Fantasy Football 2014: Early Week 7 Waiver Wire Pickups, Add/Drop

Owners beware. One big touchdown catch doesn’t make any player a priority for the waiver wire. It seems like an obvious point, but getting carried away at just about the midway point is where owners can lose their grip. Case in point, a few receivers who came out of nowhere for big touchdown catches in Week 6.

As part of a 38-0 run in the first half, quarterback Joe Flacco and the Baltimore Ravens unleashed a savage beat down on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, very similar to the Bucs sad display against Atlanta in Thursday night play in Week 3.

Flacco tossed five touchdowns in the first 30 minutes. Two to Torrey Smith, one to Steve Smith, one to rookie Michael Campanaro and another to second-year receiver Kamar Aiken. With both Smiths either owned or started in most leagues, Campanaro and Aiken will be the two players owners look at during Week 7’s waiver-wire period.

Regular No. 3 receiver Marlon Brown was inactive due to a pelvic injury, which led to Campanaro moving up. Aiken, who looked solid during training camp, lost some playing time after a personal foul call in Week 1, despite catching all four balls thrown to him for 30 yards.

But its unlikely either is worth a pick up this week. Brown’s missed two games this season and if he’s healthy Campanaro would be the first one to sit. Aiken could be worth a pick up, but its too early to tell if he’ll be a regular threat.

It’s actually more likely that both will be just flash-in-the-pan players. We saw New England receiver Brian Tyms step up against Buffalo, but like Campanaro and Aiken, its very dangerous to rush to judgement on a player after one big play. It was a gorgeous 43-yard reception by Tyms, fighting off triple coverage, but nonetheless its one play that owners should take with a grain of salt.

There are several other players who performed well in Week 6 that owners should study instead.

Several players could emerge in the handful of games remaining in Week 6, but let’s delve into a few of the players owners should consider for Week 7’s waiver-wire. Remember, always drop and add at your own discretion.

Theo Riddick, RB, Detroit Lions

Another flash in the pan? Riddick filled in for the injured Reggie Bush and was explosive with five catches for 75 yards and one touchdown. It didn’t hurt that Calvin Johnson was also out of the lineup. Depending on the health of Bush and Johnson going forward, Riddick could be a nice long term play. However wait out the first wave of claims and Week 7’s first injury reports before making any decision on Riddick.

Brandon LaFell, TE, New England Patriots

Owned in five percent of Yahoo and less than three percent in ESPN leagues, LaFell is third on the Patriots in targets with 31, coming up with 15 receptions. That is a major discrepancy, but if you’re in need a tight end who gets a steady amount of targets, LaFell is worth a peak, especially in PPR leagues. His two touchdowns in Week 6 could be just the start.

Scott Chandler, TE, Buffalo Bills

Chandler’s been a consistent threat throughout his career when he’s had a veteran quarterback. Kyle Orton’s targeted Chandler six or more times since he took over, and he responded with six receptions for 105 yards in Week 6. As a flex play Chandler might be worth a pick up for Week 7.

Louis Murphy, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Over the last three games Murphy’s been an excellent third option for Mike Glennon, and with the healthy of Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson in question from week to week, Murphy’s a viable option for owners going forward. 27 targets in last three weeks makes for lots of potential.

Others to watch: Robert Woods, WR, Buffalo Bills; Ravens DST; Jason Avant, WR, Carolina Panthers; Tim Wright, TE, New England Patriots; Jace Amaro, TE, New York Jets