Fantasy football 2018: top 10 waiver wire Week 6 pickups

FOXBORO, MA. - OCTOBER 04: Chester Rogers #80 of the Indianapolis Colts carries the ball against the New England Patriots during an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts on October 4, 2018. (Photo by Christopher Evans/Digital First Media/Boston Herald via Getty Images) /

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PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 30: Javorius Allen #37 of the Baltimore Ravens in action during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on September 30, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

RB: Javorius Allen, Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens backfield is a bit of a mess right now, and it’s usually been a situation to avoid in fantasy football. Unfortunately, beggars can’t be choosers, and we’re at the point in the season where running backs are at a premium, particularly in deeper leagues. Injuries to backs like Matt Breida and Leonard Fournette have thinned out the position, as has Le’Veon Bell’s continued holdout.

Javorius Allen emerged as the Ravens most-used back in a tough loss to the Cleveland Browns, catching 6 passes for 44 yards on 8 targets with an additional 34 yards on 8 carries. Alex Collins received the most rushing attempts and rushing yards, but Allen played a key role in the passing game, especially on some clutch situations in the fourth quarter.

Alex Collins has more upside in fantasy, because he’s the better rusher and gets the goal-line carries. But he’s also owned in nearly every league, whereas Allen is owned in just 24.0% of leagues. That makes sense, given that he’s averaged under 3.0 yards per carry this season, but he could be useful in deeper PPR leagues after making plays in the passing game in Week 5.

Allen doesn’t offer much in terms of touchdowns or rushing yardage, but he gives owners a little bit of everything. Again, he’s only recommended for deep leagues where running backs are difficult to find, but he is a possible option, especially since he out-gained Collins in yards from scrimmage this past week.

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