Week 7 Waiver Wire Pickups - Fantasy Football Free Agent Adds and Stashes (2025)

October 15, 2025

Rob's Week 7 fantasy football waiver wire pickups, adds, stashes and sleepers to target for 2025. His top waiver wire adds for Week 7 at RB, WR, TE, QB, K, D/ST.

We're quickly approaching the halfway point of the fantasy football regular season. When looking at your roster, ideally, you have a decent backup running back and receiver that you can use for upcoming bye weeks and any future injuries. After that, fantasy managers should be aiming for upside.

Of course, if your starting roster needs help, we always need to consider that first. This article breaks down each position into different sub-categories. Hopefully, you're in a position to target high-upside players. If you need immediate starters, the waiver wire can (sometimes) offer those too, in varying capacities.

Be sure to also check out our free Who Should I Pickup? tool and compare up to four free agent players at once - we'll tell you who to pick up. Please use the promo code "BOOM" to get 10% off our premium subscription tools. Now, let's get to the best waiver wire adds for Week 7.

Running Back Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 7

Must Adds

Kimani Vidal, Los Angeles Chargers - 27.1% Rostered

Najee Harris is out for the season with a torn Achilles. Omarion Hampton is on IR with a foot injury, and recent reports indicated he could be out for even longer than the four-game minimum. In the team's first game without both players, Vidal logged 43 snaps compared to Hassan Haskins' 20. Vidal received 18 carries, and Haskins only had six.

Kimani Vidal Dominates Backfield Touches, has Huge Game in Week 6 https://t.co/zlZw0EkkEq

— RotoBaller NFL (@RotoBallerNFL) October 13, 2025

Vidal was productive in his role and with the opportunities he had. He finished with 124 rushing yards, averaging 6.9 yards per carry. He also chipped in with four targets, three receptions, 14 yards, and a receiving score en route to 21.3 half-PPR points. Vidal ran twice as many routes as Haskins, a good indicator of future success. Vidal should be considered an RB2 for as long as the status quo remains.

Reports indicated the Chargers are looking for running back help. It's unknown who they might be targeting, but any addition could negatively impact Vidal's role. Regardless, Vidal is a must-add. Fantasy managers should be aggressive in acquiring him.

Bam Knight, Arizona Cardinals - 5.6% Rostered

Last week, in the absence of James Conner (foot) and Trey Benson (knee), Arizona used Michael Carter as their primary running back. Knight played a support role and finished with four carries, 11 yards, and one score. Before the game began on Sunday, reports indicated Knight would be the No. 1 running back for Arizona.

That report held true as Knight logged 37 snaps to Carter's 32.

Knight also finished with 11 carries compared to Carter's nine. Knight had 11 carries, 34 yards, and one touchdown. He's now found the end zone in back-to-back games. He's scored 8.9 and 11.9 half-PPR points, although much of that has come via touchdowns. Still, with Benson on IR for another two weeks, Knight should be considered an RB3 until he returns.

Priority Adds

Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints - 25.2% Rostered

Since Week 3, Miller has 40 touches, averaging exactly 10 per game. He's averaging 45.5 scrimmage yards and one reception per game. This kind of utilization makes Miller a capable RB4. Miller received more carries than Alvin Kamara in one of the team's past four games.

Kamara has generated trade interest, and if he were to be moved, Miller would immediately become a strong RB3 with RB2 upside. While Miller cannot be started with confidence due to the inconsistent and low-ceiling offense New Orleans boasts, Miller is someone who should be on benches everywhere. Even if Kamara isn't traded, Kamara has missed 13 games the past four years.

Stash with Late-Season Potential

Brashard Smith, Kansas City Chiefs - 4.2% Rostered

Smith is a long-term stash for fantasy managers. Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt have been disappointing through six games. The Chiefs are passing at an incredibly high rate, so they may eventually choose to use Smith in a Jerick McKinnon-type role. Smith is likely already the best pass-catching back Kansas City has, but to this date, he has not received enough weekly touches to see starting lineups for fantasy managers even in the deepest of leagues.

Jaydon Blue, Dallas Cowboys - 19.2% Rostered

Miles Sanders (knee) was placed on season-ending IR before Week 6. By default, this makes Blue the No. 2 running back for the Cowboys. He's an electric athlete who was an excellent college pass-catcher. Javonte Williams has been excellent this season, but Blue is now in a position to get 6-10 touches per game.

That'll give him the potential to play himself into the RB4 range, who will likely have more value in PPR-scoring leagues.

Blue is also now just one sprained ankle away from being the Cowboys' No. 1 running back. That gives him multiple outs. His rookie status and elite athletic ability allow him to earn more touches. His contingency value gives him another avenue for touches in the event Williams were to get hurt.

RB4/5's with High Contingency Value

Bhayshul Tuten, Jacksonville Jaguars - 30.7% Rostered

At this point, Tuten should be viewed as nothing more than a handcuff. Travis Etienne Jr. continues to play well. However, he holds immense contingency value if Etienne misses any time. He dealt with a hamstring injury last year, and Etienne has a history of struggling down the stretch.

In 2022, from Weeks 1-9, Etienne averaged 13.2 half-PPR PPG, but that fell to 9.2 in Weeks 10-17. Then, in 2023, Etienne averaged 18.8 half-PPR PPG in Weeks 1-8. In Weeks 9-17, that fell to 11.5 half-PPR PPG. If the coaching staff were to monitor his workload to keep Etienne healthy and effective down the stretch, Tuten's role could still grow.

Still, he's best viewed as an RB5, with high-contingency value.

Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams - 13.5% Rostered

From Weeks 2-4, Corum had 24 touches, an average of eight per game. That volume, while clearly limited, barely kept him on the RB4 radar. However, in Week 5, he had just one carry. This past weekend, he had just five. Corum's value has decreased over the past couple of weeks, and now, fantasy managers should view him more as an RB5/6.

The difference between RB4 and RB5 is minimal, so don't get too stuck on that.

Corum's real value comes from being Kyren Williams' handcuff. If Williams were to miss any time, Corum would immediately become a top-2o running back. Head coach Sean McVay has a long history of using one primary running back, so if Williams were to get hurt, Corum would seemingly work into a 15+ touch role, immediately becoming a strong RB2.

Kareem Hunt, Kansas City Chiefs - 34.1% Rostered

Hunt has operated as Kansas City's goal-line for the entire season. It's why he has three touchdowns, and Isiah Pacheco has zero. Securing that role alone gives Hunt RB3/4 value. However, in Week 6, Pacheco had 12 carries while Hunt only had six. Compared to the first five weeks of the season, Pacheco played a larger role in the backfield in their game this past weekend against the Lions.

Hunt should be viewed as a touchdown-or-bust running back. He's more startable than Corum, Tuten, and Tyler Allgeier, but all of them present more upside and long-term value.

Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons - 33.0% Rostered

Allgeier is an elite handcuff. If Bijan Robinson were to miss anytime, he would immediately become a top-20 running back. He's a far better rusher than he is a receiver. His standalone value is apparent in weeks where the Falcons are in the lead.

In Week 4, Atlanta played with the lead for most of the game, which allowed Allgeier to finish with 16 carries, 51 yards, and one touchdown. The week before, they got blitzed by Carolina, and he finished with one carry. In Week 2, Atlanta dominated Minnesota, and he had 16 carries, 76 yards, and a touchdown.

The primary reason to stash Allgeier is his elite contingency value if Robinson were to get hurt. However, he has RB3 standalone value in the right matchups. The issue is that Atlanta is somewhat unpredictable, so it's hard to know which games they'll play with a lead and when they won't. If you're able to predict that correctly, however, you could have a usable RB3.

Outside of Tuten, Corum, and Allgeier, if you do not need a starting running back, fantasy managers should prioritize the handcuffs listed below over the remaining running backs in this section. While these running backs are more playable than the handcuffs, the handcuffs offer more upside. 

Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans - 23.6% Rostered

In his second game back, Spears outsnapped Tony Pollard, 36 to 26. That didn't lead to any fantasy value. Pollard still doubled Spears up in terms of carries (1o-to-5). The way this backfield operated in Week 6 was similar to last season. Pollard is the team's primary early-down back, playing more when the team is leading.

When they're losing, Spears will play more because he's their pass-catching back.

#Titans Week 6 RB Usage

- Tyjae Spears: 59% snaps, 5 carries, 22 routes, 4 targets (50 yds)
- Tony Pollard: 42% snaps, 10 carries, 12 routes, 2 targets (47 yds)

— Michael F. Florio (@MichaelFFlorio) October 12, 2025

Spears handles third-downs, the two-minute drill, and obvious passing situations. Pollard handles early-downs, short-yardage, and goal-line opportunities. Spears ran twice as many routes as Pollard (28 to 14) and doubled Pollard in targets (four to two). Because of this, Spears finished with 7.0 half-PPR points.

He had five carries for 31 yards. He also caught all four of his targets for 19 yards.

Spears is a middling RB4. The only good thing is that Tennessee is guaranteed to lose a lot of games, which will lead to "better" game scripts for Spears. Spears should be viewed as an RB4 with a low ceiling but a decent floor. He also has good contingency value because if Pollard were to miss time, he'd be a bellcow, similar to how Pollard was the first four weeks when Spears was absent.

Justice Hill, Baltimore Ravens - 23.5% Rostered

Hill is Baltimore's pass-catching back. He plays on third downs, in the two-minute drill, and in obvious passing situations. Historically, he's held little value because Baltimore's defense was stout, and they often played with a lead, which allowed them to lean on Derrick Henry. This year is not like that. Their defense has been atrocious, and because of that, we've seen Hill hold more consistent week-to-week value.

He's scored 6.0 half-PPR points or more in three out of six games this season. He has four or more targets in three out of six games. These are relatively predictable, as well. Those three games were against the Lions, Chiefs, and Rams. In games where Baltimore is expected to be in a high-scoring affair, Hill is a decent RB4/5 option in PPR-scoring leagues.

He holds more value in full-PPR leagues.

Hassan Haskins, Los Angeles Chargers - 49.8% Rostered

Haskins played fewer than half of the snaps that Vidal played. Vidal also ran twice as many routes as Haskins and received three times as many carries. Haskins finished with six carries and 14 yards. He also had one target, which he caught for nine yards.

The Chargers are rumored to be interested in acquiring a running back. Until and if that happens, Haskins will remain an RB5 with contingency value if Vidal were to miss time. While there's no reason to expect a change in the backfield hierarchy, this isn't a typical backfield right now. If their roles flipped, it would be less surprising than most others.

Pure Running Back Handcuffs

• D.J. Giddens, Indianapolis Colts - 1.6% Rostered
• Brian Robinson Jr., San Francisco 49ers - 30.7% Rostered
• Will Shipley, Philadelphia Eagles - 6.0% Rostered
• Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills - 8.9% Rostered
• Chris Rodriguez Jr., Washington Commanders - 4.2% Rostered
• Ollie Gordon II, Miami Dolphins - 16.5% Rostered
• Kyle Monangai, Chicago Bears - 3.8% Rostered
• Phil Mafah - Dallas Cowboys - 0.1% Rostered
• Isaiah Davis, New York Jets - 5.4% Rostered
• Sean Tucker, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 7.8% Rostered
• Emanuel Wilson, Green Bay Packers - 1.9% Rostered
• MarShawn Lloyd, Green Bay Packers - 2.1% Rostered
• Tahj Brooks, Cincinnati Bengals - 0.3% Rostered

Wide Receiver Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 7

WR4s with Some Upside

Tez Johnson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 0.7% Rostered, and Sterling Shepard, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 14.7% Rostered

***Short-Term Value Based on Emeka Egbuka (hamstring), Chris Godwin (fibula), and Mike Evans (hamstring) Availability

Egbuka hurt his hamstring this past weekend and did not return. Godwin was ruled out with a leg injury. Evans is still dealing with a hamstring injury of his own and could return in the next week or two. The severity of Egbuka's hamstring injury is unknown. There is also very little known about Godwin's new leg injury, but right now, the Tampa Bay receiver room has been decimated.

This past weekend, Johnson led the team in snaps and routes among receivers. He finished with three targets, one reception, 45 yards, and a touchdown en route to 11.0 half-PPR points. Last week, he had four targets, four receptions, and 59 yards in a game that Egbuka and Godwin were both active. Johnson should be viewed as a WR3/4, depending on the health and availability of those other three receivers.

TEZ JOHNSON TD! WHAT A CATCH AND WHAT A FLIP

SFvsTB on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/UtKZZW6YXw

— NFL (@NFL) October 12, 2025

Shepard should not be forgotten about either. He has four or more targets in five out of six games this season. He has scored 5.0 half-PPR points in five out of six games. He had five targets, four receptions, 24 yards, and a touchdown en route to 9.9 half-PPR points last week. This past weekend, he had three targets, two receptions, and 51 yards.

Shepard should also be viewed as a WR3/4 depending on the health of Tampa's primary three receivers.

A road matchup against Detroit in Week 7 has a great chance of being a shoot-out. That'll give Johnson and Shepard strong value in a game where Baker Mayfield and the offense will have to score points to keep him. While their fantasy value may be short-lived, they could be a strong start for a few weeks until the other receivers get healthy.

Kendrick Bourne, San Francisco 49ers - 37.7% Rostered

***Short-Term Value based on Ricky Pearsall (knee) and George Kittle's (hamstring) Availability

Last week, Bourne had 11 targets, 10 receptions, and 142 yards in a game where Pearsall, Kittle, and Jauan Jennings were all inactive. This past weekend, Jennings returned, but the other two remained out. Bourne had nine targets, five receptions, and again, 142 yards. He's scored 19.2 and 16.7 half-PPR points the past two weeks.

Bourne's value will depend on the health of Pearsall and Kittle. Reports indicate that both players have a good chance of returning. If that happens, Bourne could go from a WR3 to a WR6/7. That may seem drastic, but the past two weeks he's operated as the team's No. 1 receiver. If Pearsall and Kittle return, he'd likely fall to No. 4 or even No. 5 behind Jennings and Christian McCaffrey, as well.

Jalen Coker, Carolina Panthers - 9.6% Rostered

Coker's 21-day practice window opened last week. He practiced throughout the week, and his return seems all but guaranteed for Week 7. Hunter Renfrow has provided little to no production. Xavier Legette has been the same. Fantasy managers should expect Coker to operate as Carolina's No. 2 receiver for the remainder of the season.

He was effective as a rookie despite being undrafted. Before the season, head coach Dave Canales indicated Coker would be the team's starting slot receiver. In the past, plenty of receivers have benefited from being the slot receiver in Canales' offense. This includes Godwin and Adam Thielen.

Darnell Mooney, Atlanta Falcons - 43.4% Rostered

Mooney has been a major disappointment this season. He has just seven catches and still hasn't reached 100 yards receiving. Kyle Pitts Sr. has been more effective than he was in 2024, which isn't helping Mooney's prospects. The biggest issue for Mooney has been his health.

He dealt with a hamstring injury in Week 4, and while there was some optimism he'd be back this week, he was ruled out for their Week 6 Monday Night game against Buffalo. Still, it's worth checking to see if he's on your waiver wire. He hasn't done anything this year to provide any confidence, but he's been productive in the past, and he's a full-time starter on what should be an above-average offense. That's worth betting on.

Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts - 41.5% Rostered

Downs' ceiling is unquestionably limited with the presence of Michael Pittman Jr. and Tyler Warren. That doesn't even factor in the team's run-first approach. Downs is the team's primary slot receiver, which limits his snaps and routes because he doesn't play in two-receiver sets. Despite this, Downs has four games with five or more targets. This has resulted in four games with four or more receptions.

That makes him a better option in full-PPR leagues. Despite having three games with six receptions, Downs has yet to have more than 55 receiving yards in a single contest this season. His weekly high is 13.2 half-PPR points, a game in which he found the end zone. His best non-touchdown scoring game was 8.1 half-PPR. He's a WR4 with a reasonably limited ceiling.

Calvin Austin III, Pittsburgh Steelers - 6.7% Rostered

Austin was injured in Week 4 and was inactive this past weekend. In Weeks 1-3, Austin had two games with double-digit half-PPR points in the first three games of the season. Before his injury, Austin was operating as the team's clear and undisputed No. 2 receiver.

Pittsburgh has passed the ball more than expected through the early part of the season, and Aaron Rodgers has played well. Behind receiver D.K. Metcalf, Pittsburgh has few options. That'll give Austin the chance for some solid weeks. His role and downfield potential make him a strong WR5 and a solid bench player. He should return shortly.

Troy Franklin, Denver Broncos - 38.6% Rostered

Franklin has operated mainly as the team's No. 2 option in the passing game behind Courtland Sutton. He has four targets in every game this season. Franklin has scored 6.0 half-PPR points or more in four out of six games, which includes a 20.0 outing in Week 2. In the other two contests, he was held to fewer than 2.0 half-PPR points.

Franklin is an elite athlete who has a strong relationship with Bo Nix dating back to their collegiate days at Oregon. This is a potent offense driven by Nix and Sean Payton, and because of that, Franklin has a ceiling that some other waiver wire receivers don't have. He's played well and is a consistent part of the offense, evidenced by having four targets in every game this season.

He's a strong bye-week and injury replacement player who can be trusted as a WR4 when needed.

Jordan Whittington, Los Angeles Rams - 0.2% Rostered

***Short-Term Value based on Puka Nacua's Availability***

Tutu Atwell was inactive this past weekend due to a hamstring injury. Puka Nacua suffered a foot injury, and Sean McVay stated he's unsure if Nacua will be able to play next week in London. If Nacua is unable to go and Atwell is still limited or unable to play due to his hamstring injury, Whittington would immediately become a potential streamer for desperate fantasy managers.

Sean McVay says Puka Nacua has an ankle injury. Doesn’t know at this point if the #Rams WR will be ready next Sunday for the London game against the #Jaguars.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) October 12, 2025

Last year, as a rookie, Whittington played just two games with a snap share over 50%. In those two games, he had 18 targets, 13 receptions, and 151 yards. He was productive in both contests, recording eight targets, six receptions, and 62 yards in the first game and 10 targets, seven receptions, and 89 yards in the second.

Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles offense target their receivers at an incredibly high rate, increasing Whittington's upside.

High Upside Stashes

If you do not need an immediate starter, these four players should be targeted because they offer more upside than the WR5/6's listed below and the WR4's listed above. 

Jayden Reed, Green Bay Packers - 45.2% Rostered

Reed is currently on IR, and his exact return date is unknown. However, if he's been dropped in your league, stashing Reed could pay dividends later on this season. In Week 1, he had five targets, three receptions, 45 yards, and a touchdown en route to 12.0 half-PPR points. Once Reed returns, he'll likely settle into being ranked as a WR4, and he'll have weekly WR2 upside.

The Packers have an efficient offense, and Jordan Love is currently playing lights out. Fantasy managers should want a piece of this offense. Reed has shown the ability to be a WR2 as a rookie. He's still a talented player on an elite offense.

Luther Burden III, Chicago Bears - 8.2% Rostered

Burden had three catches for 101 yards and a touchdown in Week 3, leading to 18.3 half-PPR points. Fantasy managers were hoping for a bigger role in Week 4, and while that didn't necessarily happen, he did have the highest snap share of the season.

Burden also leads all Chicago receivers in receptions and yards per route run through five weeks. He's been an efficient player when presented with opportunities. D.J. Moore could be a potential trade candidate, which gives Burden a shot at increasing his role, but the more likely outcome is Burden starting over Olamide Zaccheaus.

Once that happens, Burden could quickly climb the target hierarchy in Chicago, although he won't surpass Rome Odunze.

Jayden Higgins, Houston Texans - 22.9% Rostered

Higgins has been more involved in their past two games (Week 6 bye). Christian Kirk and Xavier Hutchinson have both struggled to produce consistency in this offense. Eventually, Higgins's snaps will increase. He's coming off his best two games of the season the past two weeks, as well.

He found the end zone in Week 4 and in Week 5, had four catches for 32 yards. That's back-to-back games with 5.0 or more half-PPR points. That doesn't sound like a lot, but it's a step in the right direction for the second-round rookie. With the increased offensive environment, he should be on the radar.

Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers - 33.6% Rostered

He tore his MCL and ACL early last season and will need some time to shake off the rust. However, he’s an IR candidate and someone you can stash for free. From 2023-2024, he had 2,357 yards and 15 touchdowns. He finished as the WR22 in 2022 and the WR12 in 2023. He’s absolutely worth taking a shot on.

He’s the receiver with the most chemistry with Brock Purdy and could be a second-half weekly WR2 starter. Reports have recently indicated that Aiyuk isn't close to returning, but if you have an IR spot, he is still worth stashing, assuming he returns around Week 10-12.

Deep League Stashes

Kyle Williams, New England Patriots - 1.5%

Williams has only had two targets this season. However, he was a third-round pick in this year's NFL Draft and a productive collegiate player. His talent profile is one worth betting on. He hasn't gotten an opportunity yet, but the production from the primary New England receivers has been disappointing.

Stefon Diggs has improved his play over the past three weeks, but Kayshon Boutte is a boom-or-bust sacrificial X receiver. He has had several good games in that role. Mack Hollins and DeMario Douglas have largely been invisible. If Williams gets some of their opportunities, he could be someone that becomes valuable in the deepest of leagues later in the season.

Jack Bech, Las Vegas Raiders - 3.9% Rostered

Bech's role has increased in recent weeks. He played 25% of the snaps or fewer in each of the first four weeks. Last week, he played 53%. This week, the percentage increased to 75%. In Week 5, Bech had five targets, three receptions, and 27 yards. He didn't earn a target this past weekend, but has leapfrogged fellow rookie receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr.

He ran 20 routes on 25 Geno Smith dropbacks. He's a second-round rookie with upside and potential based on his talent profile. The Raiders are in the midst of a lost season. Veteran receiver Jakobi Meyers requested a trade earlier this season when he and the team couldn't agree on a contract extension. He's in the final year of his contract and could be a trade candidate.

If he's moved, Bech's role and opportunities would increase significantly.

Christian Watson, Green Bay Packers - 5.9% Rostered

Watson is still on the PUP but is making strides in practice. However, Reed is slated to miss a majority of the season, and Doubs is who he is at this point. He's dependable, but unexciting. Wicks is an enigma. There's upside, but his consistency is all over the board. Rookie Matthew Golden topped 100 yards from scrimmage for the first time in Week 6 but struggled throughout the opening month to draw consistent targets.

This offense is strong, and Jordan Love is playing great. If Watson can get healthy, with Reed's injury and the inconsistencies shown from Doubs and Wicks, he could enjoy a productive second half. He is a solid stash candidate.

Potential WR5/6's

Christian Kirk, Houston Texans - 25.1% Rostered

Kirk is coming off his best game of the season in Week 5, catching all four targets for 64 yards. The Texans were on bye this past weekend, but outside of Nico Collins, Houston could use another pass-catcher to step up and be a dependable target for Stroud. That was supposed to be Kirk. He dealt with an injury early in the year, but maybe he's rounding into form.

He's their primary slot receiver, and we've seen slot receivers be fantasy-relevant with Stroud in the past (Tank Dell (knee) and Diggs). Kirk's upside is certainly capped, but he could be a valuable bench player with bye weeks starting.

Elic Ayomanor, Tennessee Titans - 27.9% Rostered

The Tennessee offense stinks. There's no way around that, but that doesn't mean there isn't some fantasy value to be found here, albeit very little fantasy value. Ayomanor had already outplayed and outproduced fellow teammate and veteran receiver Calvin Ridley, but Ridley injured his hamstring this past weekend, as well.

Ayomanor has two touchdowns this year, which coincide with his lone two games having more than 6.0 half-PPR points. Ayomanor has been consistently involved. He has five or more targets in five or more targets in five out of six games this season. His fantasy value will be shaky because the offense is shaky at best, but there's potential here. Ayomanor figures to be his team's No. 1 receiver this season.

Rookie receivers tend to get better and more productive as the season progresses. If Cameron Ward and Ayomanor can make some improvements over the next few weeks, Ayomanor could have some fantasy value down the stretch.

Boom or Bust, Touchdown Dependent WR6's

• Darius Slayton, New York Giants - 19.7% Rostered
• Isaiah Bond, Cleveland Browns - 3.4% Rostered
• Alec Pierce, Indianapolis Colts - 2.1% Rostered
• Tory Horton, Seattle Seahawks - 5.0% Rostered
• Rashod Bateman, Baltimore Ravens - 19.7% Rostered
• Michael Wilson, Arizona Cardinals - 3.9% Rostered
• Xavier Legette, Carolina Panthers - 26.5% Rostered
• Kayshon Boutte, New England Patriots - 7.0% Rostered
• Tyquan Thornton, Kansas City Chiefs - 16.3% Rostered
• DeAndre Hopkins, Baltimore Ravens - 6.9% Rostered

These players have no consistent volume from week to week. Most of them, sans Thornton and Hopkins, are all starters. Thornton's value is likely to decrease with Rashee Rice returning. All of these players are touchdown-or-bust players. If they don't score a touchdown, you're very likely to be disappointed with their outcome because they do not generate enough volume to make them consistent fantasy producers.

These players should be viewed as boom-or-bust options. The positive for them is that they only need one target to have a productive fantasy outing. All of these players are capable of turning their one target into a 40-yard touchdown. That's the pro-argument for them. The con-argument is that it might be the only target they get.

Tight End Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 7

TE2's with Some Upside

Harold Fannin Jr., Cleveland Browns - 29.1% Rostered

Fannin has scored 7.0 half-PPR points or more in four out of six games for the Browns this season. He has been a consistent part of the offense since Week 1. He has four targets in every game this season, which includes two games with nine and 10. Fannin is coming off his best game of the season. He had 10 targets, seven receptions, and 81 yards en route to 11.6 half-PPR points.

Fannin should be viewed as a strong TE2 for the rest of the season. David Njoku left the game in the second half due to a knee injury. If he were to miss time, Fannin's value would increase. Fannin has the potential to be a league-winner down the stretch because Njoku is in the final year of his deal with Cleveland. He's also been listed as a potential trade candidate.

If he were to be moved, Fannin's role and target potential would improve significantly.

Zach Ertz, Washington Commanders - 58.6% Rostered

Ertz hasn't done much this season, but in his defense, this Washington offense hasn't operated at full capacity just yet. Jayden Daniels was injured and missed two games. Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) has missed a handful of games, as well. In the first two weeks of the season, Ertz found the end zone in both and scored double-digits in both contests.

He has scored 5.0 or more half-PPR points in four out of five games until a goose egg in Week 5. That game can largely be written off as an obvious outlier. As this offense picks up steam—and it will—Ertz's scoring opportunities will increase, and he was a favorite target of Daniels in the red zone.

Mason Taylor, New York Jets - 36.0% Rostered

From Weeks 3-5, Taylor had amassed 25 targets, 18 receptions, and 150 yards. He appeared to be in the midst of a breakout, but that slowed to a halt this past weekend. He finished this past weekend with just one target, one catch, and just two yards. The only thing fantasy managers can take solace in is that it was against the Denver Broncos, an elite defense with an excellent secondary.

Fantasy managers shouldn't let this one game completely erase what he had been building in the three weeks before. Garrett Wilson suffered a knee injury, and the severity is currently unknown. Taylor had begun cementing himself as Justin Fields' preferred No. 2 option in their passing attack. If Wilson is forced to miss time, Taylor could become Fields' primary read.

Wilson's injury would be a double-edged sword because while it may lead to a slight bump in targets, the offense's efficiency and scoring opportunities would decrease without Wilson. Fantasy managers should view Taylor as a mid TE2 who is largely volume-based. His ceiling is limited due to limited scoring opportunities, but he could become a solid, PPR-based floor option at tight end.

Michael Mayer, Las Vegas Raiders - 3.1% Rostered

***One Week Option Only***

Brock Bowers did not play this past weekend, granting Mayer a chance to showcase his ability. He finished with seven targets, five receptions, 50 yards, and one touchdown en route to 13.5 half-PPR points. He played 56 of the team's 60 snaps and was a full-time tight end. Bowers is dealing with a PCL injury, and with a Week 8 bye on the horizon, it seems highly likely that the team will hold Bowers out another week.

Should that come to pass, Mayer will get another week as the team's primary and undisputed No. 1 tight end. The Raiders play the Chiefs in Week 7, a contest in which Las Vegas is likely to be playing from behind. That'll present Mayer with plenty of opportunities to provide fantasy managers with another strong outing before Bowers returns.

Brenton Strange, Jacksonville Jaguars - 20.8% Rostered

***On IR for the next three games***

Strange will be out of the next three games and potentially longer, but Strange was the leading receiver for the first four games of the season. He had scored 7.5 half-PPR points or more in three out of the first four games. That includes two games with seven targets and six receptions.

He's not someone that fantasy managers necessarily need to stash or even hold onto; he's here merely as a "hey, don't forget about me" player. He was a solid TE2 to start the season, and he hadn't even scored a touchdown yet. He's someone to look to add in the next 2-3 weeks when his return gets closer.

Theo Johnson, New York Giants - 16.6% Rostered

With Malik Nabers (knee) now out for the year and Darius Slayton dealing with a hamstring injury, there are several targets up for grabs in New York. Johnson has earned 16 targets over the past three weeks, just over five per game on average. Despite the decent uptick in volume, it hasn't translated to much success. He has 17, 33, and 27 yards in the past three weeks. Fortunately, he's found the end zone three times.

Johnson's value is likely to continue to be touchdown-dependent, but his volume and opportunity are appealing, especially with the way Jaxson Dart is balling out. Fantasy managers shouldn't overvalue his three touchdowns, but Johnson has TE2 potential the rest of the season.

A.J. Barner, Seattle Seahawks - 10.1% Rostered

Barner is a tough one to figure out. He has more than three targets in just one game this season. However, he has still managed to score over 8.5 half-PPR points in four out of six games, which includes a 20.9 outing. Like Sam Darnold, Barner has been incredibly efficient despite the limited volume.

Barner is coming off the best two games of the season. He had seven targets, seven receptions, 53 yards, and two touchdowns in Week 5. This past weekend, he had three targets, three catches, and 71 yards. This Seattle offense is coming on strong, and Barner is benefiting. He's a boom-or-bust tight end, but he has a penchant for big plays, which include touchdowns or extended plays downfield.

Isaiah Likely, Baltimore Ravens - 6.7% Rostered

Likely has been limited in the two weeks leading up to this past weekend, but in Week 6, Likely logged more snaps than Mark Andrews. Was this because of the circumstances, such as the lopsided score and Lamar Jackson (hamstring) being out? Maybe, but it's noteworthy all the same. There have been reports that Mark Andrews is likely to generate interest at the trade deadline this season.

If Andrews were moved, Likely's value would likely skyrocket.

With Andrews on the roster, Likely should be viewed as a boom or bust TE2 moving forward. However, his ceiling is higher than most other tight ends. Baltimore's defense is awful, and Jackson is elite. For all Baltimore pass-catchers, that's a tremendous combination. It'll lead to more passing volume and high-scoring games.

Jackson's elite efficiency raises the ceiling for all Baltimore players.

Deep League Stashes

• Colston Loveland, Chicago Bears - 28.6% Rostered
• Oronde Gadsden, Los Angeles Chargers - 0.7% Rostered

Deep, Deep League Options

• Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans - 15.7% Rostered
• Evan Engram, Denver Broncos - 55.2% Rostered
• Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints - 49.7% Rostered
• Chig Okonkwo, Tennessee Titans - 12.1% Rostered
• Taysom Hill, New Orleans Saints - 5.4% Rostered
• Jonnu Smith, Pittsburgh Steelers - 22.3% Rostered
• Ja'Tavion Sanders, Carolina Panthers - 4.0% Rostered
• Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears - 1.0% Rostered
• Cade Otton, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 8.9% Rostered

Quarterback Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 7

Must-Add

Jaxson Dart, New York Giants - 35.4% Rostered

Since becoming the starter, Dart has scored 19.84, 15.58, and 23.60 points. He has 10, 7, and 13 rushing attempts in his three starts, racking up a total of 167 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. He has over 50 rushing yards in all three games he's started this season.

A quarterback with that kind of rushing upside needs to be rostered in all leagues. From Weeks 4-6, Dart is currently the QB10 with a 20.3 PPG average pending the results of the Monday Night games. Reports have indicated the Giants are looking to acquire a receiver. If they're able to do that, Dart's passing efficiency could improve, giving him even more fantasy value.

QB2s

Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks - 23.1% Rostered

Since Week 1, Darnold has rattled off five straight games with 15.5 or more points. During this stretch, he's averaging 19.2 PPG. That includes back-to-back weeks of 27.6 and 20.0 points. The Seattle offense doesn't generate much passing volume, but it has been incredibly efficient, spearheaded by Darnold. He has shown to have a solid floor with a surprising ceiling.

Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars - 37.4% Rostered

Lawrence has been a boom-or-bust quarterback, similar to Penix, as shown below. In three games this season, Lawrence has failed to score more than 12 points. In the other three, he's scored 19.24, 26.24, and 19.22. He is, however, coming off back-to-back games with 26.24 and 19.22. However, it should be noted that his 26-point outing was spurred by 54 rushing yards and two rushing scores.

In his five other games combined, he has 41 rushing yards and zero touchdowns, so that game appears to be a bit of an outlier in that regard.

Lawrence has shown that rushing potential in previous seasons, so it shouldn't be entirely written off. Lawrence and this offense are still learning Liam Coen's system, and the hope is that as they become more comfortable in it, the fantasy production will follow.

Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons - 15.2% Rostered

Penix might be a tough sell for some. He's the textbook definition of boom-or-bust. He has two games with 5.3 and 3.8 points. In his other two, he scored 24.0 and 18.7 points. Penix can't be started yet, not with any confidence anyway. Still, he's a year two quarterback, still figuring it out, and he's shown us what the ceiling looks like.

If he's able to find a bit of consistency, Penix could surprise in the second half of the season. Given his draft pedigree and the strength of the offensive ecosystem around London, Mooney (health permitting), Robinson, and Pitts, Penix is someone I don't mind stashing if I have roster space.

QB2 Options for Deeper or Superflex Leagues

• Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins - 22.4% Rostered
• Joe Flacco, Cincinnati Bengals - 4.6% Rostered
• Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers - 13.7% Rostered
• C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans - 55.7% Rostered
• Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers - 20.0% Rostered
• Spencer Rattler, New Orleans Saints - 3.7% Rostered
• Geno Smith, Las Vegas Raiders - 14.9% Rostered

Stash in Superflex or 2-QB Leagues

• J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings - 29.7% Rostered
• Dillon Gabriel, Cleveland Browns - 2.5% Rostered

Team Defenses (D/ST) - Waiver Wire Streamers for Week 7

• New England Patriots at Tennessee Titans - 66.0% Rostered
• Kansas City Chiefs vs. Las Vegas Raiders - 13.2% Rostered
• Cleveland Browns vs. Miami Dolphins - 62.9% Rostered

Waiver Wire Parameters for This Article

A few rules and notes about this weekly waiver wire article. Every league is different, with varying roster formats and sizes. That makes this one of the more challenging articles because every league’s waiver wire can look dramatically different. Even the host site you use matters. ESPN has rankings that differ from those of Yahoo!, which in turn differ from those of CBS or Sleeper, and all of this impacts which players are drafted and which are not.

We only identify quarterbacks and tight ends with a roster percentage of 60% or less. For running backs and receivers, that number drops to 50%. We don’t delve too deeply into defenses, but I highlight a few streamers to target each week.

Positions are also categorized into different groups, such as RB3 or a potential league-winner to stash. You’ll need to know your roster and what to look for on the waiver. From there, each positional groups are arranged based on who you should prioritize first at that position. We use ESPN’s roster percentages for this article.

For example, if you are looking for immediate value, you might be more interested in someone like Vidal rather than Smith right now because Blue is more likely to score points in the short term. Know your team and your team’s needs. If you’re healthy and you’re starting roster is strong, shoot for upside.

As a reminder, please use promo code "BOOM" at checkout for an additional 10% off any NFL Premium package.

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