A fun week on the waiver wire.
JuJu Smith-Schuster is still available in a ton of leagues for some reason, and Sean Tucker leads a long list of interesting running backs with good upside but uncertain workloads.
As a reminder, recommended adds are available in at least 60% of ESPN leagues, and the watch list consists of players worth monitoring.
The deep cuts section for running backs and receivers highlights players who are rostered in no more than 5% of ESPN leagues for all you “not in my league” degens.
I will not list recommended FAAB percentages for every player because that decision comes down to too many factors including league size, team weaknesses, and the aggressiveness of the other managers in your league.
That said, I will try to clarify when there is a player I am going big on in FAAB bidding.
Also, FAAB Lab is a great, crowdsourced way to get a feel for how much a player will cost in FAAB bidding each week.
Finally, I will not be ranking kickers and defenses because frankly I don’t care about them and want them to disappear from the game.
With those caveats out of the way, let’s get to it.
Best Quarterback Waiver Pickups, Fantasy Football Week 7
- Andy Dalton
- Drake Maye
- Daniel Jones
- Justin Herbert
Best Running Back Waiver Pickups, Fantasy Football Week 7
- Sean Tucker
- Ray Davis
- Isaac Guerendo
- Alexander Mattison
- D'Ernest Johnson
- Tyler Goodson
- Trey Benson
- Kimani Vidal
- Braelon Allen
Best Wide Receiver Waiver Pickups, Fantasy Football Week 7
- JuJu Smith-Schuster
- DeMario Douglas
- Bub Means
- Michael Wilson
- Xavier Legette
- Romeo Doubs
- Rashod Bateman
- Noah Brown
- Devaughn Vele
Best Tight End Waiver Pickups, Fantasy Football Week 7
- Hunter Henry
- Cade Otton
- Ja'Tavion Sanders
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Best Quarterback Waiver Pickups, Fantasy Football Week 7
1. Andy Dalton – Available in 93.9% of leagues
Dalton did not have a great game against the Falcons, but he did throw 2 touchdowns. More importantly, he is heading into a matchup with a Commanders defense that has allowed the third-most yards per pass attempt this season. With the Washington offense sure to press the issue against the Panthers defense, we should see a lot of attempts from Dalton.
2. Drake Maye – Available in 96.2% of leagues
Maye made mistakes in his debut, as expected, but he also tossed 3 touchdown passes and rushed for 38 yards. Now he gets to face one of the worst pass defenses in the league. The Jaguars have given up a full 4 fantasy points more per game to quarterbacks than any other defense in the league.
3. Daniel Jones – Available in 72.4% of leagues
The Eagles have not given up a ton of fantasy points, but they have not been particularly good against the pass, either. Jones is expected to get back Malik Nabers this week, and he has 11 rushing attempts in each of his last two games.
4. Justin Herbert – Available in 63.8% of leagues
Volume will likely be a concern for Herbert all season, but he set a season-high with 34 attempts against the Broncos and topped 200 passing yards for the first time this year. This week he gets a Cardinals defense that has allowed the second-most yards per pass attempt. If there is a week for Herbert to get there on limited volume, this is it.
Watch List: The vibes around Tua Tagovailoa are less optimistic than they were before the bye, but there is still a chance he will be back when first eligible in Week 8…Matthew Stafford could get back Cooper Kupp this week, and the rest of the offense is getting closer to health, as well. If things come together, Stafford could have a good back half of the season…Bo Nix has been getting there with his legs, rushing for 60 yards against the Chargers, and is kind of a poor man’s Daniel Jones at this point…It looks like Russell Wilson will draw the start this week. Justin Fields has been living on his rushing production, something we are much less likely to see from Russ.
Best Running Back Waiver Pickups, Fantasy Football Week 7
1. Sean Tucker – Available in 98.9% of leagues
I am not going to make the case for Tucker as an add because he did that himself against the Saints. There are some concerns, though. Rachaad White’s progression from limited on Wednesday to a DNP the rest of last week suggests he is dealing with an injury that could keep him out a couple of games, which keeps the door open for Tucker, but he was still clearly behind Bucky Irving against the Saints even if the final touch count does not show that. In the first three quarters, Irving played 36 snaps to 16 for Tucker. He had 8 carries to 4 for Tucker and ran 24 routes to 11 for Tucker even though the latter had 3 catches. To be fair, Todd Bowles said Tucker earned more work, and he followed through with Irving when he said the same thing about him earlier in the year. Still, Tucker will probably go for more FAAB dollars than I am willing to spend coming off that explosive game.
2. Ray Davis – Available in 89.8% of leagues
James Cook appeared close to playing on Monday night, so it would not be a shock if he is able to go against the Titans this Sunday. If he doesn’t, though, Davis was the clear lead back against the Jets and looked great in the role.
3. Isaac Guerendo – Available in 99% of leagues
Guerendo has a similar problem to Ray Davis. Jordan Mason practiced on Monday, albeit in a non-contact jersey, which would seemingly give him a good chance to be ready to face the Chiefs on Sunday. If Mason can’t play, however, Guerendo would be a very good fantasy start, although it is worth noting he shared time with Patrick Taylor after Mason left the game last Thursday night.
4. Alexander Mattison – Available in 64.4% of leagues
With Zamir White injured, Mattison has taken over as the lead back, handling 19 touches in Week 6. He was not successful as a runner in that game, but he could find more room against a Rams defense that is 20th in yards per carry allowed to running backs this season. The Rams have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to running backs.
5. D’Ernest Johnson – Available in 99.7% of leagues
Travis Etienne likely will sit out this week based on how the Jaguars have talked about his hamstring injury. That should open up a starting job for Tank Bigsby, but Johnson actually out-snapped him 34-16 against the Bears, running 24 routes to just 5 for Bigsby. The Jaguars are 5.5-point favorites against the Patriots this week, a game script that would better suit Bigsby, but Jacksonville’s defense has not stopped anyone this year.
6. Tyler Goodson – Available in 97.2% of leagues
We still have no idea when Jonathan Taylor will return, and no Indy back besides Taylor will have fantasy value once that happens. If he sits again this week, though, Goodson made a case for more work in Week 6, rushing for 51 yards on 8 carries and catching 4 passes while Trey Sermon struggled to 29 yards on 18 attempts.
7. Trey Benson – Available in 80% of leagues
This is a long-shot add both because it is not clear that James Conner is hurt – he did not play much in the second half, but Jonathan Gannon said that was because of the script and not health – and Benson is likely to cede receiving work to Emari Demercado even if he gets the start this week. Still, this is a situation worth monitoring heading into the first practice report, which will be Thursday for the Cardinals since they play on Monday night.
8. Kimani Vidal – Available in 97.7% of leagues
J.K. Dobbins was the clear lead back in Week 6, but Vidal worked as his backup, playing 18 snaps, carrying the ball 4 times, and catching 2 passes including a long touchdown. Vidal is talented, in an offense that wants to run, and behind a veteran with a long injury history. For those just looking for a stash, I would rank Vidal ahead of Johnson, Goodson, and Benson.
9. Braelon Allen – Available in 62.2% of leagues
Allen’s roster percentage has fallen during the bye weeks, which makes sense, but this is just a reminder he is probably the highest upside handcuff available in the majority of leagues.
Watch List: Aaron Jones practiced on Monday, which is a good indication he will play this week. That returns Ty Chandler to the handcuff-only list, but the recent trade for Cam Akers does raise uncertainty about the situation…We finally saw Blake Corum get involved before the bye, playing 11 snaps and getting 5 carries. He is still just a handcuff stash, but at least we should have more confidence in him getting the lead job if something happened to Kyren Williams…Roschon Johnson is going to get some touches in Chicago, but D'Andre Swift has taken over that job heading into the bye week…It looks like De’Von Achane is on track to return following the bye, but Jaylen Wright is still waiting in the wings as an upside stash…Emanuel Wilson remains the backup to Josh Jacobs, but MarShawn Lloyd is eligible to return this week…It was disappointing that Jeremy McNichols only got 2 carries with Brian Robinson out, but the Commanders should be in a better script this week against the Panthers…It seems like Kareem Hunt has the Chiefs backfield locked down, but it is worth seeing what happens with Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Samaje Perine coming out of the bye week.
Deep Cuts: Nick Chubb is expected to return this week, but that is not a given. If Chubb is not back, that could open up carries for D’Onta Foreman and Pierre Strong with Jerome Ford hurt…Joe Mixon is back healthy, but Dameon Pierce made his case as the handcuff against the Patriots…Audric Estime only played 2 snaps and got 2 carries in his return from injured reserve, but I am still watching this backfield given the struggles the Broncos have on offense.
Best Wide Receiver Waiver Pickups, Fantasy Football Week 7
1. JuJu Smith-Schuster – Available in 82.2% of leagues
Perhaps Smith-Schuster’s recent struggles or the Chiefs being on bye last week contributed to him not being added, but he may be the No. 1 receiver and No. 2 option in the passing game on a Patrick Mahomes-led offense.
2. DeMario Douglas – Available in 78.9% of leagues
Drake Maye made some mistakes, but he got the passing game moving against the Texans. That benefited Douglas, who led the team with 9 targets. We have seen Douglas’ target share vacillate this season, so it is possible this was a mirage, but he is the best candidate to lead the team in targets moving forward.
3. Bub Means – Available in 99.9% of leagues
Means is a better one-week add than Douglas with both Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed extremely questionable for Thursday night. Means tied for the team lead with 8 targets in Week 6, turning those looks into 45 yards and a touchdown. It is fair to question his upside with Spencer Rattler at quarterback against a good Broncos defense – although they will likely be without Patrick Surtain – but he should get the targets.
4. Michael Wilson – Available in 85.8% of leagues
Wilson only saw 4 targets in Week 6, but he converted one of those for a touchdown. More importantly, Marvin Harrison Jr. is at best questionable to face the Chargers, giving Wilson a path to No. 1 receiver usage.
5. Xavier Legette – Available in 71.1% of leagues
Legette got into the end zone on Sunday, but that propped up an otherwise lackluster game. Following his big game in Week 4, he has been targeted on 11.4% of his routes over the last two weeks. Why is he on this list, then? Because the Panthers are playing the Commanders, who have given up the fourth-most fantasy points to receivers this season.
6. Romeo Doubs – Available in 70.3% of leagues
I am not sure what to say about Doubs. Because he is always on the field and runs the most routes among Packers receivers, a 2 touchdown game is always in his range of outcomes, but he is more likely to get you a few catches for 50 yards. The good news out of this weekend is he was back with the team and retained his old role, but the 2 touchdowns do not change very much about his fantasy value.
7. Rashod Bateman – Available in 94.1% of leagues
Bateman came through for us last week with 71 yards on four catches. Running a lot of routes, Bateman will be an option whenever we expect the Ravens to be in a passing game script, and that could be the case on Monday night against a Bucs passing game that should be able to exploit Baltimore’s defense.
8. Noah Brown – Available in 99.4% of leagues
We are so back. Brown returned from his injury as the clear No. 2 receiver for Washington, leading the team with 8 targets and finishing second with 58 yards. Brown being the No. 2 receiver on a good offense should pay off most weeks in deeper leagues.
9. Devaughn Vele – Available in 99.8% of leagues
I went back and forth between putting Vele as an add. He has caught 12 passes for 117 yards in his two games this season, but he was also a healthy scratch after healing from his early-season rib injury. The Broncos also have Troy Franklin playing a bigger role – 28 routes, 3 targets in Week 6 – and the ghost of Marvin Mims always haunts that receiver room. I could see this being a situation that is fluid behind Courtland Sutton, making everyone a risky start in a bad passing game, but Vele has delivered when given a chance so far this season.
Watch List: Tre Tucker has been targeted on just 9% of his routes over the last two games and has one fewer look than DJ Turner, raising concerns about his long-term value even with Davante Adams now in New York…We saw the other side of the Alec Pierce experience in Week 6. He has 143 yards over the last three games. 134 of those came in Week 5…It was promising to see Gabe Davis get 2 touchdowns against the Bears, which is where I thought he could contribute heading into the season, but consistency is always going to be a concern along with his propensity for mistakes…I am holding out hope for Ja’Lynn Polk, but it seems unlikely this Patriots passing game can support several fantasy-viable options even if Drake Maye is more productive than Jacoby Brissett…Tutu Atwell leads the Rams in receiving over the last three games, just ahead of Jordan Whittington, but the potential return of Cooper Kupp puts a damper on Atwell’s fantasy upside.
Deep Cuts: Investing in Cleveland’s passing game is not appealing right now, but there should be some targets available with Amari Cooper gone. Elijah Moore would be the next guy up at receiver, but he suffered an injury in Week 6 and was already running a lot of fruitless routes. Cedric Tillman should get the real opportunity bump, taking over for Cooper on the outside…Kayshon Boutte ran the most routes for the Patriots in Drake Maye’s first game and scored a touchdown…Ricky Pearsall has been designated to return, but that 49ers receiver corps is crowded these days…Mack Hollins has not topped 27 yards in a game this season, but he does have 2 touchdowns…I am not sure if Tim Patrick can get enough targets to be fantasy-viable without an injury ahead of him, but his role has been growing in Detroit…Even with Jalen McMillan back, we saw Sterling Shepard retain the No. 3 role in Tampa Bay.
Best Tight End Waiver Pickups, Fantasy Football Week 7
1. Hunter Henry – Available in 81.7% of leagues
With Drake Maye actually moving the ball through the air, we can start taking some shots on Patriots pass catchers. Henry continues to run as many routes as anyone on the roster, and he saw 5 targets including a converted goal-to-go target against the Texans. The Jaguars have allowed the third-most points per game to tight ends including a big game last week to Cole Kmet.
2. Cade Otton – Available in 76.1% of leagues
Otton saw another 6 targets against the Saints, and while he only caught 2 of those for 15 yards, one of those catches went for a touchdown. The Ravens defense has struggled against tight ends this season, allowing 9.1 yards per target to the position (30th), and that game has a solid 48.5-point total.
3. Ja’Tavion Sanders – Available in 99.7% of leagues
Tommy Tremble should return soon if not this week, which puts a damper on Sanders, but it is promising he ran a route on 72.5% of Carolina’s dropbacks in Week 6 even with Ian Thomas back from injured reserve. He was second on the team with 7 targets and was targeted on 24.1% of his routes. Given where the Panthers are, it makes sense for them to get Sanders reps.
Watch List: Grant Calcaterra is the name to know with Dallas Goedert likely to miss time, but Goedert struggled to consistently return fantasy value behind the top two receivers in Philly…Colby Parkinson saw 20 targets in the two games before the bye, but we could see his role shrink if Cooper Kupp returns this week…Erick All ran just 1 fewer route than Mike Gesicki against the Giants and saw 3 targets to 0 for Gesicki…Noah Fant popped up for a good game against the 49ers, but he was fifth on the team in targets…Theo Johnson only saw 8.3% of the targets on Sunday night, and the Giants should get back Malik Nabers this week. Still, he is a name to watch as we go through the season…Keep an eye on Noah Gray’s usage with the Chiefs looking for options in the passing game given all the injuries at receiver…If Hayden Hurst is not able to play this week, we should see a good target share for Will Dissly, who earned 5 targets against the Broncos…Lucas Krull ran a route on 73.2% of Denver’s dropbacks in Week 6, getting 4 targets.