Fantasy Football Buy Low Wide Receivers: WR Breakout Candidates for Week 6

Buy-Low WRs This Week at a Glance

• Tee Higgins, Bengals
• Ladd McConkey, Chargers
• Jaylen Waddle, Broncos

We're five weeks into the NFL season, and fantasy football managers are beginning to feel the pressure of the playoff race. Whether you're looking to overcome a slow start or strengthen an already competitive roster, making the right trades can be one of the best ways to improve your championship chances.

One of the most effective trade strategies is buying low on talented players who haven't lived up to expectations. At wide receiver, disappointing performances, injuries, and inconsistent quarterback play can create opportunities to acquire players for significantly less than their preseason value.

With that in mind, let's break down some wide receivers worth targeting in fantasy football trades entering Week 6.

All fantasy football projections via our numbers at FanDuel Research, and NFL odds references are to FanDuel Sportsbook. Statistics mentioned are via NextGenStats or Pro Football Focus unless stated otherwise.

WRs to Buy Low in Fantasy Football

Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals

Tee Higgins is coming off a disappointing Week 5 performance, catching just 2 of 4 targets for 22 yards in the Cincinnati Bengals‘ win over the Miami Dolphins. However, he entered that contest with 25 receptions for 401 yards and a touchdown through four games, including an 11-catch, 157-yard explosion against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 4.

Higgins has been dealing with groin and neck injuries, but Cincinnati's Week 6 bye gives him additional time to recover before the Bengals face the Baltimore Ravens in Week 7. Higgins being on a bye may make him slightly easier to trade for, too.

Between his established role in a high-octane offense and his recent injury concerns, Higgins looks like an excellent buy-low candidate.

Ladd McConkey, Los Angeles Chargers

Ladd McConkey has struggled to establish himself as a consistent fantasy contributor this season, creating an opportunity to acquire him.

Through his first four games, McConkey averaged approximately 4.3 targets, 3.0 receptions, and 45.8 receiving yards per contest, numbers that fall short of what fantasy managers expected entering the year. Still, his route-running ability and chemistry with Justin Herbert give him a path to improved production if his involvement in the Los Angeles Chargers' passing attack increases.

McConkey's trade value has fallen considerably — his manager may be close to dropping him — and that makes Ladd an intriguing target for managers willing to bet on his talent over his disappointing early-season numbers.

Jaylen Waddle, Denver Broncos

Jaylen Waddle has been one of fantasy football's biggest disappointments through five weeks, but his talent makes him an intriguing buy-low option.

Outside of an eight-catch, 138-yard performance in Week 2, Waddle has averaged just 2.5 receptions and 16.5 receiving yards across his other four games. The Denver Broncos recently made a change to its offensive play-calling responsibilities, and there's hope that the adjustment could eventually lead to better opportunities for the speedy wideout.

Waddle is certainly a risky acquisition given his struggles as well as Denver’s overall offensive woes, but his lower trade value could make him worth targeting for managers who believe the Broncos will eventually get on track offensively.

Check our our favorite buy low running backs for fantasy football.

Fantasy Football Buy-Low Wide Receivers FAQ

What does buy low mean in fantasy football?

Buying low means trading for a player whose current perceived value is lower than what you expect his value to be going forward. A slow start, tough matchup, injury, or lack of touchdowns can sometimes create a buying opportunity.

What should you look for in a buy-low wide receiver?

Target volume, route participation, air yards, red-zone usage, and snap rate are all important. A receiver can be underperforming in fantasy while still seeing the type of usage that suggests better production is coming.

When is the best time to trade for a buy-low wide receiver?

The best opportunities often come after one or two disappointing games, especially if the player's role has remained strong. Fantasy managers can sometimes overreact to short-term results even when the underlying usage is encouraging.

Should you buy low on an injured wide receiver?

It can make sense if the injury is considered short-term and the player's price has dropped significantly. Before making a trade, consider the expected return timeline and whether you have enough depth to wait for him to get healthy.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.