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Week 6 waiver-wire pickups and fantasy targets

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 02: Theo Riddick #25 of the Detroit Lions is pursued by Nick Kwiatkoski #44 and Jerrell Freeman #50 of the Chicago Bears during the second half of a game at Soldier Field on October 2, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

We’re almost at the halfway point of the fantasy football regular season. With the playoffs roughly two months away, it’s important to continue to trim the fat and cycle in high-upside players from waivers.

Remember, we cast a wide net every week in our waiver wire advice. Below you’ll see recommendations for shallow, regular and deep leagues. Players are listed in order of priority and the suggested auction budget percentage is in parentheses.

Keep in mind that some leagues may be more aggressive or conservative in terms of bidding, so know your league tendencies. Regardless of the size of your league, it’s suggested that you work your way down the list and prioritize the top players in your waiver claims for this week.

Shallow leagues (8-10 teams)

Quarterback

1. Brian Hoyer, Chicago (8%) – In three games as a starter, Hoyer the Destroyer has rattled off 1,029 yards and six touchdowns through the air. He’s the No. 3 fantasy quarterback over that span. I can’t believe it either, but Hoyer is now in must-own territory for as long as his productivity lasts.

Running back

1. Theo Riddick, Detroit (25%) – A top-five fantasy running back in Week 5, Riddick caught two red-zone touchdowns against the Eagles. He also had his best rushing performance of the season. He should be considered an every-week RB2 going forward.

2. Terrance West, Baltimore (20%) – While Kenneth Dixon is back, West remains the lead back and will get the bulk of the early-down work in Baltimore. With OC Marc Trestman fired, the Ravens should turn more to the run game, which bodes well for West.

Wide receiver

1. Sammie Coates, Pittsburgh (35%) – One of the top adds this week, Coates is coming off a massive Week 5 performance. Keep in mind that he also dropped four passes in that game. He’s going to be up and down going forward, but Coates’ ceiling in the Steelers offense is ideal.

2. Tyrell Williams, San Diego (25%) – Possibly dropped in your league, Williams needs to be owned in all formats after a breakout game against the Raiders where he put up 117 yards and a score. He should be considered an every-week WR3.

3. Cameron Meredith, Chicago (20%) – With Kevin White on the shelf, Meredith exploded for 136 yards and a score on nine catches. The second-year man has impressive size and speed. He’s creeping up into the WR3 conversation.

4. Jeremy Kerley, San Francisco (15%) – Kerley has shined in the very fantasy-friendly slot receiver position in Chip Kelly’s offense. Through five weeks, he’s top-10 among receivers in targets and is tied for 21st among wideouts in PPR scoring.

Tight end

1. Martellus Bennett, New England (35%) – If he’s somehow still available, Bennett needs to be owned following another huge game. The Patriots have sustained two TE1s in the past, and look like a good bet to do so this year with Bennett and Rob Gronkowski.

Regular leagues (12 teams)

Quarterback

1. Carson Wentz, Philadelphia (5%) – The rookie signal-caller threw his first pick as a pro in Week 5, but still managed to post another strong outing with 243 yards and two scores. That was good enough for 13th among quarterbacks for the week. Wentz remains a viable streamer through the bye weeks.

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