5 waiver wire pickups and 2 drops for Week 7

One Bengal makes an appearance this week in the waiver wire pickups, so there is some positive news for Bengals fans.

Many of you may be trying to focus on your fantasy teams to make up for the rough season the Bengals are having, and these are the players who can help keep your team’s succeeding.

Waiver wire pickups

• Robby Anderson, WR, Jets: Sam Darnold’s return saw the return of the Anderson to fantasy relevance. He had five receptions for 125 yards and his first touchdown of the year. What is interesting is the Cowboys were the worst matchup for opposing wide receivers in fantasy coming into the game. Next week he faces the Patriots, but his schedule clears up after that.
• Alexander Mattison, RB, Vikings: Mattison saw more of a split in touches this week than we’re used to seeing. He only had two fewer carries than Dalvin Cook. He even out gained Cook in Week 6. I wouldn’t say it is enough to put Mattison at the top of your claims, but he is a very valuable handcuff running back who can be played in a pinch.
• Auden Tate, WR, Bengals: It is safe to say that Tate earned Andy Dalton’s trust in Week 6. He had 12 targets that only turned into five catches for 91 yards, but the potential as a flex option in PPR leagues is clear. It is hard to believe that even if A.J. Green returns that the confidence Tate has built these past few weeks just disappears.
• Jaron Brown, WR, Seahawks: Brown caught two touchdowns this week. Normally you could chalk this up to just a random game where a player goes off. However, tight end Will Dissly suffered an achilles injury during the game. Dissly had become Russell Wilson’s favorite redzone target. Without Dissly, Brown could fill that role going forward. In deeper leagues he is a touchdown dependent flex player during the bye weeks.
• Darren Fells, TE, Texans: Fells has had two solid weeks in a row. He scored twice last week and caught six passes this week. He is clearly developing some chemistry with Deshaun Watson, which is easily the most important thing to look for in fantasy tight ends.

Drops

• Baker Mayfield, QB, Browns: Five passing touchdowns to 11 interceptions so far this season. He is heading into a bye week, and then he faces the Patriots, who are one of the worst matchups for opposing quarterbacks in fantasy. Mayfield was a popular midseason pickup last season, but he should be a popular midseason drop this year. He is a safe drop for a better option that is likely on the waiver wire.
• O.J. Howard, TE, Bucs: To put into context how little Howard is used, Jameis Winston threw the ball 54 times, and Howard only received four targets. Meanwhile, Cameron Brate caught a touchdown and three passes. If you already have found a replacement, or you see an option with more potential you should let Howard go from the roster. He is just too misused to rely on.