Week 7 Waiver Wire: Dominate Your Fantasy League!

It's Week 7 of the fantasy football season, and whether you're dealing with injuries, bye weeks, or underperforming players, the waiver wire is your best friend. This week, there are some potential game-changers available that could help you make a playoff push. In our testing and analysis, we've identified the top players you need to target to bolster your roster.

Top Waiver Wire Targets for Week 7

Running Backs

• Elijah Mitchell (Los Angeles Rams): With Kyren Williams potentially missing time due to injury, Mitchell becomes an immediate must-add. In our analysis, we see that when given the opportunity in the past, Mitchell has shown the ability to be a productive fantasy back. The Rams' offense is capable of supporting a lead back, and Mitchell could see a significant workload in the coming weeks. FantasyPros projects him as a top-25 RB if Williams is out. — Catch The Lions Game Today: Your Ultimate Viewing Guide

• Emari Demercado (Arizona Cardinals): With James Conner on IR, Demercado steps into the starting role. In week 6, Demercado had a large workload with 20 carries and 1 TD. The Cardinals' offense may not be explosive, but Demercado should see enough volume to be a valuable fantasy asset.

Wide Receivers

• Curtis Samuel (Washington Commanders): Samuel continues to be a reliable target in the Commanders' offense. Our analysis shows that he's consistently getting targets and making plays. He's a solid WR3 or flex option with a favorable matchup against the Giants in week 7.

• Josh Downs (Indianapolis Colts): Downs has emerged as a key part of the Colts' passing game. Our analysis shows a clear upward trend in his target share, making him an attractive waiver wire target, especially in PPR leagues. Downs is seeing a consistent number of targets from Gardner Minshew and has the potential for big plays.

Quarterbacks

• Sam Howell (Washington Commanders): Howell has been a pleasant surprise this season, showing flashes of brilliance. Howell had a great week 6, throwing for over 300 yards and 3 touchdowns against the Falcons. Although he may not do that every week, it goes to show his high ceiling. — Miami Dolphins Game Today: What Channel Is It On?

• Gardner Minshew (Indianapolis Colts): With Anthony Richardson out with an injury, Minshew is the starting quarterback for the Colts. Minshew has proven to be a capable backup, and he has the potential to put up solid fantasy numbers, especially with a talented receiving corps.

Tight Ends

• Luke Musgrave (Green Bay Packers): The rookie tight end is becoming more involved in the Packers' offense. Musgrave is starting to develop a connection with Jordan Love, and he has the potential to be a valuable fantasy asset in the tight end landscape. This is a speculative add, but one with potential upside.

Deep League Sleepers

For those in deeper leagues or with specific roster needs, here are a few more players to consider:

• RB: Jaleel McLaughlin (Denver Broncos): With Javonte Williams struggling, McLaughlin has flashed serious potential. He's a home-run hitter who could see an increased role if Williams continues to underperform. Our analysis, however, shows that this is a risky play because the Broncos' backfield is crowded.
• WR: Rashid Shaheed (New Orleans Saints): Shaheed is a boom-or-bust player with big-play potential. He's worth a look in deeper leagues for those needing a potential spark.
• TE: Cade Otton (Tampa Bay Buccaneers): Otton has been getting a steady stream of targets in the Buccaneers' offense. He's a decent streaming option at tight end.

How to Prioritize Your Waiver Wire Claims

It's crucial to prioritize your waiver wire claims based on your team's needs and the potential impact of each player. Here's a general guideline:

1. Address Immediate Needs: Prioritize players who can fill immediate holes in your starting lineup due to injuries or bye weeks.
2. Target High-Upside Players: Look for players with the potential to be every-week starters, even if they're currently backups.
3. Consider Matchups: Evaluate upcoming matchups when making your decisions. A player with a favorable matchup in Week 7 might be more valuable than one with a tough matchup.

Expert Tip

"Don't be afraid to use your waiver wire aggressively early in the season," says Matthew Berry, a leading fantasy football analyst. "It's better to take a chance on a player who might be a star than to hold onto a player who's unlikely to contribute."

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FAQ Section

What is the waiver wire in fantasy football?

The waiver wire is a process in fantasy football leagues that allows team owners to claim players who are not currently on any team's roster. It's a crucial tool for improving your team throughout the season, especially when dealing with injuries or underperforming players.

How does the waiver wire work?

After the initial draft, players who are not drafted become available on the waiver wire. Team owners can submit claims to acquire these players. The waiver wire typically runs on a first-come, first-served basis or a waiver priority system, depending on the league's rules. If multiple teams claim the same player, the team with the higher waiver priority gets the player.

When does the waiver wire run?

The waiver wire typically runs once or twice a week, often on Wednesday or Thursday, after the NFL games have concluded for the week. The specific timing depends on the league's settings. Check your league's rules to confirm the exact schedule.

How many players should I claim each week?

The number of players you claim each week depends on your team's needs and the available talent on the waiver wire. It's essential to be strategic and target players who can improve your team's performance. Don't claim players just to claim them; focus on players who can fill holes in your starting lineup or have high upside potential. — Evergreen High School Shooting: What Happened In Colorado?

What if I don't get the players I claimed?

If you don't get the players you claimed, it means another team with a higher waiver priority also claimed the same players. In this case, you can re-evaluate the waiver wire and submit new claims for other available players. Be prepared to adjust your strategy and target different players if your initial claims are unsuccessful.

How do bye weeks affect the waiver wire strategy?

Bye weeks can significantly impact your waiver wire strategy. When key players on your team have bye weeks, you'll need to find replacements to fill those spots in your starting lineup. The waiver wire becomes even more crucial during bye weeks, as you'll need to identify players who can provide short-term value.

Conclusion

The Week 7 waiver wire is teeming with potential difference-makers. Prioritize running backs and wide receivers with clear paths to playing time. Don't be afraid to be aggressive, especially if you're dealing with injuries or bye weeks. Good luck, and may the waiver wire gods be in your favor!