Fantasy football rosters are being devastated by injuries and bye weeks as Week 7 approaches, and waiver wire transactions are more important than ever. Emerging new names are becoming priority adds due to new roles, good performances, or the last man standing in battered depth charts. This is a list of the best waiver wire targets that have less than 50% rostered.
Quarterback
Jaxson Dart (New York Giants, 37% rostered)
Jaxson Dart has been continuing to impress with the dual-threat potential, recording over 19 fantasy points in two of his past three games, and has scored at least one TD pass in each of the past three games. He is now among the select few quarterbacks to rush to 50-plus yards each of his first three NFL starts, like Jalen Hurts and Lamar Jackson. Week 7 is a difficult road challenge against the Broncos, but Dart is worth rostering in all formats due to his floor in the rushing game and regular outputs. In case you are seeking a streaming option off the waiver wire with a high ceiling, Dart makes the list.
Jaxson Dart down the seam to Greg Dulcich for a TD!
Watch on @NFLNetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/oyim36gi3b
— NFL (@NFL) August 17, 2025
Sam Darnold (Seattle Seahawks, 38% rostered )
Sam Darnold has been secretly compiling a decent fantasy season, having scored over 15 points in all but one of his starts, and 20 points in two consecutive. Although his Week 7 game against Houston is not the most optimal choice, Darnold is efficient, able to throw deep, and his floor is reliable, making the player a useful replacement in any team with a QB injury or a bye week.
Mentionables: QB Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers (Rostered: 20%)
Running Back
Kimani Vidal (Los Angeles Chargers, 31% rostered )
With other running backs on the sidelines, Kimani Vidal was a top performer in Week 6, having 124 yards on 18 carries in a match against Miami. He has been performing better than a fill-in and might keep on running the backfield of the Chargers in the absence of Omarion Hampton. Vidal will play Indy next, hence RB2 value to be expected should the workload persist.
All of Kimani Vidal’s 138 All purpose yards and 1 TD. Enjoy👍 pic.twitter.com/sCNKvaVo7E
— La-dee-dee Mc-Con-kay⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️ (@SunnySideUp211) October 13, 2025
Zonovan “Bam” Knight (Arizona Cardinals, 12% rostered )
Michael Carter was out-snapped by Zonovan “Bam” Knight last week and was explosive, scoring a touchdown and a 20-yard reception on fewer than ten touches. Knight is a more speculative pickup as Carter continues to lurk, although his chances will go up as long as he continues to exceed expectations.
Mentionables: RB Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta (Rostered: 35%)
Kendrick Bourne (San Francisco 49ers, 35% rostered )
With the Niners suffering repeated injuries at receiver, Kendrick Bourne is stepping up as the clear top target. He’s produced back-to-back monster games, including 142 yards against both Tampa Bay and LA. If injuries persist, Bourne is a waiver wire plug-and-play WR2 for as long as Ricky Pearsall and Jauan Jennings are out.
Kendrick was Bourne to make plays!
56-yard catch and run 😤
SFvsTB on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/uQr1eFrarz
— NFL (@NFL) October 12, 2025
Kayshon Boutte (New England Patriots, 9% rostered )
Kayshon Boutte reappeared in Week 6 when he caught five balls, had 93 yards and two touchdowns, becoming a favorite for QB Drake Maye. He has been enjoying a consistent target ratio and is given another good match against Tennessee, which has been a defense that has been ineffective against receivers all season.
Mentionables: WR Marquise Brown, Kansas City (Rostered: 43%)
Tight End
Harold Fannin Jr. (Cleveland Browns, 27% rostered )
David Njoku exited the field early during Sunday, and rookie Harold Fannin Jr., who had 10 targets, received seven balls, his career-high, and scored 81 yards. The role of Fannin might keep on increasing as QB Dillon Gabriel relies on short and intermediate options. He is a good TE stream with the potential to get better, particularly when the injuries are persistent.
Your gratuitous Harold Fannin, Jr. highlight for the day.
Runs like a FB, routes like a WR…#Browns pic.twitter.com/HyRzrPw1Db
— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) October 13, 2025
Michael Mayer (Las Vegas Raiders, 3% rostered )
With TE Brock Bowers potentially sidelined through the Raiders’ Week 8 bye, Michael Mayer could see a major spike in usage. His 7 targets and 5 catches last game made him a top-five TE for fantasy, and increased opportunity is likely against the Chiefs in Week 7.
Mentionables: TE Mason Taylor, New York Jets (Rostered: 37%)
Defense/Special Teams
New England Patriots
Despite a lackluster two weeks, the Pats defense gets a premium matchup in Tennessee, which has surrendered fantasy points to opposing units at a league-high rate. They’re a top streaming defense of the waiver wire for Week 7.
Nov 17, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore (90) runs to the line during the second half against the Los Angeles Rams at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Kansas City Chiefs
After holding the potent Lions to just 17 points, the Kansas City Chiefs get a gift in Week 7 against a Raiders offense short-handed without Brock Bowers and lacking explosive playmakers. With momentum and a home-field advantage, the Chiefs profile as another excellent waiver wire option.
One of the strategies I have used to survive a season on the waiver wire, particularly during the mid-season stretch, is to stay active to compensate for injuries, bye weeks, and other unexpected additions that could effectively get your team into the playoffs.
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