In fantasy football, every waiver wire decision can make or break your lineup. With injuries impacting key players, new opportunities emerge for lesser-known options to step up. Cade Otton is drawing attention as a potential contributor amid the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ current struggles at wide receiver. Assessing whether to add him requires understanding the context of his increased role and recent performance.
Should Cade Otton Be a Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Add in Week 7?
Rostered: 12%
This is a redux of what happened last season. From Weeks 7-9 of the 2024 season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were without either Mike Evans or Chris Godwin. In those three contests, Cade Otton stepped up as Baker Mayfield’s most trusted pass catcher. He posted lines of 8-100, 9-81-2, and 8-77-1.
Evans might not be ready to return from his hamstring strain just yet. Even if he is, Godwin is unlikely to play next week due to his fibula injury, and it’s hard to imagine Emeka Egbuka’s hamstring strain doesn’t keep him out at least one week, more likely through the Week 9 bye.
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We are once again staring down the barrel of Otton in a featured role for at least two weeks. He’s coming off consecutive games with double-digit fantasy points, his first two of the season. Otton should keep it going for as long as two of the Bucs’ three top receivers are down.
Aggressiveness Rating: How badly do you need a tight end?
Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Cade Otton’s Growing Role with Buccaneers
Otton’s recent performances make a strong case for adding him off the fantasy football waiver wire in Week 7. With Evans still dealing with his hamstring and Godwin sidelined by the fibula injury, Otton is positioned to see significant targets. The Buccaneers’ passing game relies more on him now than at any other point this season, especially with Egbuka’s uncertain status adding to the receiver shortage.
Otton has shown he can deliver consistent fantasy points when called upon, and his role is unlikely to diminish in the coming weeks. Baker Mayfield has trusted him as a reliable option, which is crucial for tight end production. For managers struggling with their tight end spot or looking to add depth, Otton represents a timely solution.
This situation echoes what happened last year, where Otton stepped up effectively during a similar stretch. His opportunity to shine again makes him worth a serious look, especially in leagues that reward volume and consistency. Ultimately, the decision to add Otton depends on your team needs and the urgency of upgrading at tight end, but his recent usage suggests he could continue to be a solid contributor for at least the next couple of weeks.