We have reached an important juncture in the fantasy football season where people with struggling teams cannot afford too many more losses.
With several top-tier wide receivers unable to play due to injuries and bye weeks, getting enough production from this position is becoming increasingly difficult.
Let’s look at some wide receivers worth a pick up from the waiver wire in your fantasy league ahead of Week 7.
Keenan Allen, San Diego Chargers
The Chargers have been a surprise team this season that has performed better than anticipated on offense. Philip Rivers is playing like a top-15 quarterback again, and one of this favorite targets has been Allen.
The rookie receiver has 11 catches for 195 yards and a touchdown on 15 targets over the last two weeks. He has the speed to be a downfield threat and the hands to make difficult catches on the sideline.
San Diego plays some weak pass defenses over the next four weeks, including games against the Broncos, Jaguars and Redskins. The abundance of quality matchups and his increasing role in the offense makes Allen a smart pickup this week in all types of leagues, especially ones that use point-per-reception scoring.
Percy Harvin, Seattle Seahawks
Harvin has been sidelined for the entire season recovering from hip surgery, but he should be returning over the next few weeks. Even though the former Florida star probably won’t be active on Sunday, get him now before other people in your league need a receiver and grab him from the waiver wire.
When healthy, Harvin is one of the most electrifying players in the league with his ability to make big plays as a receiver, a kick returner and in the running game. He had six 100-yard receiving games last season despite playing on a Minnesota Vikings team that couldn’t generate much success in the passing game.
In a balanced Seahawks offense with a quality quarterback in Russell Wilson throwing him the ball, Harvin should be a high-end WR2 when he returns to the lineup.
Jarrett Boykin, Green Bay Packers
The Packers lost star wide receiver Randall Cobb and veteran James Jones to injuries on Sunday, which allowed Boykin to get a higher amount of targets (six) than usual.
He only caught one pass for 43 yards from Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers on Sunday, but his value has risen significantly due to Cobb’s and Jones’ injuries because with those two players at less than 100 percent, Jordy Nelson is the only No. 1 caliber receiver on the field.
Jones’ status for Week 7 is uncertain, and according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Cobb will likely be out for two weeks. In deep leagues, Boykin is worth adding to your roster, especially if you own Cobb and/or Jones.
Austin Collie, New England Patriots
Collie joined the Patriots last week and immediately made an impact with a crucial catch on the team’s game-winning drive in the fourth quarter against the Saints on Sunday.
The former Colts receiver is a smart player who quickly learns complex offenses like the Patriots’ and knows how to read defenses to get open.
Collie had two catches for 24 yards in Week 6, but with the Patriots dealing with rookies dropping passes, Rob Gronkowski‘s injury and Danny Amendola‘s durability concerns, expect the 27-year-old to play an important role in the passing game over the next few weeks. If Amendola or Julian Edelman miss any more games, Collie could find himself operating out of the slot.
Collie was on his way to becoming a star in Indianapolis with Peyton Manning before injuries halted his development, and it’s possible that he could find some of that old form in New England with Tom Brady.
Marvin Jones, Cincinnati Bengals
For fantasy owners in deep 12-16-team leagues, Jones is worth a pickup, especially since there will be a number of quality receivers who have their bye weeks coming up over the next month.
Jones caught three passes for 71 yards and a touchdown on five targets on Sunday against the Bills, in what was his best performance of the season.
Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton has several good options in the passing game, including superstar receiver A.J. Green, who commands most of the opposing defense’s attention on every play. This situation should result in Jones having many one-on-one matchups with defensive backs over the next few weeks. His exceptional route-running ability and speed makes him a good target for Dalton on any down and distance.
Justin Blackmon, Jacksonville Jaguars
Even though it’s unlikely, if Blackmon is still on your league’s waiver wire, go pick him up right now. The sophomore receiver has come back from his four-game suspension and has dominated defenses over the last two weeks.
He has 19 catches for 326 yards and a touchdown on an astounding 29 targets in two games, and even though the Jaguars offense has struggled this season, especially in the running game, Blackmon is still a reliable player each week. He’s a WR1 in any type of league.
