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As the bye weeks necessitate constant waiver wire action, injuries at the running back position have yet to cease. Aaron Jones, Chris Carson, and Kenyan Drake are the latest to pull the rug from under fantasy teams without warning. The pickings may be slim these days but between byes and injuries, you might have no choice but to take a flier.
The waiver wire will be more important in 2020 than any previous season, especially after waivers clear in most leagues. Use the players suggested here for your early-week claims but keep the rest in mind for later in the week if necessary and check our NFL news feed for the latest injury updates.
As always, the options listed at each position below are listed in order of priority to help you plan your claims accordingly. Players listed include only those rostered in approximately 50% or fewer Yahoo leagues. For a deeper look at each position, check out our separate weekly waiver wire columns at QB, RB, WR, and TE.
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Quarterbacks - Waiver Wire Options
Teddy Bridgewater, Carolina Panthers - 43% rostered
As expected, Bridgewater shook off his rough outing in Week 6 and had a good showing against New Orleans with 254 yards and two TD. Streaming against Atlanta continues to be a great idea as it likely will all year long. He just went for 313 yards and two TD in Week 5 in a road matchup between these division foes, so it's fair to expect similar numbers.
Jimmy Garoppolo, San Francisco 49ers - 30% rostered
Jimmy G was accurate, going 20 of 25 for 277 yards, but didn't have a great fantasy day against his former team, throwing two interceptions without a touchdown. The constant injuries among their skill players, including Deebo Samuel this time, is a concern. This team keeps finding a way to persevere, however, and George Kittle is still there. The Seattle defense has given up 300 or more passing yards in all but one game this year and hasn't held any opponent under 23 points. Garoppolo should get enough volume to be a high-end QB2 in fantasy for Week 8 and should settle into that range for the rest of 2020.
Derek Carr, Las Vegas Raiders - 29% rostered
Carr continued his efficient, if not exciting, season with a typical Carr performance against a tough Buccaneers Defense in Week 7. He threw for 284 yards and two touchdowns along with his second INT of the season. You know exactly what you're getting from Carr, which isn't a bad thing if you don't need an absolute monster performance from your streaming QB. The Browns Defense won't provide too much resistance so a 300-yard game could be in store.
Baker Mayfield, Cleveland Browns - 32% rostered
For the first time all season, Mayfield has shown something to give hope to Cleveland fans and fantasy managers alike. He still didn't hit the 300-yard mark, which he hasn't done yet this season, but came within three yards. Five touchdowns made him a fantasy stud in a high-scoring matchup between the Ohio rivals. He won't face Cincy again but Las Vegas is a decent-enough matchup to make him stream-worthy if needed, even if he's without top wideout Odell Beckham for the rest of the year. Just be aware that he'll have a bye the following week, so Mayfield would be a one-week rental and isn't as desirable as Bridgewater.
Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins - 28% rostered
As excited as we are to see what Tagovailoa can do in the NFL, don't get carried away. A rookie making his first start is always a big risk but especially so in a negative matchup. The Rams have been a top-10 pass defense so far, just put the clamps down on the Bears on MNF, and have a pass rush that could keep Tagovailoa on his toes. He is viable in Superflex leagues but would be a desperation play in single-QB leagues.
Others to consider: Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings (29% rostered); Nick Foles, Chicago Bears (10% rostered)
Running Backs - Waiver Wire Options
JaMycal Hasty, San Francisco 49ers - 20% rostered
Playing mostly in the second half, Hasty has been efficient with his carries. He picked up 37 yards on nine carries in Week 6 and then 57 yards on nine carries in Week 7. While it was Jeff Wilson Jr. running wild with 112 yards and three touchdowns, he left the game with a serious leg injury that saw him carted off the field. Hasty could become the primary runner on an always-potent offense and becomes a high-priority add.
Carlos Hyde, Seattle Seahawks - 10% rostered
Chris Carson exited early in Week 7 and didn't return so it was Hyde getting most of the touches. He performed as well as you could expect, racking up 74 yards and a touchdown. Carson has been deemed week-to-week which means he hasn't been ruled out for Week 8 yet. He's a warrior who rarely misses games altogether but it would probably be wise for the team to rest him. If so, Hyde is a strong flex consideration albeit in a tough matchup against his original team in San Francisco.
Tevin Coleman, San Francisco 49ers - 27% rostered
There is speculation that Coleman could return in Week 8, although Kyle Shanahan said it's "an outside chance." It would be good timing as Raheem Mostert is on IR and Jeff Wilson could miss time too. Coleman might instantly become the lead back again although undrafted free agent JaMycal Hasty will have a shot to earn more work. Of course, there is no such thing as a true lead back in a Kyle Shanahan backfield but a good RB is hard to find on waivers these days and Coleman qualifies.
Damien Harris, New England Patriots - 47% rostered
As bad as New England looked on offense, Harris managed to average nearly six yards per carry and looked good when he got the ball. A move from Cam Newton to Jarrett Stidham, although unlikely to happen permanently, seemed to help Harris because the team focused more on the running game despite negative game script. Buffalo doesn't have a lockdown run defense so Harris can be productive if established early on. He is as risky as they come, mainly due to team context, but is a viable RB3 as long as Sony Michel is on the shelf.
Wayne Gallman, New York Giants - 2% rostered
Adding Gallman might be a necessary evil for RB-hungry fantasy teams. Devonta Freeman left Thursday night's game early with an ankle injury and will be questionable for the upcoming contest. Gallman should take the lead role, for what that's worth. Tampa Bay has a formidable run defense so his productivity will mainly come as a pass-catcher. The ceiling is low, so keep expectations similarly low.
La'Mical Perine, New York Jets - 16% rostered
While the ageless wonder Frank Gore is still the lead back in terms of carries, Perine saw a 72% snap share and was slightly more involved with 11 carries and two receptions in Week 7. He produced 55 total yards but managed to score on the ground. He could be fairly busy as a pass-catcher in a matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs that should find them passing all game long as they play catch up.
Gus Edwards, Baltimore Ravens - 6% rostered
Mark Ingram is questionable heading into Week 8 although mid-week practice reports will be more telling. If he doesn't go, Edwards could be flexed despite the extremely difficult matchup with a Pittsburgh defense that limits RBs to 3.3 yards per carry. J.K. Dobbins is the more desirable fantasy back because he will see nearly all the targets out of the backfield but Edwards boasts a strong 5.2 yards per carry average for his career (4.5 this season) and plays on a run-heavy offense, so there's low-end RB3 value.
Eno Benjamin, Arizona Cardinals - 0% rostered
Kenyan Drake was officially diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain that will keep him out multiple weeks, possibly necessitating an IR stint. That prompts due diligence on investigating the Cards' backfield depth, which is thin to say the least. Chase Edmonds gets a major boost but he's been picked up in most leagues by now. Next in line is the seventh-round pick out of Arizona State who has yet to see the field this year. It's hard to imagine a big role for a completely untested rookie on a pass-heavy offense but any RB with a pulse could have value in 2020.
Devine Ozigbo, Jacksonville Jaguars - 2% rostered
Those who can afford to stash a running back who won't play this coming week might look toward preseason sleeper Ozigbo. A hamstring injury just before the season began ruined his chance to compete for touches but he is now eligible to return. This will still be James Robinson's job to lose but Ozigbo could be worked into the mix and stands to be an insurance policy for Robinson's managers.
Others to consider: Cam Akers, Los Angeles Rams (44% rostered); Frank Gore, New York Jets (29% rostered); Nyheim Hines, Indianapolis Colts (29% rostered); Jeremy McNichols, Tennessee Titans (1% rostered)
Wide Receivers - Waiver Wire Options
Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers - 48% rostered
Take his breakout game of 115 yards on six receptions and combine with a Deebo Samuel injury and you have a top target at wide receiver for all league types. Aiyuk has the opportunity, the chemistry with his QB, and the best possible matchup against Seattle's secondary. Aiyuk may not be available in highly-competitive leagues but Kendrick Bourne (see further down) likely is.
Rashard Higgins, Cleveland Browns - 1% rostered
With Odell Beckham officially tearing his ACL, Higgins becomes a strong add in his place as the Browns' new WR2. He made some noise with a touchdown in each of the past two games, albeit with minimal yardage, but he made a stronger statement with 110 yards in Week 7. The Browns do have a bye in Week 9 but the schedule is very favorable the rest of the way so he would be worth holding onto.
Donovan Peoples-Jones, Cleveland Browns - 0% rostered
Ditto above. People-Jones has been quietly productive as a kick returner over the last three weeks with 73, 99, and 89 yards, but wasn't involved in the passing game until Week 7. He didn't see a ton of targets even with Beckham out for most of the game, but he caught all three of his targets for 56 yards and a late score to help secure the victory. Although his dynasty value will shoot through the roof, he also holds strong redraft value and should be added in most standard leagues as well as deeper PPR leagues.
Cole Beasley, Buffalo Bills - 40% rostered
Coming off a season-best 11 receptions and 112 yards, Beasley retains solid WR3 value as long as John Brown is out. Unfortunately, the schedule calls for New England in Week 8. As the slot receiver, he will be less affected and could even see more attention if Stefon Diggs is taken out of the game by Stephon Gilmore.
Sterling Shepard, New York Giants - 28% rostered
After a month on IR, Shepard returned and immediately became Daniel Jones' top target. He tied Evan Engram for a team-high six receptions and paced the team with 59 yards and a touchdown. He is still part of a struggling offense with an unfavorable matchup on Monday Night Football with the Bucs, so it's preferable to view him an emergency fill-in rather than a weekly starter.
Tim Patrick, Denver Broncos - 27% rostered
It was a tough day for the entire Denver offense, as Drew Lock was picked twice and mustered 254 passing yards against the Chiefs secondary. Patrick still came out as the leading wide receiver with three catches for 44 yards. The matchup gets a little easier as they face the Chargers next week and then much better in Week 9 when they visit the Falcons. Keep Patrick on your roster as a solid WR4 option.
Nelson Agholor, Las Vegas Raiders - 3% rostered
It's time to start taking Agholor seriously. Not only did he score for the third straight game, his yardage total has risen for four straight games up to 107 in Week 7. The Raiders are thin on WR depth so he should retain a significant role as the second-leading WR target on this team, even as Darren Waller dominates the team target share. Agholor has big-play potential that plays well as a streaming option against Cleveland, who just allowed 406 yards to rookie Joe Burrow. The floor isn't high, especially in full PPR leagues, so be wary.
Corey Davis, Tennessee Titans - 28% rostered
Fantasy GMs might have forgotten about Davis after a couple of weeks missed on the COVID list. He came down with a touchdown and six catches on a team-high 10 targets. Davis could be fired up in Week 7 against Cincinnati with confidence as a short-term solution. The downside is that the next four matchups are brutal for receivers, as they face the Bears, Ravens, and Colts (twice).
Denzel Mims, New York Jets - 4% rostered
The rookie wideout finally made his NFL debut in Week 7, hauling in four catches for 47 yards. Breshad Perriman will be in the concussion protocol and may not be available for a tilt with the Chiefs. This isn't the ideal situation in regard to matchup, so consider Mims more for the long-term.
Kendrick Bourne, San Francisco 49ers - 3% rostered
Coming off a donut in Week 7, it's likely that Bourne will be ignored in most leagues. We have to consider that the opponent was the second-best pass defense (New England), next week's opponent is the second-worst pass defense (Seattle), and Deebo Samuel is now hurt. Bourne is best used as a DFS tournament play or deep-league option but can be serviceable in 14-team leagues too. Before this past weekend, he had accumulated at least 30 yards in every game.
Jalen Guyton, Los Angeles Chargers - 0% rostered
Guyton is a one-trick pony but he's performing that trick fairly well. His 70-yard bomb against Jacksonville marks the second time in the past three games with a TD of that length and the third time in five games with a score. He doesn't have more than two catches in a game so you're looking at a true boom-or-bust streamer.
Marcus Johnson, Indianapolis Colts - 0% rostered
Before the bye, Johnson went off for 108 yards on five receptions. The Colts won't often be in pass-first mode as they were against Cincinnati so there's a chance he simply doesn't show up in this game or any other going forward. He also could flash as the big-play threat that TY Hilton used to be. Johnson should be on your watch list more so than your roster for now.
Allen Lazard, Green Bay Packers - 31% rostered
Lazard is working his way back from core muscle surgery, so a timetable to return isn't established just yet. There's a chance he comes back in the next week or two, although it could also come in Week 10 or later if he experienced a setback. Those with extra IR slots or in deep leagues could consider grabbing him now before his return becomes imminent. He averaged 84.7 yards in the first three games of the season before getting hurt.
Others to consider: Russell Gage, Atlanta Falcons (16% rostered); James Washington, Pittsburgh Steelers (10% rostered); Scotty Miller, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9% rostered); Greg Ward, Philadelphia Eagles (7% rostered)
Tight Ends - Waiver Wire Options
Richard Rodgers, Philadelphia Eagles - 5% rostered
There was a good chance Rodgers would become involved in the passing game with Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert both out. I doubt anyone foresaw him leading the team in receiving. Rodgers posted a game-high 85 yards on six receptions and was only out-targeted by Travis Fulgham. With Ertz out another three weeks and Goedert not expected back until Week 10, both loose timeframes, Rodgers should get heavy usage this week versus the Cowboys and their struggling defense. The only issue is the bye week immediately after, which might render him droppable if Goedert and/or Ertz are ready to return.
Trey Burton, Indianapolis Colts - 20% rostered
When last we saw Burton in action, he scored two touchdowns in Week 6. While it was his first productive fantasy day all season, it was the third straight time he saw at least five targets. Considering those are the only three games he's played this season, that's a solid average. If Mo Alie-Cox returns, this three-man tight end committee could render each completely unreliable. Detroit has been very stingy to the position this year, so it's a calculated risk streaming Burton in Week 8. If he shows up in the box score, take it as an encouraging sign.
Eric Ebron, Pittsburgh Steelers - 46% rostered
Ebron's involvement usually jumps up when a receiver, usually Diontae Johnson, is out injured. In Week 7, however, it came at the expense of James Washington getting shut out. This pass offense will always offer the chance for a big game and a matchup with Baltimore isn't a reason to shy away. Ebron has gone over 40 receiving yards in four of six games this year but has just one touchdown to boast about. The ceiling isn't very high considering the competition for targets but he will always be somewhere on the streaming radar for those in need.
Irv Smith Jr., Minnesota Vikings - 7% rostered
Smith finally started coming on with four receptions in consecutive games until he had his momentum stopped with a bye. He is a player to watch but doesn't come with great streaming appeal this particular week. The Packers don't give up much to tight ends and completely shut out the Texans' Darren Fells in Week 7.
Logan Thomas, Washington Football Team - 26% rostered
It's safe to say that Thomas is back as a fantasy-relevant tight end after consecutive games with a touchdown and at least 40 yards. He's gotten at least four targets in every game this season, so he qualifies as the safest option on this week's list at TE. Sadly, he's completely unplayable in Week 8 since Washington has the week off.
Harrison Bryant, Cleveland Browns - 1% rostered
With Austin Hooper sidelined due to an appendectomy, it was the rookie tight end getting the start and the majority of targets at tight end. He responded with two touchdowns and four receptions for 56 yards. If Njoku gets dealt, he would become even more interesting except that the Browns have a bye in Week 9 and Hooper could be back by then. He remains no more than a high-ceiling TE2 option but one that could pay dividends this weekend against the Raiders.
David Njoku, Cleveland Browns - 4% rostered
Will Njoku still be in Cleveland come next week? The Browns didn't exactly showcase him in hopes of trading him but he did score a touchdown. If Njoku goes to a team that would utilize him, his value jumps up the remainder of this season. That remains to be seen, however, so only stash him if you've got room to spare.
Others to consider: Dalton Schultz, Dallas Cowboys (45% rostered); Drew Sample, Cincinnati Bengals (2% rostered); Albert Okwuegbunam, Denver Broncos (0% rostered)
Team Defense - Waiver Wire Options
Indianapolis Colts Defense - 59% rostered
Indy has been one of the top defenses in the league this season and may have been held by fantasy teams even through their bye week. If not, make them a priority for Week 8 and beyond. They've collected 10 interceptions in six games and have yet to allow an opponent to score more than 27 points. Detroit is starting to figure things out offensively but isn't fearsome enough to avoid on defense.
Green Bay Packers Defense - 19% rostered
If Dalvin Cook remains out, the Pack has to be considered one of the strongest pickups available. They don't force many turnovers but should be good for a couple of QB takedowns and should limit points allowed to a team that could go into freefall now that their top two edge rushers are gone as they sit with a 1-5 record.
Tennessee Titans Defense - 27% rostered
They managed to pick off Ben Roethlisberger three times but didn't register a single sack. That's mostly been their MO, as the Titans have just seven sacks in their first five games compared to nine INT. Facing off with Cincinnati in Week 8, they could have a little of each as Burrow has thrown one pick in five of his seven games and been sacked 27 times already. This squad should be avoided in leagues that penalize heavily for points against, however.
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