Fantasy Football: top waiver wire claims for Week 6

In Week 5, several players who have been stuck on waivers had breakout games. Multiple wide receivers with low ownership posted at least 16 points in ESPN standard scoring. One in particular looks like a stud that could provide a huge boost to your starting lineup in the immediate future, that player is...

Sammie Coates, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers - Coates seems to have taken over the role that Martavis Bryant has had when on the field. Coates has emerged not only as the number two wide receiver in the potent Steelers offense, but he is the primary deep threat. While teams are scheming to stop Antonio Brown, Coates may find himself with opportunities in single coverage. His 25-point performance in Week 5 should not be expected from week to week, but he is a starting option in Week 6 against Miami, and very well could become an every week starter just as Bryant has been in the past.

Jeremy Kerley, WR, San Francisco 49ers - Kerley is clearly the best option in a lack-luster San Francisco passing attack. In Week 5 against Arizona, Kerley had eight receptions for 102-yards and one touchdown. This was building off of his six catch, 88-yard, and one score day in Week 4. While Kerley is likely the top wide receiver on the 49ers, he is a bench stash in case one of your wide receivers gets hurt. With Blaine Gabbert starting, Kerley is always going to have a limit to his value, and Colin Kaepernick is not much better.

Dontrelle Inman/Tyrell Williams, WR, San Diego Chargers - Travis Benjamin has not been the same guy since his explosion following Keenan Allen’s injury. Inman and Williams have stepped up as the primary passing options for Philip Rivers. Williams went off for 17-points in Week 5, answering a big game from Inman in Week 4. At this point, it will be hard to predict from week to week who is a better play, but both have value as fill-ins during bye weeks.

Chris Hogan, WR, New England Patriots - With the return of Tom Brady, Hogan’s fantasy value skyrockets. Hogan had 4 catches for 114-yards against the Browns, asserting himself as the primary deep threat/big play receiver in the New England offense. Touchdowns will come however, as Martellus Bennett will not go off for three touchdowns every week. Hogan is a low-end flex play for Week 6 and beyond, consistency with his new quarterback will have to be shown before anointing him as an every week starter.

Jalen Richard, RB, Oakland Raiders - Richard largely outperformed DeAndre Washington in the absence of Latavius Murray. Richard provides value has both a receiver and as a runner. Plus, if your league counts points for returners, he has potential in that role as well. Richard is significantly more versatile than Washington, and as long as Murray is out, Richard is the best option in the Oakland backfield, espeically with a plus matchup against a weak Chiefs run defense.

Matt Asiata, RB, Minnesota Vikings - As predicted, Asiata has been the goal line back for the Vikings without Adrian Peterson. Asiata has scored in two straight games, and saw his carries more than double in Week 5. Outside of a strong game against the New York Giants, Jerick McKinnon has been relatively ineffective, opening the door for Asiata.

Caleb Sturgis, K, Philadelphia Eagles - It’s not often that a kicker will make this list, but Sturgis has had three straight 10 point games. However, Sturgis is only 10% owned in ESPN leagues. Especially for players who have a kicker on a bye week, Sturgis is emerging as one of the top kicking options. If the Eagles offense keeps rolling, Sturgis should keep racking up points.

Cameron Artis-Payne, RB, Carolina Panthers - As long as Jonathan Stewart is out in Carolina, Artis-Payne is the top option the Panthers backfired. He largely out carried Fozzy Whittaker, and largely out produced him as well, highlighted by two trips to the endzone.

Honorable Mention: Jay Ajayi, RB, Miami Dolphins - Ajayi had a big Week 5, but largely just because he found the end zone. I’m not buying this as a sign of things to come.

Keep an eye out for starts and sits coming later this week.