Fantasy football is a game of inches, where the right waiver wire pick can make the difference between victory and defeat. Week 6 of the NFL was marred by numerous injuries, impacting both real-life team strategies and our fantasy lineups. As we turn our focus to Week 7, let’s delve into the most critical waiver wire adds, evaluate the performance of key players, and arm ourselves with knowledge to navigate the unpredictable elements of fantasy football.
The Injury Epidemic: Assessing the Damage
Week 6 was brutal for injuries. Players from every position went down, affecting their NFL teams and fantasy lineups alike. Notable injuries include Marvin Harrison Jr. from the Arizona Cardinals, who sustained a concussion, and Malik Nabers, also out with concussion issues. The New Orleans Saints’ wide receiver Chris Olave suffered a concussion, while Jaden Reed of the Green Bay Packers injured his ankle. Running backs weren’t spared either, with Jerome Ford of the Cleveland Browns out with a hamstring injury and San Francisco’s Jordan Mason battling injuries.
Noteworthy Injuries to Monitor:
Marvin Harrison Jr. (Arizona Cardinals) – Concussion
Malik Nabers (Team) – Concussion
Chris Olave (New Orleans Saints) – Concussion
Jaden Reed (Green Bay Packers) – Ankle Injury
Jordan Mason (San Francisco) – Multiple Injuries
Jerome Ford (Cleveland Browns) – Hamstring Injury
In light of these injuries, let’s explore the waiver wire options that can help mitigate their impacts on your fantasy team.
Wide Receiver Waiver Wire Targets
Christian Watson & Romeo Doubs, Green Bay Packers
Both Watson and Doubs are must-adds this week, with Watson available 59% of the time and Doubs at 65%. The Packers are dealing with injuries to Jaden Reed and Dantavian Wicks, opening opportunities for both Watson and Doubs to see increased target shares.
Demario Douglas, New England Patriots
Highlighted for his increasing performance opportunities due to a quarterback change, Douglas is an intriguing add especially with New England’s upcoming game in London against Jacksonville, a match prime for scoring.
Juju Smith-Schuster, Kansas City Chiefs
With 69% availability and a stable role unless he gets injured, Smith-Schuster stands out, especially with other team injuries and Kansas City’s potential high-scoring matches.
Xavier Leggette, Carolina Panthers
Leggette, 81% available, faces upcoming games against teams that have recently allowed a lot of points to wide receivers, making him another interesting option.
Running Back Waiver Wire Targets
Sean Tucker, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tucker showcased explosive performance despite potential competition from other backs. He is worth the gamble if you’re in need of running back depth.
Ty Chandler, Minnesota Vikings
Chandler offers potential, especially useful if Aaron Jones remains sidelined with injuries. With mixed but promising matchups ahead, Chandler is a valid speculative add.
Tyrone Tracy, New York Giants
Valuable due to Devon Singletary’s absence, Tracy has been effective as both a rusher and receiver, particularly favorable for PPR leagues.
Isaac Guerendo, San Francisco 49ers
On the heels of a strong performance and with increased opportunities due to team injuries, Gurendo is a solid pickup. Pay close attention to Christian McCaffrey’s injury status for indications on Gurendo’s future value.
Tight Ends: A Few Names to Consider
The tight end position remains challenging due to recent injuries. Still, a few names emerge as possible snag-ups:
Zach Ertz, Washington Commanders
75% available, consistently seeing weekly targets, making him a reliable albeit limited option in terms of points scored (typically 5-8 points).
Hunter Henry, New England Patriots
74% available, and with improved target share, Henry could be a sneaky addition, especially in deeper leagues.
Grant Calcaterra, Philadelphia Eagles
With Dallas Goddard sidelined by a hamstring injury, Calcaterra’s value rises significantly.
Quarterback and Defensive Team Suggestions
Andy Dalton, Quarterback
Dalton is a short-term pickup due to a favorable matchup against the Washington Commanders.
Drake Maye, Quarterback
Maye is a longer-term, high-risk, high-reward option for those in leagues with deep benches and a willingness to gamble on potential upside.
Defensive Teams
New Orleans Saints:
Despite recent struggles, they have a favorable Week 7 matchup against the Broncos.
New England Patriots:
Offering a good bet against Jacksonville with a knack for pulling off interceptions.
Closing Thoughts: The Waiver Wire Stack Strategy
Managing the waiver wire effectively can be a game-changer. Stay tuned for our upcoming video on how to stack waiver wire requests effectively, ensuring you maximize your chances of securing the best available talent. Also, we encourage users to comment on the rarity of trades in fantasy leagues—your feedback helps us understand and discuss topics of interest.
For detailed insights and more fantasy football advice, be sure to visit our website, fangirlfootball.com, and sign up for our newsletter.
Remember, keep an eye on player statuses, plan your pickups carefully, and let’s tackle Week 7 together!
