After the fifth full slate of regular season action, the NFL and fantasy football are back in full swing.
If you had a tough injury in Week 5, or you have a player hitting the bye week for the first time this season, we’ll scan the waiver wire. For potential pickups, we’ll consider players who are available in at least 50% of ESPN fantasy leagues.
Let’s take a look at some of the potential waiver wire pickups that could help your teams heading into Week 6 of the NFL campaign.
Kenneth Walker III, RB, Seattle Seahawks (47.5%)
Walker came into the season as one of the highest-touted rookies for fantasy purposes, but Rashaad Penny’s performance has capped impact. However, Penny suffered a fractured fibula in Week 5 which will cost him the rest of his season. Walker should be there to get the extra opportunities in his absence.
Geno Smith, QB, Seattle Seahawks (32.5%)
Smith continues to not write back to those who wrote him off. Through five weeks, he’s the sixth-ranked quarterback in fantasy, averaging 19.6 points per week. While some are still waiting for him to turn back to a pumpkin, Smith may still capitalize against the Arizona Cardinals, who are allowing the 25th-most points to opposing quarterbacks.
Rams, D/ST (47.2%)
The Rams’ defense hasn’t been overly impressive, matching the slow start of their offense. However, going against a Carolina Panthers offense that’s ranked 31st in the league and just fired their head coach could be exactly what they need to get right.
Corey Davis, WR, New York Jets (30.5%)
It’s tough to determine exactly who’s going to be the go-to guy in a group of Jets weapons that’s quietly strong, but Davis has as good of a chance as any to separate himself. In Zach Wilson’s two games back, he’s averaging five targets per game, and on the year, Davis has averaged 11.8 fantasy points per game.
Mike Gesicki, TE, Miami Dolphins (46.8%)
Dolphins fans know that Gesicki’s production has been abysmal this year compared to the rest of his career. In terms of fantasy, he’s averaging just five fantasy points per contest. However, with every other tight end in Miami dealing with some type of injury, the former Nittany Lion may be a buy-low option.
