Week 7 Waiver Wire Sleepers & Overview for Fantasy Football

October 13, 2014

Zach Wilkens analyzes week seven sleepers available on your fantasy football waiver wire. These NFL running backs (RBs), wide receivers (WRs), tight ends (TEs) and quarterbacks (QBs) are fantasy football sleepers.

Week 7 Waiver Wire for Fantasy Football

Just a friendly reminder, in my weekly waiver wire pickups overview column I only highlight players owned in fewer than 50% of leagues on Fleaflicker.

There very well may be other options out there, so be sure to read all of our Week 7 waiver wire analysis. For example, last week I had Joe Flacco ranked at QB11, higher than any of the QBs I discussed in my Week 6 waiver wire column, and he was sitting out there in a third of fantasy leagues.

Check out my waiver wire thoughts below for Week 7, but be sure to look at my rankings posted right here on RotoBaller later on in the week, as well!

Quarterback Waiver Wire Pickup Options

1. Alex Smith @ Chargers - 50% Owned on Fleaflicker

Okay, so I said under 50% and he's right on the dot. Close enough. Two great signs point to Smith being your stream of the week. First, I love QBs coming off the bye. Derek Carr and Ryan Tannehill backed that up this week, and none of the seven QBs coming off a bye have scored below 17 points yet. The second reason I like Smith this week is that though the Chargers have been tough, they just let Derek Carr throw on them all day, to the tune of a career-high 25 points. The Chargers will be hungry to improve on that performance, but I'm going to side with Alex Smith and his extra time to prepare.

2. Brian Hoyer @ Jaguars - 22% Owned on Fleaflicker

I realize that Hoyer is about the least exciting option you can stream, but he's been very safe and reliable, if nothing else. He hasn't gone below 12 points, which is better than many very good QBs already. Over the last two weeks, the Jags have really been an improved defense, so Hoyer's ceiling is probably limited.  That said, you can bet he will get at least 12 points and probably hit the 15-17 point range, which is a lot better than you can say for most other available quarterbacks.

3. Ryan Tannehill @ Bears - 38% Owned on Fleaflicker

Following his coach's suggestion that he might be benched, Tannehill has silenced critics over the last two weeks. Playing in Chicago represents a tough matchup, but Tannehill looks like he is out to prove the world wrong right now, and I love what I see. One interesting note: He's not exactly a mobile quarterback, but he has rushed for 35 or more yards in each of the past two games. If he's learning when to scramble, that could be a nice hidden bonus to his fantasy value.

Other QBs to consider: I think I've mentioned Carson Palmer (55%) in this section every week, but he is essentially a top-12 QB when on the field, and he can be had off the waiver wire in many leagues. He's back and has two great matchups coming up. I still can't bring myself to put Kyle Orton (8%) in my top three, but he's been very serviceable in his two starts so far, despite tough matchups. Minnesota isn't a walk in the park either, but no reason for him to slow down there.

Running Back Waiver Wire Pickup Options

1. Jerick McKinnon @ Bills - 30% Owned on Fleaflicker

There was no official statement to the public before yesterday's game (not appreciated, Vikings), but it appears that Jerick McKinnon is now the lead running back in Minnesota. He didn't have a particularly big day against the Lions, but they are a fantastic defense. McKinnon's 82 yards on 17 touches is no small feat. Especially with a rookie quarterback, the Vikings will want to run a lot, which is great for McKinnon. On the downside, his matchup goes from bad to worse, as the Bills have been fantastic against running backs. Not a great play this week, but McKinnon is a must-add. He should see a nice PPR boost as well-- he had six receptions this week.

2. Isaiah Crowell @ Jaguars - 32% Owned on Fleaflicker

Ben Tate is still the top option, but this is a run-first, run-often team, and there is plenty of room for two effective backs. Terrance West was a healthy scratch in Week 6, a sure sign that Crowell is the man to own. He saw just 11 carries, but it was enough for 77 yards and a score. I expect similar numbers against the Jags, which makes him a low-end RB2 or solid flex play. Beyond Week 7, Ben Tate is injury-prone and Crowell could be a top-15 RB if he had the job to himself.

3. Theo Riddick vs Saints - 3% Owned on Fleaflicker

I'm guessing Reggie Bush is back next week, which would make Riddick a poor play, but if Bush sits again then he's worth your attention. He hasn't seen much action on the field in his young career, but he showed he can effectively fill the Reggie Bush role as needed. His performance on Sunday (five receptions for 75 yards and a score) was very impressive. Even if it's not this coming week, Reggie Bush usually misses two-to-three games a year, so remember Riddick's name if you need a fill-in.

Other RBs To Consider: I mentioned Antone Smith (41%) last week. He somehow went off for another big score. The coaching staff refuses to give him more touches, which makes him a risky start, but he has been amazing with what he's been given. Storm Johnson (16%) didnt impress me, but he did score a touchdown. Toby Gerhart's (58%) ownership is deservedly falling, but he could still be lead back when healthy. If you're really desperate, monitor that situation and play the starter.

Wide Receiver Waiver Wire Pickup Options

1. Cecil Shorts vs Browns - 47% Owned on Fleaflicker

It went under the radar, but Shorts actually led all WRs in targets this past week. There's no reason for that to stop either-- he has consistently been a huge target hog over the past two seasons. He did lose a fumble, but his 10 receptions for 103 yards were nevertheless impressive. It is a crowded group at WR in Jacksonville, but they were all active this week, and it's clear that Shorts is still the leader of the garbage-time bunch when healthy.

2. Andre Holmes vs Cardinals - 5% Owned on Fleaflicker

Andre Holmes had a strong game in Week 4 after Rod Streater was out with a broken foot, but given the signings of Vincent Brown and Kenbrell Thompkins, I was unsure of whom to like. Well, Holmes has now delivered two very strong performances, and I am willing to give him a strong endorsement. He's big at 6'4", which makes him a great red zone threat, and let's not forget that he finished 2013 strong, as well. They face Arizona next, and Patrick Peterson and the rest of the secondary just doesn't scare anyone right now. If Kirk Cousins could get DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon the ball, I'm optimistic about Andre Holmes in Week 7.

3. Brandon LaFell vs Jets - 14% Owned on Fleaflicker

LaFell is another guy that I mostly dismissed after his first strong game. That was justified when he followed it up with 20 yards against the Bengals when Tom Brady was great, but now in Week 6 they were both at their best at the same time. Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman are still the top targets in this offense, but when Tom Brady is rolling like he is right now, there is plenty of room for three or even four receivers to put up decent numbers. After Edelman and LaFell, no other WR had more than two targets, so you should feel safe that LaFell is the guy. The Jets have a strong defensive front, but for a streaking Brady, that shouldn't be much of an issue.

Other WRs To Consider: I mentioned Malcom Floyd (25%) last week. He still has yet to deliver a bad game outside of Seattle, and Rivers is another QB at his best right now. Robert Woods (15%) was the leading WR for the Bills this week; I'm not sure what to make of that, because Sammy Watkins is definitely the WR1, but Woods is really talented himself. Jarvis Landry (5%) has been getting more involved; keep him on your radar. Brian Tyms (1%) had just one reception, but it was a big one for a score. My buddy Rek talked him up this past week, and if they get him more involved, he could be the deep threat they've been looking for.

Tight End Waiver Wire Pickup Options

1. Jace Amaro @ Patriots - 9% Owned on Fleaflicker

It was Amaro that led all tight ends in targets and receptions in Week 6. He even went in for a score, despite just 68 yards on 10 receptions. He also had another easy catch for 10+ yards which he dropped. Amaro put up really big numbers in college, and I love his talent. With such a weak group of WRs, it's no surprise Amaro is getting targeted so much. The Patriots will have Darrelle Revis shadowing Eric Decker. I am certain they will look to stop Amaro as well, but he will definitely see a decent number of targets again.

2. Clay Harbor vs Browns - 4% Owned on Fleaflicker

Harbor is definitely an unattractive, unexciting option. But with the tight end position so shallow, he has some appeal. He has now had at least 70 yards in two of his last three games, and there is always a chance for that with the Jaguars and their garbage time routine. He offers a very solid bet for at least 5.0 points, which is more than can be said for most tight ends available.

3. Charles Clay @ Bears - 40% Owned on Fleaflicker

Admittedly-- and I hate doing this-- Clay is completely a gut call. He's done very little all year, but he is getting consistent targets. Last year, he went on two separate stretches of three or more games where he was really good. I'm still thinking that will happen, and it's likely sooner than later. He is really talented, and with Brian Hartline appearing to take a step back this year, there is room for Clay.

Other TEs To Consider: Jordan Reed (60%) should already be owned in any serious league, but he is still available in many anyway. When healthy, he is among the best. Tim Wright (28%) is one to monitor. He only had minimal yardage this past week, but it did result in a touchdown.