What's up RotoBallers. Welcome to my deeper standard league sleepers column for Week 7 of the NFL season. In this weekly article we are going to take a look at some deeper waiver wire options for standard leagues, who could help out your team in this upcoming week.
For reference's sake, we are looking at standard scoring leagues and will be using ownership percentage data from Fleaflicker. In order to qualify as a deep sleeper, a player must be 20% owned or less.
Let's get to the picks!
Editor's Note: Once you're done here, be sure to read about even more Week 7 waiver wire recommendations, for all fantasy-relevant positions. Just click on any link: ALL - RB - WR - TE - QB - DEF - FAAB - CUTS
Quarterback
Colin Kaepernick (SF) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
(Ownership: 18%)
Kaepernick wasn't great in his first start of 2016, completing just 44.8% of his passes against the Bills, but he still got the job done from a fantasy standpoint. He connected with Torrey Smith for a touchdown and added 66 yards on the ground. The rushing yardage is what makes him the most interesting, as he basically added the equivalent of a touchdown with his 66 rushing yards.
Kaepernick draws an extremely favorable Week 7 matchup against a Tampa Bay defense that has been getting roasted through the air this season. Through Week 5, Tampa Bay ranked just 23rd in passing defense in DVOA according to Football Outsiders. Despite Kaepernick's inefficiency, he should be a strong streaming option this weekend.
Running Back
C.J. Spiller (SEA) vs. Arizona Cardinals
(Ownership: 17%)
It is going to be hard to find much out there as far as running backs go, so we will go with Spiller this week. While he is a pass-catching back and this is for standard leagues, his regular usage in the passing game gives hope for a productive Week 7. Spiller was targeted six times in Week 6 against the Falcons, catching three passes for 38 yards. With Arizona sporting one of the tougher pass defenses in the league, the Seahawks could rely on shorter passes to their running backs to keep the chains moving in Week 7.
Spiller was targeted six times in Week 6 against the Falcons, catching three passes for 38 yards. This came on the heels of a receiving touchdown in Week 4. With Arizona sporting one of the tougher pass defenses in the league, the Seahawks could rely on shorter passes and dump-offs to their running backs to keep the chains moving in Week 7.
Wide Receiver
Kendall Wright (TEN) vs. Indianapolis Colts
(Ownership: 12%)
Wright blew up against the Browns in Week 6, going for 133 yards and one touchdown. Appearing to be finally over the hamstring injury which kept him out of action until Week 4, Wright provided a big boost to the Titans' passing attack. The veteran wideout draws a favorable matchup in Week 7 against a Colts secondary that has really been struggling to stop opposing wide receivers this season, ranking 30th in DVOA. Furthermore, no need to worry about Indianapolis' best cornerback, Vontae Davis. Davis rarely covers the slot, a spot which Wright runs most of his routes from.
Tight End
C.J. Fiedorowicz (HOU) @ Denver Broncos
(Ownership: 4%)
Fiedorowicz comes in as the second C.J. in today's column, but he's still number one in our hearts. The big tight end finished Sunday night with a gaudy line of 85 receiving yards and a touchdown. He has been heavily involved for Houston over the past three weeks, seeing 20 targets and scoring twice over that span. While the Broncos boast an imposing defense, they have been susceptible to tight ends over the past few years. With Will Fuller and DeAndre Hopkins likely getting locked up by Denver's elite secondary, look for Fiedorowicz to stay hot in Week 7.
Defense/Special Teams
Oakland Raiders (OAK) @ Jacksonville Jaguars
(Ownership: 17%)
The Raiders traveling east to take on Jacksonville isn't ideal, but this is a defensive unit that can be used if you are in a pinch this weekend. Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles has thrown seven interceptions in five games this season while getting sacked 14 times. The Raiders defense has been excellent in the turnover department in 2016, ranking third in the league with 10 takeaways. Their seven sacks is last in the league, but the porous Jags' offensive line should help Oakland in that area.
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