to tight ends through the first six weeks and the fourth-most touchdowns to tight ends. If you are desperately in need of a tight end and have to pick one up off the waiver wire, Engram could be worth taking a chance on given the matchup.
WR Demario Douglas, New England Patriots
Rostered in 13.8% of ESPN leagues
A.J. Brown made his return for the Patriots this past Sunday against the New York Jets, but then they lost Romeo Doubs, who is now on injured reserve. That still makes Demario Douglas the No. 2 receiver on this team and he has been going off lately with 11 targets for 151 yards and three touchdowns in the past two games. His matchup against the Chicago Bears is not the best, but they have been giving up some explosives in the passing game, meaning he has high upside in this game.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 5 waiver wire pickups in NFL fantasy football in Week 7
