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RotoBaller staff's fantasy football Week 7 waiver wire pickups for 2025. Expert advice for waiver wire RB, WR, TE, QB targets from Phil, Dan, Craig and Alex.
We're already headed toward Week 7 of the fantasy football season, and much has changed since the Week 1 kickoff between the Eagles and Cowboys. Injuries have come in bunches, and the Bills and Ravens being on a bye this weekend will impact a ton of fantasy teams.
Pivoting when your players are injured, underperforming, or on a bye is always the name of the game in fantasy football, and we're here to guide your waiver-wire decisions.
Our RotoBaller experts Phil Clark, Alex Ciulla, Craig Rondinone, and Dan Fornek are here to help you identify the top RB, WR, TE, and QB targets ahead of Week 7.
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Running Backs Waiver Wire Week 7
Selections By Phil Clark
Kimani Vidal, Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers were forced to transform the composition of their backfield after Omarion Hampton sustained an ankle injury in Week 5. However, it was unclear how touches would be distributed between Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal when Los Angeles traveled to Miami in Week 6. Haskins had attained a 4.3% snap share while failing to register a touch before Hampton’s injury. Vidal had accumulated just two snaps and no touches during that span.
The uncertainty surrounding touch distribution in Week 6 quickly dissipated during the contest as Vidal emerged as the Chargers’ primary back. Vidal paced the reshaped backfield with a 70% snap share, while easily surpassing his previous career highs in attempts (18) and rushing yards (124). Vidal also averaged 6.9 yards per attempt, led all backs in rush yards over expected (58), and was second in efficiency (2.71) according to Next Gen Stats.
that's six
📺 | @nfloncbs pic.twitter.com/bNzR7MJEH0
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) October 12, 2025
Vidal also paced the backfield in routes run (18), targets (four), and receptions (three), and generated a seven-yard receiving touchdown. Haskins operated with a 28% snap share, while accumulating six carries and 14 rushing yards. He also ran seven routes and secured his only target. Vidal’s impressive performance in Week 6 has launched him among this week’s top-tier options, and he can function as an RB2/RB3 while Hampton remains sidelined.
Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans
Tyjae Spears’ integration into Tennessee’s offense intensified in Week 6, as he paced the Titans’ backfield in multiple categories. Spears had emerged for his season debut in Week 5, after a high ankle sprain led to his placement on injured reserve from Weeks 1-4. Spears had secured a 25.4% snap share in Week 5, while accumulating four attempts and assembling 14 rushing yards. He also ran 10 routes but was not targeted during that contest.
However, Spears’ usage and output increased sizably during Tennessee’s Week 6 matchup in Las Vegas. Spears operated with a 59% snap share, which exceeded the percentage that was attained by Tony Pollard (42%). Spears also led the Titans’ backfield in attempts (10), rushing yards (34), routes run (22), targets (four), and receiving yards (19). Pollard carried five times, amassed 31 rushing yards, ran 12 routes, was targeted twice, and assembled 13 yards as a pass-catcher.
The distribution of touches between Spears and Pollard could be modified on a weekly basis, and game scripts will likely fuel the prospective shifts in usage with each back. However, Spears should be rostered in all leagues. His ability to perform effectively as a rusher and receiving weapon has also vaulted him among this week’s backs to prioritize from your waiver wire.
Michael Carter/Bam Knight, Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals reassembled their backfield rotation in Week 6, which has vaulted Bam Knight firmly onto the fantasy landscape. Michael Carter had operated as Arizona’s lead back when the Cardinals hosted Tennessee in Week 5. However, Knight's role increased during Arizona’s matchup at Indianapolis. Knight had accumulated 198 snaps, 85 attempts, and 300 rushing yards during his 2022 rookie season, but was limited to 20 snaps, three carries, and 13 yards during 2023 and 2024.
However, Knight paced the reconstructed backfield with a 50.7% snap share, which was the second highest of his career. He also secured a team-high 11 attempts, accrued 34 rushing yards, and produced a rushing touchdown. Knight also ran 14 routes and captured one of his two targets.
Carter registered a 46% snap share, carried nine times, and assembled 34 rushing yards. Carter also led the backfield in routes run (20), targets (five), and receiving yards (30). Emari Demercado functioned in a diminished role while being entrusted with just three snaps and being relegated to one touch. Knight and Carter will likely share opportunities when the Cardinals host Green Bay in Week 7. Both backs can be utilized as RB3/flex options if you are contending with depleted options at running back.
Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints
The unwavering rise in Kendre Miller’s usage has fueled his expanding role in Kellen Moore’s offense as the regular season has unfolded. Miller’s snap counts have climbed steadily after he accumulated 11 in Weeks 1 and 2. Miller has played on 20+ snaps during each of his last four games (20/21/26/22), and has now attained a 39.3% snap share during his last two outings. Miller’s rushing attempts have also increased from 5.0 per game entering Week 3 to 9.7 per game since Week 4 (11/10/8).
That includes Miller’s numbers when the Saints hosted New England in Week 6. Miller secured a 39.3% snap share while accumulating 22 snaps, eight attempts, and 21 rushing yards. 55.8% of Miller’s yards have now been accrued after contact, according to Fantasy Point Data.
Miller and Alvin Kamara have both accrued 18 carries since Week 5, while Miller has assembled more yardage (62/58) and yards after contact (38/21) during that span. Miller’s elevation into standalone value delivers an incentive to pursue him on your waiver wire. His value would also soar if the Saints deal Kamara before the NFL trade deadline.
Wide Receivers Waiver Wire Week 7
Selections By Alex Ciulla
Tre Tucker, Las Vegas Raiders
Sunday's 20-10 win against the Tennessee Titans marked the second straight contest that Raiders' receiver Tre Tucker led his team in receiving. The third-year pro corralled all five of his targets for 70 yards in Week 6 -- the third time in four games he's cleared 60 yards. Furthermore, he's out-targeted teammate Jakobi Meyers 22-21 over that span, and now leads all Raiders receivers in yards.
It may be too early to call for a changing of the guard at the position in Las Vegas. Still, Tucker has been a more consistent option since his breakout game back in Week 3, and is the better bet of him and Meyers to record an explosive play. The target dynamics in Las Vegas will inevitably change once tight end Brock Bowers (knee) recovers from a pesky knee injury, but he's already been ruled out for Week 7's matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs. Tucker is infringing upon WR3 territory.
Kendrick Bourne, San Francisco 49ers
With San Francisco still down several offensive skill players, Kendrick Bourne was relied upon yet again as the team's primary pass catcher. The veteran has now posted back-to-back 142-yard efforts and has recorded a superb 15 receptions on 20 targets over the sample. The next closest receiver in terms of yardage during that time is running back Christian McCaffrey (139). Bourne has been excellent and was the team's engine, even with teammate Jauan Jennings returning from injury. Jennings played just two fewer snaps than the 30-year-old (53), but was handily out-targeted 9-3.
Fellow WR Ricky Pearsall (knee) has a chance to return in Week 7, which would hurt Bourne's production. That said, Pearsall's return isn't a guarantee, and Jennings is apparently playing through multiple broken ribs and various ankle sprains. Bourne figures to be relevant again in next weekend's bout with the visiting Falcons.
Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts
Downs was able to build off of his six-catch performance last weekend to post another solid receiving line (6/42/1) in the Colts' 31-27 win over Arizona. Teammate Alec Pierce was back on the field in Week 6, resuming his duties as Indianapolis's WR2 based on snap share. However, it was Downs who placed second on the team in terms of targets, finishing one behind tight end Tyler Warren's nine.
It's a @Colts TD! Josh Downs ties it up.
AZvsIND on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/Zopk6l6p8k
— NFL (@NFL) October 12, 2025
If the former North Carolina Tarheel can remain healthy, he has a chance to be the Colts' most productive wideout. Downs is easily the best athlete -- and separator -- of Indianapolis' receivers, and a reliable option for quarterback Daniel Jones on all levels of the field. There's room for Downs to post viable fantasy numbers in Indy's pass attack, but it would come at the expense of teammate Michael Pittman Jr.
Christian Watson, Green Bay Packers
Christian Watson (knee) is the first of two injured options highlighted ahead of Week 7, but seemingly the one closest to return. The North Dakota State product is working his way back from a torn ACL and logged his first practice session of 2025 last week. Watson could only practice in a limited capacity leading up to his team's win over the Bengals, but head coach Matt LaFleur reports he's looked "pretty damn good," hinting that his return is near.
There are a few too many variables in Green Bay's offense for owners to immediately (and confidently) place the fourth-year pro into their lineups when he's active. Still, Watson holds value in Green Bay as a solid deep threat. He likely takes some targets -- and playing time -- away from rookie Matthew Golden eventually, and maybe even right away.
Tight Ends Waiver Wire Week 7
Selections By Craig Rondinone
Harold Fannin Jr., Cleveland Browns
Cleveland’s TE1-A has a bevy of things going for him heading into Week 7. Harold Fannin Jr. has an energetic rookie quarterback in Dillon Gabriel throwing to him, and Fannin’s role should be elevated now that incumbent tight end David Njoku suffered a knee injury this past weekend. If Njoku misses a game or a month, Fannin quickly ascends to be a top-10 fantasy tight end.
Look for Fannin to have another good game this week against a reeling Miami Dolphins defense that is softer than cotton sheets with a 600-thread count. After piling up a season-high 81 yards on Pittsburgh, Fannin could be in for a bigger afternoon this Sunday. If you want to pick him over Pitts, be my guest.
Evan Engram, Denver Broncos
Let’s be honest. Denver’s offense does not look like a Sean Payton offense. It has not exactly been “high-powered.” Scoring 13 points against a N.Y. Jets squad that had not held an opponent under 27 points this season is downright embarrassing. Blame it on the bangers and mash in London if you want.
Evan Engram does not mind that the Broncos have been playing close to the vest and keeping their passes on the short side. He has been targeted 20 times over the past three weeks and has 13 catches for 104 yards and a TD to show for it. This week, he gets to face his former New York Giants team and should be revved up to run routes against their 26th-ranked pass defense. Engram will be extra-pumped to prove to his old organization that they should have never let him walk away.
Theo Johnson, New York Giants
Before we go anointing Theo Johnson as the next Mark Bavaro, let’s give the second-year man a couple more games to prove he can be a fantasy force. After scoring three touchdowns in his Week 4 and 5 games, Johnson was held to two catches for 27 yards against Philadelphia last Thursday night. Playing against Denver’s staunch defense this Sunday does not help Johnson’s fantasy outlook, either.
Oronde Gadsden, Los Angeles Chargers
Oronde Gadsden II cleaned up on Sunday against Miami, setting season-highs across the board with seven catches for 68 yards on eight targets. He took advantage of some extra targets since top receiver Quentin Johnston was out with an injury. Gadsden has now gained the trust of quarterback Justin Herbert and head coach Jim Harbaugh. I like him more in dynasty formats since his fantasy value has upward potential.
Quarterbacks Waiver Wire Week 7
Selections By Dan Fornek
Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks
It's time to start putting respect on Sam Darnold’s name. Over the last four weeks, Darold has averaged a 73.9% completion percentage, 274.0 yards, and 2.3 touchdowns per game. The overall passing volume isn’t ideal (27.8 attempts per game), but Darnold has continued to be wildly efficient in Seattle’s offense during that time.
The results have also been there for fantasy football. Darnold has five straight games with at least 15.0 points. He’s scored at least 16.0 points in his last four games, with marks of 27.6 and 22.0 over his previous two games. The veteran quarterback is now averaging 17.4 fantasy points per game. Darnold has forged an impressive connection with Jaxon Smith-Njigba, which is helping him produce at a high level in fantasy.
The Seahawks have a tough matchup in Week 7 (Houston), followed by their bye week in Week 8, but Darnold has been playing at too high a level to ignore at this point. At this point, he has proven that he will have fantasy relevance outside the comfort of Minnesota’s offensive environment.
Jaxson Dart, New York Giants
Jaxson Dart has proven that he is going to be a fantasy asset in all fantasy formats thanks to his ability to make plays with his legs. The 2025 first-round pick has three straight starts with at least seven carries and 54 rushing yards. He’s also got two touchdowns on the ground in three games.
Jaxson Dart takes it in himself for the TD!
LACvsNYG on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXnxV pic.twitter.com/uO4uK3jxvO
— NFL (@NFL) September 28, 2025
That, combined with respectable production as a passer (508 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions), has helped Dart score at least 15.0 fantasy points per game with two 19.0+ point performances. His upcoming opponents (at Denver, at Philadelphia, vs. San Francisco) are far from great. Still, the ability to put up rushing production puts Dart in a territory where he is somewhat matchup-proof. It is fair to snag Dart and leave him on the bench against arguably the best defense in the league in Week 7, but aside from that, he has top-15 upside each week.
J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings
We still don’t know if J.J. McCarthy will be the Vikings’ starter in Week 7, especially after a Tom Pelissero report on Sunday that suggested the quarterback’s ankle “is still not 100%”. There is a real chance that Carson Wentz could get one more start for the Vikings, who want to ensure that their 2024 first-round pick is fully healthy when he returns.
However, we also do not doubt that once McCarthy is at full strength, he will be back under center for the Vikings. Minnesota was able to use the bye week to (hopefully) get healthier on the offensive line and to build more familiarity in the offense with McCarthy, Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson.
The second-year quarterback was inconsistent in his first two games but will be given every opportunity to grow into his role as quarterback of the future this year. If he can limit mistakes and take the easy throws, there will be big fantasy days ahead.
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