Jameis Winston (QB, TB) - Week 7 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12-Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 58% of Leagues

ANALYSIS: Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston took advantage of a dream matchup this past week against Atlanta, going 30-for-41 passing for 395 yards with four touchdown passes and two interceptions. Out of all the waiver wire quarterbacks Winston is perhaps the most talented, at least at this moment. Talent aside, there are two factors which make Winston such an appealing player to add. First, and this was evident during the game against Atlanta, is that Tampa Bay’s defense is so bad that Winston will be forced to throw all the time. The Buccaneers have the worst defense in the NFL, and to keep pace they will need to keep passing the ball. Tampa Bay is averaging 38 passing attempts per game through their first five games, and on pure volume alone Winston should put up numbers. Second is the talent in the receiving corps. In addition to superstar Mike Evans Winston has DeSean Jackson and Chris Godwin each in their second year with the team, a pair of good receiving tight ends in O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate, and even Adam Humphries as a reliable slot receiver. Despite being on bad team Winston is in a great situation to produce.

Winston isn’t an automatic start, but he’s usable in most matchups. Tampa Bay’s bye week has already passed, so he could be started every week going forward if his owner desires. Next week is a matchup with the Browns, who are allowing 269 passing yards per game, which is slightly above league average. The Browns got lit up on the ground in Week 6 by Melvin Gordon, but the Buccaneers don’t have a running back anywhere near Gordon’s talent. That means Winston and the Bucs will have to take advantage through the air. After that game it’s a date with the Bengals, which should be great for Winston. His remaining schedule after that is no cakewalk, but no murder’s row either. Only a game against Washington in Week 10 and one against Baltimore in Week 15 would prove especially tough. This is the last call for Winston, because after this week he won’t be available in standard leagues anymore.