Week 6 Waiver Wire: Early Pickups and Breakout Fantasy Football Candidates

The NFL didn't conjure up quite as many upsets on Sunday as college football did on Saturday, but some of the lopsided results were no less shocking. The unexpected final scores naturally came with some unexpected individual performances, which should make the fantasy football waiver wire ripe for the picking heading into Week 6.

The San Diego Chargers shut out the New York Jets, the Cleveland Browns notched an epic comeback win over the Tennessee Titans and the Buffalo Bills took advantage of an injury-riddled Detroit Lions offense to win by a field goal. 

The NFL continues to be an unpredictable league from week to week, which makes it a double-edged sword for fantasy football owners. Let's take a look at the hidden gems that are still available to fill out rosters across the country.

Running Back

Branden Oliver, San Diego Chargers

Lenny Ignelzi/Associated Press

It's not often a team's fourth option at running back puts up two touchdowns and 182 all-purpose yards—and that's without coming into the game as the team's starting option.

Donald Brown left the game early with an apparent concussion and did not return to action, per Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union Tribune:

Oliver invigorated a dormant San Diego rushing attack, carrying the ball 19 times for 114 yards and one touchdown. He also got some love from Philip Rivers in the passing game, reeling in four passes for 68 yards and another score.

Oliver's body type, and the No. 43 on his back, reminds many Chargers fans of lightning bug Darren Sproles. Oliver is a bit heavier and not quite as shifty in the open field, but he does have the same low center of gravity. Think Sproles if you had the wrong aspect ratio on your television screen and everything got stretched horizontally.

Gehlken even brought up Oliver's comments from the offseason regarding the comparisons:

As essentially the last man standing in the Bolts backfield, other than early-season pickup Shaun Draughn, Oliver deserves to get picked up in most leagues. Should Brown miss next week's contest, Oliver is a solid flex option, even though the Bolts have proved that they can move the ball almost exclusively through the air this season.

Also Worth a Look: Antone Smith, Atlanta Falcons; Ronnie Hillman, Denver Broncos

Wide Receiver

Allen Robinson, Jacksonville Jaguars

Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press

The Jaguars coaching staff is clearly happy to let rookie quarterback Blake Bortles chuck the football as much as his heart desires, which raises the prospects of his entire receiving corps. Jacksonville, once a fantasy death trap, is now getting some production from its skill players, notably rookie wide receiver Allen Robinson.

Robinson caught five passes for 53 yards in the team's Week 5 loss to the Steelers. It's not a great haul, but Bortles did target him 11 times. Hays Carlyon of the Florida Times-Union liked the way Robinson is progressing this season:

"

Allen Robinson blossoming nicely for #Jaguars. A couple real physical catches on this drive.

— Hays Carlyon (@HaysCarlyon) October 5, 2014"

It's the third consecutive week in which Robinson has garnered at least seven targets, which suggests he is doing a fine job of getting separation from cornerbacks. If Bortles shows progression in his decision-making and accuracy as the season moves along, Robinson could very well reap the rewards.

Cecil Shorts III is still struggling with myriad injury issues, which ensures Robinson will see plenty of time on the field.

The downside for Robinson is that the Jags rarely find the end zone, so if you pick him up, don't expect him to be much more than a WR3, although his value jumps in PPR leagues.

Also Worth a Look: Junior Hemingway, Kansas City Chiefs; Odell Beckham Jr., New York Giants

Tight End

Benjamin Watson, New Orleans Saints

Bill Haber/Associated Press

The New Orleans Saints looked to be in deep trouble when star tight end Jimmy Graham left the game with a shoulder injury and was unable to return, per Mike Triplett of ESPN.com.

Watson stepped in and performed admirably in the Saints' overtime win, notching five receptions for 43 yards on seven targets.

He's only had one catch in each of the team's first four games, but an offense commanded by quarterback Drew Brees provides ample opportunity for the skill players on the field to rack up points. Tight end Josh Hill got some extra time on the field as well, but Watson looked to be better receiver of the two.

Watson's value is mainly dependent on the health of Graham, but he played very well in a close contest and may have earned himself a few extra snaps, and hopefully targets in the coming weeks. He could be a fine backup option if Graham is hurt and is a flex option in a pinch in larger leagues.

Also Worth a Look: Jared Cook, St. Louis Rams

All stats courtesy of ESPN.com unless otherwise noted.