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Lions, Sam LaPorta Likely to Reach an Agreement Before Free Agency
The situation between the Detroit Lions and tight end Sam LaPorta is not great right now, but it is "more likely than not" that the two sides will eventually reach an agreement on a contract extension before free agency next March, according to Jonathan Jones of The Athletic. "(Lions GM) Brad Holmes does not like losing his draft picks, especially his high ones," a league source said. The Lions have recently taken their time to get contract extensions to come together for their big players, most recently with running back Jahmyr Gibbs and offensive tackle Penei Sewell. The franchise tag for LaPorta in 2027 would be around $17.5 million fully guaranteed with no salary cap flexibility. LaPorta said earlier this week that he was frustrated by the Lions' apparent lack of interest in getting something done. Contract issues aside, the 25-year-old former second-rounder in 2023 from Iowa has had a strong rebound season in 2026 so far, catching 27 passes for 316 yards and three touchdowns on 37 targets in his first five games. He should be considered a top-five fantasy TE coming off the team's bye against the division-rival Green Bay Packers on Sunday.
Source: The Athletic - Jonathan Jones
Source: The Athletic - Jonathan Jones
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Colby Parkinson Capable of Achieving Fantasy Relevance in No. 2 Role
Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson may be the No. 2 option on the depth chart, but he has a decent chance to carve out standalone value in fantasy football against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 7. Although it's rare for a No. 2 tight end to get onto the fantasy radar, the Rams are a unique case this week because they could be without both of their top receivers. Davante Adams (hamstring) has already been placed on injured reserve with a potentially season-ending issue, while Puka Nacua (calf) is questionable for Week 7 and trending in the wrong direction after missing Friday's practice. The Rams' wide receiver depth falls off after Adams and Nacua, so if both receivers can't play, Parkinson would presumably be Matthew Stafford's No. 2 target behind fellow tight end Tyler Higbee. The matchup this week also works in Parkinson's favor, as the Raiders have surrendered the third-most catches, third-most touchdowns, and fourth-most fantasy points to tight ends in 2026. Parkinson ranks as RotoBlaler's TE19 in half-PPR leagues this week, which makes him a potential starter in two-tight-end leagues or deeper formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
CeeDee Lamb Has Detonation Potential In Fantasy Football In Week 7
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb will get a very favorable matchup for fantasy football in Week 7, when he faces the Philadelphia Eagles. In the past few seasons, they've been excellent at slowing down opposing wide receivers. That's not the case this year, as they allow the third-most PPR fantasy points per game to opposing wideouts. Lamb also plays in the slot often, which should keep him away from Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (knee). Lamb is one of the best receivers in the NFL when healthy, and already has two games with over 35 PPR fantasy points to his name. He's dominated the team in target share, and clearly reclaimed his throne as the clear WR1 for Dallas while his teammate, George Pickens, has been much less involved. Lamb is already a must-start in all leagues, and this could be another one of his monster outings. Expect at least 13 targets, 10 catches, 100 yards, and a touchdown or more for Week 7 for Lamb.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Eagles Non-Committal on Potentially Shutting DeVonta Smith Down
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni would not say whether the team is considering shutting down wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) given his ongoing hamstring injury that has him questionable to play on Monday night against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys in Week 7, according to Zach Berman of The Athletic. The 27-year-old did not play in Weeks 4 and 5 with a hamstring injury, but he returned in last week's loss to the Carolina Panthers to catch seven of his 14 targets for 75 yards and his second touchdown of the season with backup quarterback Tanner McKee running the offense. It was an encouraging performance in the first game without QB Jalen Hurts (blood clots), who is out for the rest of the season, but Smith's hamstring issue has resurfaced and has him in danger of missing a third game in 2026. He will at least need to practice in some fashion on Saturday to have a chance to play on Monday night against Dallas. As of right now, fantasy managers should not be banking on Smith suiting up to close out Week 7 action. Fellow wideout Dontayvion Wicks (ankle) is also up in the air to play this week after not practicing on Thursday or Friday. If both Smith and Wicks are inactive, rookie first-rounder Makai Lemon and Darius Cooper would be McKee's top two receiving targets.
Source: The Athletic - Zach Berman
Source: The Athletic - Zach Berman
Los Angeles Rams Remain a Top-12 D/ST for Week 7 Despite Tough Matchup
The Los Angeles Rams D/ST should continue to be started in most fantasy football leagues. The Rams have one of the league's most talented defenses on paper, even with Myles Garrett (knee) on injured reserve. This is a balanced unit that can win against the run or the pass in any given matchup, which should give them a boost against a Las Vegas Raiders offense that has been surging lately. To its credit, the Raiders are enjoying a remarkable turnaround under Kirk Cousins, as Vegas has surrendered the fourth-fewest fantasy points to D/ST units this season. Based on fantasy points per game, defenses are having more trouble against the Raiders than against a team like the Bills. Still, this Los Angeles defense is talented, well-coached, and capable of forcing several turnovers. We wouldn't pivot away from them in fantasy matchups, even against the Raiders. They rank #11 among D/ST units in RotoBaller's Week 7 fantasy football rankings.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jahan Dotson Trending Up, but Still a Boom/Bust Flex Option in Week 7
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Jahan Dotson garnered five targets in Week 6, converting them into three catches for 87 yards and a score, his second touchdown of the season, with both of them coming in the last three games. The Penn State product has had at least 54 yards receiving in each of the last three games and has become the team's deep threat. The former first-rounder owns a 16.6 average depth of target (ADOT), which is more than six yards longer than Drake London's ADOT (10.0), and has earned 34.3 percent of the team's air yards through six weeks. Week 7's matchup could prove challenging, though, as the San Francisco defense is allowing just 209.8 yards passing per game (11th-fewest) and ranks as the 23rd-overall defense in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers, limiting opposing wideouts to only five touchdowns in six games. The 49ers defense has allowed 13 plays of 20 yards or more through the air so far, but even though that sounds like a lot, it actually makes them one of the 10 best teams at limiting big plays to receivers. So, although the 26-year-old's fantasy arrow is trending up, he still ranks as the No. 61 wide receiver overall at RotoBaller, making him a boom/bust Flex/WR5 option in Week 7.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Zay Flowers a Borderline WR1 With Starting QB in Question
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers has been great so far heading into a Week 7 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals. In the five games he has played, he has posted double-digit half-PPR points in each one. The 26-year-old receiver is the clear top target and has been efficient, catching at least 80 percent of his targets, except for last week's loss. With Lamar Jackson missing the last two games but potentially returning this week, his efficiency should return to that 80 percent level while also maintaining his average of 10 targets per game from the last three weeks. Top Bengals cornerback DJ Turner has been a nuisance to opposing WR1s this season, but fantasy managers shouldn't be deterred by that given the combination of Lamar's potential return and Flowers's consistent volume. The floor might be slightly lower than usual, especially if Lamar doesn't end up playing, but fantasy managers should feel good about starting Flowers in Week 7.
Source: Zay Flowers RotoBaller
Source: Zay Flowers RotoBaller
Dak Prescott A Borderline Top-10 QB In Fantasy Football For Week 7
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott still ranks as the QB12 in fantasy football leagues despite a string of disappointing losses. He's had a safe floor this season, as he's scored double-digit PPR fantasy points in all six of his games so far. The Cowboys will face the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 7. They're a favorable matchup for opposing QBs on paper, as they allow the ninth-most fantasy points to the position per game this season. That said, matchups with the NFC East are often strange in nature, and can be hard to predict. The Eagles offense has struggled all season, and now is missing its starting quarterback, Jalen Hurts (deep vein thrombosis). This should give Dallas an opportunity to exploit by dominating time of possession and wearing out the opposing defense. Prescott checks in as a low-end QB1, as both his starting wide receivers, CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, practiced in full on Friday and look to be ready to go.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Bam Knight's Increased Volume Leads to Waiver-Wire Buzz
Arizona Cardinals running back Bam Knight has started to generate some appeal as an intriguing waiver wire target after he handled 17 touches and averaged 5.3 yards per carry last week. Knight is officially the No. 3 option on the depth chart behind Jeremiyah Love and Tyler Allgeier, but that didn't stop him from carving out a sizable role with Love sidelined due to an ankle injury in Week 6. Love has already been ruled out for Week 7, too, leaving Knight in line for an expanded workload alongside Allgeier. Although Knight has the lower floor among the two backs, he managed to score more than twice as many fantasy points (PPR) as Allgeier last week. As a result, Knight is in the mix as an RB3/flex option in 12+ team leagues for Week 7 against the Denver Broncos. He has streaming appeal and can be an intriguing fill-in option for managers dealing with bye weeks and injuries, before he gets dropped back to waivers once Love returns.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jordyn Tyson a Priority Stash Ahead of Anticipated Return
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (hamstring) is likely nearing his activation from injured reserve, which makes him an appealing waiver wire target in fantasy football leagues. Tyson hasn't quite resumed practicing yet, but there's a strong chance that he gets back on the practice field next week in preparation for making his NFL debut midseason. The rookie's development was obviously hindered by the hamstring injury, so he may not be an immediate fantasy starter, but his first-round draft capital gives him tremendous upside, even in redraft leagues. Although Devaughn Vele has been playing well as the Saints' No. 2 receiver this year, there's a path to Tyson emerging as the No. 2 pass catcher in New Orleans behind Chris Olave. If that happens, the Arizona State product would be a high-end WR3 or low-end WR2 with additional upside. There will be a league-wide rush to add Tyson once he's activated from IR, so savvy managers should get ahead of that rush and add him now, while there's minimal competition. After all, he remains available in nearly 50% of redraft leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kyle Pitts Sr. Will be Tested in Week 7 Against the Niners
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. drew seven targets in Week 6, the second-most on the team behind Drake London (10), and scored for the second straight week, recording five catches for 60 yards and two touchdowns. The performance followed a recent upward trend that has seen the 6-foot-6 tight end become more involved in the passing game, notching 13 receptions over the last three contests after being held to just two catches over his first three games of the season. Unfortunately, it will be an uphill battle in order to continue that trend this week, with the 49ers ranking as the second-toughest defense in terms of allowing fantasy points to tight ends, with opposing TEs failing to find the end zone against them even once so far this season. His recent usage is certainly encouraging, and the rest-of-season outlook is growing brighter after a miserable start, but this week, the 26-year-old shapes up as a mid-range TE2, ranking as the No. 16 TE overall at RotoBaller.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Seth McGowan a Top Stash as Teammate's Trade Rumors Heat Up
Indianapolis Colts running back Seth McGowan is a priority waiver wire target, given that he has the potential to ascend into the No. 1 role over the next few weeks. Trade rumors are heating up surrounding Jonathan Taylor, with several teams expected to have interest if the Colts continue to lose games and trade away some of their top talent. McGowan is the direct backup to Taylor, and he would presumably handle the lead-back role if Taylor were to be traded. While we wouldn't expect McGowan to slot in as a mid-range RB1 in fantasy football, his talent and presumptive volume could at least get him on the RB2 radar, as we don't expect he'd have a ton of competition from DJ Giddens, who has yet to play an offensive snap this year. There's definitely a possibility that the Colts keep Taylor, and McGowan doesn't get onto the fantasy radar this year. However, there's also a possibility that McGowan becomes a weekly fantasy starter in this hypothetical Colts backfield without Taylor. As a result, he's a worthwhile stash in 12+ team redraft leagues and almost all dynasty formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Derrick Henry Should Continue Dominant Season in Week 7
Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry has been incredible so far this season, and there's no reason to believe that won't continue in Week 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals. The 32-year-old back is averaging 21.7 rushing attempts per game, 4.1 yards per attempt, and has eight total touchdowns this season. Besides last week's dud of 60 total yards and a fumble against the Cleveland Browns, Henry has averaged about 22 half-PPR fantasy points per game. That ceiling remains, especially if Lamar Jackson is healthy enough to play this week after missing the last two games. Lamar has been dealing with an ankle injury, likely meaning fewer rushing attempts for him, leaving more for Henry. Against another division rival with a healthier offense, Henry seems like a clear bounce-back candidate in Week 7.
Source: Derrick Henry RotoBaller
Source: Derrick Henry RotoBaller
Rachaad White an Intriguing Waiver-Wire Stash While on Bye Week
Washington Commanders running back Rachaad White is a very appealing waiver wire target, even though he's currently on his bye week. The Commanders recently placed Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin) on injured reserve, leaving White as the team's primary running back. While he won't offer a boost to lineups this week, White will consistently find himself in the low-end RB2 or high-end RB3 range for the duration of Croskey-Merritt's absence. In his last outing, the game script limited him to just seven rushing attempts, but he made up for it with four catches, 30 receiving yards, and a receiving touchdown. Managers could wait until the Week 8 waiver process and try to compete with other managers for the opportunity to add White, or they could add him now with minimal competition. He can be a weekly flex (or better) option going forward, so managers in need of running back help should consider adding White right now, even though he doesn't play this week.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Drake London a Low-End WR1 with Reliable Target Volume
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London drew a team-high 10 targets last week, but was only able to convert them into four catches for 62 scoreless yards. The 6-foot-4 wideout is averaging over nine targets per game with Michael Penix Jr. at the helm and tallied 96 yards or more in three straight before last week, but he's yet to find the end zone so far this year. The heavy target volume should continue in Week 7 as the team's unquestioned No. 1 receiver, but a matchup against the 49ers could prove challenging. The San Francisco defense is allowing just 209.8 yards passing per game (11th-fewest) and ranks as the 23rd-overall defense in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers, limiting opposing wideouts to only five touchdowns in six games. Still, expect the 25-year-old to be peppered with targets again, and although he may not find the end zone, he ranks as the No. 10 receiver this week at RotoBaller in half-point PPR leagues, making him a low-end WR1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tyler Higbee on Track to Operate as the Rams' Top Target?
Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee has taken on an expanded role lately, and his production could continue to climb in Week 7 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Higbee has an opportunity to step up as quarterback Matthew Stafford's favorite target with Davante Adams (hamstring) sidelined and Puka Nacua (calf) questionable after missing Friday's practice. The veteran tight end had already been handling a larger role lately with Terrance Ferguson (ankle) on injured reserve, so the wide receiver injuries should only allow his volume to increase. This is a very favorable matchup for Higbee to handle more targets, too, as the Raiders have surrendered the third-most catches, third-most touchdowns, and fourth-most fantasy points to tight ends in 2026. Yet, Higbee remains available on the waiver wire in a whopping 78% of leagues. Managers dealing with tight end bye weeks, injuries, or poor production can instantly upgrade at the position by streaming Higbee for Week 7.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Lamar Jackson a Top Fantasy QB in Week 7 Despite Ankle Injury
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (ankle) is considered a 50-50 chance to play in Week 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals. He did log limited practices all week, which is promising. If he does play, fantasy managers shouldn't hesitate to start him. Lamar has looked more like his MVP self this season, scoring a total of seven touchdowns and averaging 8.1 yards per carry, two yards above his career average. He missed the last two games, however, and left the game early in Week 4. Given the injury is a lower-body one, Lamar's rushing ability may be somewhat limited, but that shouldn't stop fantasy managers from inserting him into starting lineups. Despite playing just 52% of the team's snaps in Week 4 when he got injured, he passed for 222 yards and two touchdowns, and had just two rushing attempts. Even if he doesn't contribute much on the ground, he should still put up stats. Against a solid but not too intimidating defense, Lamar should be fine against the Bengals as long as he plays.
Source: Lamar Jackson News RotoBaller
Source: Lamar Jackson News RotoBaller
Michael Penix Jr. a Low-End QB2 Against Stout 49ers Defense
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. threw for 225 yards and a season-high three touchdowns with no interceptions in last week's loss to the Bears. He was able to put up those numbers despite completing a season-low 57.6 percent of his passes (19-for-33). That makes back-to-back weeks with sub-60 percent completion rates, and Week 7 brings another tough matchup against the 49ers, who feature Raheem Morris at defensive coordinator, the same person who drafted Penix back in 2024 while serving as the head coach in Atlanta, so he's quite familiar with the left-handed quarterback. The former first-rounder was sacked five times last week, the most he's been sacked in the four games he's played thus far, while Morris' defense is averaging 2.5 sacks per game coming into Week 7 and limiting opposing quarterbacks to only 209.8 yards per game passing, which is just outside the top 10. With a 6:1 TD:INT, the 26-year-old has not thrown the ball to the other team much, but three-touchdown weeks like last week will likely be few and far between. View the University of Washington product as a low-end QB2 against San Francisco, ranking as the No. 22 overall QB at RotoBaller for Week 7.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Titans Defense a Reasonable Option in Week 7
The Tennessee Titans' defense is coming off an exceptional effort in a win over the Indianapolis Colts, during which the Titans finished with six sacks and two interceptions of Colts quarterback Daniel Jones. This week, the Titans take on a Cleveland Browns offense that has scored just 25 points over the last two weeks, including a 13-point effort in a win over the Baltimore Ravens last week. Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was sacked five times during the win over Baltimore, while he was limited to just 164 yards passing and was held without a touchdown.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Gunnar Helm a Tough Play in Week 7
Tennessee Titans tight end Gunnar Helm remains a questionable option for fantasy managers and should stay on the bench in Week 7. Helm wasn't targeted in Week 6 and has failed to record a reception in his last two games. He has just one reception in his last three games and has recorded more than two receptions in just one game this season, a Week 1 win over the New York Jets. Along with his limited usage, he is averaging a slim 6.7 yards per reception and has yet to find the end zone in 2026. In Week 7, the Titans take on the Cleveland Browns, who allowed Baltimore Ravens tight end Josh Cuevas to haul in four receptions for 44 yards and a touchdown last week.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Wan'Dale Robinson Looking to Bounce Back
It was a slow week for Tennessee Titans wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson in Week 6, as he hauled in just three of seven targets for 22 yards during a win over the Indianapolis Colts. This week, Robinson is hoping to rebound, but may find it difficult to do so as he and the Titans go up against a strong Cleveland Browns pass defense that has recorded the 10th-best passing EPA per play allowed (-0.10) in the NFL, according to Next Gen Stats. The Browns gave up just 10 receptions for 106 yards to Baltimore Ravens wide receivers a week ago. Fellow Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley did not practice on Thursday or Friday and has been marked questionable for Sunday's game against the Ravens, per the Titans injury report. If Ridley cannot play, that could mean more targets for Robinson.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
More News About Sam LaPorta
