Week 7 Waiver Wire Targets

We’re halfway through the fantasy season, and the waiver wire is starting to feel thin. But there are still a few players who can make a real difference over the next few weeks — whether you’re looking for a plug-and-play running back, a streamer at quarterback or tight end, or a wide receiver stash with upside. Let’s get into it.

Running Backs to Add

Kimani Vidal – Cardinals

Vidal entered Week 6 in a murky committee, but he left no doubt who the lead back is. After splitting early drives with Hassan Haskins, Vidal broke a big play that shifted the backfield firmly in his direction — and he never looked back.

He finished with 18 carries for 124 yards and a receiving touchdown, while playing 67% of the snaps, handling 72% of the rushing attempts, and running a route on 54% of dropbacks. That’s legitimate RB2-level usage. He looked explosive and handled a solid receiving role with four targets.

With Omarion Hampton’s return timeline uncertain — conflicting reports suggest anywhere from Week 10 to Week 12 — Vidal could be a usable fantasy starter for another three to five games.

FAAB Recommendation: $30–$40

Availability: 54% on Sleeper, more on other platforms

Bam Knight – Cardinals

Adam Schefter reported that Bam Knight was getting the start, but Michael Carter actually opened the game. Still, Knight ended up being the more productive fantasy option. When Emari Demercado went down, Knight saw more work on early downs and near the goal line.

His value depends heavily on Demercado’s health. If Demercado misses Week 7, Knight could see expanded usage. If not, expect a limited role focused on short-yardage work. The matchup against the Packers likely means negative game script, and the Cardinals have a bye right after.

FAAB Recommendation: $10–$15 max

Upcoming Schedule: vs GB → Bye → @DAL

Tyjae Spears – Titans

After being eased back from injury, Spears’ workload jumped in Week 6, and he looked good. While Tony Pollard still handled most of the rushing attempts, Spears led the backfield in snaps (60%) and ran a route on 64% of Cam Ward’s dropbacks with a 14% target share.

He looked like his old slippery self again, and this offense desperately needs his explosiveness. Spears is the better long-term add than Knight, especially in PPR leagues.

FAAB Recommendation: 10–15%

---

Tight Ends to Add

Harold Fannin – Browns

David Njoku’s knee hyperextension could keep him sidelined for Week 7, and Fannin made the most of his increased opportunity. He saw 10 targets, catching seven for 81 yards, while running a route on 78% of dropbacks with a 21% target share.

If Njoku sits, Fannin is a strong start against a Dolphins defense that has struggled to cover tight ends all season. Dillon Gabriel has been feeding his tight ends consistently, and Fannin could be next up.

Cade Otton – Buccaneers

When Baker Mayfield is short on weapons, Cade Otton becomes his safety blanket. With Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin both banged up, Otton led the team with a 27% target share in Week 6.

He’s proven in these situations before, averaging nearly eight catches and 73 yards per game during a similar stretch last season. Otton is a reliable streamer while Tampa Bay’s top receivers recover.

Upcoming Schedule: vs DET → @NO → Bye

Mason Taylor – Jets

With Garrett Wilson expected to miss time, Mason Taylor becomes a name to watch. He’s posted back-to-back productive outings, catching 5-for-65 and 9-for-67 on 12 combined targets. Carolina and Cincinnati are up next — both among the most favorable matchups for tight ends.

The Jets’ offense is hard to trust, but the volume makes Taylor a viable streaming option.

Oronde Gadsden – Chargers

Gadsden finally had the breakout usage we were waiting for, posting seven catches for 68 yards on eight targets with a 22% target share and 77% route participation. That’s a huge jump, and if it sticks, he’s easily a top-15 tight end moving forward.

His route participation has increased in three straight games (50%, 61%, 77%), and with Justin Herbert leading a pass-heavy offense, there’s legitimate upside here.

Isaiah Likely – Ravens (Stash)

Baltimore is on bye this week, but Likely’s underlying usage is worth noting — he ran routes on 88% of dropbacks before the bye. If that role holds when Lamar Jackson returns, the ceiling is high — worth stashing in deeper leagues.

Other Tight Ends to Consider:

• Michael Mayer

  • Brock Bowers likely out, solid usage with 80% route rate

• AJ Barner

  • Touchdown-dependent but productive

• Chig Okonkwo

  • Could see more routes if Calvin Ridley misses time

---

Quarterbacks to Add

Jaxson Dart – Giants

Dart might be changing the trajectory of the Giants' franchise. Since taking over as the starter, he’s been the QB7 over the last three weeks, thanks to his rushing ability. He’s topped 54 rushing yards in three straight games and has multiple touchdowns in each.

Even with a tough matchup in Denver next week, his legs provide a solid fantasy floor. Dart is a viable streamer with upside.

Sam Darnold – Seahawks

Sam Darnold continues to surprise. He ranks third in passing yards, tied for third in passing touchdowns (11), and third in passer rating. Since Week 2, he’s been the QB8 overall and has not disappointed fantasy managers.

He’s proven to be a reliable low-end QB1 or high-end streamer.

---

Wide Receivers to Add

Kendrick Bourne – Patriots

With Jauan Jennings playing through multiple injuries (broken ribs and ankle sprains), Bourne has taken over as Mac Jones’ top target. He posted five catches for 142 yards in Week 6, his second big game of the year.

Ricky Pearsall’s status could affect Bourne’s workload, but as long as he’s the top option, he’s worth adding. Don’t overpay, but he’s a solid depth piece.

Josh Downs – Colts

Josh Downs is emerging as a weekly flex option. He’s recorded two straight top-36 WR finishes and leads the Colts in targets over the last three games. Downs has logged target shares of 25% and 23% in consecutive weeks and has topped 23% in three of six games this season.

Still available in roughly half of Sleeper leagues, Downs should be rostered everywhere.

Buccaneers Wide Receivers (Tez Johnson, Kameron Johnson, Sterling Shepard)

Baker Mayfield continues to produce even as his receiving corps thins. With Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Emeka Egbuka all hurt, Tez Johnson, Kameron Johnson, and Sterling Shepard stepped up.

Kameron Johnson led the group with an 18% target share, but Tez Johnson has the most talent of the bunch. Shepard remains a steady veteran option. It’s hard to predict who will hit week to week, but Tez is the upside stash.

Jalen Coker – Panthers (Stash)

Coker is an intriguing long-term add. He’s eligible to return from IR soon and could slot in behind Tet McMillan. As a rookie, he posted a 1.72 yards per route run figure, ranking fourth among rookie WRs behind only McConkey, BTJ, and Nabers.

There’s legitimate potential here. Stash for later weeks.

Other Wide Receivers to Monitor:

• Jordan Whittington

  • Backup for Puka Nacua

• Zay Jones

  • Short-term fill-in

• Kayshon Boutte

  • Volatile

• Darius Slayton

• Christian Watson

• Elic Ayomanor

• Alec Pierce

  • Deep threat

• Jayden Higgins

  • Routes trending up

• Tutu Atwell

  • Puka injury insurance

• Josh Reynolds

  • Depth