Waiver Wire Pickups Week 7

QB

There aren’t any quarterbacks out there with an appealing matchup in week 7. Unfortunately for the Cam Newton (bye week) and Ben Roethlisberger (injury) owners, they might be in some desperate need of a QB if they didn’t have a backup on the bench. Here are some decent streaming options, but don’t say I didn’t warn you that it’s not the greatest bunch.

Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images

Colin Kaepernick (9%)

He is still a very flawed NFL quarterback in terms of mechanics, but as long as his legs keep working he can get you some valuable points. Kaep ran for 66 yards against the Bills in week six, and he gets the Buccaneers in week seven, who have given up a touchdown to every quarterback they have faced (except for backup QB Derek Anderson).

Brian Hoyer (20%)

He didn’t throw for any touchdowns in week six, but he also didn’t throw any interceptions, which is impressive for a guy who threw the ball 49 times and connected on 30 passes. He still threw for over 300 yards like he has in every one of his starts in 2016. He gets the Green Bay defense on a short week, but they have been generous to quarterbacks this season.

Alex Smith (28%)

It’s hard to recommend Smith after he failed to throw a touchdown in an easy matchup against Oakland, but he does get the Saints defense which is notoriously bad. While the Saints are a better play in fantasy for running backs, Smith could be a good option if you are looking for a floor of 15 points.

RB

Jay Ajayi (31%)

I’m not sure how he is owned in less than 50% of leagues, but that wont last for much longer after his 204 yard game against the Steelers. While the Dolphins running back situation is likely to be somewhat confusing and hard to trust moving forward, Ajayi’s performance should have placed him ahead of Arian Foster, who is owned in more leagues.

Photo by Harry How/Getty Images

Devontae Booker (27%)

As mentioned in the last weeks article, Booker’s role is increasing with each passing game. The Broncos are likely going to revert to a two running back committee with C.J. Anderson not doing much as the full-time back. This is a must add for Anderson owners if they have a roster spot to move.

Chris Ivory (43%)

As owners are giving up on Ivory and his slow return to health, the Jaguars are starting to use him more in their offense. He ran the ball more times than T.J. Yeldon (11-6) and was able to punch in a goal line carry for six points. His overall performance was nothing to be excited about (just 2.9 YPC), but it’s a good sign to see him more involved in the offense. If he can return to the intimidating workhorse he was last season, it will be a rare find on the waiver wire.

Deeper Leagues: Jacquizz Rodgers, Zach Zenner.

WR

Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images

Kenny Britt (11%)

The Rams offense is usually very quiet for fantasy purposes, but Kenny Britt has forced us to take notice of his recent performance. He caught his first two touchdown passes on the season to end his drought. He has gotten consistent work in this offense but the questions surrounding the Rams QB position limits him as a WR3.

Ty Montgomery (1%)

If you are looking for a one week add, Montgomery is an interesting target. He was used primarily as a running back with the lack of depth at the position behind Eddie Lacy. He caught most of his passes there, but he also lined up at the wide receiver position as Davante Adams exited with a head injury. If Adams and Lacy are both limited in snaps on Thursday, Montgomery can be started, but he wont be fantasy relevant for much longer afterwards.

Guys who might still be available:

Michael Thomas (67%)

Has gotten at least five targets in every game this season. He’s also scored in each of the team’s last three games.

Cameron Meredith (52%)

He will be playing on a short week, but he’s been heavily involved since Kevin White went on the IR. Meredith has also gotten more targets and yards than Alshon Jeffrey in the two games he has started.

Deeper Leagues: Robert Woods, Corey Coleman.

TE

Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

Hunter Henry (35%)

Antonio Gates is slowly returning to health, but it’s going to be hard for Philip Rivers stop giving the ball to Henry, who has scored a touchdown in each of the last three games. Gates and Henry are total opposites, as one is a rookie and one is a grandpa in NFL years. Henry is Philip Rivers’ new shiny toy, and to think this offense can’t support two tight ends is foolish with all the injuries they have suffered at other positions.

Jack Doyle (11%)

Dwayne Allen went down with an ankle injury in week six, and even if he suits up against Tennessee, he wont be a significant factor. This should open the door for Doyle, who has been on the edge of fantasy relevancy since his two touchdown performance in week one. Andrew Luck makes good use of his tight ends, especially in the red zone. Doyle caught his first touchdown pass since week one after Allen went down.

C.J. Fiedorowicz (1%)

His usage in the Texans offense has been on the rise since week four, when he caught a touchdown pass on four receptions. Last week he hauled in six passes for 85 yards and a score against a weak Colts defense. While he will be a lot harder to trust against a stingy Broncos defense in week seven, he has still managed to place himself on the map for fantasy relevant tight ends.

Deeper Leagues: Ladarius Green, Vernon Davis, Lance Kendricks, Jacob Tamme.

Streaming Defense

Cincinnati Bengals (47%) vs. Cleveland Browns

Baltimore Ravens (33%) @ New York Jets

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3%) @ San Francisco 49ers