Four teams enter their bye in Week 6, which probably means you're turning to the waiver wire for help filling out your roster. If you missed out on the first wave of top waiver wire targets, there still may be some sleepers available to help you out.
For the purposes of this list, we'll limit sleeper selections to any player with less than 60 percent ownership on Yahoo's fantasy football platform. Additionally, I'll select one super-sleeper, with under 10 percent ownership, to help out those of you who may be playing in deeper leagues. All references to betting totals and spreads are from the NCAAF odds.
Gardner Minshew, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Yahoo Ownership: 47 percent
Gardner Minshew is one of just three quarterbacks who have scored at least 16 fantasy points in every game this season, along with Patrick Mahomes and fellow rookie Kyler Murray. Minshew's ceiling has been limited -- he's topped 20 points just once -- but the consistency makes him a great streaming option on a weekly basis. This week Minshew draws the New Orleans Saints, who have allowed the third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season.
Adrian Peterson, RB, Washington Redskins
Yahoo Ownership: 52 percent
Over the past four weeks, the Washington Redskins have run just 16 offensive plays while holding a lead. Due to their constant state of playing from behind, they've been forced to abandon the run early in games, which has limited Adrian Peterson to just 40 carries. Against the Miami Dolphins, however, there's a decent chance Peterson finally finds himself with a favorable game script and a chance to carry the load in the second half. Additionally, according to ESPN's Josina Anderson, interim head coach Bill Callahan has discussed a renewed commitment to the running game.
Chase Edmonds, RB, Arizona Cardinals
Yahoo Ownership: 29 percent
Chase Edmonds' fantasy value will be dependent on the health of David Johnson, who could miss this week's game against the Atlanta Falcons due to a back injury. If Johnson can't go, Edmonds will likely see a significant workload as both a runner and receiver. When given the opportunity, Edmonds has proven his value as a running back, picking up 6.7 yards per attempt this season. Kliff Kingsbury also appears to trust Edmonds' hands, as he has six receptions on eight targets while lined up as a receiver, according to Sports Info Solutions. That type of versatile role against a shaky Falcons defense could lead to a breakout game for the second-year pro.
D.K. Metcalf, WR, Seahawks
Yahoo Ownership: 59 percent
Opposing quarterbacks are completing 57.7 percent of their passes at 15 or more yards downfield against the Cleveland Browns, the fourth-highest rate in the league, according to Sports Info Solutions. D.K. Metcalf has been the Seattle Seahawks primary deep threat, leading the team with 10 targets at 15 or more yards downfield, including both of his touchdown receptions. The Browns secondary issues have been partially due to injuries to Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams -- both of whom returned to practice in a limited role on Wednesday. Even if both are active against Seattle, Metcalf is more likely to draw consistent coverage from the rookie Williams, while Ward matches up with Tyler Lockett.
Mohamed Sanu, WR, Atlanta Falcons
Yahoo Ownership: 51 percent
Mohamed Sanu has posted double-digit fantasy points (PPR scoring) in each of the Falcons' last three games, and draws a favorable matchup against the Cardinals on Sunday. 33 of Sanu's 36 targets have come while lined up in the slot, according to Sports Info Solutions, which is an area Arizona has struggled to defend. Opposing quarterbacks are completing 77.7 percent of their passes to the slot, with eight touchdowns and no interceptions against the Cardinals.
DeVante Parker, WR, Miami Dolphins
Yahoo Ownership: 11 percent
Despite their offensive struggles, the Dolphins have been an aggressive downfield passing team and DeVante Parker is one of just 10 receivers in the league with double-digit targets of 20 yards or more. Despite the opportunities, he hasn't put up significant fantasy numbers but the Redskins' defense should provide him an opportunity. When the Dolphins offensive line has kept Josh Rosen clean, he's been effective this season and the Redskins pass-rush is one of the weaker units in the league. According to Sports info Solutions, Washington has brought pressure on just 23.9 percent of opponents dropbacks, which ranks 28th in the league. As Rosen's stats in a clean pocket demonstrate, it should be a little easier to connect with Parker this week.
Comp Pct | On-Target Rate | Yds/Tgt | |
---|---|---|---|
Rosen Under Pressure | 36.7% | 50.0% | 4.5 |
Rosen in Clean Pocket | 59.3% | 79.6% | 6.4 |
Super Sleeper: Jon Hilliman, RB, New York Giants
Yahoo Ownership: 7 percent
A year ago at this time, Jonathan Hilliman was a backup running back on a Rutgers squad that finished 1-11. Now he appears to be in line to start for New York Giants in Week 6. Hilliman is unlikely to see many carries, as the Giants should be playing from behind against the New England Patriots. However, Hilliman's role at Rutgers was the short-yardage back, so he's a good bet to see goal line touches for the Giants as well. According to Sports Info Solutions, Hilliman led the Scarlet Knights with 11 carries inside the 10-yard line and reached the end zone five times.