Welcome to the Fantrax Week 7 FAAB Guide! With Week 6 officially in the books, we’re eager for an exciting new slate of games in the National Football League. But from the aftermath of last week’s games, there is a new batch of readily available players that could provide a much-needed boost to your roster. But which one(s) should you grab? Are they starters that you can rely on for the rest of season (ROS), or just another batch of one-hit wonders? This weekly Fantrax FAAB Guide will help you with these decisions and serves as a resource on how to manage your FAAB, i.e. Free Agent Acquisition Budget.
Each week, I’ll outline available players (with <70% Fantrax availability) that should be picked up and my recommendations on how much of your FAAB should be used on your bids for them. If you don’t see a popular name mentioned below, then they are likely already rostered on over 70% of Fantrax leagues (e.g. Justin Herbert, Jerick McKinnon, J.K. Dobbins, Tee Higgins, Dallas Goedert, etc.). If your league utilizes standard waiver claims instead of the FAAB system, then you can still use these recommendations to prioritize your waiver claims. Also, make sure to catch our weekly Waiver Wire report as well.
Since each Fantasy Football league’s format is different, I will suggest bid amounts by percentage rather than dollar amount. Also, since each league is different, use this guide as general advice but apply it with your knowledge of your own league mates. For example, if you want to bid on Boston Scott but your league is full of Eagles fans, then you should probably bid higher than suggested below.
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Week 7 FAAB Guide
QUARTERBACKS
Derek Carr, Las Vegas Raiders (69% rostered in Fantrax Leagues)
I’ll be honest, there aren’t many starting QBs available in Fantrax Leagues. QB Derek Carr is not the most desired name among fantasy GMs, but believe it or not, he’s the overall QB13 in fantasy points after five weeks. I’m omitting Week 6 because that was his bye week, but that’s another reason to roster him because it means he’s good to go for ROS. His next matchup against the Buccaneers is certainly not an ideal one, but the Chiefs weren’t supposed to be either, and he dominated them to a top-10 performance. It’s boggling to realize that this is Carr’s seventh year with the Raiders, but he has the talent, supporting cast, and experience to award fantasy managers with borderline QB1 results.
Recommended Week 6 FAAB Bids: 5% in regular leagues, 20% in 2QB or SF leagues.
Andy Dalton, Dallas Cowboys (60% rostered)
Chalk another statistic for the “Andy Dalton sucks in primetime” narrative. Turns out the “Red Rifle” in the Cowboys’ blue and white (and silver) is not what America’s team needs. What they need is a dependable QB who can properly utilize his weapons. At least, that was the case for their Week 6 battle against the Arizona Cardinals. They also need a stronger defense and their key offensive line members back, but that’s a whole different discussion. Despite his best efforts and constant grinning, Dalton looked disheveled and unprepared against a normally soft Arizona defense. To his credit, WR Michael Gallup had an egregious drop that should’ve been a TD pass. He also rescued a few plays that seemed destined for failure. There was also an “interception” that should’ve been negated for pass interference. RB Ezekiel Elliott’s slippery fingers didn’t help matters either. Nevertheless, Dalton still has the keys to a potent offense filled with lethal playmakers and an aforementioned defense that will encourage heavy passing. He will surely improve with more time. I wouldn’t rely on him in regular leagues, but would not hesitate in 2QB or SuperFlex leagues. Just make sure you’re not starting him when he’s under the national spotlight.
Recommended Week 6 FAAB Bids: 5% in regular leagues, 20% in 2QB or SF leagues.
Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins (54% rostered in Fantrax Leagues)
Last Sunday’s shutout over the Jets was so lopsided, that we got to see first-round QB Tua Tagovailoa enter the NFL gridiron for the first time. He may have primarily handed the ball off in the waning minutes when the game was already decided, but it was still nice to see him out there scrambling. The thing is, journeyman QB Ryan Fitzpatrick is still on fire. In the last five weeks, he’s either passed for over 300 yards or scored three touchdowns in each game. He’s the QB4 in that timespan. But as the history books foretold, the higher Fitzmagic climbs, the harder Fitztragic falls. When he does, it will be swift and grisly. There’s really no telling when it will happen, so if you’re struggling at QB and have the bench space, stash Tua just in case history repeats itself. Get ready, folks. It’s (almost) Tua time.
Recommended Week 7 FAAB Bids: 1% in regular leagues, 10% in 2QB or SF leagues.
.@Tua Tagovailoa enters the game for the @MiamiDolphins! #FinsUp
📺: #NYJvsMIA on CBS
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/qYnOYOB3CA pic.twitter.com/YLN9jGocaX— NFL (@NFL) October 18, 2020
RUNNING BACKS
Boston Scott, Philadelphia Eagles (53% rostered)
In Fantasy Football, opportunity trumps talent. So when lead rusher Miles Sanders hurt his knee in the second half of a surprisingly close loss to the Baltimore Ravens, it presented a great opportunity for backup RB Boston Scott to lead an inept yet profitable Eagles’ offense. He may not have seized the moment, but he will get another shot with Sanders expected out for one or two weeks. It will start on Thursday night with a decent matchup against the uninspired Giants. Scott should presume the lead role and receive a healthy load of check-down passes, boosting his value in PPR leagues. However, those expecting three-down usage will be disappointed as head coach Doug Pederson will assuredly incorporate third-string rusher, Corey Clement, with a frustratingly ample workload. Even second-round draft pick QB Jalen Hurts is being used in the running game as Pederson channels his inner-Sean Payton and further clutters the RB room. But again, Scott will “own” the backfield and should see the majority of touches. Fellow second-string RB Mike Davis is living proof that backups are valuable in real-life and fantasy. Scott has the most potential value among the other RBs on this list, but temper expectations for this temporary starter as he may not see the usage required for fantasy prominence.
Recommended Week 7 FAAB Bids: 10-12%
J.D. McKissic, Washington Football Team (49% rostered)
If you read last week’s FAAB report, then you hopefully already grabbed Washington’s RB J.D. McKissic while he was cheaper. In a divisional loss to the Giants, McKissic rushed eight times for 41 yards. He also caught all six targets for an additional 43 yards. His 14 total touches were tied for most on the team with “lead” RB Antonio Gibson and was the most he’s seen so far this season. McKissic’s burgeoning role has strong fantasy implications, particularly in PPR formats. He will continue to be a thorn on the sides of Gibson managers who are waiting for his breakout that will always be hampered by McKissic’s presence. Unlike the other RBs on this article, McKissic has standalone value and can be played as your RB2/Flex without requiring an injury to his colleague. Snatch McKissic soon before your league mates realize how valuable he can be.
Recommended Week 7 FAAB Bids: 10%
Giovani Bernard, Cincinnati Bengals (41% rostered)
Eternal backup RB Giovani Bernard had his annual chance to shine when lead back Joe Mixon left the game injured (foot) in the first half against the Colts. Mixon returned in the second half, but Bernard performed mightily in his stead, totaling 28 all-purpose yards and a TD from 11 touches. Mixon’s momentary stumble should serve as a reminder to stash him and all other lottery ticket backups that you can hold. Mixon is expected to be fine for this Sunday’s AFC North battle against the Browns, but any lingering damage could potentially be exacerbated again, opening the doors for Bernard to thrive. He’s produced as a fantasy RB1 in the past when given the reins, so I have no doubt he can do it again if given the chance. Bernard is a great insurance piece who just might be called for duty sooner rather than later.
Recommended Week 7 FAAB Bids: 5%
In goes @G_Bernard25 for the score! #SeizeTheDey
📺: #CINvsIND on FOX
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/nrm6deI4Td pic.twitter.com/oww0hQ19gk— NFL (@NFL) October 18, 2020
Gus Edwards, Baltimore Ravens (32% rostered)
The Ravens’ crowded backfield is notorious for aggravating fantasy GMs worldwide. All three backs — Mark Ingram, J.K. Dobbins, and Gus Edwards — have seen an even distribution of touches. However, Ingram left the game early due to an ankle injury and did not return, leaving the spotlight open for Edwards and Dobbins. However, turns out two is still a crowd for Baltimore, as both RBs shared the workload and neither was able to get a rhythm going. Edwards did manage a TD from his 14 carries for 26 yards, while Dobbins had nine carries for 28 yards plus two receptions for an additional yard. There is no reliable leader that we can count on for fantasy purposes. Plus, the Ravens have their bye this week, giving Ingram even more time to heal and muddle up the backfield. Edwards is a mere insurance piece, and though I’d prefer Dobbins as the backup, Edwards’ experience and utilization certainly warrant consideration in deeper leagues.
Recommended Week 7 FAAB Bids: 2%
WIDE RECEIVERS
Tim Patrick, Denver Broncos (53% rostered)
Like that cold sore that sprouts on date night, Broncos’ WR Tim Patrick has made quite an impression. Though most expected first-round rookie sensation Jerry Jeudy to lead the team in all receiving categories after top receiver Courtland Sutton tore his ACL, it has actually been the undrafted Patrick leading the way. Patrick is currently the WR34 this year, while Jeudy is the WR54. This is even more impressive when you realize that the Broncos already had their bye week. Last Sunday, Patrick caught four of eight targets for 101 yards, surpassing the century mark for the second straight time against a tough Patriots defense. It’s becoming clear that Patrick is an integral part of the offense. His role may lighten once rookie WR KJ Hamler returns, but we really need to start taking Patrick seriously. If he impresses once again this week against a stout Chiefs’ defense, then it will be too late to roster him for an affordable price. You just have to ask yourself, “do you believe in Patrick?”
Recommended Week 7 FAAB Bids: 10-12%
Travis Fulgham, Philadelphia Eagles (54% rostered)
Practice-squad receiver and last week’s recommended pickup Travis Fulgham continues to impress. Most faded Fulgham as Baltimore’s secondary is no joke, yet he caught six of 10 targets for 75 yards and a TD against an unrelenting Ravens defense. In fact, Fulgham’s dominating performance was the seventh-best fantasy score in Week 6. He’s the WR2 in the past three weeks. The only knock against him is that his role will certainly diminish once veteran receivers Alshon Jeffery, DeSean Jackson, and first-round pick Jalen Reagor return, who are expected back as early as this week. But he’s clearly shown a strong connection with QB Carson Wentz and may have carved himself a permanent role. Grab him while you still can.
Recommended Week 7 FAAB Bids: 10%
Travis Fulgham is first Eagle with TD in his first 3 games with team since @terrellowens 16 years ago
🎥 @NFL
pic.twitter.com/Wik7gcnxk0— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) October 18, 2020
Keelan Cole, Jacksonville Jaguars (54% rostered)
It’s jarring to see Jaguars WR Keelan Cole outproducing “lead” receiver D.J. Chark, ranking as the WR21 on the year over Chark’s WR30. His prominence continued against the Lions, where Cole secured six of nine targets for 143 yards, surpassing Chark’s seven catches (from 14 targets!) for a paltry 45 yards. Although it’s hard to rely on him, it’s evident that his average 6.5 touches per game will award him with a safe floor. The Jaguars’ charitable defense will encourage a positive game-script as QB Gardner Minshew will need to constantly throw in order to stay competitive.
Recommended Week 7 FAAB Bids: 5%
TIGHT ENDS
Trey Burton, Indianapolis Colts (20% rostered)
Since returning from IR in Week 4, TE Trey Burton has seen a steady number of targets: five, six, and five (plus one rushing attempt). Yet despite this consistency in opportunities, his production has grown remarkably. In those same weeks, he’s scored 2.6 (TE39), 5.8 (TE19), and 19.9 (TE2) half PPR points. The data infers that his ascent isn’t due to an increase in volume, but from a growing rapport with QB Philip Rivers. It may appear that he benefitted from fellow TE Mo Alie-Cox’s absence (knee injury), but Burton was always supposed to be ahead of him in the depth chart anyway. And while stalwart TE Jack Doyle is still around, he’s only seen an average of two targets per game when playing with Burton. Doyle also committed an egregious fumble that was converted to a TD by the Bengals. Meanwhile, Burton caught four of five passes for 58 yards and a TD, plus another score from a one-yard carry. It’s clear he’s the lead pass-catching TE for the offense. It’s also clear that Rivers still loves his TEs. Burton has earned a serious bid for those frustrated with streaming the position.
Recommended Week 7 FAAB Bids: 10%
Anthony Firkser, Tennessee Titans (4% rostered)
Who? A perennial practice squad unknown, TE Anthony Firkser found himself with the chance of a lifetime when rising star TE Jonnu Smith left the game early due to an ankle injury. Oh boy, did he capitalize, setting career personal records in receptions and yardage. He scored the MOST fantasy points among TEs from catching eight of nine targets for 113 yards and a TD. His situation is reminiscent of Eagles’ WR Travis Fulgham, who toiled for years through different teams before being thrust into the spotlight and carpe diem-ing the heck out of it. If Smith’s injury is severe enough to limit his workload or force him to miss games, then Firkser will surely see more opportunities under QB Ryan Tannehill’s hyper-efficient gameplay. Many TEs lit the scoreboards in Week 6, but this is the exception and not the norm. When a player in a barren skill position has a clear path for fantasy relevance and is readily available in nearly all leagues, then he’s worth considering.
Recommended Week 7 FAAB Bids: 5%
Darren Fells, Houston Texans (23% rostered)
This is undoubtedly “chasing points,” but Texans’ TE Darren Fells put on a show during a barnburner overtime loss to the Titans that makes him worthy of this list. After averaging a measly 2.4 targets per game, his target share shot up when he saw seven passes in Week 6. Fells caught six of them for 85 yards and a score. Like Firkser above, Fells was the benefactor of a starter’s misery, as his usage was boosted with lead TE Jordan Akins at home from a concussion. If Akins is inactive this week against the Packers, then Fells is in play again as a streaming option, though the matchup is more difficult. You could do worse than Fells, but remember that his value is dependent on Akins’ health and that the Texans’ TE is not a historically prolific option anyways. It’s possible that his recent success will warrant more involvement in a permanent role, especially with a new (interim) head coach running the show. But I’d rather focus on the other TEs highlighted above as they’re more likely to be featured in the team’s offensive plans, regardless of opponent.
Recommended Week 7 FAAB Bids: 3-5%
Darren Fells zone cooking. pic.twitter.com/9zjI2rqeMF
— Rivers McCown (@riversmccown) October 18, 2020
For more help in identifying this week’s top pickups, check out Corbin Young’s Week 7 Waiver Wire.
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