RADIO
Last week it was the vulture, this week it's the no-names. The phrase "that doesn't help anybody" is well-known by fantasy owners and was uttered repeatedly in Week 7. We saw touchdowns from Marcus Johnson, David Moore, Jaron Brown, Paul Richardson, Ito Smith, Erik Swoope, Chris Herndon IV, and Nick O'Leary. That was just in the morning slate. Of course, RotoBallers and hardcore fantasy fans may know these names but none of these players were started in as much as 10% of fantasy leagues this week. Are these players worth adding now that they're on our radar? Read to find out...
In this weekly waiver wire series, we provide a comprehensive list of fantasy-viable players that are owned in approximately 35% or fewer fantasy leagues, so that you can make an educated decision about who to add to your squad that might actually be available.
Let’s look around the league at the players worth adding or bidding on as we move on to Week 6 of the 2018 NFL season. Be sure to also check out our other waiver wire articles, including FAAB auction bidding recommendations, for even more in-depth analysis an all positions heading into Week 7.
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Quarterbacks - Waiver Wire Options
Blake Bortles, Jacksonville Jaguars (42% owned)
Bortles is slightly above the typical threshold for this article but his ownership will likely drop after this week's stinker. The Jags simply didn't show up in Dallas, so they are now in need of a bounce-back performance at home against divisional rivals Houston. The Texans have allowed fewer than 20 points in consecutive weeks, but those opponents have been Buffalo and Dallas, so it's a bit misleading. It's been all or nothing for Bortles this year - take a chance on him if you feel lucky and need a replacement for Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson.
Mitch Trubisky, Chicago Bears (23% owned)
His day could have been even better if not for an offensive pass interference call by Trey Burton that took back his third touchdown pass of the day. The next play became an interception in the end zone. Trubisky was still sharp overall, completing 22 passes for 371 yards and three TD against Miami. He gets the Patriots next week in Chicago, so the Bears are likely to put the foot on the gas pedal offensively in order to keep up.
Eli Manning, New York Giants (22% owned)
If you're a Giants fan, Manning owner, or simply follow football closely enough to know that Manning has looked horrible for most of the year, this seems like a questionable call. The fact remains that the Giants do have some of the most talented skill players in the league and should get Evan Engram back. The real appeal here is the matchup with the Falcons, who are a bottom-three pass defense in all respects and just gave up 29 points and 389 passing yards to the Bucs. Manning is averaging 277 yards per game but has just six TD in six games. He should be more appealing for those looking for a safe floor than a big game, as he's less risky than Bortles or Trubisky.
Sam Darnold, New York Jets (9% owned)
The Jets are suddenly an offensive powerhouse! They've put up 76 points in the last two games and Darnold has been making plays down the field. The Vikings come to town, making for a more risky proposition though. They aren't last year's Vikes but will certainly pose a bigger threat than the Colts or Broncos. Don't buy too much into Darnold's recent success - he can be considered in Superflex leagues as a bye fill-in but that's it.
Others to consider: C.J. Beathard, San Francisco 49ers (5% owned); Josh Rosen, Arizona Cardinals (4% owned)
Running Backs - Waiver Wire Options
Duke Johnson, Cleveland Browns (33% owned)
We finally saw something resembling last year's Duke, with four catches for 73 yards and another 36 yards on just two carries in Week 6. Six touches normally wouldn't be encouraging enough to put him back in the flex conversation but a matchup against the Bucs does. Johnson could do plenty with his precious few opportunities based on the fact that Tampa has allowed over 300 passing yards in every game this season.
Peyton Barber, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (32% owned)
Just when we forgot about Barber, he came back strong to reassert ownership of the Tampa backfield, for what that's worth. Barber ran for 82 yards on just 13 carries, as the Bucs were forced to pass all day to keep up (as usual). With a long of just 28 yards, Barber didn't make his day on a big play, carving out chunks of yardage each time he touched the ball. Barber got into the receiving action too, with 24 yards on four catches and a touchdown. Ronald Jones rushed once and is no threat to Barber's workload. The Bucs will be back at home next week, facing the Browns in what should be slightly less of a shootout.
Marlon Mack, Indianapolis Colts (29% owned)
In his first action since Week 2, Mack was impressive, running for 89 yards on 12 carries. If Andrew Luck didn't keep turning the ball over, Mack might have gotten more opportunities. He was still the clear leader in the backfield, as Nyheim Hines saw three rush attempts and Robert Turbin four. Jordan Wilkins didn't see a single touch. This should give fantasy owners full confidence that Mack is the man in Indy as long as his hamstring doesn't betray him again.
D'Onta Foreman, Houston Texans (24% owned)
As Week 7 approaches, Foreman is finally eligible to return from the PUP list. He doesn't appear ready to return just yet and when he does, he may not be thrust into a prominent role just yet. He should get the chance eventually, since Lamar Miller is averaging less than four yards per carry and has been nicked up all season. While Foreman won't play this week, he makes for a solid stash where upside is needed. In his rookie year, Foreman got off to a slow start but rushed for 65 yards and two touchdowns in Week 10, taking over the fourth quarter and conceivably the starting RB job until he tore his ACL moments later. If he can pick up where he left off, fantasy owners could scoop up an every-week RB2 off waivers a couple weeks early.
Frank Gore, Miami Dolphins (10% owned)
Even before the Kenyan Drake fumble on the goal-line with two minutes left in overtime that almost cost the Dolphins a victory, Gore had seemingly seized full control of the Dolphins backfield. He put together the first 100-yard rushing game for a Phin this year and out-carried Drake 15-13, putting up 101 yards to Drake's 57. The trust factor that Adam Gase has with Gore can only be magnified after the OT near-debacle. Gore's fantasy upside is somewhat limited by Miami's slow offensive pace and questionable QB situation but he appears more trustworthy than ever. He has his highest Y/A average since 2014 in San Francisco and is certainly worth owning in 14+ team leagues.
Ito Smith, Atlanta Falcons (8% owned)
Devonta Freeman just can't seem to stay on the field has finally been placed on IR. Smith is reaping the rewards in limited duty and will continue to do so for several weeks at least. There aren't many touches on his resume, but Week 6 marked the third straight game with a touchdown for Atlanta's new RB2. Smith hasn't totaled even 50 yards in any game this season, with 10 and 24 combined yards the last two weeks respectively. Although it's counterintuitive, this makes the diminutive pass-catching back a touchdown-dependent play to consider in deep standard leagues only. Given the lack of depth at RB and explosive nature of Atlanta's offense, Smith should be a priority add for those needing to address a hole at RB.
Raheem Mostert, San Francisco 49ers (1% owned)
The Niners may finally be giving up on the notion of Alfred Morris as a viable running back, as fantasy owners should have done long ago. On Monday Night Football, Mostert saw 12 carries and turned them into 87 yards whereas Morris didn't even register a touch. Mostert matched his career total for rush attempts and nearly doubled his career yardage in Week 6 alone, so there is much else to go on besides this contest where the Packers defense couldn't slow down an upstart 49ers team rife with backups. He's a low-end handcuff for Breida owners or a player to watch at the moment.
Others to consider: Jamaal Charles, Jacksonville Jaguars (12% owned); LeGarrette Blount, Detroit Lions (12% owned); Jalen Richard, Oakland Raiders (8% owned)
Wide Receivers - Waiver Wire Options
Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - (44% owned)
His ownership is already rising as of Sunday afternoon but he warrants mentioning as he may be available in your league. Jameis Winston showed faith in his second-year receiver, targeting a team-high nine times (tied with DeSean Jackson) in Atlanta. Godwin delivered six catches for 56 yards and a touchdown. With a trio of talented receivers and two pass-catching tight ends, Godwin will never be a true target hog. That said, he has plenty of scoring upside each week and can be considered a reliable flex in standard leagues.
Taylor Gabriel, Chicago Bears (22% owned)
Gabriel remains highly involved in the Bears offense, beyond anyone's initial expectations. Gabriel has seen 34 targets in five games, just below Allen Robinson's team-leading 38. He posted his second straight 100+ yard receiving game (with a bye week in between) and is becoming a must-start WR3. Fantasy owners may not believe in him just yet, evidenced by a 22% ownership rate, but they should.
Tyrell Williams, Los Angeles Chargers (9% owned)
Williams did what he does best, hauling in two deep balls for touchdowns on Sunday afternoon with 118 yards on three receptions. While Mike Williams is on everyone's radar and owned in two-thirds of fantasy leagues, Tyrell has now outgained him by 50 yards and they are even in scores on the season. He will continue to be a boom-bust option as the third receiver in a high-powered offense.
Albert Wilson, Miami Dolphins (9% owned)
Forget Tannehill-Parker, it's all about Osweiler-Wilson. The Dolphins don't seem to have an identity on offense but one thing is for sure - Wilson will continue to be a big-play threat with the ball in his hands. Wilson led all receivers with 155 yards in Week 6. His two touchdowns give him a new career-high with four on the season. We have no idea whether it will be Ryan Tannehill or Brock Osweiler behind center in Week 7 when the Dolphins face the Lions, but he's shown that he can do the work himself with yards after the catch. The Lions, their next opponent, are allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points per game to WR. Wilson isn't guaranteed nine targets again, so keep expectations in check.
Cole Beasley, Dallas Cowboys (9% owned)
In a shocking route of the Jaguars, Beasley put up the first 100-yard receiving game by a Cowboy and his first since 2015. It's sure to be an outlier in an otherwise unremarkable season. Beasley does present a decent floor in full PPR leagues, however, so don't completely discount this performance. The Dallas offense has figured some things out and Beasley should keep leading the way in targets.
Martavis Bryant, Oakland Raiders (5% owned)
The Raiders are on bye this coming week and are coming of an ugly, blowout loss in which Bryant saw just two catches for 18 yards. The reason to consider Bryant is based on the news that the Raiders are shopping Amari Cooper. If they find a taker for the talented, yet inconsistent wideout, Bryant may see a lot more snaps than anticipated this preseason when he was cut before being re-signed. A suspension is always a possibility too; Bryant is a bench stash for those with space in deep leagues only.
Jermaine Kearse, New York Jets (1% owned)
Early-season target hog Quincy Enunwa in out for the next couple of weeks but he had already been losing targets to Kearse, who missed Week 1 and only saw two targets in Week 2. Sam Darnold is beginning to spread the ball around more but having a reliable slot target is always reassuring for a rookie QB. Kearse saw a huge jump in targets with 10 in Week 6, catching nine for 94 yards. He managed respectable numbers last year, his first with the Jets, averaging four receptions and 51 yards per game. If this offense keeps clicking, he could be a serviceable flex play in full PPR leagues. Minnesota has been inconsistent to say the least on defense and the Jets could be forced to pass plenty in Week 7.
David Moore, Seattle Seahawks (1% owned)
With three touchdowns in the last two games, Moore must be taken seriously as a flex option in standard leagues. Sadly, the Seahawks are on bye so he is nothing more than a player to watch for Week 8.
Others worth consideration: Antonio Callaway, Cleveland Browns (22% owned); Chester Rogers, Indianapolis Colts (16% owned); Christian Kirk, Arizona Cardinals (14% owned); Cameron Meredith, New Orleans Saints (9% owned)
Tight Ends - Waiver Wire Options
C.J. Uzomah, Cincinnati Bengals (32% 0wned)
The Bengals' new TE1 will never get a better matchup than he did against the Steelers, who are worst in the league against the tight end. He responded with a decent day, catching six balls for 54 yards. Fortunately, the Chiefs are on deck for Week 7 and are just as bad defensively, ranking second-worst against the tight end. Uzomah isn't the sexiest TE play but with Tyler Eifert gone for the year and Tyler Kroft suffering from a foot injury that could keep him out again, he does have streaming appeal in another good matchup.
Chris Herndon, New York Jets (0% owned)
Finally, an interesting TE emerges! Herndon is one of the lesser-known rookies at the position but his 56-yard output in Week 6 is better than anything Mike Gesicki or Hayden Hurst has done this season. The Jets are suddenly potent on offense and Herndon came out of The U as a pure pass-catching tight end. His usage is not assured going forward, making him a speculative stash at the moment.
Nick O'Leary, Miami Dolphins (0% owned)
Castoff from the Buffalo Bills and sent to be the TE3 in Miami, there was little chance that Jack Nicklaus' grandson would appear on this list. With A.J. Derby out for three straight weeks and Mike Gesicki still slow to pick things up, especially pass protection, O'Leary took advantage of his chances. He caught all four of his targets for 49 yards and a touchdown against the formidable Bears defense. With players like Greg Olsen and Evan Engram back from injury, it's doubtful you need to dig this deep on the waiver wire.
Others worth consideration: Ricky Seals-Jones, Arizona Cardinals (21% owned); Geoff Swaim, Dallas Cowboys (12% owned)
Defenses - Waiver Wire Options
Arizona Cardinals (13% owned)
You would think Denver's defense would be the one to target in this matchup but not the way this season is going. The Broncos did a decent job holding the Rams in check in the cold weather point-wise. Todd Gurley did run hog wild for 208 yards, though. The Cardinals are horrible versus the run but in fantasy terms, all we care about are sacks and turnovers, where the Cards have a decent 11 turnovers and are now up to 18 sacks on the season. Case Keenum has thrown at least one interception in every single game this season, so there's at least a decent floor.
Miami Dolphins (12% owned)
The Dolphins have given up 93 points in the last three games, which is a far cry from the first three weeks when they allowed 52 total points. They've been decimated by injuries on the defensive line, so if they can get Cameron Wake or Charles Harris back close to full speed, it could make a big difference. They made Mitch Trubisky look like a Pro Bowl player, but still forced three turnovers in the process. The Lions aren't an ideal matchup, although being at home helps a bit. They still seem like a better streaming option than the Bengals (@KC) Browns (@TB) or Titans (@LAC).
Indianapolis Colts (6% owned)
Please, oh please let Nathan Peterman be the starting quarterback this week. Josh Allen has been declared out and is week-to-week for the Bills. If the teams insists on rolling Peterman out there again, forget all the other defenses on waivers and whoever you've been starting all year. That includes Jacksonville or Baltimore. Peterman is a turnover and pick-six machine that could turn the Colts into easy money on the defensive front. The Colts still great appeal against a team that hasn't scored more than 13 points for three straight weeks and may now get even worse.
More Waiver Wire Adds and Pickups
Check out RotoBaller's famous fantasy football draft sleepers and waiver wire pickups list, updated regularly!
