The fantasy football season has been full of surprises this season. Week 5 was no different with Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle delivering one of the biggest performances by a running back this season. Filling in for starter Chubba Hubbard, Dowdle rumbled his way to 206 rushing yards and a touchdown to go along with three catches for 28 yards in a 27-24 win over the Miami Dolphins. This week, there are a few potential waiver wire pickups that can make a difference on your roster. Let’s break down the best waiver wire pickups for Week 6.
Hassan Haskins
Hassan Haskins is expected to be one of the main beneficiaries of the injury to first-round rookie Omarion Hampton. Hampton was just starting to grow into a bigger role in the Chargers offense before getting hurt, and while this could turn out to be a committee approach with Kimani Vidal, Haskins should be the back to own. The 25-year-old spent time with coach Jim Harbaugh at Michigan where he rushed for 1,327 yards and scored 20 touchdowns in his final season with the Wolverines. Haskins should get the majority of the goal line carries and is a capable receiver as well, giving him added value in PPR leagues.
Rico Dowdle
Despite being named the starter last week, Dowdle remains owned in fewer than 60% of Yahoo leagues. The Panthers running back exploded for 38.4 points in PPR leagues last weekend and should be in line for the lion’s share of the workload once again against a Dallas Cowboys defense that has struggled to contain opposing running backs. While Hubbard will likely be back soon, Dowdle’s performance should earn him a bigger role in the Panthers offense, making him a potential RB3 or FLEX play for the remainder of the season.
Mason Taylor
For fantasy owners looking for a quality starter at tight end, rookie Mason Taylor looks to be on the verge of becoming one of the league’s top options. Justin Fields has a history of targeting tight ends and Taylor has earned more opportunities in the Jets offense, playing over 80% of the snaps in back-to-back weeks. After catching five passes for 65 yards against the Dolphins, Taylor followed up the performance with his best game of the season, hauling in nine balls for 67 yards and a two-point conversion. The Jets figure to be behind once again when they take on the Denver Broncos, which should give Taylor the kind of game script that could lead to another solid game.Â
Jalen Coker
Jalen Coker was one of the preseason sleepers among fantasy owners before hitting the IR with a quadriceps injury. Panthers coach Dave Canales said Friday that the Panthers will open Coker’s (quadriceps) 21-day window to return from injured reserve this week. Coker is reportedly doing great and hitting top speeds. Despite being an undrafted free agent, Coker was second among rookies last season in yards per route run and should be playable in PPR leagues once he returns to the field. Last season, Coker caught 32 passes for 478 yards and a touchdown and should be one of the main focal points in the Panthers passing game for the remainder of the season.
Ryan Flournoy
A second-year receiver from Southeast Missouri State, Flournoy burst onto the scene last week with CeeDee Lamb and KaVontae Turpin sidelined. The former sixth-round pick led the team with six catches for 114 yards, adding two rushes for 10 yards on his way to 21.4 fantasy points in PPR leagues. Prior to last week’s breakout game, Flournoy had never had more than 41 receiving yards but could be in line for another opportunity for a big game if either Lamb or Turpin remain on the injury report.
