NFL DFS Values & Picks: Targets & Advice (Week 7)

Welcome, NFL DFS degenerates, to Week 7 and a whole new slate to dig through. Injuries, bye weeks and overseas games all play a part in how we dissect the Sunday main slate. This week has all of those things, and even more reasons to dig for potential value as we build our rosters.

This weekly article isn’t meant to be a roster builder, but rather a value sifter for lineup pieces that offer upside relative to their salaries. This week we have a 10-game slate to decipher, so let’s get into it.

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NFL DFS Values & Picks: Week 7

Quarterbacks

C.J. Stroud (QB – HOU) vs. NYG | $5,700 (DraftKings)

Over the last three weeks, C.J. Stroud has finished as the QB5, QB13 and QB3. On the season, he has one interception and nine passing touchdowns on 219 attempts, with a 65.3% completion rate. That rate jumps to 71.6% over the last three games. The supporting cast of wide receivers is improving, too. Tank Dell is slated to return. Marvin Harrison Jr. has joined the fray. Jaylin Noel is coming on with some useful outings. Stroud has played some of the best football of his career, and his weapons are growing.

This week, the Texans host the nearly hapless Giants. J.J. McCarthy gets the start. The ground game was a complete farce last week in an ugly rotation. Their defense is favorable for fantasy production, allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. On average, they allow 198.7 passing yards and two passing touchdowns per game. Only one quarterback (Jayden Daniels) has failed to throw a touchdown against them, but he scored two on the ground. Of the other five, only Cam Ward failed to throw two or more touchdowns against them.

This game features a 42.5 over/under. The stage is set for another good game for Stroud, with a salary that lets you stack and plug in a couple of top-tier weapons. You can use Stroud in both cash and GPP contests this slate. His current projected rostership is sub-10 %, making GPPs a little more attractive.

Geno Smith (QB – NYJ) vs. MIA | $6,900 (FanDuel)

Geno Smith appeared in this article in Week 3, when he finished QB3 overall — his only QB1 finish of the season. Overall, he is the QB24 in fantasy points per game. Smith has only one game with multiple passing touchdowns (Week 3) and only two games with 250+ passing yards. While those stats may not inspire confidence, Smith can be a value play in the right situation.

The Dolphins’ defense hasn’t been as bad as their record suggests; however, they still allow plenty of production to opposing quarterbacks — eighth-most fantasy points to the position. On average, they surrender 226.2 passing yards and 2.2 passing touchdowns per contest. Only Kyler Murray failed to throw multiple touchdowns against them.

Smith has a respectable pass-catching group: Garrett Wilson, the emerging Omar Cooper Jr. and Kenyon Sadiq. This game features a modest 39.5 over/under with the Jets favored by 4.5. Smith is a GPP candidate with stacking options and a favorable salary for skill-position players. He is best utilized for players who put together multiple lineups.

Running Backs

Bucky Irving (RB – TB) @ CAR | $6,100 (DraftKings)

Bucky Irving is averaging 19.5 opportunities per game. With that volume, he is the RB16 in PPR fantasy points per game. Those numbers would be more impressive with a couple more touchdowns. He only has two rushing touchdowns on 14 red-zone attempts. For clarity, he’s spent the last several weeks playing with a backup quarterback who likes to run, which may have reduced his higher-value rushing attempts. The volume is encouraging and suggests positive regression is likely.

The Panthers allow the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs. On average, they allow 103.2 rushing yards and 1.2 rushing touchdowns per game. They also surrender 33.8 receiving yards per game to the position.

With Baker Mayfield expected back under center, Irving could see more value touches. He could also see a slight uptick in volume with Emeka Egbuka ruled out as he recovers from a concussion.

The Panthers’ offense has been humming. This game features a 44.5 over/under with an implied team total of 20.75 points for the Buccaneers. Based on salary, Irving is a value play with volume and potential regression. He is an RB2 with upside and can be used in GPP contests.

Tyler Allgeier (RB – ARI) vs. DEN | $5,700 (FanDuel)

Admittedly, Tyler Allgeier didn’t have the role most of us expected last week. The fantasy community, analysts included, expected something resembling a workhorse role. Instead, well… one could say that Allgeier got Allgeier’ed by Bam Knight. They split carries and red-zone opportunities, diminishing the value of those who had bet on Allgeier. His 19 touches totaled 48 scoreless yards and a disappointing 2.1 yards per carry.

This week, the Cardinals host the Broncos in a game that features a 43.5 over/under. The Broncos allow the sixth-most fantasy points per contest. On average, they allow 107.8 rushing yards and 0.8 rushing touchdowns per game.

There are definitely some nerves about selecting Allgeier in a main-slate lineup. However, that will lower his rostership, making him a viable FLEX option in GPP contests this week. The matchup is favorable, and if Allgeier finds rhythm in his usage, he could flirt with low-end RB2 production.

Wide Receivers

Denzel Boston (WR – CLE) @ TEN | $5,400 (DraftKings)

Rookie wide receiver Denzel Boston has played well to start his career. He is currently the WR23 in fantasy points per game and is averaging 1.8 yards per route run and a league-leading 20.3 yards per reception. Boston has scored fewer than 10 PPR points just twice this season and has notched three touchdowns. He is currently one target behind fellow rookie and team leader KC Concepcion. He also leads the Browns in receiving yards.

This week, the Browns travel to Tennessee to face the Titans. Though much stiffer against the run, the Titans allow the 10th-most fantasy points to wide receivers. On average, they surrender 175.3 receiving yards and 0.7 receiving touchdowns per game.

This game features a 37.5 over/under with the Browns favored by 2.5 points. Though not expected to be a high-scoring affair, Boston could hit big on one of his long targets. He is an upside FLEX play for multiple lineup players in GPP contests.

Matthew Golden (WR – GB) @ DET | $6,700 (FanDuel)

Matthew Golden has truly emerged in his second season after being considered a bust following his rookie campaign. He has finished as a WR1 in three of his six games, and a WR2 in another. He is currently the WR11 in fantasy points per game and ranks sixth at the position in receiving yards.

The Packers travel to Detroit to face off against the potent Lions offense. Unfortunately for the Lions, their defense is just as bad as their offense is good. They allow the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers. On average, they give up 194.8 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown per game.

This game features a 53.5 over/under, representing the highest on the slate. Game-stacking is viable in cash games to get pieces of both offenses into lineups. Christian Watson ($7,400) is also an excellent play; Golden gets the nod simply because of the $700 discount. Both receivers offer high-floor, high-ceiling play in a shootout-potential matchup.

Tight Ends

Tyler Higbee (TE – LAR) @ LV | $3,500 (DraftKings)

Yes, Tyler Higbee was featured last week, and it didn’t pan out. He finished with 22 scoreless yards, a fumble and a TE-who-cares weekly finish. So that didn’t work out. Why trot him out there again? Upside versus salary in a positive game script — that’s why. As a refresher, in Weeks 3-5, Higbee finished as the TE7, TE15 and TE10, respectively.

This week, the Rams face the surprisingly competitive Raiders, who allow the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. They have allowed six receiving touchdowns this season and an average of 53.8 receiving yards per contest.

This game has a 48.5 over/under, and both offenses can score. With Puka Nacua a game-time decision and Davante Adams on injured reserve (IR), Higbee could see an expanded role again. For $3,500, the upside far outweighs the salary. Higbee is a GPP contest play for this slate.

Evan Engram (TE – DEN) @ ARI | $5,000 (FanDuel)

Transparency warning: This one will have some narrative and speculation baked in, rather than the usual stat-driven approach. Bear with me; we will get there. I don’t think anyone woke up this morning with a burning desire to talk about Evan Engram in direct relation to helping a fantasy lineup win.

So here are the brass tacks: Engram has been as disappointing as Bo Nix has made him. Hopefully, that makes sense. Back in Week 1, Engram finished as the TE8 overall. He flirted with a top-12 finish again in Week 5 (TE17). Otherwise, he has been off the fantasy radar. Mainly because of Nix, who hasn’t played like a competent quarterback this season.

The overall matchup for the offense is enticing. The Cardinals allow the fifth-most fantasy points to tight ends. On average, they give up 69.3 receiving yards and 0.8 touchdowns to the position. They have allowed a tight end to score in each of their last three games. This game features a 43.5 over/under. All Engram needs to have a week that outperforms his cost is decent play from Nix. Because of the risk, Engram is a naked play for GPP contests and works best in multiple lineup builds.

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John Hesterman is a featured writer and Expert Consensus Ranker at FantasyPros. He also writes for DynastyLeagueFootball.com. For more from John, check out his archive and follow him on Bluesky @John-Hesterman or Twitter/X @John_Hesterman.

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NFL DFS GPP Picks & Lineup Advice: Week 7 (2026)

The players below are the ones I’m looking at for GPP considerations this week. Salaries marked with an * indicate a strong value in pricing difference on FanDuel.

• DFS Lineup Optimizer
• DFS Cheat Sheets
• DFS Picks & Advice
• Projected Roster Percentages

Week 7 NFL DFS GPP Advice & Picks

Quarterbacks

CJ Stroud (QB – HOU) vs. NYG | DraftKings: $5,700/FanDuel: $7,500

The Giants are 26th in fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks, and the Texans’ defense is still highly questionable. Stroud has returned to better than his rookie form, averaging 285 yards per game – a 4,800-yard pace. The only concern we have is whether or not the Giants can keep this game competitive. Houston is a -10.5 favorite, and the game has just a 42.5 point total. That script typically favors the run. However, the Texans’ run game has been one of the least effective of the entire league, and Stroud should continue to push volume with reasonable ownership since there are other appealing games with higher point totals.

Jordan Love (QB – GB) @ DET | DraftKings: $6,000/FanDuel: $7,600

You can’t beat a 53.5 point total in a matchup of two teams that are top five in average passing yards per game. Josh Jacobs returns this week, but his workload could be limited in a return, and the Packers’ offensive line still has major concerns. Love should continue to push well above 30 attempts against the league’s friendliest pass defense. The Lions will likely get some help back this week. However, they’re still very vulnerable with players returning potentially to reduced workload after significant injuries.

Injury-contingent plays

Matthew Stafford (QB – LAR) @ LV | DraftKings: $6,400/FanDuel: $7,700*

Stafford stacked with Puka Nacua and Tyler Higbee was an appealing low-owned play. However, Nacua popped up on the injury report. If Nacua plays, the scenario is perfect. We’ve got a strong 48.5 point total with the Rams as just a -3.5 favorite, and the Raiders are 28th in fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks and a plus matchup for all positions. If Nacua is out, volume likely shifts to an aggressive workload for Kyren Williams and Blake Corum, and you should pass on Stafford.

Lamar Jackson (QB – BAL) vs. CIN | DraftKings: $6,700/FanDuel: $8,600

Cincinnati’s defense doesn’t pop as an excellent matchup on paper in terms of passing touchdowns, but that’s because they’ve been friendly to quarterbacks on the ground. Jackson and Zay Flowers have been a lethal combination in very limited time together this year. If they can manage to play a full game together, both can hit this week. If Jackson doesn’t play, Huntley is a solid value play who can benefit similarly to Malik Willis, but with better pass catchers and more volume.

Additional Considerations

• Jared Goff (QB – DET) vs. DET | DraftKings: $6,800/FanDuel: $8,000*
• Kyler Murray (QB – MIN) vs. IND | DraftKings: $5,400/FanDuel: $7,300

Running Backs

Bijan Robinson (RB – ATL) vs. SF | DraftKings: $8,500/FanDuel: $9,400

Ownership appears to be shifting away from Robinson after a mediocre fantasy performance, for his price, in Week 5 and a complete bust in Week 6 despite a favorable matchup. San Francisco doesn’t seem like a great matchup at first glance. However, the only position they’re vulnerable against is running back. The only concern here is whether or not Atlanta can keep this game competitive. However, San Francisco is without Mike Evans, and they’re only a -2.5 favorite with a 49.5 point total. The play is a pricey risk, but perfect for GPP.

Christian McCaffrey (RB – SF) @ ATL | DraftKings: $7,600/FanDuel: $8,700

Pencil McCaffrey in for another 10 targets with Mike Evans out this week. With an incredibly depleted receiving corps down to Christian Kirk and Brandin Cooks, Brock Purdy will rely heavily on McCaffrey, and he’ll likely return to his 2025 workload, which led to over 400 total touches on the season. McCaffrey is underpriced for the upside, and with Jahmyr Gibbs on the slate taking significant overship, McCaffrey’s will be popular but with more moderate ownership.

Ollie Gordon II (RB – MIA) @ NYJ | DraftKings: $5,500/FanDuel: $6,000*

If you’re looking to pay up at receiver, Gordon is an effective salary-saver in a matchup with a very generous Jets’ defense, ranked 20th in fantasy points allowed to running backs. Gordon has been solid since becoming the lead back with a minimum of 15 fantasy points since De’Von Achane‘s injury, despite a couple of very difficult matchups.

Kyren Williams (RB – LAR) @ LV | DraftKings: $7,000/FanDuel: $7,900

Squeaky wheel gets the oil? Williams was vocally frustrated after seeing a season-low 10 carries in Week 6. Williams hasn’t had a massive workload with the continued emergence of Blake Corum, but 10 carries is too few, and the Rams did lose. With Davante Adams out and Nacua dealing with an injury as well, this is the perfect game for the Rams to lean on the ground game. If Williams sees 25 touches, he has overall RB1 upside with Vegas ranked 27th in fantasy points allowed to running backs.

Additional Considerations

• Jahmyr Gibbs (RB – DET) vs. GB | DraftKings: $9,800/FanDuel: $9,800*
• Bucky Irving (RB – TB) @ CAR | DraftKings: $6,100/FanDuel: $7,200
• Breece Hall (RB – NYJ) vs. MIA | DraftKings: $6,000/FanDuel: $6,900
• Braelon Allen (RB – NYJ) if Hall is out vs. MIA | DraftKings: $5,900/FanDuel: $6,300*

Wide Receivers

Nico Collins (WR – HOU) vs. NYG | DraftKings: $7,200/FanDuel: $7,700*

Collins is looking for a bounce-back outing after two subpar performances in division matchups. The Giants show up as solid against receivers on paper. However, it’s because quarterbacks (outside of Matt Stafford) have failed to reach 200 yards against them due to general shaky quarterback play. Stroud will be closer to the Stafford end of volume, and Collins is the primary beneficiary with very moderate ownership.

Christian Watson (WR – GB) @ DET | DraftKings: $7,000/FanDuel: $7,400*
Matthew Golden (WR – GB) @ DET | DraftKings: $6,000/FanDuel: $6,700*

It’s not cheap, but Watson and Golden are both in play as one-off plays or deployed as a stack with Love. They’re best stacked because volume is aggressively funneled through the two receivers, who have combined for 36 targets over the past two weeks. The game script favors heavy volume, and the game is at Detroit. Note that the double-stack is tilted in pricing on FanDuel.

Puka Nacua (WR – LAR) @ LV | DraftKings: $8,400/FanDuel: $9,100*
Konata Mumpfield (WR – LV) @ LV | DraftKings: $3,200/FanDuel: $4,900

You’re playing someone from the Rams this week. It’s just a matter of trying to pinpoint the correct pass catcher. Nacua is set for the most aggressive target funnel that ever existed with Davante Adams out…if Nacua is healthy. If Nacua plays, Mumpfield could underwhelm as a value play because targets will remain with Nacua, the matchup is run-friendly, and red zone looks would shift to the tight ends. Be aware the floor is still very low, but he can save salary for higher-end plays. Mumpfield would be a must–play if Nacua is inactive.

Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR – DET) vs. DET | DraftKings: $7,800/FanDuel: $9,000

Green Bay’s pass defense has pulled itself together in recent weeks. However, they’re still vulnerable to volume. They are 20th in fantasy points allowed to receivers. While you can’t guarantee which receiver will go off, you can guarantee at least one will see aggressive volume. While Jameson Williams has been slightly more productive than St. Brown over the past two weeks, St. Brown has the higher ceiling. He’s a great pivot off Gibbs’ extreme price tag.

Additional Considerations

• Zay Flowers (WR – BAL) (only if Lamar Jackson plays) vs. CIN | DraftKings: $6,900/FanDuel: $7,800
• Justin Jefferson (WR – MIN) vs. IND | DraftKings: $7,300/FanDuel: $8,400
• Keenan Allen (WR – IND) @ MIN | DraftKings: $4,800/FanDuel: $5,900
• Garrett Wilson (WR – NYJ) vs. MIA | DraftKings: $6,500/FanDuel: $7,300

Tight Ends

Tyler Higbee (TE – LAR) @ LV | DraftKings: $3,500/FanDuel: $4,900

With Davante Adams out, we’ll likely see an uptick in volume for the tight ends. We saw this with Terrance Ferguson early season, and Higbee was also a big beneficiary in Week 3. Before a floor game in Week 6, Higbee had three straight games with double-digit fantasy points. Vegas is an excellent matchup for tight ends, and Higbee is in line for a ceiling game. If you need extreme salary savings and want a contrarian play, you could play Colby Parkinson instead for $500 less on DraftKings.

Sam LaPorta (TE – DET) vs. GB | DraftKings: $4,800/FanDuel: $5,700

LaPorta will be popular, but the vast majority of ownership should go to George Kittle. LaPorta offers lower pricing, lower ownership, and the same ceiling as Kittle. The Packers are tough against tight ends on paper. However, the only high-end tight end they’ve faced this season was an inconsistent Colston Loveland. LaPorta is another case of a player who expressed his frustration recently and could get a heavy target share in a high-volume matchup.

Additional Considerations

• George Kittle (TE – SF) @ ATL | DraftKings: $5,700/FanDuel: $6,500*

D/ST

Cleveland DST @ TEN | DraftKings: $2,800/FanDuel: $4,600

The Browns have been solid after a rough opening week against the Jags. Outside of that game, they’ve kept teams below 24 points, generated turnovers and can get to the quarterback effectively. Tennessee got their first win last week, but Cam Ward was still terrible, completing just 11 passes for 102 yards against an extremely generous Colts’ defense. Cleveland is in line to capitalize on solid play and have a boom game.

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Fantasy Football Week 7 Rankings (2026)

Set your lineup with confidence using our fantasy football Week 7 rankings for the 2026 NFL season. Our expert consensus rankings (ECR) bring together advice from fantasy analysts to help you compare players, navigate bye weeks, and make difficult start/sit decisions. Explore the updated Week 7 rankings below to find the best options at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, kicker, and defense as you prepare for your next matchup.

• Pat Fitzmaurice’s Weekly Rankings
• Andrew Erickson’s Weekly Rankings
• Derek Brown’s Weekly Rankings
• Best Fantasy Football Rankings

Fantasy Football Rankings: Week 7

Here are our fantasy football rankings from our analysts. You can find our expert consensus fantasy football rankings for the week here. And you can also sync your fantasy football league for free using our My Playbook tool for custom advice, rankings, and analysis. Here are our fantasy football rankings for Week 7.

2026 Fantasy Football Rankings powered by FantasyPros

ECR – Expert Consensus Rankings

Fantasy Football Lineup Basics: Roster Positions

A fantasy football lineup consists of various roster positions, including quarterbacks (QB), running backs (RB), wide receivers (WR), tight ends (TE), kickers (K), and team defenses (D/ST). Most leagues require you to start:

• 1 Quarterback (QB)
• 2 Running Backs (RB)
• 2 Wide Receivers (WR)
• 1 Tight End (TE)
• 1 Kicker (K)
• 1 Team Defense/Special Teams (D/ST)

Additionally, many leagues feature a “flex” position, which allows you to start an extra RB, WR or TE, providing more flexibility in your lineup. Others add another quarterback, or a “superflex,” which can be any position, including quarterback.

The Importance of Bye Weeks

Bye weeks are weeks during the NFL season when a team does not have a game. It’s crucial to be aware of your players’ bye weeks, as you’ll need to find suitable replacements to fill in for them in your lineup. Keep an eye on the NFL schedule, and plan ahead to ensure you have enough depth on your roster to cover bye weeks without sacrificing too many points.

Strategies for Setting Your Lineup

Matchups matter
Analyze your players’ opponents each week and identify favorable matchups that could lead to higher point totals. Start players facing weaker defenses to increase your scoring potential.

Consistency vs. upside
Balance your lineup with consistent performers and players with high upside, or potential for a breakout game. Consistent players provide a solid point floor, while high-upside players can be difference-makers in tight matchups.

Monitor injuries and depth charts
Stay informed about player injuries and their position on their team’s depth chart. Injuries can create opportunities for backups to step into significant roles, providing valuable fantasy points.

Stay active on the waiver wire
Regularly check the waiver wire for potential lineup additions. Key pickups can fill in for injured or underperforming players, or even become long-term starters on your team.

Making Last-Minute Adjustments

Sometimes, last-minute changes to your lineup are necessary due to unforeseen circumstances, such as injuries or weather conditions. Stay informed and be prepared to make adjustments to your lineup when needed. Use trusted sources for NFL news and updates, and always have a backup plan in place.

Understanding and setting your fantasy football lineup is an essential skill for success in your league. By mastering roster positions, managing bye weeks and employing strategic lineup-setting techniques, you’ll be well on your way to dominating your league and claiming the championship. Stay proactive, informed, and adaptable, and you’ll be celebrating your fantasy football victories in no time. Good luck, and may the best lineup win!

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Fantasy Football Rankings: Defenses (Week 7)

Here are our fantasy football rankings for the week from our analysts. You can find our expert consensus fantasy football rankings for the week here. And you can also sync your fantasy football league for free using our My Playbook tool for custom advice, rankings, and analysis. Now, let’s dive into our fantasy football rankings for defenses for the upcoming week.

• Pat Fitzmaurice’s Weekly Rankings
• Andrew Erickson’s Weekly Rankings
• Derek Brown’s Weekly Rankings

Fantasy Football Rankings: Defenses

2026 Fantasy Football Rankings powered by FantasyPros

ECR – Expert Consensus Rankings

Fantasy Football Lineup Basics: Roster Positions

A fantasy football lineup consists of various roster positions, including quarterbacks (QB), running backs (RB), wide receivers (WR), tight ends (TE), kickers (K), and team defenses (D/ST). Most leagues require you to start:

• 1 Quarterback (QB)
• 2 Running Backs (RB)
• 2 Wide Receivers (WR)
• 1 Tight End (TE)
• 1 Kicker (K)
• 1 Team Defense/Special Teams (D/ST)

Additionally, many leagues feature a “flex” position, which allows you to start an extra RB, WR or TE, providing more flexibility in your lineup. Others add another quarterback, or a “superflex,” which can be any position, including quarterback.

The Importance of Bye Weeks

Bye weeks are weeks during the NFL season when a team does not have a game. It’s crucial to be aware of your players’ bye weeks, as you’ll need to find suitable replacements to fill in for them in your lineup. Keep an eye on the NFL schedule, and plan ahead to ensure you have enough depth on your roster to cover bye weeks without sacrificing too many points.

Strategies for Setting Your Lineup

Matchups matter
Analyze your players’ opponents each week and identify favorable matchups that could lead to higher point totals. Start players facing weaker defenses to increase your scoring potential.

Consistency vs. upside
Balance your lineup with consistent performers and players with high upside, or potential for a breakout game. Consistent players provide a solid point floor, while high-upside players can be difference-makers in tight matchups.

Monitor injuries and depth charts
Stay informed about player injuries and their position on their team’s depth chart. Injuries can create opportunities for backups to step into significant roles, providing valuable fantasy points.

Stay active on the waiver wire
Regularly check the waiver wire for potential lineup additions. Key pickups can fill in for injured or underperforming players, or even become long-term starters on your team.

Making Last-Minute Adjustments

Sometimes, last-minute changes to your lineup are necessary due to unforeseen circumstances, such as injuries or weather conditions. Stay informed and be prepared to make adjustments to your lineup when needed. Use trusted sources for NFL news and updates, and always have a backup plan in place.

Understanding and setting your fantasy football lineup is an essential skill for success in your league. By mastering roster positions, managing bye weeks and employing strategic lineup-setting techniques, you’ll be well on your way to dominating your league and claiming the championship. Stay proactive, informed, and adaptable, and you’ll be celebrating your fantasy football victories in no time. Good luck, and may the best lineup win!

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6 Fantasy Football WR/CB Matchups to Know: Week 7 (2026)

After this week, we will be at the midweek point of the fantasy football regular season. Most fantasy managers will know their teams’ trajectory by now. They’ll know whether they’re primed for a playoff run or making excuses to tell at next year’s draft.

However, there are a small set of fantasy managers out there who know that if they grind it out, make smart decisions and find an edge, there is still a chance of making the playoffs despite their current record. And this is likely the set of managers here, scouring our site and tools, trying to find an edge.

• Waiver Wire Advice
• Weekly Fantasy Football Expert Rankings
• Fantasy Football Start/Sit Advice
• Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer

Fantasy Football WR/CB Matchups: Week 7

This column gives you an edge to turn losses into wins. This week, with injuries all over the place, those edges can get even bigger. Without further ado, here are the top six WR/CB Matchups to know for Week 7.

Advantageous Wide Receiver Matchups

Germie Bernard (WR – PIT) vs. Jonas Sanker (CB – NO)

It seems only fitting that the first matchup to focus on this week is the first-ever NFL game to be held in Paris, France. Germie Bernard is coming off his best outing of the season last week with an 11-87-1 day on (12 targets) against the 1-5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He has seen a significant uptick in targets and routes run the last couple of weeks.

This week, Bernard faces Jonas Sanker, who, according to the Fantasy Points Data Suite, allows 0.41 fantasy points per route run. He is also being targeted on 20.8% of routes run against him. He allows the third-most fantasy points per route run of any cornerback starting in Week 7.

Aaron Rodgers has very few targets to throw the football to. While Bernard might not get 12 targets this week, he should see considerable volume again and be a worthy FLEX play.

Devaughn Vele (WR – NO) vs. Jalen Ramsey (CB – PIT)

Jalen Ramsey famously ended the game in overtime with an interception against the Buccaneers last Sunday. However, according to the Fantasy Points Data Suite, despite the game-winning interception, he is still allowing 0.40 fantasy points per route run. That is the fifth-most fantasy points allowed so far this season by a cornerback starting in Week 7. He is also seeing targets on almost 20% of the routes run against him.

This week, Ramsey faces Devaughn Vele. Vele has seen six targets in every game so far this season. Though his production has been sporadic. He is still generating 0.30 fantasy points per route run, and he has had some tough assignments so far this season.

If you are struggling to set a lineup this week, Vele represents a strong opportunity to return FLEX-worthy fantasy points.

Makai Lemon (WR – PHI) vs. Reddy Steward (CB – DAL)

This will not be a popular matchup to chase. However, Makai Lemon does represent good value to start this week if fantasy managers are in a pinch. Lemon, according to the Fantasy Points Data Suite, is averaging only 0.22 fantasy points per route run; however, he has run routes on almost 80% of dropbacks so far this season.

This week, Lemon faces Reddy Steward in an NFC East battle. Steward is seeing targets on almost 18% of routes run against him. He is also allowing 0.38 fantasy points per route run.

While the Philadelphia Eagles lost Jalen Hurts for the season, there are concerns, and rightly so, about the offense’s passing volume. However, with so many tough matchups and low-scoring games on the slate, this feels like a fortune-favors-the-brave pick.

Other Notable Advantageous Matchups

• Cooper Kupp (WR – SEA) vs. L’Jarius Sneed (CB – KC)
• DK Metcalf (WR – PIT) vs. Quincy Riley (CB – IND)
• Omar Cooper Jr. (WR – NYJ) vs. Chris Johnson (CB – MIA)
• Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR – SEA) vs. Mansoor Delane (CB – KC)
• Wan’Dale Robinson (WR – TEN) vs. Myles Harden (CB – CLE)

Challenging Wide Receiver Matchups

Garrett Wilson (WR – NYJ) vs. JuJu Brents (CB – MIA)

Garrett Wilson remains the focal point of the Jets’ passing attack, running routes on 91.2% of dropbacks and drawing 25.8% of targets. According to the Fantasy Points Data Suite, Wilson is producing 0.50 fantasy points per route run, which helps explain why he matters so much to fantasy managers.

However, this week, Wilson faces JuJu Brents, who has allowed just 0.16 fantasy points per route run this season. Brents is being targeted on only 12.1% of routes run against him, highlighting how difficult opposing quarterbacks have found it to attack his coverage.

Wilson’s target volume makes him hard to bench, but this matchup could limit his ceiling this week.

George Pickens (WR – DAL) vs. Quinyon Mitchell (CB – PHI)

George Pickens has become a key part of the Cowboys’ passing attack, running routes on 82% of dropbacks and being targeted on 20.9% of those routes. According to the Fantasy Points Data Suite, Pickens is producing 0.36 fantasy points per route run, but his efficiency could be tested this week.

Pickens faces Quinyon Mitchell, who has allowed just 0.16 fantasy points per route run this season. Mitchell is targeted on only 14.8% of routes run against him, making him one of the more difficult cornerbacks for opposing receivers to beat.

This should create plenty of opportunities for the two to match up throughout the game. Pickens remains a starting option for fantasy managers, but Mitchell’s coverage makes it much harder to rely on a big performance.

Malik Nabers (WR – NYG) vs. Derek Stingley (CB – HOU)

Malik Nabers continues to see a significant share of the Giants’ passing attack. Nabers runs routes on 80.2% of dropbacks and sees targets on an impressive 27.5% of them. According to the Fantasy Points Data Suite, Nabers is producing 0.44 fantasy points per route run, with his consistently high target volume providing a reliable fantasy floor.

However, this week, Nabers faces Derek Stingley, who has allowed just 0.16 fantasy points per route run this season and sees targets on only 10.2% of routes run against him. This shows how effective he is at keeping opposing quarterbacks from throwing his way.

This should put Nabers directly against one of the toughest cornerbacks in football. His target volume means fantasy managers should still start him. However, expectations should be lowered against this Houston Texans secondary.

Other Notable Challenging Matchups

• Darnell Mooney (WR – NYG) vs. Kamari Ramsey (CB – HOU
• Chris Olave (WR – NO) vs. Jamel Dean (CB – PIT)
• Jordan Addison (WR – MIN) vs. Charvarius Ward (CB – IND)
• Keenan Allen (WR – IND) vs. Isaiah Rodgers (CB – MIN)
• CeeDee Lamb (WR – DAL) vs. Riq Woolen (CB – PHI)

That’s going to be all for this week. Good luck to you all this week, in what will be a difficult week for fantasy matchups. I hope you get the win. Don’t forget to utilize all the great tools we offer.

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Fantasy Football Week 7 Rankings & Start/Sit Advice: Defenses

Finding the right fantasy defense can give your lineup a valuable edge, especially when favorable matchups create opportunities for sacks and turnovers. Our Week 7 fantasy football defense rankings and start/sit advice break down the top D/ST options, streaming targets, and matchups to avoid. Whether you need a waiver wire replacement or are deciding whether to trust your usual starter, use the rankings, projections, and matchup analysis below to help choose your Week 7 defense.

• Waiver Wire Advice
• Weekly Fantasy Football Expert Rankings
• Fantasy Football Start/Sit Advice
• Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer

Fantasy Football D/ST Streamers & Start/Sit Advice (Week 7)

Last week was an unusually quiet one in terms of evolving QB situations, but that cannot last forever in the NFL. Who’s starting at QB has an outsized impact on which streaming defenses are viable, so let’s check in on the team that have news in that area:

• The Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Hurts is the biggest news in football. There is a lot to be said about this and who should or should not lose their job, but the short version is this: Hurts took a cleat to the calf in Week 4, and it was discovered that this produced a blood clot after flying to London for Week 5, which he played. Later it was found that it had spread to his lungs. He’s out for the season, but expected to make a full recovery when he does return. As a result, Tanner McKee is the starter. The offense, and in particular the offensive line, was already struggling significantly, so the Eagles are a very good DST matchup going forward.
• The Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Baker Mayfield is slated to return to practice this week, and how that goes will determine whether or not he starts this week. My current guess is that we will see one more week of Jalon Daniels. The Bucs are a good matchup as long as Daniels is starting, even if he’s better than his draft pedigree would suggest. Once Baker is back, the Bucs are not a team worth targeting with most defenses.
• The New York Giants: The Giants benched Jameis Winston in the fourth quarter last week after a couple of interceptions. They brought in their recent trade acquisition, J.J. McCarthy. He also threw an interception, but then proceeded to play great and lead three consecutive scoring drives and almost complete the comeback against the Saints. There’s no news on who will start in Week 7, but I’m assuming they’ll go with the hot hand and play McCarthy. He is sometimes brilliant, but overall he still represents a very good matchup for defenses. The Giants are a good, if risky, matchup with either quarterback.

Week 7 D/ST Rankings & Projections

Rank	Team	Vs.	Vs. QB	PA	Sacks	Turnovers	FPTS	Rost%
The Start Them With Confidence Tier
1	HOU	NYG	J.J. McCarthy	16.75	3.0	1.4	7.86	89%
2	MIN	IND	Daniel Jones	17.5	3.0	1.3	7.35	85%
3	CLE	@TEN	Cam Ward	18.5	2.9	1.2	6.81	21%
4	NYJ	MIA	Malik Willis	17.5	2.7	1.2	6.85	1%
The Still a Fine Choice Tier
5	TEN	CLE	Deshaun Watson	20	3.1	1.2	6.81	2%
6	CAR	TB	Jalon Daniels	20.5	2.6	1.5	6.78	28%
7	PIT	@NO	Tyler Shough	20.5	2.7	1.2	6.29	76%
8	DEN	@ARI	Jacoby Brissett	19.5	2.5	1.1	6.02	88%
9	DAL	@PHI	Tanner McKee	20	2.3	1.2	5.84	15%
The Maybe You Can’t Find Something Better Tier
10	MIA	@NYJ	Geno Smith	22	2.3	1.3	5.82	1%
11	LAR	@LV	Kirk Cousins	21.5	2.1	1.3	5.72	99%
The Surely You Can Find Something Better Tier
12	SEA	KC	Patrick Mahomes II	20	2.0	1.2	5.72	96%
13	CHI	NE	Drake Maye	23.75	2.9	1.1	5.72	24%
14	BAL	CIN	Joe Burrow	24.25	2.7	1.2	5.65	56%
15	KC	@SEA	Sam Darnold	22.5	2.1	1.3	5.48	85%
16	TB	@CAR	Bryce Young	24	2.4	1.2	5.30	7%
17	LV	LAR	Matthew Stafford	26	2.4	1.3	5.18	7%
18	IND	@MIN	Kyler Murray	24	2.1	1.2	5.07	2%
19	NO	PIT	Aaron Rodgers	24	2.2	1.2	5.01	10%
20	NE	@CHI	Caleb Williams	26.75	2.7	1.1	4.87	90%
21	PHI	DAL	Dak Prescott	24.5	1.9	1.2	4.78	95%
22	NYG	@HOU	C.J. Stroud	26.25	2.3	1.2	4.70	4%
23	CIN	@BAL	Lamar Jackson	26.75	2.3	1.1	4.56	19%
24	DET	GB	Jordan Love	25.25	1.9	1.2	4.53	14%
25	SF	@ATL	Michael Penix Jr.	23.5	1.7	1.1	4.46	53%
26	ATL	SF	Brock Purdy	27	2.0	1.2	4.46	3%
27	ARI	DEN	Bo Nix	24	1.4	1.2	4.36	1%
28	GB	@DET	Jared Goff	28.25	1.9	1.2	4.09	15%

Matchups: Week 7

1. HOU vs NYG: Last week against the Saints, the Giants benched Jameis Winston after his second 4th quarter interception. J.J. McCarthy, who was recently traded from the Vikings, replaced him and immediately threw an interception of his own. But after that, McCarthy went on to lead three consecutive scoring drives, almost completing the comeback. In about 10 minutes of play, he threw for 243 passing yards, which is more than he ever achieved in a full game for the Vikings. It’s not known who will start for the Giants in Week 7, but I’m currently operating on the assumption that it will be McCarthy. The Texans should be a great start either way. We’ve seen flashes of brilliance from McCarthy before, but my expectation for him is still more turnovers than scoring until he proves otherwise. The Texans had a poor fantasy day in a high-scoring win over the Jags last week, but they’re still a good enough defense overall, with a strong enough pass rush, that I’m excited to start them in a matchup this good.
2. MIN vs IND: Things are not going well for the Colts, who fell to 2-4 after handing the Titans their first win last week. Owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon fired their GM Chris Ballard, while retaining head coach Shane Steichen and his staff. Sometimes this kind of thing lights a fire under the team and they over-perform the next week, but that’s not going to happen against the Vikings. They are the best defense in the league and are fresh off their bye week. And this is a great matchup – Daniel Jones took 6 sacks from a middling Titans defense. This is your reward for dedicating a bench spot to the Vikings through their bye. If you’re in the 15% of leagues where they’re available, go get them, and reserve a bench spot for when they play the Lions and Bills – in the Week 16-17 playoffs they get the Commanders and Jets.
3. CLE @ TEN: The Titans picked up their first win over a spiraling Colts team last week, but that doesn’t mean their offense was amazing. They scored four field goals and one touchdown on offense, and were aided by a blocked punt returned for a touchdown, to take the lead in the 4th quarter. Cam Ward avoided taking any sacks, but he did throw an interception to go with his one touchdown, making it a 4-game interception streak. I don’t expect another zero-sack game this week against the Browns, who are second in the league with 19 sacks. I would be shocked if this wasn’t Cleveland’s 4th consecutive top-10 fantasy DST result.
4. NYJ vs MIA: Ahead of last week’s bye, Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley re-affirmed Malik Willis‘s status as their starter, and that he’s not considering benching him. That needed saying because Willis and the Dolphins have been bad. Willis has thrown just 2 touchdowns to 4 interceptions en route to an 0-5 record for the team. On defense, the Jets have been pretty good. They are part of a 4-way tie for 5th-most sacks in the league with 17, and are second only to the Raiders with 9 forced fumbles. The Jets are a great streaming option this week – they’re rostered in only 1% of Yahoo leagues.
5. TEN vs CLE: Deshaun Watson has outperformed expectations this year, but that doesn’t mean he’s been good in a general sense, as expectations were very low. The Browns’ defense deserves a lot of credit for their 4-2 record. Last week, Watson took 5 sacks en route to a 13-10 win over the Ravens. The Titans were the DST1 last week thanks to 6 sacks and a blocked punt touchdown against the Colts. They aren’t as good as that result suggests, but they are good enough that I do expect them to pick up some sacks against Deshaun Watson. Combine that with what projects to be another low-scoring slog, and you’ve got a good streaming defense that’s available in almost every league.
6. CAR vs TB: Baker Mayfield is set to return to practice this week, but it remains to be seen if he’ll be ready to start against Carolina. Rookie Jalon Daniels has exceeded some very low expectations in relief, but he still delivered excellent fantasy days for the opposing defense in 2 of his 3 starts. Last week he threw a pair of interceptions and took 5 sacks against the Steelers. The Panthers are the kind of middling defense that I would feel comfortable starting against Daniels. But if Baker is able to return, I’m not interested.
7. PIT @ NO: The Steelers have been a top-5 fantasy defense so far with 8.0 fantasy points per game, and are near the top of the table for both sacks and turnovers. Tyler Shough and the Saints are kind of a boom-bust matchup. Shough has had three games with 3-4 passing touchdowns, and three games with 1 or 0. They got totally wrecked by the Vikings in Week 5, when Shough threw 2 interceptions on the way to just 13 points. The Steelers aren’t on the Vikings’ level, but they are far enough above average to be usable in this matchup.
8. DEN @ ARI: The Cardinals achieved a pretty shocking upset against the Rams, but that was a low-scoring game where they poetically scored all of their points via 6 field goals against a team with no kicker. QB Jacoby Brissett was not impressive – he avoided taking any sacks and threw one interception. The Broncos game could be similarly low scoring, but I think it’s unlikely he gets away with no sacks again.
9. DAL @ PHI: Tanner McKee will make his first start of the season with Jalen Hurts out for the season due to blood clots in his lungs. The Eagles’ offense, and in particular their offensive line, have already been struggling significantly. The Cowboys also suck, so this should be a pleasing rivalry match for two fanbases that care more about the other team losing than their own team winning. The Cowboys have not impressed as a fantasy defense, but this is such a good matchup that they look like a reasonable low-end streamer.

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