RADIO
Chuba Hubbard Continues to Excel with Enormous Volume
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard has been one of the most underrated picks from 2026 fantasy football drafts. He ranks as the overall RB13 in PPR leagues despite already having gone through his bye week, and he has logged a total of 426 rushing yards, 85 receiving yards, and six touchdowns. The 27-year-old has benefitted from an enormous volume share, as he ran the football 28 times in Week 6 and also caught one pass on two targets. Teammate Jonathon Brooks (core) could return from injured reserve next week, but even if he does, we would be surprised if the Panthers reduce Hubbard's workload significantly. While we may not expect him to consistently get 28 touches per game, 20+ seems like a fair range, keeping him in the high-end RB2 or low-end RB1 tier going forward.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Chicago Bears D/ST a Fringy Streamer Vs. Red-Hot Pats
The Chicago Bears D/ST won't have it easy against a surging New England Patriots offense on Thursday Night Football in Week 7. Chicago's defense has been up and down so far, but it has done well to limit points (sixth-fewest) and total yardage (seventh-fewest). Moreover, the team has recorded at least two sacks in each game and 17 tackles for loss over its last two. A few weeks ago, this matchup would have been far less intimidating, but third-year signal-caller Drake Maye has played much better football in his three recent appearances, posting a stellar 10:1 TD:INT ratio. To continue their defensive success, Chicago must stay stout against the run and not let Maye and the Pats' attack beat them deep. The Bears' unit ranks as RotoBaller's D/ST15 ahead of the critical primetime matchup.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Cairo Santos a High-Floor Option for TNF
Chicago Bears placekicker Cairo Santos is a sturdy fantasy play in Week 7 as his team hosts the New England Patriots. Santos missed his third field goal of the campaign in last weekend's win over Atlanta. After the mediocre outing, the veteran has eight makes on 11 tries and has knocked down all 18 of his extra-point attempts. While Santos has a strong fantasy floor and is attached to an offense that should score a ton of points, he doesn't have the biggest leg. Furthermore, Chicago's efficiency can work against him, limiting his upside. All in all, the 34-year-old is a solid bet for owners in a pinch this Thursday, as New England's defense has been one of the more sound units this season, potentially leading to a few extra field goal attempts than usual for him. Santos is RotoBaller's K14 ahead of what projects to be an exciting matchup.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Roschon Johnson Offers Flex Appeal in Week 7
Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson could be a useful flex option in his team's Week 7 matchup against the visiting New England Patriots this Thursday. With backfield mate Kyle Monangai (thumb, toe) nursing multiple injuries, Johnson has stepped in nicely over the past few weeks. With Monangai set to miss time again, the latter offers some upside, even in an inauspicious spot. Across the two-game sample, the Texas native has racked up 125 yards from scrimmage and a rushing score (25 touches) on ~40% of snaps. There are risks, though: Johnson piled up five of his 13 totes in Week 6, salting away the clock in their win over Atlanta. Additionally, New England has been one of the sturdiest units against the run all season (91.8 yards per game). However, they're susceptible to RBs in the passing game, allowing 27 receptions through six games. Johnson is RotoBaller's PPR RB32 for the outing.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Zay Flowers Drawing Plenty of Targets in Baltimore
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers is off to a strong start to the season, even though he missed a game with an injury and has been without QB Lamar Jackson (ankle) for his last two contests. Flowers is up to 42 targets in his five games this year and has 32 receptions for 471 yards and two touchdowns. He has racked up over 50 yards per game in every game this season and has averaged 10 targets per game over his last three contests. So far this season, Flowers has the fourth-highest target share in the NFL this season, behind only studs Jaxon Smith-Njigba, DeVonta Smith, and Puka Nacua. New offensive coordinator Declan Doyle is finding ways to get Flowers plenty of chances to make plays, and the fourth-year receiver is on the rise, with an even higher ceiling later this season when Jackson is ready to return.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rome Odunze a Fringe WR3 in Potential Shootout
Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze is a viable fantasy play despite a stiff test against the New England Patriots on Thursday Night Football. Odunze disappointed owners last week, picking up just three catches and 39 yards (four targets) in the Bears' 31-23 win over the Falcons. The results were undesirable, but Atlanta funneled much of Chicago's passing game to within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage, and even more of that to within five, rendering the 24-year-old ineffective. While it's becoming clear the team prioritizes teammate Luther Burden III when he's on the field, Odunze is the clear snap leader of the Bears' wideouts and ranks eleventh in the league with 163 routes run. Even a New England defense that's been stingy against opposing passing attacks hasn't been enough to shut down fantasy receivers completely. Furthermore, the Patriots have ruled out several players across their defensive backfield, and a 50.5-point over/under doesn't portend too poorly. Odunze is RotoBaller's PPR WR35 for Week 7.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Colston Loveland Comes Alive Ahead of Week 7 Clash
Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland looks to build on a season-high output from his last time out in an intriguing matchup with the visiting New England Patriots. Loveland rewarded owners who stayed true to him with a 6/65/1 line (seven targets) against the Falcons in Week 6. It was a much-needed performance, as he'd largely underwhelmed in 2026. The 22-year-old will face a much tougher matchup on paper this Thursday against a New England defense that has yielded the seventh-fewest PPR points to tight ends through six weeks. Even still, head coach Ben Johnson has designed creative play calls, and quarterback Caleb Williams was locked in in his first appearance back from a lingering hamstring issue. After a bit of early-season turmoil, the Bears' offense is ascending ahead of a pivotal matchup on Thursday Night Football. Loveland is RotoBaller's PPR TE10 for the outing.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Saquon Barkley Expected to Practice Thursday, In Line to Play in Week 7
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (hamstring) is expected to return to practice on Thursday, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, which would put the star running back in line to play on Monday against the Cowboys. Barkley missed the last two games for the Eagles, with Dameon Pierce taking most of the workload after injuries to Will Shipley (foot) and Tank Bigsby (core). If Barkley is ready to return, he would step right back into a favorable matchup against the Cowboys, who have been one of the top-10 most favorable matchups for running backs this season. Barkley's name has been floated in trade rumors this week as well, and if all goes well in practice, he should have a chance to show that he's healthy with a big game on the Monday Night Football stage in Week 7.
Source: Mike Garafolo
Source: Mike Garafolo
D'Andre Swift Primed to Deliver RB1 Value Against Pats?
Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift offers a strong fantasy floor for this week's home game against the New England Patriots. The seventh-year pro didn't find much success on the ground against the Falcons in his last outing (16 carries for 44 yards). However, he scored twice and added value in his second straight four-catch appearance (five targets). Swift's usage is exceptional, and his six rushing scores so far put him well on pace to beat the previous season-high of nine he set a year ago. Unfortunately, he'll get a New England defense this Thursday night that's been formidable in all phases in 2026. Over six weeks, the unit has allowed the ninth-fewest rushing yards per game (91.8). While the Patriots are a scary matchup, the 27-year-old's involvement in the passing game should sustain his fantasy output, even if he struggles to find room on the ground again. Swift ranks as RotoBaller's PPR RB11.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Luther Burden III A Borderline WR2 Vs. New England
Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III and the Bears host the Patriots in Week 7 on Thursday Night Football. Burden is coming off a strong showing last week, when Caleb Williams returned from his hamstring injury and was very efficient. Burden caught all eight of his targets for a season-high 95 yards, although he didn't get into the end zone. The Patriots' secondary has been solid when healthy this season, allowing only two wide receiver touchdowns in the last three weeks. Burden is still a low-end WR2 this week, checking in as the No. 22 WR in RotoBaller's Week 7 rankings. He has emerged as the Bears' top receiver this season, leading the team in catches, targets, and receiving yards. He has shown a solid rapport with Williams and is a strong option to have in your lineup this week, especially if he's in your FLEX or third WR slot.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Caleb Williams A Strong Starter in Most Leagues on Thursday
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams looked sharp in his return from a hamstring injury last week against the Falcons. He was very efficient, completing 30 of 36 pass attempts for 305 passing yards, one passing touchdown, and zero interceptions. He didn't run quite as much or as effectively as he did in Week 1, but he was very effective in the pocket. Williams and the Bears are facing the Patriots on Thursday Night Football of Week 7, and the Patriots have allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game to QBs this season. However, since the game is expected to be a high-scoring contest with plenty of points for both sides, Williams brings a very high ceiling. He is ranked as RotoBaller's No. 7 QB this week, making him a strong start this week in almost all formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
NFL to Investigate Jordan Elliot Incident, Could Face Suspension
Free-agent defensive tackle Jordan Elliot could face a suspension from the NFL, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, after he brought a gun into the Tennessee Titans' training facility last Thursday. The Titans released the former third-round pick earlier this week, but coach Robert Saleh passionately defended his former player, clarifying that the incident was "a call for help more than a criminal act." Elliot could serve any suspension as a free agent. The seven-year veteran joined the Titans after spending two seasons with Saleh in San Francisco. Before leaving the team, he appeared in five games this season with one start, registering 11 tackles
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Andy Borregales Still Worth Avoiding in Week 7
New England Patriots kicker Andy Borregales is not a reliable fantasy football option for Thursday's Week 7 matchup against the Chicago Bears. Borregales is coming off a solid game in which he made two field goals, but he also missed an extra point attempt. He has been held to single-digit fantasy points in every game this season, and he ranks as the overall K25 in scoring this year. To make matters worse, Borregales gets a very tough matchup in Week 7. The Bears have allowed the second-fewest fantasy points per game to kickers in 2026, and they limited Falcons kicker Nick Folk to just one extra point and zero field goals last Sunday. The Patriots' upward-trending offense seems likely to get into scoring position often, but Borregales' track record and the tougher matchup will keep him off the fantasy radar in most leagues. As it stands, he ranks as the #20 kicker in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for Week 7.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
New England Patriots Defense Not Worth Streaming in Week 7
The New England Patriots D/ST has been a top-10 unit in fantasy football this season, but they can be avoided in most leagues ahead of Week 7 against the Chicago Bears. New England is significantly banged up on the defensive side of the ball, with cornerbacks Carlton Davis (neck), Channing Canada (hamstring), and Karon Prunty (hamstring) all ruled out. Meanwhile, talented safeties Kevin Byard (chest) and Craig Woodson (shoulder) are both questionable, and the same goes for linebacker Christian Elliss (chest). A banged-up Patriots defense could certainly prevail in a softer matchup, but the unit will have a tougher test this week in the form of the Bears, who are led by MVP candidate Caleb Williams and most recently dropped 31 points on the Falcons. Managers who already have the Patriots D/ST on their roster should feel okay about deploying them this week, since the gap between New England and the top streaming defense won't be too large. However, if the Patriots are currently on waivers, they're probably not worth picking up to stream for this week. As it stands, the Patriots D/ST ranks #14 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for Week 7.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Hunter Henry a Fringe Fantasy Starter for Week 7
New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry has strung together three impressive performances, putting him back in the mix as a fantasy-relevant option for Week 7 against the Chicago Bears. Henry has scored a touchdown in back-to-back games, and he has double-digit fantasy points (PPR) in three consecutive weeks. The veteran seems to have turned a corner around the same time that quarterback Drake Maye did, although it's worth noting that the 31-year-old tight end is still somewhat touchdown-dependent in fantasy football. This week's matchup isn't particularly favorable, either, as the Bears have surrendered the third-fewest receptions, 12th-fewest receiving yards, 10th-fewest touchdowns, and 12th-fewest fantasy points to tight ends in 2026. All things considered, Henry enters Thursday Night Football as the overall TE13 in RotoBaller's latest PPR rankings for fantasy football.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
