So there's one obvious situation that demands attention above all else. Jamaal Charles has suffered a torn ACL and will miss the rest of the 2015 NFL season. For Charles owners this is devastating, and drastic action needs to be taken, and for non-Charles owners, well you get a chance to take his replacement hostage and try to sell him off. Or maybe you're just in need of another running back. Either way, we will examine the situation.

There are other names to check out as well, but the spotlight is squarely on the Kansas City backfield. Feel free to scroll to the running backs section first, I won't judge.

Let’s look at those price tags, which will be based on a $100 FAAB budget. I’ll explore the names that intrigue me off the waiver wire for Week 6 of the 2015 season, which I feel warrant some context.

 

FAAB Waiver Wire Bids - Quarterbacks

This week we've got Dallas, Oakland, St. Louis, and Tampa Bay on byes, so odds are no one is really scrambling for a quarterback due to a bye week. Those who streamed Josh McCown were rewarded, but he faces Denver this week so they'll probably want another option.

Blake Bortles (QB, JAC)

FAAB Bid: $6 - 8, 38% owned in Fleaflicker

Don't move too quickly to the waiver wire, as Bortles still looks very skittish and easily alarmed in the pocket and is now reportedly dealing with a Grade 1 sprain in his AC Joint (which has a small effect on throwing motion, but the worst is when you get tackled and come down on it), but if he can get the ball out then it appears he is worth adding. Bortles's issue to date was being horribly inefficient, relying on volume to approach any sort of numbers that were going to be helpful. His first four games this year saw him complete 55%, 54.5%, 51.5%, and 56% of his passes. This past week against Tampa Bay he completed 23 of 33 passes, which comes out to approximately 70%. Now that is a completion rate I can jive with. Tampa Bay was stuffing the run so Jacksonville had to adjust and attack through the air, which has proven to be a worthwhile tactic against the Buccaneers so far this year. He won't always get to face that porous secondary, but he does get to face Houston in Week 6 which is another favorable matchup. Bortles has a good receiver in Allen Robinson, an emerging #2 option in Allen Hurns, a stud red zone option in Julius Thomas who is finally working back from his broken hand, and a young talented running back in T.J. Yeldon. Perhaps they can all take steps forward together, or at the very least churn out some nice garbage time statistics for your team.

Brian Hoyer (QB, HOU)

FAAB Bid: $2 - 3, 8% owned in Fleaflicker

I've got to include a desperation option, or for those in competitive two quarterback leagues. Ryan Mallett needed to take a play off, and Brian Hoyer never gave the starting gig back on Thursday night. Texans' Head Coach Bill O'Brien has pivoted back to Brian Hoyer as his starter, and this means that Hoyer gets to face the Jaguars defense next week. If you need a fill in that was probably not owned going into this week, Hoyer is the guy you need to scoop up. Jameis Winston didn't turn the ball over against the Jaguars defense, that's how unimpressive they've been. I'm not recommending you break the bank at all, or that you expect much out of Hoyer, but as long as he's got DeAndre Hopkins to chuck the ball in the general vicinity of, he should be decent. Arian Foster getting back to 100% and being a good receiving option out of the backfield helps everyone in Houston. Throw a few bucks his way if you're in a deep league and need to ensure you get his services for Week 6.

Others To Note:

Jay Cutler (QB, CHI)

FAAB Bid: $3 - 4, 40% owned in Fleaflicker

Look, he gets a bum rap, but he pulled out a victory for the Bears against the Chiefs even though he was missing his top two wide receivers and was working with the backup center. As of Monday midday, he is the QB12 scoring-wise on Fleaflicker, meaning he put up fringe QB1 numbers. Next week he gets a demoralized and broken Detroit Lions team that just got brutalized by Arizona, and Cutler just might get Alshon Jeffery and Eddie Royal back too.

Joe Flacco (QB, BAL)

FAAB Bid: $3 - 4, 58% owned in Fleaflicker

Perhaps people dropped him for a hotter option since Steve Smith Sr. went down with an injury, and it is noteworthy that most of Flacco's value against the Browns came from his legs (two rushing touchdowns). That said, he gets to face the San Francisco secondary that Eli Manning and the Giants just carved up on Sunday night. Some of that carving occurred with Odell Beckham, Rueben Randle, and obviously Victor Cruz out, which means that despite Flacco's lack of weapons, there should be a chance for him to do just fine. Justin Forsett's health needs to be monitored, but if he isn't 100% then Flacco will have to do even more of the heavy lifting.

 

FAAB Waiver Wire Bids - Running Backs

Charcandrick West (KC, RB)

FAAB Bid: $20 - 25 / Charles Owner FAAB Bid: 80% of your bankroll

Knile Davis (KC, RB)

FAAB Bid: $10 - 12 / Charles Owner FAAB Bid: $20-25 - 3% owned in Fleaflicker

There's no avoiding this one, Jamaal Charles appears to be all but confirmed for sitting out the rest of 2015. Knile Davis has been the most popular handcuff in recent years thanks to the volume of the Kansas City running game and the perception of Jamaal Charles as being pretty injury prone. Well that day is here, and Davis is merely the Plan B waiver option. All indicators point to West being the guy to own in the KC backfield, as he drew seven carries for 31 yards to Davis' two carries for two yards after Charles went down. Before you come to any conclusions, listen to this clip of the Chiefs' announcing crew talking about West vs. Davis (it was before Charles got hurt). While it'd be nice if West was more of a known commodity for owners to invest in, you can't ask too many questions when a running back is thrust into starting duties in an offense that loves going through it's running game. Davis cannot be written off, as West could struggle as teams can plan for him, giving Davis a chance to take the "1A" duties, but it appears West has the momentum going for him to take the lead role moving forward. I think it would be wise to expect more of a committee than most are thinking though, so if you don't own Charles don't think of blowing your whole bankroll on the situation. The Chiefs will probably also sign another running back in the coming days, Ben Tate and Pierre Thomas have been reported as coming in to work out for Kansas City already, according to Adam Schefter. Just keep an open mind about the whole theater there in Kansas City.

Theo Riddick (DET, RB)

FAAB Bid: $6 - 8 (PPR Leagues), 15% owned in Fleaflicker

Riddick deserves a lot more love in PPR leagues, but it turns out he's not a total throwaway in standard leagues either. Ameer Abdullah fumbled the ball twice in the first half of the Lions' game against the Arizona Cardinals, and he was benched for Zach Zenner and Theo Riddick. Now while the Lions won't be getting beaten down every week as handily as they were on Sunday, they do appear to really be floundering. Matthew Stafford was benched as well, and when your defense is also struggling, well the passing down situations are going to come often. This is where Riddick shines, as he got 13 targets, turning these into ten receptions for 53 yards and a touchdown. He's always looked like a good runner when he gets the ball in his hands, though he isn't big enough to be a pure between the tackles guy and usually the volume isn't there to make him valuable. That said, he's gotten a ton of work in the fourth quarter this year because of the horrid gameflow situations the Lions have found themselves in to date. If you're in PPR leagues, lost Charles, but don't have nearly enough to get West or Davis and the waiver wire is pretty barren, look at Riddick.

Javorius Allen (BAL, RB)

FAAB Bid: $3 - 5, 8% owned in Fleaflicker

Don't look now, but the Ravens are running really thin on running backs. Justin Forsett does appear to have managed the dreaded high ankle sprain, but his health is a question mark going into Week 6. Lorenzo Taliaferro is usually Forsett's backup, but he himself missed Week 5 thanks to a foot injury that he doesn't seem to be able to get over. Javorius Allen (also known as Buck Allen) is the next man up. If you're in dire straits and need a potential starting running back, Allen isn't all that talented, but he could be presented with the opportunity for either starting duties with Forsett out/limited, or goal line duties if Forsett can go but Taliaferro cannot. Keep tabs on it throughout the week, but it's a situation to monitor closely for Forsett owners and those in need of running back help.

Others To Note:

Charles Sims (RB, TB)

FAAB Bid: $6 - 8 / FAAB Bid in PPR League: $8 - 10, 54% owned in Fleaflicker

Speaking of these pass catching running backs, maybe Sims is still available in your league. He has looked exceptionally elusive and quick this year, while last year he appeared to be indecisive and just wasn't converting on his chances. Week 5's game against the Jaguars was a high scoring contest, and it won't be the norm, but it was great to see Sims average over four YPC (12 carries for 51 yards) and also rip off large chunks of yards on passing routes (four receptions for 85 yards). For what it's worth, I'd rather own Sims than Riddick or other PPR newcomer Chris Thompson, but that's reflected already in ownership levels.

Thomas Rawls (RB, SEA)

FAAB Bid: $6 - 10 / Lynch Owner: $16 - 20, 30% owned in Fleaflicker

With Marshawn Lynch out, Thomas Rawls was "the guy" again for Seattle over the veteran Fred Jackson. Rawls had another stellar day, with 169 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries. It's almost a shame that Lynch is going to be coming back soon, but Seattle must be thrilled to see Rawls perform like this, and as such they don't need to press Lynch to return any sooner than necessary. The fun of him having the job pretty much to himself is going to end shortly, but a strong showing against a good Bengals front is encouraging if Lynch still can't go next week and Rawls gets the Panthers front seven.

Antonio Andrews (RB, TEN)

FAAB Bid: $6-8, 18% owned in Fleaflicker

Andrews was hurt as the year started and Bishop Sankey had a crazy first week against Tampa Bay, which anchored a lot of people's mentality to not even look for Andrews, but he clearly jumped over Terrance West for short yardage duties, as well as proving himself to be a viable receiving option. In a tough matchup against Buffalo he could only turn seven carries into nine yards (though he did punch one into the end zone), but the important part is that he had three receptions for 45 yards as well. Bishop Sankey is not going to be a bellcow for Tennessee, there is a place for Andrews to produce for the Titans, and therefore there is likely a place for Andrews on your squad in deeper leagues. He may very well have flown under the radar as the Titans had their bye in Week 4 and that terrible Buffalo matchup this past week, but now the schedule should be a lot more favorable for Andrews and company as they get: MIA, ATL, HOU, NO next.

 

FAAB Waiver Wire Bids - Wide Receivers

Allen Hurns (JAX, WR)

FAAB Bid: $6 - 8, 54% owned in Fleaflicker

I said last week not to think of Hurns as the lead dog in Jacksonville, and Allen Robinson did come back to show that he is the number one for the Jaguars this week. That said Hurns was again great, posting another 116 yard and one touchdown effort like last week, although it was on under half of the catches (he had five catches this week versus 11 last week). Bortles showed some growth as we mentioned in the Bortles blurb,and if that trend continues then it won't be out of the question that two receivers can be supported. Hurns is clearly capable of being an effective flex option for owners, especially as the bye weeks are starting to hit owners hard. Bid on Hurns if you have wide receiver needs and he's still available.

Willie Snead (NO, WR)

FAAB Bid: $6 - 8, 22% owned in Fleaflicker

Snead was being talked up amidst expert circles as a solid cheap DFS play going into Week 5, and he showed why with six catches for 141 yards on eleven targets. Snead has clearly jumped over Marques Colston and Brandon Coleman for #2 duties for New Orleans. While the Saints have their own myriad of struggles to contend with, these problems seem to point to a lot of garbage time potential and needing to pass the ball. Snead has shown nothing but reliability for Drew Brees and the Saints so far, and there's no reason why they should decrease his role at all moving forward.

Others to Note:

Brandon LaFell (NE, WR)

FAAB Bid: $6 - 8, 39% owned in Fleaflicker

Brandon LaFell is eligible to return from the PUP list in Week 7, and while that's a tough draw against the Jets, you are going to want to get ahead of the curve on this one if you can. The Patriots' offense is a juggernaut, and LaFell is a great red zone target who will provide a sizable option for Tom Brady to throw to outside of the numbers. Get him a week early rather than waiting, in 14 games last year he put up a 74-953-7 line, which is more than serviceable.

Kamar Aiken (BAL, WR)

FAAB Bid: $4 - 6, 18% owned in Fleaflicker

With Breshad Perriman out indefinitely and Steve Smith Sr. out with his rib injury, Aiken caught four balls on nine targets for 78 yards. As was said here last week: he's not a world beater out there, but he's talented enough to convert additional targets into production that you're going to want to take advantage of. It's unfortunate that he couldn't connect on more of the targets, but now with Forsett not 100% either, Aiken can be a solid fill in option for owners who need wide receiver help.

Jamison Crowder (WSH, WR)

FAAB Bid: $1 - 2, 6% owned in Fleaflicker

DeSean Jackson returning is going to cut into Crowder's snaps, but Washington can't be too picky when it comes to having someone effective on the offensive end. DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon will be good for them, but with Jordan Reed sidelined, Crowder should absolutely take over those #3 WR duties. In Week 5 against the Falcons, Crowder was able to convert all eight of his targets into receptions, racking up 87 yards. Jay Gruden would be wise to keep on giving the young receiver chances to show what he's got. In deeper leagues, especially PPR ones, Crowder should be scooped up as you see how Gruden rolls him out with Jackson in the fold.

 

FAAB Waiver Wire Bids - Tight Ends

Gary Barnidge (CLE, TE) 

FAAB Bid: $8 - 10, 46% owned in Fleaflicker

Momma there goes that man again. Gary Barnidge had an insane between the legs catch that highlighted another stellar day for the not so young tight end. He turned 10 targets into eight receptions for 139 yards and a touchdown on the aforementioned highlight play. There is no more ignoring this, as it is clear that Josh McCown trusts him and his target conversion rate means that he's got the talent within himself to go up and get the ball. He's not just catching crummy six yard button hooks either, so while the Browns do tangle with the Broncos next, you still want to get Barnidge on your squad if he's available. He's a legitimate TE1 right now and that cannot be sitting out on the waiver wire.

Richard Rodgers (GB, TE)

FAAB Bid: $4 - 6, 42% owned in Fleaflicker

Richard Rodgers is the only real tight end the Packers have left, and it's becoming clear that Aaron Rodgers does notice Richard Rodgers out there as the weeks go along. While Rodgers didn't find the end zone in Week 5, he saw eight targets, ending with six catches for 45 yards. Nothing all too special, but eight targets from Aaron Rodgers is going to pan out well for a receiver more often than not. His targets have crept up as the season presses on, with eight being a season high (last week he had six). He's a solid TE2 option because of the firepower that this offense can generate. The Packers have a home date against the Chargers next week before a bye, and then they go to Denver. Andrew Quarless is not eligible to return until Week 12, so there's plenty of time for Rodgers to be the sole tight end for Green Bay.

Derek Carrier (WSH, TE)

FAAB Bid: $1-2, 3% owned in Fleaflicker

In deep leagues maybe a lot of the fun tight end options to date have been owned for a while, but Jordan Reed's injury opened the door for Derek Carrier to come in and produce. While he didn't see a lot of volume, he still turned three targets into two catches for 27 yards and a touchdown. Kirk Cousins doesn't ignore his tight ends, and while Carrier isn't Reed as far as talent goes, the opportunity is there for him as long as Reed remains sidelined.

 

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