You are setting your lineup for Week 7 of the 2023 NFL schedule. You notice that the amount of players listed as questionable, out, or even on injured reserve is off the charts. To top it off, six teams are on a bye in Week 7. Now is the time for fantasy to make a waiver wire add if you have the slot on your bench that could make a big difference as the next few weeks unfold.
As you sift through the available players in the weekend waiver stash, it is not just about adding any player but taking shots at who might be the right one. It is uncovering the rising stars who have earned more playtime through sheer determination, or discovering those hidden gems positioned for a breakout performance in favorable matchups. The time to do this is before the games are played on Sunday, take a shot at a nice addition prior to the breakout.
Let’s see who is available for you on the weekend waiver wire prior to Week 7.
This column refers to players rostered in under 50% of Yahoo, ESPN, and Sleeper Leagues.
Week 7 Weekend Waiver Wire
Quarterbacks
Desmond Ridder, Carolina Panthers
Ridder passed for 329 yards and a TD in Week 5. He followed that up in Week 6 with 307 yards and 2 TDs. The next two games are tough against the Buccaneers and the Titans, but he is producing and available on most waiver wires. Might be time to take him seriously.
13% rostered on Yahoo
6 % rostered on ESPN
19% rostered on Sleeper
Sam Howell, Washington Commanders
We have been talking about Howell for 3 weeks now. He had 388 yards and 2 touchdowns in Week 5 and 151 yards and 3 TDs in Week 6. Howell has 11 touchdowns the season now. His next 2 games are against the Giants and Eagles all teams he can potentially do well against.
59% rostered on Yahoo
35% rostered on ESPN
60% rostered on Sleeper
Other quarterbacks to consider if you are desperate:
- Derek Carr of the Raiders already played this week and is most likely locked in your league but he has passed for over 300 yards and a TD in each of the past 2 games. 329 yards and a TD in Week 5 and 301 yards and a TD in Week 6. He has very easy matchups in the next 3 games against the Colts, the Bears, and the Vikings. Carr is only rostered in 35% of Yahoo leagues.
Running Backs
Craig Reynolds, Detroit Lions
David Montgomery left the game with an injury in Week 6. Reynolds took over. He didn’t perform exceptionally well, but it was a tough matchup. 12 touches for a combined 43 yards rushing and receiving. HE will be a priority addition if Montgomery is missing time as Jahmir Gibbs also missed Week 6. IF both are out for Week 7.
18% rostered on Yahoo
18% on ESPN
28% on Sleeper
Elijah Mitchell, San Francisco Forty Niners
Desmond Mason got most of the carries in Week 6 when Christian McCaffrey left the game. But Mitchell is still the backup running back in San Fransisco. Mitchell was coming off of his own injury and most likely needs to be worked in slowly. Mitchell has produced well as a starter in the past. He is a nice stash on your bench if McCaffrey misses time.
36% rostered on Yahoo
30% on ESPN
44% on Sleeper
Other running backs to consider if you are desperate:
- Tyjae Spears of the Tennessee Titans In Week 5 had 7 carries for 34 yards and a TD. He also had 4 receptions for 35 yards. Spears has been splitting time with Henry all year. Rostered only 42% of teams in Yahoo.
Wide Receivers
Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts
In Week 5 he had 6 targets, 6 receptions 97 yards. In Week 6 he had 8 targets, 5 receptions for 21 yards, and a TD. Downs is Second on the team in targets. He has chemistry with Minshew. He looks like a PPR dream come true.
35% rostered on Yahoo
34% on ESPN
52% on Sleeper
Wan’Dale Robinson, New York Giants
In Week 6 Robinson had 8 targets, 8 receptions, and 62 yards. He is second on the team in targets with 20% of the target share. His coach is talking about getting him more involved. The Commanders, who give up the third most fantasy points to wide receivers, are up next. If you are looking for a player to plug in at wide receiver Robinson is your guy in Week 7 and beyond.
23% rostered on Yahoo
10% on ESPN
38% on Sleeper
Other wide receivers to consider:
- Rashee Rice of the Kansas City Chiefs. In Week 6 Rice saw 4 targets which he turned into 4 receptions, 72 yards. Doing what people wanted Sky Moore to do. They are working Rashee in slowly but he is proving to be the best WR on the Chiefs. 55% rostered on Yahoo.
- Kendrick Bourne of the New England Patriots. It feels dirty but Bourne has 2 games this season with over 10 targets. He is also available, as he is rostered in only 23% of Yahoo Leagues. That is a tough combination of volume and availability to come by.
Tight Ends
Jonnu Smith, Atlanta Falcons
He had 7 targets, 6 receptions 67 yards in Week 5. Another 5 targets for 4 receptions, 36 yards, and a TD in Week 6. He hasn’t scored less than 8 fantasy points in the last 5 games. Currently the TE9 on the season.
19% rostered on Yahoo
41% on ESPN
42% on Sleeper
Michael Mayer, Las Vegas Raiders
In Week 6 against a defense that defends tight ends well, Mayer saw 6 targets which he turned into 5 receptions for 75 yards. He also saw a season-high snaps of 57 in this game. The Raiders pass the ball 57% of the time and there are not a lot of branches on the passing tree. The Bears are up next and are bottom 10 at defending tight ends. That is enough for me to say play him.
23% rostered on Yahoo
7% on ESPN
29% on Sleeper
Week 7 Fantasy Football Rankings: Quarterback | Running Back | Wide Receiver | Tight End | Half-PPR by Position | Flex Rankings | Positional Ranks w/ K & DST | Dynasty | Superflex Dynasty