Week 7 presents a formidable challenge for fantasy managers with numerous key players on bye. This guide cuts through the noise, offering an unparalleled deep dive into crucial start/sit decisions, injury impacts, and matchup advantages to give you the competitive edge needed to dominate your league.
As the fantasy football season charges into Week 7, managers face what many are calling ‘Bye-mageddon,’ a slate riddled with key players on their bye week. This creates a unique challenge, forcing even the most seasoned owners to dig deep into waiver wires and scrutinize matchups. Our mission at onlytrustedinfo.com is to provide you with the most comprehensive analysis, transforming uncertainty into strategic advantage. We’ll break down every crucial start and sit decision, leveraging both recent performance and historical data to ensure your lineup is primed for victory.
Navigating the Week 7 Gauntlet: Bye-mageddon and Beyond
This week demands meticulous planning. With high-profile teams taking a break, the landscape of available talent shifts dramatically. Beyond the bye weeks, injuries continue to plague key positions, creating unexpected opportunities and pitfalls. Understanding how these factors intersect with defensive matchups is paramount to setting a winning lineup. Our in-depth look goes beyond surface-level advice, exploring the ‘why’ behind each recommendation to arm you with actionable insights.
Running Backs: Unleashing the Ground Game
The running back position is often the backbone of a fantasy roster, and Week 7 offers a mix of elite plays and surprising value, alongside some cautionary tales.
Must-Start Running Backs
- Tony Pollard: After a stellar 17-carry, 93-yard, one-touchdown performance for 17.8 PPR points against the Colts in Week 6, Tony Pollard has solidified his status as a must-start running back across all leagues. He consistently delivers high-end production, exceeding 15.2 PPR points in four of five games this season. With Tyjae Spears expected to miss Week 7 due to an ankle injury, Pollard is poised for 20-plus total touches. His Week 7 matchup against the Buffalo Bills is particularly enticing, as Buffalo ranks second in most fantasy points allowed to running backs this season, according to NFL.com’s official stats. Eight running backs have already scored at least 12.5 PPR points against the Bills this year, with four topping 21.9 PPR points, making Pollard a prime candidate for a dominant outing.
- Nick Chubb: The long-awaited return of Nick Chubb in Week 7 against the Bengals is a moment fantasy managers have circled. Despite missing time, Chubb’s talent and the Browns’ commitment to the run game make him an immediate high-end RB2. With Jerome Ford sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Chubb should command a significant workload. Cincinnati has historically struggled against the run, allowing at least 13.7 PPR points to a running back in every game this season. Chubb’s ability to break tackles and score makes him an excellent play in his 2024 debut.
- Raheem Mostert: If De’Von Achane (concussion) is out, Raheem Mostert instantly becomes a must-start running back against the Colts. Even if Achane plays, Mostert remains a strong flex option, having demonstrated his standalone value with 19 carries for 80 yards and two catches for 18 yards in Week 5 when Achane was injured. The Colts have allowed four running backs to score at least 15.1 PPR points this season, including Tank Bigsby and Tony Pollard recently. Mostert’s explosive playmaking ability gives him a high ceiling in this matchup.
- Brian Robinson Jr.: Expected to return from a knee injury after sitting out Week 6, Brian Robinson Jr. has an elite matchup against the Carolina Panthers. Carolina ranks last (32nd) in fantasy points allowed to running backs, per FantasyPros team defense ranks. Six running backs in the past three games alone have scored at least 14.5 PPR points against them. Robinson has scored at least 13.8 PPR points in four of five games this year, positioning him as a borderline RB1 for Week 7.
Running Back Sleepers to Consider
- JK Dobbins: Don’t let a quiet Week 6 performance (40 yards) deter you from starting JK Dobbins. He faces the New York Giants, who are currently surrendering nearly 130 rushing yards per game. As the clear lead back in Denver, Dobbins is in a prime bounce-back spot where volume and matchup align for significant production.
- Tank Bigsby: With Travis Etienne (hamstring) expected to be out, Tank Bigsby steps into an RB2 role against the Patriots. New England has allowed six running backs to score at least 14.1 PPR points this season. While he’ll share touches with D’Ernest Johnson (a viable flex option himself), Bigsby is projected for 15-plus touches and should deliver a quality stat line.
- Tyler Goodson: The Colts’ backfield is riddled with injuries, with Jonathan Taylor (ankle) and Trey Sermon (knee) missing practice. This could vault Tyler Goodson into a significant role against the Dolphins, who rank third in most fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. Goodson showed explosiveness in Week 6 with 51 rushing yards and 14 receiving yards, securing seven catches in two games without Taylor. If both Taylor and Sermon are out, Goodson becomes a strong RB2; otherwise, he offers solid flex appeal.
Running Backs to Sit or Avoid
- Travis Etienne: Despite consistent touches, Travis Etienne has been contained in the past two weeks. His Week 7 matchup against the Rams in London presents further challenges. London games are historically lower scoring, and the travel factor can impact performance. This is a tough spot for Etienne, making him a risky play.
- Rachaad White / Bucky Irving: Regardless of who starts for the Buccaneers against the Baltimore Ravens, both Rachaad White (foot injury) and Bucky Irving are risky propositions. Irving had a solid Week 6, but much of his production came against a tired Saints defense in the second half. The Ravens boast a formidable run defense, ranking third or fourth in fewest fantasy points allowed to running backs. This is a matchup to avoid for the Tampa Bay backfield.
- James Conner: Monitor James Conner’s ankle injury from Week 6, which limited him to a season-low 16 snaps. Even if he plays, his matchup against the Chargers is tough, as they have allowed only one rushing touchdown to running backs all season and contained Javonte Williams to minimal yardage. With Marvin Harrison Jr. potentially out, Conner could face even more defensive attention, making him a low-end RB2 at best.
Quarterbacks: Commanders of the Air
Finding a reliable quarterback can be challenging, especially with top-tier options on bye. Here’s who to trust and who to bench.
Top-Tier Quarterback Starts
- Baker Mayfield: Baker Mayfield has quietly become a must-start, delivering 20-plus fantasy points in three consecutive starts, including a 25.9-point explosion against the Saints. His Week 7 opponent, the Baltimore Ravens, paradoxically allows the second-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Mayfield’s recent form and the favorable matchup make him a strong play.
- Jared Goff: The Lions’ signal-caller, Jared Goff, has consistently delivered with three straight multi-touchdown games and only one interception during that span. He faces a Buccaneers defense that ranks as a top-10 matchup for opposing quarterbacks. With Jameson Williams hitting his stride alongside his established weapons, Goff is poised for another high-scoring fantasy day.
Quarterbacks to Avoid
- Aaron Rodgers: Aaron Rodgers has struggled to find his rhythm this season, exceeding 20 fantasy points just once. His Week 7 matchup against the Steelers at Acrisure Stadium is incredibly tough. Pittsburgh allows the fourth-least fantasy points to quarterbacks, and their strong defense, coupled with the Jets’ poor offensive line, spells trouble for Rodgers.
- Trevor Lawrence: Despite his recent hot streak, Trevor Lawrence runs into a buzzsaw against the Rams’ top-five quarterback defense. Adding to the challenge, this is a London game, known for notoriously low-scoring affairs. Given that Lawrence has only one favorable matchup remaining for the rest of the regular season, this could be a good week to explore a trade for him if possible.
Wide Receivers: Catching Opportunities
Target share and defensive matchups dictate success for wide receivers. Spotting the right opportunities can differentiate your lineup.
High-Upside Wide Receiver Starts
- Stefon Diggs: Stefon Diggs continues to be a target hog, especially in Nico Collins’ absence, evidenced by his 6-catch, 77-yard, one-touchdown performance for 19.7 fantasy points. He faces the Packers, a middle-of-the-road defense that has recently allowed an average of 45.05 fantasy points to wide receivers over the past two weeks. Diggs remains a focal point of the Texans’ offense and a strong play.
- Terry McLaurin: Terry McLaurin is in excellent form, with 18-plus fantasy points in three of his last four games, including a 23.3-point explosion against the Ravens with two touchdowns. His Week 7 opponent, the Carolina Panthers, just allowed Drake London to go off for six catches, 74 yards, and a touchdown. McLaurin should continue his hot streak against a struggling secondary.
- Rome Odunze: While Rome Odunze was quiet in the Bears’ recent win, his opportunity could explode in Week 7 against the Saints. With DJ Moore day-to-day with a groin injury, and Luther Burden still acclimating to the NFL, Caleb Williams is likely to lean heavily on his young star wideout. Expect Odunze to see an increased target share and deliver a strong performance.
Risky Wide Receivers to Bench
- George Pickens: George Pickens had another quiet week in Week 6 with only three catches for 53 yards. His Week 7 matchup against the Jets is unfavorable, as they allow the fifth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Furthermore, he will likely draw coverage from elite cornerback Sauce Gardner, making it extremely difficult for him to produce.
- Michael Pittman: Although Michael Pittman salvaged his Week 6 with a touchdown, his overall stat line was meager (three catches for 35 yards). He faces a stout Dolphins defense that ranks third in fewest fantasy points allowed to wide receivers. Adding to the concern, Jalen Ramsey will likely cover him, and a public back injury could limit his playing time or effectiveness. It’s best to fade Pittman this week.
- Tetairoa McMillan: While Tetairoa McMillan scored two touchdowns in Week 6, his total yardage was a paltry 29. The Panthers offense is increasingly leaning on their ground game, and a potential return of Chuba Hubbard could further diminish passing volume. He is also likely to face significant coverage from Sauce Gardner, making targets and yards hard to come by.
Tight Ends: Finding Trust in a Volatile Position
Tight end can be the most unpredictable position in fantasy, but some players offer more reliability than others, especially in favorable matchups.
Reliable Tight End Targets
- Evan Engram: Evan Engram exploded in Week 6 with 10 catches for 102 yards, reminding managers of his upside. He shares excellent chemistry with quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who heavily trusts him. Playing across the pond in London, where the Jaguars often thrive, Engram is a strong bet to at least hit his projections, with upside for more.
- Harold Fannin Jr.: Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel has developed a strong rapport with Harold Fannin Jr., leading to Fannin’s resurgence. Coming off a 7-catch, 81-yard performance in Week 6, Fannin could have a big game against the Dolphins’ defense, which has shown susceptibility to tight ends.
Tight Ends to Streamers to Pass On
- Tucker Kraft: Tucker Kraft managed only two receptions for 13 yards in Week 6, largely due to Jordan Love spreading the ball to his wide receivers. His Week 7 matchup against the Texans is unfavorable, as Houston allows the third-least fantasy points to tight ends. It’s difficult to trust Kraft for significant production this week.
- Juwan Johnson: With Taysom Hill and Foster Moreau re-emerging in the Saints’ offense, Juwan Johnson’s target share has plummeted, culminating in a mere 15 yards last week. His output has steadily dropped, and he faces a Bears defense that could further limit his opportunities. It’s time to consider other options at tight end.
Final Thoughts for Week 7
Week 7 is a critical juncture for many fantasy teams, where strategic decisions can make or break your season. Pay close attention to the final injury reports leading up to Sunday, as situations can change rapidly. Trust the matchups, leverage players stepping into increased opportunities due to injuries or byes, and don’t be afraid to make bold choices to secure those crucial wins. Remember, in fantasy football, informed risks often lead to the biggest rewards. Good luck!
