Best available running backs on the Week 6 waiver wire

There are a few running backs widely available that either have good matchups heading into Week 6, or had successful Week 5 performances, or could benefit from an injury. With that in mind, here are five running backs with under 50% ownership in traditional fantasy football leagues that managers can consider picking up for Week 6.

Alexander Mattison, Vikings (40 percent)

Next up — ATL, BYE, @GB, DET, @CHI

Mattison’s waiver priority will depend on how hurt Dalvin Cook is, but we may not have full details before putting in our claims. If it sounds like Cook will try to play this week, but could be a game-time decision against the Falcons, Mattison is still worth picking up. And even if he looks like he’ll play, we’ve already seen what Mattison offers if Cook misses anymore time. With a bye in Week 7, we could see Cook sit out this week and return in Week 8. That would give us a one-week rental, but one that would become a must-start in most leagues.

Damien Harris, Patriots (54 percent)

Next up — DEN, SF, @BUF, @NYJ, BAL

Harris doesn’t have the best schedule moving forward, but he’s in line to see the bulk of the rushing attempts for New England until Sony Michel returns from I.R. He’s a little over our percentage threshold, but running backs are thin on the wire this week and Harris should have a decent floor with his usage.

Justin Jackson, Chargers (43 percent)

Next up — BYE, JAX, @DEN, LV, @MIA

Jackson and Joshua Kelley will continue to share work as they wait for Austin Ekeler’s return. Jackson outplayed Kelley by enough on Monday Night Football to give him a slight lead on the depth chart. But the best news is that the Chargers face the Jaguars and Raiders over the next four weeks, and those are matchups I want a piece of this season.

D’Ernest Johnson, Browns (42 percent)

Next up — @PIT, @CIN, LV, BYE, HOU

The Browns had the Ravens tough run defense and then the Steelers this week, but things get much better after that, as the Bengals and Raiders are bad against the run and the Bengals just lost D.J. Reader, their best run stopper.

J.D. McKissic, Washington, (6 percent)

Next up — @NYG, DAL, BYE, NYG, @DET

McKissic is strictly a PPR play, as he’s caught 10-of-12 targets for 77 yards over the last two games. I wouldn’t invest much in him, but if you’re desperate for a back who you can get some points from this week, he’ll get you a handful just due to receptions and maybe he can find the end zone against the Giants.