Fantasy Football Waiver Wire, Week 7: Ito Smith Continues to Emerge as Devonta Freeman Goes on IR

Week 7 is the first big bye week, with four teams out including several big names (Green Bay, Oakland, Seattle, and Pittsburgh are off this week. So your depth will start to get tested.

The biggest news of the day is that Devonta Freeman is going on the IR. As a result, Ito Smith (owned in 21% of leagues), who has been playing when Freeman has been out, will be a continued part of the offense going forward. He’s been emerging, scoring three touchdowns in the last three weeks, and he had 11 rushes and 2 catches last week. He’s a flex player option and should be added.

Here are the rest of the waiver wire recommendations:

RUNNING BACKS

Marlon Mack (63%) finally returned healthy, and put up good numbers last week for the Colts. If he’s available in your league it’s time to take a chance and see if he breaks out of a platoon mess.

Peyton Barber (58%) had been struggling before the bye, but came out with his best game in Jameis Winston’s first start of the year. If he’s still the starter then he is going to be a flex play going forward.

Frank Gore (33%) continues to get touches and had over 100 rushing yards last week. He’s gotten as many touches + targets as Kenyan Drake in recent weeks and is another lower end flex play.

If you are in good shape and want a stash, add D’Onta Foreman (24%) who has been on the PUP list. He’s still at least a month away from being a contributor but could make a difference in the fantasy playoffs.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Taylor Gabriel (26%) continues to emerge in Chicago’s offense. He’s been targeted 22 times in the last three weeks and has turned in consecutive 100-yard games. He’s a starter in fantasy football against New England this week.

Chris Godwin (59%) continues to fly under the radar in Tampa’s offense, as you can still get him (I think he’s been recommended as a pickup every week here). He scored his 4th touchdown of the season on Sunday.

Chester Rogers (20%) has been the Colts receiver to own with T.Y. Hilton out, and he’s a starting option again this week.

Christian Kirk (27%) continues to develop rapport with fellow rookie Josh Rosen, who looked his way 7 times on Sunday against the Vikings, for 6 catches.

Tre’Quan Smith (10%) is a stash-and-see at this point. He exploded for 3 catches and two touchdowns before the bye week, and it’s the kind of performance that could lead to expanded opportunities going forward.

Willie Snead (14%) has been targeted 24 times in the last three weeks. He hasn’t scored a TD over that time, but he’ll be going against his former club this week (New Orleans).

TIGHT ENDS

CJ Uzomah (29%) had 6 catches last week for Cincinnati, and gets to go against a Kansas City team susceptible to big plays. He’s a starting option this week if you need a bye week starter.

Ricky Seals-Jones (29%) had 69 receiving yards last week, and has a nice matchup against Denver this week.

QUARTERBACKS

There are actually several good matchups for guys on the waiver wire if you need a bye week fill-in for Rodgers, Wilson, or Roethlisberger (we’ll assume you are too smart to have Derek Carr).

I’d rank them as follows, but all are Top 10 to 16 range starts this week.

Mitch Trubisky (59%) vs NE

Joe Flacco (39%) vs NO

Baker Mayfield (68%) at TB

Eli Manning (42%) at ATL

KICKERS

Giorgio Tavecchio (2%) has signed with Atlanta with Matt Bryant’s injury and should be the placekicker this week against the Giants.

Expect fireworks in Kansas City, and Randy Bullock (12%) should have an opportunity for points.

DEFENSES/SPECIAL TEAMS

BRONCOS (51%) get to go against the worst offense in the league in Arizona.

COLTS (18%) are going to face either Nathan Peterman or Derek Anderson, who was just signed out of retirement last week.

OVERALL

WR Taylor Gabriel, Chicago
RB Marlon Mack, Indianapolis
RB Ito Smith, Atlanta
RB Peyton Barber, Tampa Bay
WR Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay
WR Chester Rogers, Indianapolis
TE CJ Uzomah, Cincinnati
QB Mitch Trubisky, Chicago
WR Christian Kirk, Arizona
QB Joe Flacco, Baltimore