RADIO
Welcome to Week 7 everyone. It's a rather quiet week on the waiver wire, and aside from Jordan Howard we still have yet to see a player who's been worth a signficant amount of your FAAB salary. Let's use this week to find that gem without the hefty price tag.
Once again, we have some injuries to report. Ben Roethlisburger (meniscus), Eddie Royal (toe), Davante Adams (concussion) and Dwayne Allen (ankle). The biggest name is Big Ben, which affects the value of all Steelers until he returns. Early reports are Week 9 is an option, so hold tight.
Let’s look around the league at who is worth a bid going into Week 7. Each price recommendation will be based on a $100 FAAB budget. Be sure to also check out our weekly waiver wire analysis columns, with in-depth analysis for all Week 5 options.
Editor's Note: Once you're done here, be sure to read about more Week 7 waiver wire recommendations, for all other positions. Just click on any link: ALL - RB - WR - TE - QB - DEF - CUTS
FAAB Waiver Wire Bids - Running Backs
Jay Ajayi (MIA, RB) - $12-16
37% owned in Fleaflicker
If there's a must-add on this week's waiver wire, it's Ajayi. Ajayi was fantastic against the Steelers, rushing 25 times for 204 yards and two touchdowns. The finishing touch was a 62-yard touchdown score to ice the game, and potentially his spot as the starting running back.
It's not often you can snag a back who just rushed for 200 yards and two scores, and even rarer that people aren't scrambling to get him. The issue is less Ajayi and more the Dolphins game plan plus Arian Foster's presence. Here are Ajayi's rushing totals this year: 14, 28, 33, 42, and 204. If you want to spin it as he's improved each week, be my guest.
Ajayi gets the Bills this week, who rank 11th versus the run according to Football Outsiders. If you need a RB this is the best option for touches for Week 7, but he's no more than FLEX option.
Jacquizz Rodgers (TB, RB) - $5-7
23% owned in Fleaflicker
It seems like forever since Rodgers played workhouse back eight days ago, but here's a fresh reminder. Rodgers toted the rock 30 times for 101 yards along with five catches for 28 yards versus Carolina and things haven't gotten better in the Bucs running game in their Bye week. Doug Martin was unable to practice on Monday and the team signed Antone Smith, opening up the potential for Rodgers to carry the running game in Week 7. The Bucs get the 49ers in Week 7 who have the 23rd ranked run defense, making this a sneaky RB2 play while everyone targets Ajayi.
Dion Lewis (NE, RB) – FAAB Bid: $4-7
8% owned in Fleaflicker
Playing the speculation game and being ahead of your opponents is part of fantasy football. That includes targeting elite players coming off injuries, such as Dion Lewis. Lewis was cleared to return this week from his ACL injury in 2015, a season in which Lewis was on his way to a top-10 RB finish. Lewis is an elite pass-catching back who would've been a candidate for 80 catches out of the backfield if he played the whole season. The Patriots are likely to go slow with Lewis, potentially resting him until after their bye in Week 9, but when he returns he's a RB2 candidate. That's worth bidding a few bucks for.
Also Consider: Devontae Booker (DEN, RB) - $7-12, Chris Ivory (JAX, RB) - $4-7, Dwayne Washington (DET, RB) - $1-2, Mike Gillislee (BUF, RB) - $1-2
FAAB Waiver Wire Bids - Wide Receivers
Cameron Meredith ($15-22) was our top Week 6 target and he remains the best option should he be available.
Kenny Britt (STL, WR) - FAAB Bid: $7-12
25% owned in Fleaflicker
For those that vowed to not touch the Rams offense for fantasy purposes, I'm going to need you to reconsider. Britt has continued his surprising season, grabbing seven catches for 136 yards and two touchdowns. He's developed a connection with starter Case Keenum and is now on pace for over 1,300 yards this year. This week versus the Giants isn't ideal (Giants rank #2 versus No. 1 receivers), but look at his schedule after the bye: CAR, @NYJ, MIA, @NO. Those are great matchups for the veteran wideout. He's on the WR3/FLEX radar going forward.
Ty Montgomery (GB, WR) - FAAB Bid: $7-12
5% owned in Fleaflicker
Raise your hand if you thought Ty Montgomery would lead the Packers in targets on Sunday. Considering he was available in 95% of leagues, even the sharpest players missed out here. Montgomery saw 12 targets and caught 10 for 98 yards, with the majority coming out of the backfield. He lined up at running back throughout the game, with Eddie Lacy and Randall Cobb banged up and James Starks out. The Packers may be without Starks, Cobb, and Adams on Thursday thanks to the short week, opening up more playing time for Montgomery. It's unlikely Montgomery gains RB status in any leagues, but he's a WR3 this week.
Cole Beasley (DAL, WR) - FAAB Bid: $4-7
44% owned in Fleaflicker
As the Cowboys continue to win, Dak Prescott is making the teams decision when Tony Romo returns very difficult. It's looking like Prescott will keep the job, meaning it's time to grab a share of Cole Beasley if you've been waiting. Beasley continued to be a sure-handed option, securing all seven passes for 68 yards and two scores, including a nifty move on the goal line. Beasley has now caught 33 of 37 passes and should continue to be a focal point when Dez Bryant returns as Beasley operates the slot. He's a WR3 for PPR formats when the Cowboys return from their bye.
Also Consider: Mohamed Sanu (ATL, WR) - $2-4, Anquan Boldin (DET, WR) - $1-2, Jamison Crowder (WAS, WR) - $1-2
FAAB Waiver Wire Bids - Tight Ends
Hunter Henry ($10-12) remains the top tight end option that's available in 50% of Fleaflicker leagues. Here are some more:
Jack Doyle (IND, TE) - FAAB Bid: $1-2
27% owned in Fleaflicker
It's tough pickings at tight end, but Dwayne Allen's ankle injury is opening up a streaming option with Doyle. Doyle filled in for Allen on Sunday night and caught all four targets for 53 yards and a touchdown. The Colts have been unable to provide any time for Andrew Luck in the pocket, forcing him to resort to checkdowns Doyle and Gore. The Titans rank 11th versus tight ends, but the lack of receiving options aside from T.Y. Hilton puts him on the streaming map for Week 7.
Vernon Davis (WAS, TE) - FAAB Bid: $1-2
10% owned in Fleaflicker
V.D. had been all but forgotten for fantasy purposes after his rough 2015 campaign, but he's crept back up again thanks to Jordan Reed's absence. Davis caught two balls for 50 yards and a score. Nothing to write home about, but fantasy owners will take it. Davis gets the Lions in Week 7, who rank 28th versus tight ends. It's a plus matchup, but Davis remains a touchdown-dependent play.
Also Consider: C.J. Fiedorowicz (HOU, TE) - FAAB Bid: $3
FAAB Waiver Wire Bids - Quarterbacks
Marcus Mariota (QB, TEN) - FAAB Bid: $5-7
76% owned in Fleaflicker
If you followed my advice last week and capitalized on the Browns matchup, congrats. If not there's no need to panic (unless he's been picked up!) because he has another great matchup here. Mariota faces the Colts in Week 7, who rank 30th against the pass. Look for another 2 TD+ outing with 40+ rushing yards to boot to provide a safe floor in fantasy. He's a QB1 in Week 7, but you can bail after (vs JAX, @ SD).
Joe Flacco (QB, BAL) - FAAB Bid: $3-5
28% owned in Fleaflicker
Can you guess who leads the NFL in passing attempts? It's none other than Joe Cool with 265 attempts. It's no surprise given the lack of a running game before Terrance West's outburst, but it is surprising he remains available in half of leagues. Flacco gets the Jets defense next week who will be coming off a short week and rank dead last against the pass this year. That follows a bye and dates with the Steelers (20th) and the Browns (28th). Flacco is a QB1 going forward.
Also Consider: Jameis Winston - $1-2
FAAB Waiver Wire Bids - Defense
Ravens D/ST - FAAB Bid: $1-3
33% owned in Fleaflicker
If you take out the Odell Beckham Jr. long touchdowns, the Ravens played a solid game defensively in New York. Terrell Suggs suffered a torn biceps, but that won't stop us from feasting on a date with Ryan Fitzpatrick and the New York Jets. Fitzpatrick has been a turnover-machine while the Ravens rank No. 1 versus the run, which will force Fitzpatrick to chuck it. Look for a multi-interception day from this defensive unit and the potential for a score.
Bengals D/ST - FAAB Bid: $1-3
64% owned in Fleaflicker
The Bengals are the latest defensive unit to get a crack at the Browns, although Cody Kessler performed admirably in Week 6. Unfortunately for Kessler his top receiver Terrelle Pryor is questionable to play, leaving him with a bare pantry of receivers. The Bengals will be a popular streaming option in Week 7, although I prefer Baltimore if you get the chance.
Packers D/ST - FAAB Bid: $1-3
54% owned in Fleaflicker
The Packers were eviscerated by Ezekiel Elliot in Week 6, something that may scare owners away, but don't let that fool you. The Packers were the No. 1 run defense before last week and Elliot has crushed every defense so far. They still remain a top-5 unit and Jordan Howard has regressed, meaning Brian Hoyer will be forced to throw often on the road. This is a solid streaming option for owners in deep formats.
Check out RotoBaller's famous fantasy football draft sleepers and waiver wire pickups list, updated regularly!
