Tell your friends (just not your leaguemates until next week)

by Optimus Staff

Published On: October 13th, 2025

Have you ever gone to an all-you-can-eat buffet where you pay your money, and you approach the buffet only to see there’s a grand total of four choices, and they’re the most disappointing versions of those foods that you could imagine? Sometimes that’s the waiver wire.

But not this week! This week, we’ve got king crab legs, we’ve got roast beef, we’ve got pomegranate ham, with all the sides and desserts that you could possibly want, and more. It’s a veritable smorgasbord of delights, all there for the taking for you. But just like a buffet in this scenario, you have to be intentional with what room you have. The bread may be delicious, but it’s a trap!*

*Lou was very hungry while writing this intro, can you tell?

Let us help you parse out the “bread” and leave it behind, so you can save your FAAB and waiver priority for the real prizes of the Week 7 waiver wire!

Just a reminder:

Week 7 Waiver Wire Adds For Your 2025 Fantasy Football Team

Check out our Premium Tools – Use Code “OptimusFall” for 25% OFF 4 Months!

Quarterbacks:

Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks | Sleeper 51% | ESPN 23.1% | 20-30% FAAB

The disrespect of Sam Darnold right now is astounding. I’ll admit, when the season was approaching, I was less than excited about the veteran QB on yet another new team. All signs pointed to disaster for Darnold behind a suspect offensive line and questionable weapons outside WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba. 

However, at least through six games, the veteran signal caller is playing like a top-tier QB. If you eliminate an atrocious Week 1 that is looking more and more like an outlier, Darnold is the overall QB6. 

Darnold could come crashing back down to earth, but he’s given us little reason to believe he will. Since Week 1, he has thrown 11 TDs to only three INTs, has only taken five sacks, and is completing 71% of his throws. Furthermore, his schedule isn’t particularly concerning outside of this weekend’s game against Houston and a Week 14 matchup against an Atlanta defense that has been tough on QBs. For a Week 7 waiver wire QB acquisition, you could do much worse. Darnold appears primed to play as a top-12 QB the rest of this season and is startable in all formats moving forward. 

Joe Flacco, Cincinnati Bengals | Sleeper 14% | ESPN 4.6% | 10-12% FAAB

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Believe me when I tell you I don’t want to be writing this. We shouldn’t be talking about Joe Flacco as a rosterable QB in the year 2025, but it’s unavoidable. This past week, with four days to prepare, the veteran QB put in a valiant QB12* performance in his Cincinnati Bengals debut. While the Bengals ultimately lost to a much better Green Bay squad, Flacco did his part, throwing for 219 yards and two TDs.

For real football, Flacco is a life raft attempt to save a sinking season in Cincinnati. You can say much the same for your fantasy season if you’re considering rostering the veteran QB. However, Flacco might be old, but he’s also seasoned and surrounded with weapons in the form of Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Chase Brown. Head coach Zach Taylor is unlikely to move to a more run-forward approach, and while it isn’t pretty, Flacco should be a viable start most weeks in 2QB and Superflex formats.

*Pre-MNF

Running Backs:

Kimani Vidal, Los Angeles Chargers | Sleeper 45% | ESPN 27.1% | 10-20% FAAB

I can admit when I’m wrong, and coming out of Week 6, my goodness was I wrong. In our Week 6 Waiver Wire article, I wrote how neither Vidal nor running mate Hassan Haskins was worth picking up, let alone starting. Well, Vidal responded—yes, I’m taking credit for his performance; he clearly read my work and wanted to prove me wrong—by posting 18 carries for 124 yards and another 14 yards and a TD on three catches. He won’t get Miami every week, but he still did what we want to see against a terrible defense: he performed.

An added layer to this is the length of starter Omarion Hampton‘s injury prognosis and outlook once he returns. It was recently announced that Hampton’s injury would keep him out for more than the minimum four weeks, but with no clarity beyond that. I think it’s reasonable to plan on Hampton missing through their Week 12 bye with a return in Week 13, until we learn more. Even then, we might see a split between Vidal and Hampton, akin to what we saw between Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton before Harris’ season-ending injury. 

If you have a need for an RB on your roster, Vidal should be at the top of your list, as he clearly has juice that Haskins does not. I recommend not spending more than 10-20% of your FAAB on him, since he’s only a temporary solution, but he deserves to be rostered, and rostered now.

Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans | Sleeper 33% | ESPN 23.6% | 5-10% FAAB

Embed from Getty Images

Did you hear?! The Titans fired Brian Callahan! That could mean lots of changes, zero changes, or anything in between for the Titans going forward, and that is the basis of my recommendation. As I’ve noted before, Tyjae Spears has Done The Thing, and most notably, he’s done it when it mattered most as he ran roughshod during the ’24 fantasy playoffs. As Spears continues to make his way back from the injury that he opened the season with, he predictably saw his snap share increase from 25% to 59% week-over-week. His production increased as well, as he averaged 6.2 YPC and chipped in another four receptions on four targets for 19 yards.

One of the bigger changes any new coach could make would be to phase out incumbent Tony Pollard and lean into the delicate but productive Spears. This move is a bit speculative, but Spears is a good enough talent that he’s worth holding for a couple of weeks, even if you can’t throw him in your lineup. You can get him for a lot cheaper now than if his workload does spike, but you know your league and the contents of its waiver wire, so bid accordingly. Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.

Zonovan Knight (“Bam”), Arizona Cardinals |Sleeper 18% | ESPN 5.6% | 0-1% FAAB

The Arizona offense looked surprisingly competent with Jacoby Brissett manning the helm in place of the injured Kyler Murray. Granted, the running game did not, with both Knight and Michael Carter rushing for exactly 34 yards. However, when it came to the red zone work, Knight was the one who got more work in the red zone, 10 snaps to Carter’s six. Even more telling, Knight got all the goal-to-go work, garnering all five snaps to himself and ended up with a TD for his efforts.

Bam Knight is not a good option; however, injuries and bye weeks make for strange needs, so I don’t judge you if you need to go out and pick him up. Please, just don’t spend up to do it.

Wide Receivers:

Kendrick Bourne, San Francisco 49ers | Sleeper 52% | ESPN 37.4% | 5-7% FAAB

The San Francisco 49ers’ pass-catching group has been a M*A*S*H unit this season, with plenty of injuries to go around between Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall, George Kittle, and Brandon Aiyuk. Amidst a group of uninspiring receivers that includes Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Demarcus Robinson, and Skyy Moore, it’s been Kendrick Bourne doing a lot of the heavy lifting in this offense in the short term.

Bourne has two consecutive 142-yard receiving games, averaging 10 targets and 7.5 receptions in his last two games. It’s one thing if Bourne had a massive game as a one-off that could be dismissed, but we have to take notice when he puts two straight games of massive fantasy production. If you’re in need of a wide receiver or flex for the next few games during bye weeks, Bourne is plenty productive enough to keep this hot stretch going. 

Elic Ayomanor, Tennessee Titans | Sleeper 47% | ESPN 28% | 4-6% FAAB

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There’s a lot of turmoil in Tennessee currently, with head coach Brian Callahan getting the axe this morning, as well as Calvin Ridley‘s hamstring injury, where he didn’t return to action. If Ridley doesn’t play next week in their game at home against the Patriots, it’s Elic Ayomanor assuming the WR1 mantle for the Titans.

Ayomanor has kept a very strong role all season. With some of the veteran options around him, it would behoove the Titans’ interim HC Mike McCoy to let a player like Van Jefferson become the sacrificial “X” receiver. Then Ayomanor can be the “Z” receiver that can move around the formation. That was Ridley’s role, and it would kickstart Ayomanor’s ascension a bit early. 

While it’s not a great offensive environment, Ayomanor has been a frequent and consistent target for Cam Ward, averaging five targets per game. If he’s still available in your fantasy league, he’s an excellent speculative pickup for the rest of the season with the hope that Ayomanor takes the work if Ridley is out and never gives it back.

Jordan Whittington, Los Angeles Rams | Sleeper 2% | ESPN 0.2% | 3-5% FAAB

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The thesis for adding Jordan Whittington to fantasy rosters is as a relief at receiver, necessitating a short-term pickup. With Puka Nacua leaving Week 6 with an ankle injury and the team flying overseas to play the Jaguars in Week 7, it’s possible the Rams let Nacua rest up and then take the Week 8 bye to play in Week 9. In Week 6, Whittington ran routes on 86% of Matthew Stafford‘s dropbacks as a 1:1 Nacua replacement. 

In that role, Whittington would be paired with Davante Adams against a Jaguars’ defense that is solid, but not spectacular. 85-90% of routes would be Whittington’s for the taking, and given how productive the Rams’ offense has been this season, Whittington is an excellent spot start for lineups in need for this upcoming week.

Tight Ends:

Cade Otton | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Sleeper 12% | ESPN 8.9% | 10-15% FAAB

The most notable receiving options left who are healthy on the Buccaneers are Cade Otton and Sterling Shepard. Tez Johnson might fall into the end zone on a cool play, like he did against the 49ers, but he won’t provide reliable volume compared to the 4th year tight end. When the Bucs had all of their core wide receivers healthy (except Chris Godwin), Otton was not used heavily in the offense. Over the last three weeks, Otton has seen 15 targets and caught 12 of them. He has yet to find the end zone, but his receiving yards are enough to put him in double-digit fantasy points in PPR leagues. Those do not come easily from the tight end position. Otton will have a tougher matchup against the Lions in Week 7, but Travis Kelce didn’t have much trouble against them, catching six of seven passes for 78 yards. The Buccaneers’ offense should give the Lions’ defense some trouble in the passing game. Treat Cade Otton as a TE1 streamer.

Jonnu Smith | Pittsburgh Steelers | Sleeper 33% | ESPN 18.7% | 2% FAAB

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Jonnu Smith is Evan’s tight end sleeper of the week! The Steelers take on the Cincinnati Bengals, who are dead last in most fantasy points given up to tight ends so far this year (17.7 per game). Smith has not been used well in the receiving game so far with Aaron Rodgers throwing the football. Jonnu has yet to have more than 27 receiving yards in a game. He also only found the end zone once so far this season against the New York Jets. The Jets’ defense is the only unit the Steelers have faced so far this year that is bad at defending tight ends. Otherwise, the Seahawks, Patriots, Vikings, and Browns stifled Jonnu’s receiving production. Now that the Steelers have an easier Week 7 opponent that struggles to defend tight ends, it would not be surprising to see Jonnu finally see more than four targets. Treat Jonnu Smith as a streaming TE2 with upside this week.

For More In-Depth Analysis, Check Out Our Waiver Wire YouTube Show:

Defense/Special Teams (D/STs):

Miami Dolphins | Sleeper 4% | ESPN 2.5% | 0% FAAB

This is definitely the first — and likely the last — time I’ll recommend the Miami Dolphins as a streaming play in fantasy football. However, when a matchup tells you to go, you go.

No one is confusing this unit for good or even competent. This organization is a mess right now at all levels. But this week, against a Cleveland Browns team that gives up points to fantasy defenses like it’s candy on Halloween, this sad sack of a defense is worth a one-week rental.

Cleveland is now rolling out rookie Dillon Gabriel behind center, and outside of rookie RB Quinshon Judkins, there isn’t much power for the Browns on the offensive side of the ball. This game will be ugly, and both defenses should benefit. Grab the Dolphins’ side of this one for free, and you can safely let them go next week for a better matchup.   

New York Jets | Sleeper 3% | ESPN 9.1% | 0% FAAB

Much like the Dolphins, the New York Jets’ defensive unit (D/ST28) isn’t going to be confused for good. However, a Week 7 matchup against the confusing Carolina Panthers offense makes them an attractive streaming option this weekend.

While QB Bryce Young and company have had two back-to-back solid performances, don’t be fooled. This unit is still clumsy, has given up too many sacks (10 so far this season), and plays inconsistent football. Young has turned the ball over eight times in six games and has exceeded 200 passing yards only once (328 yards in Week 3 against Arizona).

On the flip side, the Jets’ defense showed out last week against Denver, forcing two fumbles, logging a sack, and allowing only 13 points. They should be able to replicate that success at least, if not exceed it. It’s certainly a risk, but for a no-cost streaming option for Week 7, you could do much worse than the Jets. 

Kickers:

Eddy Pineiro, San Francisco 49ers | Sleeper 28% | ESPN 25.9% | 3-5% FAAB

Finding consistency at the kicker position in fantasy football can be a difficult task. However, there is an opportunity sitting right in front of you to do just that ahead of Week 7. 

49ers kicker Eddy Pineiro, whom I also wrote about as a must-add last week, continues to be just that. Currently sitting as the overall K2, Pineiro has seen at least two field goal opportunities in every game he has started this season and has yet to miss a single one. His only blemish on the season is a missed extra point in Week 2, his first week with the team.

If you’re tired of streaming kickers or need a solid fill-in, Pinerio is a safe addition you can rely on for the rest of the 2025 season.   

Ka’imi Fairbairn, Houston Texans 23% | Sleeper 21.2% | ESPN | 2-3% FAAB

In the same vein as the aforementioned Pineiro, veteran kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn has been about as reliable as a kicker can be through the first five games of the season. The Texans’ kicker has made 11 of his 13 field goal attempts, including five of 50 or more yards. In addition, he is a perfect nine for nine on extra point attempts.

Currently sitting as the K8 in fantasy football, Fairbairn was the victim of bye-week cuts last week. He won’t last on the waiver wire long, and might be slightly more expensive to acquire than Pineiro, making him my second choice behind the 49ers kicker on this week’s wire. However, if you miss out on Pineiro, or he’s already rostered in your league, Fairbairn is a fine addition for a Week 7 rental or for the remainder of the season. 

For more waiver wire pickup advice, head over to our Discord channel and ask our analysts! For breaking news and injury updates, follow Optimus Fantasy News on Bluesky!

Have you ever gone to an all-you-can-eat buffet where you pay your money, and you approach the buffet only to see there’s a grand total of four choices, and they’re the most disappointing versions of those foods that you could imagine? Sometimes that’s the waiver wire.

But not this week! This week, we’ve got king crab legs, we’ve got roast beef, we’ve got pomegranate ham, with all the sides and desserts that you could possibly want, and more. It’s a veritable smorgasbord of delights, all there for the taking for you. But just like a buffet in this scenario, you have to be intentional with what room you have. The bread may be delicious, but it’s a trap!*

*Lou was very hungry while writing this intro, can you tell?

Let us help you parse out the “bread” and leave it behind, so you can save your FAAB and waiver priority for the real prizes of the Week 7 waiver wire!

Just a reminder:

Week 7 Waiver Wire Adds For Your 2025 Fantasy Football Team

Check out our Premium Tools – Use Code “OptimusFall” for 25% OFF 4 Months!

Quarterbacks:

Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks | Sleeper 51% | ESPN 23.1% | 20-30% FAAB

The disrespect of Sam Darnold right now is astounding. I’ll admit, when the season was approaching, I was less than excited about the veteran QB on yet another new team. All signs pointed to disaster for Darnold behind a suspect offensive line and questionable weapons outside WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba. 

However, at least through six games, the veteran signal caller is playing like a top-tier QB. If you eliminate an atrocious Week 1 that is looking more and more like an outlier, Darnold is the overall QB6. 

Darnold could come crashing back down to earth, but he’s given us little reason to believe he will. Since Week 1, he has thrown 11 TDs to only three INTs, has only taken five sacks, and is completing 71% of his throws. Furthermore, his schedule isn’t particularly concerning outside of this weekend’s game against Houston and a Week 14 matchup against an Atlanta defense that has been tough on QBs. For a Week 7 waiver wire QB acquisition, you could do much worse. Darnold appears primed to play as a top-12 QB the rest of this season and is startable in all formats moving forward. 

Joe Flacco, Cincinnati Bengals | Sleeper 14% | ESPN 4.6% | 10-12% FAAB

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Believe me when I tell you I don’t want to be writing this. We shouldn’t be talking about Joe Flacco as a rosterable QB in the year 2025, but it’s unavoidable. This past week, with four days to prepare, the veteran QB put in a valiant QB12* performance in his Cincinnati Bengals debut. While the Bengals ultimately lost to a much better Green Bay squad, Flacco did his part, throwing for 219 yards and two TDs.

For real football, Flacco is a life raft attempt to save a sinking season in Cincinnati. You can say much the same for your fantasy season if you’re considering rostering the veteran QB. However, Flacco might be old, but he’s also seasoned and surrounded with weapons in the form of Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Chase Brown. Head coach Zach Taylor is unlikely to move to a more run-forward approach, and while it isn’t pretty, Flacco should be a viable start most weeks in 2QB and Superflex formats.

*Pre-MNF

Running Backs:

Kimani Vidal, Los Angeles Chargers | Sleeper 45% | ESPN 27.1% | 10-20% FAAB

I can admit when I’m wrong, and coming out of Week 6, my goodness was I wrong. In our Week 6 Waiver Wire article, I wrote how neither Vidal nor running mate Hassan Haskins was worth picking up, let alone starting. Well, Vidal responded—yes, I’m taking credit for his performance; he clearly read my work and wanted to prove me wrong—by posting 18 carries for 124 yards and another 14 yards and a TD on three catches. He won’t get Miami every week, but he still did what we want to see against a terrible defense: he performed.

An added layer to this is the length of starter Omarion Hampton‘s injury prognosis and outlook once he returns. It was recently announced that Hampton’s injury would keep him out for more than the minimum four weeks, but with no clarity beyond that. I think it’s reasonable to plan on Hampton missing through their Week 12 bye with a return in Week 13, until we learn more. Even then, we might see a split between Vidal and Hampton, akin to what we saw between Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton before Harris’ season-ending injury. 

If you have a need for an RB on your roster, Vidal should be at the top of your list, as he clearly has juice that Haskins does not. I recommend not spending more than 10-20% of your FAAB on him, since he’s only a temporary solution, but he deserves to be rostered, and rostered now.

Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans | Sleeper 33% | ESPN 23.6% | 5-10% FAAB

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Did you hear?! The Titans fired Brian Callahan! That could mean lots of changes, zero changes, or anything in between for the Titans going forward, and that is the basis of my recommendation. As I’ve noted before, Tyjae Spears has Done The Thing, and most notably, he’s done it when it mattered most as he ran roughshod during the ’24 fantasy playoffs. As Spears continues to make his way back from the injury that he opened the season with, he predictably saw his snap share increase from 25% to 59% week-over-week. His production increased as well, as he averaged 6.2 YPC and chipped in another four receptions on four targets for 19 yards.

One of the bigger changes any new coach could make would be to phase out incumbent Tony Pollard and lean into the delicate but productive Spears. This move is a bit speculative, but Spears is a good enough talent that he’s worth holding for a couple of weeks, even if you can’t throw him in your lineup. You can get him for a lot cheaper now than if his workload does spike, but you know your league and the contents of its waiver wire, so bid accordingly. Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.

Zonovan Knight (“Bam”), Arizona Cardinals |Sleeper 18% | ESPN 5.6% | 0-1% FAAB

The Arizona offense looked surprisingly competent with Jacoby Brissett manning the helm in place of the injured Kyler Murray. Granted, the running game did not, with both Knight and Michael Carter rushing for exactly 34 yards. However, when it came to the red zone work, Knight was the one who got more work in the red zone, 10 snaps to Carter’s six. Even more telling, Knight got all the goal-to-go work, garnering all five snaps to himself and ended up with a TD for his efforts.

Bam Knight is not a good option; however, injuries and bye weeks make for strange needs, so I don’t judge you if you need to go out and pick him up. Please, just don’t spend up to do it.

Wide Receivers:

Kendrick Bourne, San Francisco 49ers | Sleeper 52% | ESPN 37.4% | 5-7% FAAB

The San Francisco 49ers’ pass-catching group has been a M*A*S*H unit this season, with plenty of injuries to go around between Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall, George Kittle, and Brandon Aiyuk. Amidst a group of uninspiring receivers that includes Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Demarcus Robinson, and Skyy Moore, it’s been Kendrick Bourne doing a lot of the heavy lifting in this offense in the short term.

Bourne has two consecutive 142-yard receiving games, averaging 10 targets and 7.5 receptions in his last two games. It’s one thing if Bourne had a massive game as a one-off that could be dismissed, but we have to take notice when he puts two straight games of massive fantasy production. If you’re in need of a wide receiver or flex for the next few games during bye weeks, Bourne is plenty productive enough to keep this hot stretch going. 

Elic Ayomanor, Tennessee Titans | Sleeper 47% | ESPN 28% | 4-6% FAAB

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There’s a lot of turmoil in Tennessee currently, with head coach Brian Callahan getting the axe this morning, as well as Calvin Ridley‘s hamstring injury, where he didn’t return to action. If Ridley doesn’t play next week in their game at home against the Patriots, it’s Elic Ayomanor assuming the WR1 mantle for the Titans.

Ayomanor has kept a very strong role all season. With some of the veteran options around him, it would behoove the Titans’ interim HC Mike McCoy to let a player like Van Jefferson become the sacrificial “X” receiver. Then Ayomanor can be the “Z” receiver that can move around the formation. That was Ridley’s role, and it would kickstart Ayomanor’s ascension a bit early. 

While it’s not a great offensive environment, Ayomanor has been a frequent and consistent target for Cam Ward, averaging five targets per game. If he’s still available in your fantasy league, he’s an excellent speculative pickup for the rest of the season with the hope that Ayomanor takes the work if Ridley is out and never gives it back.

Jordan Whittington, Los Angeles Rams | Sleeper 2% | ESPN 0.2% | 3-5% FAAB

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The thesis for adding Jordan Whittington to fantasy rosters is as a relief at receiver, necessitating a short-term pickup. With Puka Nacua leaving Week 6 with an ankle injury and the team flying overseas to play the Jaguars in Week 7, it’s possible the Rams let Nacua rest up and then take the Week 8 bye to play in Week 9. In Week 6, Whittington ran routes on 86% of Matthew Stafford‘s dropbacks as a 1:1 Nacua replacement. 

In that role, Whittington would be paired with Davante Adams against a Jaguars’ defense that is solid, but not spectacular. 85-90% of routes would be Whittington’s for the taking, and given how productive the Rams’ offense has been this season, Whittington is an excellent spot start for lineups in need for this upcoming week.

Tight Ends:

Cade Otton | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Sleeper 12% | ESPN 8.9% | 10-15% FAAB

The most notable receiving options left who are healthy on the Buccaneers are Cade Otton and Sterling Shepard. Tez Johnson might fall into the end zone on a cool play, like he did against the 49ers, but he won’t provide reliable volume compared to the 4th year tight end. When the Bucs had all of their core wide receivers healthy (except Chris Godwin), Otton was not used heavily in the offense. Over the last three weeks, Otton has seen 15 targets and caught 12 of them. He has yet to find the end zone, but his receiving yards are enough to put him in double-digit fantasy points in PPR leagues. Those do not come easily from the tight end position. Otton will have a tougher matchup against the Lions in Week 7, but Travis Kelce didn’t have much trouble against them, catching six of seven passes for 78 yards. The Buccaneers’ offense should give the Lions’ defense some trouble in the passing game. Treat Cade Otton as a TE1 streamer.

Jonnu Smith | Pittsburgh Steelers | Sleeper 33% | ESPN 18.7% | 2% FAAB

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Jonnu Smith is Evan’s tight end sleeper of the week! The Steelers take on the Cincinnati Bengals, who are dead last in most fantasy points given up to tight ends so far this year (17.7 per game). Smith has not been used well in the receiving game so far with Aaron Rodgers throwing the football. Jonnu has yet to have more than 27 receiving yards in a game. He also only found the end zone once so far this season against the New York Jets. The Jets’ defense is the only unit the Steelers have faced so far this year that is bad at defending tight ends. Otherwise, the Seahawks, Patriots, Vikings, and Browns stifled Jonnu’s receiving production. Now that the Steelers have an easier Week 7 opponent that struggles to defend tight ends, it would not be surprising to see Jonnu finally see more than four targets. Treat Jonnu Smith as a streaming TE2 with upside this week.

For More In-Depth Analysis, Check Out Our Waiver Wire YouTube Show:

Defense/Special Teams (D/STs):

Miami Dolphins | Sleeper 4% | ESPN 2.5% | 0% FAAB

This is definitely the first — and likely the last — time I’ll recommend the Miami Dolphins as a streaming play in fantasy football. However, when a matchup tells you to go, you go.

No one is confusing this unit for good or even competent. This organization is a mess right now at all levels. But this week, against a Cleveland Browns team that gives up points to fantasy defenses like it’s candy on Halloween, this sad sack of a defense is worth a one-week rental.

Cleveland is now rolling out rookie Dillon Gabriel behind center, and outside of rookie RB Quinshon Judkins, there isn’t much power for the Browns on the offensive side of the ball. This game will be ugly, and both defenses should benefit. Grab the Dolphins’ side of this one for free, and you can safely let them go next week for a better matchup.   

New York Jets | Sleeper 3% | ESPN 9.1% | 0% FAAB

Much like the Dolphins, the New York Jets’ defensive unit (D/ST28) isn’t going to be confused for good. However, a Week 7 matchup against the confusing Carolina Panthers offense makes them an attractive streaming option this weekend.

While QB Bryce Young and company have had two back-to-back solid performances, don’t be fooled. This unit is still clumsy, has given up too many sacks (10 so far this season), and plays inconsistent football. Young has turned the ball over eight times in six games and has exceeded 200 passing yards only once (328 yards in Week 3 against Arizona).

On the flip side, the Jets’ defense showed out last week against Denver, forcing two fumbles, logging a sack, and allowing only 13 points. They should be able to replicate that success at least, if not exceed it. It’s certainly a risk, but for a no-cost streaming option for Week 7, you could do much worse than the Jets. 

Kickers:

Eddy Pineiro, San Francisco 49ers | Sleeper 28% | ESPN 25.9% | 3-5% FAAB

Finding consistency at the kicker position in fantasy football can be a difficult task. However, there is an opportunity sitting right in front of you to do just that ahead of Week 7. 

49ers kicker Eddy Pineiro, whom I also wrote about as a must-add last week, continues to be just that. Currently sitting as the overall K2, Pineiro has seen at least two field goal opportunities in every game he has started this season and has yet to miss a single one. His only blemish on the season is a missed extra point in Week 2, his first week with the team.

If you’re tired of streaming kickers or need a solid fill-in, Pinerio is a safe addition you can rely on for the rest of the 2025 season.   

Ka’imi Fairbairn, Houston Texans 23% | Sleeper 21.2% | ESPN | 2-3% FAAB

In the same vein as the aforementioned Pineiro, veteran kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn has been about as reliable as a kicker can be through the first five games of the season. The Texans’ kicker has made 11 of his 13 field goal attempts, including five of 50 or more yards. In addition, he is a perfect nine for nine on extra point attempts.

Currently sitting as the K8 in fantasy football, Fairbairn was the victim of bye-week cuts last week. He won’t last on the waiver wire long, and might be slightly more expensive to acquire than Pineiro, making him my second choice behind the 49ers kicker on this week’s wire. However, if you miss out on Pineiro, or he’s already rostered in your league, Fairbairn is a fine addition for a Week 7 rental or for the remainder of the season. 

For more waiver wire pickup advice, head over to our Discord channel and ask our analysts! For breaking news and injury updates, follow Optimus Fantasy News on Bluesky!

Have you ever gone to an all-you-can-eat buffet where you pay your money, and you approach the buffet only to see there’s a grand total of four choices, and they’re the most disappointing versions of those foods that you could imagine? Sometimes that’s the waiver wire.

But not this week! This week, we’ve got king crab legs, we’ve got roast beef, we’ve got pomegranate ham, with all the sides and desserts that you could possibly want, and more. It’s a veritable smorgasbord of delights, all there for the taking for you. But just like a buffet in this scenario, you have to be intentional with what room you have. The bread may be delicious, but it’s a trap!*

*Lou was very hungry while writing this intro, can you tell?

Let us help you parse out the “bread” and leave it behind, so you can save your FAAB and waiver priority for the real prizes of the Week 7 waiver wire!

Just a reminder:

Week 7 Waiver Wire Adds For Your 2025 Fantasy Football Team

Check out our Premium Tools – Use Code “OptimusFall” for 25% OFF 4 Months!

Quarterbacks:

Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks | Sleeper 51% | ESPN 23.1% | 20-30% FAAB

The disrespect of Sam Darnold right now is astounding. I’ll admit, when the season was approaching, I was less than excited about the veteran QB on yet another new team. All signs pointed to disaster for Darnold behind a suspect offensive line and questionable weapons outside WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba. 

However, at least through six games, the veteran signal caller is playing like a top-tier QB. If you eliminate an atrocious Week 1 that is looking more and more like an outlier, Darnold is the overall QB6. 

Darnold could come crashing back down to earth, but he’s given us little reason to believe he will. Since Week 1, he has thrown 11 TDs to only three INTs, has only taken five sacks, and is completing 71% of his throws. Furthermore, his schedule isn’t particularly concerning outside of this weekend’s game against Houston and a Week 14 matchup against an Atlanta defense that has been tough on QBs. For a Week 7 waiver wire QB acquisition, you could do much worse. Darnold appears primed to play as a top-12 QB the rest of this season and is startable in all formats moving forward. 

Joe Flacco, Cincinnati Bengals | Sleeper 14% | ESPN 4.6% | 10-12% FAAB

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Believe me when I tell you I don’t want to be writing this. We shouldn’t be talking about Joe Flacco as a rosterable QB in the year 2025, but it’s unavoidable. This past week, with four days to prepare, the veteran QB put in a valiant QB12* performance in his Cincinnati Bengals debut. While the Bengals ultimately lost to a much better Green Bay squad, Flacco did his part, throwing for 219 yards and two TDs.

For real football, Flacco is a life raft attempt to save a sinking season in Cincinnati. You can say much the same for your fantasy season if you’re considering rostering the veteran QB. However, Flacco might be old, but he’s also seasoned and surrounded with weapons in the form of Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Chase Brown. Head coach Zach Taylor is unlikely to move to a more run-forward approach, and while it isn’t pretty, Flacco should be a viable start most weeks in 2QB and Superflex formats.

*Pre-MNF

Running Backs:

Kimani Vidal, Los Angeles Chargers | Sleeper 45% | ESPN 27.1% | 10-20% FAAB

I can admit when I’m wrong, and coming out of Week 6, my goodness was I wrong. In our Week 6 Waiver Wire article, I wrote how neither Vidal nor running mate Hassan Haskins was worth picking up, let alone starting. Well, Vidal responded—yes, I’m taking credit for his performance; he clearly read my work and wanted to prove me wrong—by posting 18 carries for 124 yards and another 14 yards and a TD on three catches. He won’t get Miami every week, but he still did what we want to see against a terrible defense: he performed.

An added layer to this is the length of starter Omarion Hampton‘s injury prognosis and outlook once he returns. It was recently announced that Hampton’s injury would keep him out for more than the minimum four weeks, but with no clarity beyond that. I think it’s reasonable to plan on Hampton missing through their Week 12 bye with a return in Week 13, until we learn more. Even then, we might see a split between Vidal and Hampton, akin to what we saw between Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton before Harris’ season-ending injury. 

If you have a need for an RB on your roster, Vidal should be at the top of your list, as he clearly has juice that Haskins does not. I recommend not spending more than 10-20% of your FAAB on him, since he’s only a temporary solution, but he deserves to be rostered, and rostered now.

Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans | Sleeper 33% | ESPN 23.6% | 5-10% FAAB

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Did you hear?! The Titans fired Brian Callahan! That could mean lots of changes, zero changes, or anything in between for the Titans going forward, and that is the basis of my recommendation. As I’ve noted before, Tyjae Spears has Done The Thing, and most notably, he’s done it when it mattered most as he ran roughshod during the ’24 fantasy playoffs. As Spears continues to make his way back from the injury that he opened the season with, he predictably saw his snap share increase from 25% to 59% week-over-week. His production increased as well, as he averaged 6.2 YPC and chipped in another four receptions on four targets for 19 yards.

One of the bigger changes any new coach could make would be to phase out incumbent Tony Pollard and lean into the delicate but productive Spears. This move is a bit speculative, but Spears is a good enough talent that he’s worth holding for a couple of weeks, even if you can’t throw him in your lineup. You can get him for a lot cheaper now than if his workload does spike, but you know your league and the contents of its waiver wire, so bid accordingly. Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.

Zonovan Knight (“Bam”), Arizona Cardinals |Sleeper 18% | ESPN 5.6% | 0-1% FAAB

The Arizona offense looked surprisingly competent with Jacoby Brissett manning the helm in place of the injured Kyler Murray. Granted, the running game did not, with both Knight and Michael Carter rushing for exactly 34 yards. However, when it came to the red zone work, Knight was the one who got more work in the red zone, 10 snaps to Carter’s six. Even more telling, Knight got all the goal-to-go work, garnering all five snaps to himself and ended up with a TD for his efforts.

Bam Knight is not a good option; however, injuries and bye weeks make for strange needs, so I don’t judge you if you need to go out and pick him up. Please, just don’t spend up to do it.

Wide Receivers:

Kendrick Bourne, San Francisco 49ers | Sleeper 52% | ESPN 37.4% | 5-7% FAAB

The San Francisco 49ers’ pass-catching group has been a M*A*S*H unit this season, with plenty of injuries to go around between Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall, George Kittle, and Brandon Aiyuk. Amidst a group of uninspiring receivers that includes Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Demarcus Robinson, and Skyy Moore, it’s been Kendrick Bourne doing a lot of the heavy lifting in this offense in the short term.

Bourne has two consecutive 142-yard receiving games, averaging 10 targets and 7.5 receptions in his last two games. It’s one thing if Bourne had a massive game as a one-off that could be dismissed, but we have to take notice when he puts two straight games of massive fantasy production. If you’re in need of a wide receiver or flex for the next few games during bye weeks, Bourne is plenty productive enough to keep this hot stretch going. 

Elic Ayomanor, Tennessee Titans | Sleeper 47% | ESPN 28% | 4-6% FAAB

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There’s a lot of turmoil in Tennessee currently, with head coach Brian Callahan getting the axe this morning, as well as Calvin Ridley‘s hamstring injury, where he didn’t return to action. If Ridley doesn’t play next week in their game at home against the Patriots, it’s Elic Ayomanor assuming the WR1 mantle for the Titans.

Ayomanor has kept a very strong role all season. With some of the veteran options around him, it would behoove the Titans’ interim HC Mike McCoy to let a player like Van Jefferson become the sacrificial “X” receiver. Then Ayomanor can be the “Z” receiver that can move around the formation. That was Ridley’s role, and it would kickstart Ayomanor’s ascension a bit early. 

While it’s not a great offensive environment, Ayomanor has been a frequent and consistent target for Cam Ward, averaging five targets per game. If he’s still available in your fantasy league, he’s an excellent speculative pickup for the rest of the season with the hope that Ayomanor takes the work if Ridley is out and never gives it back.

Jordan Whittington, Los Angeles Rams | Sleeper 2% | ESPN 0.2% | 3-5% FAAB

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The thesis for adding Jordan Whittington to fantasy rosters is as a relief at receiver, necessitating a short-term pickup. With Puka Nacua leaving Week 6 with an ankle injury and the team flying overseas to play the Jaguars in Week 7, it’s possible the Rams let Nacua rest up and then take the Week 8 bye to play in Week 9. In Week 6, Whittington ran routes on 86% of Matthew Stafford‘s dropbacks as a 1:1 Nacua replacement. 

In that role, Whittington would be paired with Davante Adams against a Jaguars’ defense that is solid, but not spectacular. 85-90% of routes would be Whittington’s for the taking, and given how productive the Rams’ offense has been this season, Whittington is an excellent spot start for lineups in need for this upcoming week.

Tight Ends:

Cade Otton | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Sleeper 12% | ESPN 8.9% | 10-15% FAAB

The most notable receiving options left who are healthy on the Buccaneers are Cade Otton and Sterling Shepard. Tez Johnson might fall into the end zone on a cool play, like he did against the 49ers, but he won’t provide reliable volume compared to the 4th year tight end. When the Bucs had all of their core wide receivers healthy (except Chris Godwin), Otton was not used heavily in the offense. Over the last three weeks, Otton has seen 15 targets and caught 12 of them. He has yet to find the end zone, but his receiving yards are enough to put him in double-digit fantasy points in PPR leagues. Those do not come easily from the tight end position. Otton will have a tougher matchup against the Lions in Week 7, but Travis Kelce didn’t have much trouble against them, catching six of seven passes for 78 yards. The Buccaneers’ offense should give the Lions’ defense some trouble in the passing game. Treat Cade Otton as a TE1 streamer.

Jonnu Smith | Pittsburgh Steelers | Sleeper 33% | ESPN 18.7% | 2% FAAB

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Jonnu Smith is Evan’s tight end sleeper of the week! The Steelers take on the Cincinnati Bengals, who are dead last in most fantasy points given up to tight ends so far this year (17.7 per game). Smith has not been used well in the receiving game so far with Aaron Rodgers throwing the football. Jonnu has yet to have more than 27 receiving yards in a game. He also only found the end zone once so far this season against the New York Jets. The Jets’ defense is the only unit the Steelers have faced so far this year that is bad at defending tight ends. Otherwise, the Seahawks, Patriots, Vikings, and Browns stifled Jonnu’s receiving production. Now that the Steelers have an easier Week 7 opponent that struggles to defend tight ends, it would not be surprising to see Jonnu finally see more than four targets. Treat Jonnu Smith as a streaming TE2 with upside this week.

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Defense/Special Teams (D/STs):

Miami Dolphins | Sleeper 4% | ESPN 2.5% | 0% FAAB

This is definitely the first — and likely the last — time I’ll recommend the Miami Dolphins as a streaming play in fantasy football. However, when a matchup tells you to go, you go.

No one is confusing this unit for good or even competent. This organization is a mess right now at all levels. But this week, against a Cleveland Browns team that gives up points to fantasy defenses like it’s candy on Halloween, this sad sack of a defense is worth a one-week rental.

Cleveland is now rolling out rookie Dillon Gabriel behind center, and outside of rookie RB Quinshon Judkins, there isn’t much power for the Browns on the offensive side of the ball. This game will be ugly, and both defenses should benefit. Grab the Dolphins’ side of this one for free, and you can safely let them go next week for a better matchup.   

New York Jets | Sleeper 3% | ESPN 9.1% | 0% FAAB

Much like the Dolphins, the New York Jets’ defensive unit (D/ST28) isn’t going to be confused for good. However, a Week 7 matchup against the confusing Carolina Panthers offense makes them an attractive streaming option this weekend.

While QB Bryce Young and company have had two back-to-back solid performances, don’t be fooled. This unit is still clumsy, has given up too many sacks (10 so far this season), and plays inconsistent football. Young has turned the ball over eight times in six games and has exceeded 200 passing yards only once (328 yards in Week 3 against Arizona).

On the flip side, the Jets’ defense showed out last week against Denver, forcing two fumbles, logging a sack, and allowing only 13 points. They should be able to replicate that success at least, if not exceed it. It’s certainly a risk, but for a no-cost streaming option for Week 7, you could do much worse than the Jets. 

Kickers:

Eddy Pineiro, San Francisco 49ers | Sleeper 28% | ESPN 25.9% | 3-5% FAAB

Finding consistency at the kicker position in fantasy football can be a difficult task. However, there is an opportunity sitting right in front of you to do just that ahead of Week 7. 

49ers kicker Eddy Pineiro, whom I also wrote about as a must-add last week, continues to be just that. Currently sitting as the overall K2, Pineiro has seen at least two field goal opportunities in every game he has started this season and has yet to miss a single one. His only blemish on the season is a missed extra point in Week 2, his first week with the team.

If you’re tired of streaming kickers or need a solid fill-in, Pinerio is a safe addition you can rely on for the rest of the 2025 season.   

Ka’imi Fairbairn, Houston Texans 23% | Sleeper 21.2% | ESPN | 2-3% FAAB

In the same vein as the aforementioned Pineiro, veteran kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn has been about as reliable as a kicker can be through the first five games of the season. The Texans’ kicker has made 11 of his 13 field goal attempts, including five of 50 or more yards. In addition, he is a perfect nine for nine on extra point attempts.

Currently sitting as the K8 in fantasy football, Fairbairn was the victim of bye-week cuts last week. He won’t last on the waiver wire long, and might be slightly more expensive to acquire than Pineiro, making him my second choice behind the 49ers kicker on this week’s wire. However, if you miss out on Pineiro, or he’s already rostered in your league, Fairbairn is a fine addition for a Week 7 rental or for the remainder of the season. 

For more waiver wire pickup advice, head over to our Discord channel and ask our analysts! For breaking news and injury updates, follow Optimus Fantasy News on Bluesky!
By Published On: October 13th, 2025

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