Unlock Hidden Gems: Must-Make Fantasy Football Moves for Every NFL Team This Week
Ever find yourself staring at your fantasy football waiver wire, wondering if you’re missing the secret sauce that separates the savvy managers from the ‘just winging it’ crowd? You’re not alone. The waiver wire looks totally different depending on your league’s quirks, but here’s the kicker — it’s becoming an art form, not just a weekly chore. For those who’ve moved beyond the “tell me who to pick up” phase, this deep dive is your new best friend. We’re unpacking everything you need: from injury alerts that could shake up your lineup, to depth charts spotlighting the next breakout stars, and the pivotal moves that could turn your season around. Ready to trade that guesswork for hard-hitting insights and strategic plays? Buckle up, because managing your fantasy roster just got a whole lot smarter…and a little less stressful. LEARN MORE
The waiver wire looks different for every league. So, we‘re breaking down how to handle every relevant fantasy player in the NFL.
The average fantasy football manager has gotten more sophisticated over the years. And several of them have moved past simply wanting to be told who to pick up each week.
If you are one of those people, this is for you. We still have our most important weekly recommendations (conveniently located at the top of this article), but we’re giving you more.
Want to know the key injuries to worry about for each team this week? We’ve got that. What about the depth chart with the players who could benefit from a key injury? We’ve got that too, with the injured players in red.
There is also a key fantasy move to make for each team so you can see which players’ stocks are on the move. No matter how deep you want to dig to manage your fantasy roster, we’ve got you covered. We have the recommendations you want in addition to the information you need to make informed decisions.
Most Important Week 7 Waiver Wire Moves
- Add Kimani Vidal: The question of ‘who’s the No. 1 running back for the Chargers?’ looks like it has been answered. At least for one week. Vidal out-snapped Hassan Haskins 43-20 and had 21 touches to Haskins’ seven. Los Angeles next plays the Indianapolis Colts, who are giving up just 16.6 fantasy points to opposing running backs. So Week 7 might be a tougher go, but Vidal appears to be the smart move short-term.
- Hold Kendrick Bourne: Bourne has had two massive games in a row, and it may be tempting to sell high with Ricky Pearsall coming back. But when have the 49ers ever kept everyone healthy? Kyle Shanahan is an elite play-caller who will find a way to make whoever lines up on offense productive
- Add Michael Mayer: Brock Bowers remains day-to-day and it doesn’t seem like his return is imminent. Mayer finished as TE6 in PPR formats in Week 6 with five catches for 50 yards and a touchdown. Even on days when the yardage might not be huge, he still carries that touchdown potential on an otherwise mediocre receiving corps.
Buffalo Bills
Move to Make: Hold Keon Coleman
Coleman finished as WR1 in Week 1 after an eight-catch day for 112 yards and a touchdown. But since then, he has struggled, only catching nine passes in the next three weeks. He caught four passes for 23 yards and a touchdown in Week 5 before recording just three catches for 11 yards in Week 6. He can’t be started right now, but he could find himself in a bigger role in an elite offense down the stretch.
Injury Report: None of Note
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Josh Allen, Mitch Trubisky
- Running Back: James Cook, Ray Davis, Ty Johnson
- Wide Receiver: Keon Coleman, Khalil Shakir, Joshua Palmer, Curtis Samuel, Elijah Moore
- Tight End: Dalton Kincaid, Dawson Knox, Jackson Hawes
Long-Term Trend: Ride James Cook
Cook has never carried the ball as much in his career. And after some worries about touchdown regression, he continues to be one of the NFL’s best players at getting into the end zone.
Miami Dolphins
Move to Make: Add Malik Washington
Jaylen Waddle and Darren Waller are 1A and 1B for Tua Tagovailoa since Tyreek Hill’s injury. However, Washington has run more routes and played more snaps than any Dolphins pass catcher except for Waddle since Hill went down in Week 3. He has eight targets in the last two weeks, too, which is third on the team in that time.
Injury Report
- Tyreek Hill: Placed on IR due to a knee injury and will miss the rest of the season
- Jason Sanders: Did not come off IR for Week 6 as he recovers from a hip injury; practice status needs to be monitored
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Tua Tagovailoa, Zach Wilson
- Running Back: De’Von Achane, Ollie Gordon II, Jaylen Wright
- Wide Receiver: Jaylen Waddle, Malik Washington, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Dee Eskridge
Long-Term Trend: Darren Waller in the Red Zone
Waller had four touchdowns in his first three games of the season and has emerged as the go-to weapon for Tua Tagovailoa in the red zone. As long as he’s healthy, he should put up TD-dependent numbers.
New England Patriots
Move to Make: Hold Hunter Henry
The wide receiving corps in New England is pretty set in stone with Stefon Diggs as the WR1 and Henry as Drake Maye’s second-most popular target. They have had a surprisingly good pass success percentage (48.2% entering Week 6, fifth in the league).
Injury Report
Antonio Gibson: Torn ACL (Out for Season)
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Drake Maye, Joshua Dobbs
- Running Back: Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson, Terrell Jennings
- Wide Receiver: Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte, DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams
- Tight End: Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper
Long-Term Trend: Stash TreVeyon Henderson
The running back room is thin right now and if anything were to happen to Rhamondre Stevenson, Henderson would become an immediate starter. Even so, it’s possible the Patriots would have to look at free agents to bring in if that were the case.
New York Jets
Move to Make: Add Mason Taylor
Taylor had 14 catches for 132 yards over his previous two games before a Week 6 dud in London (one catch for 2 yards). It’d be easy just to do what the Jets likely did and just throw that one out. The entire offense couldn’t get anything going in London, and Taylor may get back on track this week against the Panthers.
Injury Report
- Braelon Allen: Placed on IR Oct. 3 after injuring his knee and was ruled out for 8-12 weeks
- Garrett Wilson: Injured his knee in Week 6 and is likely to miss a couple of weeks
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor
- Running Back: Breece Hall, Braelon Allen, Isaiah Davis, Kene Nwangwu
- Wide Receiver: Garrett Wilson, Josh Reynolds, Allen Lazard, Tyler Johnson
- Tight End: Mason Taylor, Jeremy Ruckert, Stone Smartt
Long-Term Trend: Pass on WRs Not Named Wilson
Justin Fields has never been good at supporting multiple wide receivers’ fantasy football production and this year is no exception. Garrett Wilson is the only Jets receiver worth playing daily, but if his knee injury lingers, Josh Reynolds could benefit.
Baltimore Ravens
Move to Make: Sell Mark Andrews
Lamar Jackson has been out and perhaps a fellow fantasy manager will think picking up Andrews will pay off when he returns. But outside of a big game against the Lions in Week 3, Andrews hasn’t been playable at tight end. If anyone is willing to give you value based on his name and one big game, take it.
Injury Report
Lamar Jackson: Jackson missed another game in Week 6 but seems likely to return after the Week 7 bye
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Lamar Jackson, Cooper Rush, Tyler Huntley
- Running Back: Derrick Henry, Justice Hill, Keaton Mitchell
- Wide Receiver: Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, DeAndre Hopkins, Devontez Walker, Tylan Wallace
- Tight End: Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely, Charlie Kolar
Long-Term Trend: Don’t Worry About Henry
Derrick Henry’s season has been a disaster so far, but he got on track in Week 6 and things get easier after the Week 7 bye. The Ravens play the Bengals twice, the Bears, the Dolphins and the Jets down the stretch. There are still reasons to be concerned, but some boom weeks are probably on the horizon.
Cincinnati Bengals
Move to Make: Buy Tee Higgins
Ja’Marr Chase was the big beneficiary when Joe Flacco started playing well in the second half of his first Bengals start, but Higgins quietly had a season-high 62 receiving yards. So a fully integrated Flacco should get Higgins back on the path to respectability.
Injury Report
- Joe Burrow: Out several more weeks due to Grade 3 turf toe
- Mike Gesicki: Will be out multiple weeks after injuring his pectoral in Week 6
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Joe Burrow, Joe Flacco, Jake Browning
- Running Back: Chase Brown, Samaje Perine, Tahj Brooks
- Wide Receiver: Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Andrei Iosivas, Mitchell Tinsley, Charlie Jones
- Tight End: Mike Gesicki, Drew Sample, Noah Fant, Tanner Hudson
Long-Term Trend: Watch Flacco’s Impact
The Bengals needed better quarterback play than they got from Jake Browning, and we’ll see if Joe Flacco can continue to provide a significant upgrade. He flashed enough in his first game with the team that the Bengals’ skill players may yet be salvageable.
Cleveland Browns
Move to Make: Drop Isaiah Bond
There was some hope that Bond could form a rookie connection with Dillon Gabriel, and he’s gotten a decent chunk of targets (12 in the last two weeks). But he’s amassed just 38 total yards in those two games and it’s clear the offense isn’t good enough to support two wide receivers.
Injury Report
- Cedric Tillman: Placed on IR on Sept. 30
- DeAndre Carter: Injured his knee in Week 5 and will miss multiple weeks
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders
- Running Back: Quinshon Judkins, Dylan Sampson, Jerome Ford
- Wide Receiver: Jerry Jeudy, Cedric Tillman, Isaiah Bond, Jamari Thrash
- Tight End: David Njoku, Harold Fannin Jr.
Long-Term Trend: Don’t Expect Much
The Browns offense has been stuck in the mud, and it’s hard to see a full turnaround on the horizon. The offensive line is hurt and underperforming, the receiving corps is missing a true No. 1 and Cedric Tillman is injured, and their rookie quarterbacks are talented enough to completely lift the team on their own. Quinshon Judkins is talented enough to start every week, but the floor for every player on this offense is alarmingly low.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Move to Make: Buy DK Metcalf
Metcalf had five receiving touchdowns in 2024; he already has four in five games this season. While that kind of TD production may scream regression, it’s clear he’s being utilized differently with the Steelers. He’ll continue to be Aaron Rodgers’ go-to guy in the red zone and, as long as the offense is producing at a league-average rate, will be a valuable player.
Injury Report
Calvin Austin III: Austin is questionable for Thursday night’s game due to a shoulder injury
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph
- Running Back: Jaylen Warren, Kenneth Gainwell, Kaleb Johnson
- Wide Receiver: DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Scotty Miller, Ben Skowronek
- Tight End: Jonnu Smith, Pat Freiermuth, Connor Heyward, Darnell Washington
Long-Term Trend: Pass on WRs Not Named Metcalf
The Steelers clearly want to utilize at least two tight ends and are rotating four different guys effectively. This means receiver points are hard to come by, and no one other than DK Metcalf has broken through. Calvin Austin (when healthy) will occasionally catch some deep balls, but there isn’t another receiver other than Metcalf that should be played every week.
Denver Broncos
Move to Make: Add Troy Franklin
Franklin was second only to Courtland Sutton on the team with 23 routes run in Week 6, and continues to draw Bo Nix’s attention. He also ended up with four targets, behind only Evan Engram (6). The Jets-Broncos game in London will go down as one of the worst games played internationally, but Franklin is also second on the team in routes and targets on the season. He’s worth a stash if you have room on your bench.
Injury Report: None of Note
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham
- Running Back: J.K. Dobbins, RJ Harvey, Jaleel McLaughlin, Tyler Badie
- Wide Receiver: Courtland Sutton, Troy Franklin, Marvin Mims Jr., Pat Bryant, Trent Sherfield Sr.
- Tight End: Evan Engram, Adam Trautman, Nate Adkins
Long-Term Trend: Fewer TDs for Nix
After they had the sixth-highest pass-to-rush touchdown ratio in 2024, the Broncos have been a more balanced team in the red zone. Bo Nix can still provide fantasy value, but don’t count on him to throw for 29 touchdowns again in 2025.
Kansas City Chiefs
Move to Make: Hold Hollywood Brown
Patrick Mahomes is back, baby. And he is building a special kind of connection with Brown, who finished the Week 7 victory over the Lions with four catches for 45 yards and two touchdowns. Yes, Rashee Rice is coming back from suspension. But with Brown playing so well and big-play potential to back it up, Andy Reid will likely find a way to keep him involved in the offense in Week 7 and beyond.
Injury Report: None of Note
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Patrick Mahomes, Gardner Minshew
- Running Back: Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, Brashard Smith
- Wide Receiver: Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, Hollywood Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Tyquan Thornton
- Tight End: Travis Kelce, Noah Gray, Robert Tonyan
Long-Term Trend: Ride Patrick Mahomes
Patrick Mahomes, the real-life quarterback, never left, but Patrick Mahomes the fantasy quarterback is back. He already has a four-touchdown game to his name in 2025 and the floor has been much higher for him. Pencil in Mahomes as an elite fantasy option once again.
Los Angeles Chargers
Move to Make: Add Kimani Vidal
The question of ‘who’s the No. 1 running back for the Chargers?’ looks like it has been answered. At least for one week. Vidal out-snapped Hassan Haskins 43-20 and had 21 touches to Haskins’ seven. Los Angeles next plays the Indianapolis Colts, who are giving up just 16.6 fantasy points to opposing running backs. So Week 7 might be a tougher go, but Vidal appears to be the smart move short-term.
Injury Report
- Omarion Hampton: Placed on IR with an ankle injury on Oct. 12, but should return sometime this season
- Najee Harris: Out for the season after an Achilles injury
- Quentin Johnston: Missed Week 6 with a hamstring injury but could be back for Week 7
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Justin Herbert, Trey Lance
- Running Back: Omarion Hampton, Kimani Vidal, Hassan Haskins
- Wide Receiver: Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, Keenan Allen, Tre Harris
- Tight End: Oronde Gadsden, Will Dissly, Tyler Conklin
Long-Term Trend: Stick With the Three WRs
The Chargers have three receivers who are rosterable in fantasy. Through six weeks, Quentin Johnston, Keenan Allen and Ladd McConkey all have over 300 receiving yards and no other WR has cracked 80 yards. It might be hit or miss with these players, but they all have a chance to go off in any game.
Las Vegas Raiders
Move to Make: Add Michael Mayer
Brock Bowers remains day-to-day and it doesn’t seem like his return is imminent. Mayer finished as TE6 in PPR formats in Week 6 with five catches for 50 yards and a touchdown. Even on days when the yardage might not be huge, he still carries that touchdown potential on an otherwise mediocre receiving corps.
Injury Report
Brock Bowers: Missed Week 6 and seems likely to miss Week 7 as well with an injury
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Geno Smith, Kenny Pickett
- Running Back: Ashton Jeanty, Raheem Mostert, Dylan Laube
- Wide Receiver: Tre Tucker, Jakobi Meyers, Dont’e Thornton, Jack Bech
- Tight End: Brock Bowers, Michael Mayer, Ian Thomas
Long-Term Trend: Ride Ashton Jeanty
It might not be pretty, but the volume Jeanty is receiving is undeniable. The rookie ranks fifth in the NFL with 17.5 attempts per game. He also had the ninth-most carries through Week 6 for any player in the past three seasons. There will be some frustrating weeks due to the Raiders’ inability to block well for him, but Jeanty still has a high fantasy ceiling because they rely on him so much.
Houston Texans
Move to Make: Bench Nick Chubb
Woody Marks seemed destined to usurp Chubb after Week 4, but Chubb out-touched Marks in Week 5. Don’t let that fool you into starting Chubb this week, though. The Seattle Seahawks have one of the best rushing defenses in the league and Marks seems more likely to be a factor in the passing game. Leave Chubb on the bench unless you’re really desperate.
Injury Report
Tank Dell: Out for the season with a knee injury
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: C.J. Stroud, Davis Mills, Graham Mertz
- Running Back: Woody Marks, Nick Chubb, Dare Ogunbowale, Dameon Pierce
- Wide Receiver: Nico Collins, Jayden Higgins, Christian Kirk, Xavier Hutchinson, Jaylin Noel
- Tight End: Dalton Schultz, Harrison Bryant, Brenden Bates
Long-Term Trend: A Stroud Rebound
Is C.J. Stroud finding his groove? He averaged 9.04 yards per attempt against the Ravens in Week 5, which surpassed his YPA in any game in 2024. He’s had three games this year in which he averaged over 8.0 yards per attempt; last year, he had two the entire season. There will still be fits and starts with this offense, but Stroud seems to be going in the right direction.
Indianapolis Colts
Move to Make: Add Josh Downs
Downs caught six passes for 42 yards and a touchdown and is now just four targets shy of Michael Pittman Jr. for the lead among Colts wide receivers. In a PPR league, he should be rostered and can be used as a bye-week fill-in in that format.
Injury Report
- Spencer Shrader: Placed on IR with a knee injury before Week 6, so he’ll miss at least another three games; Michael Badgley hit his only field goal and four extra points in his first game as Shrader’s replacement
- Anthony Richardson: Not active in Week 6 due to an eye injury he sustained during warmups; Riley Leonard served as Daniel Jones’ backup
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Daniel Jones, Anthony Richardson, Riley Leonard
- Running Back: Jonathan Taylor, DJ Giddens, Tyler Goodson, Ameer Abdullah
- Wide Receiver: Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, Alec Pierce, Adonai Mitchell, Ashton Dulin
- Tight End: Tyler Warren, Mo Alie-Cox, Drew Olgetree
Long-Term Trend: Ride the Skill Players
The Colts have faced a mixture of good and bad defenses so far in 2025, but they’ve produced every week. If Adonai Mitchell didn’t drop the ball on his way to the end zone in Week 4, Indianapolis would have at least 27 points in every game this season. Jonathan Taylor remains in the conversation for fantasy football’s RB1, Tyler Warren is a must-start and Daniel Jones has viability even in a one-quarterback league right now.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Move to Make: Buy Bhayshul Tuten
It seemed like the Jaguars were ready to feature a split backfield this year, then Travis Etienne Jr. looked incredible early on and took over as the lead back. But with Tank Bigsby gone, Tuten is clearly locked in as the backup. Etienne has failed to surpass 50 rushing yards two weeks in a row and it’s possible Tuten eats into the Etienne carries moving forward. He should at least be rostered in the majority of leagues.
Injury Report
Brenton Strange: Will be out at least a month as he recovers from a quad injury
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Trevor Lawrence, Nick Mullens
- Running Back: Travis Etienne Jr., Bhayshul Tuten, LeQuint Allen
- Wide Receiver: Brian Thomas Jr., Travis Hunter, Parker Washington, Dyami Brown, Tim Patrick
- Tight End: Brenton Strange, Hunter Long, Johnny Mundt
Long-Term Trend: Ride Brian Thomas Jr.
Slowly but surely, Brian Thomas Jr. is climbing back to being a top-tier wide receiver. He had by far his best game of the season with 90 receiving yards and a touchdown versus Seattle. He hasn’t gotten over his case of the drops, though, as he had another one at a crucial time. Travis Hunter will become more relevant as the year goes on, but Thomas Jr. is still the No. 1 option.
Tennessee Titans
Move to Make: Add Tyjae Spears
Spears played in his second game of the season in Week 6 and looked better than Tony Pollard. Crucially, he also caught all four of his targets, albeit for just 19 yards. The Titans will likely be trailing a lot, and Spears’ pass-catching ability will be key to adding some fantasy value.
Injury Report
Calvin Ridley: Left the game in Week 6 due to a hamstring injury and did not return; with Ridley being ruled out fairly quickly after the initial injury, his status for next week is in doubt
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Cam Ward, Brandon Allen
- Running Back: Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears, Julius Chestnut
- Wide Receiver: Calvin Ridley, Elic Ayomanor, Tyler Lockett, Van Jefferson, Chimere Dike
- Tight End: Chig Okonkwo, Gunner Helm
Long-Term Trend: Don’t Expect Much
Some offenses feature several fantasy-worthy players and offenses that don’t. The Titans are the latter. They’ve been shut out as many times as they’ve scored more than 20 points this season (once each). Now they have a time share in the backfield and don’t have a receiver that’s emerged as a go-to guy yet (although Elic Ayomanor has shown potential). Don’t count on any Titans as every-week starters.
Dallas Cowboys
Move to Make: Hold Ryan Flournoy
CeeDee Lamb is sidelined a while longer after injuring his ankle against the Chicago Bears in Week 3. Flournoy has been targeted 11 times since CeeDee went down, which is third among the team’s pass catchers in that time. Flournoy is a must-add and a solid Flex play until we hear that Lamb is back as Dak Prescott’s favorite target.
Injury Report
- CeeDee Lamb: Has a chance to return in Week 7 from his multi-week ankle injury; his practice status will be key
- KaVontae Turpin: Has a chance to return in Week 7 from his foot injury
- Miles Sanders: Placed on IR before Week 6 with knee and ankle injuries
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Dak Prescott, Joe Milton III
- Running Back: Javonte Williams, Jaydon Blue
- Wide Receiver: CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Ryan Flournoy, Jalen Tolbert, KaVontae Turpin
- Tight End: Jake Ferguson, Luke Schoonmaker, Brevyn Spann-Ford
Long-Term Trend: Ride the Skill Players
When CeeDee Lamb gets fully healthy, it’s hard to imagine a better fantasy situation than the one in Dallas. The Cowboys have two incredibly talented receivers, an excellent fantasy tight end, a rejuvenated running back, and a quarterback playing some of his best football. Even the team’s horrible defense should force the offense to score as much as possible. The Cowboys bring the 2024 Bengals to mind and we all know how productive that team was in fantasy.
New York Giants
Move to Make: Add Theo Johnson
With Malik Nabers out for the season, this isn’t a very inspiring receiving corps. But Jaxson Dart is throwing the ball well and Johnson has been one of his favorite targets (three touchdown burns this season). If you need a tight end, Johnson isn’t a bad option.
Injury Report
- Darius Slayton: Missed Week 6 with a hamstring injury, so his status for Week 7 is up in the air
- Malik Nabers: Out for the season with a torn ACL
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Jaxson Dart, Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston
- Running Back: Cam Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy Jr., Devin Singletary
- Wide Receiver: Wan’Dale Robinson, Darius Slayton, Jalen Hyatt, Lil’Jordan Humphrey, Beaux Collins
- Tight End: Theo Johnson, Daniel Bellinger, Chris Manhertz
Long-Term Trend: Don’t Expect Much
Jaxson Dart is a definite upgrade at quarterback, but he hasn’t shown the ability to throw for a ton of yards yet. Of course, a lot of quarterbacks would struggle to throw for a lot of yards with New York’s banged-up receiving corps. But while Dart is certainly viable in the right matchup, he might not be able to lift the receivers to fantasy relevance.
Philadelphia Eagles
Move to Make: Stash AJ Dillon
Saquon Barkley has underwhelmed so far this year after a heavy workload in 2024 (career-high 345 carries). If he ends up needing any time off this year, Dillon could get the nod over fellow backups Will Shipley and Tank Bigsby.
Injury Report
Grant Calcaterra: Missed Week 6 due to an oblique injury
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Jalen Hurts, Tanner McKee, Sam Howell
- Running Back: Saquon Barkley, AJ Dillon, Will Shipley, Tank Bigsby
- Wide Receiver: A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Jahan Dotson, John Metchie III
- Tight End: Dallas Goedert, Grant Calcaterra, Cameron Latu
Long-Term Trend: Stick With A.J. Brown
The Eagles have underperformed so far, and their receivers are worth an examination. A.J. Brown had less than 30 receiving yards in three of his first four games and has insisted the offense needs to air it out more often. Either he’ll get more touches, or he’ll get even more unhappy as the season progresses.
Washington Commanders
Move to Make: Add Luke McCaffrey
After totaling just one target in the first two weeks, McCaffrey had eight over his next three contests. That included two touchdowns. Deebo Samuel and Zach Ertz are Jayden Daniels’ top two targets with Terry McLaurin sidelined. But after he caught a touchdown in Week 6, McCaffrey is worth a speculative add.
Injury Report
- Terry McLaurin: Missed Week 6 with a quad injury and will need to practice this week to return
- Noah Brown: Missed Week 6 with groin and knee injuries and will need to practice this week to return
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Jayden Daniels, Marcus Mariota
- Running Back: Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Chris Rodriguez Jr., Jeremy McNichols
- Wide Receiver: Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel, Noah Brown, Luke McCaffrey, Chris Moore
- Tight End: Zach Ertz, John Bates, Ben Sinnott
Long-Term Trend: Stream Zach Ertz
Ertz continues to be an excellent streaming tight end because of his propensity for finding the end zone. After seven touchdowns last season, he had three in his first six games in 2025.
Chicago Bears
Move to Make: Sell D’Andre Swift
If you can sell Swift after a big week in a prime-time game, it would be advisable. With Travis Homer already in his practice window, Swift could lose some pass-catching work in a few weeks as he continues to lose some early-down work to Kyle Monangai as well.
Injury Report
DJ Moore: Stayed at a hospital for precautionary reasons overnight following Monday Night Football; we’ll see if this affects his availability for Week 7
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Caleb Williams, Tyson Bagent, Case Keenum
- Running Back: D’Andre Swift, Kyle Monangai, Roschon Johnson, Travis Homer
- Wide Receiver: Rome Odunze, DJ Moore, Luther Burden III, Olamide Zaccheaus, Devin Duvernay
- Tight End: Colston Loveland, Cole Kmet, Durham Smythe
Long-Term Trend: Stream Caleb Williams
Williams has quietly entered fantasy starter territory. He’s throwing for more yards and touchdowns and getting sacked about half the time compared to his rookie season. It doesn’t hurt that he had a rushing touchdown in the season opener, the first of his career.
Detroit Lions
Move to Make: Hold Jameson Williams
Williams was off to a slow start before a nice effort in Week 6, and it could be tempting to sell high on him. But his earlier lows could be the ebb and flow of a boom-or-bust receiver. The Lions got off to double-digit leads in the first half against the Bengals and Browns, shifting the game script away from deep shots to Williams. He’ll likely have some boom weeks later this year and if he’s attainable for a bench player, he could be a useful player to grab.
Injury Report: None of Note
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Jared Goff, Kyle Allen
- Running Back: Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, Jacob Saylors, Craig Reynolds
- Wide Receiver: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Isaac TeSlaa, Kalif Raymond, Dominic Lovett
- Tight End: Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, Ross Dwelley
Long-Term Trend: Tough Matchups Ahead
The Lions do have some games against poor defenses left, but their fantasy playoff matchups aren’t the best. They face the Rams, Steelers and Vikings from Weeks 15-17.
Green Bay Packers
Move to Make: Buy Matthew Golden
Golden had been pretty disappointing start before a solid game in Week 6. But rookie receivers often take off in the second half of Year 1, and without a true dominant target-getter in this receiving corps, the path to relevance is still here. Pick up Golden if he’s available and you have an open bench spot.
Injury Report
- Christian Watson: Did not play in Week 6 as he returns from last year’s knee injury, but has been participating in practice and should be available soon
- Dontayvion Wicks: Suffered a knee injury in Week 6 and will need to have his status monitored
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Jordan Love, Malik Willis
- Running Back: Josh Jacobs, Emanuel Wilson, Chris Brooks
- Wide Receiver: Romeo Doubs, Matthew Golden, Dontayvion Wicks, Christian Watson, Savion Williams
- Tight End: Tucker Kraft, Luke Musgrave, John FitzPatrick
Long-Term Trend: Wide Receiver Roulette
It’s worth picking up Matthew Golden because of the rookie’s second-half potential, but the most likely scenario when Christian Watson returns is that Green Bay once again has a room of receivers whose production fluctuates wildly week-to-week. Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs are both worth rostering, but neither is likely to be someone you can count on.
Minnesota Vikings
Move to Make: Buy T.J. Hockenson
Hockenson hasn’t gotten it going yet this year, but he’s gotten five or more targets each of the last four weeks and is a clear top-three pass catcher in the offense. He should have a better floor and ceiling combination than most tight ends moving forward.
Injury Report
- J.J. McCarthy: McCarthy returned to practice Monday for the first time since suffering a high-ankle sprain; his status for this week is still up in the air, but he may make his return
- Ty Chandler: Currently on IR with a knee injury
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, Max Brosmer
- Running Back: Jordan Mason, Aaron Jones, Zavier Scott
- Wide Receiver: Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor, Adam Thielen
- Tight End: T.J. Hockenson, Josh Oliver
Long-Term Trend: Watch the Backfield Situation
Minnesota’s backfield split will be really interesting when Aaron Jones does eventually return. Jordan Mason will obviously get less work than he is now, but he may be performing well enough to wrestle the 1A role away from Jones.
Atlanta Falcons
Move to Make: Stream Michael Penix Jr.
The opportunity to buy low on Penix may have come and gone after two straight strong games, but Atlanta’s offense is trending in the right direction and Penix isn’t afraid to take shots for big plays. After a couple of lackluster games in Weeks 2 and 3, he’s back to being a viable streaming option in standard leagues and more than that in deeper or SuperFlex formats.
Injury Report
Darnell Mooney: Mooney missed Week 6 with a hamstring injury, but could return in Week 7
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Michael Penix Jr., Kirk Cousins
- Running Back: Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier, Nathan Carter
- Wide Receiver: Drake London, Darnell Mooney, Ray-Ray McCloud, Casey Washington, Khaderal Hodge
Long-Term Trend: Stash Darnell Mooney
Bijan Robinson is the star in the backfield and Drake London has started to break out after a slow start. If Darnell Mooney stays healthy in his return and is productive, this could be a group on the upswing.
Carolina Panthers
Key Move to Make: Buy Tetairoa McMillan
McMillan had been disappointing entering Week 6, but that was mostly because he hadn’t scored a touchdown. He did score twice on Sunday, but only finished with three catches for 29 yards in the win over Dallas. He’s clearly very talented and should become more of a focal point as the season progresses.
Injury Report
- Chuba Hubbard: Missed his second straight game with a calf injury in Week 6, although he should be nearing a return
- Jalen Coker: Returned to practice from IR before Week 6 but did not suit up for the game on Sunday; he should have a shot at playing in Week 7
- Ja’Tavion Sanders: Did not play in Week 6 due to an ankle injury, but has a chance to return in Week 7
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Bryce Young, Andy Dalton
- Running Back: Rico Dowdle, Chuba Hubbard, Trevor Etienne, DeeJay Dallas
- Wide Receiver: Tetairoa McMillan, Xavier Legette, Jalen Coker, Hunter Renfrow
- Tight End: Ja’Tavion Sanders, Tommy Tremble, Mitchell Evans
Long-Term Trend: Who’s the No. 2 WR?
Tetairoa McMillan will clearly be the No. 1 receiver in Carolina this year, but the No. 2 is still up for grabs. Will Jalen Coker get enough reps to be viable in fantasy? Can Xavier Legette keep improving? Keep an eye on the target share for the Panthers over the next few weeks to see if anyone else from the receiving corps is worth a long-term roster spot.
New Orleans Saints
Move to Make: Add Kendre Miller
Miller deserves to be rostered in most leagues. He’s had at least nine touches in each of his last three games and is clearly the 1B behind Alvin Kamara. There’s a chance Kamara is traded at some point this season, which would obviously push Miller into a larger role. Grab him now before it’s too late.
Injury Report: None of Note
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Spencer Rattler, Tyler Shough
- Running Back: Alvin Kamara, Kendre Miller, Devin Neal
- Wide Receiver: Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, Brandin Cooks, DeVaughn Vele
- Tight End: Juwan Johnson, Taysom Hill, Foster Moreau
Long-Term Trend: Better Matchups Ahead
The Saints aren’t the most appealing fantasy team, but they have a great fantasy playoffs schedule. They take on the Carolina Panthers, Jets and Titans in Weeks 15-17.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Move to Make: Buy Bucky Irving
Irving has been out with an injury, and he wasn’t putting up big numbers on the ground before being sidelined. But he has been productive in the passing game with 15 receptions for 185 yards and a touchdown in his last three games. If you have a good record and can wait for a long-term investment, Irving could be a good guy to target.
Injury Report
- Bucky Irving: Missed Week 6 with a shoulder injury and will likely miss Week 7 as well
- Chris Godwin: Missed Week 6 with a leg injury and will likely miss Week 7 as well
- Mike Evans: Has missed multiple weeks with a hamstring injury, but could play in Week 7
- Emeka Egbuka: Suffered a hamstring injury in Week 6 that will likely sideline him for multiple weeks
- Jalen McMillan: On IR due to neck injury
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Baker Mayfield, Teddy Bridgewater
- Running Back: Bucky Irving, Rachaad White, Sean Tucker, Josh Williams
- Wide Receiver: Mike Evans, Emeka Egbuka, Chris Godwin, Sterling Shepard, Tez Johnson, Kameron Johnson
- Tight End: Cade Otton, Payne Durham, Devin Culp
Long-Term Trend: Ride Baker Mayfield
Mayfield is one of the safest quarterbacks in fantasy football. After throwing for just 167 yards in the season opener (but also rushing for 39), Mayfield has thrown for at least 215 yards in every game since, despite facing tough defenses. Expect him to weather any storm thrown his way.
Arizona Cardinals
Move to Make: Stash Michael Wilson
Wilson ran plenty of routes but underwhelmed through Week 5. He finally had some modest success in Week 6 with four catches for 44 yards. Perhaps Marvin Harrison Jr.’s injury gives him a chance to carve out a role in the offense.
Injury Report
- Kyler Murray: Missed Week 6 due to a foot injury; his practice status should be monitored for Week 7
- Marvin Harrison Jr.: Left Week 6 with a concussion, which will likely keep him sidelined in Week 7
- Emari Demercado: Suffered an ankle injury in Week 6, leaving his Week 7 status in doubt
- Trey Benson: Placed on IR on Oct. 1 due to a knee injury
- James Conner: Out for the season due to a foot injury
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Kyler Murray, Jacoby Brissett
- Running Back: Trey Benson, Michael Carter, Bam Knight, Emari Demercado
- Wide Receiver: Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, Zay Jones, Greg Dortch
- Tight End: Trey McBride, Elijah Higgins
Long-Term Trend: Backfield (Black and) Blues
After finishing second in yards per carry last season, the Cardinals have been an average team on the ground in 2025. Their offense’s viability depends on their returning to being an elite rushing team. That might be difficult given all the injuries in the backfield.
Los Angeles Rams
Move to Make: Stash Blake Corum
Corum isn’t getting a ton of action behind Kyren Williams, but he’s been efficient on the ground with 5.4 yards per carry. If Williams were to miss time, the scramble for Corum on the waiver wire would be chaos. Stash him on your bench if you have room.
Injury Report
- Puka Nacua: Left Week 6 with an ankle injury and is considered day-to-day
- Tutu Atwell: Missed Week 7 with a hamstring injury but is on track to play in Week 7
- Colby Parkinson: Missed Week 6 due to a concussion and his status for Week 7 is up in the air
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Matthew Stafford, Jimmy Garoppolo, Stetson Bennett IV
- Running Back: Kyren Williams, Blake Corum, Jarquez Hunter
- Wide Receiver: Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, Jordan Whittington, Tutu Atwell, Xavier Smith
- Tight End: Tyler Higbee, Davis Allen, Colby Parkinson
Long-Term Trend: Stick With Nacua and Adams
Matt Stafford continues to be a kingmaker. Puka Nacua and Davante Adams both get a heavy dose of targets when they’re both healthy. Nacua will be in the conversation for WR1 every week he’s on the field and Adams is a no-brainer starter as well.
San Francisco 49ers
Move to Make: Hold Kendrick Bourne
Bourne has had two massive games in a row, and it may be tempting to sell high with Ricky Pearsall coming back. But when have the 49ers ever kept everyone healthy? Kyle Shanahan is an elite play-caller who will find a way to make whoever lines up on offense productive.
Injury Report
- Brock Purdy: Missed Week 6 with a toe injury, but could be back in Week 7
- Ricky Pearsall: Missed Week 6 with a knee injury, but could be back in Week 7
- George Kittle: Set to practice for the first time since Week 2 when he suffered a hamstring injury; his practice status will be key this week
- Brandon Aiyuk: Has still not returned to practice while recovering from a knee injury
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Brock Purdy, Mac Jones, Adrian Martinez
- Running Back: Christian McCaffrey, Brian Robinson Jr., Isaac Guerendo, Jordan James
- Wide Receiver: Brandon Aiyuk, Ricky Pearsall, Jauan Jennings, Kendrick Bourne, Demarcus Robinson, Skyy Moore, Marquez Valdes-Scantling
- Tight End: George Kittle, Jake Tonges, Luke Farrell
Long-Term Trend: Run CMC
Even with his struggles in the run game, Christian McCaffrey has maintained his elite status by catching the ball out of the backfield. He gets more targets than several No. 1 wide receivers, which will keep him virtually matchup-proof as long as he’s healthy.
Seattle Seahawks
Move to Make: Add AJ Barner
Barner may not be getting a ton of targets (19 in six games), but he leads the team’s pass catchers in snaps. He’s also piled up 13 receptions for 156 yards and three touchdowns over his last three games (four TDs in his last five). Don’t overthink this one, even though he probably wasn’t even drafted in your fantasy league.
Injury Report: None of Note
Depth Chart
- Quarterback: Sam Darnold, Drew Lock, Jalen Milroe
- Running Back: Kenneth Walker III, Zach Charbonnet, George Holani
- Wide Receiver: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Cooper Kupp, Tory Horton, Jake Bobo
- Tight End: AJ Barner, Elijah Arroyo, Eruc Saubert
Long-Term Trend: Believe in JSN
To say Sam Darnold loves to target Jaxon Smith-Njigba is an understatement. Expect JSN to be a top-five fantasy wide receiver as long as he and Darnold stay healthy.
For more coverage, follow along on social media on Instagram, Bluesky, Facebook and X.
The post Waiver Wire Plus: Dissecting Fantasy Football Moves You Should Make for Every NFL Team appeared first on Opta Analyst.
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