Waivering: Week 7

Tue Oct 14 10:08am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Knight has emerged as starter

For a second straight week, we didn’t get too many catastrophic injuries. This is a positive trend. Let’s keep it going. But even with that said, some teams are looking for help because of poor play and bye weeks. There are some options out there to help. Below are some players to consider grabbing.

QUARTERBACK

Bryce Young, Panthers (44.3% owned). Young seems to be turning the corner a bit, playing his best football the last few weeks. He had his second three-touchdown game of the season last week. He topped 20-fantasy points for the second time. Young has multiple touchdowns two straight games. He is gaining fantasy value as a spot starter.

RUNNING BACK

Bam Knight, Cardinals (3.2% owned). Knight was the lead back for the Cardinals last week, moving past Michael Carter on the depth chart. Knight found the end zone for the second straight game and led the Cardinals in rushing, running 11 times for 34 yards. He is no sure thing in this offense, but is the back to own in Arizona right now. Knight is worth grabbing for any fantasy teams looking for a back the next weeks.

Kimani Vidal, Chargers (53.7% owned). There was much speculation on the back that would lead the Chargers backfield after the injury to Omarion Hampton, but that speculation should be cleared up after last week. Vidal was the best back and had a huge game, rushing 18 times for 124 yards. He also caught three passes for 14 yards and a touchdown. Vidal scored 22.8 fantasy points. This will be the last week you can grab Vidal if he is available in your league.

WIDE RECEIVER

Kayshon Boutte, Patriots (23.5% owned). Boutte finally got it going again last week after a big season opener. He had done little since Week 1, but got it going in a big way again last week. Boutte had five receptions for 93 yards and two touchdowns on five targets. We still think he’ll be up and down in an offense that likes to rotate receivers, but he still has fantasy value as a spot play for an emerging passing game.

Josh Downs, Colts (56.5% owned). Downs has 11-plus fantasy points two straight games and three of five. Downs has at least four receptions three straight. He isn’t flashy but a consistent performer in a much better Colts passing game. He has a pretty solid floor for fantasy owners.

Zay Jones, Cardinals (0.2% owned). If Marvin Harrison has to miss any time with a concussion. Jones will have some appeal to fantasy owners. He might be the top option at receiver for the Cardinals. Jones had season highs across the board last week, catching five passes for 79 yards on eight targets.

Kendrick Bourne, 49ers (48.7% owned). Bourne served as the No. 1 receiver for the 49ers once again last week and had 142-receiving yards for the second straight game. He has been targeted 20 times his last two games. He has 19-plus fantasy points each of those games. Bourne might be earning a role in this offense even when all the 49ers receivers get healthy.

Kameron Johnson, Bucs (0.0% owned). Johnson was a huge surprise last week, catching four passes for 64 yards and a touchdown. He did not have a single reception or target before this one. But injuries at receiver opened the door for Johnson and he took advantage. He might be worth a look for fantasy teams if the Bucs top three receivers remain sidelined.

Tez Johnson, Bucs (1.0% owned). Johnson has nine-plus fantasy points two straight games, getting some more chances because of a lot of injuries at receiver for the Bucs. Johnson has seven targets his last two games and found the end zone last week. Just like the other Johnson from the Bucs, this Johnson will have some fantasy value if the Bucs top receivers remain out.

Luther Burden, Bears (37.2% owned). Burden saw more playing time last week, catching four passes for 51 yards. Burden had a season-best in receptions. The Bears got him more involved and he made some good plays. And now D.J. Moore is banged up, so Burden could play an even bigger role this week if Moore has to miss any time. Burden is a solid pickup for fantasy teams looking for a spot start this week.

TIGHT END

A.J. Barner, Seahawks (46.3% owned). Barner reached double-digit fantasy points for the third straight game and fourth time in five games. He has become the clear top tight end for the Seahawks and is producing solid numbers in that role. He is a legit No. 1 fantasy tight end right now.

Taysom Hill, Saints (18.8% owned). Hill had just a touch last week but it was a one-yard touchdown run. You would like to see Hill get more consistent work but he showed he has a high weekly ceiling despite a lack of touches. He has touchdown potential and is always capable of breaking off some big plays in this offense.

Oronde Gadsden, Chargers (6.2% owned). Gadsden had the best game of his young career last week. He finished with seven receptions for 68 yards on eight targets. He has five or more receptions two of four games. Gadsden is gaining more and more confidence in the offense and could see his playing time continue to increase in the coming weeks. He is a good speculative pickup for fantasy owners.

Michael Mayer, Raiders (3.6% owned). Mayer returned to the lineup last week after missing the past two games with a concussion. And he got the start with Brock Bowers injured. Mayer took advantage with a big game, catching five passes for 50 yards and a touchdown on seven targets. As long as Bowers is out, Mayer has some good fantasy value in an offense that likes to utilize the tight end.

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.

Waivering: Week 7

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