NFL Waiver Wire Week 7: Top Selections and Pickups to Target

Week 6 is in the books, and if your fantasy football team has made it this far without being battered by injuries, congratulations. You’re probably in the minority.

The waiver wire isn’t exactly overflowing with league-winning talent this week, but there are some interesting names emerging, particularly at wide receiver. We’ve got rookies making their mark, established players losing their grip on starting jobs and a few injury situations that could completely change how we look at certain backfields.

The important thing at this stage of the season is understanding what you’re actually buying. A player scoring 20 fantasy points on four opportunities isn’t necessarily somebody you need to throw half your FAAB at. Equally, a receiver who finishes with four catches for 40 yards might be considerably more interesting if the underlying usage suggests bigger weeks are coming.

We’re also dealing with another four teams on bye in Week 7, with Buffalo, Jacksonville, Washington and the Los Angeles Chargers all sitting out. That removes some important fantasy starters and makes finding reliable replacements even more important.

As always, we’ll look at the players worth targeting, the situations worth monitoring and those who might be getting a little too much attention after one good performance.

All statistical data referenced throughout this article comes from the FantasyPoints Data Suite, which continues to be an invaluable resource for understanding player usage, opportunity and efficiency.

FAAB and Ownership Guide

All FAAB recommendations are based on a standard 12-team, half-PPR league with a $100 starting budget.

The percentages are suggested bids against your original budget, not whatever you have remaining. Ownership percentages reflect Yahoo fantasy league rostership figures reported at time of writing, where available.

The recommendations are designed to reflect the value of the player, not just the performance they delivered in Week 6.

If you’re 5-1 and looking ahead to the fantasy playoffs, you can afford to be patient with players whose roles might increase later in the season.

If you’re 2-4 and desperately need a win, you should be targeting players who can help you straight away.

Don’t spend 15% of your FAAB on somebody who is going to sit on your bench for the next month when your starting line-up needs help now.

Quarterbacks

C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans

Yahoo rostered: 42% | Recommended FAAB: 5%

Houston’s offence has become considerably more interesting over the last few weeks, and Stroud is beginning to look like the quarterback we expected him to become.

According to the FantasyPoints Data Suite, Stroud has produced at least 20 fantasy points in three consecutive games. That’s the same number of 20-point performances he managed across the entirety of last season.

He was excellent against Jacksonville, with Houston scoring 34 points and generating plenty of opportunities through the passing game.

Nico Collins is healthy, Jaylin Noel is becoming a useful receiving option and Marvin Harrison Jr. has joined the offence.

There are plenty of receiving options for Stroud to work with, and that is considerably better than the situation he faced earlier in the season.

I’m not sure Stroud should still be available in competitive leagues, but if somebody dropped him after his difficult start, he needs to be picked up.

Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons

Yahoo rostered: 15% | Recommended FAAB: 2-4%

Penix returned from injury earlier in the season, and the Falcons are beginning to get more consistent passing production.

Against Chicago, he threw three touchdowns and produced his best fantasy performance of the season.

The concern is that Atlanta doesn’t particularly want to throw the ball 40 times every week.

This offence still revolves around Bijan Robinson, and when the Falcons are playing with a lead, the rushing game is going to dominate.

However, Drake London is an excellent receiving option, and Kyle Pitts is becoming more involved in the passing game.

Penix is somebody I’d consider in deeper leagues or as a streaming option, but I wouldn’t be spending a significant amount of FAAB on him.

J.J. McCarthy, New York Giants

Yahoo rostered: 1% | Recommended FAAB: 1-3%

McCarthy is an interesting option if you’re prepared to take a gamble.

He came into the game against New Orleans and immediately offered something different with his ability to move outside the pocket.

Quarterbacks who can contribute with their legs have a useful advantage in fantasy football, particularly when their passing production isn’t particularly consistent.

The problem is that we don’t know whether McCarthy is going to be the starting quarterback.

If he wins the job, there’s a chance he becomes a useful streaming option. If he doesn’t, you’re spending FAAB on somebody who won’t help your fantasy team.

He’s considerably more interesting in Superflex leagues.

Other Quarterbacks to Consider

Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers: 42% rostered | 2-4% FAAB. Rodgers continues to throw the football regularly, with Germie Bernard giving him another receiving option.

Geno Smith: 7% rostered | 1-2% FAAB. A deeper-league option for managers struggling to find a quarterback.

Kyler Murray, Minnesota Vikings: Ownership not verified. If somebody dropped him during Minnesota’s bye week, he should be considered ahead of most streaming options.

Running Backs

Tyrone Tracy Jr., New York Giants

Yahoo rostered: 4% | Recommended FAAB: 5-9%

The Giants backfield has become one of the more frustrating situations in fantasy football.

Cam Skattebo appeared to have established himself as the leading running back, but his ball-security problems have given the coaching staff another reason to consider their options.

That creates an opportunity for Tracy.

He’s a more explosive player than some of the other running backs in this offence, and his receiving ability gives him another route to playing time.

That matters because the Giants aren’t necessarily going to be playing from ahead every week.

I’m not convinced Tracy is suddenly going to dominate the backfield, particularly with Najee Harris and Devin Singletary still involved.

However, if Skattebo continues to struggle, Tracy has an opportunity to earn more meaningful touches.

He’s my preferred running back addition among the more speculative options this week.

Roschon Johnson, Chicago Bears

Yahoo rostered: 5% | Recommended FAAB: 2-5%

Chicago’s backfield is becoming considerably more interesting while Kyle Monangai deals with a toe injury.

According to the FantasyPoints Data Suite, D’Andre Swift played 43 snaps against Atlanta compared with Johnson’s 29, while the rushing attempts were split 16 to 13.

That’s a meaningful role for Johnson.

Swift remains the preferred receiving option, playing on 46% of the passing routes and recording a 15% target share.

However, Johnson is getting enough rushing opportunities to warrant attention.

The Bears have also scored 13 of their first 18 offensive touchdowns on the ground this season, according to FantasyPoints.

That makes the rushing opportunities in this offence particularly interesting, especially near the goal line.

Johnson is worth rostering while Monangai’s injury situation remains uncertain.

Jonah Coleman, Denver Broncos

Yahoo rostered: 29% | Recommended FAAB: 4-7%

Coleman is a player I’m more interested in stashing than starting immediately.

Denver’s backfield has been difficult to trust, with J.K. Dobbins continuing to handle most of the rushing work while RJ Harvey plays an important part in the passing game.

According to the FantasyPoints Data Suite, Dobbins handled 63% of Denver’s rushing attempts in Week 6 after taking 62% in Week 5.

The workload is there, but the rushing efficiency hasn’t always been particularly convincing.

That could create an opportunity for Coleman once he’s healthy.

We don’t know exactly what his involvement will look like when he returns, but the Broncos have enough questions in their backfield to make him an interesting longer-term addition.

He’s not somebody I’d acquire if I desperately needed a starter for Week 7.

Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints

Yahoo rostered: 34% | Recommended FAAB: 4-7%

Miller is the sort of player who can be difficult to roster when you’re dealing with injuries and bye weeks, but he remains interesting.

Alvin Kamara continues to be the established option in New Orleans, and there’s no guarantee that changes overnight.

However, Miller has an opportunity to earn more work as the season progresses.

There aren’t many available running backs who could develop into useful weekly options without requiring several injuries ahead of them.

Miller is one of the exceptions.

I’d prefer him as a bench stash rather than somebody I need to start immediately, but there’s enough potential here to justify an addition.

Other Running Backs to Consider

Jaleel McLaughlin, Cleveland Browns: 10% rostered | 1-3% FAAB. Worth monitoring while Cleveland deals with injuries in its backfield.

Emmett Johnson, Kansas City Chiefs: 23% rostered | 1-3% FAAB. Valuable insurance behind Kenneth Walker III.

Mike Washington Jr., Las Vegas Raiders: 10% | 1-3% FAAB. A potential beneficiary if the Raiders’ backfield injury problems continue.

Samaje Perine, Cincinnati Bengals: 23% | 1-3% FAAB. Still capable of taking meaningful touches, although Chase Brown limits his weekly ceiling.

Wide Receivers

Germie Bernard, Pittsburgh Steelers

Yahoo rostered: 50% | Recommended FAAB: 12-18%

Bernard is my number one waiver wire target this week if he’s still available.

We’ve seen him become increasingly involved in Pittsburgh’s passing offence, and the most important thing is that he’s earning opportunities rather than relying entirely on big plays.

Aaron Rodgers has been throwing the football regularly, and Bernard has quickly become one of his more interesting receiving options.

This is a team that needs reliable players who can get open, particularly when Rodgers is getting the ball out quickly.

Bernard has shown he can do that, and his involvement has increased as the season has progressed.

Unlike some of the other receivers on this list, we’re not simply hoping that an injury creates an opportunity.

Bernard has already started making the most of the opportunities he’s receiving.

That makes him a much more attractive addition for managers who need somebody capable of contributing immediately.

I’d happily spend 12-18% of my original FAAB budget to secure him, particularly if I’m struggling at wide receiver.

Omar Cooper Jr., New York Jets

Yahoo rostered: 4% | Recommended FAAB: 7-12%

Cooper might be the most exciting widely available receiver on the waiver wire.

After an injury-disrupted start to his rookie season, he finally had a proper opportunity against New England.

And he made the most of it.

According to the FantasyPoints Data Suite, Cooper caught six passes for 103 yards and a touchdown on seven targets.

He also played 82% of the offensive snaps.

That’s what interests me most.

We’re not talking about a receiver who played 20% of the snaps and happened to catch a long touchdown.

Cooper was heavily involved in the offence and immediately showed why the Jets should continue giving him opportunities.

His ability to work from the slot makes him particularly interesting in PPR leagues.

There will probably be some frustrating performances because he’s a rookie playing in an inconsistent offence.

However, Cooper has the combination of ability and opportunity that makes him worth pursuing.

If Bernard isn’t available, Cooper would be my preferred wide receiver pickup.

Ja’Kobi Lane, Baltimore Ravens

Yahoo rostered: 12% | Recommended FAAB: 4-7%

Lane returned from injury against Cleveland and immediately showed some promise.

According to the FantasyPoints Data Suite, he recorded five targets, four receptions and 40 receiving yards while playing 54% of the offensive snaps.

That might not sound particularly exciting, but consider the circumstances.

Lane was returning after an extended absence, and Baltimore has been dealing with injuries and inconsistency across its receiving group.

Rashod Bateman’s shoulder injury could create an opportunity for Lane to increase his playing time.

There’s also the question of what happens when Lamar Jackson returns.

Lane’s size makes him an interesting option in the red zone, and he has the potential to become a more important part of the passing game.

He’s not somebody I’d expect to start immediately in most 12-team leagues, but I’d rather roster him than an established receiver with very little chance of improving his role.

Jordyn Tyson, New Orleans Saints

Yahoo rostered: 48% | Recommended FAAB: 6-10%

Tyson is one of the more interesting longer-term waiver targets.

His rookie season has been delayed by injury, but the Saints spent significant draft capital on him for a reason.

They need players who can make a difference in their passing game, and Tyson offers the sort of ability that could make him an important part of the offence once healthy.

The obvious problem is timing.

He’s not guaranteed to return immediately, and New Orleans has its bye in Week 8.

That makes him difficult to justify if you’re struggling with injuries and desperately need somebody who can start this weekend.

But if you’re sitting with a winning record and have the bench space, Tyson is exactly the sort of player I’d want to pick up before his role becomes clearer.

KC Concepcion Jr., Cleveland Browns

Yahoo rostered: 18% | Recommended FAAB: 6-10%

Concepcion is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

According to the FantasyPoints Data Suite, he commanded a 24% target share against Baltimore in Week 6.

He’s now led Cleveland in targets in four separate games this season, despite leaving one of those contests early.

That’s important.

Cleveland’s passing offence might not be particularly reliable, but receivers who consistently earn targets are worth paying attention to.

Concepcion has already shown that he can command opportunities, and his role gives him a chance to produce useful PPR numbers even when the offence isn’t playing particularly well.

I’d be prepared to spend a little more here than I would on somebody whose value depends entirely on an injury to another receiver.

Jaylin Noel, Houston Texans

Yahoo rostered: 7% | Recommended FAAB: 3-5%

Noel is going to attract plenty of attention after his performance against Jacksonville.

He finished with 107 receiving yards and a touchdown, continuing an encouraging stretch in Houston’s passing game.

However, according to the FantasyPoints Data Suite, Noel ran a route on 60% of Houston’s dropbacks and recorded a 12.5% target share.

That’s the problem.

The production was excellent, but the opportunity wasn’t quite as dominant as the receiving yards might suggest.

Nico Collins remains the leading option, Marvin Harrison Jr. is being integrated into the offence and several other players are competing for targets.

Noel has clearly earned more opportunities, but that doesn’t guarantee he’ll suddenly become a full-time receiver.

He’s worth picking up, particularly in deeper leagues.

I just wouldn’t get involved in a bidding war based entirely on one excellent performance.

Kendrick Bourne, Arizona Cardinals

Yahoo rostered: 19% | Recommended FAAB: 2-4%

Bourne isn’t the most exciting name on the waiver wire, but he can provide useful production.

Since Marvin Harrison Jr. left Arizona, Bourne has become more involved in the passing game.

Jacoby Brissett has shown a willingness to target him, and with Michael Wilson attracting defensive attention, there should continue to be opportunities.

The concern is that Bourne isn’t playing every offensive snap, and we’ve seen enough of him over the years to know that inconsistency is part of the package.

However, if you’re looking for an immediate PPR option during the bye weeks, he makes sense.

I wouldn’t prioritise him over the younger receivers with more upside, but there’s value here.

Other Wide Receivers to Consider

Tre Tucker, Las Vegas Raiders: 45% rostered | 3-5% FAAB. The Raiders continue to offer him opportunities, although his weekly production remains inconsistent.

Malik Washington, Miami Dolphins: 41% rostered | 1-3% FAAB. A useful PPR option who continues to provide steady receiving production.

Keenan Allen, Indianapolis Colts: 47% rostered | 2-4% FAAB. He can still get open and command targets, even if his weekly ceiling isn’t particularly exciting.

Jakobi Meyers, Jacksonville Jaguars: 47% rostered | 2-4% FAAB. Worth adding for the rest of the season, although Jacksonville is on bye in Week 7.

Keon Coleman, Buffalo Bills: 31% rostered | 1-3% FAAB. He’s becoming more involved in Buffalo’s offence, but you’ll need to wait until Week 8 to use him.

Tight Ends

Terrance Ferguson, Los Angeles Rams

Yahoo rostered: 13% | Recommended FAAB: 7-12%

Ferguson is one of the more interesting tight end additions this week, but this is a longer-term play rather than an immediate solution.

Davante Adams’ injury creates an opportunity for other players in the Rams’ offence to become more involved.

Ferguson has the receiving ability to take advantage of that situation, particularly in an offence where Matthew Stafford has shown he’s willing to distribute the football to multiple options.

However, Ferguson is currently on injured reserve and isn’t eligible to return until Week 8.

That means you need to approach this waiver claim carefully.

If you’re desperate for a tight end this Sunday, Ferguson isn’t going to solve your problem.

If you have the bench space and can afford to wait, he’s worth an addition before his role becomes clearer.

T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings

Yahoo rostered: 33% | Recommended FAAB: 5-8%

Hockenson should be rostered in considerably more leagues.

According to the FantasyPoints Data Suite, he was targeted on 28% of his routes through the first five weeks and averaged 2.20 yards per route run.

Those are excellent numbers for a tight end.

His recent concussion creates uncertainty around his availability, but the receiving usage suggests he could become one of Minnesota’s most important passing options.

Kyler Murray has already shown a willingness to look his way, and the Vikings need reliable players who can move the chains.

If Hockenson has been dropped during Minnesota’s bye week, he should be a priority for managers struggling at tight end.

Just make sure he’s cleared to play before relying on him in Week 7.

Chig Okonkwo, Washington Commanders

Yahoo rostered: 16% | Recommended FAAB: 2-4%

Okonkwo has been becoming more involved in Washington’s passing game, and Terry McLaurin’s knee injury could create further opportunities.

The problem is that Washington is on bye this week.

That makes Okonkwo a stash rather than somebody who can solve an immediate problem.

However, in deeper leagues, he’s worth considering if you’re looking for a tight end whose receiving involvement could continue to increase.

I wouldn’t spend significant FAAB here, but there’s enough potential to warrant a bench spot.

Tyler Higbee, Los Angeles Rams

Yahoo rostered: 35% | Recommended FAAB: 4-7%

Higbee is another player who could benefit from the Rams’ injury situation.

With Adams sidelined and Ferguson unavailable until at least Week 8, Stafford may need to lean more heavily on his remaining receiving options.

Higbee has a long-standing relationship with Stafford and understands this offence extremely well.

He’s not the most exciting tight end option, but if you’re looking for somebody who can help immediately, he makes more sense than spending heavily on a player who can’t get on the field.

Other Tight Ends to Consider

Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers: 46% rostered | 1-2% FAAB. A reasonable streaming option in an offence throwing the ball regularly.

Michael Mayer, Las Vegas Raiders: 8% rostered | 1-3% FAAB. His ceiling is limited by Brock Bowers, but he can still earn opportunities.

Colby Parkinson, Los Angeles Rams: 1% rostered | 1-2% FAAB. A deeper-league alternative while the Rams deal with injuries at tight end.

Mike Gesicki, Cincinnati Bengals: 17%. A potential streaming option now Cincinnati has returned from its bye.

Defence and Special Teams

Streaming defences becomes increasingly important as the bye weeks start removing regular starters.

The trick is finding defences facing quarterbacks who take sacks, turn the football over or play behind offensive lines that struggle to protect them.

I’m generally looking for favourable matchups rather than simply picking the defence that scored the most points the previous week.

Cleveland Browns

Yahoo rostered: 19% | Recommended FAAB: 0-1%

Cleveland faces Tennessee in Week 7, giving the Browns a reasonable opportunity to generate pressure and create turnovers.

Their defence has enough talent to make this an interesting matchup, particularly if Tennessee continues to struggle with consistency.

New York Jets

Yahoo rostered: 14% | Recommended FAAB: 0-1%

The Jets are worth considering in deeper leagues, depending on the alternatives available.

I wouldn’t spend meaningful FAAB on them, but they can be used as a short-term streaming option in the right circumstances.

Carolina Panthers

Yahoo rostered: 21% | Recommended FAAB: 0-1%

Carolina is a deeper streaming consideration against Tampa Bay, particularly if the Buccaneers continue to deal with quarterback injuries.

However, if Baker Mayfield returns, this becomes a considerably less appealing matchup.

Tennessee Titans

Yahoo rostered: 2% | Recommended FAAB: 0-1%

Tennessee faces Cleveland, and the Browns’ offensive uncertainty makes this a possible streaming option in deeper leagues.

There are safer alternatives, but if you’re struggling to find a defence, the matchup is worth considering.

I wouldn’t be spending more than 1% of my budget on any of these options.

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The waiver wire isn’t necessarily going to deliver a league-winning player every week.

Sometimes the difference is simply finding somebody who can provide useful production while your established starters are injured or on bye.

That’s particularly important this season, when there have been plenty of disappointing performances from players we expected to be reliable weekly starters.

Germie Bernard is my preferred addition this week because he’s already earning opportunities in Pittsburgh’s passing game. Omar Cooper is the younger receiver who excites me most, while Ja’Kobi Lane and Jordyn Tyson could become increasingly useful as the season progresses.

At running back, Tyrone Tracy is worth taking a chance on, particularly if the Giants continue to look for alternatives in their backfield.

And at tight end, Terrance Ferguson and T.J. Hockenson offer two very different options depending on whether you’re planning for this week or the rest of the season.

The most important thing is being realistic about what you’re buying.

Don’t spend half your FAAB chasing a touchdown from last Sunday. Look at the playing time, the opportunities and the likelihood of those opportunities continuing.

That’s how you give yourself the best chance of finding the next useful fantasy starter before the rest of your league catches up.