Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Advice: Pickups to Target, Stash & Drop (Week 7)

Week 6 gave us some complicated backfield puzzles to solve for fantasy football.

The Chargers placed rookie back Omarion Hampton on injured reserve (IR) last week, shortly after placing Najee Harris on season-ending IR with a ruptured Achilles. That left us to parse how the workload would be split between Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal. We were torn between the two in last week’s waiver wire article and admitted that it was hard to discern the Chargers’ backfield.

It appears Vidal was the correct investment. He had a big game on Sunday. The good news is that he’s still widely available. Expect fierce FAAB bidding for Vidal in this week’s waiver run.

After Cardinals running back Trey Benson went on IR with an ankle injury, Michael Carter seemed to take control of the backfield in Week 5, but then ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Sunday morning that Bam Knight would start at running back for the Cardinals. We had recommended a hefty spend on Carter last week.

The Cardinals’ backfield remains messy. Knight and Carter divided work pretty evenly in Week 6, with Knight getting 12 touches and Carter notching 11 touches. Carter had the edge in yardage, but Knight scored a touchdown and Carter did not. Knight remains widely available.

Before we discuss Vidal, Knight and other waiver options, allow us to offer a friendly reminder that after the two-team bye week ahead in Week 7, with the Bills and Ravens the only teams idle, Week 8 will be a six-team bye-pocalypse. The Cardinals, Lions, Jaguars, Raiders, Rams and Seahawks will be off in Week 8.

A little advance planning can sometimes save you precious FAAB dollars. Figure out which starters you’ll lose in Week 8 and consider grabbing your replacements now, rather than waiting a week and potentially having to pay higher prices.

On with the show…

Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Advice: Week 7

Week 7 Waiver Grade: B-

Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Rankings

Note: Players chosen based upon having early-week consensus roster percent below 50%.

(Rostership percentages are based on Yahoo leagues; Recommended FAAB bids are based on a $100 budget.)

Running Backs

Written by Ellis Bryn Johnson

Kimani Vidal (RB – LAC): 26% Rostered

• Next Opponents: IND, MIN, @TEN
• True Value: $13
• Desperate Need: $24
• Budget-Minded: $8

Analysis: Never wrong, just early. That’s what Kimani Vidal truthers will tell you after being too early on him last year. To be fair, the truthers may have had a point, as Vidal exploded for 124 rushing yards on 18 attempts Sunday against the Dolphins. Going into the week, Hassan Haskins was projected to be the lead back in Omarion Hampton‘s absence. But Vidal took the role and didn’t look back. The second-year ball-carrier from Troy out-snapped Haskins 43-20, and untouched him 21-7. Hampton is supposed to return this season, but his IR stint will keep him out until at least Week 10. It’s important to recognize that Vidal’s big game came against a Miami defense that allowed Rico Dowdle to rush for more than 200 yards the week prior. However, if Vidal continues to get the vast majority of snaps and touches, he can be an RB3/Flex option for fantasy, at the very least.

Bam Knight (RB – ARI): 13% Rostered

• Next Opponents: GB, BYE, @DAL
• True Value: $8
• Desperate Need: $13
• Budget-Minded: $5

Analysis: Surprise. Bam Knight is the lead back in Arizona. Despite Michael Carter playing 58% of snaps in Week 5 and finishing as the RB11 in half-PPR scoring for the week, the Cardinals apparently didn’t appreciate his 18 carries for 58 yards. Knight led the charge this week, playing 37 snaps to Carter’s 32, with Emari Demercado playing only three snaps. Knight carried the ball 11 times for 34 yards and a touchdown on Sunday versus the Colts and added one catch for 20 yards. Knight has scored a touchdown in each of his last two games. Although Knight’s weekly upside is limited to the productivity of the offense, quarterback Kyler Murray has a good chance to return next week. Knight is a solid Flex play as long as Trey Benson (knee) remains out of the Cardinals’ lineup.

Kareem Hunt (RB – KC): 40% Rostered

• Next Opponents: LV, WSH, @BUF
• True Value: $4
• Desperate Need: $8
• Budget-Minded: $2

Analysis: The Kansas City backfield is a mess. With Hunt and Isiah Pacheco sharing work, it’s a coin flip as far as which is the best fantasy option in a given week. Additionally, rookie Brashard Smith is getting opportunities and further muddying the waters in this backfield. What we do know is that the Chiefs’ offense has been rolling, averaging 31.7 points over its last three games. Hunt leads the Chiefs in red-zone carries with 10 to Pacheco’s four. With the Kansas City offense operating at a high level, the goal-line back will provide weekly touchdown upside and Flex value, and Hunt is that guy.

Kendre Miller (RB – NO): 32% Rostered

• Next Opponents: @CHI, TB, @LAR
• True Value: $3
• Desperate Need: $5
• Budget-Minded: $1

Analysis: Turns out it’s harder to overtake Alvin Kamara than some in the fantasy community expected. Despite growing hype over Kendre Miller’s increased usage the last few weeks, he was outsnapped 35-20 by Kamara against the Patriots in Week 6. Miller also ran nine fewer routes and had four fewer targets. However, Miller’s eight carries suggest that he will continue to be involved each week. Unfortunately, when you are playing on one of the worst teams in the league, a part-time role doesn’t mean much for a running back. But Miller has proven to be the clear second option if Kamara misses time. He is a desperation Flex play each week, but his real value is his potential if Kamara were to be absent.

Tyler Allgeier (RB – ATL): 30% Rostered

• Next Opponents: SF, @MIA, NE
• True Value: $3
• Desperate Need: $5
• Budget-Minded: $1

Analysis: I’ll continue to say this as long as Tyler Allgeier is available in more than 50% of Yahoo leagues: Allgeier should be rostered in all leagues, across all formats. There are only a few backup running backs who are guaranteed to get substantial workloads if the starter goes down. Of that group, there are even fewer who have the skill to thrive when given the opportunity. Allgeier checks both of these boxes and also holds weekly low-end flex appeal. He had 10 carries for 32 yards and a touchdown Monday night against the Bills, adding one reception for six yards. The Falcons run the ball at the sixth-highest rate in the NFL, with 48.4% of their plays being runs. Allgeier is more valuable than most bench receivers due to his weekly involvement and contingent upside.

Running Back Stash Candidates

• Blake Corum (RB – LAR)
• Tyjae Spears (RB – TEN)
• Isaiah Davis (RB – NYJ)

Blake Corum gets weekly usage and has clear upside if Kyren Williams were to miss time. After fumbling and being benched in Week 5, Corum returned to his usual role on Sunday, playing 12 snaps to Williams’ 40. If you have deep benches, Corum is worth rostering. If Williams misses a game, Corum instantly becomes an RB2 in a top offense.

Tyjae Spears has the potential to take over the Titans’ backfield. Currently behind Tony Pollard, Spears doesn’t have an especially high bar to clear to seize a lead role. The entire Tennessee offense desperately needs a facelift, and Spears has the potential to deliver a much-needed spark. As the lead pass-catching back, Spears is positioned to chip away at Pollard’s role. Spears is worth rostering for his contingency value as well as potential to take over the Titans’ backfield.

Isaiah Davis is the next back in line behind Breece Hall, with Braelon Allen expected to miss 8-12 weeks with a knee injury. The value of the Jets’ lead back role is closely tied to quarterback Justin Fields. We have seen that good defenses can ruin Fields’ ability to move the offense. Considering that the 0-6 Jets run the ball on 44% of their offensive snaps, this rushing attack can produce two fantasy-viable running backs. However, this will be specific to positive matchups against defenses that are exploitable on the ground.

Wide Receivers

Written by Derek Brown

Kendrick Bourne (WR – SF): 32% Rostered

• Next Opponents: ATL, @HOU, @NYG
• True Value: $4
• Desperate Need: $6
• Budget-Minded: $2

Analysis: With Jauan Jennings obviously not 100% while he is still dealing with a few injuries, Kendrick Bourne has operated as the 49ers’ clear No. 1 WR over the last two games. This week, George Kittle and Ricky Pearsall could return, which would knock Bourne down the target pecking order. But until Kittle and Pearsall step back on the field, Bourne is the guy in the 49ers’ passing offense. In Week 5, Bourne was amazing, with a 22.4% target share, 142 receiving yards (3.74 yards per route run) and a 25% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. Against the Buccaneers in Week 6, Bourne smashed again with a 23% target share, five receptions and 142 receiving yards. He’s a strong Flex play until the 49ers get back to full strength (or at least close to it).

Elic Ayomanor (WR – TEN): 22% Rostered

• Next Opponents: NE, @IND, LAC
• True Value: $2
• Desperate Need: $4
• Budget-Minded: $1

Analysis: With Calvin Ridley dealing with a hamstring issue, ElicAyomanor should assume the No. 1 WR role for Tennessee until Ridley returns. Ayomanor has two top-36 weekly finishes this season (WR24, WR27). He hasn’t displayed a high weekly ceiling with Cam Ward‘s play and inside the context of the broken Tennessee offense. Ayomanor hasn’t had more than 56 receiving yards in any game this season, and he’s surpassed 50 receiving yards only once. Against the Raiders in Week 6, Ayomanor had a 13.1% target share with 27 receiving yards, but he could easily stack two nice games in the next two weeks with a bump in usage and good matchups incoming. The Patriots and Colts have respectively allowed the fifth-most and seventh-most PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers, per Fantasy Points Data.

Jalen Coker (WR – CAR): 11% Rostered

• Next Opponents: @NYJ, BUF, @GB
• True Value: $2
• Desperate Need: $4
• Budget-Minded: $1

Analysis: Jalen Coker practiced in full all week before Week 6, but the Panthers held him out. I expect Coker to be back for Week 7 and hopefully to hit the ground running. Last year, he burst onto the scene as an undrafted free agent. He earned a starting spot as the season moved along and racked up four games with at least 60 receiving yards in the process. In the six games in which Coker played at least 68% of the snaps and Bryce Young was the starting quarterback, Coker had an 18.3% target share, 55.7 receiving yards per game, 1.89 yards per route run and a 23.8% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. He averaged 11.4 PPR points per game with three top-36 weekly fantasy finishes (WR17, WR12, WR28). Coker offers immediate Flex value this week against a Jets’ secondary that has allowed the ninth-most PPR points per target to slot receivers.

Josh Downs (WR – IND): 48% Rostered

• Next Opponents: @LAC, TEN, @PIT
• True Value: $1
• Desperate Need: $2
• Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: In Week 5, Josh Downs had a season-high 71.9% route share, 21.9% target share, 54 receiving yards and a 29.2% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. Downs finished with six grabs and 54 receiving yards. Against the Cardinals in Week 6, Downs played 50.8% of the snaps with a 60.6% route share, per Pro Football Focus (PFF). He had a 23.3% target share, finishing with six grabs, 42 receiving yards and a touchdown. I’d love to tell you that the hot streak will continue, but Downs likely remains a middling Flex play moving forward after he had a nice matchup against Arizona. Out of his next three matchups, only Pittsburgh is an advantageous one (sixth-most PPR points per target allowed to slot receivers).

Kayshon Boutte (WR – NE): 7% Rostered

• Next Opponents: @TEN, CLE, ATL
• True Value: $1
• Desperate Need: $2
• Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: The last time I was over the moon for Kayshon Boutte’s outlook in fantasy, he finished with only one grab (for a touchdown) and 16 receiving yards against the Dolphins. In Weeks 2-5, Boutte never had more than two receptions or 28 receiving yards in any game. Now, Week 6 enters the chat, where Boutte had a 19.2% target share with 93 receiving yards and two scores. His usage is extremely volatile week-to-week, but if you need a dart throw high-ceiling Flex, Boutte is your guy. He has nice matchups for the next two weeks. Tennessee and Cleveland have respectively allowed the 12th-most and fourth-most PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers, per Fantasy Points Data.

Christian Kirk (WR – HOU): 24% Rostered

• Next Opponents: @SEA, SF, DEN
• True Value: $1
• Desperate Need: $2
• Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: Since his Week 3 return, Christian Kirk hasn’t had any monster games, seeing a 15.5% target share, a 19.8% air-yard share and a 17.6% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. During that span, he has averaged 36.3 receiving yards per game with 1.58 yards per route run. This week is the time to Flex him, though. Seattle has allowed the seventh-most PPR points per target to slot receivers (Kirk: 72.5% slot rate). Kirk is a worthwhile pickup if you are desperate for a Flex play this week.

Troy Franklin (WR – DEN): 24% Rostered

• Next Opponents: NYG, DAL, @HOU
• True Value: $1
• Desperate Need: $2
• Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: Troy Franklin has two top-36 weekly wide receiver finishes (WR7, WR36). Entering Week 6, Franklin had a 17.6% target share, 1.62 yards per route run, 46.2 receiving yards per game, a 73.7% route share and an 18.5% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. Franklin had a down game against the Jets with a 13.3% target share, three receptions and 19 scoreless receiving yards, but he is due for a bounce-back with two fruitful matchups incoming. The Giants and Cowboys, respectively, have allowed the 10th-most and the most fantasy points per game to perimeter wide receivers.

Jordan Whittington (WR – LAR): 0% Rostered

• Next Opponents: @JAX, BYE, NO
• True Value: $1
• Desperate Need: $2
• Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: With Puka Nacua’s health up in the air, Jordan Whittington becomes a waiver wire option for Week 7. With the Rams having a bye in Week 8, Whittington might only have a one-week flex shelf life. He should be the Rams’ second option in the passing game this week behind only Davante Adams. Last year, in his two starts, he had a 24.3% target share, 2.19 yards per route run (75.5 receiving yards per game), and a 20.8% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. He was the WR35 and WR17 in weekly scoring in those games while seeing one red zone target. The Jaguars have been giving to perimeter wide receivers, allowing the most fantasy points per game to the position.

Wide Receiver Stash Candidates

• Darius Slayton (WR – NYG)
• Luther Burden (WR – CHI)

Darius Slayton is worth an IR stash if he’s on the waiver wire in your league. Jaxson Dart looks like the real deal, and the Giants continue to open up the passing attack with Dart getting more comfortable. Once Slayton is healthy, he could develop into a solid weekly Flex play during the most pivotal weeks of the fantasy season. In Weeks 10-17, Slayton has five plus-matchups against the Bears, Lions, Patriots, Commanders and Raiders. He could easily be a WR3 for each of those matchups. Stash him now.

We see this every year. After the bye week hits, rookies get a bump in usage. Coming out of a Week 5 bye, Luther Burden didn’t play a huge number of snaps Monday night against the Commanders, but he had four catches for 51 yards. Burden has been solid when on the field this season. Despite a 20.3% route share over his first four games, Burden produced 3.19 yards per route run and 0.76 fantasy points per route run, per Fantasy Points Data. In an expanded role, he could be an immediate WR3 weekly and vault over DJ Moore in the Bears’ target pecking order. Burden is a sneaky upside stash.

Quarterbacks

Written by Ellis Bryn Johnson

Trevor Lawrence (QB – JAX): 49% Rostered

• Next Opponents: LAR, BYE, @LV
• True Value: $4
• Desperate Need: $6
• Budget-Minded: $2

Analysis: Just when we thought the Jaguars might be this year’s AFC dark horse, they were dominated by the Seahawks, who were missing their top two cornerbacks. The good news is that Trevor Lawrence managed to get Brian Thomas Jr. going in Week 6, hitting him eight times for 90 yards and a score. Lawrence even had a 54-yard touchdown pass to Thomas nullified when Travis Hunter lined up offside. The Jaguars are in London this week to take on the Rams. The Rams are excellent at stopping the run but league-average in passing yards allowed. Hopefully, Thomas’ big game was a turning point for him, as Lawrence will need all his weapons to keep up with Matthew Stafford and the Rams.

Jaxson Dart (QB – NYG): 29% Rostered

• Next Opponents: @DEN, @PHI, SF
• True Value: $5
• Desperate Need: $7
• Budget-Minded: $2

Analysis: The Giants are riding high with the rookie duo of Jaxson Dart and Cam Skattebo. I’m skeptical it will last, but it is definitely fun to watch. These two players have the reckless abandon that Giants’ fans have been craving. Dart is only the third quarterback of the Super Bowl era to have 50+ rushing yards in each of his first three starts. He’s averaging nine carries per game, and his rushing ability is icing on this big blue cake. Next week’s matchup against the Broncos will be tough, as Denver is averaging the second-fewest points against (16.8) and has been stingy to opposing quarterbacks. The Broncos held Jets Justin Fields to 45 rushing yards on Sunday and sacked him nine times.

Sam Darnold (QB – SEA): 35% Rostered

• Next Opponents: HOU, BYE, @WSH
• True Value: $2
• Desperate Need: $4
• Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: Despite all the skepticism that Sam Darnold couldn’t perform without Kevin O’Connell and the Vikings, he has been excellent for Seattle. The Seahawks are tied with the 49ers at 4-2 atop the NFC West, and Darnold has been playing outstanding football. For fantasy, Darnold has finished as a top-12 quarterback in three of the last four weeks. This week, he has a tough matchup against the Texans, who are coming off their bye. The Texans are only allowing 12.2 points per game, the fewest in the league by far. Thankfully, Darnold gets to lean on emerging superstar Jaxon Smith-Njigba and a strong running game each week. The matchup against the Texans may limit his Week 7 ceiling, but Darnold can be a solid spot start for anyone in need.

Bryce Young (QB – CAR): 21% Rostered

• Next Opponents: @NYJ, BUF, @GB
• True Value: $1
• Desperate Need: $3
• Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: Who knew that Rico Dowdle would unlock the Panthers’ offense? With back-to-back victories for the first time since November 2024, they officially have something cooking in Carolina. Highlighted by Dowdle’s 200+ yards from scrimmage in each of the last two games, this offense has new life. Although this two-game stretch came against two of the worst defenses in the league (the Dolphins and Cowboys), the Jets are not a scary Week 7 matchup. The Jets are allowing the second-most points per game. Young is a decent spot start this week for fantasy managers who might be missing either Lamar Jackson or Josh Allen during their bye weeks.

Joe Flacco (QB – CIN): 7% Rostered

• Next Opponents: PIT, NYJ, CHI
• True Value: $1
• Desperate Need: $3
• Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: Can Joe Flacco turn the Bengals’ season around? Without Joe Burrow, this team was desperate for functional quarterback play. Although Jake Browning came through in 2023, he was not up to the task this year. On Sunday, Flacco was able to move the ball against a tough Packers defense on the road. The Bengals now have a three-game home stretch against three exploitable defenses. When you’re the quarterback of a team with the worst defense in the league and are throwing to Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, there will be fantasy points to go around. Flacco is a good streaming option for each of the next three weeks in good matchups.

Tight Ends

Written by Derek Brown

Mason Taylor (TE – NYJ): 34% Rostered

• Next Opponents: CAR, CIN, BYE
• True Value: $5
• Desperate Need: $7
• Budget-Minded: $2

Analysis: Well, after two nice performances, Mason Taylor came crashing back to earth in Week 6, as Justin Fields turned into a rotten pumpkin. In the two games prior to the Denver debacle, Taylor was a focal point of the Jets’ passing attack as the TE9 in fantasy points per game. In Weeks 4-5, Taylor had a 26% target share, 66 receiving yards per game (1.89 yards per route run) and a 27.8% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. In Week 6, he turned his only target into two receiving yards. Don’t fear: Taylor will bounce back in the next two weeks with cupcake matchups incoming. Carolina and Cincinnati have respectively allowed the third-most and second-most schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game to tight ends.

Harold Fannin Jr. (TE – CLE): 25% Rostered

• Next Opponents: MIA, @NE, BYE
• True Value: $4
• Desperate Need: $6
• Budget-Minded: $2

Analysis: In Dillon Gabriel‘s first start, Harold Fannin Jr. had a 12.1% target share, a 47.2% route share, 13 receiving yards (0.76 yards per route run) and a 14.3% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. It was Fannin’s smallest route share of the season, and the touchdown he secured saved his fantasy day. David Njoku suffered a knee injury on Sunday, and Fannin became the Browns’ full-time tight end, playing 80.2% of the snaps with a 75.8% route share and a 20.8% target share, per PFF. He finished with seven grabs and 81 receiving yards. Fannin will be a strong streaming option over the next two weeks, assuming Njoku plays. But if Njoku is out, Fannin will be a must-start TE1. The Dolphins and Patriots, respectively, have allowed the eighth-most and seventh-most fantasy points per game to tight ends.

Oronde Gadsden II (TE – LAC): 1% Rostered

• Next Opponents: IND, MIN, @TEN
• True Value: $2
• Desperate Need: $4
• Budget-Minded: $1

Analysis: Oronde Gadsden just had a wonderful breakout performance. He was the Chargers’ full-time tight end in Week 6 with a 75% snap share, an 82% route share and a 21.6% target share, per PFF. Gadsden turned eight targets into seven receptions and 68 receiving yards. If he keeps this role moving forward, catching passes from Justin Herbert, Gadsden will have plenty of streamer-worthy weeks and could flirt with TE1 value for the rest of the season.

Theo Johnson (TE – NYG): 20% Rostered

• Next Opponents: @DEN, @PHI, SF
• True Value: $1
• Desperate Need: $2
• Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: Since Week 4, Theo Johnson has had an 18.4% target share with 25.7 receiving yards per game (1.04 yards per route run) and a 21.7% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. That’s solid usage, especially when you consider that he’s also had three end-zone targets and three touchdowns in that time frame, too. In those three games, Johnson has averaged 12.2 PPR points. His upcoming matchups aren’t great, but if he continues to see this usage moving forward, he will continue to flirt with TE1 value.

AJ Barner (TE – SEA): 13% Rostered

• Next Opponents: HOU, BYE, @WSH
• True Value: $1
• Desperate Need: $2
• Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: AJ Barner has three TE1 finishes this season (TE9, TE8, TE1). He entered Week 6 with a 10.9% target share, 1.52 yards per route run (26.8 receiving yards per game) and a 9.5% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. Against the Jaguars on Sunday, he secured all three of his targets for 71 yards. Barner is a low-end streaming option. He’s especially valuable if your tight end is on bye in Week 9 (David Njoku, Harold Fannin Jr., Mason Taylor, Dallas Goedert). In Week 9, he’ll be a priority streaming option against the Commanders, who have allowed the 10th-most schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game to tight ends.

Defenses

Written by Pat Fitzmaurice

New England Patriots: 48% Rostered

• Next Opponents: @TEN, CLE, ATL
• True Value: $4
• Desperate Need: $6
• Budget-Minded: $2

Analysis: The Patriots face rookie quarterbacks in talent-deprived offenses over the next two weeks. This week, they get No. 1 overall draft pick Cam Ward and the Titans. Ward has been a sack magnet, absorbing a league-high 25 sacks. He’s also thrown four interceptions and has lost four fumbles. The Titans are averaging 13.8 points per game. In Week 8, the Patriots draw third-round draft pick Dillon Gabriel and the Browns. Gabriel has taken eight sacks in his first two NFL starts and is averaging just 4.8 yards per pass attempt. The Patriots’ defense entered Week 6 ranked eighth in fantasy points per game.

Cleveland Browns: 37% Rostered

• Next Opponents: MIA, @NE, BYE
• True Value: $1
• Desperate Need: $2
• Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: Although the Browns’ defense hasn’t been especially good for fantasy this season, it’s a high-quality unit led by EDGE rusher extraordinaire Myles Garrett. Cleveland ranked sixth in defensive DVOA (defense-adjusted value over average) entering Week 6. The Browns host the Dolphins in Week 7, welcoming Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa into the Dawg Pound. He has thrown seven interceptions in six games and has been sacked 13 times.

Seattle Seahawks: 47% Rostered

• Next Opponents: HOU, BYE, @WSH
• True Value: $1
• Desperate Need: $2
• Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: Seattle has a talented defense, and Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald is one of the better defensive schemers in the league. Despite being without three starters in the secondary in Week 6, the Seahawks held the Jaguars to 12 points and just four yards per play in an impressive road win. Seattle sacked Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence seven times. The Seahawks get a Week 6 date against the Texans and their porous offensive line, which ranks at or near the bottom of the league in most offensive line metrics. Before the Texans dropped 44 points on the Ravens in Week 5, Houston had averaged 16 points a game.

Carolina Panthers: 1% Rostered

• Next Opponents: @NYJ, BUF, @GB
• True Value: $1
• Desperate Need: $1
• Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: The Panthers have a below-average defense, but their Week 7 matchup against the Jets gives them streaming appeal. Jets signal-caller Justin Fields struggled mightily against the Broncos in London on Sunday, completing 9-of-17 passes for 45 yards. Fields was sacked nine times in that game, and the Jets finished with -10 net passing yards and 82 total yards. Fields has been a sack magnet for much of his career, and he’s been dropped 14 times in his last two games.

Chicago Bears: 5% Rostered

• Next Opponents: NO, @BAL, @CIN
• True Value: $0
• Desperate Need: $1
• Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: Chicago’s defense has produced 10+ points in four of its first five games. The Bears are a low-level streaming option this week with a home game against New Orleans. Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler has been surprisingly good at keeping mistakes to a minimum, with only one interception and 11 sacks in his first six games. But New Orleans is averaging just 18.5 points per game.

Kickers

By Pat Fitzmaurice

Eddy Pineiro (K – SF): 21% Rostered

• Next Opponents: ATL, @HOU, @NYG
• True Value: $1
• Desperate Need: $2
• Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: Eddy Pineiro has been terrific since replacing Jake Moody as the 49ers’ kicker, hitting 15-of-15 field goals and 7-of-8 extra points in five games with San Francisco. The 49ers have averaged 22 points over their last three games despite being clobbered by injuries. They have a chance to get quarterback Brock Purdy, tight end George Kittle and wide receiver Ricky Pearsall back from injuries this week, which could brighten the scoring outlook for Pineiro. The Niners get a Week 7 home game against the Falcons, who entered Week 6 having allowed 11.8 fantasy points per game to kickers.

Michael Badgley (K – IND): 11% Rostered

• Next Opponents: @LAC, TEN, @PIT
• True Value: $1
• Desperate Need: $1
• Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: The Colts brought in Michael Badgley to replace Spencer Shrader, who sustained a season-ending knee injury in Week 5. In his first game, Badgley drilled his only field-goal attempt (a 45-yarder) and was 4-of-4 on extra points. The Colts’ offense has been humming all season, which is why Shrader was tied with Chase McLaughlin for the lead in fantasy scoring among kickers after five weeks. Badgley is inheriting a potentially lucrative role, and he filled it nicely in his first week on the job.

Jason Myers (K – SEA): 23% Rostered

• Next Opponents: HOU, BYE, @WSH
• True Value: $1
• Desperate Need: $1
• Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: The underrated Jason Myers has been a top-10 fantasy kicker this season, averaging 10.5 fantasy points per game. Four of his 11 field goals have come from 50 yards or beyond. The Seahawks have been putting up points aplenty, averaging 30.6 points over their last five games.

Andy Borregales (K – NE): 2% Rostered

• Next Opponents: @TEN, CLE, ATL
• True Value: $1
• Desperate Need: $1
• Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: Andy Borregales got off to a shaky start this season, missing a field goal and two extra-point attempts in his first two games. But he has since converted 4-of-4 field goals and 12-of-12 extra points. Second-year signal-caller Drake Maye has the New England offense clicking. The Patriots have averaged 30 points over their last three games. They get a favorable matchup against the Titans this week, and their matchups against the Browns and Falcons in Weeks 8-9 aren’t bad either.

Cam Little (K – JAX): 37% Rostered

• Next Opponents: LAR, BYE, @LV
• True Value: $0
• Desperate Need: $1
• Budget-Minded: $0

Analysis: Cam Little had a tough day on Sunday, missing his only two kicks — a 50-yard field-goal attempt and an extra point — but he’s produced nine or more fantasy points in four out of six games this season. Little gets a Week 7 matchup against the Rams, who have allowed 12.8 fantasy points per game to kickers.

Fool’s Gold

• DeMario Douglas (WR – NE)
• Tyler Higbee (TE – LAR)

DeMario Douglas had a 53-yard touchdown catch in Week 6 and had another long touchdown wiped out by a penalty. But Douglas has become a part-time player for New England, with a snap share below 40% in each of his last five games. Douglas is not worth your consideration despite his splashy Week 6 performance.

Tyler Higbee had four catches for 40 yards and a touchdown against the Ravens on Sunday. Fantasy gamers might be tempted to kick the tires on Higbee this week if Puka Nacua misses Week 7 with an ankle injury. But Higbee’s Week 7 matchup against the Jaguars isn’t particularly appealing, and then the Rams go on bye in Week 8. Higbee has been targeted 15 times in his five games this season, and he’s topped 50 yards only once in his last 18 regular-season games.

Drop Recommendations

Droppable

• Chris Godwin (WR – TB)
• Tyrone Tracy Jr. (RB – NYG)
• Tyquan Thornton (WR – KC)

Chris Godwin dislocated his ankle and fractured his fibula in the middle of the 2024 season. He returned in Week 4 and played two games, but now he’s out again with another fibula injury. It’s unclear what the timetable for his return is, but it seems unlikely he’ll be back quickly. Mike Evans should return from a hamstring injury soon. Emeka Egbuka sustained a hamstring injury in Week 6, but reports suggest it isn’t a serious injury. With heavy target competition and after such a significant injury last season, Godwin might have trouble regaining his status as a valuable fantasy asset. He’s droppable.

Tyrone Tracy Jr. returned from a shoulder injury in Week 6, but he had a 30% snap share, four carries and zero targets. The Giants’ backfield belongs to rookie Cam Skattebo. Tracy is merely a handcuff, and not an especially valuable one.

After scoring a touchdown in three straight games and then rolling up 90 receiving yards in the game where his touchdown streak was snapped, Tyquan Thornton went cold for the Chiefs in Week 6, failing to draw a single target. It was a good run, but with Rashee Rice coming back from a suspension in Week 7, Thornton’s playing time is going to evaporate. It’s time to cut him.

Droppable With a Chance of Regret

• Hassan Haskins (RB – LAC)
• Marquise Brown (WR – KC)

It wasn’t clear how the Chargers would divide work in their backfield after having to put rookie back Omarion Hampton on IR. Hassan Haskins was the third running back on the Chargers’ Opening Day roster, behind Hampton and Najee Harris, which made it seem as if Haskins might have the inside track to be the lead back in Hampton’s absence. Not so fast, my friend. Kimani Vidal dominated snaps and touches in the Chargers’ backfield in Week 6. Haskins is now basically just a handcuff to a third-stringer.

After a 10-catch, 99-yard performance against the Chargers in Week 1, Marquise Brown has been clinging to fantasy relevance by his fingernails. His two-touchdown performance against the Lions in Week 6 felt like a farewell party. With Rashee Rice coming back from suspension this week, Brown is about to lose his grip. He’ll be the third wheel behind Rice and Xavier Worthy — a role with little fantasy value.

Don’t Drop Yet

• TreVeyon Henderson (RB – NE)
• RJ Harvey (RB – DEN)
• Bhayshul Tuten (RB – JAX)
• Darnell Mooney (WR – ATL)

TreVeyon Henderson investors are getting increasingly restless, and Henderson continues to play behind veteran Rhamondre Stevenson. Henderson’s Week 6 snap share was 29.7% — a season low. On the bright side, Henderson had a carry or a target on 11 of his 19 snaps. And while Henderson’s role is discouraging, it’s nice that the New England offense is thriving with Drake Maye at the helm. Because if Henderson eventually does pass Stevenson and gets a beefier share of the workload, he could be quite valuable in a good offense. Don’t drop him out of frustration. Henderson is worth your patience.

It’s not just TreVeyon Henderson investors who are frustrated with the way their highly drafted rookie running back is being used. Another second-round rookie, RJ Harvey, is struggling to get a foothold in his team’s offense. Harvey’s snap shares have been below 33% in five of his first six games, and he’s had seven or fewer touches in five of his six games. Harvey is playing behind J.K. Dobbins, who’s had trouble staying healthy throughout his career. And typically, there’s room for more than one running back to be fantasy-relevant in a Sean Payton offense. That hasn’t been the case yet with Payton’s 2025 Broncos, but give it time.

Bhayshul Tuten wasn’t drafted quite as early as TreVeyon Henderson or RJ Harvey. Tuten was a fourth-rounder, but his blazing speed had investors enthusiastic about his 2025 outlook. Tuten has seen strict backup duty behind Travis Etienne. The Jaguars’ rookie running back has had six or fewer touches in each of his last four contests, and his Week 6 snap share was only 14.9%. Still, Tuten has upside as the No. 2 running back in a Liam Coen offense. He’s worth holding if you can afford to during the bye weeks.

Darnell Mooney missed the first game of the season with a shoulder injury, and now he’s out with a hamstring injury. It’s not imperative to keep him on your roster, but the Falcons’ target tree is so skinny that Mooney should be busy once he’s healthy. It’s easy to forget that Mooney was just eight yards shy of a 1,000-yard season in 2024 while playing on 93% of Atlanta’s offensive snaps.

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