Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
I hope you took advantage of my Branden Oliver advice last week because his price just skyrocketed. Oliver was by far my best recommendation last week and he tops this week’s list, but I expect this is the last week he’ll be owned in under 50% of league so it’s probably your last chance to grab him. The majority of this week’s list are repeats from last week except for a couple RBs that are now relevant due to injuries.
It was a brutal week for starting running backs as Montee Ball, Rashad Jennings, and Donald Brown all suffered injuries that will knock them out for at least a week or two. You never know how many chances you are going to get to grab a starting running back, so don’t be afraid to spend your waiver cash or a high priority slot this week on new starters like Oliver, Andre Williams, and Ronnie Hillman. I’ll list my recommendations below by priority and a few warnings on players to stay away from.
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Every week on Tuesday, I will be posting my top waiver pick ups for the week. Only players owned in under 50% of Yahoo leagues will qualify. There are all sorts of leagues out there with different levels of competition and varying player pool depths, so I will have a few picks with under 50% ownership, a few under 30%, 15%, and at least one super sleeper under 5%. I’ll also be listing a few players that may be popular waiver adds that I think you should pass on (the Kevin Ogletrees) and I’ll give you my reasons why of course. If there are any players you have a specific question about feel free to hit me up in the comments or on Twitter.
Week 6 Waiver Picks
RB Branden Oliver, Chargers (15%) – I had Oliver on this list last week, but I didn’t see his monster week coming against a Jets defense that had shut down top RBs like Matt Forte & Eddie Lacy. The diminutive Oliver had 182 total yards and 2 TDs and looked like a stronger Darren Sproles last week. With Ryan Matthews out a few more weeks, Danny Woodhead out all season and Donald Brown banged up and struggling, Oliver should be the lead back in San Diego for at least the next two weeks. I could see him taking over Woodhead’s role once Matthews comes back so he should be a borderline fantasy starter the rest of the season.
RB Andre Williams, Giants (27%) – I’ve been hesitant to pick up Williams due to the success of starter Rashad Jennings, but with Jennings out for at least a week with an MCL sprain it’s time to make the move on the rookie Williams. He has been a part of the offense even with Jennings healthy and should be looking at 20+ carries for at least a week or two and maybe longer. He’s worth $25+ or a top waiver priority because Williams will be involved in the offense even when Jennings returns. If he has success as a starter the next few weeks, Williams could be looking at around 40% of the carries with goal line duties when Jennings gets back. That’s a rosterable player and borderline starter. The only downside with Williams is that he has the worst hands I have ever seen from a RB, so don’t expect any catches or receiving yards.
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RB Ronnie Hillman, Broncos (9%) – Montee Ball also got hurt this week (groin) and will be sidelined for 2-3 weeks which opens up a role for Hillman. He has looked explosive the last two preseasons, but hasn’t been given much of a chance to play until the 2nd half of last week’s Cardinals game (15-64). Ball has struggled, so if Tillman plays well in his 2-3 week stint, he could lock down a bigger role in the offense moving forward. Tillman is a good receiver out of the backfield so has a little more value than Williams in full point PPR leagues.
RB Jerick McKinnon, Vikings (44%) – The Vikings were down by 3 TDs by the 2nd quarter of last weeks game so they never really had a chance to establish the run. McKinnon continues to show that he is the most explosive back in Minnesota (besides AP) and should get more touches every week.
RB Lorenzo Taliaferro, Ravens (32%) – Had a disappointing week 5 (5-18) after two consecutive weeks with a TD, but I wouldn’t give up on Taliaferro quite yet. He’s still the best inside runner the Ravens have and the future in Baltimore. It sounds like they are going with a RBBC for now, but it wouldn’t surprise me if Taliaferro is the lead back by the 2nd half of the season.
RB Antone Smith, Falcons (9%) – Smith has 4 TDs in just 17 touches and they all have been long scores (38, 48, 54, 74). Falcons coach Mike Smith said Monday that Smith deserves more touches and the RB1 job is wide open if Smith continues to produce. I’m stashing him in a couple of league before he breaks out and wins the job. It’s a long shot, but one with serious upside should Smith lock down the starting gig.