The week 7 fantasy football waiver wire is all about Aaron Rodgers. If you risked a high draft pick on Rodgers, you’re likely lamenting that decision at this point.
Rodgers has been so dependable in recent years that it almost didn’t seem possible for him to miss extended time due to injury. Now that he’s gone for the duration of the season, where do you turn? Streaming quarterbacks is a risky maneuver based on the likelihood that very few quality quarterbacks are remaining on the waiver wire.
Trading for another one would be difficult, too. Fantasy owners who see you don’t have Rodgers to rely on will ask for a ransom. So, you’re in big trouble. In case you haven’t completely looked on to 2018, here’s the best quarterback to add and the rest of the best bets on the week 7 fantasy football waiver wire.
Eli Manning, QB, New York Giants
If Carson Wentz is not on your league’s waiver wire, then try Manning. He’s not going to overwhelm defenses and he’s missing his top three wide receivers at the moment.
But he’s still the leader in a pass-happy offense without a proven consistent running game. And despite having a bye in two weeks and facing off against Seattle this week, he has a favorable schedule for much of the rest of the season. Once the Giants return from their bye in week 9, New York will play only one team with a pass defense that ranks in the top-half of the NFL.
Even though he won’t have his favorite weapons, the defenses won’t be near as difficult as he’s seen in the opening part of the season. He’s available in several leagues, so he could be a decent fill-in for Rodgers.
Alex Collins, RB, Baltimore Ravens
It’s not easy to find great options on the waiver wire, but Collins can add nice depth to your bench.
He’s getting more work in the running game for the Ravens. He’s not doing anything in the passing game, so his influence is limited. But he out-touched Javorius Allen in week 6, tallying 74 yards on 15 carries.
With bye weeks upcoming, Collins can be a decent fill-in. He hasn’t scored a touchdown yet this season, but he’s providing enough touches that he could offer up points in the coming weeks.
Jerick McKinnon, RB, Minnesota Vikings
He’s owned in a little more than half of fantasy football leagues, so if you missed out on him, then it’s your loss.
McKinnon is quickly becoming the top running back for the Vikings. Many believed Latavius Murray would be that fill-in for Dalvin Cook, but McKinnon has been a solid contributor in not only the passing game, but the rushing one, too.
He has 164 yards rushing in the last two weeks, with three total touchdowns and 81 yards receiving. He’s getting plenty of touches and is shooting up the charts as a dependable high-end RB2, and possibly a RB1 in the coming weeks.
He’s a must-add.
Alfred Morris/Darren McFadden, RB, Dallas Cowboys
If Ezekiel Elliott has to serve his suspension, it’s imperative to at least own one of these running backs.
Who knows what’s next in the ongoing saga of Elliott, so it’s plausible that Morris and McFadden could be RB1’s in the near future. Who will be the main contributor is still in the air. At first, it appeared Morris would be the main running back. However, it’s being reported that McFadden also could see some time.
They are must-adds this week as Elliott’s availability is unclear.
Orleans Darkwa, RB, New York Giants
With Paul Perkins out with injury, Darkwa has given the Giants a boost in the running game. He has more than 140 yards rushing in the last two games, and even if Perkins returns, Darkwa has done enough to keep the position as the main running back for the Giants.
His ownership level will skyrocket in the coming week, since he’s owned in less than 10 percent of leagues across various platforms.
Don’t expect consistently big things, though. He adds nice depth and can be a filler in the Flex position for your team. But this is still a Giants team that has a below-average offensive line and a history of not being able to run the football.
