FFT Express - EARLY Week 7 Waiver Wire TARGETS! Vidal, Rodgers, Knight, Downs, & Others! (10/13 Fantasy Football Podcast)

Summary

Fantasy Football Today Express

Episode: Early Week 7 Waiver Wire Targets! Vidal, Rodgers, Knight, Downs, & Others!
Date: October 13, 2025
Host: Adam Aizer
Guest Analyst: Jamie Eisenberg

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Overview

This episode offers a fast-moving, detailed early look at the Week 7 waiver wire for fantasy football, focusing especially on running back pickups given new opportunities from injuries and depth chart moves. Adam and Jamie break down the top running back, quarterback, wide receiver, and tight end pickups for the week, offering actionable advice for those looking to strengthen their lineups and exploit fantasy free agency. The tone is brisk, packed with actionable names and situational context, making it essential listening and reading for fantasy managers.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Running Back Waiver Adds

(00:54–04:36)

• Kymani Vidal (Chargers; 56% rostered) — Top Add

  • Massive opportunity with Omarion Hampton's injury, likely out at least 4 weeks, possibly more.
  • Vidal produced 124 rushing yards on 18 carries, plus 3 catches and a TD.
  • Expected to be the “lead running back for the Chargers for the foreseeable future.”
  • Notable Quote:

    "He is the headliner, Adam, obviously, based on what he did ... you could be looking at, you know, several, maybe six, seven, eight weeks of Vidal's lead running back for the Chargers." — Jamie (01:19)

  • Fabric (FAAB) recommendation: likely need to bid at least 20% to acquire.

• Donovan "Bam" Knight (Cardinals; 9% rostered)

  • Started in place of injured Trey Benson and split snaps but got more touches than Michael Carter.
  • Di Mercado’s ankle injury creates additional opportunity.
  • Not an ideal Week 7 matchup (Packers run defense), but “could be a flex option” (02:28).

• Other Names to Stash or Monitor

  • Tajie Spears (top-tier handcuff, more involved last week).
  • Jaden Blue (lottery ticket now that Miles Sanders is out for the season, handcuff to Javonte Williams).
  • Deeper handcuffs: Brian Robinson, Tyler Allgeier, Emmanuel Wilson, Isaiah Davis (especially if potential trades or injuries shake up backfields).

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2. Quarterback Waiver Adds

(04:36–07:39)

Jamie ranks quarterbacks to target based on streamer viability, upside, and injury/bye-week coverages.

• Aaron Rodgers:

  • Coming off strong performance vs. Browns.
  • “Borderline starter for Week 7” with matchup vs. Bengals.
  • Standout Stat: “Four of six quarterbacks have been 20 points or more against the Bengals.” (04:38)

• Jackson Dart:

  • Running QB, but poor matchup against Denver, who "contain running QBs" (05:05).
  • Good long-term schedule after Week 7.

• Bryce Young:

  • Emergency starter, low-end but “viable based on schedule” (05:37).

• Trevor Lawrence:

  • Faces a deceptive Rams defense; “Opportunity for over 23 points” in back-to-back games (06:00).

• Others (QB2 and Superflex Considerations):

  • Mac Jones (volume-based, if healthy weapons return).
  • Joe Flacco (over 22 fantasy points in debut).
  • Monitor Minnesota’s situation for possibly starting Carson Wentz ("revenge game" narrative).
  • Jacoby Brissett (another possible starter with upside, especially Week 8).

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3. Wide Receiver Waiver Adds

(08:17–12:45)

A long list with few sure-thing starters, but some strong stash and flyer options.

• Kayshon Boutte (Patriots) — #1 Add

  • “His playing time has been sustainable ... he's been on the field a lot for the Patriots.”
  • Not a lock for production, but worth a flyer. (08:17)

• Josh Downs (Colts)

  • Back-to-back productive games, including a TD vs. Cardinals.
  • “Second for me ... could take on a bigger role as offense evolves.”

• Jalen Coker

  • Stash-worthy, especially if eligible for IR; “Was close last week and could play this week.”

• Future Opportunity/Depth Plays

  • Calvin Ridley (monitor injury status).
  • IO Manor, Van Jefferson, Zay Jones (especially in deep leagues — Zay Jones "is available in 99 percent of leagues").
  • Tampa WRs (with Godwin and Buka likely out): Cameron Johnson (big play upside), Sterling Shepard (likely target leader), Tez Johnson.
    • Cameron Johnson: "Showed a lot of big play potential ... I'll take him first" (09:56).
    • Adam notes Detroit-TB could be a shootout:

      “That Tampa Bay Detroit game could be a 60 point game ... those wide receivers are available in every league basically.” — Adam (12:00)

  • Jordan Whittington (with Rams’ Puka Nakua injured).
  • Marquise Brown (despite Rashi Rice returning, still involved and scored TDs).
  • Darius Slayton (best long-term upside, but tough short-term matchup).

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4. Tight End Waiver Adds

(12:45–14:50)

Jamie and Adam emphasize an unusually deep group of options:

• Harold Fannin

  • Possibly starting in place of injured David Njoku; great production in games started by Dylan Gabriel.
  • Jamie: “I think you got to look at Harold Fannin first …”

• Michael Mayer

  • Opportunity if Brock Bowers remains out, faces a middling Chiefs defense.

• Cade Otton

  • “Monster game potential … played well against the 49ers and this receiving core could just be decimated.”
  • Adam: “Best one to pick up … in the passing game” for Tampa Bay (13:35).

• Other Flexible Options

  • Oronde Gadsden (with Quentin Johnson out for Miami).
  • Evan Engram (Revenge game against Giants, steady target volume).
  • Taysom Hill (rushing and TD upside, as predicted by listener Ben).
  • Mason Taylor (“Still played 95% of the snaps,” not worth dropping despite letdown).

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Vidal's Opportunity:

  "I feel, you know, thankful for the people that got ahead of this last week ... Now you probably have to spend at least 20% of your FAAB to go get him." — Jamie (01:19)

• On Running Back Depth:

  "It's not really a great week for running back adds. But, but having two guys who could be in your lineup is actually pretty good ... with no new injuries." — Adam (03:26)

• On Quarterbacks:

  “Aaron Rodgers ... second best game against the Browns this season ... playing well and, you know, good matchup.” — Jamie (04:38)

• On WR Options:

  “There are a lot of must roster players ... not a must start here.” — Jamie (12:00) “That Tampa Bay Detroit game could be a 60 point game, you know, total. Could get a ton of pass attempts and those wide receivers are available in every league basically.” — Adam (12:00)

• On Tight Ends:

  “I think you got to look at Harold Fannin first, just with the chance of no David Njoku dealing with the knee injury ...” — Jamie (12:52) “Best one to pick up, I mean, of in the passing game ... for Tampa Bay.” — Adam (13:35)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Running Backs: 00:54 – 04:36
• Quarterbacks: 04:36 – 07:39
• Wide Receivers: 08:17 – 12:45
• Tight Ends: 12:45 – 14:50

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Closing Thoughts

Waiver wire is once again pivotal for fantasy rosters in Week 7, especially at RB where backfield changes offer league-winning upside. At WR and TE, there’s less star power, but plenty of depth and stash names to keep an eye on. Quarterback streamers are plentiful, especially beneficial with byes and injuries piling up. The FFT crew underscores the importance of acting fast and smart—there’s no one clear “must-start” (aside from Vidal), but plenty of must-stash players with possible big future upside.

Adam (Final Thought, 14:50):

“It's going to be a busy waiver wire for sure. A lot of injuries, a lot of opportunity here. ... Week seven, we'll be right back. We'll be back tomorrow, actually, on fantasy football today.”

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Transcript

[Jamie]

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[Adam]

An early look at the waiver wire. Finally, we get to focus on some running backs. Welcome to Fantasy Football Today Express. Let's get it started. Kymani Vidal, 56 rostered. Here we go. Hopefully this isn't a fake out like Michael Carter. I don't think it is. 18 carries, 124 yards, three catches, 14 yards and a touchdown at Miami. He's got to be, if not the headliner, at least one of the headliners this week.

[Jamie]

I mean, he is the headliner, Adam, obviously, based on what he did and the fact that we got the report that Omarion Hampton may not be back after his four weeks on injured reserve. So you could be looking at, you know, several, maybe six, seven, eight weeks of, of Vidal's lead running back for the, for the Chargers. So it clearly was a great matchup against Miami. We'll see how he does in Week 7 against the Colts. But just knowing that there's a lot of bye weeks still coming up, a lot of injuries that we're dealing with, I feel, I feel, you know, thankful for the people that got ahead of this last week, you know, and picked him up when he was not going to be as expensive. Now you probably have to spend at least 20 of your fabric to go get him. You know, just waste on everybody now knowing that he's the guy. And I feel terrible for the people that picked up us on Haskins. I'm glad that we were, you know, touting Vidal as the, as the one to go get first. Not that we had any indication that it was going to be like this. But you know, 21 total touches, I believe it was for for Vidal and seven for Haskins. Clearly this is the the split I would assume the Chargers want to see moving forward with Vidal performing like this.

[Adam]

All right, so we'll come back to running back. Why don't we stay on running backs, start with that. We'll go to quarterbacks after that. Any other running backs to pick up.

[Jamie]

I mean the guy right after him, not to the same level, but is obviously, you know, Donovan Bam Knight based on what he was able to accomplish as well. So we got the report before the slate started Sunday that the chart the Cardinals were going to start night. You know, I just kind of took it as he was going to have a bigger role and that's exactly what happened. He played 37 of the snapshot. Michael Carter played 32% of the snaps. Knight had more total touches. Carter played on a lot more third down opportunities. So it feels as if, especially now with Amari Di Mercado dealing with the ankle injury, we see who the top two running backs are for the Cardinals. So we don't know at least as of now how long Trey Benson will be out. He will miss three more games, which takes them through week 11 because they have their buy in week eight. So you're not going to have Benson back until week 12 at the earliest. So you could be looking at Knight as a potential flex option. I don't want to start him if I don't have to against the packers because their run defense is still obviously very good. That's what they play in week seven. But if you have the chance to pick him up, you know he's 9% rostered as of Monday.

[Adam]

Okay. And you said it's not really a great week for running back ads. But, but having two guys who could be in your lineup is actually pretty good for running back ads with. With no new injuries. You know what I mean? So that's who else we got, Tajie Spears.

[Jamie]

And we did see Spears get a little bit more work that was expected, you know, so still want to pick him up and stash him? I'm obviously not starting him in any leagues if I don't have to. But you know, top end handcuff Jaden Blue with the Miles Sanders news that we got at the end of last week that he's now out for the season. So he's now the handcuff to Javonte Williams. So lottery ticket potential there and then two handcuffs that we don't Spend a lot of time talking about, I mean, you could pick up Brian Robinson, you can pick up Tyler Algier. They're available in a lot of leagues if you want to just sort of play the handcuff game. There's really not much for me to say about those guys in terms of. Aside from that, but I think just in terms of the. The underlying handcuffs that could be league winners at some point if there's an injury. Emmanuel Wilson and Isaiah Davis, you brought this up off the air. You know, the, the jets could potentially trade Bruce Halls in a contract year, so Davis, with Braylon Allen hurt, could step into a bigger role. But for the most part, we're talking about, you know, make it through the third or fourth run of waivers if you just have an open roster spot to play with. These are, you know, players you could stash on the.

[Adam]

On your bench quarterbacks. Who do you like this week?

[Jamie]

Aaron Rodgers. You know, it's hard to ignore he had the second best game against the Browns this season. Only the second quarterback to go over 20 fantasy points them. So coming off that game, then he gets the Bengals. This week, four of six quarterbacks have been 20 points or more against the Bengals. So playing well and, you know, good matchup. So he's a borderline starter heading into week seven with no Lamar Jackson still because he's on a buy now, and now no Josh Allen. So if you want to pivot, especially if you still been chasing the position, Aaron Rodgers is my favorite guy. I don't like Jackson dart for week two. Excuse me. Four. Week six. Let me rephrase that. Four, Week seven. I don't like Jackson dart for week seven. The reason I have number two is because the Broncos number two in fewest fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks is because he's facing Denver. The best thing that Dart has done so far, 50 or more rushing yards in all three of his starts, two rushing touchdowns. The Broncos are the best team at shutting down running quarterbacks. You know, they, they contain. Justin Fields held them below his average. But going into that game, including matchups against Jalen Hurts, Daniel Jones, I think there's another running quarterback in there. They've held their opponent opposing quarterbacks to 13 carries for 15 yards prior to facing Justin Fields. So if Dart is not going to run, we don't know if Darius Slayton will be back. But long term, though, once you get past this game, he gets the Eagles again, then he gets the Bears in there and the 49ers, who obviously are not the same defense with the injuries that they're dealing with. So the matchups coming up are good for Jackson Dart so long term I like him. Bryce Young if you need another emergency starter, you know you kept harping on this Adam and you're right, you're 50 at this point. The three game schedule for the car Carolina panthers we said going into week five dolphins, cowboys jets bad against the Dolphins fantasy wise good against the Cowboys. Now he gets the jets did a great job against Bo Nix but still Bryce Young Low end starter Trevor Lawrence I think is an interesting play this week because I don't know really how good the Rams pass defense is. They are seventh against opposing quarterbacks but three of the last four quarterbacks against them two, excuse me, two of the past four quarterbacks against them 26.2 fantasy points. So he might have an opportunity coming off back to back games with over 23 fantasy points to be a low end starter. Mac Jones still in play if Brock Purdy's not out. I know he didn't have the best day but they're second and past attempts in the NFL right now. He did throw for over 340 yards, just had the two interceptions, no touchdowns, and maybe getting a lot of help if George Kittle and Ricky Piersoll do return. So Mac Jones can still be an emergency starter. Joe Flacco over 22 fantasy points in his debut so not a bad option there if you're stuck. Certainly should be rostering all Super Flex and two quarterback leagues and then keep an eye on the Minnesota situation. I would still prefer it to be Carson Wentz because you get the revenge game narrative against the Eagles and he has been over 19 fantasy points in two of three starts so far this season. So I think he gives them their best chance and I think he's the best fantasy quarterback at least right now. And then make sure in all Super Flex and two quarterback leagues that Jacoby Brissette is rostered because he may get another start. Cardinals have their buy in week eight so they may not rush Kyler Murray back and Brissette scored 24.7 fantasy points in his start against Colts.

[Adam]

A lot of names, a lot of good quarterbacks to pick up if you need one. Okay, we'll take a break and talk about wide receivers after this.

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[Adam]

Wide receivers to get?

[Jamie]

So this is the position that is a lot of options but not a lot of star power on it. So I'm going to go with Keshan Booty as the first one to add and we talked about this on Sunday night show like is this really something that's sustainable? The one thing I think that is sustainable is that has been sustainable for Booty has been his playing time. You know, so he's been on the field a lot for the Patriots, just hasn't had a lot of opportunities and I still think they're trying to figure out what they are from a passing game standpoint or not. Not what they are who they have to rely on from a passing game. I feel that.

[Adam]

Yeah, right.

[Jamie]

So it's it was Hunter Henry early. It was Diggs the two previous weeks. Booty had one good game to start the season, so it's not a bad option just to take a flyer on, but he would be the top guy there. I would kind of ignore demario Douglas, but you know, deeper leagues if you want to take a shot on him, he's certainly not at the top of the list. Josh Downs now has back to back games where he's been productive. Scored a touchdown against the Cardinals. He's second for me. I know it's crowded. I know he's been losing opportunities at times this season to Michael Pittman and Tyler Warren, but we know what kind of player he is, how explosive he can be. And I think as this offense continues to evolve a little bit, maybe he's going to take on a little bit bigger role. So he's second. I have Jalen Coker third. You know, I'm excited to have him coming back. I think we might get him this week. He was close last week, so I still want to make sure he's rostered, especially if you can stash him on an IR spot. So he's third for me. And then we get into the injury guys and this is where it becomes very interesting and potentially productive for you. So Calvin Ridley, we don't know if he's going to play next week. You got Ella Guy o Manor, you want to play the sound? Go ahead.

[Adam]

Oh, you're waiting for me?

[Jamie]

Yep.

[Adam]

Oh, that's not it. There we go.

[Jamie]

Eric. Yeah, IO Manor. Two disappointing games in a row, but may have a bump in production. I know Van Jefferson kind of stepped up with really not there but worth taking a flyer on just because he's somebody I think they want to invest in the future and maybe came more clean on him a little bit more in Arizona. Zay Jones would be the one I'd look at first over Michael Wilson. He's available in 99 of leagues so easy guy to take a flyer on there just to see if there's something for him. But he did have a good game against the Colts. Then you got the situation in Tampa. So we know as of Monday Chris Godwin not going to play next Monday against the Lions and most likely a Mecca Buka is going to be out. Now Mike Evans could return but if you're looking at the receiving core for the Buccaneers and please correct me if you think otherwise but I have Cameron Johnson first, Sterling shepherd second and Tez Johnson third. In terms of how I want to add them this week, all of them are rostered in less than 90 of leagues. I would imagine Shepard gets the most chances from a target perspective, but we haven't really seen those monster target games for the Bucks so far this year. Like a Buco is kind of living in that 78 target range. Godwin when he came back had a 10 target game but I don't know how much of that is sustainable. And again what happens with Mike Evans is there. So we could be looking at a 67 target type of game. 6, 7. So for me, Cameron Johnson showed a lot of big play potential and against the Lions I think that matters. So I'll take him first, Shepard second, Tez Johnson third, Jordan Winnington now comes into play with the Puka Nakua injury. We don't know if he's going to play in Week 7 against the Jaguars. Marquis Brown look, he's got Rashi Rice back but I still think he'll be on the field so he's worth adding after scoring two touchdowns. I don't know about you, but I would prefer to pick up Darius Slayton and wait out his return than the Chase Little Jordan Humphrey who did have eight targets. That does not feel sustainable. So Slayton no guarantee he's going to play, but I would pick him up. And then obviously still Christian Watson's worth rostering if you can because when he comes back he may have some opportunities to make his place. So you get the the gist of what this is. It's not a great list. There's not a must start player here, but there are a lot of must roster players I think.

[Adam]

Yeah, well I'LL tell you what I mean. That Tampa Bay Detroit game could be a 60 point game, you know, total. Could get a ton of pass attempts and those wide receivers are available in every league basically. So I don't have any strong opinion about who to pick up first. It wouldn't be shepherd first. I kind of agree with what you're saying here, but I look forward to kind of hashing that out on the show tomorrow. Yep, a lot of opportunity there. I think from a long term perspective, all the names you said long term. I think Slayton would be my guy. Even if he plays this week, no chance I'm starting him against Denver, but Slayton to me has the best chance to have, you know, like a consistent six or more targets.

[Jamie]

I would agree.

[Adam]

But yeah, you know, he was so bad two weeks ago, it's hard to trust him. Tight ends, what do we got?

[Jamie]

So tight end actually has a lot of good options. I think you got to look at Harold Fannin first, just with the chance of no David Najoko dealing with the knee injury and what we've seen from the tight ends in the two games that Dylan Gabriel has started. Second, I have Michael Mayer. We don't know when or if Brock Bowers will play in Week 7, but clearly there's a chance for him to be involved. I know it's not the easiest matchups. Again, these matchup against the Chiefs, they did just give up a touchdown to Sam Laporta was a tough catch, but I think Mayor will be involved and somebody I would like to roster. 3. I'm gonna go Kate Otten slightly ahead of a Ronde Gadsden. I think again, just as you alluded to that game, even if just a one week scenario could be a monster game for Kate Otten, who played well against the 49ers and this receiving core could just be decimated.

[Adam]

Best one to pick up, I mean, of in the passing game. I don't.

[Jamie]

Yeah.

[Adam]

For Tampa Bay.

[Jamie]

Yeah. No, I agree. I. I think if you're looking for. If so, like, if you're saying, oh, I need a flex for this week and it's Otten in the receivers, I would probably go with Otten as well.

[Adam]

Or if you need both a wide receiver and a tight end and you have, you know, you're deciding who to claim, who to put a higher claim in for.

[Jamie]

Although.

[Adam]

Yeah, I don't know, it's a tough one because there are a lot of tight ends you could pick up. I'd probably rather have Fanon and a Bucks wide receiver or something like that. You could probably pull that off.

[Jamie]

Agree. Go ahead. But Gadsden, you know, again, first game without Quentin Johnson. We don't know how long Johnson will be out. Who knows how much of that was the Miami situation. Wanting to feature him going back to the place where his dad played, but coming off a seven catch game. And then look, Evan Ingram, three straight games with at least six targets. I know it was miserable against the jets, but the entire offense was miserable. Now you get the revenge game narrative against the Giants. So maybe he gets a little bit of an opportunity for at least one week. And let's give our guy Ben some credit. He mentioned Taysom Hill as he said he would start him over. Mason Taylor, one of our listeners, and he got a touchdown. You know, we may get some rushing touchdowns for him moving forward. Yeah, yeah. I also wouldn't give up on Mason Taylor yet either. He's only 46 rostered. I'd go right back to him against the Panthers. So he's not at the top of the list because I think a lot of people are going to be, you know, concerned and probably gonna get dropped. I still would plan to start.

[Adam]

Mason Taylor played 95 of the snapshot. Okay, thank you, Jamie. It's going to be a busy waiver wire for sure. A lot of injuries, a lot of opportunity here. I'm just thinking about how, how important the waiver wire has been over the last few weeks and with these running backs in particular. And this week will be no exception. Week seven. We'll be right back. We'll be back tomorrow, actually, on fantasy football today.

[Jamie]

See ya.

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