Each Monday, before the current NFL week ends, we will identify players worthy of your attention who are available in at least 50% of ESPN standard leagues. Things change quickly for player valuation and roles each week in the NFL, and free agency is a critical way to acquire players. We are here to help!
Top pickup options at every position
Looking for the top recommendation at each skill position? Look no further! Here are the players to target heading into Week 7, along with their current roster percentages and a recommendation of how much of your free agent budget (FAB) you should consider using for your bid.
C.J. Stroud, QB, Texans (43.8% rostered, bid 5% of your FAB)
For the third consecutive game, Stroud scored 20 fantasy points. Sunday's performance -- in London during a win against the first-place Jacksonville Jaguars -- was the most impressive of the three. Stroud threw for 312 yards and three touchdowns. With a healthy WR Nico Collins leading the Texans offense, Stroud should keep thriving and perhaps even challenge for fantasy QB1 status. He is averaging 18.7 points, sixth among QBs. The Texans face the New York Giants in Week 7.
Note: Buffalo Bills star Josh Allen, Washington Commanders starter Jayden Daniels, Jaguars star Trevor Lawrence and Los Angeles Chargers struggler Justin Herbert (whom you should be dropping) are on a bye for Week 7. If you wish to plan for Week 8's byes, Stroud, MVP candidate Brock Purdy and Tyler Shough will not be playing.
Is Kendre Miller ready to take over in the Saints backfield? Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images Kendre Miller, RB, Saints (33.2%, 2% FAB) Miller scored nine points for the second consecutive game, although this one was a more positive outing since he saw 20 rushing attempts and turned them into 70 rushing yards. Yes, wily veteran Alvin Kamara scored on a long TD reception, but it's clear the Saints are keeping his volume low. Miller seems safe for rushing attempts. The Saints face the Pittsburgh Steelers this week.
Germie Bernard, WR, Steelers (44.4%, 7% FAB)
Bernard, the second-round selection from Alabama, was featured in this column one week ago and he swiftly rose from 3% rostered to his current mark. This should be the last week Bernard is available in more than 50% of leagues, especially after he caught 11 passes for 87 yards and a touchdown in Pittsburgh's overtime win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This rookie is potentially special and he should keep his target share even when other Steelers WRs return to health.