The quarterback position is starting to get interesting with big stat games on the horizon for different guys.
Week 7 of the NFL season is here and plenty of potential high scorers are on the waiver wire at quarterbacks to give fantasy football players a chance, including Michael Penix Jr., whose Falcons QB room has added a familiar name. The Buccaneers’ Baker Mayfield is among the potential standouts, getting the go-ahead to play this week at Carolina.
The quarterback position doesn’t usually see such talent available near the midway point, but injuries and depth have talented players on the waiver wire up for grabs. Penix Jr. and Mayfield are both in line for strong finishes to the season in an NFC South Division that is wide open.
Meanwhile in New York, Jameis Winston has officially been benched for former Vikings first round pick JJ McCarthy, who is looking to add stability to the quarterback position in the Big Apple.
The waiver wires are loaded with big names, so now is the perfect time to pick up a quarterback before they get caught. Here are the best last-minute streaming picks at the position for Week 7.
Option #1: Baker Mayfield
Undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels surprisingly held down the fort in Tampa Bay in Mayfield’s absence, which is a testament to the program coach Todd Bowles and the supporting cast have built in Tampa Bay.
Daniels threw two interceptions at home against the Steelers in a loss to the Bucs in Week 6. Mayfield is prone to similar mistakes, but he’ll also likely pile up more yards against the Panthers than Daniels did (164) against coach Mike McCarthy’s team.
Chris Godwin Jr., Emeka Egbuka and Bucky Irving are well aware of the Bucs’ starter tendencies which means Mayfield could have a big day in Week 7 at Carolina. The Panthers have a high-powered offense, but Mayfield has the firepower to keep up with him that could lead to big numbers.
Option #2: Geno Smith
Smith’s Jets aren’t as bad as most people think and they have a unique matchup this week against the Miami Dolphins at home. Rookie Omar Cooper Jr. put up big stats with 103 receiving yards and a touchdown in Week 6 against the New England Patriots on the road and could double those numbers against a hapless Miami team.
Smith still has enough arm strength, awareness and fight to be a solid fantasy option against bad teams and he’s likely available in most leagues making him a solid Week 7 fantasy football streaming option.
Option #3: JJ McCarthy
McCarthy had an insane Giants debut with 243 passing yards in one quarter. He looked foaming at the mouth coming into a game and made the most of his opportunities, ripping off passes to Malik Nabors and Isaiah Malamang among others.
The Giants’ running game is a mess amid problems with Cam Skattebo, with Skattebo potentially in line for more playing time. McCarthy showed great running skills during his Giants debut, hitting the Saints up the middle for a big gain.
Expect McCarthy’s designed runs and maybe even some read options or pitches to Skattebo to be part of the plan in Week 7. McCarthy will likely make mistakes but he could easily put up over 200 yards and three touchdowns against the Texans if all goes according to plan against his former college rival CJ Stroud.
Option #4: Tanner McKee
McKee’s Eagles are in a world of hurt but they get a reasonable home matchup against the hated Dallas Cowboys that gives Nick Sirianni’s team a chance to regain favor with the fans.
Saquon Barkley and DeVonta Smith are key to the Eagles offense and both were hurt entering the game. McKee and the Eagles have the kind of defense that can make life miserable for Dak Prescott and give McKee short fields to work with in a prime time game.
The Cowboys are coming off a rough loss to the Packers in Green Bay and look like a beaten team. They struggled in prime time, and McKee has enough talent around him to make Dallas’ defense better.
McKee is a bit of a gamble but he could be a great play depending on the health status of his arms heading into Week 7 of fantasy football action.
Option #5: Michael Penix Jr.
The Falcons get the undefeated San Francisco 49ers at home in Week 7 and have a chance to spoil Kyle Shanahan and Brock Purdy’s party. The Falcons led by Penix Jr. have shown flashes of brilliance this season but injuries and bad luck have taken their toll.
Penix Jr. was nicked up this year but he came through and now has a chance to remind fans why he is one of college football’s best QBs and a first round pick. Penix Jr. can have big games. and Bijan Robinson, with Drake London, producing Penix Jr. and intriguing streaming option this week.
Week 7 of the NFL season is here and there are plenty of potential high scorers lurking on the waiver wire at quarterbacks for fantasy football players to take a chance, including Michael Penix Jr. , whose Falcons QB room has added a familiar name. The Buccaneers’ Baker Mayfield is among the potential standouts, getting the go-ahead to play this week at Carolina.