Waiver Worthy: Week 6 (2018): Intriguing Wide Receivers, Running Back Worth Stashing & More

by Will Overton

Another week is nearly in the books with just the Monday Night game to go tonight. Once again the waiver wire material is dominated by the wide receiver position, with teams airing it out more and more. That said, we do still have a couple running backs to break down and a tight end you don’t want to miss out on. Let’s get to work breaking down all the top names of the week:

Marlon Mack, RB – Indianapolis Colts
For just the second time this season Mack was able to suit up and play for the Colts. With Indianapolis down early and playing catch up, Mack didn’t get a ton of carries but he was clearly the lead back on the ground. He carried the ball 12 times for an impressive 89 yards, adding one catch for four yards. The Colts have a bevy of running backs to choose from which makes things tough, but it seems like a healthy Mack has a big leg up on getting carries. So even if he loses out on third down work to Nyheim Hines he has some value as what looks like the lead back.
Verdict: You have to grab him if you can

Nick Chubb, RB – Cleveland Browns
There aren’t any real signs of a change coming in Cleveland at running back, but you can’t help but wonder if it isn’t coming soon. Carlos Hyde continues to be the lead back, but he also continues to be pretty unimpressive collecting just 34 yards on 14 carries yesterday and averaging just 3.4 yards per carry for the season. Meanwhile Chubb turned limited carries into 35 yards. The sample size is crazy small, but he has 173 yards on only 16 carries this season and you have to wonder when the Browns will want to see what he can do with more touches.
Verdict: Speculative add if you have room on your bench

Tyrell Williams, WR – Los Angeles Chargers
Phillip Rivers and Tyrell Williams had the connection going yesterday afternoon as they led the way for a route of the Cleveland Browns. Williams caught three passes for 118 yards and a pair of long TD catches. He has just 16 catches through six games but he’s turned it into 310 yards, good for 19.4 YPC. He is the clear deep threat for the Chargers and that leads to the occasional big game like this one. Unfortunately it’s often hard to predict when these games will happen because he is TD dependent.
Verdict: Williams is someone to use in a pinch, but is better off used in daily game formats

Jermaine Kearse, WR – New York Jets
What kind of waiver wire column would this be if Jermaine Kearse didn’t make the list at least once this season? Every year there is a period in the season where you wonder if you should be adding him. With an injury taking out Quincy Enunwa, Kearse got an opportunity and made the most of it with 9 catches for 94 yards. The Jets used Robby Anderson and Terrelle Pryor on the outsides to stretch the field, but it was Kearse in the slot moving the chains. Enunwa will have an MRI today on his ankle, and if he is out for any period of time Kearse could be a solid spot play in PPR formats.
Verdict: If Enunwa is out he’ll make a good floor option at WR in PPR leagues

Albert Wilson, WR – Miami Dolphins
Using Dolphins’ receivers is a bit of a crap shoot, but Wilson may be emerging as he number one guy. DaVante Parker can’t stay healthy, Kenny Stills has fallen off andDanny Amendola seems limited in upside, leaving us with Wilson who blew up yesterday, as he caught six passes for 155 yards and a pair of TD. He turned in the performance with Brock Osweiler under center, and it’s unclear if that’ll continue, but Wilson was gaining some traction with Ryan Tannehill too. Wilson has the big play ability this offense desperately needs right now and I think he’ll continue getting looks.
Verdict: Grab Wilson in all formats

Cole Beasley, WR – Dallas Cowboys
In a game where the Cowboys were expected to get shut down by the Jaguars, the offense exploded in a big way and Beasley was a big part of it. He pulled in 9 catches for 101 yards and a pair of TD. This was by far the best game we have seen from Dak Prescott and in turn Beasley too. It’s possible the Cowboys offense has figured some things out and turned a corner, but my gut says this game is an aberration which makes me a little lower on Beasley than someone like Wilson, because I don’t think he has the same kind of ceiling.
Verdict: There are more enticing options out there

O.J. Howard, TE – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The knee injury for Howard’s was supposed to keep him out of play for a few weeks, but after just one game out he was back on Sunday against the Falcons. Howard hauled in four catches for 62 yards and a TD in the game, his second TD in his last three games. Cameron Brate is still in the mix and caught a TD as well, but Howard is really distancing himself in terms of production and talent. He is averaging 18.9 YPC, almost unheard of from a TE. When he got injured he was cut in many leagues and this week is probably your one and only chance to add him before it’s too late.
Verdict: Should be owned in all leagues