Erickson: Fantasy football waiver wire targets ahead of NFL Week 6

Another week of NFL action is in the books after Covid-19 and another crop of injuries have impacted the road ahead for fantasy football rosters.

There are plenty of players whose availability is up in the air, so potential replacements are going to be needed ASAP for: Dak Prescott, Dalvin Cook, D.J. Chark, Diontae Johnson and Sammy Watkins.

Week 6 also sees the continuation of the dreaded bye weeks. The Las Vegas Raiders, New Orleans Saints, Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Chargers are off this week, so teams relying on players like Josh Jacobs, Alvin Kamara, Russell Wilson, DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett need to pivot.

And for those who are more forward-thinking, this is a great time to plan ahead knowing that the Baltimore Ravens, Minnesota Vikings, Indianapolis Colts and Miami Dolphins are off in Week 7.

On to the waiver wire targets for Week 6: This list of players includes anyone rostered in approximately 50% of Yahoo leagues or less, with deep league options at every position as well. I’ll also share my thoughts on FAB (Free Agent Budget) bids and how much to spend on each player accordingly.

QUARTERBACKS

Andy Dalton, Dallas Cowboys 3% Rostered, 8% of FAB

Dak Prescott is out for the season, thrusting Andy Dalton into the starting role as quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys paid Dalton handsomely as a back-up quarterback, with his contract containing up to $7 million in incentives.

Dalton is surrounded by arguably the most talented group of skill players he has ever had at his disposal and he played well enough in limited action in the second half against the New York Giants.

He completed nine of 11 passes for 111 yards (10.1 yards per attempt). That gives me the confidence to stream him versus the Arizona Cardinals at home in Week 6.

The matchup couldn’t be more simple for Dalton; all he has to do is distribute the ball to his playmakers. The Cardinals rank second-to-last in yards after the catch allowed this season. The Cowboys rank first. They have five players with over 100 total yards after the catch this season.

And if worse comes worse, he can just launch it to Michael Gallup downfield.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, Miami Dolphins – 27% Rostered, 8% of FAB

Here we go again. Over the past four weeks, Ryan Fitzpatrick has averaged 26 fantasy points per game and has scored the fIfth-most fantasy points among quarterbacks. Due to scheduling changes, Fitzpatrick draws the New York Jets at home in Week 6 — they've allowed over 300 passing yards per game over the past two weeks.