Here are some players to consider picking up this week, if available, to get ahead of the other managers in your league. These players include potential bye-week fill-ins, players returning from injury, and defenses to consider in advance.
Week 7 Byes: Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens
We only have two teams on bye this week, but this is when you need to prep yourself for Week 8, where six teams are on a bye. Make sure you have a full lineup for Week 8 before this week kicks off.
Beat the Waiver Wire: No-Brainers
In most leagues, these guys aren't available. But if you're fortunate enough to see them on the waiver wire, grab them.
QB Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks (55% rostered on Sleeper)
Sam Darnold has proved us all wrong, as he is currently the QB11 on the season, boasting a phenomenal QB1 performance in Week 5 against Tampa Bay. No matter the matchup, Darnold can be plugged into your lineup, especially as this Seahawks team is eyeing the top of the NFC West.
Beat the Waiver Wire: Quarterbacks
QB Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons (25% rostered on Sleeper)
This week is manageable with byes. Next week is not, and there is a big chance you will be down a quarterback. Enter Michael Penix Jr. and the Falcons, who get the Miami Dolphins in Week 8. Miami has currently given up 2.8 fantasy points over expectation to the QB position, and Atlanta is looking strong. Penix has already had his bye week, and Atlanta's remaining schedule for QBs is the eighth-best overall.
QB Jacoby Brissett, Arizona Cardinals (3% rostered on Sleeper)
Brissett had a great outing filling in for Kyler Murray on Sunday, who was out with a foot injury (a version of a Lisfranc injury). Brissett finished with 320 yards and two touchdowns in the loss to Indianapolis. At the end of Sunday, he was the QB3. Brissett managed this line without Marvin Harrison Jr. for the majority of the game due to a concussion, and it is uncertain if Murray could miss more games. The team has a bye week in Week 8, but has good QB matchups sandwiching it.
Just a reminder to check your waiver wire for: Aaron Rodgers (37%)