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Should I pickup Tez Johnson or Sterling Shepard as fantasy football waiver wire pickups for Week 7 of 2025? Read our fantasy football waiver wire outlooks.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be quite short handed in their Monday night contest against the Detroit Lions. With Chris Godwin (fibula) already ruled out and both Mike Evans (hamstring) and Emeka Egbuka (hamstring) listed as questionable, their depth wideouts could see a hefty target share.
Throughout the season both Tez Johnson and Sterling Shepard have produced when given targets.
Should you pick up Johnson or Shepard ahead of Week 7? Let's dive in.
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Update - Egbuka and Evans are both slated to play this evening. As a result, both Johnson and Shepard carry high-risk WR3 upside.
Tez Johnson Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Outlook
Johnson was selected in the seventh round of this year's draft out of Oregon. After catching just one pass through the first four weeks, Johnson has seen his role increase due to the injuries. In Week 5, Johnson caught all four of his targets for 59 yards. Then in Week 6, Johnson brought in one of his three targets for 45 yards and his first career touchdown.
While his target share has not been overly high, seeing him earn at least three targets in back-to-back games, and find the back of the end zone last weekend, suggests he is beginning to earn the trust of Baker Mayfield.
Tez Johnson Offers Boom-or-Bust Value https://t.co/Ap3IIoDI9s
— RotoBaller NFL (@RotoBallerNFL) October 19, 2025
Sterling Shepard Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Outlook
The other option to consider targeting is Shepard. Shepard is the veteran option on the depth chart and is expected to carry a safer floor for fantasy purposes. Through six games this season, Shepard has seen at least three targets in every game and has averaged 4.5 targets per game.
Since Week 3, Shepard has averaged a solid 42.3 yards per game and has caught at least four passes in every game. However, his upside has remain limited, as the veteran has only eclipsed double-digit PPR points in two games this season.
Sterling Shepard in Line for a Larger Role Moving Forward? https://t.co/xCwI6DkDy6
— RotoBaller NFL (@RotoBallerNFL) October 13, 2025
Should I Pickup Tez Johnson or Sterling Shepard For Fantasy Football?
If both Evans and Egbuka suit up, either Johnson or Shepard would be viewed as desperation low-end WR3s in all formats and DFS competitions this evening. However, if either one were to remain sidelined, Johnson and Shepard could provide solid fantasy value, especially in a projected high-scoring affair against the Detroit Lions.
Given Shepard's higher target share, managers in PPR formats should look to target him as he should see enough opportunities to push for double-digit PPR upside. However, managers in half-PPR leagues, looking for the upside play, should target the rookie Johnson, as he sees more looks downfield, as evident in his 45-yard TD receptions last weekend.
Despite this, as long as one of Evans or Egbuka suits up, and given the recent report, is appears Evans is trending toward playing, either Johnson or Shepard will play the clear second fiddle to the WR1 in this offense.
Who Should I Pickup Tool
Trying to decide who to pick up off the waiver wire? Check the Who Should I Pickup tool here:
Compare up to four players and we'll tell you who to pickup...
Who Should I Pickup? Some common 2025 fantasy football waiver wire decisions are regarding players like Oronde Gadsden, Chris Moore, Brashard Smith, Kyle Monangai, Zach Ertz. But not to worry, we are here to help make these waiver wire decisions and build winning teams in 2025. Set your optimal fantasy football lineups in 2025. Our free Who Should I Pickup? tool will help make your fantasy football waiver wire decisions. Compare up to four NFL players, and we tell you who to pick up... all free! Make the right decisions.
2025 Player Decisions. Today's focus is on specific players - Oronde Gadsden, Chris Moore, Brashard Smith, Kyle Monangai, Zach Ertz. These are some common searches for 2025 fantasy football waiver wire pickups.
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Popular Player Comparison Searches - Who To Pickup
Below are some popular searches and comparisons from our Who To Pickup tool for 2025 for Oronde Gadsden, Chris Moore, Brashard Smith, Kyle Monangai, Zach Ertz:
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