Fantasy Football 2018: Waiver wire targets for Week 7
By Donnie Druin
Running Backs
Duke Johnson at Tampa Bay
2018 stats: 19 attempts, 111 yards (5.8 ypc), 14 receptions, 164 yards
ESPN Ownership: 44.7 percent
Johnson finds himself at an astonishing 44.7 percent ownership in ESPN leagues not due to his poor play, but extreme lack of usage by the Browns. Great things have happened when the ball is in his hands, yet Carlos Hyde and Nick Chubb take claim to most backfield snaps, leaving Johnson mainly valuable in passing situations.
Thankfully for Cleveland, the team heads to Tampa Bay for what hopes to be an offensive shootout, leaving promise for the Browns to utilize Johnson the proper way. Despite a crowded backfield, there’s still plenty to like from him off the waivers. Take your chances and seek a spot for Johnson, who has a favorable schedule and the best PPR appeal out of Cleveland’s backfield.
Javorius Allen vs. New Orleans
2018 stats: 35 attempts, 97 yards, 3 TD, 24 receptions, 149 yards, 1 TD
ESPN Ownership: 56.7 percent
If you loved the previous paragraphs about an AFC North running back who’s best utilized in the passing game but shares a backfield, boy you are in for a treat. Javorius “Buck” Allen is Baltimore’s go-to guy in the passing attack, yet was limited in a tough contest against the Titans last week when the Ravens opted to move through the ground.
Luckily for Allen, the Saints stroll into Baltimore with one of the most potent offenses in the league, leaving a lot of potential for the Ravens to go to their passing attack early and often. Allen has hit double-digit scoring in all but two weeks this season, and with all signs pointing to a pass-heavy Sunday, Allen should stay on track to replicate his season-long success.