Top 6 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Targets: Defense (Week 7) (2024)

We will have you covered throughout the 2023 fantasy football season with our bevy of tools, including our Waiver Wire Assistant. Find the top available players and get detailed analysis on how potential waiver wire adds will impact your team. Of course, our team of analysts will also have written advice each week. Check out some of our top waiver wire targets for the week below. And here is our full article for your Week 7 fantasy football waiver wire advice.

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Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Targets

Cleveland Browns: 28% rostered

• Next Opponents: @IND, @SEA, ARI
• True value: $5
• Desperate need: $8
• Budget-minded: $3

Analysis: This Cleveland defense is nasty. The Browns were ranked No. 1 in defensive DVOA going into Week 6. Then they smothered a 49ers offense that had been having its way with every other opponent through the first five weeks of the season. Granted, the Niners lost Christian McCaffrey to an oblique injury, but CMC had 14 touches before departing and was held to 52 yards from scrimmage, with the majority of them coming on a 27-yard shovel-pass touchdown on San Francisco’s first possession. The Browns can cover, put heat on QBs and stuff the run. They have studs at all three levels of their defense. Cleveland gets to face backup QB Gardner Minshew (coming off a three-interception game) and the Colts this week, then the Seahawks, then the punchless Cardinals. Normally we don’t recommend bidding more than a buck or two on a defense. The Browns are worth a more substantial investment.

Las Vegas Raiders: 47% rostered

• Next Opponents: @CHI, @DET, NYG
• True value: $2
• Desperate need: $4
• Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: The Raiders entered Week 6 tied for 29th in defensive fantasy scoring. No one will mistake the 2023 Las Vegas Raiders for the 2000 Baltimore Ravens. You’re investing in the Raiders because of their Week 7 matchup against the Bears, who have been hemorrhaging fantasy points to opposing defenses. Chicago QBs have taken 25 sacks and thrown seven interceptions. Bears opponents have also registered three defensive touchdowns. The Bears’ starting QB, Justin Fields, sustained a wrist injury on Sunday, leaving his status for Week 7 unclear. Whether it’s Fields or rookie backup Tyler Bagent getting the start for Chicago this Sunday, the Raiders’ defense is going to be a must-start.

Washington Commanders: 31% rostered

• Next Opponents: @NYG, PHI, @NE
• True value: $2
• Desperate need: $3
• Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: The Commanders intercepted Falcons QB Desmond Ridder three times in Week 6 and also recorded three sacks. Now, Washington gets a choice Week 7 matchup against a Giants defense that was allowing a league-high 18 fantasy points per game to opposing defenses going into Week 6. The Giants’ offensive line has been a disaster this season. It’s not clear whether starting QB Daniel Jones will be able to play this week after missing Week 6 with a neck injury. Whether Jones or backup Tyrod Taylor gets the start, the Commanders will be an excellent streaming option.

Seattle Seahawks: 22% rostered

• Next Opponents: ARI, CLE, @BAL
• True value: $2
• Desperate need: $3
• Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: The Seattle defense entered Week 6 ranked sixth in fantasy scoring and 14th in DVOA, then held the potent Cincinnati offense to 214 yards and 17 points. This week, the Seahawks get a very favorable home matchup against a talent-starved Arizona offense. Seattle’s Week 8 matchup against Cleveland is a playable one, too.

Green Bay Packers: 17% rostered

• Next Opponents: @DEN, MIN, LAR
• True value: $1
• Desperate need: $2
• Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: Going into their Week 6 bye, the Packers ranked in the top half of the league in sacks, pressure rate and opponent passer rating. The Green Bay pass defense is a good one, and it gets a favorable Week 7 matchup against a struggling Denver passing game. Broncos QB Russell Wilson threw for only 95 yards in a Week 6 loss to the Chiefs, threw two interceptions and was sacked four times.

Jacksonville Jaguars: 27% rostered

• Next Opponents: @NO, @PIT, BYE
• True value: $1
• Desperate need: $2
• Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: The Jaguars have quietly put together a top-drawer defense. Jacksonville entered Week 6 ranked 10th in defensive DVOA and 14th in defensive fantasy scoring, then went out and recorded three sacks and three interceptions against the Colts on Sunday. Jacksonville has one of the best run defenses in the league, and the Jags ranked ninth in pressure rate going into Week 6. The Jags have a solid Week 7 matchup against the Saints and QB Derek Carr, who’s been sacked 17 times this season.

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