Week 7 Post Waiver Panic. The injuries keep coming. With players like Jonathan Taylor, Nico Collins, and Dallas Goedert sidelined or questionable, fantasy managers are scrambling for replacements. In this article, we highlight some of the best last-minute panic pickups to save your Week 7 lineup.
The percentages given here are taken from ESPN at the time of writing
These players could provide valuable points this weekend and prevent a zero at their respective positions:
Week 7 Post Waiver Panic: Plug-and-Play QB (Less than 40% rostered)
- Drake Maye (QB, NE – 12.6% Rostered): The rookie quarterback for New England impressed in his full start last week against a tough Houston defense, showcasing his downfield passing and rushing upside. This week, Maye faces a Jacksonville defense that ranks dead last in fantasy points allowed to QBs. With open passing lanes and rushing opportunities, Maye could deliver a big performance.
Week 7 Post Waiver Panic: Deeper Plug-and-Play (Less than 15% rostered)
- Andy Dalton (QB, CAR – 5.9% Rostered): Dalton faces a defense that has given up the 13th-most fantasy points to QBs this season. With a projected game total of 51.5, Dalton could be in a back-and-forth contest that results in multiple touchdowns. He’s a solid streaming option if you need QB help.
- D’Ernest Johnson (RB, JAX – 13.7% Rostered): With Travis Etienne trending toward missing Week 7 or being limited, Johnson steps into a favorable matchup. The Patriots are allowing the 5th-most fantasy points to running backs, and Johnson took most of the receiving work last week. He could provide a solid PPR floor this week.
- Darius Slayton (WR, NYG – 13.0% Rostered): Slayton’s Giants face a Philadelphia defense that has allowed the 5th-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season. With defenses likely focusing on Malik Nabers and Wan’Dale Robinson, Slayton could see 3-4 targets, and he’s a good bet to find the end zone and salvage your week.
- Kayshon Boutte (WR, NE – 0.4% Rostered): Boutte is a deep sleeper who clicked with Drake Maye in Week 6, posting 3 receptions for 59 yards and a touchdown. With Jacksonville giving up the 2nd-most fantasy points to wide receivers, Boutte could be worth a dart throw if you’re desperate due to injuries or bye weeks.
- Jonnu Smith (TE, MIA – 1.7% Rostered): Miami’s offense hasn’t been the same without Tua, but Jonnu Smith has been a consistent safety valve. In Week 5, he saw 8 targets, catching 5 for 62 yards. Facing the 4th-worst defense against tight ends this season, Smith could be a reliable streaming option if you’re in need of a flyer at TE.
Honorable Mentions
- Tyler Goodson (RB, IND – 7.6% Rostered): With Jonathan Taylor sidelined, Goodson has emerged as the primary receiving back for the Colts. He faces a Miami defense that has given up the 3rd-most fantasy points to running backs this season.
- Rashod Bateman (WR, BAL – 7.0% Rostered): Bateman has quietly been a steady presence in the Ravens’ offense, consistently seeing 4+ targets and topping 50 yards in 3 of 6 games. He faces Tampa Bay in Week 7, which should offer him more opportunities.
- Colby Parkinson (TE, LAR – 28.0% Rostered): Parkinson has played more than 75% of snaps this season and has seen consistent targets due to injuries in the wide receiver corps. He’s facing a tough matchup against the Raiders, but his volume makes him a decent option if you’re in need of a tight end.
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