9 fantasy football players to learn about now

With Week 6 of the NFL season almost complete, you should know whether or not your fantasy team is contending for a championship. If so, good job; I'm sure you'd appreciate some advice on who to contact about waivers this week. If you're not in the race, it sucks; I'm sure you'd appreciate some advice on who to target so you can ruin your friends' relays or at least avoid the last-place punishment.

The only problem is that this deep into the season, most of this year's breakout stars have already been identified and picked up. It would take an injury or a massive resurgence for someone else to play a big role, as was the case with Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker today. Sure, he was great, but you can't expect this level of production every week, especially with Rachaad White returning.

It can be difficult to find a player worthy of starting, but it's not impossible. Here are nine players you should add before Week 7.

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Week 7 Waiver Wire adds:

*All roster numbers are from Yahoo Sports

TE Zach Ertz, WSH (Listed in 25% of leagues)

The tight end position has been nothing short of abysmal all year. However, if you're looking for someone who can keep you grounded, Ertz is your man. Through six games, Ertz may not have a single game with more than 11 points, but he only has one game with fewer than five. But even in that game, he still got eight goals from quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Washington offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury loved getting Zach Ertz involved when the two worked together in Arizona, and that seems to have carried over to the nation's capital. There may not be a huge boom upside, but Ertz is a very safe option to replace your starter if he's on a bye, or if you play in a multi-FLEX league and need an option to slot in there. He is a versatile and safe player, and that cannot be underestimated in such a volatile fantasy football season.

RB Ty Chandler, MIN (on roster in 27% of leagues)

Vikings starting running back Aaron Jones is dealing with a hip injury. While there is optimism in the Vikings locker room that he can play in Week 7, there is still a good chance he won't be able to compete. If you own Jones, you need Chandler on your bench right now. Even if you don't own Jones, Chandler could be worth a flyer if you have room.

The Vikings play on Sunday, but then have an immediate turnaround with Thursday Night Football against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 8. If Jones can't play on Sunday, there's a chance he won't be able to play on Thursday either. That would be two games for Chandler as the lead back in a potent Minnesota offense. That potential alone makes Chandler worth a waiver shot.

WR DeMario Douglas, NE (on roster in 7% of leagues)

Sometimes a receiver just needs a change at quarterback. During a week with Drake Maye at quarterback, Douglas appears to be the clear top option in New England's offense as he leads all Patriots receivers in targets (9), receptions (6) and yards (92).

While the Patriots will certainly be more run-heavy following Rhamondre Stevenson's return from injury, the potential connection between Maye and Douglas cannot be ignored. Additionally, the game script should often favor a heavy aerial attack, as the Patriots will likely play from behind early and often.

RB Kimani Vidal, LAC (squad in 11% of leagues)

With Gus Edwards sidelined for at least the next three weeks, rookie running back Kimani Vidal got his first chance in today's game against Denver, and he didn't disappoint. His first-ever touchdown in the NFL ended in a touchdown.

While his rushing efficiency could certainly be improved, he hasn't been bad and he's been a factor in the passing game, something the Chargers lacked from their halfbacks early in the season. Additionally, given Dobbins' serious injury history, a bad move could see Vidal play a major role in this offense, one of the most run-heavy in the league.

WR Jalen Tolbert, DAL (on roster in 35% of leagues)

With Brandin Cooks, the Cowboys' No. 2 receiver, on injured reserve, Tolbert has taken on a much larger role in this Dallas offense, arguably surpassing Cooks. Tolbert had 10 scores, seven receptions and a touchdown in his first game without Cooks, and while he was much quieter the following week against Detroit, no one on the Dallas offense could get going in that game. Tolbert still had a few impactful plays and should be someone Prescott continues to rely on in a very pass-heavy offense.

WR Bub Means, NO (Listed in

With Derek Carr out for the next three to four weeks, the Saints will rely on rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler. Rattler wasn't bad against Tampa Bay, and he seemed to have a solid connection with rookie wideout Bub Means. Means tied for the team lead in targets (8) and even caught a touchdown from Rattler. Means certainly isn't worth starting in the near future, but he's something to keep an eye on just in case these newbies form a connection behind the scenes.

QB Caleb Williams, CHI (on roster in 69% of leagues)

Despite being terrible at the start of the year, Williams has really picked up steam lately. Even in unfamiliar territory, Williams scored four touchdowns and looked good doing it in Week 6 against the Jaguars in London.

Williams' strong performances over the past two weeks haven't come against great defenses, so Williams might need to produce a similar performance against someone other than the Panthers and Jaguars before he could be considered a confident starter. From the looks of it, he's definitely worth stocking up on if he's able to keep it up.

WR Josh Downs, IND (on roster in 48% of leagues)

Somehow, Downs is still available in more than half of all leagues. He has put up over 15 PPR points in three straight weeks, scoring at least nine goals in each of those games and scoring two goals during that time. But more than half of all leagues simply give it away. It makes no sense.

While Downs' production will certainly decline when Anthony Richardson returns to center, Downs' production cannot be ignored. He may even have overtaken Michael Pittman Jr. as the Colts' top receiver. At least it's worth starting even with Richardson, Downs in your FLEX.

RB Ray Davis, BUF (on roster in 9% of leagues)

Here's someone you can add right now. If you still have someone, you can remove them. With Buffalo running back James Cook dealing with turf injuries, it is unclear whether he will play on “Monday Night Football” or whether he will be able to play the following week. In his place, rookie Ray Davis and veteran Ty Johnson will handle the bulk of the carries. However, Davis has the edge because he has been used more frequently so far. Additionally, the Bills will want to see what they have in Davis and decide whether or not he can handle being a workhorse. If one of the players takes over Cook's role in the Bills' offense, it will likely be Davis.

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9 fantasy football players to learn about now

ByVanessa

Week 7 Waiver Wire adds:

By Vanessa

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