Fantasy football is back! We bring you our weekly list of players who might be potential waiver wire busts or who have downside. Some of these players may appear in our waiver wire suggestions, but this list is designed to point out factors that could affect or limit their production.
Fantasy football waiver wire advice, Week 7: Hot players with potential downside
Fantasy football is back! So are injuries and now bye weeks, though, so you may be looking for a short-term fix or a long-term solution. There are some players who are hot on the waiver wire lists who could have some potential downside. We bring you the top-five list here.
Adam Bettcher
RB Jerick McKinnon — Minnesota Vikings (owned in 37 percent of all leagues): Minnesota Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon finally started over Matt Asiata in Week 6 and was a factor in the running game as well as receiving. He finished with 11 carries for 40 yards and six receptions for 42 yards. It was his best game since Week 4 against the Atlanta Falcons where he finished with 152 all purpose yards. The Vikings offense isn't consistent, which is expected behind a rookie quarterback like Teddy Bridgewater. New head coach Mike Zimmer also called out his players including Cordarrelle Patterson after the Week 6 loss to the Lions. Despite the talent, McKinnon will remain a risky play until things settle down in Minnesota.
RB Antone Smith — Atlanta Falcons (owned in 28 percent of all leagues): Atlanta Falcons running back Antone Smith had another good outing in Week 6 where he did his damage primarily in the passing game. Smith only rushed twice for five yards but caught all four of his targets for 64 yards and a touchdown. After Week 5, Falcons head coach Mike Smith suggested Smith deserved more action but he only saw six touches. Until the Falcons becomes serious about utilizing Smith he will remain a boom or bust play.
RB Brandon Bolden — New England Patriots (owned in 2 percent of all leagues): New England Patriots running back Brandon Bolden's stock is on the rise with the injury news to Stevan Ridley who will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury. Bolden got opportunities in 2013 with Ridley's fumbling issues but didn't do a ton of damage. Bolden is also a core special teams player for the Patriots and the backfield is difficult to predict right now. Rookie running back James White could also be in the mix.
WR Brandon LaFell — New England Patriots (owned in 7 percent of all leagues): New England Patriots wide receiver Brandon LaFell caught four passes for 97 yards and two touchdowns in the Week 6 win over the Buffalo Bills. LaFell made the most of his six targets, and it was his best game as a Patriot. The Patriots surprisingly seem unclear about their offensive identity and LaFell will battle Tim Wright, Julian Edelman and Aaron Dobson for targets. LaFell won't be more than a desperation play in most leagues.
WR Malcom Floyd — San Diego Chargers (owned in 23 percent of all leagues): San Diego Chargers wide receiver Malcom Floyd caught five passes for 103 yards and a touchdown in the Week 6 win over the Oakland Raiders. The elder statesmen of the Chargers wide receiver corp leads the team in receiving yards but is fourth in both targets and receptions. He will compete this season with talented young players like fellow wide receiver Keenan Allen, running back Branden Oliver and tight end Ladarius Green. It is unlikely he will retain his top spot by the end of the year.
