2014 Fantasy Football: Predicting Week 6 Waiver Wire Breakouts

Looking to stay ahead of the curve and scout and/or pick up potential Week 6 waiver wire breakouts in your fantasy football league before they happen? Then the players listed in this slideshow could prove to be a good primer.

With the following players unowned in many leagues in addition to having favorable matchups this week, they could be the guys fantasy players rush to the waiver wire to add. While there is some inherent risk with some of these players (after all, there is a reason why they are unowned in many leagues), they have many things going in their favor.

Here, then, are the five players (ranked in order of fantasy relevance) who may break out in Week 6.

5. Zach Mettenberger, Tennessee Titans

AJ Mast/Associated Press

The listing of Zach Mettenberger here is based on the assumption Jake Locker is out this week and that he'll be given a chance to start, or at least threaten Charlie Whitehurst for playing time in the Titans' game against the Jaguars. Admittedly, this is a Hail Mary speculative add, but Mettenberger could be the lottery ticket that pays off in deep leagues in the long run.

Equipped with good weapons in Kendall Wright, Justin Hunter and Delanie Walker, Mettenberger could be in line for a good game against the Jaguars if given the chance. The Jaguars are awful against the pass, having allowed a league-most 1,544 passing yards allowed, while giving up 12 touchdowns through the air (tied for 30th in the NFL).

Who knows, maybe Mettenberger can be the future at quarterback in Nashville. After a solid college career at LSU, Mettenberger could be given the keys to franchise considering Locker's injury issues. Again, he's a long shot, but sooner or later, Mettenberger will be given a chance to lead this team.

Why not this week?

4. Louis Murphy, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Jonathan Bachman/Associated Press

The listing of Louis Murphy here is on the assumption Mike Evans will not be available to play in the Buccaneers' game against the Ravens this week.

If Evans is out, Murphy will slot into the No. 2 receiver spot behind Vincent Jackson. Ever since Murphy signed with the Bucs while coinciding with Mike Glennon becoming the starter at quarterback (in Week 4), Murphy has shined, registering nine receptions (on 18 targets) for 134 yards and a touchdown.

Granted, Murphy is no world beater, but apparently Glennon likes throwing to him. Murphy is still under-owned in most leagues (CBSSports.com has him available in 94 percent of leagues) and he may be a factor for the long term, especially if Evans' injury lingers.

With a matchup on tap against the Ravens and their shaky pass defense (they have allowed 1,388 receiving yards this season—29th in the NFL) this week, now may be the time to act on Murphy.

3. Ka'Deem Carey, Chicago Bears

Bob Leverone/Associated Press

Sure, you can roll your eyes at the notion of Ka'Deem Carey making an impact in fantasy, considering the workload fantasy superstar Matt Forte receives in front of him, but don't be caught sleeping on the under-appreciated rookie out of Arizona.

Carey is averaging a healthy 4.3 YPC on 18 carries this year. He showed he can handle a load, rushing for 72 yards on 14 carries against the Packers in Week 4. Granted, Carey will only get significant time if Forte misses time, but with the load Forte has received (averaging 23 touches per game) thus far, the Bears may want to lean on Carey a bit more in the coming weeks. Surely, the Bears don't want to overwork Forte.

With the Bears up against an atrocious Falcons rush defense this week, this may be the time to stay ahead of the curve and pick up Carey before he gets more involved in the Bears offense. The Falcons allow 147.6 rushing yards per game (31st in the NFL) and have given up an abysmal—and league-worst—10 touchdowns on the ground. So, both Carey and Forte could go off.

Carey is already a must-own handcuff for Forte owners, but even if you don't own Forte, Carey could be in line for bigger and better things, and this week's matchup may be the game that propels him into a higher ownership in fantasy leagues.

2. Eric Ebron, Detroit Lions

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Slowly but surely, Eric Ebron is working his way into becoming a bigger factor in the Lions offense, and sooner or later, he'll have a huge breakout game.

Heck, why not this week against the Vikings?

The Vikings are a vulnerable bunch on defense, allowing nine receiving touchdowns (tied for 22nd in the NFL) thus far. With more snaps (receiving more than 30 in the last two weeks) and targets (eight in the last two weeks compared to nine through the first three weeks), Ebron is starting to become a trusted weapon for Matthew Stafford.

Considering Calvin Johnson could be out this week, Ebron could be in for a huge game. And with all the natural skills Ebron possesses, the production might soon match the hype for the tight end who was the 10th selection in last April's NFL draft.

1. Storm Johnson, Jacksonville Jaguars

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First I’ll have to start by admitting I whiffed on recommending Denard Robinson last week in this piece, but in his stead Storm Johnson stepped in and made an indelible impression. Thus, he's the newest Jags running back to take a chance on.

Again, with Toby Gerhart slumping terribly (need you be reminded about his dreadful 2.6 YPC clip?), the Jaguars desperately need an infusion of athleticism at running back. So why not Johnson? After all, he gained 27 yards on four carries in his first game action of the year last Sunday against the Steelers.

With Jaguars coach Gus Bradley hinting at more carries, per Ryan O'Halloran of The Florida Times-Union, the time is ripe to jump on Johnson. Not to mention, he'll be facing a Titans team this week that is giving up a whopping 136.8 rushing yards per game (30th in the NFL). So, be proactive if you can and pick up Johnson before he breaks out.

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