Week 6 brought another round of injuries, changing roles, and unexpected performances across the NFL. As we head into Week 7, fantasy managers are also dealing with more bye weeks, making roster depth and early waiver-wire decisions even more important.
The waiver wire is where leagues can be won, but waiting until Tuesday morning means competing with everyone else for the same breakout players. Beat the Waiver Wire is designed to help you get one step ahead by identifying players worth adding or stashing before Monday Night Football kicks off.
Some of these players can help immediately, while others are bets on talent, opportunity, or a role that could continue growing. Not every addition needs to become an instant starter. Sometimes, the best move is securing a player before the rest of your league realizes why he matters.
Quarterback
C.J. Stroud, QB, Houston Texans
I wrote about Stroud earlier this season as a potential league-winning waiver addition, and he continues to look like a different quarterback. Over his last three games, Stroud has averaged 306.7 passing yards, two touchdowns, and 22.3 fantasy points per game.
He followed that up by completing 70.6% of his passes for 312 yards and three touchdowns against Jacksonville. Houston faces the Giants in Week 7 before its Week 8 bye, and the schedule remains favorable after that. Stroud should not be available in any one-quarterback league.
J.J. McCarthy, QB, New York Giants
We may have seen the beginning of the McCarthy era in New York. McCarthy entered with the Giants trailing New Orleans and nearly brought them back, finishing the fourth quarter with 243 passing yards, one touchdown, and 26 rushing yards.
The Giants face Houston in Week 7, and that matchup is not as intimidating as it might appear. McCarthy is still a risky redraft option until we know he is starting, but he needs to be added in Superflex formats. In dynasty leagues, this might be your final opportunity to acquire him before his value begins climbing.
Tyler Huntley, QB, Baltimore Ravens
Huntley started again in Week 6, completing 19 of 31 passes for 165 yards and one touchdown while adding 28 yards on the ground. It was not an exciting fantasy performance, but the rushing ability continues to give him a usable floor.
This remains completely dependent on Lamar Jackson’s availability. If Jackson cannot return against Cincinnati, Huntley becomes a viable QB2 in Superflex leagues and a desperation streamer in deeper one-quarterback formats.
Joe Milton, QB, Philadelphia Eagles
Jalen Hurts landing on injured reserve has changed the outlook of Philadelphia’s season. The Eagles may eventually decide they need to evaluate every quarterback on the roster, which could create an opportunity for Milton.
Milton is not someone I am starting in Week 7, and Tanner McKee or Cole Payton could receive the first opportunity. However, Milton’s arm talent and rushing ability make him a worthwhile speculative addition in deep Superflex and dynasty leagues.
Running Back
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