Week 7 Fantasy Football Game Previews
Can you believe it’s already Week 7? I certainly can’t. Regardless, time flies on, and the NFL and fantasy football seasons keep churning. This week, the teams of the two most recent MVPs (Buffalo and Baltimore) are on bye, but every other franchise is in action. We also have a London game (yuck) and another Monday double-header (double yuck). Without further ado, here are the fantasy outlooks for every game and relevant player this weekend.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (London Game)
Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET | Projected Totals: Rams 23.75, Jaguars 20.75
This game can’t possibly be worse than the atrocity that the Jets and Broncos provided for the people of London last week. But it doesn’t exactly make me excited to get up at 6 a.m. PST, either. The Rams will be without All-World WR Puka Nacua, while the Jaguars have ridden a league-best turnover differential to a 4-2 record. Personally, I expect Sean McVay and Co. to take care of business overseas, but this is projected to be a fairly close contest.
Quarterbacks
Matthew Stafford is undeniably a less appealing play without Nacua, who has accounted for well over a third of the team’s passing yards so far this season. But the veteran has played excellently so far this season; he is a high-end QB2 against a Jacksonville defense that ranks top 10 in points allowed to quarterbacks. Trevor Lawrence is the QB22 in points per game. Against a tough Rams defense, he’s nothing more than a mid-range QB2.
Running Backs
Kyren Williams’ usage has been less consistent so far this season than in years past, but he still sees solid workloads in his down weeks. He’s a backend RB1. Travis Etienne has cooled down over the last two weeks after a hot start, but he’s still dominating the Jaguars’ backfield. The bad matchup pushes him to backend RB2 territory, but no further. Neither Blake Corum nor Bhayshul Tuten is consistently involved enough to be more than a dart-throw flex option.
Wide Receivers
With Puka sidelined, Davante Adams gets to be Matthew Stafford’s WR1, a historically very valuable role for fantasy. The 32-year-old is a genuine elite option this week. Behind him, Tutu Atwell and Jordan Whittington will compete for targets — it’s hard to get an exact handle on who the preferred option is, as they have traded off dealing with injuries over the last two weeks. They are both valid, if risky, streaming options. For the Jaguars, the only receiver who can confidently be started is Brian Thomas Jr., as a WR2. Travis Hunter finally saw his role expand last week, but who knows if that was a one-off … and he still didn’t produce anyway. However, his increase came at the expense of Dyami Brown. The rookie is a high-risk/high-reward flex play, while the veteran is more of a desperation option.
Tight Ends
Tyler Higbee returned from injury last week, but he still ran less than 50% of the Rams’ available routes. Even before the injury, he never passed a 60% participation rate. He’s arguably not even playable in two-TE formats. The same applies to Hunter Long, who has been nowhere near as involved as Brenton Strange was prior to his injury.
New Orleans Saints @ Chicago Bears
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET | Projected Totals: Saints 21.00, Bears 25.50
Some credit is due to Spencer Rattler, as the 2024 fifth-rounder has exceeded expectations so far this season. However, that has more to do with how low the original expectations were than anything else. Meanwhile, expectations were sky-high for Ben Johnson’s Chicago offense. So far, the results have been mixed, with a tilt toward the positive end. I’m a bit surprised the Bears aren’t bigger favorites at home against the one-win Saints.
Quarterbacks
As I said, Spencer Rattler has only been good when compared to very low expectations. He is averaging less than 15 fantasy points per game, and only Chicago’s generous pass defense makes him a backend QB2. Caleb Williams, on the other hand, is in the midst of a fantasy breakout. He’s a genuine QB1 option this week.
Running Backs
Kendre Miller’s role in the Saints’ backfield has been growing; he even out-carried Alvin Kamara in Week 5. However, the veteran still sees all of the pass-catching work in this offense, and it sounds like he isn’t going anywhere. Kamara is a backend RB2, while Miller is an unappealing flex option (especially with Taysom Hill lurking to vulture goal-line TDs. For the Bears, D’Andre Swift has surprisingly popped up on the injury report with a groin injury. However, that reportedly isn’t a new injury, so I expect him to play this week. He is an RB2 in this good matchup. If he’s out, Kyle Monangai becomes a solid option — right now, the rookie is just a speculative play.
Wide Receivers
Chris Olave continues to see absolutely elite usage and provide mediocre results. But I simply can’t ignore these target numbers. He’s a backend WR2, and he could easily outperform that ranking if the good matchup allows him to make the most of his volume. Rashid Shaheed has been more involved of late, putting him firmly back on the fantasy radar as a boom/bust WR3 option. For the Bears, Rome Odunze is coming off a down week but still a must-start borderline WR1. DJ Moore had to stay overnight in a hospital with a mysterious groin injury after Chicago’s Week 6 game but is reportedly good to go for this week. He is a viable WR3. Olamide Zaccheaus and Luther Burden III (in that order, still) are deep flex options.
Tight Ends
While Shaheed’s role has grown, Juwan Johnson is seeing less usage after starting the season strong. He’s firmly a TE2 at this point. Taysom Hill scored a goal-line touchdown in his second game back last week, but it was his only touch of the game. He slots in as a completely TD-dependent TE option, albeit one with a fairly high chance of scoring. Neither Colston Loveland (39%) nor Cole Kmet (30%) ran enough routes last week to be playable this week.
Miami Dolphins @ Cleveland Browns
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET | Projected Totals: Dolphins 17.25, Browns 19.75
Yikes. This one was always going to be ugly, and there appears to be a chance it will be played in a massive storm. However, I’m surprised that the Browns are favorites, even at home. Their defense is good, but their offense is arguably the league’s worst. The Dolphins are in the opposite scenario, so I guess homefield advantage is the tiebreaker here. Regardless, with by far the lowest total on the slate, this is not an exciting game to target.
Quarterbacks
Again, I’m a little surprised that Miami’s total is so low, as their offense has been fine in recent weeks, even without Tyreek Hill. But given it is, Tua Tagovailoa projects as a borderline QB2, nothing more. Despite the excellent matchup, Dillon Gabriel is also barely in the QB2 conversation.
Running Backs
The running backs do at least bring some fantasy upside in this matchup. De’Von Achane continues to get there every week on the best receiving usage of any RB not named McCaffrey — he’s an RB1. Quinshon Judkins, on the other hand, is hardly involved in the receiving game, but he has looked the part on the ground. Given that the Browns are favored against Miami’s paper mache defense, he’s also a backend RB1. I don’t recommend playing Jerome Ford or Ollie Gordon, and Dylan Sampson isn’t even on the fantasy radar at this point.
Wide Receivers
Jaylen Waddle has elite usage, even if this environment is unappealing. He’s a high-end WR2. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine continues to run more routes than Malik Washington, but the sophomore is earning more touches (albeit almost entirely designed touches at or behind the LOS). Given the matchup, neither is an appealing option. On the other side, Jerry Jeudy is coming off a 13-target week and facing arguably the league’s softest secondary … and it’s still hard to get excited about him. He’s a WR3, nothing more. Isaiah Bond is running enough routes to be a flex option, but not a good one, in this matchup.
Tight Ends
Darren Waller had his worst fantasy outing of the season so far last week, but he actually posted easily a new season-high in route participation rate (75%). The veteran has already done enough to establish himself as a backend TE1. With David Njoku out, Harold Fannin Jr. is also a backend TE1.
Las Vegas Raiders @ Kansas City Chiefs
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET | Projected Totals: Raiders 16.75, Chiefs 28.75
The Chiefs seem to be fully back as an elite offense … and now they get Rashee Rice back, too. Meanwhile, the Geno Smith/Pete Carroll/Chip Kelly experiment in Vegas is not exactly going as planned. This game has easily the most lopsided spread of the slate.
Quarterbacks
Especially now that Rice is returning, Patrick Mahomes is once again a set-and-forget QB1. With two of the other usual elite options on bye this week, he is arguably the QB2 overall. Geno Smith, meanwhile, is only relevant in 2-QB formats … and even there, you hopefully have a better option.
Running Backs
Out of seemingly nowhere, Isiah Pacheco claimed a legit lead role in the Chiefs’ backfield last week. He saw 12 carries to Kareem Hunt’s six and played 77% of Kansas City’s offense snaps. Importantly, those snaps also included snaps near the goal line, which had previously gone nearly exclusively to Hunt. Especially given the matchup, he is back on the radar as a solid RB3 … if not more. Hunt, meanwhile, is now more of a flex play, where you’re hoping he falls into the end zone. Ashton Jeanty is seeing excellent usage and playing well despite the Raiders’ overall struggles. He is a high-end RB2 despite the brutal situation.
Wide Receivers
We are finally going to get the answer to one of the questions of the offseason: Is Xavier Worthy or Rashee Rice the Chiefs’ WR1? They both have wide ranges of outcomes until that question is settled … thankfully, they are also both must-starts, too. However, I would avoid the other Kansas City receivers (Hollywood Brown, Tyquan Thornton, and JuJu Smith-Schuster) until we see their roles with everyone healthy. For the Raiders, Jakobi Meyers has gone from failing to produce on good volume to not even seeing volume. He’s just a flex play, as is Tre Tucker.
Tight Ends
Rice’s return is likely to cut into Travis Kelce’s volume. But the lack of other options at the TE position plus the Chiefs’ sudden offensive efficiency means he is still a backend TE1. With Brock Bowers missing another week, Michael Mayer is a solid TE2 option — he saw a 30% target share last week.
Philadelphia Eagles @ Minnesota Vikings
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET | Projected Totals: Eagles 22.75, Vikings 20.75
After escaping with wins despite terrible vibes in their first four games, the Eagles are now on a two-game losing streak. They scored just 17 points in both of those defeats, including a humiliation on prime time by their division rival Giants. Meanwhile, the Vikings will be rolling out Carson Wentz for at least one more week. Can their excellent defense cover for their mediocre offense?
Quarterbacks
It’s not pretty, but Jalen Hurts always seems to get the job done … for fantasy, anyway. He’s still a no-brainer QB1 even in this tough matchup. Carson Wentz, on the other hand, is only playable if you’re running out of options in a 2-QB league.
Running Backs
Saquon Barkley is similar to his quarterback — it’s not at all pretty, but he just keeps scoring fantasy points. He’s a must-start RB1 despite having looked mediocre at best so far this season. Jordan Mason is seeing solid enough usage to be an RB2 against an Eagles defense that is actually a top-10 matchup for opposing RBs. I don’t recommend playing Zavier Scott or A.J. Dillon.
Wide Receivers
The Vikings’ defense has been outlier-level dominant against opposing receivers so far this season. But A.J. Brown, for all the drama, has still seen at least eight targets for each of the last five weeks; he’s a WR2. I’m a little more scared of DeVonta Smith. He has the talent to have a big game even in this brutal matchup, but his role is less consistent. He’s a boom/bust WR3. For the Vikings, Justin Jefferson is a must-start no matter who his quarterback is. Jordan Addison is more of a WR3 type, similar to Smith.
Tight Ends
Dallas Goedert keeps scoring TDs on weird shovel passes, but he’s also seeing solid overall usage, including 11 targets last week. He’s a solid TE1. T.J. Hockenson, on the other hand, has become an afterthought in the Vikings’ offense, pushing him down to the TE2 ranks.
Carolina Panthers @ New York Jets
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET | Projected Totals: Panthers 21.75, Jets 20.25
The Jets provided one of the most pathetic displays of football we have seen in a long time last Sunday. Justin Fields threw for just 45 yards on 17 attempts and lost 55 yards on nine sacks, finishing with NEGATIVE 10 net passing yards. However, Fields and Co. have also shown that they’re capable of showing signs of life (and/or racking up garbage-time points) against weaker opposition. The question is whether the Panthers fit that bill, as they currently seem to be thoroughly mediocre on both sides of the ball.
Quarterbacks
Bryce Young, like the Panthers as a whole, seems to have settled into a stasis of uninspiring mediocrity. He’s a backend QB2 against a beatable Jets defense. Justin Fields, on the other hand, is an enigma. He technically projects as a QB1, but I find it very hard to recommend him as a fantasy starter. There are plenty of other quarterbacks capable of having solid fantasy outings, and his floor is week-losingly low. Playing him might be the right call, but it’s not for the faint of heart.
Running Backs
Will breakout star Rico Dowdle or returning starter Chuba Hubbard be the Panthers’ RB1 this week? Personally, my money’s on Rico, who was simply too good to ignore over the last two weeks with Hubbard sidelined. I view him as an RB2 (albeit a risky one) and Hubbard as a flex/RB3 option. Breece Hall is seeing elite usage with Braelon Allen out, making him a borderline RB1.
Wide Receivers
Jalen Coker returns for the Panthers this week. However, I’d wait a week to see his role before putting the 2024 UDFA into your lineup. In fact, the only Carolina receiver I’d want to play this week is Tetairoa McMillan. The rookie scored his first and second NFL TDs last week and is a backend WR2. With Garrett Wilson doubtful, Jets’ WR1 will likely be Josh Reynolds. Normally, any lead NFL WR is a viable option, but he’s just a risky flex play given Fields’ struggles and the fact that he is Josh Reynolds. Other New York WRs (Arian Smith, Tyler Johnson, or Allen Lazard) are pure dart throws.
Tight Ends
Ja’Tavion Sanders is set to return for the Panthers this week. While the sophomore puts an end to Tommy Tremble’s time as a fantasy-relevant name, he’s only a borderline TE2 himself. Mason Taylor dropped a dud last week, but I’m willing to go back to the well this week with Wilson out. He’s a borderline TE1 or high-end TE2.
New England Patriots @ Tennessee Titans
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET | Projected Totals: Patriots 24.75, Titans 17.75
Just like that, the Patriots are a powerhouse, capable of earning the second-largest spread of the week. To be fair, that spread is definitely inflated by the fact that they are playing the league’s worst team in the Titans. Will Tennessee get a fired-coach boost with the departure of Brian Callahan? Probably not.
Quarterbacks
Is Drake Maye going to be the first player comped to Josh Allen to actually live up to the comparison? That may be premature, but it’s not too early to say that the second-year QB is a no-doubt fantasy QB1 in this matchup. Cam Ward still has only one double-digit fantasy outing in his NFL career (13 points in Week 3). He’s not playable.
Running Backs
Rhamondre Stevenson continues to operate as the Patriots’ clear RB1, with 13 carries on 71% snap share to nine on a 29% share for TreVeyon Henderson last week. However, this matchup is soft enough that they can both be playable. Stevenson is a borderline RB2, while Henderson is an RB3. On the other side, Tyjae Spears outsnapped Tony Pollard last week, although the former Cowboy still saw 10 of the duo’s 15 carries. This offense isn’t good enough to sustain one reliable fantasy RB, let alone two. Pollard is a risky RB3, while Spears is a flex option.
Wide Receivers
If I’m comparing Maye to Allen, then Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte, and Demario Douglas are knockoff versions of Buffalo’s receivers. No member of this trio has a consistent enough role to be a no-doubt starter, but they all have upside while Maye is cooking. Diggs is a high-end WR3, Boutte is a high-upside flex, and Douglas is an ugly flex. Calvin Ridley is set to miss this week for the Titans. That makes Elic Ayomanor a flex option, but it’s possible there just isn’t a fantasy-relevant option on this entire offense.
Tight Ends
His target shares have been lackluster recently as Maye spreads the ball around, but Hunter Henry is still a borderline TE1. With Gunnar Helm cutting slightly into his workload, Chigoziem Oknonkwo is a backend TE2 at best.
New York Giants @ Denver Broncos
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET | Projected Totals: Giants 16.75, Broncos 23.75
This is an interesting one. The Giants had a signature win last week, while the Broncos played a disgusting game against the Jets. But the betting markets still clearly believe more in Bo Nix and Co. than Jaxson Dart and Skattebo. Don’t take this as me disagreeing — they’re probably right.
Quarterbacks
On the bright side, Jaxson Dart has averaged over 20 points per start, with at least 50 rushing yards in each. On the pessimistic side, the Giants’ total is tied for the lowest of the slate, and most projection systems have him closer to outside the top 20 QBs than inside the top 10. Put it all together, and he’s a high-upside/low-floor QB2. Bo Nix is almost the opposite. He hasn’t been very impressive this season, but he projects well in this matchup. He’s a borderline QB1.
Running Backs
Like his quarterback, Cam Skattebo has momentum and hype on his side, even if the numbers are against him. Luckily, a mid-range RB2 is an infinitely more valuable option than a mid-range QB2. Meanwhile, J.K. Dobbins is also a mid-range RB2 — he is still successfully holding off RJ Harvey, who is just a dart-throw flex option.
Wide Receivers
Wan’Dale Robinson continues to see excellent usage with Malik Nabers out for the year. He is a WR3, with more of a ceiling than you might assume, as he proved last week. Former Bronco Lil’Jordan Humphrey was New York’s other starting WR last week — he is a very, very deep flex option. Courtland Sutton has had some ups and downs so far this season, but he still slots in as a solid WR2 for this week. Troy Franklin, on the other hand, unfortunately saw his usage trend in the wrong direction last week. That pushes him back down to the range of pure flex options.
Tight Ends
Theo Johnson is a real part of the Giants’ offense. If they were better, he could push for TE1 consideration. As is, he’s a middling TE2. Evan Engram posted by far his season high with a 20% target share last week, although his route participation rate was still miserable (46%). He’s more of a borderline TE2.
Indianapolis Colts @ Los Angeles Chargers
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET | Projected Totals: Colts 23.50, Chargers 25.00
As evidenced by the healthy totals on both sides, this has the potential to be one of the most fun games of the week. The Colts’ offense has been one of the league’s best this season. Meanwhile, their defense is dealing with a rash of secondary injuries, which fits perfectly with LA’s pass-happy approach. Can Danny Dimes keep up if he’s forced to drop back early and often?
Quarterbacks
If he is dropping back early and often, Daniel Jones could be in for a solid fantasy outing. He’s relied heavily on his legs for fantasy production so far this season, but that has more to do with a lack of passing volume than passing efficiency. He’s a backend QB1. Justin Herbert has provided a high floor, but he hasn’t actually scored even 19 fantasy points since Week 1. Given Indianapolis’ issues in the secondary, he has a great chance to break that streak this week. He’s also a backend QB1, just a few notches above Jones.
Running Backs
Jonathan Taylor is an absolute monster, and you don’t need me to tell you he should be started in all formats. Unless your roster is stacked, Kimani Vidal is also probably a must-start, too. He was the Chargers’ clear RB1 last week in Omarion Hampton’s absence and projects as a solid RB2 in this matchup.
Wide Receivers
Josh Downs and Ashton Dulin will both be unavailable for the Colts this week. That means we should see Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce in two-WR sets, with the mercurial Adonai Mitchell as the third WR. Pittman is a backend WR2, while the other two are high-variance flex options (especially Mitchell, who I really only mention because he is genuinely very talented when he can keep his head screwed on straight). Meanwhile, it’s anyone’s guess which of the Chargers’ receivers is the best play now that they are all healthy … but they’re all good plays. I can’t stress enough how many cornerback injuries the Colts are dealing with — Quentin Johnston, Ladd McConkey, and Keenan Allen could all have big games, and they all project as WR2 options.
Tight Ends
Tyler Warren is a no-doubt elite tight end, and he might even push Trey McBride for the top spot in my rankings with Downs sidelined. It was very encouraging to see Oronde Gadsden II rack up eight targets on a 69% route participation rate even with Will Dissly back last week. However, with QJ also back this week, he’s just a TE2.
Green Bay Packers @ Arizona Cardinals
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET | Projected Totals: Packers 25.50, Cardinals 19.00
We still don’t know if Kyler Murray will overcome his foot injury to suit up for the Cardinals or we will get another week of Jacoby Brissett under center … but does it really matter? The Cardinals have only played close games, but they have also lost four straight in uninspiring fashion. Meanwhile, the Packers seem like one of the best teams in the league, but they don’t play a style conducive to racking up fantasy points (aside from Josh Jacobs). The numbers here aren’t bad, but I struggle to get excited about this one.
Quarterbacks
Jordan Love has been very efficient this season, but he doesn’t get volume unless the Packers are forced to pass. That seems unlikely in this one, so he’s only a borderline QB1. If he plays, Kyler Murray is a high-end QB2. If he doesn’t, Jacoby Brissett is an uninspiring option, even coming off a solid week. This Packers defense is still a tough matchup, even if they have slowed down after a dominant start to the season.
Running Backs
Josh Jacobs is a must-start RB1 every single week, doubly so in this soft matchup. Emari Demercado is out for the Cardinals, so we should get a second week of Bam Knight as the early-down lead and Michael Carter as the preferred pass-catching option. Neither is a particularly appealing option as anything more than backend RB3/flex plays.
Wide Receivers
As mentioned, the Packers don’t seem to pass the ball unless they have to. That makes their receivers far less appealing than they might otherwise be. Romeo Doubs has by far the most consistent role, so he’s a high-end WR3. Matthew Golden is also a WR3, but on the lower end and with higher volatility. Dontayvion Wicks hurt his ankle last week. If he’s active, he’s a deep flex option. If not, you can consider Malik Heath as an even deeper option. Surprisingly, Marvin Harrison Jr. has cleared concussion protocol and will be able to play in this one. He’s a WR3, and I’m not sure it even matters who his QB is. With MHJ’s return, I’m not interested in any of Zay Jones, Michael Wilson, or Greg Dortch.
Tight Ends
Tucker Kraft also suffers from the Packers’ conservative offense, but he is still a solid TE1. Trey McBride is an elite option.
Washington Commanders @ Dallas Cowboys
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET | Projected Totals: Commanders 26.75, Cowboys 27.75
Wow. This isn’t just the fantasy game of the week; it might be the game of the season. We have two great (if not elite) offenses facing two bad (if not terrible) defenses. That’s a recipe for some absolute fantasy fireworks.
Quarterbacks
Given that game environment, both Jayden Daniels and Dak Prescott are undeniable QB1s. Unless you’ve got another elite option, they should be in your lineup.
Running Backs
The same applies to the lead running backs in this game, Javonte Williams and Jacory Croskey-Merritt. Williams has dominated the Cowboys’ backfield all season, and JCM has recently separated himself as the Commanders’ clear RB1 (don’t be fooled by his stat line from last week). They should both be in lineups, with Williams a solid RB1 and Croskey-Merritt on the border.
Wide Receivers
Terry McLaurin is out for at least one more week. Adding injury to injury, there seems to be a real chance that Deebo Samuel will also be unavailable. If Deebo is in, he’s a must-start backend WR1 in this matchup. If he’s out, someone else will probably have at least a usable game … but who? Chris Moore has consistently been the team’s second WR (with McLaurin out) in routes, but he has just six catches in five weeks. Luke McCaffrey and Jaylin Lane have been more efficient on a per-route basis (especially McCaffrey), but neither has reached even a 50% route participation rate in a single game. All three would be boom/bust flex options if Samuel is sidelined, thanks to the good matchup. If Deebo is in, I would recommend avoiding them all, although there is still upside here. Things are simpler on the Cowboys’ side. CeeDee Lamb is back, so he and George Pickens are must-starts. No one else is playable unless you want to punt on Jalen Tolbert in a very deep league.
Tight Ends
Jake Ferguson’s reign of terror as a truly elite fantasy TE is likely ending with Lamb’s return, but he’s still a solid TE1. Zach Ertz is more of a borderline starter, although he will jump up a few slots if Deebo is indeed out.
Atlanta Falcons @ San Francisco 49ers
Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET | Projected Totals: Falcons 22.50, 49ers 24.50
The 49ers just keep losing players to injury, as All-World linebacker Fred Warner joined the long list of stars already sidelined for San Francisco last week. They do get some relief in the form of George Kittle returning this week, but Mac Jones will still be under center. Meanwhile, the Falcons just recorded a statement win over the Bills. Even on the road, it’s a bit surprising that they are underdogs here.
Quarterbacks
Michael Penix Jr. hasn’t scored 20 points since Week 1; he has more single-digit outings over his last four than games above 15 points. He’s an uninspiring backend QB2. Mac Jones might genuinely be a more exciting option, but this Atlanta defense has quietly been excellent. With that in mind, the former Patriot is also just one of many backend QB2 options.
Running Backs
What this game lacks in fantasy quarterback firepower, it makes up for at running back. Bijan Robinson and Christian McCaffrey are both elite RB1 options every single week. Behind them, Tyler Allgeier is a playable flex in a pinch, but Brian Robinson is not.
Wide Receivers
Coming off a game in which he was essentially the Falcons’ entire passing offense, Drake London is a no-doubt must-start. However, that could change this week if Darnell Mooney returns. Mooney, who appears to be genuinely questionable, averaged a 22% target share in his two healthy games and would be a flex option if he is active. For the 49ers, Ricky Pearsall is out again, while Jauan Jennings does not have an injury designation despite having been listed with ankle, rib, and shoulder injuries as recently as Thursday. Given his lack of designation, I’m tempted to run it back with Jennings as a solid play, but he’s probably just a flex. Kendrick Bourne, on the other hand, has earned consideration as a backend WR3, at least.
Tight Ends
Kyle Pitts continues to quietly post elite participation rates in Atlanta’s offense, making him a borderline TE1. George Kittle is reportedly without limitations for his first game back, so he is straight back to being an elite, must-start TE.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Detroit Lions
Monday, 7:00 p.m. ET | Projected Totals: Buccaneers 23.50, Lions 29.00
If it weren’t for the madness of the Cowboys/Commanders matchup, this showdown of NFC contenders would boast easily the highest total of the weekend. The Lions will be looking to bounce back after being handled by the Chiefs last Sunday night, while Baker Mayfield is deservedly the current MVP favorite.
Quarterbacks
Even with essentially no weapons left (depending on Mike Evans’ status), Baker Mayfield has been playing so well that he is a solid QB1. This is especially true in a game where he will likely be trailing against a banged-up Detroit secondary. I’m a little less enthusiastic about Jared Goff, who has been thoroughly mediocre outside of a massive Week 2 outing. But given Detroit’s massive total and Tampa’s beatable defense, it’s hard to deny him as a backend QB1.
Running Backs
At this point, Rachaad White is undeniably a must-start as long as Bucky Irving remains out. This matchup isn’t ideal, but it’s not terrible, and his usage has been elite to go with improved efficiency. He’s a borderline RB1 or a high-end RB2 at worst. For the Lions, Jahmyr Gibbs is still a no-brainer RB1 every week. We need to think a little harder about David Montgomery, who only saw four carries last week. However, given that the Lions are heavy favorites and Dan Campbell mentioned wanting to get the veteran more involved, this is not the week to worry about him. He’s a borderline RB2.
Wide Receivers
Mike Evans, who has missed the last few weeks with a hamstring issue, missed practice on Friday. However, given that the Buccs play on Monday, that Friday practice was the equivalent of a Thursday, which the veteran usually takes off. I expect Evans to play, in which case he is a borderline WR1 as the only man left standing in Tampa’s WR room. After Evans, the Buccaneers’ top receivers should be veteran Sterling Shepard and rookie Tez Johnson. With how well Baker has been playing, they are both flex options. For the Lions, things are as they always are. Amon-Ra St. Brown is a must-start WR1, and Jameson Williams is a high-variance borderline WR2.
Tight Ends
Cade Otton moves up the pecking order with all of Tampa Bay’s WR injuries, landing as a solid TE2. After three straight weeks below 15%, Sam LaPorta has had at least a 21% target share in each of the last two weeks, solidifying himself as a TE1.
Houston Texans @ Seattle Seahawks
Monday, 10:00 p.m. ET | Projected Totals: Texans 19.25, Seahawks 22.25
Maybe Sam Darnold wasn’t a Kevin O’Connell merchant after all, as he has been excellent in the first six weeks of his Seattle career. However, Houston’s defense is arguably the best in the league, so this is a tough spot for the entire Seahawks offense. Meanwhile, the Texans posted back-to-back dominant wins prior to their Week 6 bye. Have they actually turned a corner, or are the Titans and Lamar Jackson-less Ravens just that bad?
Quarterbacks
C.J. Stroud projects as a solid QB2 this week, but I’m still a little skeptical. Prior to dominating Baltimore in Week 5, he had averaged an ugly 13.9 points per game … pretty similar to the 13.7 he averaged last season. He’ll probably land as a backend QB2 in my final rankings. That will put him just behind Sam Darnold, who does have a brutal matchup but has at least played well this season.
Running Backs
Nick Chubb outscored Woody Marks the last time we saw Houston play, but the rookie is clearly the back to target in this backfield at this point. With that said, he’s still just an RB3, and Chubb isn’t too far behind as a flex option. Meanwhile, the Seahawks continue to prioritize Zach Charbonnet over Kenneth Walker, much to the chagrin of fantasy managers. Especially given the bad matchup, it’s hard to get behind either as more than an RB3, although Walker’s explosiveness still gives him the edge.
Wide Receivers
Nico Collins is a borderline WR1, with upside for more depending on the availability of Seattle’s many injured cornerbacks. After him, however, there’s very little to like about Houston’s WR room. Xavier Hutchinson and Christian Kirk are running the most routes (although neither reached even 65% participation in Week 5), making them deep flex options. The rookie duo of Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel are each barely involved enough to qualify as dart throws. For Seattle, it’s all about Jaxson Smith-Njigba, who has ascended as a truly elite WR1. Cooper Kupp is just involved enough to still be a flex option, while Tory Horton is a dart throw (a much better dart throw than his Houston rookie counterparts, to be clear).
Tight Ends
Dalton Schultz’s involvement in Houston’s offense really isn’t that bad, but his production has been. He’s a borderline TE2. Elijah Arroyo is taking enough routes from AJ Barner that neither is a particularly appealing option.
