THIS Sneaky Target Can Save the Week 6 Waiver Wire | Fantasy Football: transcript

Matt Shawn and Jared Small of draftsharks.com here to help guide you through week six on the waiver wire. And before we get to the names here, Jared, I got to say, it's a pretty ugly week on waivers overall. I think if you're looking for immediate help, then you're probably going to be out of luck this week and you're looking more at stash possibilities. >> For sure. It's It's kind of been a tough season on the waiver wire. I think we've had a lot of injuries, but it seems like like every running back that goes down, it's like on a crappy offense with like a crappy backup that's It's just like not a super exciting ad. And that's kind of kind of what we have again this week.

>> Yeah, and we'll see who pops up at this list of names, but it might be a good week to, you know, look around at some other backups that may might not be handcuffs to guys that you have, might not be obvious candidates, might have absolutely nothing that's making them, you know, worth your attention this week other than that they're an injury away from being potentially useful to your fantasy squad. So, if you've got a spot to play with, maybe just look around for non-obvious candidates, even if they don't make our list of players today. We do have a top five as usual. We will hit streaming defenses for this week and next week. Number one on this week's list though is Zonovan Knight, the running back for the Broncos. Jared, give me the case for Knight leading this list despite the fact that he still sits on injured reserve.

>> Yeah, that's how bad the waiver wire week is is that we're talking about an injured running back who is definitely not playing this week. Knight um is still on IR for at least this week. Adam Schefter did report like when Knight landed on IR that he was expected to be ready when first eligible in week seven. So, expecting to see Knight back from the high ankle sprain next week. If you remember, we highlighted him after week two coming off that Jags game when JK Dobbins went down with a hamstring.

Knight um had 58 total yards and a touchdown in that game against the Jags. He had 39 rushing yards in that game, by the way. That's still the most by any running back against Jacksonville this season, and it came on just 10 carries. So, we know how tough of a match up that's been, but the the big argument for Gus Edwards I think is just that JK Dobbins has not been very good this season. He's averaging 3.6 yards per carry and among 53 running backs with 25 plus carries this season, Dobbins is 47th in rush yards over expected per attempt, 45th in missed tackles forced per attempt, 28th in yards after contact per attempt. So, I still think there's room for Gus Edwards when healthy to take over as the lead ball carrier in this offense over the second half of the season. So, you know, if you don't need immediate help this week at running back, he's the guy I'd prioritize. Gus Edwards by the way, um, available in 70% of Yahoo leagues, 62% of Sleeper leagues. So, he has been dropped in a lot of leagues, uh, you

know, since he's landed on IR. So, I think he's an excellent stash that, you know, is worth grabbing now because I think next week at this time, when people know he's set to come off IR, he's going to be a lot tougher to acquire. >> Yeah, I agree with that. Now, the high ankle sprain landed him on IR. He will return to a crowded backfield. So, that means you should not count on being able to use Gus Edwards Coleman as soon as he does return from IR, even if it is, you know, right when expected in that week seven game. This is an investment for the second half of the season because the Broncos we already know like the rookie running back. As Jared mentioned, JK Dobbins has not been good so far and RJ Harvey was not good last year, didn't do anything over the summer to get anybody excited about his rushing, which is part of why Gus Edwards Coleman's buzz took over camp. So, again, this is somebody that you go ahead and stash on your bench, hope that he can give you real value over the second half of the season. Number two on this list, somebody that has a chance to give you much more immediate help if you do have a spot for a wide receiver, Jeremy Bernard from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Six catches for 80 yards on

nine targets in Sunday's win over the Colts, led the team in targets in that game, matched DK Metcalf in playing time. Of course, the team just placed Michael Pittman Jr. on IR. The last time that Pittman missed a game was in week two. Bernard had eight targets in that game, was one behind Metcalf for the team lead in that game as well. And these Steelers are a pass-leaning offense, Jared. So, it looks like a pretty good spot for Bernard going forward. >> For sure. I mean, we know he's the Pittman replacement, like you said, Matt, for the next three games at least. And I would not be surprised if Bernard just stays ahead of Michael Pittman for the rest of the season. He wasn't an early second-round pick, Michael Pittman. And I'm sure it is largely to do with that injury he was trying to play through, but he has looked horrible when he's been on the field so far this season. You know, we'll we'll see if he's healthier when he comes back and if he, you know, takes the job back from Bernard. But, you know, Aaron Rodgers spoke to the media this past Friday and was talking about how he he was quizzing Bernard throughout the week on like the Colts' defensive tendencies and like how to run specific routes against different coverages against the Colts, like

knowing that Bernard was going to have to play a big role in this game. And Rodgers, even before this game, said like Bernard aced those tests and like he was like he he sounded excited about Bernard's like trajectory in this offense. And then, like you said, Matt, he comes out, leads the Steelers in targets, has a productive game, 95% route rate in that game. Roman Wilson goes down last week with a finger injury. He's expected to miss a couple weeks. Ben Skowronek went down in that game as well. So, I mean, it's it's thin now in the Steelers' pass-catching core.

And like you said, Matt, the Steelers are fifth in pass rate, they're fifth in pass rate over expected, they're tied for sixth in the NFL in pass attempts. Aaron Rodgers is is playing well enough to like, you know, support some pieces in this passing game. So, I think even as soon as this week, like you know, we have four teams on bye this week. Bernard, I think, is someone you you could use as like a wide receiver three or four if you need to. And you know, we kind of see where his role goes from here. >> And Aaron Rodgers has previously spoken the opposite way about Michael Pittman, not necessarily denigrating him, but saying heading into the season that kind of we'll see what happens because I haven't had a whole lot of time to work with this guy. Pittman dealt with injuries over the summer, so hasn't had much prep time with Aaron Rodgers. If that absence has given Bernard extra time to work with the quarterback, that's only going to make Rodgers more comfortable with the rookie wide receiver. The team drafted Bernard early enough that they obviously like him. So, there's room for him to just keep the job ahead of Pittman if he's playing well enough after Pittman returns. So, this is more than just a guy who can maybe give you some help over the next

few weeks. This is perhaps a player who has the potential to help you the rest of the season, at least, you know, in in a like a wide receiver four with wide receiver three upside type of role, and we'll see beyond that. >> Yeah, I think we've mentioned it multiple times on this show already this year that, you know, when when you see a rookie wide receiver like flash like this, it just grab him because a lot of these times these are the the types that, you know, turn into I'm not going to call Bernard a potential league winner, but like someone who could could be a weekly fantasy starter, you know, over the the second half of the season.

>> Yeah, can make a difference. Number three on this list, I'm not sure can make a difference, but Damien Pierce has a shot to at least lead the Philly backfield in touches this coming week. That wound up being the case against the Jaguars in the loss in London on Sunday. 14 yards though on 11 carries in that game. Caught just two of his five targets for minus two yards, including a drop near the sideline. The entire Philly offense totaled 22 rushing yards on 18 carries in that game. And for the season, Saquon Barkley is averaging 5.1 yards per carry. All the other Eagles running backs are combining to average 2.7. So, Jared, what am I doing with Damien Pierce this week?

>> Yeah, I tried to get him as low as I could in these rankings. This is about as low as I could get him. I I do think, you know, he's worth adding for teams in need of immediate running back help, you know, if you're if you're down in the Rashad White Tyler Allgeier area of like, you know, running backs, I think, you know, Pierce can probably help you. Um Well, Shipley's expected to miss multiple weeks after suffering a partial tear of his plantar fascia in that game against the Jags. You know, Tank Bigsby's out at least three more games on IR. We'll see about Saquon Barkley. You know, I hamstrings typically cost guys more than one game. So, I'm I think at this point tentatively expecting him to at least miss week six here. So, that you know, would leave Pierce as the lead guy in Philly's backfield. Carson Steel was active yesterday uh Sunday for that game. I'm not sure why cuz he didn't play a single offensive snap. Uh the Eagles left Jaden Blue on the practice squad. So, he's still available. I would assume he'll probably get the call up to be the RB3 if Saquon misses. But you know, what we saw in week five, I

think you got to expect Pierce to lead the backfield. And it's a much better week six match-up for the Eagles. You know, we we talked about that Jaguars run defense how good it's been you know, even dating back to last season. The Eagles get Carolina in week six here. Um the Panthers are allowing 5.4 yards per carry to running backs. And the Eagles are actually one and a half point home favorites in that game. So, you know, you should get better game script in that one. Um so again, I think Pierce not exciting, not someone I be wanting to start in week six. But again, four teams on by, lots of injuries at the position. I'm sure I'm sure for plenty of fantasy teams like you know, Pierce is going to be the best you can do for that you know, RB3 or flex spot.

>> Game script was just fine for the Eagles against the Jaguars in London. The Jacksonville should have won that game pretty easily but kept turning the ball over and getting in its own way. So, never took the Eagles run game out of it. It's just there was absolutely no run game. So, to me even if there's no Will Shipley, no Saquon Barkley, Damien Pierce is only an if you absolutely need to use him option. If that's where you're at at running back, certainly go ahead and try to get him off waivers this week. Beware of overpaying for him because the only way he's actually going to help you I believe is if he lucks into a touchdown like Will Shipley did in the first half of that Jacksonville game before leaving with his injury.

Number four, Roschon Johnson. Jared, Roschon Johnson has 22 rushing yards on nine carries through five games this season. Why does he make this week's list? >> Yeah, kind of in the Jonah Coleman mold here for Roshan Johnson. Like he's not a fantasy starter, but he's a stash because well, for starters, you know, Johnson was the the RB2 in week five behind DeAndre Swift. He actually finished with five carries and seven targets. Now, six of those 12 opportunities came over the final two drives when the Bears were, you know, down multiple scores at that point. So, it's basically garbage time work for Roshan Johnson. So, I would not look at the usage in week five and think he's anywhere close to a starting option in week six. You know, DeAndre Swift controlled the backfield when that game was, you know, still in doubt. But, Khalil Herbert missed week five with turf toe.

Um, Jeremy Fowler reported this past week that Herbert could miss one to two games. That means, you know, he could miss another game. And turf toe it's a tough injury for skill position guys. It kind of lingers and I would not be surprised if it even cost you, Herbert, more time beyond this. But, so you know, Johnson's just the stash as for now, the RB2 in one of the most productive of running games in the NFL. DeAndre Swift was on the injury report this past week with hip and knee issues. You know, he ended up playing and he looked fine, but he was on the injury report. You know, maybe it's something. Um, so again, Johnson's just a stash. If he gets some injury luck ahead of him, you know, he he could fall into a role in this, you know, running game that we we definitely want pieces of.

>> Bears are at a surprisingly difficult Atlanta defense in week six, eighth in total DVOA, third against the run, 10th against the pass. So, to me, the fact that Roshan Johnson makes the top five at all shows you that this is just a week of bad options because I he's he's obviously at least a DeAndre Swift injury away from even having the chance to help you at all. And even in that case, I think we're looking at a Damien Pierce level contributor. Multiple Bears coaching staffs have shown that they don't really love Roshan Johnson at this point. It's an offense where whoever's starting in the backfield, if he gets to that point, is worth a look. But, you know, really only get Roshan Johnson this week if you don't have an actually helpful option available to you.

>> Yeah, that's the type of week it is. We're kind of like churning through our last couple bench spots and just trying to upgrade what we can. I will say Ben Johnson uh had some nice things to say about Roschon Johnson this past week. Um he basically said, you know, we we didn't get to see this guy last year cuz he was just hurt all year and I think he he showed he obviously showed enough um this summer to, you know, win that number three running back job. >> I would rather pick up the fifth guy on this list, Ryan Flournoy from Dallas. To me, he's just been a guy all season that you stash if you're in a week like this where there is nobody truly attractive and you're just looking to, you know, use a spot on your roster on a player with some upside. There are not many teams on which I would target a handcuff wide receiver, but Dallas is one of those few teams both because of the player and because of the situation. The Cowboys fifth in pass attempts so far, fifth in passing yards, eighth in neutral pass rate, which is actually up from 16th last year, and Flournoy hasn't done much this year, but he's been involved. He's been on the field quite a bit as a third receiver for these

Cowboys with both CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens available uh the whole time. And he did top 100 receiving yards twice in games last year while CeeDee Lamb was dealing with injuries. >> Yeah, he's the clear number three receiver in a good passing game. He's actually sitting around like a 15% target share this season. He he's been a little inefficient on his targets. So like he Flournoy could be like a desperation starter for you, you know, as we get into bye weeks here, but you're stashing him for, like you said Matt, the handcuff upside. Um we saw last year Flournoy went for 114 yards in week five when CeeDee Lamb was out. He also had a 115-yard one-touchdown game in week 14 when CeeDee Lamb left early with a concussion. And even uh this past Thursday night against Tampa Bay, we got 90 yards from Flournoy with CeeDee Lamb missing, you know, most of the second half of that game with his quad injury.

It's just a quad bruise for CeeDee Lamb and he's, you know, going to have some extra time to heal up ahead of week six here. So, I think I'm kind of expecting Lamb to play, but he's he's at least iffy and he's already banged up now. And you're again, it's just it's a Lamb or a George Pickens injury would turn Flennoy into someone who, you know, you're probably going to find him inside the top 40 in our wide receiver rankings. >> Yeah, I mean, potentially even a Jake Ferguson injury could offer at least a slight boost in target share. So, a decent guy to stash on your bench, like you said, can be a desperation start.

I've used him a time or two in deeper leagues so far this year. And just to add a little bit of context to that target share for Flennoy, he's barely behind Jameson Williams in that area. So, not insignificant usage considering he's a team's number three wide receiver to this point. Week six streaming defense, Jared. I like the Chiefs up first. They are extra available now because they're coming off a bye, just 17% rostered on Sleeper as of this moment. Um they've had kind of fantasy outings the past three weeks after a nice week one against Denver.

But this week they get the Chargers, who are the seventh best scoring match-up for team defenses so far, the most giveaways in the league, two plus turnovers in four of their five games so far, 30th in scoring. So, not a whole lot of risk that you're going to get a point total from these Chargers that make you regret playing the Chiefs. Obviously, plenty of upside just to the way LA is playing to this point. >> Yeah, I mean, the fact that the Chiefs are actually a pretty good defense is just a bonus at this point. It's just tar- targeting the Chargers offense. I I feel bad for the Chargers at this point.

I mean, they were starting four rookies on the O-line in week five there. You know, Ladd McConkey was active, but didn't even play because of his foot injury. Quentin Johnston was out. So, they were they were, you know, throwing out Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Theo Wease as like their top two receivers. I can't believe we've gotten here with the Chargers. But yeah, they're they're implied for 17 points in Kansas City. It's one of the the lowest implied totals of the week. So, I think the Chiefs are definitely definitely your best streaming D option if they're available. If not, I think you can go to the Colts.

Not a good defense, but they get this match up against Tennessee, which you know, we've been targeting all season. The Titans are implied for 18.75 points in week six. They're actually averaging just 11.6 points per game this season. That's the lowest in the NFL. They're also dead last in the NFL in yards per game. Cam Ward's thrown a an interception in three straight games now, so you know, Colts again, not a good D, but I think if you if you're starting defenses against Tennessee, you're typically doing pretty well this year. >> Yeah, and that's why I'll kick off the week seven streaming defense options with the Browns at Tennessee for all those reasons that you just mentioned.

The Titans are worst in the league in both scoring and yards. In addition to averaging just 11.6 points per game, they have yet to reach 300 total yards in a game, which is embarrassing. Two giveaways in each of the past three games. You know, does that make Cleveland a lock as a fantasy defense? Of course not, but facing Tennessee so far has been about as close to a lock as you can get for your fantasy defense. What you got? >> Yeah, I think you going back to our typical targets for our defenses, Titans and Dolphins, and it's the Jets defense who gets Miami. They're home for Miami in week seven, so I think the Jets are definitely a nice option.

The Chargers are are on bye unfortunately in week seven, so we can't pick on them. You know, they really have become they're right there for me. At least until they get healthier on the O line and at wide receiver. You know, with Tennessee and Miami is like, you know, the teams to target with our DSTs. >> They might want to check Justin Herbert for color blindness while he's on bye because I don't think that he can tell the difference between his team's jerseys and the other team's jerseys. And by the way, that Dolphins offense so bad, Sunday against the Bengals the first time this season that they've topped 13 points in a game this year.

Obviously inspired by me betting Jared that they would outscore Philly in week six and week five. >> Yes, I owe you I owe you some beer. Um Very very happy Miami got that garbage time touchdown so that the garbage time two-point conversion wasn't the the difference in the bet. But yeah, I guess if if you're betting Eagles-Dolphins, it's typically going to come down to a garbage time, so you got me there. >> It sure will. If you're looking for a streaming defense, it should come down to Shane's weekly article on draftsharks.com. You can get more week six streaming defense options and check your free agent finder to get help finding whatever it is that your team needs this week and beyond. When you are ready to work the waiver wire in your fantasy league, Draft Sharks is ready to be your unfair advantage.

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