Steve Miller | October 15th, 2019
At this point in the fantasy season, your team is starting to really take shape. Your first-round picks are either great, good but not great, or disappointing. Your other rounds look similar, with a variety of unlikely names in the top 12 at their positions through this stage of the season.
The key for everyone? Continuing to build your team as the season progresses. Many 5-1 teams are putting it on cruise control, but these are the weeks to unearth the gems that will win you games in the fantasy playoffs. Young guys are getting chances due to injuries, and some are really taking advantage. Some old veterans are shifting back into a useful role as the season chugs along and teams fall back on what has worked in the past. Regardless of your team’s structure, you can always get better.
Here are five waiver wire targets as we head into week seven.
1. Jamison Crowder (42%)
In two games with Sam Darnold, Crowder has totaled 26 targets, 20 catches, and just short of 200 yards. That’s an average of 20 PPR points. He won’t maintain that mark, but he’s still a strong option moving forward in PPR leagues, especially. And, for this week, in particular, I like Crowder’s chances. Why? Bill Belichick likes to shut down the number one option, (and he has possibly the best corner in the NFL at doing just that in Stephon Gilmore). I personally think Robby Anderson will see shadow-coverage from Gilmore, meaning Crowder will be an oft-used safety valve this week. Crowder is a pick-up and weekly start candidate for me.
2. Hunter Henry (63%)
Technically, he’s too much of an owned guy, but for the tight end light leagues out there, check to see if the young tight end is available. He’s coming off an eight-catch, 100-yard, two-touchdown performance. He’s also in a Philip Rivers offense that has targeted the tight end position for years, whenever one is available. If Henry is out there in your league, he’s a potential league winner at a scarce position.
3. Auden Tate (23%)
Four straight games where starting Tate didn’t haunt you. This week Tate finished with 12 targets, making his four week total 34 pass attempts, with no games under six looks. Of the 12 targets this week, Tate hauled in five for 91 yards. And during the past four games, Tate has 18/255/1 line on those looks. While he may see a dip in production when A.J. Green comes back into the mix, I do think he will be traded this year, leaving the door open for a late-season run for Tate, as well as running mates Tyler Boyd and John Ross.
4. Josh Allen (51%)
Coming off a bye week and playing against the Miami Dolphins. If that’s not a good enough reason to stream the second-year quarterback, you won’t ever find one. Plus, his five-game schedule includes Miami twice, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Washington – that’s an appealing slate of games. Allen has also scored 15+ points in each game this year not against New England.
5. Chase Edmonds (34%)
This weekend, Edmonds only carried the ball five times, totaling 34 yards, but he also added two catches for 33 yards and a score. Over the past two weeks combined, he has 102 rushing yards and a touchdown on 13 carries and five catches for 51 yards and another touchdown. His value is capped while Johnson plays, but he’s one of the elite handcuffs to own.
Five More Honorable Mentions:
Jay Ajayi isn’t even on a team right now, but if he signs to a team like the Buccaneers, he could become a solid late-season starter. Keep him in mind if you’re in deep leagues and/or if your team is running back weak.
Benny Snell Jr. is a new handcuff to watch. The Kentucky rookie didn’t shine in action this week, but the Steelers starting running back is definitely a fantasy starter.
Chris Herndon wasn’t able to make it back to full health last week, so he missed a fifth straight week. He’s not a favorite target against a stout New England defense, so he’s more of a stash for the remainder of the season.
Darrell Henderson only saw six touches while Gurley was inactive, but he averaged 6.5 yards per carry and looked good in the process. He passed my eye-test. The question that matters, will he get the opportunity?
N’Keal Harry news out of New England has him practicing again this week. He will be on pace to rejoin the offense when he can (week nine), so this is your early warning to consider adding him.
That’s all I’ve got for you – remember, it’s a game. Have fun with it. Don’t let a bad fantasy day ruin your week!
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