The hardest part of a long run is normally that middle third. At the start, you’re all excited to get out and get moving. In the end, you’re almost finished so it’s easy to keep your eyes on the prize. But in that middle portion, it’s easy to fall asleep and let your form and drive fall off. Fantasy football is a long run, and we’ve just hit the dreaded middle third. Staying active on the waiver wire ahead of Week 7 can keep managers one step ahead of the curve. There are not a ton of smash starts on waivers this week, but there are a couple of FLEX options or stashes for later in the season.
Note: Each of these players must be rostered in under 40% of leagues on ESPN to be considered. Check waivers for Braelon Allen, Tyrone Tracy, and other higher-profile names first.
Week 7 Waiver Wire – Panthers Receiver, Ravens Weapon, and More Stashes
Xavier Legette, Panthers WR
Legette is the WR2 for the underdogs in Week 7’s highest O/U of the week. On sheer volume alone he’s a solid FLEX option for the week, and he’s converted his last two red zone targets into touchdowns. The Commanders secondary is their weakest point, and there’s plenty of room for the Panthers to put up points.
JuJu Smith-Schuster, Chiefs WR
A lot of folks let Smith-Schuster sit on waivers after his huge Week 5 performance because of their Week 6 bye week. There’s a chance that he’s just slotted right into the Rashee Rice role, which regardless of how we feel about JuJu is a valuable one. The upside is tantalizing, and he’s worth a priority add.
Keaton Mitchell, Ravens RB
In deeper leagues or a team devastated by injury, Mitchell is a solid stash. He was electric as a rookie but suffered a gruesome injury. Derrick Henry isn’t a spring chicken, and even when he’s active the Ravens have used Justice Hill in the passing game. 21 targets is 12th among running backs, and if Mitchell can eat into that he’ll be a nice PPR fill-in back.
Ray Davis, Bills RB
Hopefully, you grabbed him before Cook was out on Monday Night Football. If not, after Davis’ performance he’s likely to be more involved in the offense. As they try to work Cook back up to speed, Davis has FLEX appeal.
Hunter Henry, Patriots TE
May I interest you in a top-ten tight end in targets? How about one that just received a significant QB upgrade and is playing the Jacksonville Jaguars this week? Strangely, he’s still only rostered in 18% of leagues on ESPN, and he’s the top tight end target on the waiver wire for Week 7.
Drake Maye, Patriots QB
Speaking of a QB upgrade, Maye was a top-ten quarterback in his debut against a tough Houston Texans defense. Now he gets the Jaguars, who have allowed the most passing yards per game to opposing quarterbacks. He’s rostered in under 10% of leagues but should be a starting option in Week 7 off the waiver wire.
Colts D/ST
If Tua Tagovailoa were playing, this would be a different story. But we still don’t have a timeline for his return, and the Dolphins offense has been putrid without him. The Colts defense isn’t great by any measure, but the matchup is good enough to stream them if forced to.
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