Somehow, we’re already nearing the halfway point of the fantasy football regular season. By now, some teams have begun to separate themselves from the rest of the pack.
Fear not cellar dwellers! There’s still enough time to mount an impressive comeback. However, it’ll take a few savvy moves down the stretch to get it done. That means scouring the waiver wire for instant impact players. There aren’t many household names currently available, but a few diamonds in the rough? That’s certainly possible. For those in FAAB leagues, how much should you give up, and on who?
Here’s how much you should be willing to spend on some of Week 7’s most popular waiver wire selections.
Week 7 Fantasy Football FAAB Values
RB Kimani Vidal, Los Angeles Chargers
15% of FAAB budget
Entering Week 6, one of the biggest fantasy question marks was the state of Los Angeles’ backfield. Rookie standout Omarion Hampton (ankle) landed on injured reserve. That left the Chargers with two options: Michigan alum Hassan Haskins or second-year pro Kimani Vidal. After one game, it appears the coaching staff is leaning towards the latter as their new starter. Against the Dolphins, Vidal recorded 21 touches for 138 yards and a touchdown. In comparison, Haskins only garnered 31% of the team’s snaps.
Is Vidal someone capable of carrying your team to the championship game? Probably not. After all, Hampton will eventually return to reclaim his spot atop LA’s depth chart. Still, managers should be in store for at least three more weeks (likely longer) of RB1 production. We’ve seen Vidal generate buzz in the past as a training camp sleeper. Now, it appears the speedster is seizing this newfound opportunity. Even as a temporary fix, his role on an above-average offense is worth paying up for.
WR Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts
10% of FAAB budget
Another week, another productive Josh Downs outing. The 24-year-old managed to snag six catches for 42 yards and a touchdown last week vs. Arizona. Over his past three games, Indianapolis’ underrated wideout has commanded a total of 20 targets. Granted, the Colts roster several talented weapons, limiting the upside for any non-stars. Downs’ season-long stats are still lackluster: 26 catches for 217 yards and a touchdown.
Regardless, it’s a new day in Indy. This Daniel Jones-offense looks like one of the league’s best. That’s a drastic change for Downs, who has spent most of his brief NFL career catching passes from Anthony Richardson. As a slot specialist, the youngster also offers even more upside for those in PPR leagues. A date with the Chargers and their terrific defense this Sunday won’t be easy. Still, we saw Downs put up borderline WR2 numbers just last season. Could his last few games be a return to form? I’m willing to say yes.
WR Josh Reynolds, New York Jets
5% of FAAB budget
Look, you have to be a little bit desperate to read this piece. Beggars can’t be choosers, so any and all fantasy options must be considered. That means taking a chance on (gasp) the Jets’ offense. New York, 0-6, has looked terrible on both ends of the ball. In the passing game, quarterback Justin Fields hasn’t looked comfortable. That’s likely to continue with Garrett Wilson (knee) now sidelined for at least a few weeks.
Who will be the next man up for Gang Green? Right now, it’s difficult to say. After Wilson’s 36 receptions, the team’s next-closest wide receiver is Josh Reynolds with just eight catches. However, the veteran did log an 88% snap share last week vs. Denver. That level of usage didn’t lead to much production, but it’s an encouraging sign Throughout Fields’ career, he’s given his top pass-catcher plenty of targets. With Wilson out, that becomes Reynolds. To make things more enticing, New York gets to face a subpar Panthers secondary on Sunday.
Other names to consider
- Bam Knight probably deserves a closer look following Sunday’s 12.4 fantasy points (PPR). However, this Cardinals backfield is a complete question mark at this point. Trey Benson’s return later this season is also worth noting.
- 1-2% of FAAB
- Zay Jones emerged as Arizona’s leading receiver with a five-catch, 79-yard performance vs. the Colts. If Marvin Harrison Jr. (concussion) misses any time, he could become a must-start.
- 1-2% of FAAB
- After a solid opening day performance, Kayson Boutte had been held in check. That was until Sunday’s five-catch, 93-yard, two-touchdown showing vs. New Orleans. The Pats should continue to make the 23-year-old a focal point of their passing attack. Still, there’s plenty of variance here.
- 3-4% of FAAB
