The already-thin position of running back took a considerable hit in Week 6, sidelining Mark Ingram (Ravens), Raheem Mostert (49ers) and Miles Sanders (Eagles).
Although there are some reasonable options at the position, neither represent an immediate impact on the Week 7 waiver wire, where a number of players returning from byes should have higher priority.
Several players previously profiled here remain available, giving fantasy owners at least one last chance to acquire them.
DALLAS GOEDERT, TE, Eagles: With TE Zach Ertz out 3 to 4 weeks, Goedert comes off injured reserve in time for Thursday night’s game against the Giants. Prior to breaking his thumb in Week 3, Goedert outperformed Ertz with 13 receptions for 138 yards and a touchdown while also compiling a 73% catch rate. He was on the field more than 85% of the time when healthy, making Goedert a solid must-add for owners in need of a streaming option or simply ready to ditch their current TE. Goedert will have low-end TE1 value while Ertz is out.
JUSTIN HERBERT, QB, Chargers: The rookie went into his Week 6 bye with a 7 to 1 TD to INT rate over his past two games, with only three other quarterbacks averaging more passing yards per game than the sixth overall pick of this year’s draft (298.8). Herbert returns this week with a favorable matchup against a Jaguars defense ranked 28th in passing yards allowed, beginning what should be a solid five-game stretch (at Broncos, Raiders, at Dolphins, Jets) that could elevate him from trendy streamer to must-start status. With Lamar Jackson on a bye this week, Herbert should be at the top of the list if he’s available.
TRAVIS FULGHAM, WR, Eagles: Surprisingly, Fulgham is still available in a majority of leagues despite scoring in three straight games and pulling in 18 of 26 targets in the same span. The Eagles are slowly getting healthy at receiver, with DeSean Jackson (hamstring) expected to return as early as Thursday’s game against the Giants and Alshon Jeffery (foot) due back in a couple of weeks. Still, Fulgham has made an impressive mark on the Eagles offense and should continue to be a target of choice for QB Carson Wentz. There’s no reason Fulgham continues to be listed here.
TEE HIGGINS, WR, Bengals: A.J. Green had his best game of the season in Sunday’s loss to the Colts, but Higgins’ six catches for 125 yards continues what has been a solid stretch for the rookie from Clemson. Higgins has 14 catches for 264 yards in his past three games, averaging an exceptional 18.9 yards per catch. The Bengals have also used him as a runner on occasion, only enhancing his value. Rookie QB Joe Burrow has established a strong rapport with Higgins, who is developing into a reliable WR3/WR4 and should be added in all formats.
J.D. MCKISSIC, RB, Washington: McKissic has 19 receptions over the past three games and was clearly the lead back in Sunday’s loss to the Giants, recording a 53% snap count compared to starter Antonio Gibson’s 37%. He’s a good must-add in PPR formats now that it’s established that QB Kyle Allen has come to count on McKissic. Playing in the muddled NFC East will work in McKissic’s favor, especially on Sunday when he’ll get his turn to exploit a Cowboys defense ranked 28th in total yards allowed.
JAMYCAL HASTY, RB, 49ers: Don’t assume Jerick McKinnon will return as the featured back now that Raheem Mostert is heading to short-term IR. McKinnon had the higher snap count percentage (32%) than Hasty (21%), yet it was the latter who was on the field to help San Francisco close out Sunday night’s win over the Rams. Tevin Coleman (knee) is still sidelined, which means Hasty and McKinnon will get the bulk of the carries in Week 7 against the Patriots. For now, Hasty should have a slight edge.
BOSTON SCOTT, RB, Eagles: Scott had 48% of Philadelphia’s RB snap counts in Sunday’s loss to the Ravens and is clearly the top option over Corey Clement (7% snap count on Sunday). He’s had limited action this season, but Scott had a combined 39 touches (29 rushes, 10 receptions) in two games against the Giants last year, including his memorable Week 17 performance that saw him score three touchdowns and amass 138 yards from scrimmage. He’s a good streaming option for those Miles Sanders owners looking to replace his production, but keep in mind the Giants allow just 3.7 yards per carry, fifth lowest in the league.
PRESTON WILLIAMS, WR, Dolphins: Although he hasn’t been targeted more than five times since Week 1, Williams might be on the verge of an upswing once the Dolphins return from this week’s bye. DeVante Parker sustained a groin injury in Sunday’s shutout of the Jets and could be sidelined for a few weeks. If so, Williams, eighth in the league with 17.8 yards per catch, would become the top option. Owners with open roster spots looking to stash away a wideout with upside should look in Williams’ direction.
KEELAN COLE, WR, Jaguars: Cole is averaging better than six targets per game and comes off a season-high, 143-yard outing in Sunday’s loss to the Lions, marking the first time this season he exceeded the 60-yard barrier. He gets another favorable matchup in Week 7 when the Jaguars meet the Chargers. D.J. Chark remains the clear WR1 in Jacksonville, but Cole is a good stash away option with some streaming value.
ANTHONY FIRKSER, TE, Titans: Once starter Jonnu Smith (ankle) went down early in Week 6, Firkser emerged as Ryan Tannehill’s top target as the duo combined for eight catches for 113 yards and a touchdown on nine targets. Firkser has an 85% catch rate on 20 targets this season and would make for an interesting streaming option if Smith is unavailable for Sunday’s showdown against the undefeated Steelers.
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This column was provided to The Associated Press by SportsGrid Inc., www.sportsgrid.com
