It’s hard to believe we’re already in Week 7. It’s been a wild ride so far. My three teams have been all over the map, with a lot of injuries and a less-than-stellar start. Last week, two of my three teams won, but I still have a bit of climbing to do to slide into the playoffs.

That said, my weekly streamers research is really helping. About half of my starters are players I picked up off the waiver wire. Pickups from last week included Kimani Vidal (RB, LAC), Bam Knight (RB, Ari), Matthew Golden (WR, GB), and Eddy Pineiro (K, SF).

As for my Week 6 injury-risk call on Amon-Ra St. Brown: fortunately he’s still healthy, but he did tweak his wrist, which may have contributed to a below-average performance and a shorter route tree. Hopefully that’s the last of the injury curse on that team—and on all my teams.

If you’re familiar with my Streamers for the Desperate series, feel free to skip down to this week’s rankings.

If you’re new, here’s the quick background. These articles are based on the principles I outlined in How To Own Your League's Waiver Wire, and they’re geared toward deep-roster leagues (18–24 spots), where free agents thin out quickly, with extra consideration for dynasty and keeper formats.

Players with an asterisk (*) are available in my toughest 24-man league, where streaming is truly challenging. Rookies and sophomores have an (R) and (S) after their names to indicate they might have longer-term upside potential.

I loosely rank the players, but your roster needs and league type should guide your prioritization. In parentheses after each name, you’ll see the opponent’s rank against that position for the next four weeks — '1st' being the toughest matchup, '32nd' the softest. Then in the blurb, I give each player's four-week stat line, such as (CMP-ATT/YDS-TD-INT) for a quarterback.

If you are playing in more standard formats, such as a Yahoo redraft league, check out ASL’s Fantasy Football Adds - Week 7 by Colton Peters and Injuries & Opportunities - Week 7 by Chris Hexter. 

Finally, a word on philosophy: I put in waiver requests every week for every team, not just to cover immediate needs but to strengthen my roster top-to-bottom. Deep benches build injury resilience and force other managers into weaker options — which opens the door for trades and future draft capital.

Quarterbacks

Joe Flacco, Cin vs Pit (27th, 21st, 28th, Bye) – Flacco (66-115/545-2-3, 3/-1-0) avoided turnovers in his Bengals debut and kept the offense on schedule on a short install. Expect a pared-down plan built around quick-game timing and play-action to keep him comfortable. With Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins winning outside, the Bengals can focus on the edges and lean on intermediate throws, with checkdowns to tight ends and running backs. If the Steelers jump ahead, attempts should climb; otherwise his day likely hinges on a couple of red-zone chances. He’s a streaming QB2 whose value rides more on execution than volume.

Aaron Rodgers, Pit @ Cin (5th, 25th, 14th, 10th) – Rodgers (55-75/574-5-2, 8/10-0) delivered a clean two-TD outing with multiple explosive gains, showing timing and trust with DK Metcalf. Monday’s DNP came on a walkthrough-estimated report and doesn’t read as injury-related. A Thursday road trip to face the Bengals’ stout pass defense on a short week keeps expectations modest.

Tua Tagovailoa, Mia @ Cle (7th, 4th, 30th, 9th) – Tagovailoa (87-127/784-8-4, 7/25-0) is coming off a three-interception game against the Chargers, with two giveaways short-circuiting drives even as he led two late touchdown marches. He logged a full practice after hip/left-thumb listings, and reports noted the thumb didn’t hinder short or intermediate work. With Tyreek Hill (knee) out for the season, the Dolphins should lean on Jaylen Waddle, De’Von Achane and Darren Waller, likely emphasizing rhythm throws and yards after the catch. With the Browns’ aggressive defense expectations should be tempered. He profiles as a volatile QB2 streamer until the turnovers settle.

*Jacoby Brissett, Ari vs GB (16th, Bye, 32nd, 19th) – Brissett (27-45/320-2-1, 3/19-0) handled emergency duty well with Kyler Murray sidelined by a mid-foot sprain that could cost more than one week, distributing to Trey McBride, Zay Jones and Michael Wilson. Marvin Harrison Jr. left last game with a concussion, so target consolidation could persist if he sits. Brissett’s experience and red-zone poise keep him in the mix for deeper leagues. If Murray returns, he falls off the streaming radar.

Cam Ward (R), Ten vs NE (14th, 15th, 6th, Bye) – Ward (80-141/814-2-4, 10/28-0) committed three turnovers (two lost fumbles, one pick) and the Titans’ offense staggered before a late push. The staff may dial back early-down risk and lean on structure while he resets after consecutive low-impact weeks. Without consistent rushing usage to buoy him, he’s a thin streamer against the Patriots’ disciplined coverage. Managers can look elsewhere unless desperate.

Running Backs

Kimani Vidal (S), LAC v Ind (8th, 19th, 29th, 14th) – Vidal (18/142-0, 4-5/15-1) consolidated the Chargers’ backfield, outpacing Hassan Haskins and adding a receiving score. With Omarion Hampton on IR for at least a month, his path to lead-back usage is clear. Reports that the Chargers were exploring outside options may cool after his breakout, but role stability bears watching. It’s a stiffer test against the Colts, yet his three-down involvement keeps a usable floor.

Bam Knight, Ari v GB (5th, Bye, 30th, 20th) – Knight (15/45-2, 2-3/33-0) drew the start with James Conner out for the season and Trey Benson (meniscus) on IR, while Michael Carter worked as the change-of-pace option. From a coaching lens, Knight offers the sturdier profile (5'11", 210) and some unknown-entity upside after a 2024 gap, whereas Carter is the known quantity with similar efficiency (~3.0 YPC, ~70% catch rate). Green Bay is a tough matchup, which tempers expectation this week, but if Arizona continues auditioning a No. 1, the role currently favors Knight.

Jerome Ford, Cle v Mia (26th, 6th, Bye, 13th) – Ford (8/34-0, 12-14/47-0) has quietly led the Browns’ backfield in targets and has seen snaps rise with rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel taking over behind center. His short-area receiving keeps a usable PPR floor while Quinshon Judkins handles the heavier rushing load. Miami is a soft matchup for RBs this week, which supports continued checkdowns and red-zone chances. He’s viable where receptions are weighted.

*Samaje Perine, Cin v Pit (14th, 13th, 28th, Bye) – Perine (15/68-0, 4-6/18-0) continues to chip away at Chase Brown’s workload and just logged a season high in carries. The Bengals are clearly testing a more even split, giving Perine a path to steady early-down work and occasional checkdowns. Production has been modest, but a sustained 8–12 touch range would make him a usable depth play. Monitor the touch split; any further tilt his way would elevate his weekly floor.

*Zavier Scott, Min v Phi (16th, 7th, 31st, 28th) – Scott (15/49-0, 7-9/63-1) is functioning as the Vikings’ No. 2 while Aaron Jones is on IR, with most of his value coming in the passing game. Jordan Mason remains the primary runner, but ball-security issues have opened sub-package work for Scott. Expect two-minute and third-down usage to continue, giving him a PPR-leaning path if game script tilts pass-heavy. He should hold RB2 duties at least one more week before Jones is eligible to return.

*Jeremy McNichols, Wsh @ Dal (30th, 11th, 20th, 7th) – McNichols (9/92-1, 5-8/42-0) saw modest usage last week, continuing in a pass-down/change-of-pace role for the Commanders. He profiles as the receiving complement, and his role grows if Washington is chasing points. Dallas is beatable by RBs this week, offering a path to sneaky touches if the offense sustains drives. He’s a deeper-league bye-week option tied to game script.

Brashard Smith (R), KC v LV (17th, 18th, 27th, Bye) – Smith (7/26-0, 9-13/80-0) remains behind Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt, but the Chiefs are scripting touches when he’s on the field. Limited snaps have come with designed targets, reflecting trust in his playmaking space. As Kansas City searches for backfield efficiency, Smith’s passing-down role could inch forward. He’s a stash in deeper leagues with contingent upside.

Receivers

Kendrick Bourne, SF v Atl (6th, 5th, 30th, 11th) – Bourne (20-30/339-0, 0/0-0) just matched last week’s career day with another 142 yards, and he continues to start while Ricky Pearsall (knee) sits. Jauan Jennings is gutting it out with multiple broken ribs, keeping Bourne’s target share stable. The Falcons are sixth against WRs, which caps spike odds, but Bourne’s current route volume keeps him in play if Pearsall misses again.

Zay Jones, Ari v GB (23rd, Bye, 31st, 19th) – Jones (9-14/112-0, 0/0-0) logged season highs (5-79 on eight targets) with Marvin Harrison Jr. exiting early (concussion). If Harrison sits, Jones projects for a steady perimeter role and intermediate targets. He’s a viable streamer again if the Cardinals remain shorthanded.

Sterling Shepard, TB @ Det (27th, 24th, Bye, 18th) – Shepard (12-17/169-1, 2/1-0) operated as the Buccaneers’ No. 2 with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin out, then added 51 yards Sunday. If that room stays depleted (and with Emeka Egbuka leaving early), Shepard projects for chain-moving volume. The Lions are 27th against WRs, boosting his Week 7 outlook.

Jordan Whittington (S), LAR @ Jax (26th, Bye, 24th, 15th) – Whittington (8-11/70-0, 2/7-0) led Rams wideouts in snaps after Puka Nacua’s ankle sprain and flashed early last season. As a second-year player on an upward curve, he typically earns more chances when he produces, and with Nacua likely out and Tutu Atwell still working back, his routes should remain robust. With a full week to script without their No. 1, the Rams can design more quick-game and intermediate looks for him. The Jaguars rank 26th versus WRs, so even a modest target bump places him on the WR3/4 streamer line if he starts.

Josh Downs, Ind @ LAC (3rd, 17th, 22nd, 6th) – Downs (18-23/154-1, 0/0-0) now has back-to-back six-catch games and scored from the low red zone Sunday. His slot role is stable, but the Chargers rank third against WRs this week, which trims ceiling. He still offers a PPR floor if the Colts chase.

Luther Burden (R), Chi v NO (24th, 31st, 20th, 30th) – Burden (9-9/148-1, 1/7-0) rebounded on MNF with 51 yards on perfect efficiency as the Bears spread it around. He’s primarily slot-driven, which supports a usable PPR floor when game script turns pass heavy. Variance remains high, but his usage trend is pointing up.

Luke McCaffrey (S), Wsh @ Dal (32nd, 8th, 19th, 27th) – McCaffrey (7-9/160-3, 0/0-0) has three touchdowns over his last four games, including a 33-yard score Monday, but he’s seen only three targets across the past two weeks despite Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown being out. His role remains light and volatile. If McLaurin and Brown sit again, the Cowboys’ 32nd-ranked defense against WRs plus McCaffrey’s efficiency could open more chances in Week 7. If either starter returns, he slides back to a bench stash.

Tez Johnson (R), TB @ Det (27th, 24th, Bye, 18th) – Johnson (6-8/112-1, 1/5-0) logged a career-high 38 snaps (72%) with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin inactive and Emeka Egbuka exiting early, then hit a 45-yard score. If the Buccaneers remain shorthanded, he should stay in two- and three-WR sets as a vertical option alongside Sterling Shepard. Detroit ranks 27th versus WRs, so even a 4–6 target script can travel in this matchup. He’s a deeper-league upside pivot whose viability tracks the health of Evans, Godwin, and Egbuka.

*Greg Dortch, Ari v GB (23rd, Bye, 31st, 19th) – Dortch (11-12/59-1, 2/9-0) saw his snaps dip with Zay Jones back, but Marvin Harrison Jr.’s concussion makes it unlikely the Cardinals roll the same plan in Week 7. If Harrison sits, Arizona can script more slot and quick-game touches for Dortch, who already has manufactured usage and red-zone involvement. The Packers are a mid-tier matchup, but volume could rise with a full week to prepare without their lead receiver. He profiles as a serviceable PPR streamer for managers in a bind, with added appeal if Kyler Murray remains limited and the offense leans on short throws.

*Lil'Jordan Humphrey, NYG @ Den (2nd, 16th, 15th, 25th) – Humphrey (4-8/55-0, 0/0-0) was elevated and immediately played 77% of snaps, leading the Giants in targets while finishing second in catches and yards. If Darius Slayton (hamstring) remains out, he’s likely to be elevated again and operate as the No. 2 option behind Wan’Dale Robinson by recent usage with Malik Nabers sidelined. The Broncos are second against WRs this week, which tempers ceiling, but a repeat of last week’s routes and targets keeps him in play for desperate streamers.

*Michael Wilson, Ari v GB (23rd, Bye, 31st, 19th) – Wilson (10-17/80-0, 0/0-0) returned from a finger scare and posted 4-for-44 with Harrison sidelined. If Harrison misses Week 7, Wilson’s routes should stay elevated. He’s a deeper-league add tied to the injury report.

JuJu Smith-Schuster, KC v LV (28th, 21st, 9th, Bye) – Smith-Schuster (13-16/165-1, 0/0-0) turned three looks into 57 yards last week and remains a schemed red-zone candidate while the Chiefs juggle personnel. The Raiders are 28th against WRs, making this a matchup-driven dart throw. Role risk rises when Rashee Rice returns.

KaVontae Turpin, Dal v Wsh (21st, 2nd, 12th, Bye) – Turpin (5-7/94-0, 2/8-0) has a chance to return after two games out and could slot in as the Cowboys’ No. 2/3 receiver if CeeDee Lamb (ankle) sits, with Jalen Tolbert at just one target in each of the past two weeks. With Dak Prescott in rhythm over the last four games and a key divisional matchup on deck, Dallas may look to spread the ball and script speed touches for Turpin in the quick game. Washington ranks 21st against WRs this week, which supports a path to serviceable volume if his snap share climbs. If Lamb returns, Turpin likely reverts to gadget and return duties, putting him back in deeper-league flier territory.

*Ryan Flournoy (S), Dal v Wsh (21st, 2nd, 12th, Bye) – Flournoy (11-17/158-0, 4/25-0) held a meaningful role again, though production dipped with Dallas’ offense sputtering. His routes hinge on the statuses of CeeDee Lamb (ankle) and KaVontae Turpin (foot). Washington is 21st against WRs; viability rises if both sit.

Alec Pierce, Ind @ LAC (3rd, 17th, 22nd, 6th) – Pierce (6-9/115-0, 0/0-0) stepped back into his downfield role and posted 48 yards on two catches. He’s a classic boom-bust perimeter play. The Chargers’ top-three WR defense suggests volatile outcomes, but two-shot efficiency keeps him on the watch list.

*Jalen Nailor, Min v Phi (16th, 3rd, 27th, 31st) – Nailor (7-13/66-1, 1/15-0) settled in as the Vikings’ third receiver and stays on the field when script turns pass-heavy. He remains behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison for schemed looks. A usable emergency play now, with softer matchups ahead.

*Xavier Hutchinson, Hou @ Sea (18th, 15th, 2nd, 26th) – Hutchinson (8-9/51-2, 0/0-0) has been a package player with red-zone utility, which explains the TDs on limited yardage. The role is narrow, but he remains in the rotation. He’s a touchdown-chasing streamer until routes expand.

Tight Ends

Dalton Schultz, Hou @ Sea (25th, 13th, 4th, 11th) – Schultz (15/18-129-0) is coming off the Texans’ Week 6 bye after a season-best 5-for-60 line in Week 5 against the Ravens. He has at least six targets in three straight and remains C.J. Stroud’s preferred chain-mover on third down and in two-minute. Touchdown chances are reasonable, and the steady volume makes him a low-variance TE2 streamer.

Jonnu Smith, Pit @ Cin (32nd, 30th, 17th, 7th) – Smith (8/10-47-0) dealt with a hip issue before the Week 5 bye, then returned in Week 6 to a 69% snap share and four targets, suggesting he’s past it. The Steelers continue to rotate three tight ends—Darnell Washington (80% snaps vs. the Browns last week), Pat Freiermuth, and Smith—but Mike Tomlin has said Freiermuth’s snap count is expected to decrease as divisional play ramps up. If that happens, Smith’s routes and targets have room to climb. With a soft matchup against the Bengals in Week 7, he is firmly on the deep-streamer radar this week.

Oronde Gadsden (R), LAC v Ind (17th, 21st, 9th, 29th) – Gadsden (15/19-144-0) delivered a career-best 7-for-68 as the Chargers leaned on quick game behind a banged-up line. He was repeatedly Justin Herbert’s outlet and showed yards-after-catch ability, the kind of usage that builds trust for a rookie. His snap count has climbed three straight weeks, and he kept primary passing-down work even with Will Dissly back—a strong signal he’s taken over the starting tight end role. As long as the Chargers o-line is depleted, expect continued short-area volume that keeps him in the TE2 stream.

Chigoziem Okonkwo, Ten v NE (23rd, 17th, 7th, Bye) – Okonkwo (16/20-164-0) set a season high in catches in Week 6 and continues to function as a primary outlet off play-action. New England has struggled to contain tight ends, which supports his 4–6 target baseline and yards-after-catch chances. Aside from one down week, his usage has been steady. He profiles as a back-end TE2 whose finish this week depends on red-zone conversions.

Cade Otton, TB @ Det (14th, 22nd, Bye, 23rd) – Otton (12/15-141-0) led Tampa Bay in targets and catches in Week 6 while Chris Godwin and Mike Evans were inactive and Emeka Egbuka exited early. With Godwin labeled week-to-week and no Week 7 clarity on Evans/Egbuka, the Bucs might again funnel work between the numbers. Otton’s route share has been strong, and last week included more down-the-seam usage. If the receiver room remains thinned, pencil in 5–7 targets with a realistic chance at red-zone work.

*Tyler Higbee, LAR @ Jax (11th, Bye, 22nd, 13th) – Higbee (6/9-65-1) missed Week 5 with a hip injury, then returned without an injury tag and logged a 4-40-1 in Week 6, leading the Rams in receiving yards while Puka Nacua played through an ankle issue. His involvement has been light overall—just 11 targets on 86 routes over Weeks 1–4—so weekly volume remains fragile. Nacua is day-to-day ahead of Week 7 and with a Week 8 bye looming, the Rams could be cautious bringing Nacua back. if Nacua is limited or sits, targets are likely to shift inside where Higbee runs many of his routes. If the Rams lean on quick, underneath throws, Higbee should continue to handle short-area and red-zone work, making him a touchdown-dependent TE2—with a volume bump if Nacua is out.

Tommy Tremble, Car @ NYJ (28th, 2nd, 30th, 22nd) – Tremble (12/16-104-1) has operated as the Panthers’ lead tight end with Ja’Tavion Sanders out and caught all four targets for 39 yards in Week 6. Reports suggest Sanders could return, which would cut into Tremble’s snaps. The Jets have been generous to tight ends, so if Sanders sits again, Tremble moves up as a volume-based streamer. If Sanders plays, he’s not worth a roster spot.

*Michael Mayer, LV @ KC (5th, Bye, 11th, 4th) – Mayer (5/7-50-1) started with Brock Bowers sidelined and produced a red-zone score on a full route share. If Bowers returns, Mayer’s target share would likely fall, pushing him back into a secondary role. The Chiefs are top-five versus tight ends, so he may need a touchdown to pay off as a streamer.

Kickers

Joey Slye, Ten v NE (20th, 16th, 6th, 22nd)

Lucas Havrisik, GB @ Ari (21st, 8th, 7th, 29th)

Jake Moody, Chi v NO (17th, 26th, 11th, 28th)

Matt Gay, Wsh @ Dal (25th, 9th, 10th, 3rd)

Ka'imi Fairbairn, Hou @ Sea (10th, 4th, 27th, 2nd)

Defense / Special Teams

New England Patriots @ NO(32nd, 30th, 20th, 13th)

Pittsburgh Steelers v Cle (31st, 4th, 1st, 21st)

Seattle Seahawks v Hou (18th, Bye, 8th, 16th)

Kansas City Chiefs v LV (27th, 8th, 11th, Bye)

Atlanta Falcons @ SF (22nd, 14th, 24th, 1st)