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In this space, we will highlight NFL running backs (RBs) that are recommended fantasy football waiver wire pickups to consider as candidates for Week Six of the 2013 fantasy football season, and your fantasy football rosters.
Waiver Wire Pickups - Week 6 Running Backs
Zac Stacy (RB, St. Louis Rams)
Baller Move: Add in all leagues
Analysis: Stacy got the start in Week Five against Jacksonville and managed 78 yards on 14 carries (5.6 YPC) before being knocked out with a minor rib injury. He is expected to start next week, albeit in a tough game against Houston. The St. Louis running back situation has been a mess so far this year, but for the moment it seems Stacy will be the back handling the load for the foreseeable future. Given his matchup, Stacy probably isn't a smart start next week for any but the most desperate owner, but he is worth adding in the event that he manages to run away with this opportunity to be the Rams starting RB.
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Marcel Reece (RB/FB, Oakland Raiders)
Baller Move: Stash in deeper leagues/All PPR leagues.
Analysis: I mentioned Marcel Reece earlier, and he once again becomes worth a look this week for most owners, as he is still available in over 90% of leagues. Furthermore, Rashad Jennings left the game in Week Five after suffering a hamstring injury, and his status is up in the air for Week Six. With Darren McFadden also likely to miss out, Marcel Reece stands to get the majority of touches in Week Six against the Chiefs. Reece proved last season he can step in effectively for Run-DMC, racking up 495 yards and 23 receptions in a three-and-a-half game span after McFadden was injured against Tampa Bay. In Week Five, Reece managed 32 yards on seven carries, and caught all three of his targets for an additional 57 yards against the Chargers on Sunday night/Monday morning. These are respectable numbers, especially considering Rashad Jennings started and handled the majority of the workload for the entire first half before being pulled out. Reece is a monster in the passing game, and has a chance to run over would-be tacklers every time he touches the ball. Should Marcel Reece end up getting the start, he is worth a flex in PPR leagues even against the stingy Chiefs.
Andre Ellington (RB, Arizona Cardinals)
Baller Move: Stash is all leagues
Analysis: I mentioned Ellington last week as someone to keep an eye on in the event he could win the confidence of his coaching staff over struggling teammate Rashard Mendenhall. He took yet another step towards accomplishing this in Week 5 by tallying 52 yards on just 7 carries. He also had an additional 31 yards on 4 receptions. He managed to put up another respectable day in spite of playing second fiddle to Mendenhall who under-performed yet again. Rashard managed only 43 yards on 17 touches, adding 7 yards on 2 catches. Ellington faces a potentially daunting opponent away at San Francisco in Week Six, but the Niners haven't been nearly as stout against the run this year. The Cardinals coaching staff have said they plan to use a snap count with Ellington to protect the relatively small back, but if Ellington continues to be more than twice as productive as Mendenhall, they won't be able to stick to it. Week Six could provide even more evidence that Ellington should be the starter going forward should San Francisco manage to bottle up the struggling Mendenhall who is averaging just 3.2 YPC this season compared to Ellington's 6.7.
Bryce Brown (RB, Philadelphia Eagles)
Baller Move: Stash in all leagues.
Analysis: If you can spare the bench space, there are few players with more potential upside than Bryce Brown. I mentioned him earlier in the season, but as he is still available in about two-thirds of leagues, I feel strongly enough about him to repeat it. Chip Kelly loves to run the football. The Eagles O-line is very impressive. Shady McCoy has failed to play a full season as a feature back, missing games in all but his rookie season. Should McCoy miss time, which is no stretch considering his workload and style of play, Bryce Brown could easily be a top-five RB in his stead. McCoy is elite, but Brown is no slouch, and would likely be the starting RB on most teams in the NFL. If you need a RB this week, Bryce isn't your guy. But if you have space for a gamble on a potential fantasy savior, add Brown immediately.
Quick Note: you should probably also be reading our waiver wire pickups column for week 6 wide receivers and defense if you haven't already.
Willis McGahee (RB, Cleveland Browns)
Baller Move: Add in all leagues.
Analysis: Surprisingly still available in most leagues, McGahee finally seems to have learned his new offense enough to be effective and handle the load. In a year with so few reliable RB situations, Old Man McGahee is worth owning as the feature back in Cleveland. He put up a respectable line in his third week of action against Buffalo, totalling 72 yards on 26 carries. His YPC still leaves room for improvement, but this should increase as his comfort level with his new O-line raises. Regardless, the sheer volume of carries he stands to receive leaves Willis, who turns 32 this month, as a solid flex option or bye-week fill-in, especially against the suspect Detroit rushing defense.
Mike Goodson (RB, New York Jets)
Baller Move: Watch/Stash in deeper leagues.
Analysis: The Jets are back to a full-blown running back committee. I strongly believe Mike Goodson is head-and-shoulders above his teammates in terms of talent and natural ability. His previous role in the return game is a plus. Goodson ran for 32 yards on just three carries in his season debut after serving out his four-game suspension. He also had a reception for nine yards. Goodson is only owned in 3% of leagues, but on Monday Night Football he certainly appeared to be the best the Jets have in the backfield. Keep an eye on the situation moving forward since historically, Rex Ryan loves to run. Powell had 12 carries for just 38 yards, and Ivory was the second-most efficient with four carries for 27 yards. Starting any Jet RB would be crazy for now, but with Powell and Ivory garnering all the attention from fantasy owners, Goodson has flown under the radar. While it is probably premature to add him in any but the deepest of leagues, he could be a sneaky pickup moving forward. With the fantasy RB pool so thin this year, it never hurts to look ahead.
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