Week 7 Waiver Wire

The waiver wire isn’t exactly teeming with fresh options this week. Many of the best potential pickups are players that could or should have been added last week. Meanwhile, most of Week 6’s breakout performers were drafted as starters back in August (nice of you to finally show up, Jordy Nelson). Still, Sunday’s games gave us a handful of injuries and a couple of workload shifts that could open the door for some fantasy free agents to make a splash in Week 7 and beyond.

QUARTERBACKS

Brandon Weeden, CLE – For the second week in a row, Weeden threw for over 200 yards and two touchdowns. Despite a 7-to-10 touchdown-to-interception rate for the season, Weeden makes a nice bye week fill-in for Week 7 thanks to a tasty match-up against the Colts.

John Skelton, ARI – Skelton replaced an injured Kevin Kolb near the end of the Cardinals’ loss to the Bills on Sunday. He didn’t fare especially well (2-for-10, 45 yards, 1 INT), but it’s not like Kolb was doing much better. Arizona had been winning with in spite of Kolb, but having lost their last two, this injury to Kolb presents a golden opportunity for Skelton to regain the starting job. Take notice in 2-QB leagues.

RUNNING BACKS

Felix Jones & Phillip Tanner, DAL – Murray was having a nice game against the Ravens on Sunday, with 93 yards on 14 carries, but he sprained his foot in the first half. Before Murray got hurt, Felix Jones stole some carries and vultured a touchdown. Jones is a must-add if Murray misses Week 7, but even if Murray plays, the Cowboys should still use Jones more to avoid aggravating Murray’s bum foot. In very deep leagues, Phillip Tanner is worth a look as the backup to Jones if Murray sits.

William Powell, ARI – Powell ran for 70 yards on 12 rushes against the Bills (5.4 YPC) en route to winning the Arizona running back sweepstakes. LaRod Stephens-Howling only managed 2.0 yards per carry and Alfonso Smith didn’t touch the ball once. Beanie Wells is still the Cardinals running back you’ll want in a few weeks, but until then, Powell is the guy.

Daryl Richardson, STL – No, Steven Jackson didn’t get injured again. Seriously, he’s fine. I’m not joking. Why won’t you believe me?! Richardson has simply been running well and taking increasing carries away from Jackson.

Jahvid Best, DET – Best is eligble to come off the PUP list this week and having had so much time off, he’s reportedly in great shape. Assuming he can put his concussion woes behind him, Best should immediately garner playing time over fake football favorite Joique Bell and perhaps even over starter Mikel LeShoure.

***UPDATE: A few hours after submitting this piece, it was reported that the Lions will not activate Best at any point this season. This is a huge blow to anyone who already added Best, but a great boon to Mikel LeShoure owners. In the scope of Waiver Wire additions, the biggest winner here is Joique Bell, who has the Lion’s 3rd-down running back role locked up for the foreseeable future.

David Wilson, NYG – By avoiding fumbles and possibly by putting a voodoo curse on one-week phenomenon Andre Brown, David Wilson has escaped Tom Coughlin’s dog house. Wilson looked sharp in limited action against the 49ers, but his fantasy value will be minimal as long as Ahmad Bradshaw continues to stay healthy and run well. Regardless, Wilson makes a fine stash, handcuff, or deep-league buy on the chance that he doubles down on voodoo curses and Bradshaw misses time again.

Montario Hardesty, CLE – Trent Richardson took a punishing hit against the Bengals on Sunday and is listed as “sore” (thanks for the hard-hitting injury analysis, Stats.com). The Browns’ rookie expects to play in Week 7, but he’s scheduled for an MRI on Monday. If Richardson can’t play, Montario Hardesty will start against a Colts defense that was just torched by the menacingly mediocre Shonn Greene in Week 6. Keep an eye on Richardson’s status through Tuesday to see if Hardesty is worth an add.

Isaac Redman, Baron Batch, & Chris Rainey, PIT – Might as well add Jerome Bettis and Willie Parker to this list, as we currently have no idea who will be running the ball for Pittsburgh in Week 7 if Rashard Mendenhall can’t go. Redman injured his ankle in last week’s contest, but because he played on Thursday, he might have enough time to heal before this week’s game. If Mendenman & Redman can’t take the stage against the Bengals on Sunday, emcee duties should fall to Batch first, then Rainey.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Devery Henderson, NO – I told you to pick up Henderson last week, but with the Saints coming off a bye, it’s possible he’s still be available this week. If Jimmy Graham can’t bounce back from a sprained ankle, Henderson will be the main beneficiary in the Saints offense.

Kendall Wright (TEN), Brandon Gibson (STL), & Josh Gordon (CLE) – Like Devery Henderson, I mentioned all of these guys last week and it’s possible they are still available in your league.

Donnie Avery, IND – Antonio Cromartie and the Jets took Reggie Wayne out of the game on Sunday and Donnie Avery saw 12 targets as a result. This defensive blueprint appears to work against the Colts, which should allow savvy fantasy managers to make Avery work for their fake teams.

TIGHT ENDS

Brandon Myers, OAK – Myers continues to see a healthy number of targets for the Raiders. He hasn’t found the end zone yet, but it’s only a matter of time.

David Thomas & Daniel Graham, NO – See Devery Henderson. See Devery Henderson run. See Devery Henderson catch passes. See Thomas and Graham do the same thing if Jimmy Graham doesn’t play.

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL UPDATE

Vincent Brown, WR, SD – Eddie Royal and Robert Meachem left a flaming bag of dog feces on Philip Rivers’ proverbial doorstep in prime time, so I expect Rivers will be excited to have someone anyone else to throw footballs to starting in Week 7. Vincent Brown fits the bill and is worth a speculative add for when he comes off injured reserve.