Welcome to your Fantasy Football Week 7 Waiver Wire Pickups, where we try to patch the holes in your roster before the bye week blues hit hard. The Ravens and Bills are off this week, two teams that could really use the rest after stumbling recently. That means fantasy managers will be without stars like Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, James Cook, and Derrick Henry, forcing plenty of scrambling to fill those crucial lineup spots. But don’t worry, because there are still plenty of intriguing names emerging from the waiver wire, and this week’s batch includes a mix of young breakout players, injury replacements, and overlooked veterans ready to make noise.
Whether you’re hunting for a bye-week fill-in or searching for your next season-long stud, Week 7 offers plenty of opportunities. Jaxson Dart, Kimani Vidal, and Kendrick Bourne headline the list, while options such as Harold Fannin Jr. and Cade Otton could provide some stability at thin positions. And don’t overlook potential spark plugs like Panthers WR Jalen Coker, who’s set to return from IR and might inject some life into Carolina’s passing game.
Let’s dive in.
HEADS UP: Each player featured is rostered in roughly 50% or fewer leagues on Yahoo! at the time of publication.
FANTASY FOOTBALL WEEK 7 WAIVER WIRE PICKUPS
QUARTERBACKS
JAXSON DART, NY GIANTS (32% ROSTERED)
Giants rookie QB Jaxson Dart has been nothing short of electric since taking over as the starter. In his first three games, he’s scored on the ground in every outing and rushed for at least 50 yards per contest, something only Jalen Hurts has accomplished in recent seasons. Dart’s dual-threat ability has breathed life into a once-stale Giants offense and given the franchise (and fantasy managers) legitimate hope moving forward. His fearless playstyle and poise have quickly made him one of the most exciting young quarterbacks to watch.
Jaxson Dart leads all quarterbacks in both scramble rate and designed rush rate this season pic.twitter.com/VEwo1lv4Pi
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) October 13, 2025
From a fantasy perspective, Dart has been a revelation. He’s posted top-12 QB finishes twice in three starts and is averaging 20.3 fantasy points per game, putting him squarely in the low-end QB1/high-end QB2 conversation. Even without Malik Nabers in Week 6, Dart delivered his best performance yet against a tough Eagles defense, proving his fantasy floor is legit thanks to his rushing production. While a matchup with Denver in Week 7 poses another challenge, Dart’s legs make him largely matchup-proof. He’s a must-add in all formats and a viable starting option for anyone in need of a quarterback upgrade or bye-week fill-in.
OTHERS TO TARGET: Sam Darold (38%), Aaron Rodgers (19%), Mac Jones (11%), Joe Flacco (8%), Bryce Young (22%)
RUNNING BACKS
KIMANI VIDAL, LA CHARGERS (31% ROSTERED)
Kimani Vidal made sure fantasy managers took notice in Week 6. After a week of uncertainty between Vidal and Hassan Haskins, it didn’t take long for the Chargers’ second-year running back to seize control of the backfield.
Vidal erupted for 138 total yards and a touchdown on 21 touches, logging a 67% snap share and breaking off multiple chunk plays against a vulnerable Dolphins defense. Haskins, meanwhile, managed only seven touches for 23 yards. The Chargers had hinted at a “hot-hand” approach, and Vidal’s hands were undeniably on fire, enough to potentially cool off any trade rumors surrounding the backfield after the injuries to Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris.
Kimani Vidal – Week 6 – Every Touch https://t.co/0AO0NWmMuo pic.twitter.com/OxbopS58R6
— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) October 13, 2025
The road ahead won’t be as smooth, but Vidal’s burst, vision, and efficiency have earned him the driver’s seat in this backfield for now. Even if the Chargers eventually bring in another body, Vidal’s Week 6 breakout showed why he was such a hyped late-round rookie last season. With Hampton on IR for at least another few weeks, Vidal profiles as an upside RB3 with RB2 potential in favorable matchups. He’s already rostered in most 12-team leagues but remains available in plenty of 10-team formats, and that should change immediately. If you’re thin at running back or just chasing volume, Vidal deserves a top waiver claim ahead of Week 7.
BAM KNIGHT, ARIZONA CARDINALS (12% ROSTERED)
The Arizona Cardinals’ backfield continues to keep fantasy managers guessing, but Bam Knight might finally be inching ahead in this committee. Despite Adam Schefter’s pregame report that Knight would start in Week 6, which proved inaccurate, the former Jets back ended up outproducing Michael Carter once the dust settled. Knight played 51% of the snaps, handling 12 touches for 54 total yards and a touchdown, compared to Carter’s 11 touches for 64 yards on 44% of snaps. With James Conner out for the season and Trey Benson still on injured reserve, Knight has emerged as the preferred goal-line option and the more explosive of the two healthy backs.

That said, Arizona’s backfield remains murky and matchup-dependent. Carter retains passing-down work, while Knight looks like the better bet for carries and touchdowns, but both fall into the RB3/flex category until one truly separates. The upcoming schedule doesn’t help either, with the Packers’ tough defensive front on deck in Week 7, followed by a bye. Knight’s goal-line role gives him the slight edge for fantasy purposes, but expectations should remain tempered. He’s a viable short-term pickup for desperate managers or those needing depth, though the window may close quickly once Benson returns.
OTHERS TO TARGET: Kareem Hunt (43%), Kendre Miller (35%), Tyler Allgeier (34%), Tyjae Spears (24%), Brashard Smith (10%), Isaiah Davis (4%), Kyle Monangai (6%), Bhayshul Tuten (45%), Sean Tucker (8%), Kaleb Johnson (28%), Ollie Gordon II (18%)
WIDE RECEIVERS
KENDRICK BOURNE, SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (35% ROSTERED)
Kendrick Bourne has quickly become the glue holding together the 49ers’ injury-ravaged passing attack, and fantasy managers should be paying attention. With Jauan Jennings playing through five broken ribs and dual ankle sprains, Ricky Pearsall still sidelined by a PCL injury, and Brandon Aiyuk yet to play this season, Bourne has emerged as the clear, reliable target for Mac Jones. Over the past two weeks, he’s caught 15 passes for 284 yards, making him the second-most productive fantasy receiver in that span (excluding touchdowns). It’s no longer just a one-week fluke; Bourne is commanding real volume and producing like a high-end fantasy asset.
Kendrick Bourne last 2 games:
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) October 12, 2025
15 receptions
284 receiving yards
18.9 yards per catch pic.twitter.com/5cM8cGxf5f
Bourne’s familiarity with Jones from their Patriots days gives him a natural chemistry edge over the rest of the depth chart, and the 49ers have leaned heavily on that connection. Heading into Week 7 against the Falcons, Bourne projects as a fantasy WR2 if the injuries around him persist, or at least a flex-worthy WR3 if Pearsall returns. Atlanta’s defense has been respectable against wideouts, but with the Falcons on a short week and San Francisco desperate for playmakers, Bourne should once again be a focal point. At worst, he’s a strong short-term pickup; at best, he’s a plug-and-play fantasy starter for as long as the 49ers remain banged up.
JALEN COKER, CAROLINA PANTHERS (12% ROSTERED)
Coke Heads, stand up! After spending the first six weeks on injured reserve with a quad injury, Jalen Coker is finally back on the radar, and fantasy managers should take notice. The Panthers’ wideout returned to full practice by the end of last week and looks ready to make his 2025 debut. Once activated, Coker is expected to step right into a top-three role in a struggling Carolina receiver room that’s gotten minimal production from Xavier Legette and Hunter Renfrow. With Bryce Young desperate for another reliable weapon alongside Tetairoa McMillan, Coker’s return could provide the spark this offense desperately needs.
Jalen Coker 2024 #ReceptionPerception Profile 🔥
— Matt Harmon (@MattHarmon_BYB) August 27, 2025
Some highlights:
– 70.5% success rate vs. man coverage
– 78.4% success rate vs. zone coverage
– 70.4% success rate vs press
– Strong hands overall and good contested catch rate
Really love his fit as a big slot and flanker for… pic.twitter.com/D2xlRceZ3x
Coker flashed real promise in limited action as a rookie, and if you remove his first game (where he saw just a 10% snap share), he was on pace for over 800 receiving yards in 2024. Slotting primarily inside, his route precision and reliable hands make him a natural fit for Young’s short-to-intermediate rhythm passing game. He’s also a favorite of WR guru Matt Harmon, who’s highlighted his separation skills and toughness after the catch.
In deeper leagues, Coker is a sneaky preemptive stash with WR3/Flex upside once he’s activated. If Carolina’s offense reaches another level with him in the mix, he could quickly become one of the most popular waiver adds of Week 8. Get him now while he’s still flying under the radar.
STERLING SHEPARD, TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (5% ROSTERED)
The Buccaneers’ wide receiver room has been decimated by injuries, forcing Sterling Shepard into an unexpected but productive role. With Mike Evans (hamstring), Chris Godwin Jr. (fibula), and now Emeka Egbuka (hamstring) all sidelined or limited, Baker Mayfield had to turn to his depth pieces in Week 6, and Shepard delivered. The veteran caught 2-of-3 targets for 51 yards, flashing the reliability and route-running savvy that once made him a key piece in New York. While it wasn’t a massive stat line, Shepard’s steady play helped keep Tampa Bay’s offense afloat, and his rapport with Mayfield looked surprisingly natural considering their limited work together.
Baker Mayfield completed 74% of his passes yesterday, posted a 139.0 passer rating, offense scored 30 points.
— Adam Levitan (@adamlevitan) October 13, 2025
WR routes run on 25 Baker dropbacks:
1. Tez Johnson 21 (weighs 150 pounds)
2. Sterling Shepard 20 (age 32)
3. Emeka Egbuka 16 (left early, hamstring)
4. Kameron Johnson…
Heading into Week 7, Shepard is worth monitoring closely. If even one of Evans, Godwin, or Egbuka returns, his fantasy value will take a hit. But if the Buccaneers remain short-handed, Shepard could operate as the team’s de facto WR1 in terms of experience and trust. That would put him squarely in WR3/Flex territory, especially in deeper leagues or for fantasy managers navigating the upcoming bye-week crunch. Tez Johnson (1%) and Kameron Johnson (0%) both flashed upside with touchdowns, but Shepard remains the most dependable short-term pickup if Tampa Bay’s starters can’t go again.
OTHERS TO TARGET: Jalen Coker (12%), Kayshon Boutte (8%), Tez Johnson (1%), Jayden Higgins (13%), Kameron Johnson (0%), Tre Tucker (48%), Josh Downs (49%), Hollywood Brown (43%), Christian Kirk (27%), Troy Franklin (27%), DeMario Douglas (5%), Elic Ayomanor (25%)
TIGHT ENDS
HAROLD FANNIN JR., CLEVELAND BROWNS (27% ROSTERED)
Harold Fannin Jr. continues to make his case as one of the most exciting rookie tight ends in fantasy football, and his role could be about to explode. David Njoku left Week 6 multiple times with a knee injury, and with the Browns’ bye approaching in Week 9, the team could opt to rest him for a couple of weeks. In Njoku’s absence, Fannin took full advantage, playing 81% of the snaps and turning 10 targets into seven catches for 81 yards, both career highs. His chemistry with Dillon Gabriel was evident, especially on short and intermediate routes where Gabriel thrives.
Harold Fannin Jr. has forced 11 missed tackles through 6 weeks, per PFF.
— Gridiron Grading (@GridironGrading) October 13, 2025
That is the most among ALL TEs and WRs in the NFL.
The only skill player forcing more missed tackles after the catch? Christian McCaffrey.
Fannin’s blend of contact balance and play strength is rare. https://t.co/ol4ODE1CXm
Fannin has been a waiver wire mainstay all season, but this might be the week he finally graduates from stash to starter. Even before Njoku’s injury, Cleveland used a heavy dose of two-tight-end sets, meaning Fannin’s involvement was already trending up. If Njoku misses time, Fannin becomes a legitimate TE1 with top-10 upside given his athleticism and target share potential. In a season where reliable tight ends are scarce, Fannin offers the rare mix of floor and ceiling, making him a must-add in any format and a strong plug-in play if he draws the start in Week 7.
CADE OTTON, TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (12% ROSTERED)
Cade Otton is once again stepping into the fantasy spotlight as injuries ravage the Buccaneers’ receiving corps. With Mike Evans sidelined for three straight games, Chris Godwin out of the lineup again, and now Emeka Egbuka nursing a hamstring injury, Baker Mayfield has been forced to lean on his tight end, and Otton has delivered. Over the past two weeks, he’s posted lines of 4-81-0 and 5-51-0, showing the same reliable form that once made him the No. 1 fantasy tight end over a four-week stretch last season. Otton’s always been an every-down player, logging 100% of snaps in Week 6, but his value hinges on opportunity, and he’s about to get it.
The Buccaneers could play the next couple of games without Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Emeka Egbuka.
— Clown Football🤡🏈 (@ClownFootball_) October 13, 2025
Cade Otton put up these stats last year when Mike Evans and Chris Godwin were out. pic.twitter.com/80kpTeYrt5
If Tampa Bay’s wideouts remain sidelined, Otton becomes a near must-start fantasy option. With one of the most secure roles among tight ends and clear chemistry with Mayfield, Otton could easily post top-10 fantasy numbers in Week 7 if all three receivers miss time. Should only one or two return, he still carries borderline TE1 appeal thanks to his consistent snap share and growing target volume. But if Evans, Godwin, and Egbuka all suit up, Otton reverts to a streaming option. For now, he’s a high-priority waiver-wire add with the potential to be a difference-maker while Tampa’s passing game heals up.
OTHERS TO TARGET: Michael Mayer (2%), Theo Johnson (22%), Mason Taylor (37%), Colston Loveland (24%), Oronde Gadsden II (1%), AJ Barner (15%)