Six weeks is enough.

That’s roughly 40% of the fantasy regular season, which means the statute of limitations on “it’s still early” has officially expired.

We’ve seen enough snaps, targets, coaching decisions and offensive dysfunction to distinguish a temporary slump from a season-long problem.

Your patience isn’t a virtue anymore, especially if you’re 1-5 or 2-4. It might be the problem.

Here’s what I know now:

— The Chargers are bad. The offensive line is once again decimated by injuries, but Justin Herbert’s post-snap instincts also seem incompatible with Mike McDaniel’s timing-dependent system. You have my permission to drop Chargers without guilt.

— I was all-in on Chicago’s offense before the season. Now I’m whatever comes after all-in. This might be your last affordable opportunity to acquire Luther Burden III, Rome Odunze, Colston Loveland or Kyle Monangai.

— Green Bay is better throwing the football. Jordan Love looks more comfortable dictating the offense, and Josh Jacobs returning might actually be a problem.

— Houston should embrace the same blueprint. Let C.J. Stroud and his receivers carry the offense instead of trying to establish an inefficient running game.

— Chuba Hubbard might have been the best pick in your draft. Certainly one of the best values.

— Philadelphia is broken, too. Unlike the Chargers, though, I’m still willing to invest in selected Eagles.

The season has told us what these players are. It’s time to believe it.

With Buffalo, Jacksonville, the Chargers and Washington on bye and injuries mounting, the waiver wire isn’t getting any less important.

Priority targets

— WR Germie Bernard, Steelers (ESPN: 44%; Yahoo: 50%): Bernard’s upside has officially graduated from intriguing to undeniable after the rookie caught 11 of 12 targets for 87 yards and the winning TD in overtime against Tampa Bay. He has commanded 21 targets and produced 17 receptions for 167 yards over the last two games, an enormous opportunity spike with Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson on injured reserve. Treat him as an immediate WR3 with legitimate WR2 upside against New Orleans.

— RB Jordan Mason, Vikings (ESPN: 51%; Yahoo: 67%): Minnesota opened Mason’s 21-day practice window Monday, putting the physical runner closer to returning from the fractured thumb that sidelined him after the opener. Mason produced 59 rushing yards and a TD on 15 carries before the injury, and his early-down power and goal-line potential could eventually challenge Aaron Jones’ workload.

— QB C.J. Stroud, Texans (ESPN: 44%; Yahoo: 66%): Houston’s passing attack is gaining momentum behind Nico Collins, newly acquired Marvin Harrison Jr. and emerging rookie Jaylin Noel, whose explosiveness provides another way to punish aggressive coverage. With the Texans struggling to establish an efficient running game, Stroud deserves weekly QB1 consideration, beginning with the Giants.

— TE Kyle Pitts, Falcons (ESPN: 71%; Yahoo: 68%): Pitts caught five of seven targets for 60 yards and two TDs against Chicago, giving him three scores over his last two games after an underwhelming first month. The more encouraging development is five receptions in consecutive games and renewed involvement with Michael Penix Jr., suggesting his increased production isn’t entirely TD-dependent. If Pitts somehow survived on your waiver wire, rescue him immediately.

— D/ST Vikings (ESPN: 74%; Yahoo: 82%): Minnesota returns from its bye having allowed an NFL-low 64 points through five games, while Brian Flores continues manufacturing pressure with aggressive defensive looks. Indianapolis arrives after allowing six sacks, committing turnovers and surrendering a blocked-punt TD against Tennessee. The Vikings shouldn’t have been dropped during their bye, but check whether an impatient league mate made that mistake.

Other top targets

— QB Aaron Rodgers, Steelers (ESPN: 26%; Yahoo: 42%): Rodgers has thrown multiple TD passes in four consecutive games, and his growing chemistry with Bernard and DK Metcalf creates another attractive streaming opportunity against New Orleans.

— QB Tanner McKee, Eagles (ESPN: 3%; Yahoo: 4%): McKee completed 26 of 45 passes for 215 yards and a TD against Carolina, numbers that reveal both the passing volume available and the limitations of Philadelphia’s dysfunctional offense. Jalen Hurts is expected to miss the remainder of the season while receiving treatment for blood clots, potentially giving McKee an extended audition rather than a temporary assignment.

— WR Jordyn Tyson, Saints (ESPN: 32%; Yahoo: 48%): Tyson traveled with New Orleans to Paris for Sunday’s matchup with Pittsburgh, an encouraging development for the rookie first-round pick who has yet to play this season because of a hamstring injury. The eighth overall selection remains on injured reserve, but the Saints could open his 21-day practice window this week, potentially setting up his NFL debut against the Steelers. His route-running ability and explosiveness give him a legitimate opportunity to challenge Devaughn Vele for the No. 2 receiving role behind Chris Olave, although New Orleans could exercise caution with its Week 8 bye approaching. Tyson is a high-upside stash who could provide meaningful second-half fantasy production, but managers needing immediate help should monitor his practice status before investing heavily.

— WR Omar Cooper Jr., Jets (ESPN: 3%; Yahoo: 5%): Cooper returned from a high-ankle injury with six receptions for 103 yards and a TD on seven targets against New England, including a 48-yard score that showcased his explosiveness. Garrett Wilson remains the primary option, but Cooper’s ability to stretch defenses and generate yards after the catch gives him immediate flex appeal against Miami.

— WR Keenan Allen, Colts (ESPN: 39%; Yahoo: 47%): Allen has drawn at least nine targets in three consecutive games, and Tyler Warren’s groin injury could further concentrate opportunities, making the veteran a dependable PPR flex despite a challenging matchup with Minnesota.

— WR DeMario Douglas, Patriots (ESPN: 14%; Yahoo: 8%): Douglas followed his two-TD performance against Las Vegas with seven receptions for 86 yards and another score against the Jets, offering increasingly convincing evidence of a sustainable role. Romeo Doubs’ shoulder injury could further elevate Douglas’ target share, giving him immediate PPR flex appeal against Chicago on Thursday.

— WR Christian Kirk, 49ers (ESPN: 3%; Yahoo: 6%): Kirk was not activated for Monday’s victory over Washington, but his potential return from a calf injury becomes considerably more interesting after Mike Evans aggravated his Achilles injury and missed the second half. San Francisco is already without Deebo Samuel, and Kirk’s established ability to work underneath and from the slot could provide Brock Purdy with another dependable option. The 49ers visit Atlanta before their Week 8 bye, making Kirk a speculative addition whose immediate value depends on his activation and Evans’ availability.

— WR Brandin Cooks, 49ers (ESPN: 3%; Yahoo: 6%): Cooks caught only one of two targets for 13 yards against Washington, but he inherited Evans’ outside receiving role after the veteran aggravated his Achilles injury before halftime. Coach Kyle Shanahan doesn’t believe Evans’ injury is long-term, so Cooks remains a short-term, matchup-dependent flex candidate rather than someone worth a substantial waiver investment.

— WR Antonio Williams, Commanders (ESPN: 5%; Yahoo: 6%): Williams caught three of four targets for 50 yards Monday, including a 23-yard reception, after Terry McLaurin suffered a potentially serious left knee injury that required an air cast and a cart. The third-round rookie has caught at least three passes in five of six games, and an extended absence for McLaurin could substantially increase his routes and target share alongside Stefon Diggs and Treylon Burks. Washington has a Week 7 bye, making Williams an appealing PPR stash for managers looking beyond this week’s lineup needs.

— WR Jaylin Noel, Texans (ESPN: 5%; Yahoo: 7%): Noel erupted for four receptions, 107 yards and a TD against Jacksonville, averaging nearly 27 yards per catch as Houston’s passing game continued its resurgence. His big-play ability provides Stroud with another explosive option alongside Nico Collins and Marvin Harrison Jr., although Harrison’s gradual integration means the target hierarchy remains unsettled.

— WR Ja’Kobi Lane, Ravens (ESPN: 10%; Yahoo: 12%): Lane returned from a wrist injury and caught four of five targets for 40 yards against Cleveland, immediately reestablishing himself as a useful intermediate option. Rashod Bateman’s shoulder injury could create additional routes and targets, particularly if Baltimore needs to throw more aggressively against Cincinnati. Lamar Jackson’s potential return would raise the offensive ceiling, although Lane must still compete with the Ravens’ tight ends and running backs for opportunities. His size and catch radius create red-zone appeal, making him a reasonable deeper-league flex consideration with room for a larger role.

— RB Zach Charbonnet, Seahawks (ESPN: 58%; Yahoo: 62%): Charbonnet’s 21-day practice window is nearing its conclusion, making a decision on his return from last season’s ACL injury imminent. His potential to reclaim substantial early-down and goal-line work makes him a valuable stash in a Seattle backfield currently relying on Emanuel Wilson and George Holani.

— RB Dameon Pierce, Eagles (ESPN: 56%; Yahoo: 63%): If Saquon Barkley’s hamstring keeps him sidelined against Dallas, Pierce’s early-down and goal-line workload makes him a volume-driven RB2/flex despite the Eagles’ offensive dysfunction.

— RB Roschon Johnson, Bears (ESPN: 4%; Yahoo: 5%): Johnson capitalized on Kyle Monangai’s absence with 13 carries for 51 yards and a TD, adding two receptions for 34 yards against Atlanta. Monangai’s turf toe injury and Chicago’s short turnaround before Thursday’s game against New England could preserve Johnson’s emergency flex value.

— RB Dylan Sampson, Browns (ESPN: 8%; Yahoo: 8%): Sampson has been working toward activation from injured reserve after a knee injury, and Quinshon Judkins’ ankle problem could create an immediate opening in Cleveland’s backfield. Sampson’s receiving ability offers a particularly appealing route to fantasy relevance if the Browns chooses to split early-down carries while featuring him in passing situations.

— RB Jonah Coleman, Broncos (ESPN: 20%; Yahoo: 28%): Coleman is eligible to return from injured reserve in Week 7 after suffering a high-ankle sprain, creating a potential opportunity in Denver’s crowded backfield. J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey have struggled to generate consistent rushing efficiency, potentially giving Coleman a chance to earn additional early-down and goal-line work.

— TE T.J. Hockenson, Vikings (ESPN: 56%; Yahoo: 32%): Minnesota’s bye provided additional recovery time from Hockenson’s concussion, and his 22 receptions through four games — including 13 for 119 yards in Week 4 — reinforce his importance to the passing game. He should return to TE1 consideration against Indianapolis if medically cleared.

— TE Tyler Higbee, Rams (ESPN: 23%; Yahoo: 35%): Higbee’s modest four-catch, 22-yard performance against Arizona included a lost fumble, but it shouldn’t erase the 18 receptions for 212 yards and a TD he produced over the previous three games. Matthew Stafford continues relying on the veteran to work the seams and underneath zones, particularly while injuries complicate Los Angeles’ receiving rotation. Davante Adams’ apparent knee injury could create additional opportunities.

— TE Michael Mayer, Raiders (ESPN: 15%; Yahoo: 8%): Mayer caught seven of nine targets for 95 yards against Kansas City, demonstrating that a secondary tight end can still command valuable volume in an offense built around Brock Bowers. He’s produced at least 12 PPR points in three of his last four games, evidence that his recent contributions aren’t entirely dependent on touchdowns. Las Vegas has increasingly used multiple-tight-end formations, allowing Mayer to remain involved without requiring a reduced role for Bowers.

— TE Darnell Washington, Steelers (ESPN: 2%; Yahoo: 2%): Washington caught four of six targets for 25 yards and a TD against Tampa Bay, giving him two scores through six games despite relatively limited receiving volume. His 6-foot-7 frame creates a natural red-zone advantage, particularly for Rodgers when Pittsburgh spreads defenses horizontally and looks for mismatches near the goal line. Pat Freiermuth’s calf injury deserves monitoring because any reduction in his workload could create additional routes for Washington.

— TE Chig Okonkwo, Commanders (ESPN: 4%; Yahoo: 16%): Okonkwo caught all seven targets for 69 yards against San Francisco, leading Washington in receiving while benefiting from Terry McLaurin’s early departure. Washington’s Week 7 bye limits his immediate usefulness, but he offers intriguing TE1 upside beginning with Philadelphia in Week 8.

— D/ST Browns (ESPN: 34%; Yahoo: 20%): Cleveland has recorded at least three sacks in five consecutive games and generated double-digit fantasy points in back-to-back outings, making Tennessee’s struggling pass protection an especially inviting Week 7 matchup.

— D/ST Jets (ESPN: 23%; Yahoo: 14%): New York produced nine fantasy points against Tennessee and 16 against Cleveland, demonstrating its ability to exploit offenses vulnerable to sacks and turnovers. The Jets host Miami this week.

— D/ST Titans (ESPN: 2%; Yahoo: 2%): Tennessee produced one of the season’s most surprising defensive performances against Indianapolis, collecting six sacks, three takeaways and a blocked-punt TD for 21 fantasy points. Cleveland presents another favorable opportunity because its offensive line has allowed sacks on a league-high 10.8% of dropbacks, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.

Drop candidates

— QB Justin Herbert, Chargers: Herbert completed 22 of 37 passes for 204 yards without a TD and threw another interception against Kansas City, leaving him with five TD passes, eight interceptions and 21 sacks through six games. The Chargers are 0-6, their offensive line remains battered and McDaniel’s timing-based system has yet to produce anything resembling a dependable fantasy environment for Herbert. His individual talent still warrants patience in superflex and two-QB formats, but fantasy managers shouldn’t confuse a quarterback’s ability with the usefulness of his current situation.

— WR Wan’Dale Robinson, Titans: Robinson caught three of seven targets for just 22 yards against Indianapolis, leaving him with 25 receptions for 198 yards and two TDs through six games. His 37 targets suggest a reasonable role, but an average of approximately 5.4 yards per target illustrates how little fantasy value Tennessee’s passing game is generating from that involvement. Cam Ward threw for only 102 yards Sunday, and the offense’s inability to sustain drives severely restricts Robinson’s touchdown and yardage ceiling.

— RB Omarion Hampton, Chargers: Hampton managed only 18 rushing yards on seven carries against Kansas City and added four receptions for 21 yards, continuing a disappointing season behind an injured offensive line. He’s averaging approximately 3.6 yards per carry through six games, and the presence of Keaton Mitchell and Kimani Vidal further complicates his opportunities in an offense that rarely controls the game script.

— QB Bo Nix, Broncos: Nix threw for only 107 yards without a TD against Seattle, continuing an alarming stretch in which Denver’s passing attack has produced very little fantasy value. His last three games have yielded just 444 passing yards combined, and the Broncos’ reliance on their rushing attack and defense has limited the volume needed for meaningful weekly production. Arizona is a potentially favorable Week 7 opponent, but one appealing matchup doesn’t erase a month of disappointing passing numbers.

— TE Mark Andrews, Ravens: Andrews caught only one pass for four yards against Cleveland, giving him four consecutive games with fewer than 30 receiving yards. Rookie Josh Cuevas produced four receptions for 44 yards and a TD on five targets Sunday, illustrating how Baltimore’s tight end opportunities are becoming increasingly distributed. Lamar Jackson’s eventual return could improve the entire passing attack, but Andrews’ declining receiving involvement makes it difficult to justify treating him as an automatic fantasy starter.

More online

Need help setting your lineup? Look for Eddie Brown’s weekly Fantasy Football Start/Sit Guide at sandiegouniontribune.com before the first NFL game each week, typically on Thursdays, with matchup-by-matchup advice on who to start, sit and stream.

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