Dive into the thrill of Week 7's fantasy football waiver wire—where one smart pickup could turn your season around! As we wrap up Week 6 and gear up for the action ahead, the waiver wire is your secret weapon to snatch up hidden gems and shore up your squad. But here's where it gets controversial: with team strategies shifting like the wind, is it wise to bet on rookies and backups who might vanish as quickly as they appeared? Let's explore the top targets, keeping things simple for newcomers while highlighting the buzzworthy debates that keep fantasy fans talking.
If you're new to fantasy football, think of the waiver wire as a marketplace where you claim players who aren't owned by anyone else—perfect for filling gaps, especially during bye weeks. This Week 7 is especially crucial because the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens are sitting out, leaving more holes in your lineup that need patching. Ready to make those Tuesday night or Wednesday morning claims? I've got you covered with 10 standout players (plus plenty of other noteworthy options) to scout right now. Ownership figures are pulled from Sleeper, and I'm skipping anyone over 60% owned to focus on the under-the-radar stars. Players are ranked by their current ownership percentages, from highest to lowest.
Starting off, Kendrick Bourne of the San Francisco 49ers (51% owned) has been channeling Jerry Rice vibes lately, hauling in five receptions for a whopping 142 yards in a tough defeat to the Buccaneers. That's his second straight game as a fantasy beast, thanks to Mac Jones peppering him with a team-high nine targets. As long as Ricky Pearsall and George Kittle are sidelined, Bourne is a must-have for your roster—imagine him dominating against Atlanta in Week 7, potentially racking up more yards in a favorable matchup.
Sam Darnold, the Seahawks' quarterback (51% owned), has delivered back-to-back impressive outings, tallying 27.6 fantasy points versus the Buccaneers in Week 5 and 20 points against the Jaguars just last week. He's hit 16-plus points in four consecutive games, showing a solid baseline even if he's not the flashiest name. Facing the Texans might be a challenge, but Darnold remains a reliable waiver wire grab—perfect for those seeking steady production without the high price tag.
Harold Fannin Jr., tight end for the Browns (50% owned), exploded against the Steelers with 10 targets, catching seven for 81 yards. Rookie QB Dillon Gabriel has been feeding his tight ends heavily in his debut starts, setting up a scenario where Fannin Jr. could become a weekly fantasy staple. And this is the part most people miss: if David Njoku's knee injury keeps him out or leads to a trade, Fannin Jr. might just step into the spotlight—controversial, right? Some argue he's overhyped as a short-term fix, but his target volume suggests otherwise.
Josh Downs, wide receiver for the Colts (49% owned), was one of my top streamers this past weekend, shining against the Cardinals with seven targets, six catches for 42 yards, a touchdown, and 16.2 fantasy points. He's now scored over 11 points in three of his last five games and two straight, proving his consistency. For beginners, think of him as a low-risk, high-reward option—easy to justify adding ahead of Week 7.
Evan Engram, tight end with the Broncos (47% owned), might be just the relief you need in a position that's been a total mess league-wide. Coach Sean Payton has targeted him at least six times in three straight games, integrating him into the passing game effectively. Engram has crossed 9.9 points in each of his last two outings, and a revenge matchup against the Giants could push him even higher. But here's where it gets controversial: is relying on a tight end in a run-heavy Broncos offense a gamble worth taking? Some fans swear by him for weekly starts, while others see it as a fade.
Jaxson Dart, quarterback for the Giants (46% owned), continues to amaze—scoring 19-plus points in two of his first three starts, including a stellar 23.6-point performance in the win over the Eagles. His rushing contributions, with at least 54 yards in every start, make him a dual-threat dynamo. It's shocking he's not more widely owned; at minimum, he's a matchup-dependent starter. For example, against softer defenses, he could light up the scoreboard again.
Kimani Vidal, running back for the Chargers (45% owned), defied expectations by starting and dominating without Omarion Hampton, rushing for 124 yards, a touchdown, and 22.8 fantasy points against the Dolphins. With Hampton potentially sidelined long-term, Vidal is an absolute must-add—imagine the carries he could get in upcoming games, especially as a rookie on the rise.
Trevor Lawrence, quarterback with the Jaguars (39% owned), bounced back strong in Week 6 with 258 passing yards and two scores in a loss to the Seahawks. He's notched 19-plus points in two straight games and three of his last five, making him a viable matchup play—especially handy during bye weeks. His London tilt against the Rams in Week 7 could be electric, with international crowds adding an extra layer of excitement.
Bam Knight, running back for the Cardinals (19% owned), got the nod in a committee setup after Michael Carter's big Week 5. He saw one more touch than Carter and even punched in a red-zone touchdown. It's frustrating, isn't it? Fantasy football can be so unpredictable, with committees robbing us of clear roles—but at least Knight deserves a spot on rosters for potential scoring opportunities.
Finally, Michael Mayer, tight end for the Raiders (5% owned), seized his moment with Brock Bowers out, nabbing five catches for 50 yards and a score against the Titans, leading the team with seven targets. QB Geno Smith clearly trusts him, and until Bowers returns, Mayer could be a weekly starter. For context, this is like finding a diamond in the rough—veteran reliability in a young position group.
- Indicates the player has a bye in Week 7.
What do you think—will these waiver wire picks pay off big time, or are there hidden risks I'm overlooking? Is betting on backups like Vidal or Knight a smart strategy, or just wishful thinking? Share your thoughts in the comments below; I'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have your own controversial takes on Week 7's fantasy landscape!
