We are still riding that injury wave into Week 7. It seems like every week we are losing a top player and scrambling to fill the void. With only two teams on a bye this week, that should help ease the pain.
Last week the fantasy football reaper took down Marvin Harrison Jr., Puka Nacua, Emeka Egbuka and Garrett Wilson. Other notable names with question marks are Dalton Kincaid (bye this week) and DJ Moore, who ended up in a hospital overnight.
Let’s dive into the waiver wire and see who we can find to keep our teams afloat. As we approach the half-way point, these are the guys that can potentially save or tank your season.
Quarterbacks
Dillon Gabriel (QB – CLE): 2.5% Rostered | Last Week: QB28
Do not panic on Dillon Gabriel. After his first start in Week 5, we said he looked calm and collected in the pocket and played smart. And while he was worth picking up, he was not a great play in Week 6 against the Steelers unless you absolutely had to. However, in Week 7 the Browns are playing the Dolphins, and if you’ve been listening to us then you already know. PLAY YOUR GUYS AGAINST MIAMI.
Carson Wentz (QB – MIN): 4.5% Rostered | Last Week: BYE
Carson remains on the list again this week after a bye in Week 6. Wentz is ever the veteran QB with a full (and healthy) receiver room, and the Vikings are up against the questionable Eagles defense at home in Week 7.
Mac Jones (QB – SF): 3.7% Rostered | Last Week: QB26
Mac has looked really good keeping the Niners offense moving, with the exception of last week against a formidable opponent in the Bucs. Week 7 brings the Falcons to Levi Stadium, in what should be a bounce back game for the 49ers. If Purdy is out, don’t hesitate to fire up Mac Jones again.
Running Backs
Kimani Vidal (RB – LAC): 27.1% Rostered | Last Week: RB5
With Omarion Hampton on IR, the Chargers declined to give Vidal or Haskins the nod as lead back. Well, we now know the current RB1 is Kimani Vidal. To be clear, this was against Miami, but the workload points to Vidal as THE guy with Hassan Haskins mixing in. They won’t be up against the Dolphins every week, so curb your expectations, but Vidal is a must-add this week if you’re in injury purgatory.
Tyjae Spears (RB – TEN): 23.6% Rostered | Last Week: RB30
Tyjae is ramping up after starting the season on IR. Pollard has been the clear RB1, but he hasn’t looked very impressive. It is entirely possible that Spears ends up taking over the backfield at some point this season. But for now, he’s certainly making a dent in Pollard’s workload. With the shakeup in the Tennessee coaching room, things could get very interesting.
Wide Receivers
Tre Harris (WR – LAC): 4.5% Rostered | Last Week: WR27
While not an impressive stat line, Tre Harris basically slides right into QJ’s position. If Johnston is out, Harris will be used in the same role going forward.
Tez Johnson (WR – TB): 0.7% Rostered | Last Week: WR53
Tez “MVP” Johnson finally found the endzone in Week 6. With Egbuka joining the long list of injured starters, Tez is an interesting waiver prospect. Keep in mind, his floor is LOW. But Baker likes to sling the rock, and Tez Johnson has the potetial to make big plays. Sterling Shepard is going to be old reliable, so if you’re looking for safety I’d stick to Shepard. But if you need to take a chance, I’d pivot to Tez.
Kendrick Bourne (WR – SF): 1.4% Rostered | Last Week: WR15
Kendrick Bourne is the only receiver on this offense right now. Jauan Jennings “played” too, but it was evident he’s not even close to 100%. He was basically trotted out as a warm body. This team is surviving out of spite at this point, but Kendrick can’t be ignored. Even if Pearsall and Jennings are playing, he needs to be in your lineup as the only viable, healthy receiver on the team. If Kittle returns in Week 7, things might even get better for Bourne.
Tight Ends
AJ Barner (TE – SEA): 10.1% Rostered | Last Week: TE22
Barner doesn’t get a consistent target share, but he makes the most of what he’s given. He has a similar stat line to Cooper Kupp, but he’s done more with his targets than Kupp has. Plus, he’s scored at least one touchdown in 3 of his last 5 games. I like his rest of season outlook, but temper expectations against Houston this week.
Harold Fannin Jr. (TE – CLE): 29.0% Rostered | Last Week: TE11
Welcome to the Fannin Fan Club. While Fannin hasn’t been the most consistent, with Njoku now dealing with a hyperextended knee, Fannin is looking like a nice option against Miami this week. With the only other “reliable” (you know, except for all the drops) receiver being Jerry Jeudy, I like Fannin’s odds. And what have we been saying? START YOUR GUYS AGAINST MIAMI!
