Written by George Haraktsis
Quarterbacks
Mitchell Trubisky, Chicago Bears (32.8% owned)
Trubisky makes this list after another solid fantasy outing against the Dolphins. In his last two games, Trubisky has thrown for 9 touchdowns and only one interception and has scored 70.8 fantasy points combined. He has at least 32 rushing yards in three of his five games, and has been throwing the ball downfield more effectively. He should be a high-end QB2 with QB1 potential against a Patriots defense that just gave up 40 points to the Chiefs. He has long-term potential and should be rostered on any quarterback needy teams.
Running Backs
Frank Gore, Miami Dolphins (11.7% owned)
Adam Gase clearly has a vendetta against Kenyan Drake, but that has boded very well for the few Frank Gore owners out there. Gore totaled 101 rushing yards against the league’s best defense on 15 carries. He will still split carries with Drake but this time-share will keep Gore fresh and effective. After Drake’s fumble on the one yard line on Sunday in overtime, Gore could be in position for more goal-line work. He has flex potential to go along with his top handcuff designation.
Marlon Mack, Indianapolis Colts (26.3% owned)
Mack was tabbed as the Colts’ starting running back going into the season, but a hamstring injury has hindered his availability all year. He seems to be over the soft-tissue issue after compiling 89 yards on 12 attempts and provided a level of elusiveness that has been missing with Jordan Wilkins as the lead rusher. He is now at the forefront of viable running back options in the Colts backfield and has the potential to emerge as a lead back in an offense that needs a number one. If you’re looking for an option on the waiver with the biggest potential, Mack is that guy.
Wide Receivers
Paul Richardson, Washington Redskins (25.4% owned)
After signing with the ‘Skins in the offseason, Richardson has failed to make an impact on an offense searching for a wide receiving threat. But if Jamison Crowder and Chris Thompson continue to miss time, Richardson could be pushed into more opportunity. He’s a big play threat whose only competition, with Thompson and Crowder out, are TE’s Reed and Davis. He may not develop into a consistent threat week after week but has WR3 and flex potential.
Taylor Gabriel, Chicago Bears (32.6% owned)
Gabriel leads the Bears in catches and receiving yards with 27 and 303, respectively. He has back to back 100-yard outings and has emerged as Trubisky’s favorite option with 32 targets and has cemented himself as more than the team deep threat. He has a potentially high scoring matchup against the Patriots next week where Trubisky might have to air it out to the speedy receiver. He should continue to be a serviceable flex option if Trubisky continues to look his way.
Christian Kirk, Arizona Cardinals (13.9% owned)
Is Christian Kirk Arizona’s new WR1? He has the numbers for it, leading the Cardinals in receptions and yards at this moment. The switch to Josh Rosen has clearly benefited Kirk the most as the two seem to be building a strong rapport. In Rosen’s last two starts, Kirk has averaged 4.5 receptions, 81 yards and 5.5 targets and .5 touchdowns. He should continue to see looks as Rosen gets more comfortable in the offense and should be viewed as deeper-league PPR flex with the potential to emerge as his offense grows.
Tight Ends
C.J. Uzomah, Cincinnati Bengals (15.4% owned)
The tight end position has been an enigma this year, which is why someone like Uzomah has made this list. With Eifert out, Uzomah has garnered more looks in the Bengals offense and should continue to do so after a 7 target, 6 catch performance for 54 yards against the Steelers. In week 7 the Bengals face the Chiefs, who don’t exactly posses lockdown corners and safeties on their defense. They are 30th in the league against tight ends in fantasy football and Uzomah should continue to put up solid numbers against such an awful defense. Even past this favorable matchup, Uzomah should be a solid option from here on out.
Ricky Seals-Jones, Arizona Cardinals (16.0% owned)
RSJ has been one of Josh Rosen’s favorite options over the last three weeks with 15 targets. In three of his past four games, Seals-Jones has either topped 50 yards receiving or scored a touchdown. He faces Denver this Thursday, whose defense is 29th in fantasy points against the TE position. Ricky should be considered a streaming option this week with starter potential. him if you’ve had trouble getting consistency out of your TEs.
Defense/Special Teams
Indianapolis Colts (7.1% owned)
The Colts defense has not been great this year. They have zero double-digit outings and have scored 3 fantasy points combined over the last three weeks. During that same span, they’ve allowed 35 points on average to opposing offenses, so they’re not exactly the Steel Curtain. This week they face the Bills, who are last in the league in fantasy points given up to opposing defenses, and potentially have to start Nathan Peterman/Derek Anderson at quarterback with Josh Allen exiting last week’s game due to injury. Peterman is a turnover machine and should give the Colts plenty of fantasy points to work with. They don’t have much fantasy appeal after this week, but should be a great one-week fill-in for anyone who is looking for it.