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Fantasy football leagues are won on the waiver wire. Our waiver wire tools at Footballguys make it easy.
Every week, our Sigmund Bloom writes about every trending player in the NFL, moving players up and down based on what we’ve seen. For players who are mostly available in fantasy football leagues, he’ll provide an estimated amount of FAAB to bid on the waiver wire.
These waiver wire tips are essential in winning your fantasy football league. In this article, we’ll highlight a handful of noteworthy players. But for deeper leagues and more waiver wire additions, check out our full Upgrade and Downgrades feature.
Check out some in-depth explanations on these waiver wire pickups courtesy of Sigmund Bloom and Cecil Lammey on a new episode of The Audible.
Waiver Wire Quarterbacks
QB Drake Maye, New England (bid 5-10%)
The Patriots didn't fare much better as a team, but the fantasy value at quarterback and in the passing game got a boost with the installation of Drake Maye. The #3 overall pick was the team's leading rusher, and he threw three touchdowns in the blowout loss. He'll be a viable QB2/Superflex going forward and can provide high-ceiling depth in 1QB leagues with a game against the Jaguars in London up next.
QB Tua Tagovailoa, Miami (bid 5-10%)
All signs point to Tagovailoa returning in Week 8, although he'll miss a good fantasy matchup against the Colts. He's worth a preemptive add in 1QB leagues if you need depth as we go through the bye-week gauntlet.
QB Bo Nix, Denver (bid 3-5%)
Nix and the Broncos offense was embarrassing in the first half. He rallied in the second half to make the score respectable with some help from his wideouts, and he again posted some good numbers as a runner. Nix is not exactly on the rise as a quarterback in NFL terms, but he has some fantasy utility in 2QB/Superflex and as depth in deep 1QB leagues. Thursday, he'll face a Saints defense that just gave up six offensive touchdowns.
Waiver Wire Running Backs
RB Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta (bid 20-40%)
Allgeier showed he should be the finisher in Falcon wins, which gives him matchup RB2/Flex value, in addition to league-winner upside if Bijan Robinson goes down. Allgeier should be in lineups as a flex play in Week 7 against a floundering Seahawks defense.
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr., NY Giants (bid 20-40%)
Tracy had another strong fantasy game as the starter with Devin Singletary sitting. He has been good enough to supplant Singletary, but it's unclear whether the coaching staff agrees. This offense isn't good enough to justify playing a committee back in your lineup. But Tracy has shown enough to justify a roster spot and a big bid if he's available while we wait to see Singletary's status in Week 7 and how the Giants handle their backfield going forward.
RB Ty Chandler, Minnesota (bid 10-20%)
Chandler could get a start this week against a tough Lions run defense if Aaron Jones isn't ready to play after resting his hip injury during the team's bye.
RB Sean Tucker, Tampa Bay (bid 7-15%)
It's hard to deny that Tucker's performance was impressive, even if it was surprising. The 2023 UDFA made chunk plays as a runner and receiver and showed why the Bucs stuck with a committee even with Rachaad White sitting. Tucker has a tough matchup against the Ravens, and White's injury isn't serious. But Tucker deserves a bench spot while we wait to see if he has earned a permanent role.
Waiver Wire Wide Receivers
WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, Kansas City (bid 20-40%)
Smith-Schuster shouldn't be available after his huge Week 5 game going into the Chiefs bye but check just in case. He admirably filled the Rashee Rice role, and it looks like he turned back the clock after slowing down greatly in 2023.
WR Demario Douglas, New England (bid 15-30%)
Douglas has a real quarterback now that Drake Maye is in for New England. One of Maye's three touchdowns went to Douglas, and Douglas led the team in catches and receiving yards. He's a WR3/Flex play against the Jaguars in London this week.
WR Romeo Doubs, Green Bay (bid 10-20%)
Doubs caught two scores, including one desperation heave that showed complete trust from his quarterback in the red zone. He is still a low-ceiling/low-floor play because of how stocked this pass offense is, but Doubs is worth a roster spot in fantasy leagues after his one-week team suspension is now behind him.
WR Rashod Bateman, Baltimore (bid 7-15%)
Bateman is coming alive as a downfield target in an offense that is going to leave opposing defenses looking for answers. He's a WR3/Flex play against a vulnerable Bucs secondary in Week 7.
Waiver Wire Tight Ends
TE Cole Kmet, Chicago (bid 12-25%)
Kmet was one of Justin Fields' favorite red zone targets, and it appears that Caleb Williams may start to zero in on his tallest pass-catcher in that area of the field, too. Kmet scored twice in the win over the Jaguars and deserves an add even as he is heading into his bye.
TE David Njoku, Cleveland (bid 10-20%)
Njoku will be a solid floor play in PPR leagues as a target in the range that Deshaun Watson can actually hit these days. It will take Jameis Winston getting in before we are excited to play Njoku, and that's not happening in Week 7.
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