Week 7 Waiver Wire Top Pickups and Drops Likely Available After Reviewing Box Scores

We're now six weeks into the 2025 NFL season, and the fantasy lineup decisions aren't getting any easier. The injury bug continues to mock fantasy managers, and we're firmly in bye-week season.

The Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens will both be off in Week 7.

It's getting more important than ever to find viable starters on the waiver wire. Here, we'll examine some top pickups and drops for the upcoming slate based on recent performances, projected roles and point-per-reception (PPR) scoring.

Add: Spencer Rattler, QB, New Orleans Saints

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With Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson both unavailable this week, some managers may need a spot-starter at quarterback. Those in deeper leagues should consider New Orleans Saints signal-caller Spencer Rattler.

The second-year pro hasn't wowed often this season, but he's been steadier than most casual fans might realize. He's topped 200 passing yards in five of six games, and while he's only thrown six touchdown passes, he's also thrown a single pick.

With pass-catchers like Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, Juwan Johnson and Alvin Kamara at his disposal, Rattler has a high fantasy ceiling in the right matchups. This week, he'll face a Chicago Bears defense that has surrendered the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.

Rattler is available in over 90 percent of Yahoo and ESPN leagues.

Add: Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers

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The Pittsburgh Steelers got running back Jaylen Warren back in Week 6 after a one-game absence. However, Kenneth Gainwell, who racked up 134 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns as the starter in Week 4, didn't fall entirely out of the game plan.

Warren led the Steelers with 11 carries in Week 6, but Gainwell logged six rushes and a team-high six receptions. He should have a solid PPR floor this week against a bad Cincinnati Bengals defense.

No team has surrendered more fantasy points to opposing running backs this season than Cincinnati.

Gainwell should be considered a matchup-based play moving forward, especially since the Steelers are looking to work rookie Kaleb Johnson into the rotation. However, this week's matchup is tough to ignore.

Gainwell is rostered in 57 percent of ESPN leagues but only 42 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Add: Kimani Vidal, RB, Los Angeles Chargers

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Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal doesn't have the most enticing of matchups in Week 7. The Chargers are set to host the Indianapolis Colts, who have surrendered the eighth-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs.

However, Vidal is the closest thing to a starting back that managers are going to find at this point in the season. With Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton both on injured reserve—and Harris out for the season—Vidal is the Chargers back to roster.

He led L.A.'s backfield in Week 6, racking up 138 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 18 carries and three receptions. Teammate Hassan Haskins, meanwhile, saw just seven touches.

Vidal should be a solid volume-based play, even in an unfavorable matchup. He's only rostered in 31 percent of Yahoo leagues and 27 percent of ESPN leagues.

Add: Tez Johnson, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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Rookie standout Emeka Egbuka joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' list of injured receivers when he exited Week 6 with a hamstring injury. Mike Evans may return in Week 7, but Chris Godwin likely will not.

In what could be a high-scoring game against the Detroit Lions, Baker Mayfield will need pass-catchers.

Rookie Tez Johnson has come up big in back-to-back games. He only caught one pass in Week 6, but it was a 45-yard touchdown grab. In Week 5, he caught four passes for 59 yards.

Johnson could have another big day against a Lions defense that has surrendered the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. He's available in 99 percent of Yahoo and ESPN leagues.

Top Week 7 Drops

AP Photo/Ian Walton

Vikings QB Carson Wentz

Carson Wentz, QB, Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings may or may not turn back to quarterback J.J. McCarthy this week, but the move is inevitable now that he's healthy. Any managers who grabbed Carson Wentz for depth after McCarthy was injured can drop him.

Even if Wentz starts against the Philadelphia Eagles, his ceiling is limited. Minnesota should take a run-heavy approach against an Eagles defense ranked 12th in net yards per pass attempt allowed and 24th in yards per carry allowed.

Hassan Haskins, RB, Los Angeles Chargers

Haskins was serving as Hampton's backup in Los Angeles, which is why several managers scooped him up on the wire last week. He's rostered in 50 percent of ESPN leagues and 54 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Vidal is going to be the starter for as long as Hampton remains out. Haskins may get some run in a committee role, but managers should feel comfortable dropping him.

Jerry Jeudy, WR, Cleveland Browns

It's hard to cut ties with Cleveland Browns receiver Jerry Jeudy, who topped 1,200 yards in 2024 and continues to be heavily targeted. However, drops have been a major issue for him this season, and the Cleveland passing attack remains one of the worst in the NFL.

Jeudy caught just five of 13 targets in Week 6 and hasn't topped 50 yards since Week 2. If the Browns' offense ever clicks, he could take off, but managers with roster holes can't afford to be patient with him.

*Fantasy roster and scoring information from FantasyPros.