Welcome to the 2023 season. We all begin the season with optimism for our players and a (mostly) healthy roster. But to win, you have to make moves that keep you ahead of the game. That’s what this weekly post is all about. Here, I’ll be looking at lightly rostered players who could benefit you this season. Here are some players to look for in Week 7. All roster percentages are courtesy of the NFL.
Quarterbacks
Malik Willis, Tennessee Titans
Roster Percentage: 0
About: We got to see Willis make an appearance this week. Ryan Tannehill, after struggling, left with injury. Willis came in and went 4-for-5 for 74 yards and rushed three times for 17 yards. He helped lead the Titans to a late scoring drive in the 24-16 loss. Tannehill’s injury bears watching, but at 2-4, the team’s competitive chances are also a factor. I’m picking up Willis as we could be nearing a change in Tennessee, especially as the team enters its bye week.
Tyson Bagent, Chicago Bears
Roster Percentage: 0
About: Bagent is an untested and unproven backup. And yet, many have wondered what he could offer the 1-5 Bears. We’re about to find out. Justin Fields left with a thumb injury in Week 6, and it’s likely he’ll miss some time. Bagent replaced him, going 10-for-14 for 83 yards and an interception. He did add a rushing touchdown. He’s likely to be a trendy waiver wire pickup this week.
P.J. Walker, Cleveland Browns
Roster Percentage: 0
About: Deshaun Watson missed Week 6 against the 49ers and is no lock for Week 7. He’s dealing with a shoulder injury to his throwing arm, which presents a challenge. Walker was the man chosen to fill in during Week 6 and though his statistics aren’t impressive, he got the win over the 49ers. Should Watson miss again, Walker would be the go-to guy.
Brian Hoyer, Las Vegas Raiders
Roster Percentage: 0
About: When Jimmy Garoppolo missed a game earlier this year, rookie Aidan O’Connell got the call. When he was forced out Sunday, it was veteran Brian Hoyer who came in. Hoyer went 6-for-10 for 102 yards in securing the win. It’s unclear if Jimmy G. will miss time in Week 7, and it’s also unclear who will get the nod. If you’re desperate with six teams on a bye, Hoyer is one to keep an eye on.
Running Backs
Jordan Mason, San Francisco 49ers
Roster Percentage: .4
About: Christian McCaffrey left the Week 6 game with an injury, and his status is decidedly up in the air. The 49ers have a couple of backs that could be called upon to fill in. Mason is the most lightly rostered, and he’s been productive. He’s got 21 carries for 117 yards and two touchdowns. In fact, he’s done most of that damage in the past two weeks. He’s definitely a prime target to add this week.
Elijah Mitchell, San Francisco 49ers
Roster Percentage: 24.6
About: Mitchell is the other prime waiver target. He’s likely more rostered, especially in dynasty. He’s also a player who’s had success before. But he’s been dealing with injuries this season, and I doubt he’ll carry the full load. Still, he should be rostered, and if he’s available in your league, make a claim.
Kareem Hunt, Cleveland Browns
Roster Percentage: 20.2
About: Another player with a decent roster percentage already. The Browns are adjusting to life without Nick Chubb, and this week, after the bye, we saw Hunt more involved. He got 12 carries, turning it into 47 yards and a touchdown, catching three passes for 24 yards. Hunt is getting more involved and should be rostered.
Salvon Ahmed, Miami Dolphins
Roster Percentage: 1
About: The Dolphins have had a robust offense this season. It’s an offense that has supported multiple backs all season. Now, De’Von Achane is on IR, as is Jeff Wilson, who has yet to be activated. While Raheem Mostert is the top option, Ahmed is in the rotation. He even scored a touchdown Sunday. He should be rostered, especially with the revolving injury situation in Miami.
Devin Singletary, Houston Texans
Roster Percentage: 6.5
About: We’ve seen Singletary be fantasy-relevant before when he was in Buffalo. While Dameon Pierce is the starter for Houston, he hasn’t been efficient or particularly productive. In Week 6, Singletary got more involved. He had 12 carries for 58 yards and caught a pass. He had 24 more yards rushing on one fewer carry than Pierce. For a Texans team that’s 3-3 and in the thick of the race, Singletary is one to keep an eye on.
Keaontay Ingram, Arizona Cardinals
Roster Percentage: 13.3
About: James Conner is on IR and will miss at least three more games for the Cardinals. Emari Demercado was a trendy waiver wire pick-up last week after filling in for Conner in Week 5. But in Week 6, Demercado appeared to be third in line for carries. Ingram led the team with ten carries, rushing for 40 yards and catching two passes. Ingram should be rostered.
Damien Williams, Arizona Cardinals
Roster Percentage: 0
About: Williams was the other back that got carries and receptions for the Cardinals. He had eight carries, rushing for 36 yards, and caught a pass. Williams was a late add, but he seems to be more involved than even Demercado. With six teams on a bye, times are tough, so he’s worth a look.
Wide Receivers
Jauan Jennings, San Francisco 49ers
Roster Percentage: .3
About: Jennings is the 49ers’ third receiver, but he took a step up in action on Sunday as Deebo Samuel left with an injury. Samuel’s status is up in the air for Week 7, which makes Jennings a prime target. He’s lightly rostered and had four targets on Sunday, second most on the team. He only has seven receptions for 127 yards on the season, but he’s got an opportunity if Samuel is out.
Tight Ends
Kylen Granson, Indianapolis Colts
Roster Percentage: .3
About: Granson is on track to finish as a Top 12 tight end in Week 6. Does that mean he’ll be that productive each week? No, it doesn’t. But with Gardner Minshew in, it seems the receivers and tight ends have a better shot at targets. He has 16 receptions for 170 yards this season, which is more than enough to warrant being rostered at a difficult position.
Brenton Strange, Jacksonville Jaguars
Roster Percentage: 0
About: Strange was one of the options in the late rounds of rookie drafts, but with Evan Engram in Jacksonville, it didn’t make a lot of sense. Perhaps it still doesn’t, but Strange made an impact in Week 6. He saw three targets, catching two passes for 27 yards and a touchdown. As we’re getting deeper into the season, he could be a player worth rostering in deep leagues.
Matthew Fox is a die-hard NFL fan and Broncos’ homer. He’s a member of the FSWA. You can find more from him on Twitter @knighthawk7734 or as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast, a part of the Campus2Canton Network.
