(Slightly Late) Week 7 Free-Agent Picking

Whoops. Mid-October is here and I missed an update Tuesday. However, I did update the layout/theme of the site... hopefully you like it (and if you don't, comment below?) I know you all were craving it, so here's the Week 7 Waiver Free Agent Picks.

I'm recommending these players either because they have a change in situation (someone got injured or someone got smart) or because they are have a decent matchup when players are on bye.

Go get 'em.

QUARTERBACKS

Austin Davis (not especially vs. Seattle. But after that? Yah)

Davis came out slingin’ against the 49er’s, and he looked great in the first half. In fact, he looked pretty OK in the second half too. He’s had a few good halves this year, and he’s got good weapons around him. I think he strings together a pretty good game soon. He’s a great bye-week add if you need one… just not against Seattle.

Ryan Tannehill @ Chicago

Don’t get me wrong – Tannehill is not a stud. However, he threw to seven different receivers last week and has put up two touchdowns in each of his last two games. Miami wants to run the ball, but with Moreno out they’ll end up slinging the rock a lot as well. And Tannehill’s running ability is the most overlooked stat in the league – he’s run 16 times for 102 yards this year (6.4 YPA average).

Tom Brady vs NYJ

Is Tom Brady back? Maybe. Does it matter? Not really. New England lost its lead back when Ridley went down, which means the Patriots either have to lean more on Shane Vereen (not likely), lean more on Branden Bolden, or let Tom Brady throw it more. My money’s on the three-time Superbowl Champion.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Odell Beckham Jr. @ Dallas

With Victor Cruz down, and Reuben Randle likely owned in your league, turn to Odell Beckham Jr. He is a rookie talent who the Giants need to utilize if they’re going to have any passing game… which they clearly realize. He’s been named the starting WR across from Randle, and will be a huge factor going forward.

Mohamed Sanu @ Indianapolis

Sanu is another guy who has stepped up because of injury – and now that Marvin Jones is out for the season he’s likely to maintain his value. He exploded last week, so he may have been claimed in your league. However, if he is available you have to grab him. With AJ Green likely out another week, he’s the best WR option the Bengals have.

Brandon LaFell vs NYJ

LaFell is a mystery wrapped in an enigma – he’s exploded in the last two road games and produced duds in the last two home games. However, he’s going up against a depleted Jets secondary that just lost Dee Milliner for the season. I think he’s going to have a good day, even though he doesn’t like to show up at home.

RUNNING BACKS (aka Slim Pickin’s)

Jerick McKinnon @ Buffalo

McKinnon finally got the start over Matt Asiata this week – after I told you to pick him up last week. However, many of you have still not picked him up. In case you need convincing, here’s his stat line from this past week: 11 rushes for 40 yards and 6 catches for 42 yards… AGAINST THE DETROIT LIONS, who have one of the absolute best run defenses in the league. Sure, he’s up against Buffalo this week (another good run defense) but you’re going to add him and start him. This is your last chance.

Ronnie Hillman vs SF

Another guy who got a good opportunity this week and is going to stay there. Sure, I have concerns about Juwan Thompson getting the goal line carries. But Ronnie Hillman ran well where Montee Ball did not. When Ball comes back, Hillman likely keeps this job.

Storm Johnson vs Cleveland

This is more a PSA for you Toby Gerhart owners out there than an endorsement of Storm Johnson – if you want to own a Jags running back, you want Storm Johnson. Toby Gerhart is not good. But then again, the Jags are not good. So if you own one of their RBs, it better be this guy.

TIGHT ENDS

Dwayne Allen vs Cincinnati

The Cincinnati defense has been embarrassed the past two weeks (it suck - I have them in two leagues). Allen has produced 4 touchdowns in his last 6 games, and his yardage totals aren’t bad either. He’s one of Andrew Luck’s favorite targets in the endzone, against the league’s worst TE defense. Go get ‘em.

Jared Cook vs. Seattle

Yes, it’s Seattle. But Seattle is actually the second worst TE defense in the league (after the Bengals… see Allen, Dwayne). Cook has had at least 4 catches and 44 yards in each contest this year, and Austin Davis will have to throw to him to have any success in this game.

Jace Amaro - @ NE

This is more for deeper leagues, but Jace Amaro is worth a look. If you need a tight end this week, consider that Amaro is going against a Patriots defense that allowed 105 yards to Scott Chandler last week. For those of you who are scratching your heads and asking “Who’s Scott Chandler?” – he’s the Bills’ tight end. And Amaro is better than him.