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Joining our famous waiver wire pickups list, and our weekly waiver wire columns by position, this column focuses on suggested waiver wire bidding percentages for fantasy football owners in leagues using a Free Agent Acquisition Budget (FAAB). Week 5 brought several injury hammers and Week 6 didn't let up, and now we face a Bye-pocalypse with six teams out. Depth is more important than ever!
As a caveat, these prices do not by any means indicate how much these free agent players will go for. Each league values players differently and will continue to do so. These values are here to provide a baseline or priority order to understand roughly how much you should be looking to spend on a particular player. Specific needs are always reasonable cause for a manual override.
It's difficult to toe the line between appropriate action and overreaction, but following context-aware volume is typically the best strategy. Monitor the injury reports and always err on the side of high-ceiling stashes for the end of your bench if bye weeks allow it. Whatever your needs, here's my median FAAB bid ranges and adds heading into Week 7.
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FAAB Waiver Wire Pickups - Quarterbacks
Mac Jones (QB, NE) - FAAB Bid: 0-1%
17% rostered
Jones continues to round into form as an NFL passer, throwing for 229 yards and two scores on just 15 completions against an aggressive Dallas defense. He took some hard hits but now has five TDs in his last three games compared to just two in his first three. Keep an eye on his development, especially as New England’s running backs continue to be above-average at best. Week 7 against the Jets could be a confidence-boosting spot, or he could be asked to do little with the defense shouldering the load as they did in Week 2. Either way, he's growing.
Prior to Sunday, Mac Jones was 4-for-19 on passes that traveled 20+ yards down the field.
Against Dallas, he was 4-for-4, 144 yards, 2 TD.
(Via @PFF)
— Ryan Hannable (@RyanHannable) October 18, 2021
Tua Tagovailoa (QB, MIA) - FAAB Bid: 0-1%
17% rostered
It was wheels up for Tua in a return against Jacksonville’s poor defense, as he connected on 33 of his 47 passes for 329 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. Showing no ill signs of the fractured ribs, he added 22 rushing yards as well. Miami would lose the game, but Tua showed some more decisive throws and finally showed chemistry with Mike Gesicki. Another green-light matchup against Atlanta awaits in Week 7, and the hope is that one of DeVante Parker or Preston Williams can bolster the WR corps by then.
Ryan Fitzpatrick (QB, WAS) - FAAB Bid: 0-1%
15% rostered
There aren’t many low-rostered QBs in good spots on this bye-heavy week, so I’ll throw out a reminder on Fitzmagic. Taylor Heinicke will get Green Bay in Week 7 if anyone dares to trust him after two letdowns in a row, but a third would surely open the door for a Fitzpatrick return to starting when healthy. It’s also possible Fitz is activated from the IR before Week 7’s game and steps into the start, just don’t count on it occurring as Plan A.
FAAB Waiver Wire Pickups - Running Backs
J.D. McKissic (RB, WAS) - FAAB Bid: 15-25%
Jaret Patterson (RB, WAS) - FAAB Bid: 8-10%
42% rostered
McKissic had eight carries for 45 yards and another 65 receiving yards on eight catches (10 targets) against KC. His increased workload followed Antonio Gibson’s departure due to a lingering shin injury. With Gibson undergoing an MRI and very much in jeopardy for Week 7, McKissic should be a strong add given WFT facing another likely pass-heavy script against the Packers. Jaret Patterson should also step up into valuable between-the-tackles work. The rookie scored 52 rushing TDs and averaged 6.1 YPC in three years at Buffalo, so don't forget about him if Gibson misses time.
D'Ernest Johnson (RB, CLE) - FAAB Bid: 15-25%
Demetric Felton (RB/WR, CLE) - FAAB Bid: 3-5%
11% rostered
Kareem Hunt suffered a calf injury that may lead to a month-long absence and Nick Chubb is recovering from a calf injury of his own that held him out of Week 6. Chubb has an outside chance at playing in Week 7 but Johnson would be involved regardless. Johnson would be the favorite to lead in carries should Chubb miss the game, with Felton’s hybrid skill set marking him as the PPR dart throw. With Baker Mayfield’s arm in a sling and the short week to prepare, the Broncos’ defense may suffocate Cleveland all around. All we can do is chase projected volume.
Devonta Freeman (RB, BAL) - FAAB Bid: 10-15%
2% rostered
Freeman, Latavius Murray, and Le'Veon Bell all scored touchdowns in Week 6, but Murray suffered a left ankle injury in the third quarter. With a bye in Week 8, the Ravens may rest Murray next week and have Freeman be the leader after he delivered 53 yards on nine carries. I know it doesn't feel right, but being the lead dog in Baltimore's rushing attack next to Lamar Jackson is a premier slot worth rostering in any 12-team format.
Ravens Week 6 RB usage with Latavius Murray getting banged up:
Murray- 38%, 11 touches
Devonta Freeman- 30%, 9 touches
Le'Veon Bell- 32%, 8 touches— Frank Stampfl (@Roto_Frank) October 18, 2021
Rhamondre Stevenson (RB, NE) - FAAB Bid: 10-15%
11% rostered
Damien Harris had a nifty 100-yard day with a tuddy but Stevenson was a strong B-side with 62 total yards and a TD of his own on eight touches. He missed a couple of blocks but remained on the field ahead of Brandon Bolden. There should be plenty of RB work to go around in Week 7 when the Pats likely steamroll the Jets, meaning both Harris and Stevenson could score yet again.
DeeJay Dallas (RB, SEA) - FAAB Bid: 8-12%
2% rostered
With Chris Carson out, Alex Collins was the primary RB and looked impressive. That said, Collins missed overtime with hip and glute injuries. While Travis Homer turned his five snaps into 54 yards, it was Dallas who played 22 snaps with 18 routes run (five targets) and four carries behind Collins. Perhaps Collins will be A-OK, but we must have the next man up ready. Unless you believe in Rashaad Penny swooping in like a superhero fresh off of the IR? I'd rather take the momentum of Dallas should the need arise, but do be aware Penny looms.
FAAB Waiver Wire Pickups - Wide Receivers
Rashod Bateman (WR, BAL) - FAAB Bid: 10-15%
27% rostered
The first-round rookie made his NFL debut as the No. 2 receiver behind Marquise Brown, logging 44 snaps (Brown: 52) and running 22 routes (Brown: 29). Bateman actually drew one target more than Brown throughout the game, seeing six looks for an ordinary four receptions and 29 yards. The quiet box score may lessen the free-agent frenzy but we follow usage patterns, not results!
Rashod Bateman’s first four NFL catches go for four first downs pic.twitter.com/b5T2NsrZqf
— Sarah Ellison (@sgellison) October 18, 2021
T.Y. Hilton (WR, IND) - FAAB Bid: 3-5%
39% rostered
Hilton arrived onto the 2021 season by catching four balls for 80 yards, but then he left early due to a quad injury. Houston fans surely felt the return was personal as Hilton turns into a superhero against the Texans. He ran a route on two-thirds of his 24 snaps compared to 50% clips on Michael Pittman Jr. and Zach Pascal.
The plan likely left him limited to more passing downs. As of now, the quad injury is considered minor but his track record may leave fantasy teams balking at the add. Perhaps you will get a discount? Just be aware that it’s possible Hilton’s snap count remains managed throughout the season.
Donovan Peoples-Jones (WR, CLE) - FAAB Bid: 1-2%
2% rostered
DPJ had an impressive Week 6 as the team leader in routes run (31), hauling in a 57-yard Hail Mary that showcased his size and ability to bring in contested balls. He had another score for a 4-101-2 day that would normally have us running through fire to add him, but Odell Beckham Jr. was limited and Jarvis Landry may return for Week 7. Add Nick Chubb's possible return and Baker Mayfield's shoulder injury to the mix for a lesser outlook moving forward. However, it'd be irresponsible not to mention him!
Others to consider:
Marquez Callaway - 34% rostered - FAAB: 4-6%
A.J. Green - 44% rostered - FAAB: 4-6%
Darnell Mooney - 44% rostered - FAAB: 3-5%
Tim Patrick - 35% rostered - FAAB: 3-5%
Jamison Crowder - 27% rostered - FAAB: 2-4%
Amon-Ra St. Brown -23% rostered - FAAB: 1-2%
Van Jefferson - 10% rostered - FAAB: 1-2%
K.J. Osborn - 8% rostered - FAAB: 1-2%
Kalif Raymond - 3% rostered - FAAB: 1-2%
Quez Watkins - 2% rostered - FAAB: 0-1%
Dyami Brown - 1% rostered - FAAB: 0-1%
Nico Collins - 1% rostered - FAAB: 0-1%
Demarcus Robinson - 0% rostered - FAAB: 0-1%
Jamal Agnew - 0% rostered - FAAB: 0-1%
Allen Lazard - 2% rostered - FAAB: 0-1%
FAAB Waiver Wire Pickups - Tight Ends
Ricky Seals-Jones (TE, WAS) - FAAB Bid: 4-6%
29% rostered
After a disappointing Week 5 with missed opportunities, RSJ hauled in a 39-yard TD to pad a 4-58-1 line. He was one of the few bright spots on a sad WFT fantasy day and now has 15 targets in their last two games. With Logan Thomas out, Seals-Jones now draws a Green Bay defense that gave up big games to T.J. Hockenson, George Kittle, and Juwan Johnson.
Ricky Seals-Jones has played 141-of-142 offensive snaps since taking over as the starting tight end for Logan Thomas
He’s basically the same thing as Thomas — a low-end TE1 w/ upside as a result of running so many routes and being on the field so often
Essentially another WR
— Adam Koffler (@AdamKoffler) October 18, 2021
Pat Freiermuth (TE, PIT) - FAAB Bid: 4-6%
6% rostered
Pittsburgh is on a bye but we must tuck him away after logging season-high marks in targets (seven), catches (seven), and yards (58) in Week 6. He may be the biggest beneficiary of JuJu Smith-Schuster’s vacated targets, though Ray-Ray McCloud still ran 34 routes alongside Chase Claypool’s 35 and Diontae Johnson’s 38. Freiermuth only ran 22 (Eric Ebron had 19), but the trust is there from Big Ben. He’s vying to be the fourth option but the bar is low at TE and seven targets is noteworthy at the position.
If you need a Week 7 option to stream then Juwan Johnson, Mo Alie-Cox, and C.J. Uzomah are 6-8% rostered and are decent TD dart throws in any week.
FAAB Waiver Wire Pickups - Defense/Special Teams
New England is available in 40% of Yahoo leagues and takes on the Jets in Week 7, making them a top-three defense on the week.
New Orleans Saints Defense (at SEA) - FAAB Bid: 1-2%
40% rostered
The Saints are well-rested off their bye and get to take on Geno Smith on Monday night. New Orleans plays an aggressive style that has led to a whopping 10 turnovers and eight sacks in their first five games. Seattle may not have Alex Collins to balance out the offense, leaving it all on Geno’s arm and decision-making.
Philadelphia Eagles Defense (at LV) - FAAB Bid: 0-1%
4% rostered
The Eagles travel to Vegas to take on a Raiders team that has allowed multiple sacks in each of their first six games. On an unscientific-yet-fun note, Philly also has 10 sacks and four turnovers in three road games so far versus just one sack and two TOs at home. Never you mind that they’ve faced San Francisco, Kansas City, and Tampa Bay at home!
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