FantasyPros Fantasy Football Podcast

Episode: 5 Players To Stash Ahead of Week 6 (Ep. 1767)
Date: October 11, 2025
Host: Lucas Wen

Episode Overview

Lucas Wen breaks down his top five waiver wire stash candidates for fantasy football managers heading into Week 6 of the NFL season. The episode focuses on identifying low-rostered players with breakout potential who could offer huge returns for savvy fantasy managers. The analysis is data-driven, positionally diverse, and emphasizes actionable strategies for staying ahead of the competition on the waiver wire.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Isaiah Bond – Cleveland Browns Wide Receiver

[02:03 - 04:53]

• Increased Opportunities: Bond has seen his targets rise each week (from 1 to 7 across five weeks) and his snap and route percentages are peaking (up to 86% routes last week).
• Benefiting from Injuries: With Cedric Tillman on IR, Bond is filling in as the WR2 from a usage standpoint.
• Surpassing Jerry Jeudy: Over the last three weeks, Bond has outperformed Jerry Jeudy in yardage, despite both having low catch rates:
  • "Isaiah Bond might actually be the better play in half PPR formats right now." – Lucas Wen [03:41]
• Talent Profile: Projected as a 2nd round NFL draft pick before off-field issues; compared favorably to Jalen Waddle by draft analysts.
• Takeaway: Bond is involved, trending up, and is Lucas’ top Week 6 stash.

2. Torrey Horton – Seattle Seahawks Wide Receiver

[04:53 - 07:22]

• Emerging Role: Horton is a rookie with strong ball tracking and speed, potentially overtaking veteran Cooper Kupp as the WR2.
• Red Zone Weapon:
  • Four touchdowns in five games (three receiving, one punt return).
  • 33% team receiving TD market share, “the same as Drake London.” [05:51]
• Deep Threat: 13.9 ADOT and targeted on 20% of his routes.
• Bye Week Strategy: Seahawks have Week 9 bye; schedule softens significantly after.
  • "Get Torrey Horton stashed now ... the bump afterwards I think could bring him even more value." [06:54]
• Touchdown Dependency: Similar to Jordan Addison’s TD streak—could be sustainable.

3. Jalen Coker – Carolina Panthers Wide Receiver

[07:23 - 09:36]

• Returning from Injury: Designated to come off IR; last call to add him before his breakout.
• Panthers Offense Needs: Team looking for increased explosive plays outside of established WR Tedaroa McMillan.
• Slot Role Opportunity: Coker was slated to start in the slot before a pre-season quad injury, filling the void left by the traded Adam Thielen.
• Strong Efficiency:
  • Last year: 2.65 yards/route out of the slot (7th best), outgained Xavier Legette despite fewer targets.
• Outlook: Primary slot role awaits, making him a valuable speculative add.
  • "This is your last chance to grab Jalen Coker before your league mates finally catch on." [09:18]

4. Kyle Monungai – Chicago Bears Running Back

[09:36 - 10:44]

• RB Split Coming: Lucas predicts a backfield split post-bye similar to the Lions' Jameer Gibbs/David Montgomery usage.
• DeAndre Swift Underperforming: Swift is averaging an abysmal -0.39 rushing yards over expected per carry, with little improvement over last year.
• Opportunity Plus Soft Schedule: Bears’ upcoming opponents are weak against the run.
  • "I wouldn't be surprised if we see him getting double digit opportunities fairly quickly coming out of the bye." [10:34]
• Action: Stash Monungai now, before a potential post-byeup surge.

5. Colston Loveland – Chicago Bears Tight End

[10:45 - 11:52]

• Slow Start, Patience Required: Only six targets through three games; previously splitting snaps with Cole Kmet before a hip injury.
• Rookie Adjustment: Adjusting to Ben Johnson’s new system and focusing on Caleb Williams’ development.
• Kmet’s Inefficiency: In Week 4, Kmet caught only 3 of 9 targets, with a catch rate 30% below expectation.
  • "Maybe we should just get our top 10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft more opportunities to make plays within this offense." [11:20]
• Elite Prospect: Loveland was a top-15 draft pick; Lucas says stash if available—even at 29% rostered.
  • “If Loveland is out there, someone’s thrown in the towel on him. I’m okay stashing him if I have an extra bench spot in my league.” [11:36]

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Waiver Wire Mindset:
  "One of the biggest advantages you can give yourself in fantasy football is making sure you stay ahead of your league mates on the waiver wire." – Lucas Wen [00:40]

• On Touchdown Dependency:
  "I also don't think it’s just like an outright quote-unquote bad thing for Torrey Horton to be touchdown dependent at this point in his career..." – Lucas Wen [06:23]

• Closing Urgency:
  “Go sprint to the waiver wire like right now. Make sure that none of these guys are available in your league because they all should be rostered in ... more than 30% of leagues, even though they’re all rostered in less than 30% of leagues currently.” [11:45]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Stash #1: Isaiah Bond: [02:03 – 04:53]
• Stash #2: Torrey Horton: [04:53 – 07:22]
• Stash #3: Jalen Coker: [07:23 – 09:36]
• Stash #4: Kyle Monungai: [09:36 – 10:44]
• Stash #5: Colston Loveland: [10:45 – 11:52]

Takeaways

• Stay aggressive on the waiver wire and don’t wait for breakout performances when you can identify trends early.
• Injuries, role changes, and post-bye adjustments can create short-term value from overlooked players.
• These five stashes represent low-risk, high-upside plays for Week 6 and beyond.