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Christian Kirk Could See Steady Work In Season Debut
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Christian Kirk (calf) has been on injured reserve since the preseason but is expected to be activated for the Week 7 meeting with the Atlanta Falcons. Kirk is tagged as questionable but was a full participant in every practice this week. The veteran's timing is impeccable, as the 49ers have ruled out both Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring) and Mike Evans (ribs, Achilles). Kirk will be in contention with Brandin Cooks and Jordan Watkins for targets behind Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle, who led the team last week when Samuel was out and Evans exited early. If Kirk wins his position battle, it could be a lucrative day as the Falcons have allowed the fourth-most PPR points to wide receivers in 2026. His unknown spot in the 49ers' pecking order caps his projection as a WR5, so he is a gamble best taken on in deep leagues.
Source: David Lombardi - San Francisco Standard
Source: David Lombardi - San Francisco Standard
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Jordan Watkins Continues Climbing Depth Chart Amid WR Injuries
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jordan Watkins saw his snap share jump to 76% in Week 7, double that in each of his previous two games. Deebo Samuel Sr.'s (hamstring) absence and Mike Evans' (ribs, Achilles) early departure paved the way for more time on the field. That didn't translate to increased production (Watkins saw just one target, good for a 22-yard reception), but the substantial increase in playing time outdid that of Brandin Cooks and Jacob Cowing, the latter of whom actually saw his snaps decrease. In Week 7, the 49ers face the Falcons, who have given up the most receptions and seventh-most half-PPR points to wide receivers this year. Watkins will contend with Cooks and, if he is cleared to play, Christian Kirk (calf) for targets behind Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle. As such, he projects as a WR5 who is best left as a deep-league dart throw for Week 7.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Brandin Cooks Could Have Greater Impact Amid WR Injuries
San Francisco 49ers receiver Brandin Cooks has not been very involved in the offense since joining the team three weeks ago, but stands to take a step forward in Week 7. In Week 6, injuries to Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring) and Mike Evans (ribs, Achilles) opened the door for Cooks to be on the field for more than 50% of offensive plays for the first time. Both receivers have been ruled out for Week 7, pushing Cooks up the depth chart and positioning him to soak up some of their target share. Cooks will still have to contend with Jordan Watkins and possibly Christian Kirk (calf) for looks behind George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey, making him a somewhat risky start. There is the potential for a big week, as the Falcons have given up the most receptions, fourth-most receiving yards, and seventh-most half-PPR points to wide receivers. Cooks projects as a WR4 going into Week 7. His matchup elevates his ceiling, making him a worthwhile gamble in deeper leagues.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Christian McCaffrey Should See More Receiving Work In Week 7
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey had his biggest game of the season in Week 6 against the Commanders. McCaffrey gained 118 scrimmage yards, extended his scoring streak to a fifth game with two touchdown runs, and logged 25 touches - his most in a game all year. McCaffrey led the team with nine catches and 10 targets with Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring) out of the lineup and Mike Evans (ribs, Achilles) forced out early due to injury. Both wide receivers will be out for Week 7, which puts McCaffrey in position to act as Brock Purdy's primary target. The Atlanta Falcons are tied for the fourth most receptions allowed to opposing running backs through Week 6. McCaffrey has four top-10 finishes under his belt already in 2026, and is projected for another one in Week 7. He should be locked into starting lineups.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Brock Purdy Primed For Another QB1 Week Despite Injured WRs
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy threw for 264 yards and one touchdown in Week 6, good enough for his fifth top-12 finish in the first six weeks of the season. It was Purdy's highest passing total since Week 3, despite Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring) sitting out and Mike Evans (ribs, Achilles) exiting the game early due to injury. Both receivers have been ruled out for Week 7, but Purdy seems to find success in Kyle Shanahan's system whoever he is working with. Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle will likely operate as Purdy's top two targets, and Brandin Cooks or Jordan Watkins are in line for more work, along with Christian Kirk (calf), who is expected to make his season debut on Sunday. The Falcons have allowed the third-most passing yards and 10 passing touchdowns to one interception. Even though he is missing his top wide receivers, Purdy is still a good bet for another QB1 finish in Week 7.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Savion Williams Gets a Real Opportunity to Contribute
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Savion Williams continues to trend up in fantasy football after an impressive season debut last week. Williams had four catches, 32 yards, and 8.1 PPR points in his first game of the season, and with Green Bay's offense trending up, he should carry a similar outlook into this Sunday's Week 7 contest against the Detroit Lions. While Williams is clearly third on the depth chart behind Christian Watson and Matthew Golden, that's not a death sentence for his fantasy outlook. Both Watson and Golden have ranked as WR1s this year, so the No. 3 option behind them should have no trouble getting onto the fantasy radar as a low-end WR3. This week's matchup also helps his stock, as the Lions have allowed the 11th-most receiving yards and the 10th-most receiving touchdowns to wide receivers in 2026. The only real concern here about Williams' outlook is the potential for Green Bay to throw the ball less with running back Josh Jacobs returning to action. However, the Packers' passing attack has been clicking so well that we don't see any reason for them to abandon that approach going forward. Long story short, a path does exist for Williams to be streamed as a WR3/flex this week.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
The New Orleans Saints Defense Could Deliver Another Strong Performance in Week 7
The New Orleans Saints Defense recorded five sacks and three interceptions in Week 6's 34-27 victory over the Giants. The Saints generated pressure throughout the game, sacking Jameis Winston four times and intercepting him twice before taking down backup quarterback J.J. McCarthy once and recording another interception. Cornerback Martin Emerson was the star of the show, finishing with two interceptions and seven tackles. The Saints will face the Steelers this week, who have allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing D/STs and surrendered at least four sacks in three separate games this season. They have been riding some momentum the last couple of weeks, and the New Orleans Saints Defense ranks as the D/ST10 in RotoBaller's rankings this week.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Not Enough Production to Go Around for Dylan Sampson
Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson (knee) is listed as questionable for Week 7 against the Tennessee Titans, and he appears unlikely to carve out a significant fantasy role in his immediate return from injured reserve. The Browns' rushing attack has still experienced a variety of growing pains this season, and there likely aren't enough carries or rushing yards to go around for both Sampson and Quinshon Judkins to contribute as top-36 running backs in fantasy football. Judkins remains the undisputed No. 1 option on the ground in Cleveland, so Sampson should be the odd man out from a fantasy perspective. While he does offer unparalleled pass-catching upside for the Browns, the 22-year-old faces plenty of uncertainty about his volume and the value of the touches that he earns. He should be avoided in all fantasy football leagues this week.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Juwan Johnson Looks to Bounce Back Against Steelers
New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson failed to record a reception on two targets in Week 6's victory over the Giants. It was the first time he had been held without a catch since Week 3 of 2024. Prior to that outing, Johnson had been a consistent contributor, recording at least 53 receiving yards in all but one game this season. His playing time also took a dip, as he logged a 58% snap share, matching fellow tight end Noah Fant, while Oscar Delp saw 43% of the snaps. Despite the trio combining for just 10 receiving yards, Johnson should have an opportunity to bounce back against a Steelers defense that ranks around the middle of the pack against tight ends. He ranks as TE14 in RotoBaller's rankings this week.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Jalen Nailor Remains in a Minor Role for Week 7
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Nailor continues to occupy a relatively small workload for Week 7 against the Los Angeles Rams. While he has played at least 57% of the snaps in four of five games this season, he hasn't logged more than one catch in a single game since the season opener. Although he was one of the prized offseason signings for Vegas, he certainly has not lived up to the hype through the one-third mark of the 2026 season. We don't see any sort of opportunity for him to right the ship this week, as the Rams represent a very difficult matchup. Nailor can be left on the bench or on the waiver wire in all fantasy football leagues this week.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Devaughn Vele Remains a Viable FLEX Option Against Steelers
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Devaughn Vele recorded three receptions for 42 yards in Week 6's win over the Giants. He continues to lead the Saints' receivers in playing time, logging a 92% snap share compared to 58% for Chris Olave and 36% for Bryce Lance against New York. Vele also maintains a consistent role in the passing game, recording at least six targets and three receptions in every game this season. He faces a tough matchup against a Steelers defense allowing the sixth-fewest PPR points to opposing wide receivers and the seventh-fewest passing yards per game at 204.3. Vele's upside may depend on finding the end zone, but his consistent involvement gives him a solid fantasy floor. He ranks as WR29 in RotoBaller's rankings this week.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Chris Olave Remains a Top Fantasy Option Despite Tough Matchup
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave recorded four receptions for 43 yards and a touchdown in Week 6's victory over the Giants. His yardage total was a season low, but he still found the end zone and remains the focal point of a pass-heavy Saints offense. Olave averaged 12 targets per game through the first four weeks and has averaged 6.5 over the last two, though some of the dip can be attributed to quarterback Tyler Shough's reduced passing volume as he deals with broken bones in his non-throwing hand. Olave still ranks second in the league in receiving yards (580), fourth in receptions (43), and fourth in targets (61). He faces a tougher matchup against a Steelers defense allowing the sixth-fewest PPR points to opposing wide receivers but remains firmly in the WR1 ranks.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Kendre Miller Looks to Build on Solid Week 6 Performance
New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller rushed 20 times for 70 yards in Week 6's win over the Giants. Miller easily outpaced his fellow backs in touches, with 22 compared to nine for Alvin Kamara and six for C.J. Donaldson. The Saints' offensive line was finally able to create some running lanes for Miller, who took advantage with a season-high 70 rushing yards. He remains fairly inefficient with the ball, however, averaging just 3.5 yards per carry in Week 6 and a career-low 3.1 yards per carry on the season. With Travis Etienne Jr. out for at least one more game, Miller should continue to see a split workload, with Kamara remaining involved. He comes in as RB29 in RotoBaller's rankings this week against a Steelers defense that ranks 13th against the run.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Emmett Johnson Should Remain on the Bench in Week 7
Kansas City Chiefs running back Emmett Johnson continues to be an intriguing handcuff, but he lacks standalone value for fantasy football lineups against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 7. Johnson has seen his receiving involvement increase over the last few weeks, and he ultimately finished last Sunday's game with three targets, two catches, and 18 receiving yards, as well as three carries for six rushing yards. There's no path to weekly fantasy value for Johnson as long as Kenneth Walker III is healthy, but he's a very intriguing handcuff option in case Walker ever misses any time. For now, though, the 23-year-old rookie can be left on the bench in 12+ team leagues, and he can be left on waivers in most fantasy formats with fewer than 10 teams.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Raiders Expect Mike Washington Jr. to be Ready for Week 7
Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. (foot, back) is expected to play in Week 7, despite being listed as questionable after missing back-to-back practices. "We're expecting him to be ready," head coach Klint Kubiak said, but he didn't provide any additional information. Washington has spent his entire rookie season so far backing up Ashton Jeanty. The 23-year-old handled a season-high 35% snap share last week with nine carries, 43 rushing yards, and a seven-yard reception. He doesn't quite have standalone value in fantasy leagues, but he remains one of the top handcuffs because he would occupy a significantly large role if Jeanty were ever to miss time. He should be rostered in 12+ team leagues, and managers who roster Jeanty in 10-team leagues should also consider adding him off the waiver wire as insurance.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Chris Boswell A Reliable Fantasy Option in Week 7
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell was busy in Week 6, converting four of five field goal attempts and both extra-point tries in a victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He should remain an important part of Pittsburgh's offense against the New Orleans Saints in Paris on Sunday. New Orleans has been a top-15 matchup for kickers this season and is allowing the most points per game to opposing offenses. While Pittsburgh's offense isn't among the NFL's most prolific units, it has averaged more than 28 points per game since Week 3. Fantasy managers can confidently start Boswell as a top-10 kicker in this international showdown.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rico Dowdle Could Offer Deep-League Flex Value
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle (knee) is currently listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints. Dowdle made his return to the field last week after missing three games due to injury. He rushed the ball seven times for 40 yards in the win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also hauled in three of his four targets for nine yards. The expectation is that he'll have a similar role in Week 7, assuming he's able to play. Jaylen Warren has played extremely well and cemented himself as the lead back in Pittsburgh. If healthy, Dowdle could offer some deep league flex value, but he isn't someone who is a must-start while Warren is healthy and getting the bulk of the playing time.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Dominic Zvada Looks to Stay on Track Against Texans
New York Giants rookie kicker Dominic Zvada made all three of his field goal attempts and his only extra-point attempt in the 34-27 loss to the New Orleans Saints. After missing three field goals in the 27-27 tie with the Washington Commanders in Week 5, Zvada rebounded, making kicks from 34 and 41 yards in Week 6. Surprisingly, the Giants' offense has been very productive this season, scoring over 27 points in three straight games. They made a quarterback change from Jameis Winston to J.J. McCarthy, who has struggled with turnovers throughout his young career. Zvada faces a Houston Texans defense that has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to kickers this season. However, the rookie carries some risk due to his inaccuracy throughout the season and the offense potentially struggling against this Texans defense.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Garrett Wilson is an Inconsistent Option Lately
New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson hasn't been a great fantasy option over the last few weeks. Wilson has put together some strong performances, but he has mixed in some duds as well. In Week 4, Wilson finished with three receptions for 27 yards. He followed that up with seven catches for 107 yards and a touchdown in Week 5. This past weekend, Wilson went back to producing duds with four catches for 44 yards in the loss to the New England Patriots. Fantasy managers can't be exactly sure what they're going to get from Wilson right now. Despite some struggles, Wilson is still someone who is viewed as a top option against the Miami Dolphins this weekend.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Giants D/ST Should Be Avoided Against Red-Hot Texans Offense
The New York Giants' defense struggled again in Week 6 and is now a difficult D/ST to trust moving forward. The Giants allowed 34 points and 319 yards, forced one turnover, and recorded no sacks in a 34-27 loss to the New Orleans Saints. After losing edge rusher Brian Burns to a torn ACL in Week 4, the Giants' defense has allowed 24 or more points in three straight games. They now face a Houston Texans offense that has been red-hot in recent weeks. They've scored 26 or more points in three straight games, and quarterback C.J. Stroud has had only one turnover this season. With the Giants down Burns, Termaine Edmunds (shoulder), Greg Newsome (concussion), and potentially more in the secondary, avoid their defense at all costs in Week 7.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Isaiah Likely Still a Must-Start in Week 7 Despite QB Change
New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely has had a career season through six games, solidifying his status as an elite fantasy tight end. He has hauled in 39 of 59 targets for 383 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 15.0 half-PPR fantasy points per game. After signing with the Giants in free agency, many hoped he would finally break out after leaving the crowded Baltimore Ravens tight end room. Through six games, Likely leads all tight ends in yards, touchdowns, and fantasy points. Now he faces a Houston Texans defense that has allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points to tight ends this season. While the tough matchup and the new quarterback, J.J. McCarthy, who is now starting, add some risk, Likely remains a must-start tight end in Week 7.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
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