Week 7 of the 2025 fantasy football season is set to shake up quarterback rosters with major bye weeks, specifically for the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens, pushing several exciting names like Jaxson Dart and Sam Darnold into the spotlight as potential league-winners.
As we approach the midway point of the 2025 NFL season, fantasy football managers are facing one of their most challenging weeks yet. Week 7 brings significant bye weeks, sidelining two of the league’s most dynamic quarterbacks: reigning MVP Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills and the Baltimore Ravens’ electric Lamar Jackson. Their absence will force many to pivot, scour the waiver wire, and reconsider their starting options, making strategic roster decisions more crucial than ever.
The Impact of Major Bye Weeks
The bye week for the Buffalo Bills means no Josh Allen, a player who has consistently delivered elite fantasy production. In Week 7 of the 2024 season, Allen was a strong performer, finishing with 21.0 fantasy points, showcasing his dual-threat ability that makes him a weekly cheat code. Similarly, the absence of Lamar Jackson, who led all quarterbacks in Week 7 of 2024 with an astounding 34.4 fantasy points, leaves a massive void for his fantasy owners. These high-profile absences necessitate a deep understanding of the remaining quarterback pool.
Beyond the top two, inconsistency and injuries have plagued the position, creating a volatile environment where waiver wire additions can make or break a fantasy week. This is where diligent research and an eye for emerging talent pay off.
Top-Tier Quarterbacks for Week 7
With Allen and Jackson out, the fantasy quarterback hierarchy shifts dramatically. Here’s a look at some of the top-ranked signal-callers expected to deliver in Week 7 of the 2025 season, based on consensus projections:
- Jalen Hurts (PHI): Often a top-tier option due to his rushing floor and passing upside, Hurts remains a cornerstone for fantasy teams. He scored 22.8 fantasy points in Week 7 of 2024, highlighting his consistent production.
- Patrick Mahomes (KC): The Chiefs superstar continues to be a weekly contender, even with lower point totals in some weeks, his ceiling is always among the highest.
- Justin Herbert (LAC): Herbert’s ability to rack up passing yards and touchdowns keeps him firmly in the elite conversation.
- Trevor Lawrence (JAX): With improved play, Lawrence has ascended the rankings. He recorded 15.0 fantasy points in Week 7 of 2024, and his growth in 2025 has him positioned higher.
- Joe Burrow (CIN): A reliable pocket passer, Burrow can light up the scoreboard, especially in favorable matchups. He posted 14.9 fantasy points in Week 7 of 2024.
These quarterbacks represent the safest floors and highest ceilings for managers who have them rostered. However, the real intrigue lies deeper in the rankings.
Risers and Sleepers: Your Week 7 Waiver Wire Targets
The 2025 season has already seen unexpected heroes emerge, and Week 7 is poised to continue that trend. For those streaming a quarterback or looking for a hidden gem, the following players have shown flashes of fantasy relevance:
Jaxson Dart (New York Giants)
The rookie quarterback for the New York Giants has been a revelation since taking over as the starter. Dart’s mobility provides a high floor, consistently finishing as a strong fantasy option. Over his last three starts, he’s landed as QB11, QB16, and an impressive QB3 (with Monday Night Football pending in Week 6), placing him as the overall QB7 during that span, according to Yahoo Sports Fantasy Staff. His 162 rushing yards on 30 attempts in those three weeks make him a legitimate dual-threat and a must-add in most formats where he’s available.
Sam Darnold (Seattle Seahawks)
After a slow start to the 2025 season, Sam Darnold of the Seattle Seahawks has found his rhythm. Following a meager 5.4 fantasy points in Week 1, the veteran has exceeded 16 fantasy points in each of his last five games. This consistent production ranks him as fantasy’s QB6 during that stretch, as highlighted by Yahoo Sports Fantasy Staff. Darnold offers a surprisingly stable option for those in need of quarterback help.
C.J. Stroud (Houston Texans)
While C.J. Stroud’s 2024 season and the initial weeks of 2025 were less impactful for fantasy, his performance in 2023 established him as a legitimate talent (QB7 in points per game). In the two games preceding the Texans’ Week 6 bye, the 24-year-old amassed 18.4 and 28.8 fantasy points, respectively, signaling a potential return to form. His recent surge makes him an intriguing add, particularly if he can regain the consistency that marked his rookie campaign, a sentiment echoed in fantasy analyses from USA Today Sports.
Understanding Quarterback Value: Beyond the Top Picks
It’s important to recognize that fantasy value isn’t solely about being a top-5 quarterback. Many players offer solid, consistent production or high-upside matchups that can win you a week. Looking back at Week 7 of the 2024 season, we saw a diverse set of performances:
- Baker Mayfield (TB): Finished as QB2 with 29.0 points.
- Russell Wilson (NYG): Surprising QB3 with 24.9 points.
- Kyler Murray (ARI): Delivered 21.2 points.
- Drake Maye (NE): Impressed with 20.8 points.
- Brock Purdy (SF): Managed 20.2 points despite three interceptions.
- Marcus Mariota (WAS): A high-efficiency day yielded 19.6 points.
These historical performances underscore that even quarterbacks outside the perceived elite can have significant fantasy impact, especially when injuries or bye weeks thin out the field. The key is to identify favorable matchups and players who are trending upwards or have a safe rushing floor.
Final Thoughts for Week 7
The 2025 fantasy football season’s Week 7 quarterback slate presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. With two perennial fantasy titans on bye, vigilance on the waiver wire and a keen understanding of player trends are paramount. Whether you’re relying on a proven veteran or taking a chance on a breakout star, staying informed is your best strategy for success.
