Some impressive defensive efforts led to several quarterbacks having a down game in week 7. Hopefully most of you avoided watching the Sunday Night Football defensive trainwreck between Arizona and Seattle. Week 8 is already just around the corner and the waiver wire is teeming with possibilities. Read on and then get out there and grab some pieces before this vicious bye week.
Week 7 Recommendations Results (Standard League Scoring): Quarterback
· Marcus Mariota TEN – 22-37 232 yards 2 touchdowns 2 carries 14 yards 1 Fumble Lost 18 Fantasy Points
· Colin Kaepernick SF – 16-34 143 yards 1 touchdown 1 interception 9 carries 84 yards 1 fumble lost 15 Fantasy Points
· Sam Bradford MIN – 24-41 224 yards 1 touchdown 1 interception 2 fumbles lost 9 Fantasy Points
Week 7 Recommendations Results (Standard League Scoring): Tight End
· Hunter Henry SD – 1 reception 16 yards 1 Fantasy Point
· C.J. Fiedorowicz HOU – Plays Tonight
· Vernon Davis WAS – 6 receptions 79 yards 7 Fantasy Points
The Titans threw the ball quite a bit in week 7 but the results were not impressive for Mariota. Kaepernick demonstrated the good and bad in his game with 84 rush yards but 2 turnovers. The Eagles defense picked apart the Vikings, starting by totally shutting down Bradford.
Hunter Henry had his first bad game in weeks and also entered the NFL concussion protocol; tough break. The Texans continue to feed C.J. Fiedorowicz and he is looking like an every week starter. Same deal in Washington, but Davis stops being a starter as soon as Jordan Reed returns to the field.
Week 8 Waiver Wire Picks (Bye Week Edition) – Quarterback
Jameis Winston TB 53.6% owned
I try to stay below 50% ownership in the waiver wire columns, but Winston is close enough to bend the rule. The upcoming matchups for Tampa Bay are so enticing that the quarterback is an excellent choice as a bye week fill in at the least. Oakland, Atlanta and Chicago are coming up in the next three weeks. That should lead to some big offensive numbers for the Bucs who have found a running game with Jacquizz Rodgers.
Ryan Fitzpatrick NYJ 14.5% owned
This has been a terrible year for Fitzpatrick and the Jets offense as a whole. Given new life by a Geno Smith injury, Fitzpatrick will try to prove again that he is the rightful starter. While that may be a tough sell for the long haul, the next two games are in Cleveland and Miami. If Fitz cannot get his act together against those defenses, then his time as an NFL starter should be at an end.
Alex Smith KC 40.1% owned
Although I never cease to regret recommending Alex Smith, the next two games are just too enticing. The Chiefs get to take on the Colts and Jaguars in what should be a couple of beatdowns. There is always a chance that the Chiefs passing game lays an egg, but for two weeks at least, Smith should be a safe bet for around 20 fantasy points.
The Rest Of The Waiver Wire Picks
Week 8 Waiver Wire Picks – Tight End
Cameron Brate TB 31.1% owned
It has been two down weeks in a row for the Bucs tight end, but he should break out soon. With the same upcoming schedule as Jameis Winston, Brate is likely to have a couple of big games on the horizon. The only thing that could derail the young tight end would be the running game completely dominating. This seems unlikely as Rodgers is getting the ball at an unsustainable pace and some balance must be found.
Double Down
C.J. Fiedorowicz HOU 6.8% owned
The fact that Fiedorowicz is owned in less than 10 percent of leagues is astounding. He is seeing consistent volume in the Houston passing game and producing. There is a decent chance that he has a down game tonight against Denver, but on the the whole he should be owned. Aside from a bye week, he gets to face Detroit, Jacksonville, Oakland and San Diego in the next five weeks. That schedule is sure to yield positive results.
Ladarius Green PIT 5.1% owned
A favorite preseason breakout candidate, Green has not made it onto the field yet this season. The Steelers have a bye in week 8, but Green is likely to be available beginning in week 9. His talent and physical gifts are unquestionable and Green should be a boost to a Pittsburgh offense without Ben Roethlisberger. It may be a bit early for this waiver pick, but if FAAB bids are involved it could save a couple of dollars grabbing him a week early.
