Here are this week’s top Waiver Wire players who are owned in less than 50% of Yahoo leagues. Our favorite players are broken down in Top Targets and the best secondary options are in our Going Deeper sections. We’ll also list any players at the top of each position who are above the 50% threshold — or are household names — and are still widely available for those who might be in smaller leagues.
Be sure to check out our weekly Waiver Wire podcast and our Waiver Wire Livestream for more analysis. We’ll also have Streaming articles every Tuesday that focuses on the top quarterbacks, tight ends, and defenses for the upcoming week(s).
Note: The initial Waiver Wire article writeup will be posted every Monday night, followed by in-depth updates Tuesday, and continued additions/updates Wednesday.
Team on Bye in Week 7
Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts, Minnesota Vikings, Miami Dolphins
Quarterbacks
Higher-owned Options
Justin Herbert (LAC, 54%), Carson Wentz (Phi, 60%), Teddy Bridgewater (Car, 46%), Gardner Minshew (Jax, 53%), Ryan Fitzpatrick (Mia, 48%)
Top Targets
Derek Carr (LV, 20%) — Carr has an improved cast around him, and he’s posting better numbers so far this season with multiple TDs in his last four games. He completed 22/31 passes for 347 yards (11.2 YPA), three TDs, and one INT in Las Vegas’ stunning road upset of the Chiefs in Week 5. Carr has been playing a bit undermanned recently but Henry Ruggs’ return to the lineup in Week 5 and his downfield speed opened up the entire offense. With Ruggs on the field, Carr’s willingness to stand in the pocket for downfield plays to develop has seemingly improved, and that’s one of his biggest negatives throughout his career. Carr doesn’t have a great slate of matchups coming up (TB, @Cle, @LAC, Den), but his play is certainly trending upward this season. The return of future stud Bryan Edwards this week also helps Carr’s chances. They are actually loaded in terms of viable pass catchers at RB, WR, and TE. UPDATED: 10/20
Jimmy Garoppolo (SF, 29%) — We needed to see Jimmy G healthy and playing well again before we gave him a full endorsement, and he did just that in Week 6 on national TV. Garoppolo completed 23/33 passes for 268 yards (8.1 YPA) and three TDs against the Rams to give him his first performance of 20+ FP this season. Jimmy G certainly isn’t completely out of the woods, but he can now be used with confidence once again after Kyle Shanahan pulled him for being ineffective in Week 5. His receiving corps is also all the way back to full strength with George Kittle, Deebo Samuel, and Brandon Aiyuk each playing well in recent weeks. Jimmy G gives this offense its best chance at success, and he needs to bring his A-game going forward against a tougher stretch over the next month (@NE, @Sea, GB, @NO). The matchups against Seattle, Green Bay, and New Orleans could all be higher-scoring games, though, and all three secondaries have shown weaknesses this year.
Andy Dalton (Dal, 32%) — Dalton led the Cowboys on a game-winning drive in the final minute of Week 5 against the Giants as he completed 9/11 passes for 111 yards (10.1 YPA). Unfortunately, the team lost another offensive lineman in Week 6 in RG Zack Martin (concussion), and Dalton’s star RB fumbled twice early in the game, so things got out of hand quickly for Dalton, who did at least get 266/1 passing. But it was ugly, and their OL issues are a major concern. On the bright side, there are going to be plenty of opportunities for Dalton given their bad defense, and he does still have the best WR trio in the league to work with. They have Pittsburgh Week 9 and Baltimore Week 11, but otherwise the schedule looks good for Dalton, who needs all the help he can get. UPDATED: 10/20
Going Deeper
Kirk Cousins (Min, 39%) — Cousins is teetering on the edge of disaster these days, but, thanks in large part to his team’s bad defense, he has now topped 245+ passing yards in five of his six games. Cousins threw three first-half interceptions against a lowly Falcons pass defense, which ended up helping him to throw for 343 yards and three touchdowns playing in catch-up mode in the second half. Cousins is on bye this week before three pivotal NFC North matchups (bye, @GB, Det, @Chi), which will determine the direction of Minnesota’s season going forward. Cousins will be a boom-or-bust QB2 going forward, but with Justin Jefferson already proving to be a brilliant pick and with Irv Smith finally emerging, he does have some high-end weapons to throw to.
Tua Tagovailoa (Mia, 6%) — Tua’s time is no longer coming because it’s here. Ryan Fitzpatrick bought himself time with his strong play, but despite consecutive wins over the 49ers and the Jets, it’s Tua Time in Miami. The fact that they are going to Tua now must mean they feel good about where he’s at, so we should have some optimism as well. They do have a bye in Week 7 and some tough spots on the schedule (Rams Week 8, Chargers Week 10, Patriots Week 15) but their schedule looks okay otherwise. It will be interesting to see if Tua clicks with anyone in particular, but they aren’t particularly loaded at receiver, so Tua really needs DeVante Parker to be available to have a chance. Tua looks like a guy who'll be only in the 20-25 range at QB the rest of the season, so he’s only a priority in very large/deep or 2-QB leagues. UPDATED: 10/20
Drew Lock (Den, 9%) — It certainly wasn’t pretty for Lock in his return to the lineup in Week 6, but he led the Broncos to an upset road victory over the Patriots despite the Broncos failing to find the end zone (it wasn’t his fault). The second-year QB completed 10/24 passes for 189 yards (7.8 YPA) and two INTs in their victory over New England, which was his first action since Week 2 when he suffered his throwing shoulder injury. His shell of a receiving corps let him down big time in Week 6 as they dropped three would-be touchdowns so his passing line should’ve been much better. Lock will be in a better position to succeed in the future with Noah Fant (ankle) and Melvin Gordon (illness) likely returning to the lineup in Week 7, and Lock does have some spots to get his fantasy season rolling over the next month (KC, LAC, @Atl, @LV).
Nick Foles (Chi, 10%) — HC Matt Nagy rightfully pulled the plug on Mitch Trubisky in the second half in Week 3, and Foles promptly came into the game and threw three touchdowns in Chicago’s improbable comeback victory over the Falcons. Foles had his best fantasy performance since then in Week 6 with 17.3 FP against the Panthers as he threw and ran for a touchdown. The Bears should use Foles as their goal line back more often as well, since no RB gets stymied more than David “Stonewall” Montgomery. The Bears will continue to stick with Foles with their 5-1 record, but he’s an uninspiring low-end QB2 option even with some solid matchups looming (@LAR, NO, @Ten, Min).z
Running Backs
Higher-owned Options
J.K. Dobbins (Bal, 65%), Zack Moss (Buf, 55%), Joshua Kelley (LAC, 55%), Damien Harris (NE, 63%),
Top Targets
Justin Jackson (LAC, 45%) — With the Chargers on a bye last week, Jackson didn’t see a huge bump in ownership after out-performing Joshua Kelley on Monday Night Football back in Week 5. That should change this week with the Chargers returning to action against an extremely favorable slate over the next five weeks (Jax, @Den, LV, @Mia, NYJ). HC Anthony Lynn is likely to use a hot-hand approach between Jackson and Kelley going forward, but Jackson is the back trending upward while Kelley has started to look like a rookie in recent weeks. With Austin Ekeler (hamstring, IR) a long way from returning, as HC Anthony Lynn updated to on 10/21, Jackson has the looks of an upside RB2 with his upcoming schedule. Jackson could hold value all year, since it’s not out of question that they shut Eckler down for the whole season. UPDATED: 10/21
Boston Scott (Phi, 15%) and Corey Clement (Phi, 0%) — Scott could be thrust back into a prominent role for at least this week after Miles Sanders left Week 6 early with a knee injury. Scott worked as the top back in the season opener when Sanders missed with a hamstring injury, and he posted 54 scrimmage yards on 11 touches — he missed time in that game for an injury. Clement will also factor in along with Scott for as long as Sanders is out of the lineup. The Eagles have matchups against the Giants and the Cowboys the next two weeks before their Week 9 bye so it wouldn’t be surprising if the Eagles sit him through their bye to give after they coddled him back to full strength earlier this season through his hamstring injury. Scott has the chance to be a low-end RB2 option while Sanders is out while Clement is worth considering in deep formats in case he gets the hot hand while Sanders is out (but don’t count on that). Also, don’t count on much from Scott, since the OL is a mess and Scott has not done anything so far this year. UPDATED: 10/21
J.D. McKissic (Was, 6%) — He’s a real pest when it comes to Antonio Gibson, but that doesn’t look to be changing in the near future. McKissic has been operating as the 1B in Washington’s backfield (53% of the snaps in Week 6 vs. 37% for Gibson), and he managed 8/41 rushing while catching all six of his targets for 43 yards against in a loss to the Giants in Week 6. The Football Team likes him in the passing game, and while it’s looked recently like Gibson’s role was expanding, they’re seemingly hesitant to put too much on his plate, at least at this point in the season. He’s dependent on a negative game script, which won’t be a problem most weeks in Washington since they’re one of the worst teams in the league. McKissic doesn’t offer much upside, but he’s been good for 10-to-14 FP in each of the last three weeks because of his passing game production if you’re looking for a flex option in PPR formats.
Going Deeper
Gus Edwards (Bal, 3%) — Mark Ingram left Week 6 early with an ankle injury, which could open up a few extra carries for Edwards in the near future if the veteran RB misses some time going forward. The Ravens are on bye in Week 7 so Ingram may not even miss their next game against the Steelers in Week 8, but that seems more likely than not after HC John Harbaugh said 10/19 that Ingram had “a chance” to play in their next game. That means Ingram is certainly no lock. Edwards turned his extra work into 14/26/1 rushing against the Eagles in Week 6 while J.K. Dobbins turned his 11 touches into just 29 yards. Dobbins did play a solid 30 snaps or 41% of their snaps, but Gus beat him 32 snaps or 42%. Edwards is worth an add to grab a piece of this Ravens backfield, which would be a bit thinned out without Ingram.
Giovani Bernard (Cin, 6%) — Joe Mixon suffered a foot injury in the first half in Week 6 and he returned to play in the second half. The Bengals used Gio in their two-minute offense at the end of the game, but HC Zac Taylor said Monday that Mixon was available to play. It doesn’t sound like Mixon will miss any time with his foot issue but this is certainly a situation to monitor this week. Mixon owners should be prudent and add Bernard early in the week just in case Mixon’s situation worsens the closer we get to Sunday. Gio has been one of the best handcuffs in recent seasons. Across Bernard's last four games without Mixon on the field, he averaged 80% of the team's snaps, 13.0 carries, 5.3 targets, and 19.4 FPG. Those are hammer RB1 numbers. Mixon was out of practice early in the week, so check our projections for updates on Gio as it relates to Mixon’s status. UPDATED: 10/21
JaMycal Hasty (SF, 0%) — Hasty received plenty of training camp buzz in August, but he was relegated to the practice squad to start the season. He’s been elevated to the active roster in recent weeks with the 49ers dealing with a number of injuries to Raheem Mostert, Tevin Coleman, and Jeff Wilson. With Wilson sitting out Week 6 with a calf injury, Hasty actually got some run in the second half of San Francisco’s victory over the Rams with Mostert sitting out the second half with an ankle injury. That injury will land Mostert on IR, so he is out until Week 11 after their Week 10 bye. Hasty is worth a pickup in deeper formats because there’s a chance the 49ers could roll with a 1-2 punch of Jerick McKinnon and Hasty in Week 7 against the Patriots if both Wilson and Coleman are unable to play. Coleman, though, may return for Week 8, keep in mind. UPDATED: 10/20
La’Mical Perine (NYJ, 18%) — With Le’Veon Bell released, Perine will get a chance to show what he can do, and he does have a three-down skill set. He will compete with Frank Gore and Ty Johnson for snaps and touches going forward, and the Jets should look to get Perine more involved going forward since they used a fourth-round pick on him this spring. Perine finished with 7/27 rushing and 2/9 receiving on three targets against the Dolphins in Week 6. This terrible Jets offense isn’t producing much for fantasy so Perine isn’t guaranteed to ever be a fantasy difference-maker, but he’s still worth a speculative add just in case he can start wrestling more touches away from the ancient Gore. Gore did get 15 opportunities (111 carries, 4 targets) to Perine’s 10 (7 carries, 3 targets), but the rookie did outsnap Gore with 58% of the snaps vs. 35% of the snaps, and his coach did say on Monday that he wants to get Perine “more and more carries.” UPDATED: 10/20
Jamaal Williams (GB, 15%) — Second-round pick A.J. Dillon is a distant third option in this backfield behind Williams and starter Aaron Jones. Williams is the better all-around player than Dillon at this stage of his career, and he would lead this backfield if Jones missed time. Williams has some standalone value playing behind Aaron Jones, but he came up small, like the rest of the offense, against the Buccaneers in Week 6, managing just 4/34 rushing without a catch on his lone targets. He did play a solid 51% of the snaps, at least, compared to only 57% for Jones. HC Matt LaFleur wants to keep Jones fresh for the long haul and Williams is playing well enough to consider off of the waiver wire with byes and COVID-19 chaos happening around the league.
Matt Breida (Mia, 24%) — The Dolphins made Jordan Howard a healthy scratch the last two weeks, leaving this backfield to Myles Gaskin and Breida. Gaskin served as the workhorse back in Week 6 with 22 opportunities while Breida posted 6/15 rushing and 2/7 receiving in a shutout victory over the Jets. If Howard continues to be a healthy scratch going forward, Breida could be looking at 10-12 touches per game going forward, which gives him some standalone value with bye weeks setting in. He would also likely be the player to take over the majority of the work if Gaskin missed time so Breida is worth an add if he’s been dropped in your leagues. It would be nice to see Breida get a few more snaps, though, since he played only 29% of the snaps vs. 70% for Gaskin.
Malcolm Brown (LAR, 31%) — Darrell Henderson has clearly played his way ahead of Brown and rookie Cam Akers through the first six weeks of the season, but Brown is still very much in the mix. He played on 45% of the snaps in Week 6 while Akers saw just a single snap against the 49ers with the Rams playing from behind. Brown turned his snaps into just 2/4 rushing and 3/18 receiving on four targets, but Sean McVay’s backfield snap distribution is important to note for the future since Brown was the top option in passing situations. The Rams aren’t going to be clear underdogs until after their Week 9 bye, but Brown should see an uptick in playing time when the Rams are facing negative game scripts.
Chris Thompson (Jax, 16%) — James Robinson is dominating most of the work in this Jaguars backfield, but Thompson (30% of the snaps Week 6) is going to have a secondary role as a receiver most weeks since Jacksonville is going to be playing from behind most weeks. He may have a role most weeks but it doesn’t mean he’s going to put up production like in Week 6 when he posted just 3/15 receiving on four targets against the Lions. Thompson isn’t going to post big numbers behind Robinson most weeks, but he has some value for owners playing in deeper PPR formats.
Brian Hill (Atl, 17%) — Todd Gurley is actually off to a strong fantasy start with five touchdowns in six games, but he hasn’t looked particularly explosive as a runner and he’s done little as a receiver just like last season. Gurley likely won’t have a place with the Falcons after this season as they start to rebuild the franchise so it wouldn’t be shocking to see Hill and Ito Smith get longer looks in the near future now that former GM Dimitroff and former HC Quinn are gone. HIll has been involved most weeks, including in Week 6 when he posted 10/28 rushing and 2/6 receiving against the Vikings on 26% of the snaps. It’s not a bad idea to stash Hill if you have a roster spot that’s doing nothing for you or if you own Gurley. If Gurley is out, Hill may be a top-20 back. UPDATED: 10/20
Best Handcuff Stashes
Tony Pollard (Dal, 22%) — Pollard ran for 455 yards on just 86 carries (5.3 YPC) as Ezekiel Elliott’s primary backup last season, and there’s a chance he could have more standalone value if he’s given a bigger role as a sophomore. Pollard would immediately be an RB1 if he’s thrust into a bell-cow role at any point this season.
Carlos Hyde (Sea, 16%) — Hyde is the guy to own for early-down work in Seattle if Chris Carson misses time as Rashaad Penny continues to recover from his major knee injury from last season. Travis Homer and DeeJay Dallas would duke it out for passing-game work next to Hyde if Carson misses some time.
Jordan Wilkins (Ind, 1%) — Wilkins has been getting weekly touches as the primary backup to lead runner Jonathan Taylor after Marlon Mack (Achilles, IR) went down for the season. Wilkins would handle the early-down duties with Nyheim Hines mixing in as a change-of-pace back and as a receiver, if Taylor missed time.
Devontae Booker (LV, 0%) — The Raiders have built a large part of their offense around stud RB Josh Jacobs, and they also use Jalen Richard as a hurry-up and change-of-pace back. However, Booker is likely the handcuff for the early-down work in Las Vegas if Jacobs misses time.
Wide Receivers
Higher-owned Options
Chase Claypool (Pit, 49%), Tee Higgins (Cin, 52%), Brandin Cooks (Hou, 62%), Henry Ruggs (LV, 48%), Laviska Shenault (Jax, 48%), Brandon Aiyuk (SF, 58%), A.J. Green (Cin, 54%)
Top Targets
Mike Williams (LAC, 45%) — Williams has been dropped in a bunch of leagues after suffering a hamstring injury in Week 3 and with the Chargers on bye in Week 6. Justin Herbert has consistently shown off his big arm in the early going of his career and it was easy to envision Williams turning into a big-play threat for Herbert as soon as he was healthy. That’s exactly what happened when Williams returned in Week 5 as he racked up eight targets, many of them downfield for 5/109/2 receiving. Keenan Allen (back) did have back spasms in Week 5, which is something to keep an eye on in the future. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Williams continue to turn in several big plays in Weeks 7-11 with an attackable slate coming up (Jax, @Den, LV, @Mia, NYJ).
Travis Fulgham (Phi, 30%) — Fulgham now has three straight performances with touchdowns and 13+ FP. He kept his momentum going in a tough matchup against the Ravens, posting 6/75/1 receiving on a team-best 10 targets (25% share). A struggling Carson Wentz could use any kind of help he can get right now, and his top option could be Fulgham going forward. Jalen Reagor (thumb, IR) is still out, but the team may get Dallas Goedert (ankle, IR) and DeSean Jackson (hamstring) back this week, plus possibly Alshon Jeffery (Lisfranc). But it may not matter at this point, since Fulgham seems entrenched as a key receiver for the rest of the season. It may also help that Zach Ertz (ankle) is likely headed for the injured reserve and Miles Sanders (knee) will miss at least 1-2 games starting this week. Fulgham will get a tough individual draw against James Bradberry this week, but he’s the only player Wentz trusts right now, and Bradbury did NOT travel with Terry McClaurin last week, so maybe Fulgham can catch a break. He’s a must-play for most as a WR3 until he shows signs of slowing down. UPDATED: 10/21
Christian Kirk (Ari, 37%) — The third-year WR is trending upward the last four weeks after scoring a touchdown in Week 4, posting 5/78 receiving on seven targets against the Jets in Week 5, and turning only 3 targets into 2/86/2 in Week 6. Kirk is the WR22 over the last four weeks, scoring more points than guys like DeAndre Hopkins, Mike Evans, DJ Moore, and Hollywood Brown. Murray isn’t throwing the rock particularly well to start the year, and Kirk will need more volume if he’s to keep this up, but he’s the #2 option in the passing game, and he’s also their shot play guy, so he’s a major big-play threat (although he does split that roll up a little with Andy Isabella). Kirk could keep the momentum going with matchups looming against the Seahawks and Dolphins over the next two weeks. UPDATED: 10/20
Tim Patrick (Den, 18%) — Patrick has been a solid contributor every time he’s been given a chance in Denver, and he’s at it again with Courtland Sutton (ACL, IR), K.J. Hamler (hamstring), and TE Noah Fant (ankle) out of the lineup. He’s posted 14+ FP in three straight games and 100+ yards in two consecutive games after finishing Week 6 with 4/101 receiving on eight targets against the Patriots of all teams. Patrick will stick in the X receiver spot going forward with Sutton done for the year, and he’s actually the most-seasoned receiver for Drew Lock in his fourth season at 26 years old. He’s going to lose some steam when Fant and Hamler return to the lineup, but he’s playing well enough to stick in the WR4 conversation as he’s become the most trusted WR with Sutton out of the lineup.
Going Deeper
Antonio Brown (FA, 40%) — Brown is eligible to return from his 8-game suspension starting Week 9, and there’s definite interest in his services out there, so he’s a good bet to sign somewhere soon. The league’s file on his personal conduct investigation is still open, so there is a chance that he faces another league-imposed suspension. In addition, he hasn’t been on a football practice field with an NFL team in 13+ months, and no one knows what kind of shape he’s in. Still, he’s Antonio Brown, so someone will sign him if he can play. Seattle is likely the favorite, which would be a good spot. At the very least, he’s worth a stash now. If he signs with a team and shows signs of life, you might just have the confidence to start him by the time the fantasy playoffs come around. UPDATED: 10/21
Keelan Cole (Jax, 29%) — The Jaguars are rolling with D.J. Chark, Laviska Shenault, and Cole as their top-three WRs with Dede Westbrook a healthy scratch when they’re each in the lineup. Cole led the Jaguars with 6/143 receiving on nine targets in a blowout loss to the Lions in Week 6. Cole isn’t an exciting option, but he’s now scored 8+ FP in every game this season, including three performances with 15+ FP. Cole is a bench option in 12-team leagues and deeper formats since he’s getting opportunities in an offense that’s going to be playing from behind a bunch.
Cole Beasley (Buf, 32%) — Beasley is always a strong deeper option in PPR formats, and he’s back to putting up solid weekly production as the team’s slot WR. He’s posted at least nine FP in every game this season, including 11+ FP in each of his last five games after recording 6/53 receiving on six targets against the Titans in Week 5 and then 4/45/1 on 7 targets in Week 6. Beasley has been a solid but unspectacular PPR option in the past, but he has more upside than ever before because of Buffalo’s spread attack, especially with defenses making Josh Allen stay patient and dink and dunk in the short passing game. Beasley is even a viable WR3 in PPR formats with bye weeks and COVID-19 chaos setting in. UPDATED: 10/20
Corey Davis (Ten, 26%) — The Titans activated Davis off of the COVID-19 list to start this week so he’ll make his return to the lineup against the Steelers in Week 7. Davis got off to a hot start this season with 11+ FP in his first three games before landing on the COVID-19 list. He did do some of his damage with A.J. Brown out of the lineup in Weeks 2-3, but Ryan Tannehill is back to playing like one of the league’s best QBs to give him a chance to get back to his early-season form. Davis was finally starting to consistently look like the top-five pick that he was back in 2017 so he has some upside as a WR4 going forward.
DeMarcus Robinson (KC, 1%) and Mecole Hardman (KC, 45%) — Hardman has really needed an injury in front of him to have a better chance of producing for fantasy, and he could now be looking at a bigger role for the next couple weeks after Sammy Watkins left Week 5 early with a hamstring injury. He has been trending upward anyway with a touchdown and four catches in both Weeks 3-4 before posting 2/50 receiving on three targets against the Raiders in Week 5. But it was Robinson who saw a huge uptick in chances with Watkins out of the lineup with 5/69 on 6 targets. Meanwhile, Hardman had only 1 target. Robinson is the safer play at this point, since he’s Watkins’ actual backup with Hardman being Tyreek Hill’s. But Hardman for now is still the batter swing-for-the-fences upside play. UPDATED: 10/20
Sterling Shepard (NYG, 29%) — Shepard, activated from IR on 10/21, is pushing to return for Thursday Night Football this week after spending the last month on the injured reserve with turf toe. Shepard posted 8/76 receiving on 10 targets in the first six quarters of this season before suffering his injury. Shepard is in the WR4 conversation for now since he doesn’t have much of a ceiling because of Daniel Jones’ struggles, but there’s a chance Jones gets going a bit with arguably his best receiver back in the lineup. Shepard is looking like a GTD for Week 7 and would be a risky play if he goes this week. UPDATED: 10/21
James Washington (Pit, 10%) — Washington is the #4 WR in Pittsburgh, but he’s a pretty good #4 option with upside if there’s an injury in front of him. With Diontae Johnson (back) missing in Week 6, Washington stepped up and posted 4/68/1 receiving on a team-high seven targets (30.4% share). Washington is once again certainly worth considering as a plug-and-play option against the Titans this week if Johnson is unable to play again this week.
Adam Humphries (Ten, 9%) — Humphries saw his first action three weeks after landing on the COVID-19 list after Week 3. He registered his third double-digit FP performance in four games this season as he caught all six of his targets for 64 yards and a touchdown against the Texans. Humphries is a fine addition in PPR formats either way since he’s seen 6+ targets in all four of his games this season. He’ll also have more potential this week if Jonnu Smith is unable to play after he left Week 6 early with an ankle injury.
Preston Williams (Mia, 25%) — Williams has been slow out of the gates in his first month of action coming back from his ACL injury, but he’s shown some signs of life the last two weeks. He went off for 4/106/1 receiving against the 49ers in Week 5 before posting 2/18/1 receiving on three targets against the Jets in Week 6. It might be time to give Williams another look if he’s been dumped to the waiver wire. It’s worth noting that DeVante Parker has had a lot of issues staying healthy in the first half of the season after picking up a groin injury in Week 6 after he dealt with an ankle injury earlier this year. It wouldn’t be surprising if Williams improves as the season goes along, and they could look to get him more involved coming out of their Week 7 bye. We don’t know if he’ll click with Tua, but the QB change may help, since Ryan Fitzpatrick wasn’t looking for Williams much. UPDATED: 10/20
Russell Gage (Atl, 27%) — Gage is only as good as Matt Ryan is playing, and Ryan got back to playing well in Week 6. After posting three straight games with five or fewer FP, Gage bounced back with 4/65 receiving on four targets against the Vikings. Gage will compete with Hayden Hurst for targets behind Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley most weeks but at least Ryan is going to be throwing it plenty most weeks. Gage is worth a look in deeper PPR formats and he gets a good matchup against the Lions this week. But if Julio is out, forget Gage. UPDATED: 10/20
Randall Cobb (Hou, 17%) — Cobb has seen a steady diet of targets in the middle of the field from Deshaun Watson most weeks. The veteran slot WR saw just four targets against the Titans in Week 6, but he turned those looks into 3/17/1 receiving as he scored his second TD of the season. He also threw a pass to Will Fuller in the endzone, for what it’s worth. Cobb should stay active and he should get more comfortable with Watson as they work together longer for those looking for help in deeper PPR formats. It’s also only a matter of time before Will Fuller and/or Brandin Cooks misses time with an injury, and his role would grow in that scenario.
Gabriel Davis (Buf, 4%) — We’ve been hearing great things about the rookie Davis since the summer, and he’s flashed a couple of different times in the first few weeks of the season in this suddenly potent Bills passing attack. He started for John Brown in Week 5 and he put up 5/58 receiving on nine targets and he just missed a TD against the Titans. Davis can’t be used except in the deepest formats while Stefon Diggs, Brown, and Cole Beasley are still healthy, as we saw in Week 6, but fantasy owners would be scrambling to add him if one of those receivers goes down — Brown has been battling leg issues early in the season, and he was out of practice early in the week on 10/21, so Davis may have some play this week. Stash Davis now if you’re in a competitive, deeper league. UPDATED: 10/21
Breshad Perriman (NYJ, 8%) — The Jets are an absolute dumpster fire but, to be fair to Sam Darnold, he was playing with the deck completely stacked against him. The Jets’ top perimeter WR the last two weeks was someone named Jeff Smith, but that changed in Week 6 when Perriman returned to the lineup off of an ankle injury that kept him out for three weeks. He finished with 4/62 receiving on eight targets from Joe Flacco in New York’s shutout loss to the Dolphins. Perriman can’t be trusted to stay healthy for long (he got dinged up in Week 6) so there are low expectations for him playing in this dreadful offense. Still, it wouldn’t be shocking if he emerges as a viable option in deeper formats if healthy, since no player outside of Jamison Crowder is anywhere close to being fantasy relevant. Unfortunately, he’s been downgraded from this list this week because he’s now dealing with a knee issue, and he did have a knee problem last year. UPDATED: 10/21
Darnell Mooney (Chi, 2%) — He’s yet to make a big play, but he’s been used as the #2 WR behind Allen Robinson and ahead of Anthony Miller for most of this young season. Mooney has seen 5+ in each of the last four weeks, but he hasn’t hit double-digit FPs in any of those games after posting 3/36 receiving on five targets against the Panthers in Week 6. The Bears have been high on him and they’ve been blown away with his speed and how quickly he’s picked things up. His upside is capped playing with Foles and playing behind a ball-hog like A-Rob, so he should be boom-or-bust. But Mooney will certainly be making some big plays going forward, and his “boom” could be pretty appealing a la DeSean Jackson.
Bryan Edwards (LV, 4%) — Edwards will look to return to the lineup out of Las Vegas’ Week 6 bye after missing the last two games because of an ankle injury. The 2020 third-round pick had 40+ yards in consecutive games in Weeks 2-3 before he suffered his ankle injury against the Patriots in Week 3. Edwards was generating plenty of buzz during training camp and he made a couple of big plays before his injury so it’s not a bad idea to stash Edwards if you have the bench space and you’re looking for an upside player in the second half of the season.
Tight Ends
Higher-owned Options
Dalton Schultz (Dal, 61%), Jimmy Graham (Chi, 53%), Austin Hooper (Cle, 60%), Eric Ebron (Pit, 54%), Rob Gronkowski (TB, 60%)
Top Targets
Dallas Goedert (Phi, 41%) — He’s eligible to come off the injured reserve this week after suffering a small fracture in his ankle in Week 3, and it looks like he will be available to play in Week 7 (but a Week 8 return is more realistic). The Eagles desperately need him in the lineup with Zach Ertz falling off of a cliff (and headed to IR). It’s tough to find difference-makers on the waiver wire at this point but Goedert has the potential to be a TE1 the rest of the season given the Eagles’ struggles to find a competent receiver. UPDATED: 10/20
Trey Burton (Ind, 20%) — Burton has emerged as the top receiving TE in Indianapolis since coming off the injured reserve in Week 4. He had his best game yet in Week 6 with Mo Alie-Cox inactive, posting 4/58/1 receiving on five targets against the Bengals. He also scored on a one-yard rushing TD after lining up as the QB in the Wildcat formation — he played QB for a stretch in college at Florida. Burton has the most upside in this tight end room going forward, and the coaching staff is featuring him in the offense so we can use him with some confidence as a TE 2 option. The Colts are on bye in Week 7 so Burton will have to wait a week to continue his momentum.
Irv Smith (Min, 9%) — OC Gary Kubiak has gone out of his way to finally get the talented second-year TE more involved over the last two weeks. He’s posted double-digit FP in consecutive weeks with four catches and 55+ yards in each game. Mike Zimmer ideally wants his team to be a low-volume passing attack every week so we’re at least a bit skeptical Smith’s role will carry over to the future since Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson are going to command targets week. Still, Smith has shown he deserves to see a steady diet of targets every week and it’s not like the Vikings can dominate opponents with their running game and their defense like they have in the past. The Vikings are on bye this week so he can’t help you immediately, but he’s certainly worth an add if you’re looking for a player with upside potential at a position that’s sorely lacking for quality options.
Going Deeper
Darren Fells (Hou, 5%) — Fells has gone off the last two weeks with Jordan Akins out of the lineup as he’s found the end zone and posted 55+ receiving yards in each of the last two weeks. Fells finished with 6/85/1 receiving on seven targets in a loss to the Titans in Week 6. Akins (ankle/concussion) didn’t even make the trip to Nashville in Week 6, which suggests he’s week-to-week right now with his injuries. Fells is a great streaming option this week against the Packers if the Texans give Akins another week to heal before their Week 8 bye.
Greg Olsen (Sea, 23%) — Olsen is leading this Seahawks TE committee, which also has Will Dissly and Jacob Hollister involved. Olsen posted five catches in consecutive games before catching his only target for 20 yards against the Vikings in Week 6. Dissly caught his only target for a 19-yard score, but Olsen still paced this TE corps with an 83% snap share compared to Dissly’s 37% share. Russell Wilson is going to throw a ton of touchdown passes this season as he already has 19 TD passes through the first five weeks of the season. Olsen is a distant #3 option behind D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, but grabbing pieces of this potent passing attack is a wise decision, especially if Olsen is just developing chemistry with Wilson.
Anthony Firkser (Ten, 0%) — Jonnu Smith left Week 6 in the first half with an ankle injury, and he never returned to the lineup. Firkser stepped up big for Ryan Tannehill against the Texans as the fourth-year TE exploded for 8/113/1 receiving on a team-best nine targets (22% share). Smith did briefly show up on the injury report before Week 3 with an ankle injury, although ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Smith’s injury is “minor.” After his strong performance in Week 6, Firkser is worth a look as a streaming option against the Steelers if Jonnu is unable to play this week. On the downside, Jonnu was limited on Wednesday, which is a good sign for his Week 7 availability. UPDATED: 10/21
Richard Rodgers (Phi, 0%) — Rodgers could be a one-week streaming option against the Giants this week with Dallas Goedert (ankle, IR) and Zach Ertz (ankle) potentially unable to play against New York. With Ertz leaving early in Week 6, Rodgers stepped in and caught all three of his targets for 31 yards against the Ravens while another backup TE, Jason Croom, caught a touchdown pass. Rodgers certainly isn’t an appealing option, but he could help in a pinch this week since he has a pulse, which is more than can be said about many in this Eagles receiving corps right now. Goedert will probably need another week before he’s ready to return. UPDATED: 10/20
David Njoku (Cle, 0%) — If you’re desperate, adding Njoku may actually net you something positive because he wants to be traded and he should be traded because Harrison Bryant is the future TE in Cleveland, and Austin Hooper will be around for at least 1-2 more years after this one. If Njoku does get traded, it’ll likely be to a team that actually needs a TE, so he could actually do something.
Place Kickers
Higher-owned Options
Greg Zuerlein (Dal, 94%) Harrison Butker (KC, 98%)
Top Targets
Jason Myers (Sea, 30%) - In the past two seasons following a bye week, Myers has kicked three field goals and three extra points in two games combined. These are not impressive numbers by any means. Still, three different Seattle kickers have booted two field goals on the road at Arizona in each of the last three seasons. Myers had two field goals and three extra points in Arizona last year.
Mason Crosby (GB, 43%) - We listed Crosby here last week and the Packers had a major letdown performance all around. This could be a bounced back week against the Texans who are allowing over 30 points a game in six outings this year. We sense a three field goal and three extra point game by Crosby.
Chris Boswell (Pit, 23%) - Pittsburgh has been rolling along but they run into a solid defense. The key here is that Tennessee is ranked 21st overall in the NFL in yards allowed with 2049. So, the Steelers should be able to move the ball against this defense even if it is a road game. This could lead to field goal opportunities and Boswell has yet to miss a field goal in 2020.
Going Deeper
Tyler Bass (Buf, 3%) - The Bills play the Jets on the road. This could be a let down game after playing the Chiefs on Monday night. The offense could be a little flat with a short week and that could mean more field goal attempts than extra points for Bass.
Dustin Hopkins (Was, 2%) - Hopkins has not been a reliable place kicker for fantasy owners. He has missed two extra points and three field goals this year. Still, Washington is playing a mediocre defense at home and might be able to move the ball enough to stall out and kick two or three field goals. The trick is going to be Hopkins converting on all of his chances.
Defense/Special Teams
Higher-owned Options
Buccaneers (TB, 57%)
Top Targets
Chargers (LAC, 27%) — For being as busted up as they’ve been, this Chargers D has held together fairly well. They started strong in Week 1 with a dominant performance against Cincinnati, but pass-rushers Melvin Ingram and Joey Bosa have been banged up, along with some of their secondary. Their unexpected bye couldn’t have come at a better time. They’ll get a chance to rest and recover, and welcome a much friendlier schedule. After facing the Chiefs, Bucs, and Saints, their post-bye schedule includes the Jaguars in Week 7, and Denver in Week 8. They’ll also get the Jets in Week 11.
Going Deeper
Packers (GB, 22%) — Don’t let the Week 6 drubbing by Tampa Bay fool you: this defense was put in bad positions early and never recovered, thanks to a very rare Aaron Rodgers 2-INT game. Going forward, the Packers have a top-10 schedule for DSTs, including @Hou and vs. Min for the next two weeks, and a nice run from Week 10-15 (Jax, @Ind, Chi, Phi, @Det, Car). Unlike Week 6, that’s a lot of positive game script for Za’Darius Smith and Co. Though the Packers came up empty-handed in their 1st loss, they had 12 sacks, 2 INTs, a FR, and a defensive TD in their 4 wins.
