Welcome to the Week 6 waiver wire watch!
The month of October is underway and another weekend of NFL action is in the books. The tight end front in fantasy football has been interesting so far this season. While stars like George Kittle and Brock Bowers have been banged up, a new up-and-coming pass-catcher seemingly emerges with a strong effort each week.
We’ll go over some Week 5 performers that you should consider scooping off the waiver wire ahead of Week 6 and as always, we’ll classify a waiver add as someone who is rostered in 60% of leagues at the max.
Week 6 byes: Houston Texans, Minnesota Vikings
AJ Barner, TE Seattle Seahawks (1.9%)
The aforementioned Seahawks-Bucs game saw several players on both sides ball out and Barner continued the tear that he’s been on for the past few weeks. The second-year tight end caught all seven of his targets for 53 yards and two touchdowns on the day, leading all fantasy TE’s for the week with 17.3 points in standard leagues and 24.3 points in PPR formats.
Barner is becoming a go-to option for Darnold, especially in the red zone and he currently finds himself tied with Dallas Goedert for most touchdowns for tight ends this season at four. The secret about him is getting out and there will be a mad dash for managers to claim him off the waiver wire in the coming weeks, so get him while you can.
Week 6 matchup: @ Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 p.m. ET
Darren Waller, TE, Miami Dolphins (61%)
The Dolphins are a mess and a coaching change may be on the horizon soon, but at least the Waller comeback tour is going well. The Pro Bowl tight end had five receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown in the team’s 27-24 loss to the Panthers on Sunday and it could be argued that his lack of targets in the second half was part of the reason why Miami blew a 17-point lead.
He already has three touchdowns in just two games played this season and one figures that Tua Tagovailoa will keep turning to him, especially with Tyreek Hill done for the year. Being rostered in roughly 60% of leagues, time is quickly running out for managers to be able to claim him off the waiver wire. May the odds be in your favor.
Week 6 matchup: vs. Los Angeles Chargers, 1 p.m. ET
Theo Johnson, TE, New York Giants (8.7%)
The Giants went down to the Superdome and took a 26-14 loss to the Saints on Sunday, but the continuing progression of Johnson was one of the few positives to come out of the game. Johnson finished as the third-ranked fantasy tight end for the week, catching six of seven targets for 33 yards and two touchdowns against New Orleans. That now marks three trips to the end zone in two weeks for the second-year player from Canada.
Johnson ranks in the top 10 in routes run among tight ends with 149 and his role in the offense is seemingly increasing with rookie Jaxson Dart now starting games for the G-Men. The offense needs people to step up with Malik Nabers done for the year and the rising tight end is doing his part to fill the gaps. Keep him on your radars.
Week 6 matchup: vs. Philadelphia Eagles, 8:15 p.m. ET (Thursday night)
Mason Taylor, TE, New York Jets (13.7%)
Speaking of New York tight ends, the struggling Jets also have a blossoming big target in Taylor. The rookie out of LSU and son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Jason Taylor was very active in the team’s 37-22 home loss to the Cowboys on Sunday, catching nine of a team-high 12 targets for 67 yards.
Like the aforementioned Johnson, he is also in the top 10 in routes run with 151 and he should also get more looks as the last remaining winless team in the league looks for anyone to step up and make plays. Keep him in mind if you’re looking for tight end help.
Week 6 matchup: vs. Denver Broncos, 9:30 a.m. ET (London)
Jake Tonges, TE, San Francisco 49ers (5.7%)
Tonges has continued to be an effective placeholder for the aforementioned Kittle and once again came through for the banged up 49ers in their 26-23 overtime victory over the Rams last Thursday night. Seven receptions for 41 yards and a touchdown is what he delivered in the win, marking the second straight game where he’s found the end zone. The Niners are still waiting for their veteran All-Pro to return from their injury and at this point, one would expect him to share the workload with how well Tonges has been playing over the last month.
Week 6 matchup: @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 4:25 p.m. ET
