Week 7 Waiver-Wire Pickups and Sleepers Available in Majority of Fantasy Leagues

Week 7 got underway with Thursday night's showdown between the New England Patriots and Chicago Bears. As managers prepare for the remainder of the schedule, some will inevitably need to turn to the waiver wire for reinforcements.

The Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars, Los Angeles Chargers, and Washington Commanders are also on bye this week.

While waiver claims have already been processed in most leagues, a few viable sleepers should still be available heading into the weekend. You'll find the top options for point-per-reception (PPR) leagues here, with picks based on recent production, projected roles, and individual matchups.

J.J. McCarthy, QB, New York Giants

AP Photo/Heather Khalifa

To be clear, there's a good amount of risk involved with New York Giants quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who is rostered in only 13 percent of fantasy leagues. He rarely performed at an acceptable level during his time with the Minnesota Vikings, and he'll be on the road to face the Houston Texans.

However, McCarthy has been named the starter for Week 7 and moving forward, and he has the skills to operate as a dual-threat, not wholly unlike injured starter Jaxson Dart.

Though he only played a relief role in Week 6, McCarthy managed to tally 17.3 fantasy points.

Yes, there's a chance that McCarthy struggles with accuracy, decision-making, and ball security, as he often did in Minnesota. There's also a chance that he builds on last week's effort and shines against a Texans defense that has allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing QBs.

Samaje Perine, RB, Cincinnati Bengals

AP Photoo/Doug Murray

Finding running backs on the waiver wire has been difficult in 2026, and it's been especially difficult late in the week. Managers who need to fill an RB slot in Week 7 should consider Cincinnati Bengals backup Samaje Perine.

Perine typically serves as a change-of-pace back behind starter Chase Brown. However, the Bengals experimented with giving Perine a heavier workload in Week 5—they were on bye last week—and got good results.

While Brown averaged a modest 3.0 yards per carry against the Miami Dolphins, Perine averaged 4.9. He also finished with a season-high 15.8 fantasy points.

Perine is a gamble this week. We don't know how Cincinnati's backfield split will look, and the Baltimore Ravens have been solid against the run. He appears to be trending upward out of the bye, though, and he's rostered in only nine percent of fantasy leagues.

Omar Cooper Jr., WR, New York Jets

AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File

New York Jets rookie receiver Omar Cooper Jr. is still only rostered in 36 percent of leagues heading into the weekend, which is actually a bit surprising. The first-round pick out of Indiana was drafted to be the No. 2 receiver opposite Garrett Wilson, and he's looked the part when healthy.

Cooper had a 30-yard reception in Week 1 before suffering an ankle injury that landed him on injured reserve. He returned this past week and recorded six catches, 103 yards, one touchdown, and 19.3 fantasy points.

While Cooper doesn't have the juiciest Week 7 matchup, he has a tremendous amount of upside for the remainder of the season.

The Jets will host the Dolphins on Sunday, and while Miami has surrendered the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing receivers, it's not because of a great defense. Teams simply haven't been pass-heavy against the Dolphins (4th fewest attempts against). Miami ranks 29th in net yards per pass attempt allowed.

Cooper should have a reasonable floor this week and a very high ceiling moving forward.

AJ Barner, TE, Seattle Seahawks

AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.

Things haven't gone well recently for Sam Darnold and the Seattle Seahawks' passing attack. Things won't get any easier this week against a stout Kansas City Chiefs defense. Don't be surprised if the Seahawks turn to tight end AJ Barner to help get things moving.

The Chiefs have been susceptible to opposing tight ends this season, and Barner has been a reliable ancillary target behind Jaxson Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp. While he's 50 yards once this season, he's seen four or more targets in each of the past two games and has provided a passer rating of 100.0 when targeted.

Kansas City will undoubtedly focus on slowing Smith-Njigba, which could lead Darnold toward check-down options like Barner early and often.

The Chiefs have surrendered the third-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends this season. Barner is only rostered in 11 percent of fantasy leagues.

*Fantasy scoring and roster information from FantasyPros.

Kristopher Knox covers the NFL for Bleacher Report and can be followed on X @Kris_Knox