Finding a reliable wide receiver on the fantasy football waiver wire can be difficult, especially when injuries and bye weeks leave your roster shorthanded.
With NFL Week 7 approaching, these four receivers could be worth a last-minute addition, offering fantasy managers a chance to find unexpected production when they need it most.
Christian Kirk, San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers continue to deal with injuries, but their ability to keep winning creates opportunities for players who might otherwise fly under the fantasy radar. Christian Kirk could be one of those players if he's ready to return this week.
With Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel unavailable, the 49ers could use another reliable target for Brock Purdy. Kirk has spent the season on injured reserve, but he practiced fully this week, offering some optimism that he could make his return at a time when San Francisco needs him.
Kirk played 13 games last season after appearing in eight in 2024. His availability and role still need to be confirmed, so fantasy managers should monitor his status before kickoff. However, a potentially expanded opportunity in a depleted offense makes him an intriguing gamble.
Kirk is rostered in just 15.2% of ESPN fantasy leagues, with his roster percentage rising 1.9% this week. If he's active and receives meaningful snaps, he could provide an unexpected boost.
Keenan Allen, Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts' offense hasn't looked convincing lately, but Keenan Allen remains a veteran receiver capable of producing useful fantasy numbers. For managers who need a dependable floor more than a massive ceiling, Allen deserves consideration.
Despite missing time this season, Allen has recorded four games with more than nine fantasy points in PPR formats. He also caught six passes for 63 yards and a touchdown against the Houston Texans earlier this season before finishing last week's matchup against the Tennessee Titans with eight receptions for 82 yards on 11 targets.
That target volume is encouraging heading into a matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings present a difficult challenge, especially when it comes to blitzing, and Indianapolis will need its veteran receiver to help keep the passing game moving.
Expecting a monster performance might be asking too much, but 10+ PPR fantasy points is a reasonable target if Allen continues seeing opportunities. He's rostered in 43.4% of ESPN leagues, with his roster percentage increasing 0.7% this week.
Jaylin Noel, Houston Texans
Jaylin Noel has given fantasy football managers a reason to pay attention over the past two weeks. The Houston Texans rookie has delivered back-to-back touchdown performances, showing the playmaking ability that could make him a valuable streaming option.
Noel caught five passes for 41 yards and a touchdown the week before, following that up with four receptions for 107 yards and a score last week. His latest performance was especially encouraging, as he demonstrated the ability to turn limited opportunities into a productive fantasy outing.
The Texans need playmakers around C.J. Stroud, and Noel has begun making a case for a larger role. His recent production doesn't guarantee another big game, but the combination of explosive potential and consecutive touchdowns makes him an appealing option for managers searching for upside.
Article Continues BelowNoel is rostered in 22% of ESPN leagues, and that number climbed 3.8% this week. If he delivers another strong performance, he could quickly become a much harder player to find on the waiver wire.
Ted Hurst III, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Ted Hurst III is the biggest gamble on this list, but that also makes him an interesting option for fantasy managers with few alternatives.
With Emeka Egbuka dealing with an injury, Hurst could have an opportunity to see more work in Tampa Bay's passing game. Baker Mayfield's return should also help the offense, although Hurst's actual target share remains uncertain. Chris Godwin Jr.'s recent production has not been convincing, potentially creating an opening for another receiver to make an impact.
Hurst has a chance to benefit if Tampa Bay gives him a larger role against the Carolina Panthers. Still, fantasy football managers shouldn't confuse opportunity with guaranteed production. His involvement and target volume will determine whether he can turn this opportunity into a worthwhile fantasy performance.
The appeal is his availability: Hurst is rostered in only 2% of ESPN leagues, despite seeing his roster percentage rise 1.2% this week. He's a deeper streaming option best suited for managers willing to take a risk in pursuit of a surprise performance.