Waivering: Week 7
Tue Oct 19 8:49am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Johnson could start this week
This is going to be a very interesting week. The byes are a killer this week with six teams off. And several of those teams are very good from a fantasy perspective. Plus, the injuries continue to pile up, which is another concern in addition to the byes. This is going to lead to some players getting picked up this week that you normally wouldn’t see on a fantasy roster. But desperate times cause for desperate measures. Below are some players to consider adding to your roster to help fill those voids.
QUARTERBACK
Teddy Bridgewater, Broncos. Bridgewater had his first three-touchdown game of the season last week. He has multiple touchdowns four of six games, though. He has been very consistent, having at least 22.5 fantasy points four games. Bridgewater isn’t flashy but gets the job done on a weekly basis and is a good streaming option for fantasy teams.
Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins. Tagovailoa returned from his rib injury and had his best game of the season. He threw for 329 yards and two touchdowns. He scored 25.7 fantasy points. Tagovailoa has some good matchups in the coming weeks, playing the Falcons and Texans two of his next three games. He is another good streaming option for fantasy teams.
RUNNING BACK
Khalil Herbert, Bears. Herbert isn’t available in many leagues but still out there in about 23 percent. If he is out there in yours, go grab him. He has done well with his expanded chances, rushing 15 times for 97 yards and a touchdown in a starting role last week. He has run for at least 75 yards two straight.
D’Ernest Johnson, Demetric Felton, Browns. The Browns are a mess at running back right now because of injury. Kareem Hunt started this past week but left early with a calf injury. Nick Chubb missed the game because of a calf injury. Both backs might be out this week, especially since the Browns have the Thursday night game. This leaves Johnson and Felton to handle the running back duties. Both guys are worth a look if you need the running back help. We think Johnson is the better bet of the two but nothing is a given because neither have played very much this year.
Mark Ingram, Texans. Ingram has 34 carries his last two games. He had one of his best games of the season last week, rushing 18 times for 73 yards. He doesn’t have a ton of fantasy value in this offense but with all the injuries at running back, Ingram is worth a look to fantasy teams. He does have double-digit fantasy points two games. Ingram remains available in 52 percent of games.
Devonta Freeman, Ravens. Latavius Murray was banged up in the Ravens game, leading to a few more chances for Freeman. And Freeman had his best showing of the season, rushing nine times for 53 yards and a touchdown. If Murray has to miss any time, Freeman is likely the next man up. And any starter in the Ravens offense has very good fantasy value. He is worth a speculative add for any fantasy team needing running back help.
RECEIVER
Donovan Peoples-Jones, Browns. Peoples-Jones is starting to make a name for himself in the Browns passing game. He has nine receptions for 171 yards and two touchdowns on 11 targets his last two games. We still think he could be hit or miss in a run-first offense, but his big-play ability gives him a fairly high ceiling on a weekly basis.
Kendrick Bourne, Patriots. Bourne caught just a pass on two targets last week but it went for a 75-yard touchdown. Bourne has double-digit fantasy points three of four games. He has touchdowns two of those games. Bourne should continue to get some weekly chances in this offense and remains available in 88 percent of leagues.
Jamal Agnew, Jaguars. Agnew has started to find the field more after the injury to D.J. Chark. Agnew has 11 receptions on 13 target his last two games. He has reached double-digit fantasy points each of those two games. Agnew is a great kick returner but the Jaguars are finding ways to get his playmaking ability involved in the passing game. This could be a trend gong forward.
Rashod Bateman, Ravens. Bateman played his first game of the season last week and was involved right away. He had four receptions for 29 yards on six targets. He played 65 percent of the snaps, which was the second highest mark for any Ravens receiver. Bateman is very talented and should continue to grow in this explosive offense. He is worth a bench spot for fantasy teams.
TIGHT END
Tyler Conklin, Vikings. Conklin had 70-plus yards for the second time this season in Week 6. He had three receptions for 71 yards on five targets. He has produced some big games as the starter for the Vikings. He is not a consistent fantasy tight end but a good streaming option in the right matchup. He can produce the big game.
Ricky Seals-Jones, Washington. Seals-Jones had four receptions for 58 yards and a touchdown in Week 6. He has nine catches for 99 yards and a score his last two games, getting a chance to start for Washington because of injury. As long as he is starting, Seals-Jones is a good spot starter for fantasy teams.
O.J. Howard, Bucs. Howard finally seems to be rounding into form. He was a lot more involved in the offense this week and took advantage with a great showing. He had six receptions for 49 yards and a touchdown. With Rob Gronkowski still trying to recover from broken ribs, Howard could play a big role in the offense the coming weeks.
Pat Freiermuth, Steelers. Freiermuth had seven receptions for 58 yards on seven targets. All three numbers were season highs for the rookie. He also played a season-high 60 percent of the snaps compared to 45 percent for Eric Ebron. Frieiermuth has moved ahead of Ebron on the depth chart and is becoming a favorite target of Ben Roethlisberger. He seems ready to take off in this offense and is a good addition for any tight end looking for a spark at the position.
ONE WEEK STREAMERS. . . .
Chris Evans, RB, Bengals. Evans got some work last week as the top backup and third-down option for the Bengals. He had four carries for 18 yards and caught three passes for 49 yards and a touchdown. He scored 15.7 fantasy points while playing 22 percent of the snaps. The Bengals play a red-hot Ravens offense this week, meaning they could be playing from behind. This could lead to a few more chances for Evans, making him an option to consider for desperate owners at the running back spot.
Ty Montgomery, RB, Saints. Montgomery has played at least 45 percent of the snaps his last two games. He has been the top backup for the Saints since Tony Jones was hurt. Montgomery didn’t have a touch in Week 5 but had three catches for 42 yards the previous game. He has some potential in the passing game. And we would expect him to get a few touches each week if he continues to play this much. He might be worth a shot for fantasy owners in Week 7.
Demarcus Robinson, WR, Chiefs. Robinson has been all over the map this season, having four games with fewer than five fantasy points. He has two games with 13-plus points, though. And he has played at least 59 percent of the snaps every game. So Robinson is on the field often in one of the best offenses in football. And the Chiefs play the Titans in an expected high-scoring game. Robinson is capable of a big play or two in this matchup. He is owned in just two percent of leagues, so if you need a receiver, Robinson is worth a look.
Kendall Hinton, WR, Broncos. Hinton has seven receptions for 62 yards his last two games. He has been targeted at least three times three straight games. He is getting more playing time because of injuries at receiver for Denver. Hinton has played 63 or more percent of the snaps each of his last two games. He should have a similar role this week against the Browns, a team that allows the sixth most fantasy points to receivers.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
- Rams releasing veteran WR Ben Skowronek
- Lions GM: QB Jared Goff 'earned' extension, a high priority
- Giants sign WR Allen Robinson
- NFL to release 2024 schedule on May 15
- Broncos release QB Ben DiNucci
- Chiefs' Rashee Rice suspect in alleged assault in Dallas
- Broncos' 'Orange Crush' DC Joe Collier dies at 91
- Giants add QB Nathan Rourke
- Reinstated S C.J. Moore agrees to deal with Lions
- WR Tyler Boyd to sign 1-year deal with Titans
- Ex-Jags WR Zay Jones visits Cardinals
- Bengals QB Joe Burrow resumes throwing at offseason workouts
- WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling visiting Chargers
- Raiders sign free agent WR Jalen Guyton
- Panthers to sign RB Rashaad Penny
- Pats waive Nathan Rourke, down to four QBs
- RB Duke Johnson retires from NFL after 8 seasons
- Former Bears QB Bob Avellini dies at age 70
- J.J. Watt leaves door open (slightly) for potential return to Texans
- Seahawks sign first-round pick Byron Murphy II
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Rankings | Post-NFL Draft Update
The Paur Report
The New York Giants signed free-agent wide receiver Allen Robinson on Thursday, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. The move to acquire a cheap veteran makes sense considering the weak group of pass-catchers on New York's roster, but Robinson has looked like a shell of his former self over the last three seasons. After two consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in 2019 and 2020, Robinson has totaled just 1,029 yards and four touchdowns over the last three campaigns. He tallied 280 yards and no touchdowns with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023. Although he could provide value as an experienced leader in the locker room, it'd be surprising if he made an impact in fantasy football. Rookie first-round pick Malik Nabers is expected to be the No. 1 wide receiver for Daniel Jones right away, while Jalin Hyatt, Wan'Dale Robinson, and Darius Slayon with compete for looks behind him.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Titans have signed wide receiver Tyler Boyd. Dynasty Analysis: Amazingly, Boyd has already spend eight years in the league (all with the Bengals). Over the span of his career, he's posted 513 catches for exactly 6,000 yards with 31 touchdowns. The Titans were steadfast in their approach to improve their offense and have now added Tony Pollard, Calvin Ridley and Boyd to a new-look team. The move will certainly have fantasy implications, most notably pushing Treylon Burks down one more spot in the pecking order. Boyd remains a low-ceiling player to have on a dynasty roster but he could have real short-term value should an injury (or a suspension) occur with Hopkins or Ridley.
Dynasty | The Carolina Panthers are signing running back Rashaad Penny. Dynasty Analysis: Penny is going to compete with rookie Jonathon Brooks, Chuba Hubbard, Miles Sanders and Raheem Blackshear for a roster spot this Summer as nothing here should be looked at as guaranteed. Penny has had his moments in the league, including a stretch in Seattle where he was the best fantasy football player in the world for about a month. Unfortunately, injuries have always held him back and he wasn't really even able to sniff the field last year in Philadelphia. Penny's value has dropped all the way down to "watch list," but he'd certainly be roster worthy should he make the team this Fall.
Free-agent WR Allen Robinson (Steelers) agreed to an undisclosed deal with the New York Giants Thursday, May 9.
From TheHuddle
Free-agent WR Zay Jones (Jaguars) is scheduled to visit the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday, May 9, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
From TheHuddle
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold could be named the team's Week 1 starter over first-round pick J.J. McCarthy. As Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com writes, "It's only a matter of time before McCarthy becomes the Vikings' starting quarterback [...] but it is not likely to happen as quickly as some fans might hope, and if anything, the Vikings are poised to err on the side of methodical caution." Such a scenario could see Minnesota let Darnold, whom they signed this past offseason when Kirk Cousins left for Atlanta, start a few games before transitioning to McCarthy. Darnold has struggled to support major fantasy production from his playmakers at previous stops, including the Jets and Panthers, so fantasy managers might want to temper expectations with players like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson to start the year. Darnold himself falls to the low-end QB3 tier in fantasy football drafts.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers tight ends Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft can elevate the offense to the next level, according to tight ends coach John Dunn. "I think in terms of the creativity, it's limitless," Dunn told the media on Wednesday. Musgrave and Kraft were both members of the 2023 draft class and impressed in their own roles throughout last season. Musgrave was the Packers' top tight end for their first 10 games before a lacerated kidney caused him to miss six weeks. With Musgrave sidelined, Kraft emerged as one of Jordan Love's favorite targets, averaging four catches and 47 yards per game. When Musgrave returned in Week 18, he caught one pass for 11 yards while Kraft tallied three receptions for 31 yards. Long story short, Green Bay feels confident that it has two talented, young, impactful playmakers at the tight end position and is prepared to utilize them both in creative ways throughout the 2024 season. Until we get more clarity on their respective roles, they both rank as fringe top-24 options at the tight end position in fantasy football.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs believes he has a chip on his shoulder, according to running backs coach Ben Sirmans. "I think he's coming in with a little bit of a chip on his shoulder because we all have something to prove," Sirmans told the media on Wednesday. "I think he wants to prove we made the right decision in investing in him." Jacobs doesn't necessarily have a whole lot more to prove after tallying 3,154 scrimmage yards and 18 touchdowns over his final two seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders. However, his signing with Green Bay did surprise many NFL fans, so perhaps he feels a little extra motivation to silence the critics and make sure he lives up to every penny of his four-year, $48 million deal. The Packers parted ways with fellow veteran Aaron Jones this offseason and (barring any unforeseen additions) will enter 2024 with a backfield headlined by Jacobs, AJ Dillon, and rookie MarShawn Lloyd. Given his track record as an every-down back in Vegas, Jacobs easily has the most fantasy appeal of the bunch, ranking as a low-end RB1 heading into drafts.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent wide receiver Zay Jones will visit with the Kansas City Chiefs next, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Jones, who was cut loose by the Jacksonville Jaguars recently, has already visited with the Tennessee Titans, Arizona Cardinals, and Dallas Cowboys. All of those teams have varying levels of need for a new wide receiver, but Kansas City could be the most appealing for Jones given that they are competitive year in and year out, offer the opportunity to catch passes from an elite quarterback, and currently have a significant void near the top of their depth chart. It's no secret that second-year receiver Rashee Rice could be facing a lengthy suspension for a pair of off-the-field issues this offseason. Marquise Brown and rookie Xavier Worthy would benefit from playing alongside someone like Jones, especially if Rice does end up missing time. Such a dynamic would give Brown, Worthy, and Jones plenty of opportunities to carve out meaningful volume, though Brown would likely have first dibs on the No. 1 receiver role. Therefore, any free-agent deal for Jones would likely keep him off the fantasy radar in a typical 12-team league, at least for the time being.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills WR Curtis Samuel could be used out of the backfield this season by offensive coordinator Joe Brady, who utilized Samuel as a runner while the two were with the Carolina Panthers.
Fantasy Spin: Samuel saw a career-high 41 carries and ran for 200 yards in 2020 with Brady running the offense in Carolina. Samuel should already have a chance to carve out a solid role in the passing game thanks to Buffalo's overhauled receiving corps, and a few carries a game would only boost his value. He has upside as a flex option.
From TheHuddle
Cleveland Browns RB Nyheim Hines (knee) said he should be 'good to go' for the start of training camp.
From TheHuddle
Cleveland Browns running back Nyheim Hines (knee) said that he expects to be ready to go for training camp in late July despite having surgery to fix a torn left ACL last August. As long as Hines doesn't have any setbacks with his surgically repaired knee, he will be in the mix for snaps on third downs, especially with Nick Chubb coming off a devastating knee injury of his own last year. The 27-year-old Hines will have a low floor and ceiling, though, in PPR fantasy leagues with Jerome Ford and D'Onta Foreman also competing for backfield touches in Cleveland. The former fourth-round selection by the Indianapolis Colts in 2018 out of North Carolina State has a total of 240 receptions (309 targets) for 1,778 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in his five NFL campaigns. Hines hasn't appeared in an NFL game since 2022.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos WR Courtland Sutton is not participating in the voluntary workouts this offseason.
Fantasy Spin: The Broncos have said they will not be trading Sutton, so he will be the main receiver for the team in 2024. He should see a good amount of targets each game and can be a No. 3 or No. 4 receiver in fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (hamstring) has looked like a star at times through the first two seasons of his NFL career, but lingering hamstring issues caused the former second-round pick to miss eight games in 2023. The organization is focused on how to prevent flare-ups moving forward, and passing game coordinator Jason Vrable said Watson is "in a great place now" with his hamstring. The 24-year-old has plenty of big-play ability and has racked up 1,033 receiving yards and 14 total touchdowns through his first 23 games, but he's become tough to trust in fantasy football due to his availability concerns. Hopefully, he really has turned a corner, because he could have at least WR2 upside catching passes from breakout quarterback Jordan Love. Green Bay is sure to be more careful in managing his reps in hopes of keeping him on the field.
From RotoBaller
The New Orleans Saints waived quarterback Kellen Mond on Wednesday, according to NFL insider Field Yates. He will now go through the waiver process, and it would not be a surprise if he goes unclaimed. The 2021 third-round pick enjoyed a strong college career at Texas A&M, racking up 9,661 passing yards, 93 total touchdowns, and just 27 interceptions in 46 games played. He has spent time with the Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts, and New Orleans Saints, but he's thrown just three regular-season passes in his young career. Teams in need of extra quarterbacks for training camp might be interested in the 24-year-old signal-caller, but he's unlikely to ever earn a starting job and could have a tough time making a 53-man roster.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent wide receiver Zay Jones is on a visit with the Dallas Cowboys on Wednesday, according to Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report. The eight-year NFL veteran was recently let go by the Jacksonville Jaguars after the team added Gabe Davis as a free agent and Brian Thomas Jr. in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Jones has caught just 287 passes for 3,028 yards and 18 touchdowns through his first 104 NFL games with the Bills, Raiders, and Jaguars, but his 2022 season performance (823 receiving yards) showed he can be a key contributor to an offense. CeeDee Lamb is the clear No. 1 target in Dallas, but Brandin Cooks looks to be slowing down, and Jalen Tolbert has under 300 receiving yards through his first two NFL seasons. If Jones lands in Dallas, he could become the No. 2 option for Dak Prescott, which would raise his fantasy value and ceiling in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson said he currently weighs 205 pounds after playing the 2023 season at 215 pounds.
Fantasy Spin: Jackson is still one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL when healthy and will be a No. 1 quarterback in fantasy leagues this upcoming season.
From TheHuddle
According to a source, the New York Jets had been monitoring rookie wide receiver Malachi Corley as high as pick No. 40 for a potential trade in this year's draft. They ended up selecting him in the third round after trading up to pick No. 65, and general manager Joe Douglas and head coach Robert Saleh were both elated. A veteran scout described Corley as "rugged." Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been excited to work with Corley since watching tape on him last month. The 22-year-old had 29 touchdowns in his last three seasons at Western Kentucky and will give the Jets some solid depth at the position behind Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams in 2024 and beyond. Corley could play right away in the slot for the Jets, but it remains to be seen how his after-the-catch prowess will translate to the NFL.
From RotoBaller
The Dallas Cowboys notified wide receiver Martavis Bryant on Wednesday that they are moving in a different direction and will release him, according to a person familiar with the situation. Dallas gave Bryant a chance to jump start his NFL career, but he will now need to seek employment elsewhere. The move to release him results in no dead money against the team's 2024 salary cap. The 32-year-old veteran hasn't played in the NFL since 2018 with the Raiders. He could latch on with another team now that he's available on the open market, but Bryant will be a long shot to carve out a substantial role again in his career. The former fourth-rounder in 2014 by the Pittsburgh Steelers out of Clemson caught 145 passes for 2,183 yards and 17 touchdowns in his four NFL seasons.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Justin Shorter is expected to compete for a depth role in training camp this summer behind wideouts Khalil Shakir, rookie Keon Coleman and veteran Curtis Samuel. Shorter, who was taken in the fifth round last year out of Florida, didn't play at all in his first season in the NFL due to a hamstring injury that landed him on Injured Reserve. The 24-year-old stands at 6-foot-4, 223 pounds and will be competing with the likes of Chase Claypool, Mack Hollins, KJ Hamler, Andy Isabella and Quintez Cephus for the No. 4 role in Buffalo. Shorter will most likely have to contribute on special teams to make that happen, but there's no denying that there is plenty of opportunity in Buffalo's receiver room in 2024 now that both Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis are out of town.
From RotoBaller
