X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Join the Best Live Fantasy Chat Community!

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Player Comparisons
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Sneaky Starts, Pivot Plays and Post-Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 6

Fantasy football waiver wires will have fewer players that can help you this week. There will be no Atlanta Falcons, New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers or New Orleans Saints mentioned in this week’s column. That’s because fantasy football managers will have to deal with their first round of NFL teams being on their bye weeks.

Even though there is less to choose from on league waiver wires, there are plenty of post-waiver pickups and pivot plays available if one of your fantasy starters ditches you before Sunday. These are sneakier players to pickup or start, and are more under-the-radar options.

Without further ado, here are my pivot plays and post-waiver pickups for Week 6 – and the questionable superstars who you might need to replace at the last-minute in your fantasy lineup:

Editor's Note: Our incredible team of writers won two writing awards and received 12 award nominations by the Fantasy Sports Writers Association. A big congrats to our very own Byron Lindeque (Golf) and Jordan McAbee (NASCAR) for both winning Writer Of The Year awards! Be sure to follow RotoBaller's analysis and advice all year long, and win more. Win More With RotoBaller!

 

Sneaky Pickups and Starts for Week 6

If Philadelphia’s Dallas Goedert (COVID IR) cannot be cleared in time for Thursday night’s game, you could pick up and play….

Zach Ertz, Philadelphia Eagles (TE) vs. TB

Ertz is supposedly the second fiddle in Philly’s tight end orchestra, yet he has been targeted by quarterback Jalen Hurts a half-dozen more times than top tight end Dallas Goedert has. Goedert still has Ertz beat in most major fantasy categories, however, which is why the latter is available in more than half the fantasy leagues out there at the present time. If Goedert is not given the green light by game time, Ertz suddenly becomes the most attractive tight end option on fantasy waiver wires.

Ertz will be roaming for room against a 32nd-ranked Tampa Bay secondary who seems to be taking social distancing way too seriously these days as they do not like to get near six feet of any opposing pass catchers. Part of the problem is that teams know they cannot run on the Bucs, but the bigger part of the problem has been injuries ravaging their defensive backfield. In a game that appears on paper to be high-scoring and one that Philadelphia will probably be trailing in, look for plenty of passes to come Ertz’s way on Thursday.

 

If Miami’s DeVante Parker (hamstring) is ruled out before Sunday’s morning’s kickoff in London, you could pick up and play….

Nelson Agholor, New England Patriots (WR) vs. DAL

Agholor has been a fantasy flop since signing with Bill Belichick’s squad. After coming off the best year of his career in 2020 (48-896-8) and a good game Week 1, Agholor has given his fantasy managers 11 receptions for 125 yards and no touchdowns over his last four games. This is the Agholor fantasy players not-so-fondly remember from his Philadelphia Eagles years.

The Dallas Cowboys have done a lot right during the first five weeks of the season, but covering receivers has not been one of them. Look no further than last week when Kadarius Toney leaped out of Joe Judge’s dog house and torched the Cowboys secondary for 10 catches for 189 yards. The Cowboys have the 31st-ranked pass defense and the game script will likely dictate twice the pass plays than run plays from the Patriots in the second half. Do not expect Agholor to do what Toney did, but I can see him posting six catches for 80 yards and a TD. New England QB Mac Jones has steadily improved, and Dallas’ defense will concentrate more on tight end Hunter Henry than big-play specialist Agholor.

 

If New York’s Daniel Jones (concussion) cannot clear his head in time for Sunday, you could pick up and play…

Carson Wentz, Indianapolis Colts (QB) vs. HOU

I have a lot of respect for one of Pat McAfee’s favorite quarterbacks. Wentz works his butt off to make plays with his sprained ankles and his arm, and although he might put himself in harm’s way as often as Travis Pastrana and could suffer another season-ending injury sooner rather than later. Using him now while he is healthy and productive is a sneaky smart fantasy play.

Wentz has thrown for 630 yards and four touchdowns over Indy’s past two contests and has really started to gel with an underrated Colts receiving corps. Zach Pascal catches the touchdown tosses, Michael Pittman Jr. catches the passes between the 20s, and Nyheim Hines and Jonathan Taylor can both catch passes out of the backfield and turn them into long gainers. Plus Wentz has a decent tight end twosome with Mo Alie-Cox and Jack Doyle. As long as Wentz does not get himself dinged against a Houston defense that only has eight sacks in five games, he should throw for 250-275 and two-to-three TDs.

 

If Tennessee’s Julio Jones (hamstring) misses his third straight game, you could pick up and play….

Kalif Raymond, Detroit Lions (WR) vs. CIN

You must monitor the Jones situation closely since Tennessee is not slated to play until Monday night versus the high-powered Buffalo Bills. Tennessee’s reserve receivers have not been consistent enough to trust using in a fantasy lineup since Jones has been out, however.

Raymond has a golden opportunity to be peppered with passes this Sunday since Detroit wideouts Tyrell Williams and Quintez Cephus are both on injured reserve. Even if Williams recovers and returns this week, Raymond has a decent chance to lead the Lions in targets as he had 16 between Weeks 3 and 4 and scored two touchdowns. Teammate Amon-Ra St. Brown might be a better waiver choice in PPR leagues, but the slot receiver is no game breaker (9.4 YPC) or red-zone threat (zero TD). In a winnable home game against a mediocre Cincinnati pass defense, Raymond could surprise and haul in five Jared Goff passes and put up 60 yards and a score.

 

If New England’s Damien Harris (ribs) does not suit up Sunday, you could pick up and play…

Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots (RB) vs. DAL

I know his name is a mouthful, but it might be worth mentioning Stevenson’s name to the commissioner of your fantasy league if you have Harris on your roster and he ducks out on you before the Pats play Sunday afternoon. Brandon Bolden has taken over the James White role on third downs as the primary pass catcher out of the backfield, so he has only had seven carries this year. Stevenson had 11 rushing attempts versus Houston last week, and even though he only mustered 23 yards the point is that he is the one getting the early-down touches when Harris is hurt.

While I mentioned earlier that Dallas’ pass defense has been horrendous, the Cowboys run defense has been stout (5th-ranked in the NFL), so Stevenson is will need to lower his helmet and take every tough yards he can get. That should be no problem as that plays into his strength as a downhill runner who is not one for juking and jiving to avoid tacklers. With Mac Jones playing better there should be some red-zone opportunities for Stevenson if he emerges as the team’s top tailback for this contest.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!




Win More With RotoBaller

Be sure to also check out all of our other daily fantasy football articles and analysis to help you set those winning lineups, including this new RotoBaller YouTube video:

More Fantasy Football Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Player Comparisons
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Keita Bates-Diop28 mins ago

To Miss Rest Of Season
Dyson Daniels34 mins ago

Remains Out On Thursday But Nearing Return
LaMelo Ball42 mins ago

Ruled Out For Rest Of 2023-24
Jose Alvarado48 mins ago

Questionable To Face Milwaukee
Jaden Springer52 mins ago

Considered Questionable
Xavier Tillman56 mins ago

Sr. Questionable Thursday
Gabe Vincent60 mins ago

Expected To Return To Action On Sunday
Al Horford12 hours ago

Back On The Injury Report
Derrick White12 hours ago

Off The Injury Report
TJ Friedl13 hours ago

Hits 10-Day Injured List
Aaron Gordon14 hours ago

Cleared To Face Phoenix
Michael Porter14 hours ago

Jr. Good To Go Wednesday
Nikola Jokic14 hours ago

Playing Against Phoenix
Jackson Chourio14 hours ago

Will Start In Right Field Friday
Jrue Holiday14 hours ago

Might Return On Thursday
Khris Middleton14 hours ago

Expected To Play On Thursday Night
Joel Embiid14 hours ago

To Return Soon?
Jamal Murray15 hours ago

Out Again On Wednesday
Rudy Gobert15 hours ago

Ready To Rock Against Pistons
LeBron James15 hours ago

Officially Active Against Memphis
Eduardo Rodriguez15 hours ago

Starts Throwing Program
Anthony Davis15 hours ago

Won't Play Against Grizzlies
Victor Wembanyama15 hours ago

Playing On Wednesday
Anthony Edwards15 hours ago

Will Play Against Detroit
Garrett Mitchell15 hours ago

Will Miss 6-8 Weeks
Chad Green15 hours ago

To Lead Closer Committee In Toronto?
Erik Swanson16 hours ago

Jordan Romano, Erik Swanson Officially Heading To Injured List
Kevin Gausman16 hours ago

To Make Season Debut Sunday Or Monday
Gleyber Torres17 hours ago

Will Bat Leadoff On Opening Day
Mark Hubbard17 hours ago

Coming Off A Career Performance
Davis Thompson17 hours ago

Looking To Pay Off A Stellar Run Of Ball-Striking
Max Scherzer17 hours ago

Making Solid Progress
Akshay Bhatia17 hours ago

Coming Into Houston With Confidence
Thorbjorn Olesen18 hours ago

Still Trying To Find Footing On U.S. Soil
Patrick Rodgers18 hours ago

Fighting Inconsistencies Heading Into Houston
Malik Nabers18 hours ago

Shines At Pro Day
Carolina Panthers19 hours ago

Jadeveon Clowney Signing Two-Year Deal With Panthers
Jordan Lawlar19 hours ago

To Have Thumb Surgery, Out A Couple Months
Wyndham Clark19 hours ago

Battling Back Injury Ahead of Houston Open
San Francisco 49ers20 hours ago

Talanoa Hufanga Expected To Return At Training Camp
MLB20 hours ago

Braves And Phillies Rained Out On Thursday
Jayden Daniels20 hours ago

Raiders To Meet With Jayden Daniels
MLB20 hours ago

Mets And Brewers To Be Postponed Thursday
Tank Bigsby20 hours ago

Jaguars Want Tank Bigsby More Involved
Will Smith20 hours ago

Inks 10-Year Extension With Dodgers
Josh Reynolds20 hours ago

Signs Two-Year Deal With Broncos
Jon Berti22 hours ago

Yankees Acquire Jon Berti From Marlins
Kodai Senga22 hours ago

Throws Wednesday
Matt McLain22 hours ago

Undergoes Shoulder Surgery
Doug Ghim22 hours ago

Looks To Bounce Back At Houston Open
PGA22 hours ago

Cameron Davis Seeking Consistency Ahead Of Houston Open
Thomas Detry22 hours ago

A Gamble At Houston Open
Ryan Fox22 hours ago

Lacks Upside Heading Into Houston Open
Andrew Novak22 hours ago

Will Be Chalk At Houston Open
Josh Doan24 hours ago

Scores Twice In His NHL Debut
Filip Forsberg24 hours ago

Makes History In Big Comeback Win
Jamie Benn24 hours ago

Scores In Fifth Consecutive Game
Sidney Crosby1 day ago

Collects Three Points Versus Carolina
Artemi Panarin1 day ago

Continues Scoring Tear With Three Assists
Joey Daccord1 day ago

Shuts Out Ducks
Sahith Theegala1 day ago

Showing Consistency This Season
Wyndham Clark1 day ago

Working Toward Star Status
Scottie Scheffler1 day ago

Heads To Houston At His Best
Colton Cowser1 day ago

Makes Opening Day Roster
Sam Ryder1 day ago

Putting The Lights Out Of Late
Joel Dahmen1 day ago

All Systems Go For Joel Dahmen In Houston
Kurt Kitayama1 day ago

Ready For Houston Debut
Ben Griffin1 day ago

Finding Form Heading To Houston
Yariel Rodriguez1 day ago

Optioned To Triple-A
Taylor Moore1 day ago

Continues Made-Cut Streak Heading To Houston
Adam Svensson1 day ago

Hoping For Consistency In Houston
Taylor Montgomery1 day ago

Looks To Bounce Back In Houston
Jordan Montgomery2 days ago

Diamondbacks Agree On One-Year Deal
Amon-Ra St. Brown2 days ago

Discussing Extension With Lions
Jared Goff2 days ago

Lions Discussing New Deal
J.K. Dobbins2 days ago

Cleared For Football Activities
Los Angeles Rams2 days ago

Tre'Davious White To Join Rams
Jon Gray2 days ago

Dealing With Stiff Neck
PIT2 days ago

Sam Poulin Recalled From AHL
Jack Quinn2 days ago

Could Return Wednesday
Scott Mayfield2 days ago

Undergoes Season-Ending Surgery
TOR2 days ago

Mitch Marner Skates On His Own Tuesday
Trevor Zegras2 days ago

To Return Tuesday
Justus Annunen2 days ago

Inks Two-Year Extension
Nick Chubb2 days ago

Expected To Start Load Running Next Month
Justin Verlander2 days ago

Throws Successful Live BP Session
D'Andre Swift2 days ago

Bears View D'Andre Swift As Receiving Weapon
Cordarrelle Patterson2 days ago

Signing With Steelers
Sam Howell2 days ago

Seahawks Believe Sam Howell Can Be A Full-Time Starter
Tennessee Titans2 days ago

L'Jarius Sneed Agrees On Four-Year Contract With Titans
Dak Prescott2 days ago

No Indication A Deal Is Coming For Dak Prescott
Calvin Ridley2 days ago

To Have Big Role In Tennessee
Josh Jacobs2 days ago

To Be Used More In Passing Game
Brandon Saad2 days ago

Gets Another Goal In Monday's Loss
Logan Thompson2 days ago

Stretches Winning Streak To Three Games
Shea Theodore2 days ago

Maintains Good Scoring Form With An Assist
Brock Boeser2 days ago

Hits Goal No. 37
Cam Talbot2 days ago

Collects Fourth Consecutive Win
Anze Kopitar2 days ago

Records Fourth Straight Multi-Point Game
Oskar Sundqvist2 days ago

Suffers Knee Injury
Elias Lindholm2 days ago

Sits Out Monday
Jonathan Marchessault2 days ago

Bags Overtime Winner Monday
Pittsburgh Steelers3 days ago

Cameron Heyward Expected To Be Healthy For Training Camp
Zach Wilson3 days ago

Jets Could End Up Keeping Zach Wilson
Jarrett Stidham3 days ago

To Compete For Starting Job
Amanda Ribas3 days ago

Takes Decision Loss
Rose Namajunas3 days ago

Snaps Losing Streak
Edmen Shahbazyan3 days ago

Scores Vicious Comeback Knockout
AJ Dobson3 days ago

Knocked Out In The First Round At UFC Vegas 89
Fernando Padilla3 days ago

Gets Back On Track With Submission Win
Luis Pajuelo3 days ago

Submitted In UFC Debut
William Byron3 days ago

Dominates For Victory At COTA
Ty Gibbs3 days ago

Grabs Another Solid Finish At COTA
Chris Buescher3 days ago

Texas Native Chris Buescher Finishes Eighth At COTA
Christopher Bell3 days ago

Kyle Busch Confronts Christopher Bell Following A Top-10 Finish At COTA
Justin Haley3 days ago

Disqualified After Strong COTA Run
Martin Truex Jr3 days ago

. Rounds Out Top Ten At COTA
NASCAR3 days ago

A.J. Allmendinger Worms Way Up To Sixth At COTA
Shane Van Gisbergen3 days ago

Shane van Gisbergen Comes Down to Earth After Mediocre COTA Run
Ross Chastain3 days ago

Ran Well at COTA as Usual Despite Late-Race Fade
Christopher Bell3 days ago

Furious Charge Falls Just Short at COTA
Tyler Reddick3 days ago

Scores Strong Finish of Fifth at COTA
Chase Elliott3 days ago

Finishes 16th at COTA After Lackluster Performance
Billy Quarantillo4 days ago

Suffers Submission Loss At UFC Vegas 89
Youssef Zalal4 days ago

Gets Submission Win In Return To The UFC
Cameron Saaiman4 days ago

Gets Knocked Out At UFC Vegas 89
Payton Talbott4 days ago

Scores KO Win At UFC Vegas 89
Justin Tafa4 days ago

Drops To .500 In The UFC
Karl Williams4 days ago

Remains Undefeated In The UFC
Kyle Larson4 days ago

Is One Of The Optimal DFS Options For COTA
Denny Hamlin4 days ago

Should Denny Hamlin Be Rostered For DFS Lineups At COTA?
Kaz Grala4 days ago

Is A Serviceable DFS Play For COTA
Shane Van Gisbergen4 days ago

Will Start 12th In First COTA Cup Start
Todd Gilliland4 days ago

Is A Sneaky DFS Play With Upside For COTA
William Byron4 days ago

Is One Of The Top Favorites To Win At COTA
Christopher Bell4 days ago

Is A Comfortable DFS Play For COTA
Tyler Reddick4 days ago

the Favorite to Win at COTA
Ty Gibbs4 days ago

Looking for First Career Win at COTA
Rose Namajunas6 days ago

Looks To Get Back In Win Column
Amanda Ribas6 days ago

Set For Main-Event Matchup
Edmen Shahbazyan6 days ago

In Dire Need Of Victory
AJ Dobson6 days ago

An Underdog At UFC Vegas 89
Fernando Padilla6 days ago

Seeking Victory In Third UFC Appearance
Luis Pajuelo6 days ago

Makes His UFC Debut
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF

MORE RECENT ARTICLES

 

2024 NFL Draft: Bold Predictions and Potential Surprises for Round 1

Football never sleeps at RotoBaller! With the 2024 NFL Draft fast approaching, we're digging into what might transpire on draft night. RotoBaller analyst LaQuan Jones previews the 2024 NFL Draft and makes some BOLD Predictions about possible surprises and potential landing spots for the first round of the draft. Win MORE in 2024 with RotoBaller!... Read More


George Pickens - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire Pickups

Early Look At Wide Receivers In 2024 Fantasy Football Drafts

The upcoming NFL Draft is less than a month away. While everyone is excited for the NFL Draft, fantasy players are looking forward to the regular season. While we won’t have meaningful NFL football for months, it’s never too early to prepare for your fantasy football drafts. Last year, the fantasy football world saw multiple... Read More


Spencer Rattler, College Football Transfers

Underrated Rookie Draft Targets - Early 2024 Sleepers for Dynasty Fantasy Football

We are a month out from the NFL Draft, meaning if you are here, you are probably looking for draft content and reading up on prospects. You probably have all of the information you need on stud prospects like Caleb Williams and Marvin Harrison Jr. That’s not what you’re here for.  Rookie draft season for... Read More


Breece Hall - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

2024 NFL Free-Agency Winners and the Fantasy Football Impact - Part II

The NFL's offseason, including trades and free agency, can strongly impact a player's fantasy football value. This effect can be positive or negative. For this series, we're focusing on fantasy football players who have seen their fantasy value increase. This can occur via a player's direct movement, such as a trade or signing with a... Read More


UFL RANKINGS, FANTASY FOOTBALL,

UFL Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 1: QB, RB, WR, TE Rankings and Analysis (2024)

It's finally here: the UFL season is set to kick off with two games on Saturday, March 30 and two games on Sunday, March 31. Saturday's games will be broadcast on Fox Sports while Sunday's matchups will be on ESPN. The most anticipated Week 1 matchup pits the 2023 USFL champion Birmingham Stallions against the... Read More


Jared Goff - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Will the Lions Extend Jared Goff's Contract This Offseason? 2024 NFL Outlook

Jared Goff's career in Los Angeles didn't take off like many expected after his appearance in Super Bowl LIII, and he was traded to the Lions for Matthew Stafford. Goff's first season in the Motor City was terrible, but he has completely turned things around over the last two seasons. In 2022, he almost led... Read More


Kyle Pitts - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

2024 NFL Free-Agency Winners and the Fantasy Football Impact - Part I

Free agency symbolizes the start of a new NFL season. It's the first opportunity for NFL clubs to start addressing their weaknesses and considerably impacts how the upcoming season plays out. Just as free agency can improve or worsen a team's outlook, a player's fantasy football value is also impacted. Free agency marks the real... Read More


Malik Nabers - Fantasy Football Rankings, College FB, WR, NFL Draft Sleepers

Coach Knows Ball: Malik Nabers 2024 NFL Draft Film Breakdown of LSU WR

Welcome to Coach Knows Ball, an NFL Draft series analyzing the top prospects in the 2024 class. I'm a college football coach with nine years of NCAA experience and have been scouting NFL Draft prospects for over 15 years. This series will give a deep dive into the film of some of the top players... Read More


Avoid These Running Backs in 2024: Fantasy Football Outlook

Football never sleeps at RotoBaller! The staff is already looking ahead to the 2024 season to help our readers get the jump on their competition. RotoBaller analyst LaQuan Jones discusses five Running Backs that you should AVOID in 2024 fantasy football drafts. Win MORE in 2024 with RotoBaller! Be sure to tune into RotoBaller Radio... Read More


Brock Bowers - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Rookies, Draft Sleepers, NCAA College Football, Prospects

Brock Bowers 2024 NFL Draft Stock Update – When Will the Georgia TE Be Selected?

Georgia tight end Brock Bowers was arguably the top tight end in college football over the past few years. Bowers was outstanding his freshman year, totaling 56 receptions for 882 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. Unfortunately, his production slightly slipped in 2022 as defenses started to game plan for the star tight end. Bowers had... Read More


Xavier Worthy 2024 NFL Draft Stock Update – When Will the Texas WR Be Selected?

Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy has been one of the top pass-catchers in college football over the past few years. The explosive receiver was outstanding his freshman year, totaling 62 receptions for 981 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. Unfortunately, his production slipped in 2022. Worthy had 60 receptions for 760 receiving yards and nine touchdowns... Read More


Blake Corum - Fantasy Football Rankings, College FB, RB, NFL Draft Sleepers

Blake Corum 2024 NFL Draft Stock Update - When Will the Michigan RB Be Selected?

Former Michigan running back Blake Corum is one of the most popular prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft class. The 23-year-old is fresh off a College Football National Championship victory and a 2023 campaign consisting of over 1,300 yards from scrimmage. However, given the devaluation of the running back position and Corum not being an... Read More


Brandon Aiyuk - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News

Will The 49ers Trade Brandon Aiyuk?

Brandon Aiyuk had a career year last season, finishing seventh in the league in receiving yards (1342), second in yards per catch (17.9), and catching seven touchdowns. For his efforts, he was named to the Second-team All-Pro. However, despite many expecting them to do so, the 49ers failed to win Super Bowl LVIII and now... Read More