The week is nearly wrapped up, and of course there were another round of injuries and surprising performances. As a result, fantasy football managers will be on the lookout for wavier wire additions and replacement options for those injured over the weekend or just to bolster their lineup moving forward. Here are a few players to consider adding via the fantasy football waiver wire this week. And check out all of our fantasy football waiver wire pickups and advice for Week 7.
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Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups to Target
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).
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.
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.
Successful In-Season Fantasy Football Management
Once your fantasy football team is drafted, the work is not over. Successful in-season management is crucial to a winning fantasy football season. Here are some tips to help you manage your team effectively throughout the season:
Stay up to date on player news
Keep track of player injuries, suspensions, and other news that may impact their performance. This will help you make informed decisions about which players to start each week.
Monitor the waiver wire
Keep an eye on the waiver wire and be ready to pick up players who may be undervalued or overlooked by other teams. This can provide valuable depth to your roster. Use our waiver wire assistant to view optimal lineups, waiver and trade suggestions, and league analysis.
Analyze matchups
Analyze the upcoming matchups for your players and opponents to determine which players to start in your lineup each week. Look for favorable matchups and take into account the strength of the opposing team’s defense.
Stay active in trades
Be open to trading players with other teams if it will benefit your team. Analyze the potential impact of a trade before making a decision and negotiate with other teams to find a mutually beneficial agreement.
Be prepared for bye weeks
Plan ahead for bye weeks by having backup players ready to fill in for your starters. Avoid having too many players with the same bye week, which can leave your team short-handed.
Don’t overreact to one bad week
Avoid overreacting to one bad week of performance by a player. Take a long-term view of their performance and evaluate their potential moving forward.
Continuously evaluate your roster
Continuously evaluate your roster throughout the season and make adjustments as needed. Be willing to drop underperforming players or make changes to your lineup if necessary.
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If you want to dive deeper into fantasy football, be sure to check out our award-winning slate of Fantasy Football Tools as you navigate your season. From our Start/Sit Assistant – which provides your optimal lineup, based on accurate consensus projections – to our Waiver Wire Assistant – that allows you to quickly see which available players will improve your team and by how much – we’ve got you covered this fantasy football season.
