Ja'Lynn Polk Waiver Wire Fantasy Outlook Week 6: Is Patriots WR worth a shot?

Yes, we know the state of this New England Patriots offense has been a dumpster fire. But it appears Jerod Mayo has had enough of Jacoby Brissett under center.

Heading into Week 6, they are 1-4 and really have nothing to show since parting ways with Bill Belichick. Mayo alluded to the fact that we may very well see a change at quarterback this week. So if Drake Maye takes over, does rookie wideout Ja'Lynn Polk hold any value as a waiver wire pickup?

NFL: Seattle Seahawks at New England Patriots - Source: Imagn

Ja'Lynn Polk waiver wire fantasy outlook

As the 37th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Patriots were impressed enough with the young wide receiver to justify a high second-round pick. Sure, a few eyebrows were raised, like with the San Francisco 49ers when they picked Ricky Pearsall a few picks before Polk.

But Polk's selection with the 37th overall pick signaled that this was truly the start of a new era and that the Patriots would commit to building an offense from scratch.

Heading into Week 6, that offense is still closer to scratch, if we're being honest. But here's where there's a glimmer of hope.

Against Miami on Sunday, Polk had six targets. One of them should have been a touchdown but was called back upon review. The week prior against the Niners, Polk had seven targets, so in two weeks, that number stands at 13. That's a pretty strong total for a rookie playmaker.

Polk will also get a big upgrade under center if Drake Maye takes over from Brissett.

The Texans matchup may not be one to exploit, but if you can stash him and see how Drake Maye shapes up against a tough defense, Polk may be in for a meaningful contribution.

Heading into Week 6, Polk shouldn't be super high on your waiver wire priority list, but if you miss on a few targets, you could do a lot worse than the Patriots rookie.