Fanspeak Fantasy Football: Waiver Wire Pick Ups Week 7

By Staff Writer Ryan Gerrity @RyanGerrity:

The injury bug hit a lot of teams this week especially the Packers who lost Randall Cobb and James Jones at wide receiver.  Number one on my list this week is going to be the man that is going to be targeted by Aaron Rodgers while Cobb and Jones are recovering from their injury.  A tight end makes this weeks list because he has caught 7 passes for 5 touchdowns this year.  The list is deep this week, so be sure to hit the waiver wire early this week.

1. Jarrett Boykin, WR, Green Bay Packers     

Boykin is not a player on the waiver wire that you are going to pick up due to the statistics that he has put up the last couple of weeks.  Picking up Boykin is a strategic decision based on the injuries of Randall Cobb and James Jones this week.  The length of time of those injuries is still unknown, so Boykin should fill some of those targets from Rodgers.  The only other receiver right now on the roster is Jordy Nelson, so look for Boykin to have more impact in the offense.

2. Joseph Fauria, TE, Detroit Lions

Fauria is only owned by a little more than 2% of owners in fantasy football leagues right now, and that number should rise quickly as he has been a touchdown machine.  He is not a PPR tight end because he has only had 7 catches, but 5 of those have been touchdowns that are going to get you much needed points in standard leagues.  Fauria should continue to get targets from Stafford in the red zone especially when Calvin Johnson will get a lot of attention from defenses.

3. Nick Foles, QB, Philadelphia Eagles

While Vick is out, Foles is a must start for fantasy owners because he threw for 296 yards and 3 touchdowns, and also ran for a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  He is only owned in 12% of fantasy leagues right now and last week I said to pick him up, and he may take over the starting spot from Vick.  He may not be a guarantee start yet, but he is getting there.

4. Brandon LaFell, WR, Carolina Panthers

LaFell caught four passes on four targets from Cam Newton for 104 yards and a touchdown last week against the Vikings.  LaFell and Ted Ginn Jr. are going to be the deep threats for the Panthers play action pass game.  LaFell is a deep sleeper in most leagues, but the upside and potential is there to continue to have production on the field for fantasy owners.

5. Jeff Cumberland, TE, New York Jets

Cumberland has put together three straight solid fantasy performances in a row this season.  Last week against the Steelers he caught 4 passes for 59 yards, which is not great but he is worth a look if you need a tight end that is not producing for you right now.

6. Brandon Jacobs, RB, New York Giants

Jacobs ran over 100 yards for the first time against the Chiefs this week, and scored two touchdowns.  I would not expect to see that kind of production again, but the Giants will continue to try and produce a skeleton of a run game and he will be the primary back as David Wilson continues to struggle.  If you have a bye week for a running back coming up, Jacobs could be a good fill in.