Waivering: Week 7

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

Related photo caption below

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 [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 11

Player Notes
Blake Corum Nov 12 10:40pm CT
Blake Corum

Los Angeles Rams running back Blake Corum remains a steady producer alongside Kyren Williams, as Williams held a slight lead in touches, 16 to 13, last week. While Williams continues to see the majority of the offensive snaps (58%), head coach Sean McVay has found ways to utilize his change-of-pace back. Corum has seen 12 or more carries in each of the last three games, but faces a stiff Seattle Seahawks defense in Week 11. Corum should be considered a speculative add on the waiver wire this week, with exploitable defenses down the road.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Lockett Nov 12 10:40pm CT
Tyler Lockett

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyler Lockett has seemingly resurrected his career after signing with the team on October 27. After seeing just 19 snaps in Week 9, Lockett was on the field for 34 plays in Week 11. The savvy veteran reunited with quarterback Geno Smith, and hauled in five passes for 44 yards. With Lockett already having a strong relationship with Smith, the situation couldn't be better for the 33-year-old wideout. Lockett's crisp route running should continue to shine, as the Raiders utilize him alongside Brock Bowers and Tre Tucker. Lockett is a must-add for PPR formats.

From RotoBaller

Dawson Knox Nov 12 10:30pm CT
Dawson Knox

Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox is once again rising in the positional rankings as starter Dalton Kincaid (hamstring) missed practice on Wednesday. The Bills enter an exciting Week 11 matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where scoring should be plentiful. Knox saw four targets against the Dolphins last week, as Kincaid was limited to just 18 plays. The Bills' injury report should be monitored closely, but Knox could be a valuable plug-and-play option if he is forced into the lineup Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Emari Demercado Nov 12 10:20pm CT
Emari Demercado

Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado could see an increased workload heading into the team's Week 11 matchup with the San Francisco 49ers. With Bam Knight (ankle) a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Demercado may build on his career-best performance last week, where he picked up 104 yards from scrimmage on just seven touches. The 26-year-old back is likely to see heavy usage moving forward, with quarterback Jacoby Brissett poised to get the ball out quickly to his playmakers.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Nailor Nov 12 10:20pm CT
Jalen Nailor

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor has emerged as a big-play threat in the Vikings' passing attack, after delivering 124 yards and a touchdown on just five receptions. Despite seeing just 14.3% of the target share, Nailor was able to post the most productive game of his young career. The receiver's big game put him on the map for fantasy owners, but prior to Week 10, his biggest game of the season was a three-catch outing for 37 yards. While Nailor should be viewed as a priority on the wire this week, it may be early to expect consistent production.

From RotoBaller

Cedric Tillman Nov 12 9:00pm CT
Cedric Tillman

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman (glute) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice session. Tillman made his return to the field this past weekend. Before this, Tillman had missed the previous four games due to a hamstring issue. The 25-year-old hauled in two of his four targets for 11 yards in the loss to the New York Jets. The fact Tillman is limited to start the week could just be the Browns being cautious with him. It doesn't appear that Tillman is going to have a huge role in this offense going forward. Despite that, his status is still worth monitoring ahead of the Week 11 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.

From RotoBaller

Terrell Jennings Nov 12 8:50pm CT
Terrell Jennings

New England Patriots running back Terrell Jennings (knee) is officially listed as questionable ahead of Thursday's Week 11 matchup against the New York Jets. Jennings is still managing a knee injury that he suffered during last weekend's win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It sounds like the Patriots are going to wait until closer to game-time before making a final decision. This offense will already be shorthanded with Rhamondre Stevenson (toe) being ruled out. That means, TreVeyon Henderson could be in line for a heavy workload on Thursday. Henderson is looking like an excellent fantasy option after rushing for 147 yards with two touchdowns this past weekend.

From RotoBaller

Harold Fannin Jr. Nov 12 8:50pm CT
Harold Fannin Jr.

Cleveland Browns tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (hamstring) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice session. Fannin entered this past weekend with a questionable tag and still suited up against the New York Jets. He hauled in four of his seven targets for 44 yards in the loss. This marks the fifth straight game that Fannin has hauled in at least four receptions in a single game. He has been one of the few decent fantasy options on the Browns roster this season. Fantasy managers will need to monitor his status closely this week with him getting a limited session to start the week.

From RotoBaller

Marcus Davenport Nov 12 8:43pm CT
Marcus Davenport

Detroit Lions DE Marcus Davenport (pectoral) had his 21-day practice window started Wednesday, Nov. 12, as he makes his way back from the Reserve/Injured list. He has been sidelined since suffering a pectoral injury against the Chicago Bears back in Week 2.

From TheHuddle

Marvin Mims Nov 12 8:40pm CT
Marvin Mims

Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. (concussion) was able to get through a full practice session on Wednesday. This is a step in the right direction for Mims who sat out last week's win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Mims has missed the last two games due to a concussion, but has a chance to return in Week 11 against the Kansas City Chiefs. He'll need to clear concussion protocol before being eligible to return to game action, but a full session of practice is a step in the right direction. Mims should have a role behind Courtland Sutton and Troy Franklin in this passing attack.

From RotoBaller

Tory Horton Nov 12 8:40pm CT
Tory Horton

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (groin, shin) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice session. Horton appears to be trending in a positive direction after sitting out last week's game against the Arizona Cardinals. The rookie wideout had a breakout performance in Week 9 when he scored two touchdowns. Sadly, Horton hasn't been able to play since then, but has a chance to get back on the field this weekend. It's unclear what kind of role he'll have in his offense once it's fully healthy. He could fall too far down on the depth chart to offer streaming appeal, but fantasy managers will have to wait and see. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the week.

From RotoBaller

Marlon Humphrey Nov 12 8:33pm CT
Marlon Humphrey

Baltimore Ravens CB Marlon Humphrey (finger) will not play in Week 11 against the Cleveland Browns, head coach John Harbaugh said Wednesday, Nov. 12. He had a pin procedure for his injured finger. DB Keyon Martin is expected to be the next man up in Humphrey's stead. 'Hopefully, in the next week, he'll be back,' Harbaugh said Wednesday, Nov. 12.

From TheHuddle

Zonovan Knight Nov 12 8:30pm CT
Zonovan Knight

Arizona Cardinals running back Bam Knight (ankle) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice. This doesn't come as a shock after Knight was forced to exit during the fourth quarter of Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks due to an ankle issue. He'll open the week as a limited participant, but the Cardinals likely want to be cautious to begin the week. Lately, Knight has been splitting up the reps with Emari Demercado in the backfield. Demercado and Michael Carter would take over the backfield duties if Knight misses the Week 11 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. Fantasy managers will need to check back on Thursday for another update on Knight.

From RotoBaller

Adonai Mitchell Nov 12 8:10pm CT
Adonai Mitchell

New York Jets wide receiver Adonai Mitchell should make his team debut this Thursday night when they take on the hosting New England Patriots. The former Texas Longhorn didn't suit up for the Jets in Week 10 as he'd only joined Gang Green five days before they met with the Browns. New England doesn't present as a favorable matchup. However, Mitchell should see a decent amount of playing time, particularly with teammate Garrett Wilson (knee) facing a considerable injury. As has been the case for a few weeks now, head coach Aaron Glenn has delayed naming a starter. The instability works against Mitchell, although he'll still be worth keeping an eye on, as the athleticism and opportunity are there. The 23-year-old ranks as RotoBaller's PPR WR79 for this weekend's slate of action.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Jones Nov 12 8:10pm CT
Aaron Jones

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. (shoulder, toe) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice. Jones is a bit banged up right now, but that didn't stop him from suiting up this past weekend. Jones rushed the ball nine times for 47 yards and scored a touchdown in the loss to the Baltimore Ravens. He also added three receptions for 22 yards through the air as the AC joint sprain in his shoulder didn't appear to be an issue. The fact Jones was limited on Wednesday in practice could be for rest purposes. If he misses time, Jordan Mason would see an increased workload during the Week 11 matchup against the Chicago Bears. Fantasy managers will need to check back on Thursday for another update.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Schultz Nov 12 8:00pm CT
Dalton Schultz

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz (shoulder) was a non-participant during Wednesday's practice session. This doesn't come as a surprise considering Schultz has been managing a knee and shoulder injury the last week. Despite that, Schultz did suit up for last week's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Schultz hauled in seven of his 11 targets for 53 yards and a touchdown in the victory. The hope is that Schultz was held out on Wednesday for rest maintenance. Outside of one dud, Schultz has been a viable fantasy option over the last five games. Fantasy managers should check back on Thursday and Friday for more updates on his status.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Johnson Nov 12 8:00pm CT
Tyler Johnson

New York Jets wide receiver Tyler Johnson is due for an elevated workload in Week 11's road clash with the New England Patriots. The sixth-year pro notched back-to-back three-catch efforts ahead of his bye week, posting at least 60 yards in each contest, although he failed to reel in his lone target in last weekend's win over the Browns, while Justin Fields netted 42 passing yards. Things won't be much easier against their division rivals, considering New England has allowed the sixth-fewest points (19.2) and eighth-fewest yards (306.2) per game. Johnson might be an ok flier in DFS formats, but shouldn't be on fantasy managers' radars in conventional lineup leagues. Even with the suspected uptick in volume, an up-and-down Jets' offense limits the 27-year-old's ceiling. He'll wind up as RotoBaller's PPR WR77 for his outing with the Patriots.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Nov 12 7:53pm CT
Davante Adams

Updating a previous report, Los Angeles Rams WR Davante Adams (oblique) did not practice Wednesday, Nov. 12, but head coach Sean McVay said he expects the veteran to play in Week 11 against the Seattle Seahawks. 'He's making progress,' McVay said. 'That's what he tells me (that he expects to play). He's feeling good, so I trust the man. He'll be ready.'

Fantasy Spin: Fantasy managers certainly hope so, as Adams has been a scoring machine lately. scoring six times in the past three outings, and an NFL-high nine times overall in nine games this season. He also has at least four catches in six straight games, and eight of nine outings overall. He is a tremendous low-end WR1 or top-tier WR2 in PPR fantasy leagues, with slightly lesser appeal in standard play.

From TheHuddle

Isaiah Davis Nov 12 7:50pm CT
Isaiah Davis

New York Jets running back Isaiah Davis took a step back in Week 10, operating in a clear second capacity to backfield mate Breece Hall, again leaving his role in question. Davis entered New York's bye week coming off a season-high in touches (12), yards (109), and snap share (46%). However, he saw a dip in their win over the Browns, while the team leaned on Hall as its workhorse. The second-year pro looked to be on the upswing, but he'll slide in the rankings ahead of another rough matchup in the New England Patriots. In addition, head coach Aaron Glenn has declined to name a starting quarterback for the third consecutive game, leaving the offense's potential for flux high. While Davis might be worth handcuff consideration, Hall's domination of the backfield touches and New York's low offensive floor leave him on the lower end of that spectrum. He's RotoBaller's PPR RB49 ahead of Week 11.

From RotoBaller

Parker Washington Nov 12 7:50pm CT
Parker Washington

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington (hamstring) was unable to practice on Wednesday. This is not good news for the Jaguars as Washington has seen nearly 30 targets over the last three games. It's unclear when he suffered the hamstring injury as he hauled in three of his seven targets for 33 yards during Sunday's loss to the Houston Texans. His status will need to be monitored throughout the week as the Jags head into a matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 11.

From RotoBaller