Week 6 brought another wave of changes across the fantasy football landscape, with injuries opening opportunities in several backfields and emerging receivers beginning to establish more meaningful roles. Some players are coming off breakout performances, while others could see their value rise significantly as they return from injuries or benefit from changes to their team’s depth chart.
With four teams on bye in Week 7 and fantasy managers continuing to navigate injuries, finding reliable replacements is becoming increasingly important. This week’s waiver-wire targets include players capable of contributing immediately, along with several high-upside stashes who could become valuable during the second half of the season.
Here are my top 11 waiver-wire targets entering Week 7.
1. Germie Bernard, WR (PIT)
Rostered: 50%
Germie Bernard has quickly emerged as one of Pittsburgh’s most productive receiving options, following his six-catch, 80-yard performance in Week 5 with an even bigger outing against Tampa Bay. Bernard caught 11 passes for 87 yards and a touchdown in the Steelers’ 26-19 overtime victory, including the game-winning touchdown from Aaron Rodgers. His increased involvement coincided with significant injuries throughout Pittsburgh’s receiving corps. Michael Pittman Jr. remains on injured reserve, Roman Wilson was placed on injured reserve with a finger injury, and Ben Skowronek missed Week 6 with a calf injury. Those absences forced Pittsburgh to adjust its receiver rotation, with Bernard handling more responsibilities from the slot. According to PFF, he lined up there on 61% of his snaps against Tampa Bay, compared with 44% over the first five weeks. Bernard has now accumulated 17 receptions for 167 yards and a touchdown over his last two games, establishing himself as much more than a one-week breakout.
Pittsburgh faces New Orleans in Week 7, and I’m expecting Bernard to remain an important part of the passing attack while the Steelers deal with their receiving injuries. DK Metcalf remains a focal point of the offense, but Bernard’s ability to contribute from multiple alignments gives Rodgers another dependable option in the short and intermediate passing game. His recent target volume is particularly encouraging in PPR formats because he doesn’t need a long touchdown to deliver useful fantasy production. The biggest concern is how his opportunities might change once Pittsburgh’s receiving corps gets healthier, although Wilson’s placement on injured reserve should help preserve Bernard’s immediate role. At 50% rostered, Bernard is my top waiver-wire addition entering Week 7. I’m comfortable treating him as a WR3 or flex option with the potential to become a more dependable weekly starter if his involvement continues.
2. Kendre Miller, RB (NO)
Rostered: 34%
Kendre Miller is one of the most important running backs to target entering Week 7 after injuries significantly altered New Orleans’ backfield rotation against the Giants. Miller handled 20 touches for approximately 70 total yards in the Saints’ 34-27 victory, but the circumstances behind that workload are considerably more important than his final production. Alvin Kamara entered the game dealing with a back injury that limited him throughout the week, then exited during the second quarter with an apparent thigh or hip issue. According to PFF, Kamara played 10 snaps compared with Miller’s six over the first four drives before Miller took a 14-9 snap advantage over the next five possessions. Miller then handled 12 snaps over New Orleans’ final seven drives, while Kamara didn’t play in the fourth quarter. The Saints also continue using C.J. Donaldson on third downs, while Travis Etienne Jr. remains on injured reserve, leaving Miller with a potentially significant early-down opportunity if Kamara misses additional time.
New Orleans faces Pittsburgh in Week 7 before entering its bye, making Kamara’s injury situation especially important. The Saints could decide that giving Kamara additional recovery time is the best approach, potentially creating another opportunity for Miller to handle a substantial workload. However, I’m not assuming Miller has permanently taken over the backfield because his Week 6 involvement was clearly influenced by Kamara’s health. Donaldson’s third-down responsibilities could also limit Miller’s receiving opportunities, making his rushing volume particularly important to his fantasy outlook. Still, running backs with a realistic path toward 15 to 20 touches are difficult to find at this point of the season. At 34% rostered, Miller is one of my highest-priority waiver additions, and I’d be comfortable starting him as an RB2 or flex option if Kamara is ruled out. If Kamara plays, Miller becomes a considerably riskier option.
3. Jonah Coleman, RB (DEN)
Rostered: 25%
Jonah Coleman is an intriguing speculative addition as he approaches a potential return from injured reserve. The Broncos placed the rookie running back on injured reserve following an ankle injury suffered during their Week 2 victory over Jacksonville, making him ineligible to play from Weeks 3 through 6. Coleman is first eligible to return in Week 7 against Arizona, although eligibility doesn’t guarantee that he’ll immediately be activated or receive a significant workload. Before suffering the injury, Coleman carried the ball 10 times for 39 yards and a touchdown while catching three passes for another 19 yards against the Jaguars. That performance demonstrated his potential to contribute as both a runner and receiver. Denver’s backfield has continued operating primarily through J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey during Coleman’s absence, while Tyler Badie suffered a thumb injury against Seattle in Week 6. Those circumstances make Coleman’s recovery and potential return particularly interesting.
I’m interested in Coleman because Denver’s rushing attack hasn’t consistently produced efficient results, creating an opportunity for the coaching staff to reconsider how it distributes backfield touches. Dobbins remains an established part of the rotation, and Harvey has also earned opportunities, so I wouldn’t assume Coleman immediately returns to the role he held before his injury. However, his ability to contribute in multiple situations gives him a path toward earning meaningful work if he’s healthy enough to return. The biggest priority is monitoring whether Denver opens his practice window and activates him ahead of the Arizona matchup. At 25% rostered, Coleman is an appealing bench stash for fantasy managers who can afford to wait for his role to develop. I wouldn’t start him immediately after an extended absence, but his potential involvement makes him worth targeting before his workload becomes clearer.
4. Omar Cooper Jr., WR (NYJ)
Rostered: 4%
Omar Cooper Jr. delivered one of the most impressive rookie receiving performances of Week 6, catching six passes for 103 yards and a touchdown in the Jets’ 26-19 loss to New England. His breakout was particularly encouraging because it came in his first game back from an ankle injury that had sidelined him for four consecutive contests. Despite the extended absence, Cooper immediately became an important part of New York’s passing attack, contributing from the slot while also taking on additional responsibilities in two-receiver formations. According to PFF, Cooper played 82% of the Jets’ offensive snaps and registered an 85% snap participation mark, reflecting a significantly larger role than fantasy managers could reasonably have expected in his return. He joined Garrett Wilson as a primary receiver in heavier personnel groupings, while Tim Patrick continued handling outside responsibilities in three-receiver sets. Cooper’s immediate production and substantial playing time suggest New York intends to keep him involved.
The Jets face Miami in Week 7, giving Cooper an opportunity to build on his breakout against a defense that has struggled to consistently limit opposing offenses. His role is particularly encouraging because he wasn’t simply used as a situational deep threat. Playing regularly in both two- and three-receiver formations creates a more dependable path toward targets, especially if New York continues looking for ways to improve its passing attack. Adonai Mitchell’s eventual return could complicate the rotation, but Cooper has already demonstrated that he deserves meaningful playing time. I’m not expecting another 100-yard performance automatically, particularly given the Jets’ offensive inconsistency, but the combination of talent, receiving production, and immediate snap involvement makes him extremely appealing. At just 4% rostered, Cooper is one of my favorite upside additions entering Week 7.
5. Keenan Allen, WR (IND)
Rostered: 47%
Keenan Allen delivered his most productive performance of the season against Tennessee in Week 6, catching eight of 11 targets for 82 yards in Indianapolis’ 26-20 loss. Allen led the Colts in receptions, receiving yards and targets, setting season highs in all three categories. His increased involvement came with rookie tight end Tyler Warren sidelined by a groin injury, creating additional opportunities for Allen to operate as one of Daniel Jones’ preferred options in the short and intermediate passing game. Allen has now caught 26 passes for 227 yards and a touchdown on 40 targets this season, demonstrating that he can still earn significant receiving volume when Indianapolis gives him opportunities. His recent production is particularly encouraging because he had already drawn nine targets in each of his previous two appearances, suggesting that his ability to command targets isn’t limited to one favorable matchup.
Indianapolis travels to Minnesota in Week 7, and I’m interested in Allen as a potential PPR starter if his receiving involvement remains elevated. Warren’s availability will be an important factor because his eventual return could redistribute targets throughout the offense, while Josh Downs also remains an important receiving option. However, Allen doesn’t necessarily need to dominate the target hierarchy to become fantasy-relevant. His ability to consistently earn short and intermediate opportunities creates a realistic path toward five or more receptions, particularly in games where Indianapolis needs to throw frequently. I’m not expecting significant explosive-play production at this stage of his career, but dependable receiving volume can be extremely valuable when injuries and bye weeks complicate lineup decisions. At 47% rostered, Allen is a worthwhile addition for managers who need immediate receiving depth. I’m comfortable viewing him as a WR3 or flex option in full-PPR leagues, with his ceiling tied to how consistently Indianapolis keeps him involved.
6. Roschon Johnson, RB (CHI)
Rostered: 5%
Roschon Johnson delivered his most productive performance of the season against Atlanta in Week 6, finishing with 13 carries for 51 yards and a touchdown while catching both of his targets for another 34 yards. His 85 total yards were particularly encouraging because Chicago continued giving him meaningful opportunities alongside D’Andre Swift rather than limiting him to occasional short-yardage situations. With Kyle Monangai sidelined by a toe injury, Johnson played 31 offensive snaps compared with Swift’s 45, demonstrating that the Bears were comfortable using both running backs throughout the game. Johnson actually led Chicago in rushing yards, finishing ahead of Swift’s 44 yards on 16 carries. He also caught five passes for 34 yards against Green Bay in Week 5, giving him useful receiving involvement over consecutive games. However, Johnson did lose a fumble against Atlanta, introducing another consideration when evaluating how secure his role might be moving forward.
Chicago hosts New England on Thursday night in Week 7, making Monangai’s availability particularly important with the short turnaround. If Monangai remains sidelined, Johnson should have another opportunity to handle a meaningful complementary workload behind Swift. His receiving involvement creates additional fantasy appeal because he doesn’t necessarily need to dominate rushing attempts to deliver useful production. However, Swift remains the primary option, and Johnson’s lost fumble could complicate his playing-time outlook if the coaching staff becomes less comfortable trusting him in important situations. I’m not treating Johnson as an automatic starter, especially with the possibility that Monangai returns and creates a more crowded backfield. Still, at just 5% rostered, he’s worth targeting as an inexpensive running back addition with immediate flex potential if the injury situation remains unchanged. I’d prioritize him in deeper leagues where finding players with realistic weekly touches has become increasingly difficult.
7. Michael Mayer, TE (LV)
Rostered: 8%
Michael Mayer delivered one of the most surprising tight end performances of Week 6, catching seven passes for 95 yards against Buffalo. His production was particularly interesting because Brock Bowers remains an important part of Las Vegas’ passing attack, yet Mayer still managed to command significant receiving opportunities. The Raiders leaned heavily on formations featuring multiple tight ends, creating opportunities for Mayer to remain on the field alongside Bowers rather than competing directly with him for every offensive snap. According to PFF, Las Vegas used three-wide-receiver formations on just one offensive play against Buffalo, illustrating how extensively the offense relied on heavier personnel groupings. That approach allowed Mayer to contribute as a receiver rather than being limited to traditional blocking responsibilities. His seven receptions and 95 yards demonstrated that he can deliver meaningful fantasy production when the Raiders consistently involve him in the passing game.
Las Vegas hosts the Rams in Week 7, and I’m interested in Mayer as a speculative tight end addition if the Raiders continue featuring multiple tight ends. Bowers remains the more established receiving option, so I wouldn’t automatically expect Mayer to command seven receptions every week. However, his Week 6 production was encouraging because he generated significant receiving yardage without needing a touchdown, which is especially valuable at a position where many streaming options rely heavily on scoring opportunities. The biggest question is whether Las Vegas maintains this personnel approach against different opponents or begins incorporating more three-receiver formations. I’m not ready to treat Mayer as a dependable weekly TE1 after one breakout performance, but his potential standalone value is considerably more appealing than it was entering Week 6. At just 8% rostered, he’s worth adding for managers searching for tight end upside, particularly in deeper leagues where the available options are limited.
8. Ja’Kobi Lane, WR (BAL)
Rostered: 12%
Ja’Kobi Lane returned from injured reserve against Cleveland and immediately made an impact in Baltimore’s passing attack, catching four of five targets for 40 yards. The rookie had missed significant time, making his immediate involvement particularly encouraging. According to PFF, Lane played 16 of Baltimore’s first 32 offensive snaps before Rashod Bateman suffered a shoulder injury. Devontez Walker received additional opportunities following Bateman’s departure, but Lane’s involvement beforehand suggests the coaching staff had already planned to use him as part of its receiving rotation. Earning five targets in his first game back is another encouraging development, particularly because Baltimore’s passing attack struggled throughout the afternoon. Tyler Huntley threw for just 165 yards in the Ravens’ 13-10 loss, limiting the receiving production available across the offense. Lane’s ability to earn opportunities despite that difficult environment makes his return worth monitoring closely.
Baltimore hosts Cincinnati in Week 7, and Lane could become a more important receiving option if Bateman’s shoulder injury limits his availability. However, I’m particularly interested in what happens when Lamar Jackson returns, because Baltimore’s passing offense has struggled to generate consistent production without him. Lane doesn’t necessarily need to become the Ravens’ leading receiver to establish fantasy relevance if he can consistently earn routes and targets in a healthier offense. His immediate involvement following an extended absence suggests Baltimore has plans for him, although Walker’s increased playing time after Bateman’s injury means the rotation could remain competitive. At just 12% rostered, Lane is an appealing speculative bench addition for managers looking beyond the most obvious waiver-wire names. I wouldn’t rush to start him in Week 7, but his talent and potential opportunity make him worth targeting before his role becomes more established.
9. Jordyn Tyson, WR (NO)
Rostered: 48%
Jordyn Tyson remains an intriguing long-term stash as New Orleans continues waiting for its rookie first-round receiver to recover from a hamstring injury. Tyson has spent the entire regular season on injured reserve after suffering the injury during an August practice, preventing him from making his NFL debut through six weeks. Saints head coach Kellen Moore indicated on October 12 that Tyson was progressing well but wasn’t ready to return to practice, meaning New Orleans had not yet opened his 21-day practice window. Earlier expectations had pointed toward a potential Week 7 debut, but the extended recovery timeline has made a return after the Saints’ Week 8 bye increasingly realistic. Meanwhile, New Orleans showed encouraging offensive improvement in its 34-27 victory over the Giants, with Tyler Shough throwing three touchdown passes and the Saints generating a season-high 175 rushing yards. That performance creates some optimism about the offense Tyson could eventually join, although his immediate availability remains uncertain.
New Orleans faces Pittsburgh in Week 7 before its bye, and I’m not expecting Tyson to provide immediate fantasy production without a meaningful change in his practice participation. Chris Olave and Devaughn Vele have established important roles in the receiving rotation, meaning Tyson will need to earn playing time once he’s healthy enough to return. However, his talent and first-round draft investment make him an appealing upside stash for fantasy managers who can afford to wait. The Saints have lacked consistent explosive receiving production, creating an opportunity for Tyson to eventually establish himself if he can stay healthy. At 48% rostered, I’m comfortable adding him in leagues with sufficient bench space, particularly for managers who don’t need an immediate starter. I’d rather stash him before his debut than compete with other fantasy managers after a potential breakout, but his injury situation makes him a lower priority than receivers who are already earning significant targets.
10. Jaylin Noel, WR (HOU)
Rostered: 7%
Jaylin Noel continued his impressive stretch of receiving production against Jacksonville in Week 6, catching all four of his targets for a career-high 107 yards and a touchdown in Houston’s 34-31 victory. His performance included a 50-yard reception, demonstrating the explosive-play ability that makes him particularly interesting for fantasy football. Noel also caught five passes for 41 yards and a touchdown against Tennessee in Week 5 after recording three receptions for 85 yards against Dallas in Week 4. Over his last three games, he’s accumulated 233 receiving yards and two touchdowns, an encouraging stretch for a player who remains available in nearly every fantasy league. However, Houston’s receiving rotation became considerably more complicated with the arrival of Marvin Harrison Jr., whom the Texans acquired from Arizona.
Houston hosts the Giants in Week 7, giving Noel another opportunity to build on his recent production. However, I’m cautious about projecting a significant increase in his weekly targets because Harrison’s eventual expansion into the offense could change how Houston distributes its receiving opportunities. Nico Collins remains an established focal point of the passing attack, while Xavier Hutchinson and Kayshon Boutte have also been involved in the rotation. Harrison’s presence could eventually reduce opportunities for some of those receivers, although Noel’s slot responsibilities might help protect his role. What interests me most is that Noel has already demonstrated the ability to create explosive plays and produce touchdowns without needing double-digit targets. At just 7% rostered, he’s an appealing upside bench addition, particularly for managers searching for a receiver who could develop into a useful flex option. I’d like to see his target volume increase before trusting him as a weekly starter, but his recent production makes him worth targeting.
11. Cleveland Browns DEF
Rostered: 19%
Cleveland’s defense is one of my preferred streaming options entering Week 7 after another encouraging performance against Baltimore. The Browns held the Ravens to just 10 points in their 13-10 victory, limiting an offense that still possesses dangerous playmakers despite its injury concerns. Baltimore struggled to establish consistent passing production, with Tyler Huntley throwing for only 165 yards while Derrick Henry was held to 58 rushing yards. Cleveland also benefited from a critical late fumble by Henry, helping the Browns preserve their narrow lead. The performance was particularly encouraging because the defense demonstrated an ability to limit explosive plays and force mistakes against an opponent with considerable offensive talent. With Cleveland now sitting at 4-2, the defense has become an important part of the team’s early-season success and deserves consideration as a fantasy streaming option.
The Browns travel to Tennessee in Week 7, creating another appealing opportunity against an offense that has struggled with consistency. Cam Ward threw for just 102 yards with one touchdown and an interception in the Titans’ 26-20 victory over Indianapolis, while Tennessee’s offense relied heavily on special teams and defensive contributions to complete its comeback. The Titans deserve credit for earning their first victory, but the passing game still hasn’t demonstrated that it can consistently move the football against quality defenses. Ward’s limited passing production and turnover concerns create opportunities for Cleveland to generate fantasy points through pressure, sacks, and takeaways. However, Tennessee’s Week 6 victory is a reminder that the Titans are capable of finding ways to win even when their offense struggles. At just 19% rostered, I’m comfortable treating Cleveland as one of my preferred Week 7 defensive streaming options, particularly for fantasy managers looking to capitalize on a favorable matchup without committing a roster spot to a defense long term.
Honorable Waiver Wire Mentions
- Aaron Rodgers QB (PIT) – 34% rostered
- Bam Knight RB (ARI) – 1% rostered
- Mike Washington Jr. RB (LV) – 24% rostered
- Jaleel McLaughlin (CLE) – 9% rostered
- Caleb Douglas WR (MIA – 9% rostered
- Tre Tucker WR (LV) – 45% rostered
- Keon Coleman WR (BUF) – 32% rostered
- Adonai Mitchell WR (NYJ) – 16% rostered
- Tyler Higbee TE (LAR) – 29% rostered
- TJ Hockenson TE (MIN) – 43% rostered
- Carolina Panthers DEF 17% rostered
- New York Jets DEF 11% rostered
- Chris Boswell K (PIT) – 28% rostered
