With week 7 of the NFL season in full swing, we have our first bye weeks of the season and multiple high-scoring performances from Thursday night football. With the number of injuries and bye weeks this week, fantasy managers might be tasked with digging deep to find the right starters this week in fantasy football. Last week the start/sit list hit on 76.5% of players up 8% from the season average. Below are my favorite start/sits for week 7.
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Quarterbacks to Start
Baker Mayfield TB
Right now, Baker Mayfield is the 2nd ranked quarterback in fantasy football behind his hot start to the 2024 season. Last week despite throwing 3 interceptions he finished with 28.9 points, which was his 4th game of the season over 20+ fantasy points. In week 7 the Buccaneers have a matchup against the Ravens, who are allowing the 2nd most points to fantasy quarterbacks this season. Expect the Buccaneers pass offense to have a big day in a game that is looking like a shootout on Monday Night.
Drake Maye NE
Maye had an impressive debut with a few miscues finishing with 243 passing yards, 3 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions while adding 38 rushing yards. His performance last week helped him finish with 22.5 fantasy points and made him a hot waiver pickup this week. In week 7 the Patriots face off against the Jaguars in London providing an intriguing matchup for the young QB. The Jaguars are allowing the most points to quarterbacks this season in fantasy, and it makes Maye an appealing option.
Kirk Cousins ATL
Cousins had a letdown performance against the Panthers, resulting in his 5th game under 18 fantasy points this season. His 12.5 fantasy points were the result of the Falcons running the ball 40 times (season-high) and them never trailing against the Panthers. This week a matchup with the Seahawks looms in what should be a high-scoring game. The Seahawks have allowed opposing quarterbacks to go over 20 points in three straight weeks. Before those three weeks, they faced Snoop Huntley, Jacoby Brissett, and Bo Nix. Expect the Falcons passing game to have a big day in week 7.
Quarterbacks to Sit
Kyler Murray ARI
Murray has been disappointing this season despite currently ranking as the 9th best quarterback in fantasy football. He has only gone for over 20 points twice this season, both were against division opponents. The Cardinals face the Chargers this week who have only allowed 2 quarterbacks this season to score over 15 points in fantasy. On top of the tough matchup, Marvin Harrison Jr’s status is in question and will make things for difficult for Murray on Sunday. Avoid starting Kyler this week.
Aaron Rodgers NYJ
Rodgers currently ranks as the QB17 in fantasy football with only 1 game over 20 points this season. The addition of Davante Adams should help him and the Jets offense down the stretch. This week I find it hard to trust him with the Steelers only allowing 14.4 points per game to opposing quarterbacks while having one of the best pass rushes in the NFL. I would recommend avoiding him at all costs this week unless you are in a 2QB or SuperFlex league.
Anthony Richardson IND
Richardson is making his first start since injuring his oblique in week 4. Before the injury, Richardson was in the midst of a slump, completing only 50.6% of his passes while having a 60.2 passer rating. This has resulted in him going for over 20 points once this season and faces the Dolphins who are number 1 against quarterbacks in fantasy football this season. I would also not be surprised to see very few designed runs for Richardson coming off the injury. It is smart to stay away in week 7.
Running backs to Start
Austin Ekeler WAS
Whether or not Brian Robinson is available this week, Austin Ekeler is a guy we can’t ignore in week 7. The Commanders have a matchup against the Panthers this week, who come into the game as the worst defense in the NFL against running backs. This season they are allowing an average of 2 touchdowns a game to opposing running backs. Ekeler has yet to go under 10 points this season and we saw both Falcons running backs have a big day in fantasy last week. Ekeler is my favorite start of the week.
Tank Bigsby JAX
I will start with this; I completely understand if you don’t trust Doug Pederson and want to sit Tank Bigsby this week. On the other hand, I think the matchup is too good to ignore. Travis Etienne has returned to practice but will be a game-time decision. If Etienne goes it will be in a limited capacity, potentially only on 3rd downs. Bigsby this season has been the most efficient back in football averaging 7.2 yards per carry. With the potential for more snaps and the Patriots allowing the 5th most points to running backs per game, I am all in on Bigsby proving RB2 value this week.
Kareem Hunt KC
Hunt has filled in well for Isiah Pacheco, having 41 carries for 171 yards and a touchdown in two games played. This week, the 49ers provide a tough matchup for Hunt and the Chiefs, but that should not scare you from putting him in your lineups. With Patrick Mahomes at quarterback, the starting running backs for the Chiefs against the 49ers have averaged 16 fantasy points per game with 5 touchdowns. I expect Hunt to finish between 14-16 points and be a solid RB2 this week.
Running backs to Sit
Najee Harris PIT
Harris is coming off his best game of the season having 14 carries for 106 yards and a touchdown against the Raiders. Besides that, performance he has not topped 14 PPR points in another game this season. The Steelers face the Jets this week, who have been very stingy against opposing running backs in fantasy. Expect Harris and his inefficiency to struggle this week in a tough matchup.
Tampa Bay Running Backs
With the emergence of Sean Tucker, there are now three running backs in Tampa Bay that will fight for touches. Head coach Todd Bowles mentioned that they will ride the hot hand going forward, lowering each player’s floor in fantasy football. The Bucs play the Ravens this week who are the 4th best at limiting opposing running backs in fantasy this season. The only desperation play this week would be Rachaad White in PPR leagues hoping he catches a few passes out of the backfield.
Devin Singletary NYG
Devin Singletary was officially cleared from the injury report and is expected to return this week against the Eagles. Tyrone Tracy Jr. has been a stud in his absence potentially cutting into Singletary’s touches down the stretch. That on top of the tough matchup the Eagles present, I am staying away from Singletary. One of the biggest headlines on the utilization report this week will be the snap shares for Giants’ running backs.
Wide Receivers to Start
Zay Flowers BAL
Flowers has been inconsistent this season with three games over 20 points and two games under 6 points this season. The inconsistencies have led to fantasy managers constantly moving him in and out of lineups this season. This is not a week to overthink things with Flowers with a matchup against the Bucs. The Bucs have an elite front seven but have struggled against the pass this season. Expect the Ravens to increase their passing volume in a high-scoring game resulting in a monster week from Flowers.
Demario Douglas NE
Douglas was the biggest beneficiary of Drake Maye’s debut going for 6 catches for 92 yards and a touchdown last week. Last week despite ranking 3rd in snaps played among the Patriots wide receivers, he led the group with a 33% first read percentage. The Jaguars are the 2nd best matchup for wide receivers in fantasy football providing Douglas the perfect storm for another big performance.
Tank Dell HOU
Without Nico Collins, Dell had his season best in catches and targets while hauling in a touchdown in week 6. As long as Nico Collins is out, Tank Dell should not be leaving your lineup. In one of the best offenses in football and a favorable matchup against the Packers he should be in for 16-18 points this week in a high-scoring game.
Wide Receivers to Sit
George Pickens PIT
Pickens the last two weeks has had 13.9 PPR points despite seeing 15 targets. One of the more frustrating parts about Pickens is his inconsistent snap shares in the Steelers offense that have clearly made him unhappy. With a change a quarterback, it should lead to more consistent performances down the stretch. The Jets are one of the best at limiting outside receivers in fantasy football due to their two elite cornerbacks. I am all out on starting Pickens this week.
Michael Pittman Jr. IND
Pittman as well as the other Colts receivers have been awesome with Joe Flacco under center. The return of Anthony Richardson clouds all of their outlooks this week after his struggles early on this season. With Richardson under center, Pittman has not posted a 10-point performance in PPR leagues. This week the Colts also face the Dolphins who are the 3rd best at limiting opposing receivers in fantasy. I am avoiding Pittman due to the uncertainties at quarterback this week.
Calvin Ridley TEN
Ridley has been disappointing the last three weeks because of the struggles at quarterback for the Titans. He has 2 catches for 14 yards during that stretch and now has a 33-passer rating when targeted this season. Some fantasy managers will trust his 14 targets during that stretch and mention that he is in for positive regression. This week will not be the week for that positive regression as the Bills are the 7th best at limiting opposing receivers in fantasy. Avoid starting him at all costs this week.
Tight Ends to Start
Evan Engram JAX
In his first week back, Engram went nuts going for 10 catches for 102 yards rewarding any fantasy managers that started him last week. This week we can’t leave him on the bench behind his 27.8% target share and 28.1% first read percentage. He also has a favorable matchup against the Patriots who are one of the worst defenses in the NFL this season. If he stays healthy, he could be a top 5 tight end this season in PPR formats.
Cade Otton TB
In the last four weeks, Otton has 18 catches on 27 targets and is starting to become a consistent contributor in the Buccaneers offense. He posted his first touchdown of the season last week but snapped his streak of three straight games over 40 yards. I expect the Bucs to air it out in this one against a weak Ravens secondary resulting in multiple targets for Otton this week. Otton is a guy you need to get in your lineup this week.
Hunter Henry NE
Henry is the 3rd Patriot to make this list and currently comes in at TE10 in PPR formats. In his first week with Drake Maye under center, he went for 3 catches for 41 yards with a touchdown on 5 targets. The Jaguars this season are allowing the 3rd most points to opposing tight ends making him my favorite streamer tight end this week.
Tight Ends to Sit
Pat Freiermuth PIT
Freiermuth is the TE8 this season despite only having one performance over 10 points this season. Muth is another guy I think can be better with Russell Wilson under center down the stretch, but in week 7 I’m avoiding starting him. The Jets defense is 4th against tight ends this season and makes him the third Steeler that I am not starting this week.
Mike Gesicki CIN
Since the return of Tee Higgins, Gesicki has played a limited role in the Bengals’ passing game. In the last two weeks, he has 3 catches for 22 yards, becoming a tough guy to trust after a hot start to the season. The Browns on the season are the 5th best against tight ends, only allowing 6.92 points per game to the position. Gesicki should be closer to being dropped than in your starting lineup.
Dalton Kincaid BUF
Kincaid has not had the breakout season many anticipated this season coming into week 7 as the 12th-ranked tight end in fantasy. The Bills face the Titans this week who have been the best in the NFL against tight ends holding them to 4.8 PPR points per game against them. Expect Kincaid to be in for a disappointing performance this week.
Kickers to Start
Jason Myers SEA
Since the first two weeks, Myers has failed to score more than 10 points. A lack of opportunities has been the main problem with the Seahawks always playing from behind. This week against the Falcons he should be in for a good week. They are allowing an average of 12.2 points to opposing kickers providing his best matchup in a few weeks.
Austin Seibert WAS
Seibert has been a stud alongside Washington’s offense this season. He currently is averaging 13.2 points per game and with a matchup against the Panthers he will finish as a top 3 kicker in week 7. Great example of why we don’t draft kickers early and get them off of waivers.
Joshua Karty LAR
The Rams have been a mess this season due to injuries but against the Raiders they should move the ball well. That bodes well for Karty as the Raiders have allowed the 2nd most points to kickers at 11.5 points per game. Karty is a great streamer this week despite only averaging 7.4 points per game this season.
Kickers to Sit
Jake Bates DET
Bates has been inconsistent this season and has 3 games under 10 points. On top of that, we know how much Dan Campbell loves to go for it on 4th down. The Vikings are the best in the NFL against kickers in fantasy allowing an average of 4.4 points. Sit Bates at all costs this week.
Jake Elliott PHI
Elliott has had a rough go of things this season ranking as the 32nd kicker in fantasy. The Giants have been in the middle of the pack this season against opposing kickers allowing 8.2 points per game. I’m having a hard time trusting him this week despite a potentially favorable matchup.
DEF to Start
Cincinnati Bengals DEF
The Bengals are easily a top 5 defense in week 7 with a matchup against the Browns. The Browns are allowing opposing defenses to score an average of 12.7 points per game against them. Last week against the Giants the Bengals played better allowing only 7 points in the win. Expect them to ride that momentum into this division matchup and dominate the Browns who just lost their best receiver.
Buffalo Bills DEF
The Bills defense had a hot start to the season but has failed to score over 4 points in the last 3 weeks. That should change this week with a matchup against the Titans. The Titans are allowing opposing defenses to score an average of 14.8 points per game against them, the highest average in the league. Expect the Bills to force Will Levis into another meme-worthy turnover this week.
Los Angeles Chargers DEF
The Charger’s defense is my favorite sleeper play at defense this week. The Cardinals offense has underperformed this season and has notably been worse against non-division opponents. With Los Angeles 9th ranked fantasy defense they should be able to feast against a Cardinals offense likely without Marvin Harrison Jr.
DEF to Sit
Minnesota Vikings DEF
The Vikings defense has been awesome this season coming into week 7 as the 3rd ranked defense in fantasy football. They have been able to do this while playing the 49ers, Texans, and Packers this season. The Lions provide a different challenge this week and believe the matchup is too risky to trust the Vikings defense this week.
San Francisco 49ers DEF
The 49ers defense has not been quite as dominant as they have in the past but comes into this week as the 6th-ranked defense. With a Super Bowl rematch looming, I’m sitting the 49ers this week in fantasy. The Chiefs, despite their struggles, are still one of the toughest matchups for opposing defenses. On the season defenses are averaging 6.6 points per game against the Chiefs, one of the toughest matchups for opposing fantasy defenses.