Holding for Waivers Week 7
Those patiently holding onto backup running backs are about to be rewarded.
Holding can be a frustrating ordeal in all aspects of life, whether you're on hold with your internet provider, holding your spot in traffic, or for many across the nation or the worst kind of holding that happens after a big touchdown play. Not all holding calls are equal; some are glaringly obvious, while others are more debatable. But the most aggravating of all is the late holding calls, seemingly appearing as if the referee held off, uncertain whether to make the call until the play's conclusion. In fantasy football, holding can be essential. The fantasy handcuff.
In the realm of fantasy football, this is often referred to as a "handcuff." It's strange, but think of it as your fantasy insurance policy. These are the backup players poised to take over when a team's starter falls to injury. Those patiently holding onto backup running backs are about to be rewarded.
For those looking for the easiest way to identify their fantasy football handcuffs, the "Sleeper" fantasy football app is the best place. They neatly display the entire depth chart on each player's profile, making it easier for you to spot those critical backups. If you want the ultimate fantasy football experience, consider switching your league to Sleeper today. If you use the promo code Dudes100, they'll match you up to $100.
Let's make sure we don't let go of those essential running back handcuffs. Below are all my favorite week 7 waiver wire options with roster percentages under 68% on Sleeper. Rankings are HPPR with the help of PFF before MNF
Teams on bye, Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans, New York Jets and Tennessee Titans
Quarterbacks:
Sam Howell (40% rostered) travels to New York to take on the Giants. Finished as QB6 on the week is QB11 on the season. Howell has more fantasy points than Joe Burrow, Matt Stafford, and Trevor Lawrence this season.
Geno Smith (59% rostered) Geno hasn't had a 20-point performance since week 2 when they traveled to Detroit. Arizona could be the perfect bounce-back game for Geno and his pass catchers.
Derek Carr (28% rostered) threw the ball last week 50 times in their loss vs. the Texans. Potentially could be in a shootout this week with Jacksonville.
Running Backs
Jordan Mason (4% rostered) came in for CMC vs the Browns and ran 27 yards on 5 carries. Has back-to-back games with a TD. Could be in line for more work if McCaffrey misses time with an oblique injury. Jordan Mason was the handcuff that was hard to hold onto. My number 1 waiver add of the week.
Craig Reynolds (2% rostered) David Montgomery should miss some time with a rib injury. It should be Gibbs season, but the Lions like using a RBBC. Reynolds holds some value. Especially since Gibbs was a scratch this past week with a hamstring injury.
Kareem Hunt (46% rostered) scored Cleveland's only TD on the day. He is not the starting running back, but he could be valuable down the stretch.
Stashes/Hand Cuffs
Chuba Hubbard (64% rostered) had a strong showing as the Panthers lead back. Could have a chance to lead the backfield in Week 8 vs. Houston.
Tyjae Spears (57% rostered) played 2 fewer snaps than Derrick Henry.
Keaontay Ingram (39% rostered) led the team in carries despite Demercado being a hot waiver add on this list last week. I'm not really excited for either of them at the moment.
Salvon Ahmed (17% rostered) Had a TD this week.
Elijah Mitchell's (34% rostered) role could increase with CMC injury.
Wide Receivers
Curtis Samuel (51% rostered) has 3 straight games with a TD. It is time to give up on Jahan Dotson, who had 1 target on Sunday while running the second-most routes on the team. Curtis Samuel is the clear number 2 in the offense.
Josh Downs (49% rostered) scored his first TD this week and has back-to-back double-digit fantasy performances.
Jameson Williams (63% rostered) only ran 9 routes and had 3 targets for 2 catches, 53 yards, and a TD.
Kendrick Bourne (21% rostered) has a tough matchup this week vs. Buffalo but had 11 targets this past week vs. Las Vegas.
Rashid Shaheed (28% rostered) had two receptions for 85 yards on Sunday. Most of his damage came on a 51-yard catch. He also had 2 carries for 18 yards. The Saints seem to be trying to get him more involved.
Tight Ends
Michael Mayer (12% rostered) led the Raiders in receiving yards this week. Mayer could be the next rookie tight-end breakout. Has looked great in the last two weeks with little opportunity.
Dalton Schultz (57% rostered) back-to-back games with TD grabs. He is on bye this week. But it's worth the add in this terrible tight-end landscape. TE6 on the season.
Taysom Hill (12% rostered) had his career high in targets this week. Catching 7/8 targets, completing a pass, and having a carry. It's a very high upside with Hill in the tight-end slot. Also, there is potential for a very low floor.