Welcome to Week 6 Exemption Wire Watch!
October is here, and we’re diving into another weekend full of NFL games. This season’s tight end situation in fantasy football has certainly been captivating. Big names like George Kittle and Brock Bowers are making waves, but it seems there’s a surge of promising new talents emerging each week.
As we look back at the performances from Week 5, it’s wise to check in on the exemption wire before heading into Week 6. Just a reminder—we consider exemptions to include those players who are on rosters in about 60% of Max’s league.
Goodbye for Week 6
Houston Texans, Minnesota Vikings
AJ Barner, TE Seattle Seahawks (1.9%)
In the recent game between the Seahawks and the Bucs, several players shone, and Barner has really stepped up in recent weeks. The second-year tight end caught all seven of his targets, scored two touchdowns, and gained 53 yards, wrapping up the week as the top-scoring fantasy tight end with 17.3 points in standard leagues and 24.3 points in PPR formats.
Barner is becoming a favorite target for Darnold, especially in the red zone, and he’s currently tied for the most tight end touchdowns of the season. It won’t be long before managers scramble to grab him from the exemption wire. If you can, get him while you still can.
Week 6 matchup
@Jacksonville Jaguars, 1pm
Darren Waller, TE, Miami Dolphins (61%)
The Dolphins are facing some turmoil, and coaching changes might be on the horizon, but Waller’s comeback seems to be progressing well. In Miami’s 27-24 loss to the Panthers, this Pro Bowl tight end managed five receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown. He’s arguing that a lack of targets in the second half was one reason Miami couldn’t maintain a 17-point lead.
With already three touchdowns in just two games this season, he’s becoming a key target for Tua Tagovailoa. Time is of the essence, as he was rostered in about 60% of the league, so best of luck to those hoping to snag him.
Week 6 matchup
vs. Los Angeles Chargers, 1pm
Theo Johnson, TE, New York Giants (8.7%)
The Giants stumbled against the Saints with a 26-14 loss, but Johnson’s continued improvement was a highlight. He caught six of seven targets for 33 yards and two touchdowns, ranking as the third-best fantasy tight end for the week. For the Canadian second-year player, that’s three scores in just two weeks.
Johnson is now among the top tight ends, and with rookie Jackson Dart at the helm for the Giants, they could see his role expand as the team seeks more offensive output. He’s definitely one to keep an eye on.
Week 6 matchup
vs. Philadelphia Eagles, 8:15pm (Thursday night)
Mason Taylor, TE, New York Jets (13.7%)
Shifting gears back to New York, the Jets have an emerging talent in Taylor. The son of Hall of Famer Jason Taylor, he had a notable game against the Cowboys, catching nine of his team-high 12 targets for 67 yards.
Like Johnson, Taylor is finding success and ranking in the upper tiers of tight end performance. With the Jets needing more contributions from their offense, he could become a valuable asset. Don’t forget to consider him for your tight end needs.
Week 6 matchup
vs. Denver Broncos, 9:30am (London)
JATKING, TE, San Francisco 49ers (5.7%)
Tong has been a reliable substitute for Kittle, performing well in the 49ers’ thrilling 26-23 overtime victory over the Rams. He caught seven passes for 41 yards and found the end zone, marking the second consecutive game he scored. The Niners await Kittle’s return from injury, and it’ll be interesting to see how they manage the workload moving forward.
Week 6 matchup
@Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 4:25pm
