RADIO
49ers Could Pursue a Trade for DeForest Buckner
The San Francisco 49ers could "make a run" at Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner if he becomes available for trade, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. The Colts are 2-4 and continue to evaluate their options ahead of the trade deadline. They're technically second in the AFC South, but the record is less than ideal, and the organization fired general manager Chris Ballard last week. Running back Jonathan Taylor is the biggest name drawing trade speculation lately, but Buckner should also generate plenty of interest. The 32-year-old already has four sacks through six games this season, as well as three passes defended. Not only would he offer a huge boost to the undefeated 49ers' defensive front, but a trade would represent a homecoming of sorts, as Buckner spent his first four NFL seasons in San Francisco from 2016 through 2019.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Browns Sign Maliek Collins to a Two-Year Extension
The Cleveland Browns have signed defensive tackle Maliek Collins to a two-year, $30 million contract extension with $23 million guaranteed, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. The 31-year-old has been with the Browns since the start of the 2025 season, and he gets rewarded for his productivity with a new deal. Collins has 10 sacks across 18 games since joining the Browns, including 3.5 sacks already through six games this year. Cleveland's defense may have taken a step back this season without Myles Garrett, but the unit is still very impressive and has turned heads numerous times in 2026. Collins is a big reason why, and now he'll remain a core piece of the unit through at least 2028.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Baltimore Ravens D/ST a Low Floor Fantasy Option Against Bengals
The Baltimore Ravens defense/special teams unit is not a great starting option in Week 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals. The most points a D/ST has amassed against the Bengals offense so far this season is nine, which came in Week 1, a week the Bengals are notorious for struggling. In Weeks 2-4, the Bengals produced solid offensive numbers against highly reputable defenses in the Houston Texans, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Jacksonville Jaguars. Joe Burrow has thrown just three interceptions so far, and the Bengals are averaging 25.6 points per game. With Lamar Jackson potentially returning, this matchup could turn into a high-scoring affair, likely hurting the Ravens D/ST even more. The unit has been a mid-tier fantasy option so far this season, and at best that will continue in Week 7.
Source: Yahoo D/ST Fantasy Points Against Bengals Offense
Source: Yahoo D/ST Fantasy Points Against Bengals Offense
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
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
Denver Broncos Defense Retains Top-Five Appeal Despite Injuries
The Denver Broncos defense is a strong starting option, coming off five sacks, 17 quarterback hits, and three takeaways against the Seattle Seahawks, with Ja'Quan McMillian's overtime interception setting up the winning field goal. The unit visits the Arizona Cardinals in Week 7 and ranks fourth in Joey Pollizze's D/ST rankings for RotoBaller. Arizona beat the Los Angeles Rams 18-16 in Week 6 but scored all its points on six field goals. Denver's injuries extend beyond the secondary: safety Talanoa Hufanga (ankle) and edge rusher Jonah Elliss (ankle) are out, while cornerback Pat Surtain II (ankle) is questionable. Arizona will also be without rookie running back Jeremiyah Love (ankle).
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
New York Jets Defense Draws Strong Week 7 Streaming Matchup
The New York Jets defense is a strong starting option against the winless Miami Dolphins, whose quarterback has thrown more interceptions than touchdown passes through five starts. Malik Willis has two passing scores, four interceptions, and 14 sacks taken, giving New York a favorable Week 7 streaming matchup. The Jets recovered two New England Patriots fumbles in Week 6 and have recovered seven of the 11 fumbles they have forced this season. Rookie edge rusher David Bailey has five sacks through six games, and New York ranks fifth in Joey Pollizze's Week 7 D/ST rankings for RotoBaller.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Houston Texans D/ST A Very Strong Start Vs. the Giants
The Houston Texans D/ST is expected to be one of the best defensive units to deploy in Week 7, as they host the Giants on Sunday afternoon. The Giants are turning to J.J. McCarthy at QB for his first start of the season, and McCarthy has been turnover-prone and prone to being sacked in his past chances as a starter. The Texans had an interception and no sacks last week against the Jaguars in London, but they had at least three sacks in each of their previous four games, and typically they do a great job pressuring opposing QBs and forcing them to make mistakes. The Texans are the No. 2 D/ST in RotoBaller's Week 7 rankings, so they are a strong starting option in all formats in this favorable home matchup.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals D/ST Has Streaming Potential Against Broncos
The Arizona Cardinals' defense and special teams units represent a safe floor in Week 7. After allowing 30 or more points in four straight games, they held the Rams to 16 last Sunday. While suppressing points might not be their forte, Arizona has managed to record at least three sacks in four of their first six games and has recovered a fumble in five. Over the last three weeks, they have the fourth-highest sack rate in the NFL. In Week 7, Arizona faces the Denver Broncos, whose offense is scoring just 19.0 points per game and has the second-highest rate of going three-and-out in the league. Denver has committed just six turnovers and has given up the third-fewest sacks to start the season, so the Cardinals D/ST's success this week will depend on them keeping points off the board. Given Denver's ineptitude on offense, Arizona qualifies as a floor-play streaming option in Week 7 with four teams on bye.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
San Francisco 49ers D/ST A Good Streaming Option Against Falcons
The San Francisco 49ers' Week 7 opponent, the Atlanta Falcons, are giving up the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing D/ST units in 2026. Atlanta's offense has been putting up points after a slow start, averaging 31.5 points per game since Week 3, but they are still prone to allowing sacks and turning the ball over. Atlanta has the seventh-highest sack rate in the NFL, and the 49ers have the fifth-highest pressure rate over the last three weeks, despite missing Nick Bosa (knee, calf), who will be out again on Sunday. The Falcons have thrown just one interception in the last three weeks, but lost three fumbles to their opponent in Week 6. Despite the shootout potential, San Francisco's D/ST is a good floor play based on their ability to get to the quarterback and their opponent's sometimes sloppy ball protection.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
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
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
Pittsburgh Steelers D/ST Remains a Strong Fantasy Option in Week 7
The Pittsburgh Steelers defense came through for fantasy managers in last week's win, recording five sacks and two interceptions while allowing 19 points to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This week, Pittsburgh faces the New Orleans Saints in Paris. New Orleans has shown the potential to put up points, but the offense is also committing two turnovers per game, tied for the second-most in the NFL. Pittsburgh is tied for the third-most takeaways per game while allowing the seventh-fewest points to opposing offenses. The Steelers could also get a key starter back, as safety DeShon Elliott (knee) is listed as questionable after practicing in full this week. Fantasy managers can confidently start the Steelers DST again in all formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Seahawks D/ST Faces Tough Matchup At Home in Week 7
The Seattle Seahawks D/ST will draw a matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 7. Opposing D/STs are averaging just 2.2 points against the Chiefs this season. Seattle is allowing 20.3 points per game this season, but the Chiefs' offense is scoring 28.0. This game will pit good against good. The matchup to watch is Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III vs. his old team. Walker is averaging a whopping 133 rushing yards per game, while Seattle is allowing 96 rushing yards per game at 3.5 yards per carry. If the Seahawks can find a way to slow down Walker in his return to Seattle, this D/ST should have a solid day. However, if Walker gets loose, the Seahawks D/ST could be in for a long day. Either way, this unit is a risky play this week. They have forced a turnover in every game but two this season, but their ceiling is three fantasy points in such games. The Chiefs are not very turnover-prone, so fumbles and interceptions could be hard to come by. The Seahawks D/ST is ranked at No. 13 this week, just outside of the starting realm in 12-team leagues.
Source: Seattle Seahawks
Source: Seattle Seahawks
Cincinnati Bengals Defense Is A Middling Option At Baltimore
The Cincinnati Bengals defense will take on the AFC North rival Baltimore Ravens on the road in Week 7. The Bengals defense will have the benefit of resting the past week on their bye, but they might have a very difficult matchup ahead of them. The Ravens have been without quarterback Lamar Jackson the past two weeks as he's dealt with an ankle injury, but he is now officially questionable after participating in practice this week. It appears Jackson is trending in the right direction, which is bad news for the Bengals defense. Despite being one of the most improved defensive units this year, the Cincinnati defense will be entrenched in one of the highest-scoring games of the week against one of the most explosive offenses in the league. The Bengals defense is currently ranked 20th in our RotoBaller Week 7 rankings, making them a difficult unit to trust this week. If Jackson ends up missing this game, the Cincinnati defense could possibly be viewed as a streamable unit.
Source: Bengals.com
Source: Bengals.com
