Week 7 Waiver Wire Pickups Show from Fantasy Insiders
Big Performers – Pickup or Nah?
David Moore
After catching two scores last week, Moore snagged another touchdown against Oakland and appears locked in as Seattle’s No.2 outside receiver behind Tyler Lockett, with Doug Baldwin in the slot. Moore had 32% of the Seahawks’ air yards, suggesting he has value moving forward. Jaron Brown also caught a touchdown but didn’t play nearly as much as the rookie, similar to Week 5. Moore’s upside is probably 2017 Paul Richardson, which is worth a speculative add.
Tyrell Williams
Passing volume elevates Williams over the other secondary wide receivers who performed well on Sunday, as Los Angeles is averaging over 32 attempts per game. Williams reeled in a pair of deep touchdowns against Cleveland and has some deeper league viability despite the crowded Chargers’ receiving corps, given how often they air it out.
Cole Beasley
Beasley might be the No.1 wide receiver in the Dallas offense, though the value of that role is unclear. He easily paced the Cowboys in targets, catches and yardage in the blowout victory over Jacksonville, with the nine receptions more than half of his seasonal total coming into the game. If Dallas can maintain this type of output, Beasley is worth an add, but he will be tough to trust week-to-week.
Albert Wilson
Wilson exploded for 155 receiving yards and two touchdowns, carrying Miami in an unexpected shootout against Chicago. Just like the aforementioned pass catchers, he’ll be tough to rely on given the Dolphins’ typically low-volume passing game. Based on this performance Wilson would be the hottest pickup, but all of these options are either competing for targets or lead an offense that leans heavily on the run.
Taylor Gabriel
Gabriel, on the other hand, has seen a healthy opportunity share the past three weeks despite being the No.2 receiver behind Allen Robinson. He’s established in the Chicago offense and has seen plenty of air yards and targets, worthy of 12-15% of your free agent budget if he’s available in your league. Head coach Matt Nagy has schemed to get Gabriel the ball and his role is easier to trust going forward than other secondary receiving options.
Greg Olsen
The tight end returned after missing three games with a foot fracture, definitely grab him if he was cut following the injury. He’s involvement in the Carolina offense is growing and he should be a factor as the season progresses.
D.J. Moore
Moore lost a pair of fumbles against Washington but had a career-high 59 receiving yards on four catches, along with a rush for 18 yards.
Marlon Mack
Mack racked up 89 yards on 12 carries and is worth an add wherever available. His return hurts the value of all other Colts’ backs.
Possible Injury Replacements
Josh Reynolds
Cooper Kupp went down again on Sunday with a leg injury that looked like it could keep him out for a bit. The Rams’ offense is extremely concentrated between Kupp, Brandin Cooks, Robert Woods and Todd Gurley, suggesting there is a role for Reynolds to step in as the No.3 wide receiver. Kupp’s absence would likely filter more targets to the three healthy starters, but Reynolds is still worth a speculative add with the proficiency of this offense.
QB Streamers
Joe Flacco vs. NO
Flacco comes in as the top streaming option this week with a juicy matchup against the Saints. His new receiving group of Michael Crabtree, Willie Snead and John Brown should feast facing an exploitable secondary.
Baker Mayfield @ TB
Mayfield struggled against Los Angeles and is battling an ankle injury, but every quarterback is in play against Tampa Bay.