Wavier Wire Pickups: Week 7
Injuries are a part of the game, but this season has been extra annoying when it comes to fantasy starters. What’s even more surprising is there are NFL veterans like Leonard Fournette waiting on their couches ready to play, yet teams are trying to get by with unproductive depth. Week 6 was a dud week across the board for running backs, unless you had Raheem Mostert or Travis Etienne Jr.
It’s getting to the point where fantasy commissioners should consider making only one running back required in starting lineups next season. The league chews RBs up and spits them out, yet somehow a league of twelve has to find two legitimate starters every week. Maybe I’m just old and frustrated with my dreadful fantasy team, but this season hasn’t been about starting the best players, it’s been about finding starters with a pulse.
The following are some Waiver Wire pick-ups I would suggest, filling in for Jakob Oliver.
Running Backs
Jordan Mason – 49ers (1% rostered)
It doesn’t sound like Christian McCaffery’s injury is too serious, so that makes overspending a concern if Jordan Mason is available on your waiver wire. Elijah Mitchell has recovered from a knee injury, although he isn’t really a threat at the moment. Mason ought to be the pickup for the time being. However, if your Fantasy League uses a FABB (Free Agent Blind Bidding) format, what is Mason worth if CMC is going to be back soon?
Be smart with your spending. The 49ers play the Vikings, Bengals then have a bye week. I would expect CMC to return after the bye. So bid accordingly as I’m guessing Mason is a two-week replacement
Roschon Johnson – Bears (42% rostered)
Since Khalil Herbert is expected to remain on injured reserve for at least three more weeks, Roschon Johnson and D’Onta Foreman should both be in the running for employment. The problem here is the Bears are terrible on offense. Their playcalling is very frustrating and while Justin Fields has shown flashes of improvement, they are a mess and are likely to abandon the run by halftime after trailing on the scoreboard. If you’re desperate, grab Roschon Johnson, but have lowered expectations.
Chuba Hubbard – Panthers (46% rostered)
The Carolina Panthers have a bye week, and Miles Sanders could be back soon after suffering an injury last week. However, Hubbard’s stock has been trending upward even before Sanders got hurt, so we could see more of him regardless. Hubbard is a solid stash player
Zach Evans – Rams (5% rostered)
Due to injuries, Zach Evans looks to be the Rams starting RB vs. the Steelers in week 7. There is also talk that the Rams will give Royce Freeman an opportunity in an RBBC role. The Steelers rank 22nd in the league for rushing yards allowed but have only given up 3 rushing touchdowns all season.
Evans is only worth picking up if you have no other options.
Craig Reynolds – Lions( 2% rostered)
The Lions are 5-1 and tied with the 49ers and Eagles with the best record in the NFC. This team has been quietly racking up wins but finds themselves in a tough spot as both their two running backs, Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery hurt. Detroit is playing the Ravens in week 7, followed by the Raiders, and then a bye week. The Ravens are 11th in rushing defensive yards allowed and have only given up 1 touchdown on the ground all year, yikes.
Other Options (but likely not available):
- Kareem Hunt
- Jaylen Warren
Wide Receivers
Jameson Williams – Lions (34% rostered)
Odds are this guy has been sitting on someone’s bench all season and not available on your waiver wire, but if he is… pick him up!
After being regarded as one of the best wide receivers in his draft class the previous year, Jameson Williams is still a bit of a mystery to many. Jameson has been sidelined for a significant portion of his NFL debut. He was among five players leaguewide to be suspended for violating the NFL’s gambling policy after an investigation by the league.
But that’s all behind him now and he’s finally getting on the field. Last week Williams caught two passes including a deep shot for a touchdown. He should begin to rack up points fast playing in the Lions offense.
Rashee Rice – Chiefs (30% rostered)
The Chiefs are not a great team for wide receiver consistency. We all know Mahomes loves his tight end and then spreads the ball around to everyone else. However, Rashee Rice is coming off his biggest game where he caught four passes for 72 yards. Rice is a big weapon and has seen targets in every game this year. Picking him up would be a buy-low investment hoping he can take the next step mid-season as of right now, I’m not sure you’ll feel safe with him in your starting lineup.
Tight Ends
The tight end position has been incredibly frustrating over the years, but this season seems to be the worst. Up until last week, rookie Sam LaPorta from the Lions was TE1. Inconsistency has been a major issue with many regular fantasy starters including George Kittle, Dallas Goedert, Kyle Pitts, and Darren Waller. My advice would be to treat Tight Ends like Kickers this season. Unless you have Kelce or one of the few starters you can trust, just look at matchups and hope for the best. I wouldn’t advise trading for a Tight End this season not named Kelce.
