5 Players To Stash Ahead of Week 7 (Ep. 1782)

Summary

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FantasyPros – Fantasy Football Podcast

Episode: 5 Players To Stash Ahead of Week 7 (Ep. 1782)

Host: Lucas Wentzel
Date: October 18, 2025

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Episode Overview

This episode is all about beating your fantasy football league to the punch by identifying five high-upside players to stash before Week 7 waivers. Lucas Wentzel breaks down emerging opportunities and strategic waiver wire moves, focusing on players rostered in under 30% of leagues who could see breakout opportunities due to injury, changing team dynamics, or upcoming schedule advantages.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Importance of Stashing Players

• Lucas Wentzel (00:33):
  “The most strategic ways you could continue to improve your fantasy football roster isn't just by making trades or adding players off the waiver wire after a week... it's actually stashing them before they break out.”
• The hosts emphasize that savvy fantasy owners get ahead not just by reacting, but by anticipating value before others catch on.
• Example given of recent breakouts like Kymani Vidal and Woody Marks as league-winners for proactive managers.

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1. Luther Burden, WR – Chicago Bears

Rostered in 28% of leagues
Segment: 01:31–03:30

• “Luther Burden... needs to be rostered in way more than 28% of leagues, and I'm honestly shocked his roster ship didn't skyrocket after Monday Night Football.” (Lucas Wentzel, 01:47)
• Stats highlights:
  • 4 receptions, 51 yards after the bye
  • 3.92 yards per route (8th among WRs last week)
  • 31% target rate on routes run (13th among WRs)
• Opportunity: Low snap share (23%) is due to team usage, not talent.
• Key context: DJ Moore’s injury could open up more snaps and targets.
• “I wouldn't be surprised if the Bears actually take it slow with [DJ Moore’s] recovery, considering they do have Luther Burden...” (02:41)
• Upcoming schedule: Saints, Ravens, Bengals, Giants—all favorable for WRs (“Top 12 in fantasy points per game allowed to WRs this season,” 03:05)
• Advice: Stash before the breakout; ideal upside pickup if Moore’s injury lingers.

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2. Jaden Higgins, WR – Houston Texans

Rostered in 24% of leagues
Segment: 03:30–05:12

• Rookie coming off the bye, team needs playmakers behind Nico Collins.
• Last game:
  • Season-high 56% snaps, 4/4 targets for 32 yards
  • 25% target rate on routes run
• Lucas predicts more usage after bye: “I want to chase the rookie bump on an offense that desperately needs another playmaker...” (03:41)
• Beat writers and Texans’ GM are bullish: “It seems like when you throw him the ball, he catches it. Something positive happens then.” (Texans GM Nick Caserio, 04:50)
• Advice: Not a hot name yet, but stash now to get ahead of the breakout “when your league mates will start to notice” (04:59).

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3. Tez Johnson, WR – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Rostered in 18% of leagues
Segment: 05:12–06:48

• “The injury woes man in this Buccaneers wide receiver room right now are just something else.” (Lucas, 05:17)
• Multiple Buccaneers WRs are out or questionable (Mike Evans, Mecha Igbuka, Chris Godwin). Johnson played a season-high 72% of snaps last game due to injuries.
• Out-snapped veteran depth options: “Sterling Shepard and Cameron Johnson only played 49% of snaps compared to that.” (06:09)
• Short-term opportunity, with potential for longer if injuries persist—"This is definitely a short term stash with long term potential." (06:34)
• Advice: Priority add for teams needing immediate help, with upside if injuries stretch into future weeks.

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4. Jordan Whittington, WR – Los Angeles Rams

Rostered in 7% of leagues
Segment: 06:51–08:29

• Highly dependent on Puka Nacua’s health ("It’s 100% possible... Rams could take things cautiously here as well." 07:11)
• Whittington led Rams in snaps after Puka exited last week (49/53).
• “As of the recording ... we don’t have a clear timeline [for Puka].” (07:29)
• Reminds listeners of previous situations where Rams underplayed injury timelines.
• Previous year: Whittington had 8 and 10 target games when filling in for injured starters.
• “I want to chase upside in the Rams offense that clearly has capacity to support multiple fantasy relevant wide receivers.” (08:12)
• Advice: Stash Whittington now; could be a waiver rush if Puka Nacua is ruled out longer.

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5. DJ Giddens, RB – Indianapolis Colts

Rostered in 7% of leagues
Segment: 08:32–09:55

• Colts run game "white hot"—lead league in success rate, EPA/rush, rushing TDs.
• Jonathan Taylor is the clear superstar, but “has only played one fully healthy season in his entire career.” (09:01)
• “If JT does miss any time at any point during the season, DJ Giddens instantly, instantly becomes the number one waiver wire act.” (09:37)
• Giddens stepped into RB1 duties briefly in Week 1 after a JT injury scare.
• “Those are the kind of players that I want to make sure I beat my league mates to.” (09:48)
• Advice: High-upside handcuff for Taylor managers or anyone with bench space in deeper leagues.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The point of these stash videos is that you snag these players before they break out and all it takes is for one game for your league mates to finally pay attention.” – Lucas Wentzel (03:12)
• “I want to be sure that all of my bases are covered... If you have the extra spot, go ahead and stash DJ Giddens.” – Lucas Wentzel (09:36, 09:50)

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Stash Candidates: Quick Summary Table

| Player | Team | % Rostered | Rationale | Segment | |------------------|---------------------|------------|-----------------------------------------|-----------| | Luther Burden | Chicago Bears (WR) | 28% | DJ Moore injury, favorable matchups | 01:31–03:30| | Jaden Higgins | Houston Texans (WR) | 24% | Post-bye rookie usage bump | 03:30–05:12| | Tez Johnson | TB Buccaneers (WR) | 18% | Injured WR room, high snaps | 05:12–06:48| | Jordan Whittington| LA Rams (WR) | 7% | Puka injury, high target upside | 06:51–08:29| | DJ Giddens | Indy Colts (RB) | 7% | Elite handcuff + hot run game | 08:32–09:55|

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Closing Recommendations

• “Go like Sprint to the waiver wire right now. Make sure none of these guys are still available.” – Lucas Wentzel (10:00)
• Be aggressive with stashes, especially in deeper leagues or if you have bench flexibility.
• Monitor injury reports closely leading into Week 7 to capitalize on news before your league does.

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Use this summary to make quicker, smarter moves on your fantasy football roster – before your competition catches up!

Transcript

[Podcast Host]

This is an I Heart podcast.

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[Lucas Wentzel]

The most strategic ways you could continue to improve your fantasy football roster isn't just by making trades or adding players off the waiver wire after a week.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

Has run, but it's actually stashing them.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Before they break out.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

Imagine if you had Kymani Vidal already.

[Lucas Wentzel]

On your roster after his explosion last week. Even go Back to Week 4 Woody Marks, when he scored 27 fantasy points.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

What if you had those kind of players rostered before those big games? We're going to help you with exactly that today.

[Lucas Wentzel]

I'm Lucas Wentzel here with Fantasy Pros.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

Bringing you my top five waiver wire stashes ahead of Week seven and next.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Week'S waiver run as well.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

Before we dive on into that list of players, though, we've got a great.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Deal going on for you all. Unlock a month of Betting Pros Premium for free. Download the Betting Pros app today and use promo code FP1MONTH.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

Get access to tools like the same.

[Lucas Wentzel]

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[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

Starting off our list this week is Luther Burden, Chicago Bears wide receiver who.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Is rostered in 28% of leagues.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

Now, we're sitting at the very top.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Of my 30% threshold that I use.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

For these videos, but Luther Burden is, in my mind, needs to be rostered.

[Lucas Wentzel]

In way more than 28% of leagues, and I'm honestly shocked his roster ship didn't skyrocket after Monday Night Football.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

He caught all four of his passes.

[Lucas Wentzel]

For 51 yards coming out of the buy.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

He ran 3.92 yards per route. That was eighth of all wide receivers last week. And he was also targeted on 31%.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Of his routes, which is a very healthy number. That was 13th of all wide receivers last week.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

Now I also understand that that was.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Still on only 23% of snaps, which was his second lowest of the season. Alameda Zacchaeus.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

He's he's still out there playing 54.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Or 54 of 64 snaps.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

Excuse me?

[Lucas Wentzel]

Which to me is just mind boggling after spending your first and second round pick in the NFL draft this year on high upside offensive talent.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

But I do think week seven is finally the week that we start to.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Get more Luther Burden Dj Moore was hospitalized after Monday Night Football last week. I don't know if you realize that reports are saying it was precautionary for a groin injury that he picked up.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

While blocking, but as of this recording, we have yet to see DJ Moore log practice this week. And I wouldn't be surprised if the Bears actually take it slow with his recovery considering they do have Luther Burden.

[Lucas Wentzel]

And Colston Loveland waiting in the wings of this offense.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

You also have a phenomenal stretch of.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Matchups coming here for Bears wide receivers.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

They get the Saints, Ravens, Bengals and.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Giants in each of the next four games. All of those teams are top 12 in fantasy points per game allowed to wide receivers this season.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

So again, the point of these stash videos is that you snag these players.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Before they break out and all it.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

Takes is for one game for your league mates to finally pay attention that.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Luther Burden has been a great stash all season given his upside. So get him stashed on your roster before that big breakout game happens.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

The second player on our list this week is Houston Texans rookie wide receiver Jaden Higgins, who is rostered in 24% of leagues.

[Lucas Wentzel]

The Texans now are also coming out of the buy this week and I.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

Want to chase the rookie bump on.

[Lucas Wentzel]

An offense that desperately needs another playmaker alongside Nico Collins.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

In week five before the buy, Jaden Higgins played a season high 56% of snaps.

[Lucas Wentzel]

He drew a season high four targets. He caught all of them for 32 yards. It's not brain busting by any extent. He was still targeted on 25% of his routes, which was very encouraging to see.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

But I'm also going to take a stab and guess that coming out of the buy, the Texans will want to.

[Lucas Wentzel]

See more of their rookie investments in Jaden Higgins and Jalen Null.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

Similar to a lama day. Zacchaeus, I just don't think playing Xavier.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Hutchinson in your starting lineup for 67.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

68% of snaps week in and week out is effective. Same for Christian Kirk. 67% of snaps 61 49% I just don't think that's sustainable for this team.

[Lucas Wentzel]

To keep throwing out their week in and week out.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

You also look at Dan Graziano's Week 6 buzz for ESPN. He mentions the Texans specifically wanting to.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Find more ways to get Jaden Higgins and Jalen Noel involved in this offense.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

To me, a great way would be cutting back on utilizing Xavier Hutchinson and.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Christian Kirk within this offense.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

Right? You even have GM Nick Casario making.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Comments about Higgins positive progression.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

He says, quote, it seems like when you throw him the ball, he catches it. Something positive happens then. So this isn't a name that people.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Are going to be hot and bothered by on the waiver wire right now.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

But again, once Jaden Higgins has his first big game in this offense, your league mates will start to notice and.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Then they'll be hot and bothered by Jaden Hagan. So let's keep working ahead here on these rookies and stash the high upside player out of Iowa State.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

Up next we have Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Tez Johnson, who is rostered.

[Lucas Wentzel]

In 18% of leagues. The injury woes man in this Buccaneers wide receiver room right now are just something else. Mike Evans dealing with a hamstring injury.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

The team is hopeful that he'll be.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Back for Monday Night Football this week. As of this recording, you have a.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

Mecha Igbuka also dealing with a hamstring injury. It seems like he's going to be out for Week seven. I would be willing to bet that he's probably out there their Week nine.

[Lucas Wentzel]

By as well to get fully healthy.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

Then you have Chris Godwin injured once.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Again dealing with a fibula injury.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

He's already been ruled out for Week.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Seven and and again, I'm guessing they're going to hold him out through their Week nine buy as well.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

At this point, the Bucks just need.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Warm bodies out there to run routes at wide receiver right now.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

And that's where tiny Tez Johnson comes in here, right? He played A season high 72% of.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Snaps last week after a Mechag Buka exited the game with his injury. Just for context, Sterling shepherd and Cameron Johnson only played 49% of snaps compared to that.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

And it's really for that reason alone that I'm most interested in Tez Johnson. Out of the three, I just think.

[Lucas Wentzel]

He ends up seeing the field most often out of the bunch. And even if we do get Mike Evans back in the lineup this week.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

I think there's still room for Tez.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Johnson to produce here.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

But I'm also not going to sit.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Here and pretend that Tez Johnson is.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

Going to overtake any of Mike Evans.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Igbuk or Chris Codwin even when he is healthy.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

So this is definitely a short term.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Stash with long term potential. If Mike Evans continues to struggle with a hamstring injury, if a mech Igbuka can't shake it, if Chris Godwin picks up more nagging injuries throughout the season.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

Like there's potential for this to be a long term stash.

[Lucas Wentzel]

But right now I do think Tez Johnson is a great short term stash for your fantasy team.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

The fourth player on our list this week is Los Angeles Rams wide receiver.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Jordan Whittington, who is rostered in 7% of leagues.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

Obviously this stash is very dependent on.

[Lucas Wentzel]

The health of Pukinakua. It's 100% possible, I think that Pukinaku is out this week, then he comes back in week nine after the Rams week eight.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

Bottom But I also wonder if the.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Rams could take things cautiously here as well.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

Like let's not forget that just last season Sean McVay told us Pukinakua would.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Be fine after PCL injury in Week.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

One, but then he proceeded to miss five straight games, including one game after the team's bye week as well. All I'm saying here is that as of the recording of this video we don't have a clear timeline and thus I think we should keep all options.

[Lucas Wentzel]

On the table for Rams pass catchers now.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

So it was 22 Atwell last season.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Who is the most stable contributor when.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

Puka missed time, but he's currently dealing.

[Lucas Wentzel]

With a hamstring injury and after Puka.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

Exited last week's game it actually was Jordan Whittington who led the team in snaps, playing 49 of a possible 53 snaps and he only ran two less.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Routes than Devonte Adams.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

You go back to last season then.

[Lucas Wentzel]

As well when Pukinakua missed time.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

Winnington did have games of 8 and.

[Lucas Wentzel]

10 targets in weeks 4 and 5 finishing as the wide receiver 35 in the wide receiver 17 respectively in those games. Albeit I will say Cooper cup was.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

Out for those games as well. But I want to chase upside in.

[Lucas Wentzel]

The Rams offense that clearly has capacity to support multiple fantasy relevant wide receivers.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

If a more concerning timeline comes out.

[Lucas Wentzel]

For Pukinakua, then your league mates will start to be combing through the waiver wire and looking for guys like Jordan Whittington.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

So on the chance that that happens, I really don't mind stashing him this.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Week just to make sure you're staying ahead of your league mates.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

The last player on our list this week is Indianapolis Colts running back D.J.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Giddens who is rostered in 7% of leagues. The Indianapolis Colts run game is red.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

If I would even say it is white hot right now. They currently lead the league in success rate, EPA per rush and rushing touchdowns.

[Lucas Wentzel]

That is primarily thanks to the great Jonathan Taylor who is putting together in.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

My mind an MVP caliber season at this point. But it would be remiss of me to not mention that JT has only.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Played one fully healthy season in his entire career. That tends to happen when you're playing.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

Human Demolition Derby week in and week out, Right? So that's where I think DJ Giddens.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Can enter the picture here.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

You might not want to remember, but we actually did get an injury scare.

[Lucas Wentzel]

With Jonathan Taylor in Week one.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

It was Giddens who came in for.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Relief and log 12 carries working as the primary backup. I am not telling you that DJ Giddens is as good as Jonathan Taylor and could be a one for one.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

Replacement, but when a player or a run game, excuse me, is running this hot right now, I want to be.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Sure that all of my bases are covered.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

Because if JT does miss any time at any point during the season, DJ Giddens instantly, instantly becomes the number one waiver wire act.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Those are the kind of players that.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

I want to make sure I beat my league mates to.

[Lucas Wentzel]

So. So I'm okay having all my bases covered here. If you have the extra spot, go ahead and stash DJ Giddens.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

And there you have it, my top five waiver wire stashes ahead of week seven.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Go like Sprint to the waiver wire right now.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

Make sure none of these guys are still available.

[Lucas Wentzel]

They might be available in your league still because they are all rostered in less than 30% of leagues. Before we sign off here though, remember we have a great deal going on for you. Unlock a month of Betting Pros Premium for free.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

Download the Betting Pros app today and.

[Lucas Wentzel]

Use promo code FP1MONTH.

[Fantasy Pros Analyst]

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[Lucas Wentzel]

Game Parlay tool, the Prop Bet Analyzer and the prizepix Prop Bet Cheat Sheet. Don't miss out on it. Try it 100% free for one month. Now available both on iOS and Android.

[Fantasy Pros Outro Host]

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