Tag: Fantasy Football Waiver Wire

Free-agent recommendations refer to 12-team leagues, unless specifically stated otherwise. FAAB $ amounts are based on a $100 budget.

Bye weeks: Atlanta Falcons, Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, New York Jets

Fantasy football waiver wire targets

Quarterbacks

1-week plug & play

Alex Smith, Washington Football Team at Detroit Lions

With Kyle Allen (ankle) done for the year, Smith will get the start after playing in his stead this past weekend vs. the New York Giants. The positive — 325 yards was a personal best in his 12 appearances in Washington — will be rightfully overshadowed by an uncharacteristically sloppy, three-INT outing. Smith completed 75 percent of his passes, which is more like him, and this week he faces a Detroit defense that has only five picks on the year. Quarterbacks have averaged a modest 23.9 fantasy points against the Lions, but stability should be the takeaway for gamers looking to get bye this week at the position. All eight opponents have gone for at least 20 PPR points vs. Matt Patricia’s group this year.

Availability: 87%
FAAB: $1-2

Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins vs. Los Angeles Chargers

For anyone who follows my “Gamble of the week” series, I was a week premature on my love for Tua. Nonetheless, he showed he is ready for the pressure and spotlight, but he may have to go forward without WR Preston Williams (foot). Los Angeles has given up 16 passing touchdowns in eight games and also three more on the ground. The quality of the opponent has mattered vs. LA, so understand this is a somewhat risky recommendation. As recently as Week 8, though, the relatively inexperience Drew Lock was able to post 24.3 fantasy points. Tagovailoa may be asked to put the team on his back if the running game cannot get it going.

Availability: 38%
FAAB: $1-2

Watch list

Jake Luton, Jacksonville Jaguars

Luton should get the start in Week 10 at Green Bay while Gardner Minshew (thumb) heals. It was a good but not great showing in the rookie’s Week 9 debut, finishing with 304 yards, one touchdown and an interception through the air. He added a rushing touchdown. It was nice to see he wasn’t afraid to push the ball down the field, and the game wasn’t too big for him. The Packers will pose a much tougher matchup, so if he plays well, consider him a roster-worthy matchup play.

Availability: 78%

Running backs

Priority Free Agent

Kalen Ballage, Los Angeles Chargers

This one really isn’t top-level priority, and it is largely dependent on the injury status of at least Justin Jackson (knee). He exited early in Week 9 without registering a fantasy point. The Chargers had elevated Ballage to the active roster after learning of RB Troymaine Pope’s unavailability, which also could factor into the recommendation of Ballage. All of that put aside, Ballage generated 84 yards and a touchdown on 18 utilizations in Week 9 vs. the Las Vegas Raiders. Any back with that kind of workload belongs on a roster, so keep tabs on the updates for Jackson and/or Pope before deploying the former Dolphin and Jet. Los Angeles face Miami this week, so he’d be a likely fantasy option in the event at least Jackson is out of commission.

Availability: 94%
FAAB: $5-6

1-week plug & play

Duke Johnson, Houston Texans at Cleveland Browns

David Johnson was knocked out of the Week 9 game with an apparent concussion, so his status for Week 10 is fully the driver behind this recommendation. Should the former Cardinal be unavailable, it will be Duke Johnson likely to see the bulk of the touches. He finished with 73 total yards and a score on 20 touches in Week 9. The matchup with Cleveland isn’t even all that enticing statistically, it’s just the reality of a versatile back having an increased workload with a chance for a TD vs. an opponent that has yielded seven in eight games is worth the risk.

Availability: 47%
FAAB: $4-5

[lawrence-newsletter]

Wide receivers

1-Week Plug & Play/Grab & Stash

Allen Lazard, Green Bay Packers vs Jacksonville Jaguars

Lazard (core) was close to returning last week, even making the trip with the team, as he works his way back from abdominal surgery. He was shaping up to be among the best fantasy flex weapons of 2020 prior to the injury. Don’t be put off by Marquez Valdes-Scantling scoring twice last week — he had two months to be effective and whiffed with regularity. Lazard will assume that role and should pick up where he left off vs. a Jaguars defense that has given up a wealth of big plays in the last several weeks. Most recently, three receivers have scored a TD in the last two games alone, and four players have at least 83 yards — a pair on just two grabs apiece.

Availability: 60%
FAAB: $3-4

Tim Patrick, Denver Broncos at Las Vegas Raiders

Seeing the field in Week 9 after missing one game, Patrick returned to form with a line of 4-29-1 … not exactly “run to the wire and grab this guy” material, but he was targeted nine times and now has a career-high 42 looks over just seven games into his third year. Patrick has at least seven targets in three of his last four games, and no fewer than four in any outing of the season. The matchup is friendly enough for a start, and Patrick belongs on rosters in all 12-team PPR formats. The position has scored once every 12.3 catches this year, and 10 receivers in eight games have made it into the double-digit territory for fantasy points.

Availability: 40%
FAAB: $3-4

1-Week Plug & Play

David Moore, Seattle Seahawks at Los Angeles Rams

Moore continues to get it done, scoring in consecutive games and posting at least 8.8 PPR points in five of his last seven games, including three of the last five with 13 or more. While his six targets in a Week 9 comeback bid marked a season high, he benefits from the increased odds of finding the end zone. Los Angeles will be laser-focused on slowing the explosive duo of Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf, a factor working in Moore’s favor.

Availability: 72%
FAAB: $1-2

Watch list

Cam Sims, Washington Football Team

The undrafted, 6-foot-5 rookie caught three of four targets for 110 yards in Week 9. Alex Smith took over from the injured Kyle Allen (ankle) and figures to be the guy the rest of the way. Sims offers size and downfield skills to help complement Terry McLaurin in an offense that is pleading for someone to step up opposite the second-year standout. Keep an eye on Sims in Week 10 at the Detroit Lions in most conservative situations, but there’s a hint of appeal for gamers willing to take one of the wildest of fliers — at least the matchup is strong for TD efficiency.

Availability: 100%

Tight ends

1-Week Plug & Play/Grab & Stash

Irv Smith Jr., Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears

We’ve seen seven touchdowns by the position this year come against the Chicago defense, and Smith snared two of his own in Week 9. The downside is those were his only catches, but he has at least four targets in three of his last four games. The matchup sits inside of the top 10, and given Chicago’s relative strength vs. receivers, Kirk Cousins could be forced to look Smith’s way more than usual. He’s the future of the position for Minnesota, so there’s no reason to let him toil away behind Kyle Rudolph, which offers potential for more work down the stretch.

Availability: 56%
FAAB: $2-3

Kickers

1-Week Plug & Play

Jake Elliott, Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants

Philly returns from its bye and should be a little healthier. The Eagles have been so battered that it’s tough to properly gauge how they would have fared in terms of offering field goal opportunities. Elliott has been afforded fewer than two in all but one of his last five games. The Giants, on the other hand, have been an improved defense that has done a respectable job of limiting opponents on New York’s side of the field. Kickers have attempted at least two three-pointers in five straight contests and all but one game this season. The Giants have yielded 6-for-6 kicking in the last two games alone, and Elliott attempted a pair of kicks in the Week 7 meeting.

Availability: 83%
FAAB: $0-1

1-Week Plug & Play/Grab & Stash

Daniel Carlson, Las Vegas Raiders vs. Denver Broncos

The former Viking is probably owned in most competitive formats, given how consistently productive he has been. There is a chance he could get dropped after kicking only one field goal this past week, and gamers in more casual settings should look for Carlson on the wire. Just two teams have given up more field goal attempts in 2020, and both of them have played in more games. The Broncos have allowed the second-highest average per contest behind Chicago. Hang on to him if he’s indeed available.

Availability: 48%
FAAB: $0-1

Defense/specials teams

1-week plug & play

New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers

It won’t be a total drubbing like we saw vs. Tampa Bay, only because what happened with the Bucs was one of those games in which the stars align to create the worst possible outcome. San Fran is so ravaged by injuries that we should expect plenty of opportunities for mistakes from a bevy of backup players. New Orleans has been good only twice this year in fantasy, so it’s not a slam dunk, but seeing this unit come to life in Week 9 at least offers the comfort of timing being on its side.

Availability: 65%
FAAB: $0-1

Free-agent recommendations refer to 12-team leagues, unless specifically stated otherwise. FAAB $ amounts are based on a $100 budget.

Bye weeks: Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Rams, Philadelphia Eagles

Fantasy football waiver wire targets

Quarterbacks

1-week plug & play

Drew Lock, Denver Broncos at Atlanta Falcons

Only Seattle has allowed more fantasy points per game to the position in 2020 than Atlanta, and no roster has permitted more yardage on a weekly basis. The Falcons have given up 2.5 passing touchdowns, on average, while picking off six of 303 attempts over eight contests. Lock has been on the upswing the past two weeks after returning to the field, and with all of the injuries Denver has experienced, including his own, it’s easy to forget he was a candidate by many to break out in 2020. Even with a limited cast of weapons left at his disposal, we’re seeing reserve players pick up the slack. Lock is a viable starter with a modest ceiling this week, or more ideally used as a QB2 in superflex.

Availability: 50%
FAAB: $1-2

Nick Foles, Chicago Bears at Tennessee Titans

Admittedly, it has not been pretty for Foles in Chicago, but he has flashed a few moments of fantasy football utility along the way. He threw three TDs in a half vs. the Falcons in Week 3, and his line of 272-2-1 produced a useful 21.6 fantasy points in Week 8. At Carolina three games ago, he rushed for a score and was able to overcome only 198 passing yards for a barely acceptable 20.3 … nothing to write home about, but he hasn’t been a complete failure, either. The Titans present a good enough matchup that, if you’re in a pinch, Foles can be a serviceable option as a fringe QB1 or a second starter in superflex this week. The position has averaged 277.8 yards and a touchdown every 10 completions, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see a line similar to what he posted against the Saints on Sunday when he was the 13th-best passer entering Monday night’s action.

Availability: 51%
FAAB: $1-2

Running backs

Priority Free Agent

Jordan Wilkins, Indianapolis Colts

Jonathan Taylor has a minor ankle injury, but it’s not being portrayed as a serious factor in his poor Week 8 showing. Two things: Any back seeing 20-plus utilizations in a game belongs on a roster in fantasy leagues, and Wilkins’ strong performance came vs. the Detroit Lions, so keep your expectations in check. The Colts gave Wilkins 20 carries, plus a reception, over Taylor’s 11 carries that generated only 22 yards. While Taylor has not been the powerhouse fantasy gamers had expected, he clearly had a rough day at the office, and the Colts found a spark in Wilkins. Will that kind of carry split continue? Probably not to such an extreme, and there’s something to be said for the idea of a coaching staff possibly giving a rookie a midseason breather in what appears to be a postseason-bound campaign. The reality is this is likely to be a weekly roller coaster. “We kind of rode his hot hand a little bit,” Colts head coach Frank Reich said. “He just was seeing it well, had great balance, made some great runs,” Reich spoke of Wilkins. Nonetheless, Wilkins a priority addition with a mostly favorable schedule after this week’s meeting with Baltimore.

Availability: 83%
FAAB: $10-12

1-week plug & play/grab & stash

JaMycal Hasty, San Francisco 49ers vs. Green Bay Packers

Simple reminder in case Hasty somehow remains on your wire, which is possible since he’s out there in almost 40 percent of leagues polled. No Raheem Mostert (ankle) once again, and it seems improbable we’ll see Tevin Coleman (knee) return on a short week after getting reinjured in his first game back. Green Bay has been trampled on the ground in 2020, and its defensive personnel isn’t built to be physically dominant vs. running backs. Hasty belongs in all redraft lineups this week and should be useful as long as he has a direct path to meaningful touches.

Availability: 39%
FAAB: $4-5

[lawrence-newsletter]

Wide receivers

Priority Free Agent

Curtis Samuel, Carolina Panthers

It’s surprising Samuel is available in as many leagues polled as we see. The do-all receiver has rushing touchdowns in consecutive games and added his first receiving TD in Week 8 vs. Atlanta. Since the year began, his worst outing was 5.9 PPR points, and five contests have netted gamers at least 9.2 points, including three straight with 11.4 or more. Having Christian McCaffrey back devalues Samuel’s rushing touchdown odds, but he will maintain a role as a change-of-pace/gadget weapon in all phases of the offensive attack. If nothing else, he’s a competent fill-in as we continue to navigate bye weeks and injuries. Carolina still faces KC, TB, DET, MIN, BYE, DEN, GB and WAS to close out the fantasy season.

Availability: 43%
FAAB: $4-5

grab & stash

Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis Colts

Pittman returned to action this week but was hardly involved. Looking forward, the Colts face the Baltimore Ravens in Week 9, likely rendering the wideout useless once again. His chances go up with CB Marlon Humphrey (COVID-19) out. WR T.Y. Hilton (groin) suffered an injury of unknown severity, and it would be wise of the Indy coaching staff to force-feed Pittman — a natural possession receiver — in an effort to find out what they have in him for the future. Hilton is on his last legs by the looks of 2020’s to-date efforts, and Pittman should be rostered in deeper PPR leagues.

Availability: 70%
FAAB: $1-2

1-Week Plug & Play/Grab & Stash

Darnell Mooney, Chicago Bears at Tennessee Titans

Each week when writing player analysis for The Huddle, it seems I find myself talking up Mooney. He finally delivered enough on his adequate target volume, going for a career-high 69 yards on five receptions (tied Week 4 high) and his second score as a pro. The rookie has insane speed on the outside and has seen at least five targets in every game since Nick Foles assumed the starting gig. In fact, Mooney has been more involved than WR Anthony Miller in that time. The Tulane product now faces a stellar pair of matchups in a row before heading into the Week 11 bye. Tennessee (second-worst WR defense) and Minnesota (third-worst) are ahead, and Chicago’s Foles-Mooney stack may not be just for contrarian DFS decisions in these two weeks.

Availability: 70%
FAAB: $1-2

1-Week Plug & Play

Marvin Hall, Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings

Back in the first couple of weeks, when WR Kenny Golladay was out of commission with a hamstring injury, Hall was barely involved, but he managed to score a 24-yard touchdown in Week 2. Golladay left Sunday’s action with a hip issue and didn’t return. As of Monday afternoon, his status is not expected to play this week and will be viewed as week to week. Partly due to the Golladay absence in Week 8, Hall stepped up his game and was targeted seven times, producing 113 yards on four grabs. He brings a vertical element to the passing game, although he isn’t as physically dynamic as the guy he’ll be replacing. This week, the Minnesota matchup is just too good to ignore. The Vikings have allowed receivers to average the third-most fantasy points per game, and no team has permitted touchdowns to the position at a higher frequency than Minnesota’s once every 6.4 catches. Should Golladay be out longer, Detroit faces tough secondaries in Washington, Carolina, Chicago, Green Bay and Tampa in the coming weeks, so take his roster-spot worthiness one week at a time.

Availability: 99%
FAAB: $1-2

DaeSean Hamilton, Denver Broncos at Atlanta Falcons

Another stack possibility — though it was unintentional — Hamilton could be asked to step up his game in consecutive weeks if WR Tim Patrick (hamstring) remains on the shelf. Monitor this one throughout the week before investing more than a roster spot, since most gamers won’t go here anyway. Atlanta provides a top-five matchup for receivers in Week 9, and Drew Lock is starting to put it together with a hodgepodge cast of weapons. There is tremendous risk in playing Hamilton, so understand what you’re getting out of this gamble. Fourteen receivers in eight games have posted double-digit PPR points against the Falcons, and there’s a good chance the Broncos will have to sling it to keep pace.

Availability: 90%
FAAB: $0-1

Tight ends

1-Week Plug & Play

Ross Dwelley/Jordan Reed, San Francisco 49ers vs. Green Bay Packers

X-rays on George Kittle’s foot were negative, but the Packers come to town on a short week. The Niners also may be without QB Jimmy Garoppolo, and it likely will be Nick Mullens making the start. The Packers have been mostly strong vs. the position, giving up their only touchdown to Rob Gronkowski in Week 6. The next-best performances are 10.2 PPR points from T.J. Hockenson and 9.1 from Hayden Hurst. Dwelley is the immediate backup to Kittle and would be a low-end starting flier if the star tight end has to sit, but keep an eye on what happens with Reed’s activation status from IR. He has progressed much faster than expected. Neither player is going to win your week, but there’s a hint of utility to be found in whichever is the Week 9 starter this Thursday.

Availability: 99% (Dwelley)/94% (Reed)
FAAB: $0 for both

1-Week Plug & Play/Grab & Stash

Eric Ebron, Pittsburgh Steelers at Dallas Cowboys

It’s a little strange that Ebron remains on the wire in basically a third of leagues after he had shown some life entering Week 8, which ended up being his season-best performance. The veteran has at least 43 yards in five games this year, and he has scored twice in his last five games. Dallas has given up only mid-tier fantasy points to the position this year, but we’ve witnessed four different players go for at least 11.1 PPR points. The route to justifying fantasy usage has been finding the end zone. Ebron could fill in should Zach Ertz or George Kittle have been your primary starter.

Availability: 34%
FAAB: $3-4

Kickers

1-Week Plug & Play

Stephen Gostkowski, Tennessee Titans vs. Chicago Bears

Sure, he has missed way too many kicks this year, but the opportunity to attempt them has been there. This has been a premium matchup for kickers most of the year, and with Tennessee having concerns at offensive tackle now, plus possibly being without WR Adam Humphries (concussion), the offense could be slowed in a serious way that favors Gostkowski. Chicago has given up 29 field goal attempts in eight games — the next closest team with eight games played has permitted 21 tries.

Availability: 64%
FAAB: $0-1

Nick Folk, New England Patriots at New York Jets

Even with all that has been wrong with the Patriots offense in 2020, especially of late, Folk has posted at least six fantasy points in five of his last six outings. Serviceable is the idea here … New York has given up 21 three-point attempts in eight games, good for the second-highest figure in football. No team has allowed more extra points. Folk is a fine one-week play who is sure to fly under the radar.

Availability: 94%
FAAB: $0-1

Defense/specials teams

1-week plug & play

Green Bay Packers at San Francisco 49ers

It’s hard to get behind a defense that allowed 226 yards and four scores to one player in Week 8, but the Packers head to the Bay Area to tackle a San Fran offense that has been utterly ravaged by injuries. The Niners could (likely will) be without their starting quarterback, two primary running backs, No. 1 receiver, and Hall of Fame-caliber tight end … all on a short week after getting smacked by Seattle. This one feels like it could be ugly in favor of Green Bay.

Availability: 66%
FAAB: $0-1

Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars

With both teams returning from a bye week, Houston faces an offense that will start either Mike Glennon — also known as a giraffe on ice — or sixth-round rookie Jake Luton making his NFL debut. Houston has struggled to matter in fantasy this year, and if the defense cannot exploit this situation, you’ll never see me recommend them again in 2020. The point being, understand you’re assuming as much, if not more, risk than reward potential here. The Jaguars have yielded 23 sacks in seven games and 10 turnovers in that window. Both quarterbacks are turnovers waiting to happen.

Availability: 89%
FAAB: $0-1

Free-agent recommendations refer to 12-team leagues, unless specifically stated otherwise. FAAB $ amounts are based on a $100 budget.

Bye weeks: Arizona Cardinals, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Washington Football Team

Fantasy football waiver wire targets

Quarterbacks

1-week plug & play

Jimmy Garoppolo, San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks

Short and sweet, because he’s owned in about two-thirds of leagues polled, but if Garoppolo is on the wire in your league, consider him a fine play vs. the league’s worst defense of quarterbacks. Even if the rushing touchdowns by QBs are removed from the stats against Seattle, we’re looking at a top-five opponent.

Availability: 33%
FAAB: $3-4

Philip Rivers, Indianapolis Colts at Detroit Lions

The Lions have permitted quarterbacks an average of 23.9 fantasy points per game, including four of six quarterbacks with four or more passing scores — a fifth one scored twice if rushing TDs are included, but that’s hardly Rivers’ game. Indy returns from its bye week, so there’s a good chance Rivers is available after his three-TD performance in Week 6. The coaching staff had extra time to prepare, and the Colts’ balanced offensive abilities should keep Detroit on its heels. Rivers has potential for at least 275 yards and two scores — more than acceptable if you’re without Kyler Murray, Gardner Minshew or Deshaun Watson this week.

Availability: 41%
FAAB: $2-3

Running backs

Priority Free Agent

Carlos Hyde, Seattle Seahawks

Chris Carson suffered what is being called a mid-foot sprain, which could have season-long ramifications. Pending MRI results, the dreaded Lisfranc injury can be devastating, and even a more mild foot injury is sure to keep him out a few games. Hyde looked refreshed and healthy in Week 7 coming off of the bench, finishing with 76 offensive yards and a score on 18 touches. The Seahawks have a mixed bag of a schedule ahead, facing San Fran, at Buffalo, at the LA Rams and then back home for Arizona again in a month. Should Carson be lost for the season, Hyde is a strong RB2 candidate the rest of the way.

Availability: 48%
FAAB: $15-20

1-week plug & play/grab & stash

JaMycal Hasty, San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks

Seattle isn’t terrible vs. the position like it is against receivers, but some of the positive stats in favor of its defense of running backs is due to being worked by wideouts. Hasty was a mildly intriguing acquisition last week but still remains available in more than half of leagues polled. He played a reserve role behind Jeff Wilson Jr. in a rout vs. the New England Patriots. In Week 8, however, with Raheem Mostert on IR, and Wilson certain to miss extended action with a high-ankle sprain of his own, the explosive Hasty should get more action. He will share touches with Jerick McKinnon. Be aware Hasty’s role will be short-lived with Tevin Coleman (knee) close to returning (likely Week 9) and Mostert being eligible to return after two more games.

Availability: 53%
FAAB: $4-5

grab & stash

Wayne Gallman, New York Giants

The G-men lost Devonta Freeman (ankle) in their last contest, and it’s unclear what his status will be heading into a Monday Night Football contest vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In the event Freeman — who has been brittle in the second half of his career — misses extended time, Gallman belongs on rosters. He ran for only 34 yards on 10 carries in Week 7 but scored once, and Gallman chipped in five receptions for 20 yards. That said, this week’s matchup is horrendous, and he’s a backup in all settings.

Availability: 94%
FAAB: $0-2

[lawrence-newsletter]

Wide receivers

Priority Free Agent

Rashard Higgins, Cleveland Browns

Odell Beckham Jr. (knee) is done for the year with a torn ACL, and the Higgins bandwagon still has a few open seats. He and Baker Mayfield demonstrated a connection in Mayfield’s 2018 rookie season, but the addition of OBJ squashed any chance of fantasy relevance for Higgins since. In Week 7, Higgins caught all six of his targets for 110 yards. Ahead, the Raiders offer a brilliant matchup before a Week 9 bye. After the vacation, Cleveland returns to face Houston, Philly, Jacksonville, Tennessee, Baltimore, and both New York teams. That’s an easily exploitable schedule, and he belongs in lineups most of those weeks.

Availability: 36%
FAAB: $4-5

Nelson Agholor, Las Vegas Raiders

It’s clear at this point Agholor is the preferred weapon for Derek Carr among an underwhelming cast of wide receivers. It hadn’t been so apparent, since prior to entering Week 7, the former Eagle had no more than four targets in any game, despite scoring in three of his first five contests as a Raider. Sure, Tampa ended up beating the brakes off of Vegas, but Agholor was productive before the game became totally out of hand. He primarily was utilized as a slot receiver in Philly, and while injuries didn’t help his cause, it has been a move to the outside that has helped Jon Gruden take advantage of Agholor’s downfield skills — a staple role in a Gruden offense. It’s easy to forget Agholor was a first-round pick in 2015, and while there’s a great argument that says he shouldn’t have been, we’re not talking about a guy who came out of nowhere. His upcoming two matchups are quality before getting a little dicey in Week 10 (DEN) and Week 11 (KC). He will be closing out the fantasy regular season in style against Atlanta and the New York Jets.

Availability: 63%
FAAB: $4-5

grab & stash

Sterling Shepard, New York Giants

Check your wire for Shepard. He was a late-week addition to the active roster after being on IR with a toe injury, and the fifth-year pro returned to give New York’s otherwise dismal offense a hint of energy. He finished with eight targets, going for a line of 6-59-1. The schedule ahead is favorable after the Week 11 bye week. Prior to taking a weekend off, a rocky two-game stretch is ahead of a rematch with Philly in Week 10. That’s not to say finding room vs. Tampa (Week 8) and Washington (Week 9) is impossible, but they’ve been among the ninth-best defenses at limiting WRs in PPR this year. It’s understandable if you leave Shepard out of lineups in the next two outings, but he warrants a universal roster spot.

Availability: 50%
FAAB: $3-4

1-Week Plug & Play/Grab & Stash

Braxton Berrios, New York Jets at Kansas City Chiefs

PPR-only here, and only if you’re desperate. The Chiefs aren’t even a good statistical matchup, so this one is about game flow dictating a bunch of passing to the underneath area of the route tree. Berrios plays almost exclusively from the slot and has a substantial role with Jamison Crowder (groin) once again on the shelf. New York has the Patriots after this one and then a bye week, so it’s not outlandish to view Berrios as a two-week rental. The Chiefs should destroy this defense, forcing Sam Darnold to pass more than desired. Furthermore, KC has been strong enough vs. RBs to keep the Jets’ backfield in check, which bodes well for the passing game to work as an extension of the running attack.

Availability: 86%
FAAB: $1-2

Tight ends

1-Week Plug & Play

Richard Rodgers, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys

Rodgers reprises his role in this spot from last week after a six-catch, 85-yard day vs. the Giants — a defense that had been sound at stopping the position. This week, Dallas brings the 11th-worst defense of the position to town, and Rodgers should be prominently featured once again. The Eagles are expected to get Dallas Goedert (ankle) back after the Week 9 bye, making Rodgers’ return to obscurity almost a lock.

Availability: 83%
FAAB: $2-3

Harrison Bryant, Cleveland Browns vs. Las Vegas Raiders

The rookie snagged a pair of touchdown grabs in Week 7 with Austin Hooper (appendicitis) out of commission. Cleveland goes on bye in Week 9, and Hooper should be available afterward, making Bryant a short-term option. David Njoku also is a factor, but Baker Mayfield slightly favored Bryant, targeting him five times in the last contest to Njoku’s three. The Raiders aren’t particularly favorable as a matchup, yet there’s upside here after the loss of Odell Beckham. In the past two games, Las Vegas has allowed scores to tight ends, albeit to Gronk and Travis Kelce. Jared Cook scored earlier in the year. Two touchdowns from a rookie tight end easily can be a fluke, but there’s greater opportunity, and he has his quarterback’s eye.

Availability: 89%
FAAB: $1-2

Kickers

Priority Free Agent

Matt Prater, Detroit Lions

It’s kind of shocking to see Prater isn’t owned in more leagues than the 44 percent polled, but he belongs on all rosters. The Lions have a granted him at least three field goal attempts in four contests, including four kicks apiece in three of those games. There have been two games with only six combined points, but we’re still talking about 11 or more points in three-fourths of his games. Take that all day long and twice on Sundays.

Availability: 56%
FAAB: $1

1-Week Plug & Play

Mason Crosby, Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings

The 2020 version of Mike Zimmer’s defense is an injury-ravaged, talent-depleted shell of its former self. Crosby is owned in more than half of the leagues we polled, but he should be in all lineups this week. The last time these teams met, back in Week 1, he was good for 11 fantasy points and scored no fewer than 10 in the first three weeks. In the past three games, however, the veteran has only 15 total fantasy points to his credit. There’s a good chance someone in your league dumped him to the wire.

Availability: 44%
FAAB: $0-1

Mike Badgley, Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos

Despite missing three kicks in as many games of late, Badgley has fantasy appeal vs. the Broncos. Los Angeles returned from its bye week to afford him three extra point and two field goal kicks, resulting in nine fantasy points scored. He has seven or more in four of six games, and Denver has offered kickers nearly three field goal tries per appearance, and only three teams have given up more, on average.

Availability: 77%
FAAB: $0-1

Defense/specials teams

1-week plug & play

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys

Even if Andy Dalton (concussion) starts, this is a fine time to deploy the Eagles at home. The Dallas offensive line is beyond decimated at this point, and there’s a good chance we see rookie quarterback Ben DiNucci make his NFL starting debut. In the past three weeks, the Cowboys have given up eight sacks, five fumbles, four interceptions and allowed a defensive touchdown. Only the Patriots have been an easier mark on a per-game basis, and they played twice in that time. The Eagles generated three takeaway and a trio of sacks in Week 7 vs. the Giants, and this defense has three or more sacks in four of the last five games.

Availability: 50%
FAAB: $1-2

Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings

The first meeting netted only six fantasy points for the Packers defense after allowing 34 points to the Vikes. The Minnesota offense turned it over only once and gave up a pair of sacks. Since posting a dozen fantasy points in Week 2 vs. the Lions, Green Bay has struggled to do much of anything on defense, recording 13 total points in four games. The Vikings are returning from their bye week and should get Dalvin Cook back on the field, but we’re more interested in the poor play of Kirk Cousins here. It’s fair to expect Green Bay will put the Vikings into a pass-happy script at some point, and the more times Cousins puts it up, the better the Packers’ odds increase for a takeaway.

Availability: 71%
FAAB: $0-1

Free-agent recommendations refer to 12-team leagues, unless specifically stated otherwise. FAAB $ amounts are based on a $100 budget.

Bye weeks: Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings

Fantasy football waiver wire targets

Quarterbacks

1-week plug & play

Kyle Allen, Washington Football Team vs. Dallas Cowboys

This one is going out on a limb of sorts, because Allen doesn’t have a great deal of weapons at his disposal, yet he was able to make enough noise in his first full start with Washington to warrant consideration. Wideout Terry McLaurin, RB J.D. McKissic and unheralded tight end Logan Thomas may be just enough to once again make the former Carolina Panther quarterback relevant in a week with four byes. Allen knows this system better than any of the QBs on the roster, and he was good for 280 yards with a pair of scores in Week 6. That said, a pair of turnovers were in tow — something gamers must be willing to accept. In an ideal world, he’s utilized only as a second QB in leagues that allow/require such or as a DFS flier in quaint competitions. Dallas has given up an average of 250 yards and 2.2 TD passes a game entering Monday Night Football, contributing to 22.3 fantasy points allowed, on average.

Availability: 69%
FAAB: $0-1

Running backs

Priority Free Agent

J.D. McKissic, Washington Football Team

McKissic was featured here last week as a short-term option. He authored his third consecutive line of double-digit PPR points in Week 6 and deserves universal ownership in leagues that reward receptions. The Washington offense lacks weapons in the aerial attack, and the short-area passing game has become an extension of a pedestrian running game. The quarterback hasn’t mattered so much, and McKissic has a role in an offense that should remain secure, so long as he is healthy. He has seen 22 targets over the past three games, resulting in rock-steady returns of at least six catches and 40 yards.

Availability: 53%
FAAB: $3-4

1-week plug & play/grab & stash

Boston Scott and Corey Clement, Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants

Miles Sanders (knee) left vs. Baltimore with a knee injury and did not return. He’ll undergo an MRI on Monday to determine the severity of the injury. The kicker here is even if the injury isn’t serious, it’s unclear if Sanders will be available on a short week for the Thursday Night Football divisional tilt. Scott and Clement would split the workload, with the former being more likely to handle the pass-catching chores. Scott is a slightly better add, and Clement can be considered a consolation, but he’s probably a hair better of a gamble for a cheap touchdown.

Availability: 50% (Scott); 91% (Clement)
FAAB: $1-3 for both

grab & stash

Jeremy McNichols, Tennessee Titans

Short and sweet: With rookie Darrynton Evans (hamstring) on IR, McNichols is the immediate handcuff to Derrick Henry. If buying insurance on the cheap is your thing, consider McNichols as a stash option.

Availability: 99%
FAAB: $0

[lawrence-newsletter]

Wide receivers

Priority Free Agent

Travis Fulgham, Philadelphia Eagles

Reminder from last week … check your wire for Fulgham. He has scored in three straight games and is a must-own as long as the Eagles remain decimated at wide receiver. Compounding the injury woes, RB Miles Sanders (knee) and TE Zach Ertz (ankle) left prematurely in Week 6 and are unknown options for Week 7 on Thursday.

Availability: 36%
FAAB: $4-5

grab & stash

Sterling Shepard, New York Giants

While calling him a “priority” free agent may be a little bit of a stretch, Shepard is poised to return from IR this week, after being near a comeback in Week 6, and belongs on rosters. The Giants desperately need him, and there is a pretty good chance fantasy teams do, too, given all of the injuries and bye weeks. Philadelphia is the Week 7 opponent, making Shepard a possible play, but he’s best left in reserve.

Availability: 68%
FAAB: $1-2

Adam Humphries, Tennessee Titans

After a brief stay on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, the former Tampa Bay Buccaneer returned to the field to enjoy his best fantasy showing of 2020. In four outings, Humphries has been targeted at least six times in each of those contests, scoring twice along the way. The Titans should get back the services of WR Corey Davis (COVID-19) this week, but Davis being available hasn’t impeded Humphries from posting at least 8.1 PPR points in all four of his games played. Pittsburgh makes for a dicey opponent, but bye weeks could force gamers to play the slot receiver. Afterward, Cincinnati, Chicago, Indy and Baltimore … probably a short stay on rosters, but he has utility in a pinch as long as four-team bye weeks are an issue.

Availability: 65%
FAAB: $1-2

1-Week Plug & Play

James Washington, Pittsburgh Steelers at Tennessee Titans

This one is largely contingent upon what happens with the availability of WR Diontae Johnson (back). He missed this past week and almost all of Week 5 after taking a helmet to the back. Chase Claypool has stepped up, but so has Washington, just to much less fanfare. He has seen 11 targets in those games, including seven against the Cleveland Browns, resulting in a line of 4-68-1. Tennessee has struggled mightily vs. receivers in PPR, and Washington will have utility in the WR3 territory if Johnson has to sit once more.

Availability: 52%
FAAB: $1-2

Tight ends

1-Week Plug & Play

Richard Rodgers, Philadelphia Eagles

Seeing a trend here? Philly is so battered across the board that three different positions worth of Eagles have made the cut this week. Rodgers would be the next in line to see meaningful work at tight end if Zach Ertz (ankle) is unable to play on a short week. Dallas Goedert (fractured ankle) is eligible to return from the Reserve/Injured list in Week 7, but it seems awfully optimistic. He may be held out through the Week 9 bye. Monitor Goedert and Ertz in the coming days, but consider Rodgers a viable TE1 or flex fill-in option with four teams on a bye and numerous injuries.

Availability: 99%
FAAB: $1-2

Anthony Firkser, Tennessee Titans at Pittsburgh Steelers

Firkser should be an immediate acquisition, despite having a statistically difficult matchup in Week 7, if tight end Jonnu Smith (ankle) is unable to play. Pittsburgh lost linebacker Devin Bush (knee) for the season in Week 6, and there could be an exploitable coverage transition for Firkser. The tight end position is a frequent contributor to this offense, and gamers should keep tabs on Smith’s status. Barring news of an obvious long-term issue for Smith, the protocol should be to cautiously invest in his backup with the expectation it likely won’t last more than a game. The FAAB recommendation below is with the idea Smith is back after Week 7.

Availability: 95%
FAAB: $1-2

Darren Fells, Houston Texans vs. Green Bay Packers

It was an ankle and residual concussion that kept tight end Jordan Akins out of Week 6, helping create a sly play out of Fells vs. the Titans. Green Bay struggled to contain Rob Gronkowski in Week 6 following four games of being stout against the position. This one really could go either way, but if you’re in a desperate situation, Fells is always a fine gamble for a cheap touchdown. Should Green Bay be able to get their offensive struggles of Week 6 sorted out and force Houston in a pass-heavy script, Fells’ role could be similar to his uncharacteristic seven-look Week 6 showing. Pay attention to Akins’ status, however.

Availability: 62%
FAAB: $0-1

Kickers

1-Week Plug & Play

Sam Sloman, Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears

The rookie had posted at least five fantasy points in every game leading up to scoring four vs. San Fran, but he also has missed two field goals and as many point-after attempts. The Rams have afforded him at least one field goal attempt in each game, and Sloman has a date with a Chicago unit that has given up a hearty 18 three-point tries in 2020.

Availability: 88%
FAAB: $0-1

Cairo Santos, Chicago Bears at Los Angeles Rams

Chicago’s offense is not as explosive as it could be, leading the way to Santos seeing no more three PATs in any contest this year. He has kicked two or more field goals in 50 percent of the games, but the last two weeks have seen him boot five of his 10 total tries. More importantly, he hasn’t missed since Week 3. Los Angeles has permitted eight of only nine field goal attempts to clear in 2020, but these teams match up in a way that favors a low-scoring, field goal-drive effort by Chicago. There are worse fantasy fill-ins for Week 7 bye weeks.

Availability: 99%
FAAB: $0-1

Defense/specials teams

1-week plug & play

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

LA comes back from its bye week to face a Jaguars offense that has struggled of late. From Weeks 1-5, Jacksonville permitted three or more sacks in four of those contests. Detroit managed just one sack of Gardner Minshew in Week 6, but the Jaguars turned it over twice, which has been the average number of times this team has handed it over to opposing defenses in the past three games. For its part in this equation, LA has two or more sacks in three of five appearances, but takeaways have been lacking (4 in 5 games). One of them went for a score, at least. It will require an overachieving effort by the Bolts, but there’s upside in a slate with few worthwhile one-week rental options.

Availability: 73%
FAAB: $0-1

Free-agent recommendations refer to 12-team leagues, unless specifically stated otherwise. FAAB $ amounts are based on a $100 budget.

Bye weeks: Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Chargers, New Orleans Saints, Las Vegas Raiders

Fantasy football waiver wire targets

Quarterbacks

Priority Free Agent

Andy Dalton, Dallas Cowboys

Dallas lost quarterback Dak Prescott to a gruesome ankle injury, illustrating exactly why Dalton was signed in the offseason as a veteran presence. Prescott’s absence will make a huge ripple effect in fantasy, and gamers can hope Dalton will play his best ball to help offset some of the natural regression we’ll see from losing Dak. In a pinch, with the heart of the bye weeks upon us, Dalton is a favorable target for gamers looking to replace Prescott in any way possible, or those who have more or less lost backups, like Jimmy Garoppolo, Philip Rivers, etc., to futile play. Dalton will make his share of mistakes, and he’s more of a game manager than a gunslinger, but he deserves to be rostered as long as Dallas has so many weapons and such a porous defense.

Availability: 56%
FAAB: $1-2

1-week plug & play

Ryan Fitzpatrick, Miami Dolphins vs. New York Jets

On the year, Fitzpatrick is the sixth-best fantasy quarterback in conventional scoring formats — and that’s with an 11-point dud in the opener. He shouldn’t be on this many waiver wires, but gamers haven’t had many planned bye weeks with which to contend. Miami appears nowhere near turning the keys over to rookie Tua Tagovailoa. The Jets have allowed the 10th-most fantasy points per game thus far, and most of the work has come from two quarterbacks. New York gave up 35.3 points to Josh Allen in Week 1 and 32.1 to Kyler Murray this past weekend. The three quarterbacks in the middle belong on the scrap heap: Jimmy Garoppolo, Philip Rivers and Brett Rypien. Fitz still has his legs, and this is a prime matchup if you’re without Russell Wilson or Drew Brees.

Availability: 41%
FAAB: $0-1

Watch List

Alex Smith, Washington Football Team

Head coach Ron Rivera says Kyle Allen (arm) will be the starter when he’s healthy enough. It’s an interesting situation, since Allen was cleared to return Sunday and Rivera stuck with Smith, who clearly looked like he hadn’t played in a few years. While there may be merit to the idea that Allen actually gives them a better chance of winning right this minute, the faster they get Smith to shake off the rust, the sooner this team will be consistently competitive. Granted, there are plenty of holes to fill that a veteran quarterback alone can’t mask, but their $21 million salary cap investment in Smith is going to waste with every pass thrown by Allen.

Availability: 56%

Running backs

1-week plug & play/grab & stash

J.D. McKissic, Washington Football Team at New York Giants

With eight targets in each of the past two games, cycling through three different quarterbacks, McKissic is on the upswing. He has double-digit PPR performances in each of those games, and the checkdown has at least eight utilizations in each game this year. Washington desperately needs someone to step up behind Terry McLaurin, and the pint-sized running back is seizing the opportunity in the passing game. Should Alex Smith start this week, he’s the king of checking down, and regardless of the quarterback, this system inherently involves running backs in the passing game. New York has permitted the position five catches for 46.2 yards, on average, and one in 12.5 receptions has scored in the hands of a running back. McKissic has staying power, as well.

Availability: 67%
FAAB: $1-2

Mike Boone, Minnesota Vikings vs. Atlanta Falcons

No word yet on the severity of Dalvin Cook’s groin injury, and Alexander Mattison is universally owned, so gamers in a tough situation can turn to Boone. He has played well almost every chance he has earned, and the matchup is quite tasty. The Falcons have given up 139 offensive yards per game to RBs in five appearances, and the position has scored six total times (four receiving). Boone isn’t a great receiver, and he will play a spell role, but there’s potential for a short-term rental. He was explosive in two games late last year, filling in off of the bench, and we saw him go for 19 yards on his two carries coming in cold in Week 5. The Falcons also underwent a coaching change after their 0-5 start, which could take time to make a difference.

Availability: 87%
FAAB: $1-2

[lawrence-newsletter]

Wide receivers

Priority Free Agent

Chase Claypool, Pittsburgh Steelers

Claypool scored four times (one rushing) in Week 5. The fourth was on totally busted coverage, for what it is worth. One element that cannot be ignored: Wide receiver Diontae Johnson injured his back on a punt return in the first quarter and did not play afterward. Claypool wasn’t utilized prior to the injury. Where it gets interesting is now that the Steelers have seen the myriad ways the dynamic rookie can be effectively utilized, how much does it cut into Johnson’s role upon a healthy return to the field. Players lose their jobs to injuries on the regular, and coaches get enamored with the allure of “what could be” after a performance like this … sure, Philly stinks, and, yes, a confluence of events opened the door for Claypool, but he has flashed prior to Sunday. Johnson has fought injuries in multiple games this year, and while he was productive in others, it’s fair to believe he’ll lose action to Claypool. Add him but realize you’ll be paying a premium for a one-in-a-lifetime performance.

Availability: 49%
FAAB: $4-5

1-Week Plug & Play

Darnell Mooney, Chicago Bears at Carolina Panthers

The production really hasn’t been there to date, aside from a Week 2 touchdown, but the speedy rookie has effectively overtaken Anthony Miller as the No. 2. Miller still plays primarily from the slot, but it has been Mooney with more targets since Nick Foles took over. Both receivers have been equally ineffective in those two games, largely due to tough matchups. Carolina ranks low for receptions against, but four receivers in five games have scored, and the Panthers have been fortunate to play Las Vegas, the Bucs without Chris Godwin (Mike Evans still owned), the Chargers (Keenan Allen killed it), and Atlanta without Julio Jones (Calvin Ridley was a stud) … Mooney is an intriguing one-week gamble for owners facing injuries or the loss of Michael Thomas, Allen, D.K. Metcalf and/or Tyler Lockett because of byes.

Availability: 74%
FAAB: $0-1

grab & stash

Auden Tate, Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati lost WR A.J. Green (hamstring) in Week 5, and it’s the second time in less than two months he has battled such an injury. Then there’s the whole factor of his overall lack of durability. At time of writing this segment, his Week 6 status is unknown. Should he be out of commission a few weeks, Tate makes for a worthy waiver add. Cincy has three games before its bye — barring another reshuffling by the league. This week’s matchup isn’t particularly friendly, facing the Indianapolis Colts, but Tate’s 6-foot-5 frame could be the difference in a jump-ball situation in the end zone. He is not explicitly being promoted as a one-week play, although starting him isn’t totally unwarranted with so many receivers hurt or on their bye. Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd are poised to see the majority of targets, so rolling with Tate must require acknowledgement of his boom-or-bust nature.

Availability: 81%
FAAB: $0-1

Travis Fulgham, Philadelphia Eagles

No Alshon Jeffery, DeSean Jackson, Dallas Goedert and Jalen Reagor has led to Travis Fulgham seeing 16 targets in the last two games. He has 12 receptions for 209 yards and a pair of scores vs. two quality defenses (SF, PIT) on the road in that time. He has bounced around from Detroit and Green Bay to Philly in his short career, but there’s a chance with the Eagles to latch on for a few weeks. At 6-foot-2, 214 pounds, he brings size and is also an elite blocker, which will keep him in the coaching staff’s good graces. The long speed is better than at any other range of his mobility band, and he reminds a little of Chris Hogan in this regard. Fulgham excels in contested-catch situations, and despite a brutal matchup vs. the Baltimore Ravens this week, he has a puncher’s chance at relevance once again. Play him only if you must, but he’s still worth rostering one more week in reserve to see if there’s anything beyond Week 6 here.

Availability: 94%
FAAB: $0-1

Tight ends

Watch list

Gerald Everett, Los Angeles Rams

The veteran caught all four of his targets in Week 5, posting 90 yards along the way — or 18 more than his counterpart, Tyler Higbee, has mustered in his past three games combined. In Week 6, gamers should watch how this dynamic plays out once more before investing much into Everett. He could be worth a speculative buck or first-come, first-served addition in deeper setups. Higbee, aside from a three-TD outburst vs. Philly, has been unplayable after his monster run to close out the 2019 season. Higbee ran only 16 percent of the routes in Week 5, and the matchup couldn’t have been much more favorable for his position, so keep tabs on how this works out vs. the New York Giants next Sunday. New York has been strong at limiting receivers, which means the target distribution is more important than the actual results.

Availability: 65%

Kickers

Priority Free agent

Jason Sanders, Miami Dolphins

After kicking four field goal tries in the first three weeks, Sanders has booted all 10 of his attempts through the pipes in the past two outings. He added four PATs vs. the Niners and Jacksonville, showing he can be a useful option even if the field goals aren’t there. In Week 6, the play the Jets, a team that has yielded an average of nine fantasy points per contest to the position, or eighth most. In total, 12 field goal attempts (tied for 9th) and 18 point-afters (tied for most) have come against Gang Green.

Availability: 86%
FAAB: $0-1

1-Week Plug & Play

Joey Slye, Carolina Panthers at Chicago Bears

The way Carolina most effectively moves the ball has been by extending the running game into the short-area passing attack. Chicago is on the tougher half of the league in receptions and yardage given up to RBs, and none of the catches have scored. Overall, the Bears are strong enough on defense to keep Carolina in scenarios where settling for three is acceptable. No team has given up more field goal attempts than Chicago so far, and only three of the 18 kicks have missed. Slye, for his part, has been seen at least three FGAs in three of his five games and two or more in four contests.

Availability: 66%
FAAB: $0-1

Defense/specials teams

1-week plug & play

Miami Dolphins vs. New York Jets

In the past three games, Miami has 11 sacks and four interceptions. On the year, this unit has a takeaway and at least one sack in every game. The Dolphins invested tremendous capital in improving the defense, and we’re starting to see signs of it paying off. Versus the Jets in Week 6, it could be a fireworks show for Miami. The confidence of blowing out the San Francisco 49ers on the road, coupled with an offense that has given up at least a trio of sacks in three of the games this year, we’re talking about a matchup that is 84.9 percent better than the league average for fantasy points generated.

Availability: 93%
FAAB: $0-1