Waiver Wire Watch: Week 7

Oct 19, 2020

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It seems the story of Week 6 was the mighty falling (or at least getting punched in the mouth). The 4-1 Rams fell to the 2-3 49ers. The undefeated Packers were blown out by the Buccaneers. The Patriots were outplayed by the Broncos in Cam Newton’s return. The Titans nearly lost in overtime to the 1-4 Texans. The Ravens survived a fourth-quarter comeback from the Eagles. And the 4-1 Browns were thoroughly outclassed by the Steelers. These weeks happen in the NFL, though, as the parity of the league backs up that age-old “any given Sunday” cliche. We’re deeply entrenched in bye weeks now, with four teams off last week and four more taking a break in Week 7 (Colts, Dolphins, Vikings, Ravens). That means the waiver wire is thinning out, especially at the running back position. But there are still plenty of players to target and I dive into all of them below.

Recommendations are based on a PPR-scoring, four-point passing touchdown, 12-team league, with ownership percentages coming from Yahoo. I try to mention when a player is a better streaming play (short-term/one-week starter) versus a long-term addition. Free-agent acquisition budget (FAAB) suggestions are based on a $100 season-long budget. Lastly, the great John Paulsen will edit this article every week and adjust rankings and prices if necessary. Essentially, you’re getting two minds collaborating on this piece instead of one, so lucky you.

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Now, with that out of the way, here are some players to target heading into Week 7.

BYES: Colts, Dolphins, Vikings, Ravens.

Quarterbacks

Justin Herbert, Chargers
Andy Dalton, Cowboys
Gardner Minshew, Jaguars
Teddy Bridgewater, Panthers
Baker Mayfield, Browns
Daniel Jones, Giants
Derek Carr, Raiders
Kyle Allen, Washington
Drew Lock, Broncos

Justin Herbert, Chargers, 54% rostered ($5)

Herbert is growing into his role as a franchise passer, throwing for 300-plus yards in each of his first two starts, and throwing for three-plus touchdowns in each of his next two. Herbert gets to return from his bye with an extremely favorable matchup against the Jaguars defense. If he was dropped in your league, he should be a top option this week.

Gardner Minshew, Jaguars, 46% rostered ($3)

Minshew has scored two-plus touchdowns in every game but one and has thrown for at least 243 yards in every game but one. Next week he faces a strong Chargers defense, but a defense that is missing key players to injuries. There are safer streamers than Minshew, but the mustache offers a decent floor for those in a pinch next week.

Teddy Bridgewater, Panthers, 48% rostered ($3)

Bridgewater struggled against a tough Bears defense but could bounce back in Week 7 against a suspect Saints secondary. Every quarterback to face the Saints has scored 20-plus fantasy points, with the last four throwing for at least three passing touchdowns as well. The Saints could have made some corrections during their bye, but the odds are the Bridgewater will be able to put up a nice outing against the Saints.

Baker Mayfield, Browns, 38% rostered ($1)

If Mayfield (ribs) is healthy for next week, he’ll be a solid streamer against a Bengals secondary that just gave Philip Rivers the best game of his season (371 yards, three touchdowns, one interception). Mayfield’s health is a concern though, as he finished Week 6 on the bench while the Browns were down big.

Andy Dalton, Cowboys, 32% rostered ($1)

Dalton was abysmal on Monday night, throwing two interceptions and often struggling to move the Cowboys offense. Perhaps another week of practice will help. He has a solid matchup next week against the Washington Football Team, so if you picked him up to replace Dak, he's at least rolling out one more time. And if you need a quarterback due to byes, you can cross your fingers and hope Dalton turns things around.

Other potential streamers: Daniel Jones (@ PHI), Derek Carr (vs. TB), Kyle Allen (vs. DAL), Drew Lock (vs. KC).