Week 7 Upgrades, Downgrades, and Waiver Wire Wonders

Photo: USA Today Sports

The number in red next to a waiver wire gem indicated the percentage of a "blind bid" budget used in some leagues to award free agent pickups. If your league does not use blind bid waivers, consider the number a way to rank the quality of waiver wire additions.

Quarterback Upgrade

1. QB Tua Tagovailoa, MIA (waiver wire: 15-30%)
2. QB Joe Burrow, CIN
3. QB Daniel Jones, NYG (waiver wire: 7-15%)
4. QB Mac Jones, NE (waiver wire: 5-10%)
5. QB Marcus Mariota, ATL (waiver wire: 5-10%)
6. QB Matt Ryan, IND (waiver wire: 5-10%)
7. QB Justin Fields, CHI (waiver wire: 3-5%)
8. QB Taylor Heinicke, WAS (waiver wire: 3-5%)
9. QB Teddy Bridgewater, MIA (waiver wire: 1%)
10. QB Sam Howell, WAS (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex)
11. QB Mitchell Trubisky, PIT (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex)
12. QB Bailey Zappe, NE (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex)

Quarterback Downgrade

1. QB Carson Wentz, WAS (waiver wire: DROP)
2. QB Skylar Thompson, MIA (waiver wire: DROP)
3. QB Tom Brady, TB
4. QB Geno Smith, SEA (waiver wire: HOLD)
5. QB Justin Herbert, LAC
6. QB Kenny Pickett, PIT

Running Back Upgrade

1. RB Kenyan Drake, BAL (waiver wire: 10-20%)
2. RB Justice Hill, BAL (waiver wire: 10-20%)
3. RB Latavius Murray, DEN (waiver wire: 10-20%)
4. RB Brian Robinson, WAS (waiver wire: 10-20%)
5. RB Ezekiel Elliott, DAL
6. RB Darrell Henderson, LAR
7. RB Ken Walker, SEA
8. RB Devin Singletary, BUF
9. RB Matt Breida, NYG (waiver wire: 3-5%)
10. RB Gus Edwards, BAL (waiver wire: 3-5%)
11. RB Deon Jackson, IND (waiver wire: 3-5%)
12. RB Christian McCaffrey, CAR
13. RB Sony Michel, LAC (waiver wire: 3-5%)

Running Back Downgrade

1. RB Cam Akers, LAR (waiver wire: DROP)
2. RB J.K. Dobbins, BAL
3. RB Melvin Gordon, DEN (waiver wire: DROP)
4. RB Antonio Gibson, WAS (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER )
5. RB Jeff Wilson, SF (waiver wire: HOLD)
6. RB Saquon Barkley, NYG
7. RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, KC (waiver wire: HOLD)
8. RB Joshua Kelley, LAC (waiver wire: DROP)

Wide Receiver Upgrade

1. WR Darnell Mooney, CHI (waiver wire: 25-50%)
2. WR Chase Claypool, PIT (waiver wire: 15-30%)
3. WR WanDale Robinson, NYG (waiver wire: 15-30%)
4. WR Tyquan Thornton, NE (waiver wire: 15-30%)
5. WR Tyler Boyd, CIN (waiver wire: 10-20%)
6. WR Alec Pierce, IND (waiver wire: 10-20%)
7. WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, KC
8. WR Brandon Aiyuk, SF
9. WR JaMarr Chase, CIN
10. WR Michael Pittman, IND
11. WR Parris Campbell, IND (waiver wire: 3-5%)
12. WR Terry McLaurin, WAS
13. WR Allen Robinson, LAR (waiver wire: 3-5%)
14. WR Ben Skowronek, LAR (waiver wire: 3-5%)
15. WR Khalil Shakir, BUF (waiver wire: 1%)

Wide Receiver Downgrade

1. WR Marquise Brown, ARI
2. WR Randall Cobb, GB (waiver wire: DROP)
3. WR Isaiah McKenzie, BUF (waiver wire: DROP)
4. WR D.J. Moore, CAR (waiver wire: DROP FOR 15-30% OR HIGHER)
5. WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling, KC (waiver wire: DROP)
6. WR Devin Duvernay, BAL (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER)
7. WR Christian Kirk, JAX
8. WR Curtis Samuel, WAS (waiver wire: HOLD)
9. WR Courtland Sutton, DEN
10. WR Drake London, ATL (waiver wire: HOLD)
11. WR George Pickens, PIT (waiver wire: HOLD)

Tight End Upgrade

1. TE Dawson Knox, BUF (waiver wire: 15-30%)
2. TE Mike Gesicki, MIA (waiver wire: 10-20%)
3. TE Hunter Henry, NE (waiver wire: 10-20%)
4. TE Robert Tonyan, GB (waiver wire: 5-10%)
5. TE Daniel Bellinger, NYG (waiver wire: 3-5%)
6. TE Greg Dulcich, DEN (waiver wire: 3-5%)
7. TE George Kittle, SF
8. TE Cade Otton, TB (waiver wire: 3-5%)
9. TE Jake Ferguson, DAL (waiver wire: 1%)
10. TE Juwan Johnson, NO (waiver wire: 1%)

Tight End Downgrade

1. TE Cameron Brate, TB (waiver wire: DROP)
2. TE Dalton Schultz, DAL
3. TE Tyler Higbee, LAR (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER)
4. TE Hayden Hurst, CIN

Quarterback Upgrade

QB Teddy Bridgewater, MIA - (waiver wire: 1%) - Bridgewater has been very productive in two relief appearances this year, and he appears to be in tune with his outstanding wide receiver combination in addition to ultraathletic tight end Mike Gesicki. Tua Tagovailoa hasn't proven to be the most durable, so Bridgewater is the rare backup quarterback worth carrying in deep leagues and he shouldn't be dropped in 2QB/Superflex.

QB Joe Burrow, CIN - Burrow is getting very comfortable in the more conservative approach it takes to beat teams that sitting back in cover 2 to take the deep ball away from Cincinnati. He's a strong QB1 who is outproducing his draft cost by a good margin heading into a matchup with Atlanta.

QB Justin Fields, CHI - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Fields performance in Week 6 could have been a lot better. The Bears visited the Commanders goal line three times and came away with no points. Fields has a healthy baseline of rushing production and he's getting Darnell Mooney more involved. Don't play Fields this week against Bill Belichick, but know that he'll have value against teams like Detroit, who are still left twice on his schedule.

QB Taylor Heinicke, WAS - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Carson Wentz has a broken finger on his throwing hand, so it's very likely going to be Taylor Heinicke starting against the Packers in Week 7, and possibly beyond. Heinicke had his moments as a fantasy quarterback last year and plays in the bold fashion we like to see. He's a fine desperation play and worthy of a QB2/Superflex spot. Fifth-round pick Sam Howell is waiting in the wings if Heinicke isn't safe with the ball.

QB Sam Howell, WAS - (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex) - Howell should get a chance to start sooner than later. The Commanders season is swirling down the drain after Carson Wentz suffered a broken finger on his throwing hand, and the team will have to give up a second round pick instead of a third if Wentz plays more than 70% of the snaps. Stash Howell away in 2QB/Superflex if bench size allows.

QB Daniel Jones, NYG - (waiver wire: 7-15%) - Jones wasn't a huge fantasy hit in Week 6, but he led his fourth fourth-quarter comeback of the year, and it looks like second round pick Wan'Dale Robinson will be a keeper. Jones wasn't used much as a runner by design in Week 6, so there's some latent upside there as the wide receiver room is getting healthier.

QB Mac Jones, NE - (waiver wire: 5-10%) - It's hard to argue with the results that the Patriots offense has been able to achieve while Jones has been sidelined. The pass offense is clicking and the offensive line has been much better than expected. Jones has matchup QB1 value once he returns if the Patriots offense continues to play this well.

QB Marcus Mariota, ATL - (waiver wire: 5-10%) - Mariota was nearly flawless in the victory over the 49ers. His pass volume will be low and he has to stay involved as a runner, especially around the goal line, to maintain startable value in 1QB leagues, but his play to this point has turned around and distanced Mariota from the specter of third-round pick Desmond Ridder taking over as Arthur Smith has crafted an offensive identity to suit Mariota's strengths and weaknesses.

QB Matt Ryan, IND - (waiver wire: 5-10%) - Ryan threw the ball 58 times as the Colts went up tempo and abandoned the run in the win over the Jaguars. Jonathan Taylor should be back soon to restore balance to the offense, but the success of this approach is undeniable and it at least makes Ryan streamable against the Titans this week.

QB Tua Tagovailoa, MIA - (waiver wire: 15-30%) - Tagovailoa will be back this week against the Steelers, who did thwart Tom Brady, but are still banged up in the secondary. Teddy Bridgewater has produced well twice as a relief quarterback and it's still clear that throwing downfield to Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle is the best mode for this offense.

QB Mitchell Trubisky, PIT - (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex) - Trubisky had one of the best halves of his career against the Bucs. He made multiple big throws to clinch the game and he also lit Chase Claypool's fuse for the first time this year. The Steelers shouldn't feel any need to rush Kenny Pickett back from his concussion and Trubisky has given the coaches something to think about if Pickett falters. Still, the most likely outcome here is that Trubisky only starts Week 7, if he even starts one game.

QB Bailey Zappe, NE - (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex) - Give an assist to the terrible play from the Browns defense (Lamar Jackson will get them next), but Zappe executed like a veteran, finding the open receiver and throwing accurately to set up big plays in the romp. If Mac Jones isn't 100% for the matchup with the Bears, Zappe could get another start.

Quarterback Downgrade

QB Tom Brady, TB - Brady was frustrated against the Steelers and seemed to be upset with his offensive line. Hopes that this offense would come together as the season went on are getting dimmer, and Brady is looking like a mere low ceiling QB1 instead of the strong QB1 he was last year, even though the team is clearly going to have to have a pass-first offense.

QB Justin Herbert, LAC - Give the Broncos defense some credit, but also downgrade expectations for Herbert after he threw the most passes without a touchdown in a win in NFL history. Seattle is a good matchup on paper so of course you're playing Herbert in Week 7, but he isn't living up to his draft stock right now.

QB Kenny Pickett, PIT - Pickett left with a concussion and Mitchell Trubisky was outstanding in relief. This could shorten the leash on the rookie Pickett and it certainly gives the team room to be patient with his return. Mike Tomlin has said Pickett is the starter once he's healthy, but his tune could change if Pickett has any long stretches of poor play.

QB Geno Smith, SEA - (waiver wire: HOLD) - The Seahawks running game and defense carried the team on Sunday to a big divisional win. Smith spread the ball around, but did at least contribute 48 yards as a runner to keep his floor out of the basement. He may have to throw more to keep up with the Chargers this week. Smith is still a viable QB1 even though what was good for his team isn't good for his fantasy prospects.

QB Skylar Thompson, MIA - (waiver wire: DROP) - Thompson left Week 6 with a thumb injury. Both of the quarterback ahead of him are out of concussion protocol, so Thompson can be dropped in 2QB/Superflex.

QB Carson Wentz, WAS - (waiver wire: DROP) - Wentz was clearly limited by the strained biceps tendon in his throwing arm and then he suffered a broken finger on his throwing hand, which should sideline him for a bit. The Commanders have to pay a second round pick instead of a third for him if he plays 70% of the snaps, so the team has an incentive to not play him in close calls. He can be dropped.

Running Back Upgrade

RB Matt Breida, NYG - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Saquon Barkley won a lot of hard fought yards in a hard fought win over the Ravens, but he appeared to re-injure his shoulder in the victory. Breida would become the starter if Barkley's shoulder keeps him from playing at any point.

RB Kenyan Drake, BAL - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - We don't know the full extent or nature of the knee/leg issue that sidelined J.K. Dobbins in the fourth quarter, but we saw how well Drake did once the backfield was his. He looked swift and creative and should be in what the heck flex consideration against the lagging Browns defense.

RB Gus Edwards, BAL - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - The Gus Bus may or may not be ready to contribute this week, but the outlook for the rest of the season potentially improved with J.K. Dobbins still not up to full speed and possibly carrying a setback in his recovery from knee surgery or a compensatory leg injury. Edwards is a pre-emptive speculative pickup and shouldn't be prioritized over Kenyan Drake.

RB Ezekiel Elliott, DAL - Elliott looked as explosive and powerful as he has all season against the Eagles. Dak Prescott will be back soon and the touchdowns and lighter boxes will come more frequently.

RB Darrell Henderson, LAR - Cam Akers was basically excused from the team, and he could be on the way out, leaving the lead job to Henderson. The Rams are going to err on the side of not overworking Henderson, but he should at least be an RB2 coming out of the bye unless the team makes a big move at his position.

RB Justice Hill, BAL - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Hill is getting close to his return from a hamstring injury just as it appears J.K. Dobbins knee is giving him problems. It looks like Hill could be sharing with Kenyan Drake in Week 7 at Cleveland. He looked like the most explosive back on the roster before he got hurt.

RB Deon Jackson, IND - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Jackson provided energy to a banged up Colts backfield and inconsistent offense. He scored and gobbled up receptions in a fast-paced offense. We know we can count on him when Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines are out, but that might not happen again this season.

RB Christian McCaffrey, CAR - McCaffrey's usage in the Panthers passing game was much more useful for fantasy even though the offense was just as lackluster around him. He is on the trade block, which adds some volatility, but at the very least McCaffrey is untethered from Baker Mayfield for now.

RB Sony Michel, LAC - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Joshua Kelley went down with a knee injury in Week 6. We're not sure yet how severe the injury is, but Michel took over as the change of pace to Austin Ekeler, which gives him desperation play value against the Seahawks and Ekeler injury upside until Kelley is healthy.

RB Latavius Murray, DEN - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Murray emerged as the lead back with Melvin Gordon benched for unclear reasons on Monday night. This coaching staff and offense is not very trustworthy, but volume is king at running back and Murray has looked good running the ball this year. This situation is volatile, but Murray is on top for now.

RB Brian Robinson, WAS - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Robinson was workmanlike and physical in his approach to running the ball, but it doesn't look like he is going to move the needle much for fantasy in this offense. He is viable depth through the bye week gauntlet and he gets to face a weary Packers defense this week, but don't overpay for Robinson if he's on your waiver wire.

RB Devin Singletary, BUF - Singletary racked up solid gains in the running game and was a dependable receiver in the win over the Chiefs. This was a good sign that Singletary will be a fine RB2 in games that are projected to be close, and he should also see his workload grow as the weather gets colder.

RB Ken Walker, SEA - Walker was everything we could have hoped for in his debut as the Seahawks starter. He made the Cardinals defense work and outlasted them with a late clinching score. He should be an everyweek RB1 with the Chargers up next.

Running Back Downgrade

RB Cam Akers, LAR - (waiver wire: DROP) - Akers was basically excused from the team and should get traded soon. He could return to the add side of this column depending where he lands, but he didn't show anything to make us feel compelled to hold him while we wait for news.

RB Saquon Barkley, NYG - Barkley was grinding out yards for the Giants in a big win, but also appeared to reinjure his shoulder, which is never good for a running back that takes a lot of hits. It might not cost him any time, but the chances of Barkley's injury getting worse and sidelining him are going up.

RB J.K. Dobbins, BAL - Dobbins knee "tightened up" according to the team, and he missed the fourth quarter of the loss to the Giants. Maybe it was the notorious turf at MetLife stadium, but this will make us reluctant to trust Dobbins until he makes us regret leaving him on our benches.

RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, KC - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Edwards-Helaire didn't have any breakthrough moments against the Bills. He was a forgotten man in the passing game, and Jerick McKinnon got more snaps than him in the second straight tight game script for the team. Consider him a what the heck flex against the 49ers this week.

RB Antonio Gibson, WAS - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER ) - Gibson was relegated to the back seat in the offense, as expected. He still has some desperation play value, but isn't an essential hold.

RB Melvin Gordon, DEN - (waiver wire: DROP) - Gordon was benched for an unknown reason on Monday and wasn't happy about it. It will be difficult to trust him in any given week going forward.

RB Joshua Kelley, LAC - (waiver wire: DROP) - Kelley went down with a knee injury of unspecified severity against the Broncos. He was questionable to return and seemed to be trying to get back in the game, so his absence might not be long, but until we know more, he's not an essential hold.

RB Jeff Wilson, SF - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Going into Week 6, Wilson was clicking with a top-end running game, supported by a top-end defense. He had a fumble that was returned for a score and the coaches seemed to lose faith in him as the defense also faltered and the 49ers went pass heavy. Wilson is still flex worthy against the Chiefs this week, but Tyrion Davis-Price could be back soon to cut into his workload along with Tevin Coleman, and then Elijah Mitchell should be back soon after that.

Wide Receiver Upgrade

WR Brandon Aiyuk, SF - Aiyuk's big game wasn't a result of the 49ers having to pass more. He actually scored twice while the game was still very much in question. The pass game volume bump and injuries on defense will help Aiyuk's opportunity, but his talent is creating his Week 6 value surge.

WR Tyler Boyd, CIN - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Boyd is going to be more important in the Bengals passing game as they morph into a more disciplined short range passing game to defeat cover 2 defenses that are taking away the deep ball. He's at least decent PPR depth with Higgins/Chase injury upside.

WR Parris Campbell, IND - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Campbell was very productive as a short range receiver and he's staying healthy, although he probably won't see his team throw the ball 58 times again this season. He's at least graduated to PPR depth through the bye week gauntlet.

WR JaMarr Chase, CIN - Chase had his biggest game of the year even though he was still only targeted in the short and intermediate passing game. A couple of broken tackles on a 60-yard catch and run score put the Bengals and many fantasy teams over the top in Week 7.

WR Chase Claypool, PIT - (waiver wire: 15-30%) - Claypool finally came alive in Week 6. It was Mitchell Trubisky, not Kenny Pickett, who lit the fuse, throwing the touchdown and two big third and long conversions to Claypool to provide the margin of victory and clinch the game. Claypool is rosterable and maybe even startable against the Dolphins no matter who the quarterback is for the Steelers.

WR Terry McLaurin, WAS - The injury to Carson Wentz should be a boon for McLaurin's fantasy stock. Taylor Heinicke is the backup and he was very aggressive targeting McLaurin in the deep passing game last year.

WR Darnell Mooney, CHI - (waiver wire: 25-50%) - Mooney was targeted like a true #1 receiver, and should have had a score to put him into the WR1 scoring ranks for Week 6. Week 7 could be rough against the Patriots, but it appears that Mooney is at fantasy cruising altitude after a rough takeoff.

WR Alec Pierce, IND - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Pierce caught the game-winning score as his usage continues to inch up, his production stays consistent, and the Colts are adopting a pass-heavy offense, at least while Jonathan Taylor is out. Pierce is the downfield threat in this offense and he's gaining more trust by the week.

WR Michael Pittman, IND - Pittman bounced back from a two week lull in fantasy scoring to get fat off of a 58 pass attempt game from Matt Ryan. Jonathan Taylor's return will get this offense back to balance, but the fact that the no huddle offense created success will help Pittman and the pass game volume.

WR Allen Robinson, LAR - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Robinson showed signs of life in Week 6. A score and a few plays that actually looked like the player we remember highlighted the win. Unfortunately, the Rams lost their left tackle and this pass offense has a wider target tree than we anticipated. Robinson is still just depth, but at least worth rostering now.

WR WanDale Robinson, NYG - (waiver wire: 15-30%) - Robinson was a big factor in Week 6 and helped anyone who used him as a desperation play even though he was only in for 15 snaps. He caught three of four targets, looked tough after the catch, and scored. He could become the de facto #1 receiver as he gets healthier and his snap count goes up.

WR Khalil Shakir, BUF - (waiver wire: 1%) - Isaiah McKenzie is having problems staying healthy and holding onto the ball. Don't be surprised if the slot job is Shakir's sooner than later. He's a great stash if you can make room for him on your bench during the bye week gauntlet.

WR Ben Skowronek, LAR - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Skowronek's snap share dropped off a little, but his production went up, thanks to catching all five of his targets and converting an end around for a score. He'll be viable depth in PPR leagues as we go through the bye week gauntlet.

WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, KC - Smith-Schuster finally got free for a long touchdown and had another long catch and run to fuel his best fantasy line as a Chief. He is benefitting from Patrick Mahomes being able to keep plays alive and find him outside of structure, the same way that Ben Roethlisberger did with the Steelers. Start him against the depleted 49ers defense this week.

WR Tyquan Thornton, NE - (waiver wire: 15-30%) - Thornton scored twice and had his highest snap share of the year, although it came with Nelson Agholor out. Agholor or Kendrick Bourne could be dealt, so Thornton's opportunity should continue. The Patriots pass offense is producing value from multiple players right now.

Wide Receiver Downgrade

WR Marquise Brown, ARI - Brown is likely lost for the season with a foot injury. He'll be back with the Cardinals next year on his fifth year option.

WR Randall Cobb, GB - (waiver wire: DROP) - Cobb left with an ankle injury that will likely sideline him for multiple weeks if his despondent reaction is any indication. He can be dropped.

WR Devin Duvernay, BAL - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER) - Duvernay's outlook was so promising entering Week 6, but coming out of Week 6, it's not clear that he's worth a roster spot. The Ravens didn't use him as a runner, Duvernay only converted one of his five targets into a catch, and Rashod Bateman could be back this week.

WR Christian Kirk, JAX - The Jaguars were without Marvin Jones and Jamal Agnew got hurt during the game, but it still did not lead to a big target share for Kirk. He at least got a short score on a play designed to get the ball to him, but it's clear that he's not going to be more than a WR3/Flex at best, and an inconsistent one at that.

WR Drake London, ATL - (waiver wire: HOLD) - As long as the Falcons are competitive, the passing game is going to very low volume, and we can't trust London in our lineups. London looked like a precocious rookie when the Falcons did have to pass more, so don't drop him during this slump.

WR Isaiah McKenzie, BUF - (waiver wire: DROP) - McKenzie's up and down play continued in Week 6. He barely contributed and didn't look good when he was targeted. Rookie Khalil Shakir could overtake him in time as McKenzie hasn't seized the opportunity created by Jamison Crowder's injury.

WR D.J. Moore, CAR - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 15-30% OR HIGHER) - The change to P.J. Walker at quarterback did nothing for Moore, in fact it might have hurt his fantasy stock. You can't put Moore in your lineup, and you probably would need to see him have back-to-back good weeks before trusting him.

WR George Pickens, PIT - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Kenny Pickett left about halfway through the game, so Pickens didn't have a great fantasy outing. In good news, Mitchell Trubisky was actually effective throwing downfield, so Pickens is at least a desperation play if Trubisky starts vs. Miami in Week 7.

WR Curtis Samuel, WAS - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Samuel was a Week 6 dud, along with the rest of the Commanders passing offense. Brian Robinson being ready to handle a larger load and a close game didn't help matters, so hold Samuel until we see if Carson Wentz will miss time and what effect that has on the offense and game scripts.

WR Courtland Sutton, DEN - Sutton was a waste of a lineup spot against the Chargers. The Broncos pass offense is sputtering, and Russell Wilson is getting more injured instead of healthier. Sutton will likely see a lot of Sauce Gardner this week, but with four teams on bye, you probably have to play him.

WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling, KC - (waiver wire: DROP) - Valdes-Scantling followed up his best fantasy game of the season with a goose egg. He's going to be too inconsistent to trust as more than a desperation play

Tight End Upgrade

TE Daniel Bellinger, NYG - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Bellinger was basically a full-time player for the first time this year, and he responded with five catches and a score. The Giants pass offense is in need of help, and even though Bellinger isn't a downfield threat, he's doing enough in a surprisingly functional offense to be worth a streaming play against the Jaguars this week.

TE Greg Dulcich, DEN - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Dulcich responded with a 39-yard touchdown in his debut, which is enough to be a top 10 tight end most weeks. He's worth a pickup and play against the Jets.

TE Jake Ferguson, DAL - (waiver wire: 1%) - Dalton Schultz continues to struggle with a knee issue that made him a surprise scratch on Sunday night. That opening was filled by Ferguson, who scored and looked like a suitable replacement in the passing game. If Schultz is out this week, Ferguson can cover your bye or emergency in his matchup against the Lions.

TE Mike Gesicki, MIA - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Gesicki had his highest snap count of the season, and his target total equaled his combined target total from the last three weeks combined. All he did was score twice and hopefully show the team he should be more involved going forward.

TE Hunter Henry, NE - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Henry was left alone by the Browns for a 31-yard score, and had his best fantasy showing of the season. He had his highest target total of the season and was basically a full-time player for the second straight week even though Jonnu Smith was back and contributing. He looks like a viable low ceiling TE1 as long as this pass offense is humming.

TE Juwan Johnson, NO - (waiver wire: 1%) - Johnson had his highest snap count of the season as Adam Trautman left with an injury. He's a viable bye week coverage/streamer play this week on Thursday against the Cardinals.

TE George Kittle, SF - Kittle is coming on for fantasy, in part because the 49ers defense is banged up and forced the team to play from behind against the Falcons. That is definitely in play for this week against the Chiefs, so Kittle's arrow is pointing up.

TE Dawson Knox, BUF - (waiver wire: 15-30%) - Knox was healthy enough to play 85% of the snaps, and he caught his first score of the season. As long as he's attached to Josh Allen, he's worth a start in fantasy leagues.

TE Cade Otton, TB - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - Cameron Brate left with a neck injury and we can't be sure when he'll return. There was already buzz that the rookie Otton's role was growing, but this injury should make him a starter and viable fantasy play in the Bucs dink and dunk pass offense.

TE Robert Tonyan, GB - (waiver wire: 5-10%) - With Randall Cobb injured, Tonyan became the struggle/frustration target for Aaron Rodgers. It's not clear if that trend will continue, but it makes him worth at least a spot start against Washington and a pickup as one of the few players left that Rodgers trusts in this pass offense.

Tight End Downgrade

TE Cameron Brate, TB - (waiver wire: DROP) - Brate suffered a neck injury against the Steelers and it's not clear when he'll return.

TE Tyler Higbee, LAR - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER) - Higbee was quiet as the Rams got their #3 and #4 receivers more involved in the passing game. The loss of left tackle Joseph Noteboom could also relegate Higbee to more blocking going forward. His window of value is closing.

TE Hayden Hurst, CIN - Hurst faded into the background of the Bengals pass offense with the return of Tee Higgins. He's only a what-the-heck streaming tight end option against the Falcons.

TE Dalton Schultz, DAL - Schultz was a surprise scratch before the Sunday night game. We could come back to him if he's healthy when Dak Prescott returns, but he's not worth a roster spot right now.