We're at the point in the season where injuries generally dictate the most sought-after pickups in a given week, and we saw a couple potentially big injuries in Week 6. Miles Sanders and Mark Ingram, two starting RBs, exited early, putting handcuffs Boston Scott and Gus Edwards squarely among the top Week 7 fantasy waiver wire pickups and free agent adds. (Update: Raheem Mostert was also hurt on Sunday night, but his primary backup, Jerick McKinnon, is widely owned in fantasy leagues.) It wasn't just about injuries, though, as several young WRs continued their breakouts (Chase Claypool, Travis Fulgham, Tee Higgins, Tim Patrick, Preston Williams, Christian Kirk), and a couple players set to return soon (Dallas Goedert, Sterling Shepard, Tevin Coleman) should also be on fantasy radars (with the former potentially having big value because of, yes, an injury to Zach Ertz).
Our full free agent list features a few more breakout TEs (Anthony Firkser, Trey Burton, Darren Fells), some WRs worth watching (Dontrelle Inman, Keelan Cole), and a couple RBs getting a noticeable amount of touches (J.D. McKissic, Frank Gore). It's also packed with potential Week 7 streamers at QB, TE, and D/ST, which you can find at the end of this list. If you're one of the many owners in need of a fill-in for the upcoming "Kickerpocalypse," check out our Week 7 kicker rankings.
MORE WEEK 7: Full waiver list | RB Handcuff Chart
This week doesn't look worthy of using a top waiver claim. Scott is interesting if you really need a running back, but his ceiling is relatively low. The same is true for Justin Jackson, who probably won't command a waiver claim if he's still available in your league. With Ertz out at least the next three games, Goedert might actually be the top guy if he's expected back within the next two weeks but only if you need a TE. Higgins is worth a low claim, but let's face it -- if he's still available in your league, then other owners aren't paying enough attention and you might be able to get him as a free agent. The same goes for Fulgham, Patrick, Kirk, and Williams.
It's possible you're 2-4 or 1-5 and every game going forward is a "must-win." If that's the case, feel free to use a high claim to get players you need. In general, though, it's best to save your waiver position this week and wait for a more significant RB injury.
WEEK 7 STANDARD RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker
Top fantasy football waiver wire pickups for Week 7
Unless otherwise noted, only players owned in fewer than 50 percent of Yahoo leagues considered.
Gus Edwards, RB, Ravens. Baltimore has never really had a "lead back" this season, but Mark Ingram has technically been atop the depth chart. However, Edwards led the team in carries (14) in Week 6, splitting time with JK Dobbins in the second half after Ingram left the game due to an ankle injury. Edwards managed just 26 yards, but Dobbins didn't do much better with 28 yards on nine carries. Overall, Edwards' day was better thanks to a seven-yard TD in the first quarter. Baltimore has a Week 7 bye, so it's possible Ingram will be back in Week 8 and nothing will change, but it seems clear that Edwards is worth adding as a handcuff who can pay off in standard leagues as a flex even if Ingram is healthy. (Update: Ravens coach John Harbaugh said Monday Ingram has a "chance" to play in Week 8, which isn't overly optimistic given the extra time he'll have to heal.)
WEEK 7 PPR RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker
Boston Scott, RB, Eagles. Scott took over as Philadelphia's primary back after Miles Sanders (knee) exited in the third quarter. He didn't do much (four touches, nine total yards), largely because Philadelphia was in comeback mode, but he did receive two carries inside the 10-yard line and got a target in the end zone. Back in Week 1 when Sanders was inactive because of a hamstring injury, Scott received the bulk of the carries (9) and caught both his targets. Corey Clement received a similar workload (six carries, two targets) but was outgained by Scott 54-21. If Sanders misses Week 7's Thursday night game against the Giants (a distinct possibility), Scott would likely operate as Philadelphia's "lead" back and have flex value, especially in PPR leagues. (Update: Sanders is expected to miss Week 7, at the very least.)
MORE WEEK 7: Full waiver list | FAAB budget planner | Buy-low, sell-high
Dallas Goedert, TE, Eagles. Goedert (ankle) is eligible to come off II this year, though it remains to be seen if he'll be ready. Regardless, if you need TE help and feel like taking a chance on a player -- or, conversely, if you're in a league that has an IR spot -- you can pick up Goedert and hope that he returns to action soon. The Eagles are playing the Giants twice, Cowboys, and Browns in their next four games, so Goedert could be a starter at tight end, especially Zach Ertz's foot injury is serious. (UPDATE: Ertz reportedly will miss at least a month because of a high-ankle sprain, giving Goedert immediate TE1 value when he returns. If Goedert isn't back for Week 7, Richard Rodgers would be a worthwhile free agent streamer.)
Tee Higgins, WR, Bengals. Higgins has been steadily rising for several weeks now, and after the first 100-yard game of his career, he should be owned in far more than 51 percent of Yahoo leagues. Higgins has had at least six targets in every game since Week 1, averaging 7.6 in that span. He only has one game with a touchdown, but it's clear he's a favorite target of Joe Burrow. Higgins uses his 6-4, 216-pound frame to make plays all over the field, which was on display in Week 3 when he caught two scores and in Week 6 when he had a 67-yard gain en route to his 125 yards. Like all rookie WRs, Higgins will have ups and downs, but his consistent workload suggests he'll be more good than bad, especially in a highly favorable matchup against Cleveland next week.
Preston Williams, WR, Dolphins. Williams caught just two-of-three targets for 18 yards in Week 6, but one of his grabs went for a TD, giving him a score in three of the past four games. Just as important is the fact DeVante Parker exited early because of a groin injury. Miami has a Week 7 bye, so this might be much ado about nothing, but if Parker missing games, Williams will function as the No. 1 wide receiver in a free-wheeling offense that isn't afraid to throw the ball up for grabs. Clearly, Williams has value either way, but he could really take off if Parker is out.
For more waiver/free agent suggestions, including additional breakouts and potential streamers, check out our full Week 7 list.
