The fantasy regular season is nearing the halfway point, and injuries continue to create lineup problems. If your roster needs help, we’re here to find some answers.
There are also streaming kickers and defenses to add, plus underperforming players that you can consider dropping.
(These guys are generally available in at least 70% of ESPN leagues. Your bid should vary by format and situation. Need help at RB? Prioritize that position. All set there? Then you probably don’t need to chase the top guys.)
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Immediate Help
Keenan Allen, WR, Indianapolis Colts
Blind Bid Recommendation: 10-15%
What Changed?
Keenan Allen finished last week with a season-high 28.9% target share, leading all Colts pass catchers. It’s the second straight week he’s tied or held the team lead, pushing his season target share to a team-high 22.9%.
He also accounted for 104 air yards to rank 17th among all WRs in Week 6. It marked his first game with at least 100 air yards since joining QB Daniel Jones and flashed the Colts’ desire to target him in a variety of ways.
What’s the Outlook?
Allen benefited from TE Tyler Warren missing Week 6 with a groin injury, but he has caught 5+ balls in four of his five games this season. In games Warren has played, Allen has commanded a 21.2% target share compared to WR Josh Downs’ 20.5%.
After his latest 16.2 PPR-point performance against the Titans, Allen is up to 10.9 PPR points per game to rank 35th among WRs for the season.
WR Alec Pierce’s return from his heel injury lies in the near future with next week being the earliest he’s eligible. But that shouldn’t deter Allen’s production too much. Pierce will reclaim his role from Laquon Treadwell, who has quietly played full time on the other side.
Allen tied Pierce for the team lead with a 20.7% target share in Week 1, the only full game they’ve played together so far. Warren accounted for a 17.2% share in that contest. Allen also operated in a different area of the field with a 7.3-yard average depth of target compared to Pierce’s 17.2.
Allen remains projected as the team’s WR1 facing a Vikings defense in Week 7 that’s allowed the fifth-fewest points to WRs.
Deep-League Options
J.J. McCarthy, QB, New York Giants
Blind Bid Recommendation: 3-5%
What Changed?
J.J. McCarthy took over for struggling QB Jameis Winston in the fourth quarter of the Giants’ 34-27 loss to the Saints. The third-year QB settled in after throwing an INT on his fourth pass attempt, completing 10 of his remaining 17 attempts to finish with 243 yards and a TD.
That landed McCarthy inside the top 12 for Week 6 despite playing just one quarter.
What’s the Outlook?
The Giants have yet to name their Week 7 starter as of this writing, but it’s tough to envision going back to Winston. He tossed 4 INTs over just the past three games and then nearly watched McCarthy engineer a big comeback.
Of course, McCarthy didn’t fare well in his first starting shot. He ranked 26th in fantasy points per game and 43rd in adjusted yards per pass attempt (4.3). But his 10.4 adjusted YPA in his Giants debut set a career high and offers some encouragement.
He connected with top targets WR Malik Nabers and TE Isaiah Likely a combined seven times for 146 yards and a TD.
If McCarthy gets the Week 7 start, he’d face a Texans defense allowing the sixth-most passing yards. That plus his impressive play in Week 6 is enough to settle McCarthy into low-QB2 range of our Week 7 rankings. After a Week 8 bye comes a similar spot against the Eagles, who have allowed the seventh-most passing yards.
Tanner McKee, QB, Philadelphia Eagles
Blind Bid Recommendation: 3-5%
What Changed?
Tanner McKee made his first start of the season with QB Jalen Hurts sidelined by blood clots. He completed 26 of 46 passes for 215 yards and a TD, finishing as a low-end QB2 in a Week 6 matchup against a soft Panthers defense.
Hurts will now likely miss the rest of the season, leaving McKee slated as the Eagles QB1.
What’s the Outlook?
Week 6 marked the third start of McKee’s career but the first time he started a non-Week 18 game.
Across his three starts, McKee has averaged 241.7 passing yards and 1.3 TDs along with 0.3 INTs on 42.0 pass attempts per game.
McKee is averaging 14.4 fantasy points across his three career starts, which would rank as the QB23 this season, leaving him strictly as a superflex option.
There’s upside the next two weeks, though. First comes a Cowboys defense that’s allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to QBs, then a Washington D allowing the second-most. If McKee’s going to offer fantasy value at any point, we should see it over these two games.
Bam Knight, RB, Arizona Cardinals
Blind Bid Recommendation: 3-5%
What Changed?
Bam Knight went for a season-high 11.8 PPR points against the Rams with RB Jeremiyah Love out with an ankle injury.
He handled 15 carries for a team-high 80 yards and added 18 yards on 2 receptions, ranking as an RB2 in Week 6.
What’s the Outlook?
Knight trailed Tyler Allgeier’s 51.4% to 42.9% in carry share but outproduced Allgeier 80-38 in yards. Knight also outpaced Allgeier 18-10 in receiving yards on equal 5.9% target shares.
Knight hasn’t gotten more than 11.8% of carries in any game Love has played. That could be his reality again as soon as next week if the rookie returns from his ankle injury.
But if Love were to miss more time, Knight has shown the ability to produce. He’s accounted for at least 10 rush attempts in 11 career games, producing 50 yards or a TD in seven of those.
He faces a Broncos defense in Week 7 that’s allowed the seventh-most points to RBs with Love’s status up in the air, making him a stash for deep leagues.
Demario Douglas, WR, New England Patriots
Blind Bid Recommendation: 5-8%
What Changed?
Demario Douglas saw a season-high 8 targets, catching 7 for 86 yards and a TD in a win over the Jets.
He’s now coming off his two highest-scoring performances of the season, producing 22.5 and 19.6 PPR points to finish as a WR1 in Week 5 and Week 6.
The Patriots have since placed WR Romeo Doubs on IR after he left the game with a shoulder injury. WR Mack Hollins was already there with a calf injury, leaving room for Douglas to be the No. 2 WR.
What’s the Outlook?
QB Drake Maye has rebounded from a rough start to average 292.7 yards (ninth in the league) and 3.3 TDs (first) per game over the past three weeks.
Douglas, in turn, has gone from WR98 in PPR points per game over the first four weeks to a WR7 ranking over the past two weeks.
Douglas slots in as the Patriots’ No. 2 WR behind A.J. Brown, who had a shaky Week 6 return. He caught just 3 of a team-high 10 targets.
New England faces a Bears defense in Week 7 that’s allowing the 14th-most points to WRs.
Chig Okonkwo, TE, Washington Commanders
Blind Bid Recommendation: 5-10%
What Changed?
Okonkwo’s volume ticked up following Terry McLaurin’s season-ending knee injury Monday night against the 49ers. The first-year Commander saw a team-high 7 targets, snagging all of them for 69 yards.
What’s the Outlook?
Okonkwo’s 87% route rate could become permanent. Recall that the team signed him to a three-year deal with $16.7 million guaranteed in free agency.
His early-season momentum was slowed by a hamstring injury that cost him two games. But his route rate already got a boost in the Week 5 contest Stefon Diggs missed:
- Week 1: 56.1%
- Week 4 (back from injury): 59.1%
- Week 5: 69.2%
A poor Commanders run game that just placed Jacory Croskey-Merritt on IR adds potential for more passing volume. Through six games, they rank 28th in rushing success rate.
That could help Okonkwo overcome the sixth-toughest TE strength of schedule following his Week 7 bye. Stash him if you’re needy at the position beyond this week or need another potential flex option.
Michael Mayer, TE, Las Vegas Raiders
Blind Bid Recommendation: 5-10%
What Changed?
Despite a healthy Brock Bowers, Mayer has finished as a top-8 fantasy TE in two of the past three weeks. That includes Sunday’s season-best TE6 finish against Buffalo on 7 catches, 95 yards, and a 21.9% target share.
What’s the Outlook?
Mayer’s growing sample is becoming harder to ignore, and we’re buying his value as a fantasy spot-starter.
Las Vegas ranks 10th in pass attempts per game and pass rate over expected, plus sixth in situation-neutral pace. That creates enough volume for Mayer to remain useful, especially with Kirk Cousins holding up better than expected. Among 29 QBs with 100+ attempts, Cousins sits 12th in yards per attempt and 18th in completion rate.
Mayer’s not likely to deliver consistent production, as we’ve seen across four games since Bowers returned:
Mayer sits fourth among Raiders in target share for the season, which underscores his volatility. But he also ranks 18th among all TEs in that category. That’s enough to give him spot-starter upside and make him a flex consideration in deeper leagues (especially TE-premium).
Upside Stashes
Omar Cooper Jr., WR, New York Jets
Blind Bid Recommendation: 5-10%
What Changed?
Cooper returned from an ankle injury to post 6 catches, 103 yards, and 1 score in just his second career game.
His usage was encouraging, as he led the Jets with a 24.1% target share and posted an 85.7% route rate.
What’s the Outlook?
It’s worth noting that Cooper went off with Adonai Mitchell sidelined. Mitchell hasn’t played since Week 2 after undergoing what HC Aaron Glenn called a “small procedure” on his finger.
There’s no firm timetable on his return, although he didn’t practice at all ahead of Week 6. That might mean Mitchell will need another week to heal up, though returning to the field will likely mean his repaired finger is ready.
Even when he returns, the team may keep Cooper in a near full-time role after Sunday’s performance. Also recall that the team traded up to secure Cooper with the 30th overall pick.
The season-long WR strength of schedule doesn’t look great, but it’s not reason to get you off Cooper. Miami is still a positive scoring matchup in Week 7, while Vegas and Buffalo also give him favorable draws over the next three weeks.
Geno Smith’s positive play is another reason to stash Cooper. The QB ranks top-12 in completion rate (68.9%) and yards per attempt (7.5).
Terrance Ferguson, TE, Los Angeles Rams
Blind Bid Recommendation: 5-10%
What Changed?
Davante Adams will miss about two months with a hamstring injury. That removes a 21.4% target share through his five full games.
What’s the Outlook?
Ferguson remains on IR because of an ankle sprain, but HC Sean McVay said earlier this month that the second-year TE will be “ready to go” after the four-week absence.
That puts him on track to return for Week 8. After a Chargers matchup that’s been negative for TEs, the Rams get the sixth-best remaining TE strength of schedule.
Before going down, Ferguson registered a 6-54-1 Week 2 line against the Giants. His target share: a massive 30.0%.
We’ll see how quickly he gets back to his pre-injury form, but the talent and opportunity are enough to make him a worthwhile stash if you need TE help.
Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, Baltimore Ravens
Blind Bid Recommendation: 5-10%
What Changed?
Rashod Bateman left Week 6 with a shoulder injury. HC Jesse Minter downplayed it, but that doesn’t guarantee Bateman will suit up for Week 7.
Lane showed enough to warrant some fantasy attention, especially in light of his deafening summer buzz. Lane returned from a wrist fracture to catch 4 of 5 targets for 40 yards and draw a 16.1% target share from backup QB Tyler Huntley.
What’s the Outlook?
Lane could eventually push past Bateman for the No. 2 WR role even if the veteran’s shoulder issue proves minor. That possibility becomes more interesting with Lamar Jackson expected back within the next two weeks.
Through four games, Jackson had posted elite marks in yards per attempt (10.0), completion rate (70.8%), and completion rate over expected (+9.6%).
You shouldn’t be grabbing Lane with plans to start him against Cincinnati this week, unless you have a needy lineup in a deep league. We’re stashing the upside rookie to see if he can grow his role over the second half and enter the flex — or even WR3 — mix.
A second straight lackluster season for TE Mark Andrews helps the available opportunity.
Antonio Williams, WR, Washington Commanders
Blind Bid Recommendation: 3-8%
What Changed?
Terry McLaurin suffered a season-ending knee injury in Monday’s loss to the 49ers.
Williams posted a 74% route rate, second among Commanders WRs, while finishing third with a 9% target share. He turned that into 3 catches for 50 yards and added a deep end-zone target.
What’s the Outlook?
Losing McLaurin puts Williams in line for a more consistent role. The 74% route rate on Sunday was a noticeable jump up from his 53% mark over the first five weeks.
The Week 7 bye should help keep Williams’ price down, giving you a chance to add him near the low end of our FAAB range. After the bye, he gets an underperforming Eagles secondary and a slightly positive schedule the rest of the way.
Chris Rodriguez, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Blind Bid Recommendation: 3-5%
What Changed?
Rodriguez entered the Week 6 London game with a low 22% carry share for the season, but that number jumped to 48% against Houston.
Rodriguez earned the extra work with 5.0 yards per carry on his 11 attempts, plus five missed tackles forced.
What’s the Outlook?
We’d bet against a near-even split going forward. Bhayshul Tuten managed only 3.3 yards per carry on his limited sample, but that shouldn’t overshadow what’s been a strong start to the year.
Among 33 RBs with 50+ attempts, he ranks fifth in missed tackles forced per attempt and 10th in yards after contact per attempt. He’s also out-targeting Rodriguez 14-2 on the season.
Rodriguez’s value remains contingent on a Tuten injury, though you could steal a TD in a given week if forced to use Rodriguez to cover byes. He has scored twice this season and narrowly trails Tuten in red-zone rushing share: 52.8% to 43.1%.
Dylan Sampson, RB, Cleveland Browns
Blind Bid Recommendation: 3-5%
What Changed?
Sampson remained sidelined by a knee injury in Week 6, but there’s a chance for him to return this Sunday. He put in limited practices on Thursday and Friday.
Meanwhile, Quinshon Judkins missed Week 6 with an ankle injury.
What’s the Outlook?
Judkins tested the ankle in pregame warmups last Sunday, which could point to him being ready for Week 7. But Sampson should return to his No. 2 role when healthy, which would give him a path to leading the backfield if Judkins aggravates the ankle.
Judkins’ sluggish start to the season also leaves room for Sampson to siphon some work. The starter has managed just 1.77 yards after contact per attempt to rank 31st among 33 RBs with 50+ carries. His 3.0 yards per carry also ranks 31st.
Sampson was the superior receiver between them in 2025, posting 8.2 yards per catch and 2 TDs on 33 receptions.
Konata Mumpfield, WR, Los Angeles Rams
Blind Bid Recommendation: 1-2%
What Changed?
The Rams lost Davante Adams (hamstring) for 6-10 weeks. That’ll boost Mumpfield’s usage in a thin WR corps that includes Jordan Whittington, Xavier Smith, and Tutu Atwell (a healthy scratch on Sunday).
What’s the Outlook?
The Rams played Week 3 with no Puka Nacua and lost TE Terrance Ferguson before halftime. Mumpfield finished that game second among WRs with a 75% route rate and a 17% target share, notching 4 catches, 93 yards, and his second career TD.
The second-year pro didn’t hit the league as a Round 7 pick but has quietly given us some hope that he can help in deeper formats. Among 120 WRs with 200+ routes since the start of 2025, Mumpfield ranks 12th in Fantasy Points’ separation score and 41st in win rate.
His usage to date makes him the Rams WR likely to benefit most from Adams’ absence. That makes Mumpfield worth a look if you play in a league of 14+ teams or a smaller league with deeper lineups.
Injuries to Note
Top RB Handcuffs
- Blake Corum, Rams
- Emmett Johnson, Chiefs
- Kaelon Black, 49ers
- Brian Robinson Jr., Falcons
- Braelon Allen, Jets
- Chris Rodriguez, Jaguars
- Samaje Perine, Bengals
- Sione Vaki, Lions
- Ray Davis, Bills
- Mike Washington Jr., Raiders
Top Streaming Defense
Browns (vs. Titans)
33.1% Rostered
The Browns draw a strong streaming matchup against a Titans offense that continues to struggle. Cam Ward has thrown an INT in four straight games, while Tennessee sits 32nd in passing yards and 30th in passing TDs.
Cleveland has generated 3+ sacks in five straight games and allowed just one opponent to reach 20 points over that span.
The Browns offer plenty of sack and turnover upside against an opponent carrying the week’s lowest implied total at 16.75 points.
Top Streaming Kickers
- Ryan Fitzgerald, Panthers
- Trey Smack, Packers
- Nick Folk, Falcons
Drop Candidates
Bo Nix, Broncos
Nix is still owned in 66% of Yahoo leagues, but he’s yet to prove he’s worth putting in starting lineups. He’s finished at QB19, QB27, and QB29 over his past three outings.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Commanders
The Commanders placed Croskey-Merritt on IR Monday, sidelining him for at least four games. He wasn’t seeing enough work to justify holding through the injury, with a 55% carry share that ranked 24th among RBs through four healthy games.
MarShawn Lloyd, Packers
Josh Jacobs might make his season debut this week against the Lions. Either way, Lloyd hasn’t been a dependable fantasy option with an average of 20.3 rushing yards per game and a high of 37 (in Week 1). Last week, he was out-carried 11-8 by Pierre Strong.
Najee Harris, Giants
Harris made sense as a fantasy bench stash while Cam Skattebo battled through three early-season fumbles. But Harris was cut on Tuesday after complaining about his role.
Keep Skattebo rostered through the week in case he gets another crack at the lead role.
Romeo Doubs, Patriots
A shoulder injury sent Doubs to IR this week. With A.J. Brown back and Doubs struggling to produce consistently, you can safely move on.