October 19, 2025
After months of complacency, William Byron now may be approaching a must-win scenario as his crash at Las Vegas coupled with Denny Hamlin's win will make it a lot more difficult to make the Championship 4. He might not need to win if he doesn't crash at Talladega and one of the other playoff contenders does. Although Byron has not yet won at Talladega (unlike Daytona or Atlanta), he's probably been more consistent here as he has finished seventh or better in 7 of his last 10 starts including his last five. Although often he doesn't lead much, he's pretty consistently been one of the drivers in the hunt for the lead. He's been consistent enough that he's actually a pretty solid option for DFS play, especially since he only starts 13th. However his teammate Chase Elliott is just as consistent, starting even worse, and cheaper so you should start him instead.
--Sean Wrona - RotoBallerSource: Racing Reference
October 19, 2025
Qualifying dominance on other tracks doesn't necessarily carry over to Talladega, but it did for Chase Briscoe, who qualified second to earn his 12th front row start. Although Briscoe only finished 15th in the spring, he led 20 laps and his 15-lap stint out front from laps 26-40 was the second-longest such stint in the race behind his teammate Ty Gibbs. That isn't necessarily a good thing though as in the cases of both Briscoe and Gibbs, the fact that they burnt more fuel while in the lead probably hurt their finish relative to drivers who keep passing and re-passing each other for the lead who are more likely to win. Briscoe has sometimes been awkward on drafting tracks as he won the pole for the Daytona 500 before causing the big one, being penalized, then having that penalty rescinded. Briscoe is unusually cheap, but not a good option since he'll likely finish way worse than second.
--Sean Wrona - RotoBallerSource: Racing Reference
October 19, 2025
Although Kyle Larson isn't particularly known as a drafting-track master -- he has yet to win any races either using the classic restrictor plates or the more recent tapered spacers -- he is improving and finished fourth and second in the last two Talladega races despite not really contending for the win. The Hendrick cars are always fast at Talladega, although Chase Elliott and William Byron usually tend to be faster. Larson led 32 laps in the first Next Gen race here in 2022, but aside from that, he's never led more than eight. In an era when there aren't nearly as many crashes as there used to be, Larson will probably finish better than his 19th-place starting position, making him likely to be both a top-tier DFS option and to advance to the Championship Round in the NASCAR playoffs.
--Sean Wrona - RotoBallerSource: Racing Reference
October 19, 2025
Tyler Reddick won the spring race at Talladega in 2024, but it was a little cheap as the Toyotas were the first manufacturer to make their final pit stop in that race, which vaulted Reddick into the lead after the crash John Hunter Nemechek triggered took out most of the others. Since that allowed him to restart on the front row, he simply maintained his position en route to win, but that had more to do with manufacturer strategy than Reddick's own driving. Unlike his teammate Bubba Wallace, he hasn't really been a consistent threata on drafting tracks and indeed that win was the only time he finished bette than seventh, or bette than 14th in the Next Gen era. In a year when he has lost a lot of his top-end speed, he probably won't win and he'll likely finish worse than his starting position of 15th, making him a mediocre option for DFS play.
--Sean Wrona - RotoBallerSource: Racing Reference
October 19, 2025
Although Trackhouse Racing's speed has seriously stagnated on ovals lately, that doesn't matter at Talladega, where many races aren't decided on speed. Ross Chastain won here once in 2022 when he almost stumbled into the lead and led only one lap after Erik Jones' drafting help crashed behind him. He factors for the lead more often than not, but his fourth-place finish in the 2022 fall event was the only other time he earned a top-10 finish. Still, he is always fast at drafting tracks, and at 24th, he starts worse than most of the drivers you could argue are better than him, which means he'll likely earn a fair amount of place-differential points. Additionally, at $8,100, he's cheaper than most of those same drivers, so although there's never a truly great option for DFS at Talladega, Chastain is as safe as it gets.
--Sean Wrona - RotoBallerSource: Racing Reference
October 19, 2025
Although he has seemed a lot slower this year than in previous seasons, Chris Buescher's greatest strength is that he arguably crashes less than any other driver on the NASCAR Cup Series circuit. This year, he has only crashed out of a race once, but that came in this spring's race at Talladega when a failed bump draft from Denny Hamlin sent Hamlin's teammate Christopher Bell into his fellow Chris as they battled for the lead, sending both into the inside retaining wall. That crash was pretty unavoidable, but Buescher's knack for avoiding wrecks in general is his greatest asset. However, despite that, he has surprisingly only finished in the top ten at Talladega three times and the to five only once in 2023. The RFK Racing Fords don't seem to have Team Penske's speed and since Buescher starts in the top half of the field in 14th, you probably don't want to start him.
--Sean Wrona - RotoBallerSource: Racing Reference
October 19, 2025
Ty Gibbs starts 18th at Talladega on Sunday, a track where he has never finished better than 13th. However, he had a great deal of speed in the spring race, leading a race-high 32 laps before the extra fuel he burnt running out front caused many other drivers to jump him after the final exchange of pit stops. Gibbs also led 32 laps at Atlanta, so he is becoming a skillful drafter. Whether he contends for the win will almost certainly depend on whether Toyota has the right strategy for this race, since it seems like whoever leads after the final round of pit stops will win. Austin Cindric utilized a killer strategy to get out of the pits first in the spring race after botching the strategy at Daytona and Talladega, so if Gibbs' crew chief Tyler Allen is paying attention, he might be able to replicate that feat, but don't count on it.
--Sean Wrona - RotoBallerSource: Racing Reference
October 19, 2025
After Justin Haley was released from Spire Motorsports this week, many observers are expecting Daniel Suárez to be his replacement. One way of likely ensuring that would be if he wins at Talladega today. The Trackhouse Racing cars have tended to consistently have speed on these tracks, what with Ross Chastain winning the first Next Gen race here in 2022 and Suárez leading 28 laps in that race and earning top ten finishes in four of the six races since, but he's neve finished better than eighth here and over half his career laps led came in that one race. Suárez has a knack for emerging at the finish of these races, so he might be worth considering for Place Differential points, especially because he starts a mere 26th. He certainly has a lot on the line.
--Sean Wrona - RotoBallerSource: Racing Reference
October 19, 2025
Considering the dominance the Fords in general and the Penske Fords in particular have shown on drafting tracks in recent years, it wouldn't come as much surprise if Josh Berry won at Talladega on Sunday, especially after the inferior Harrison Burton already won at Daytona in the Penske-aligned Wood Brothers car last year. However, in general, you don't want to start drivers who start near the front for DFS play on drafting tracks since finishes are far less predictable at this track type than any other, meaning drivers are far more likely to lose positions when starting at the front here than anywhere else, and Berry starts sixth. Furthermore, even if you were considering him for lap-leader points, Talladega races have fewer laps than any other oval (188), so Berry is probably not a good choice, especially since he's never finished better than 16th here.
--Sean Wrona - RotoBallerSource: Racing Reference
October 19, 2025
Although Austin Dillon has won two drafting-track races, both of those came at Daytona, where he roughed up the leader. Although theoretically anyone could win at Talladega, Dillon seems like he would have only the remotest chance because to win at Talladega, you still need to be able to put yourself in the lead, and even though Dillon has earned seven top-10 finishes at Talladega, including each of the last two races, he has only led four career laps here. Since the last few Talladega races haven't even been very crash-prone, the likelihood of him backing into a win is less likely than you would think as well. He may still be worthy of consideration for place-differential points since he only starts 21st, but there are probably better choices starting worse.
--Sean Wrona - RotoBallerSource: Racing Reference
October 19, 2025
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver
Darnell Mooney (hamstring) is expected to suit up for Sunday night's matchup with the 49ers despite not practicing on Friday and only getting in two limited sessions earlier in the week. The 27-year-old suffered a hamstring injury in Week 4 and missed Week 6 despite having a bye to get healthy in Week 5, so even though coach Raheem Morris has stated that he believes Mooney will play, it will be hard to trust the sixth-year wideout for fantasy. If he ultimately plays, the Tulane product will take on a San Francisco defense that has been very susceptible to the pass as of late, allowing the fourth-most passing yards per game over the last three weeks without pass rusher Nick Bosa (knee) and linebacker Fred Warner (ankle), who are both out for the season. Mooney has plenty of competition for targets in this offense, with
Drake London,
Kyle Pitts Sr., and
Bijan Robinson accounting for nearly 70 percent of the target share in 2025, leaving the veteran receiver as a risky WR5 this week. With it being the Sunday night game as well, fantasy managers may want to consider other options in the event he's ruled out prior to game time.
--Jarod RuppSource: ESPN
October 19, 2025
The Atlanta Falcons defense/special teams has surprised this season, registering the fewest opponent yards per game in the NFL (253.4) and the fewest passing yards per contest (139.4), while tallying 14 sacks thus far, which is a 47-sack pace after logging just 31 sacks in 2024. The team currently ranks in the top 12 fantasy defenses and will square off with the 49ers on Sunday night. San Francisco will again be without quarterback
Brock Purdy (toe) and
Ricky Pearsall (knee), although
George Kittle (hamstring) returns to the field for Week 7. The Falcons will again be without safety Billy Bowman Jr. (hamstring), but the squad was able to limit the Bills to 14 points in Week 6 without the rookie. While Atlanta's D/ST has outperformed expectations thus far, it projects as a low-end option this week on the road, albeit with some upside if they can continue their current trajectory.
--Jarod RuppSource: ESPN
October 18, 2025
Detroit Lions wide receiver
Kalif Raymond (personal) missed his team's Saturday practice for personal reasons, but he will not carry any designation into Detroit's Week 7 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night. Raymond has seen his role in the team's offense shrink over the past two weeks. He suffered a neck injury that forced him to exit Detroit's Week 5 contest against the Cincinnati Bengals early. However, he was able to suit up in Week 6 against the Kansas City Chiefs and played just two offensive snaps. Even in what profiles as a high-scoring matchup against the Buccaneers, Raymond appears unlikely to see many opportunities in the passing game. He should remain off the radar of fantasy managers in Week 7.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
October 18, 2025
Detroit Lions rookie wide receiver
Isaac TeSlaa played a season-high 46% of his team's offensive snaps in Week 6 against the Kansas City Chiefs. However, the 23-year-old failed to earn a target, marking the third time in his last four games that TeSlaa has not recorded a reception. TeSlaa has flashed a high upside at certain points this season, as two of his three catches have gone for touchdowns. Still, he's impossible for fantasy managers to trust as a starter, even heading into a favorable Week 7 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tampa Bay currently ranks 23rd in the NFL in passing yards allowed (1,520), and Lions quarterback
Jared Goff attempted 55 passes in his last matchup against the Buccaneers in Week 2 of the 2024 season. TeSlaa could avoid being blanked for a second straight game should the Lions be forced into a pass-heavy game script in Week 7, but he should remain out of the starting lineups of fantasy managers.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
October 18, 2025
The Detroit Lions' defense struggled in Week 6, allowing 30 points on the road to the Kansas City Chiefs. Given the current state of the team's secondary, things won't get any easier in Week 7 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Top Lions cornerback D.J. Reed (hamstring) is on Injured Reserve due to a hamstring injury, while CB2 Terrion Arnold (shoulder) will miss his second straight game due to a shoulder injury. Detroit's star safety duo of Kerby Joseph (knee) and Brian Branch (suspension) will also be sidelined in Week 7. On the bright side, the Lions could be getting healthier up front, as defensive tackle Alim McNeill (knee) could make his season debut after starting the season on Injured Reserve while recovering from a knee injury. Additionally, the Buccaneers will be missing wide receiver
Chris Godwin (fibula), and star wideouts
Mike Evans (hamstring) and
Emeka Egbuka (hamstring) are game-time decisions. Still, Detroit's patchwork secondary makes its defense a unit for fantasy managers to avoid in Week 7.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
October 18, 2025
Detroit Lions kicker
Jake Bates has benefited from his team's high-powered offense through the first six weeks of the season, as Bates has both attempted and made the most extra-point tries (24) in the NFL. The 26-year-old has also knocked in seven of nine field goal attempts. The Lions will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7 in what looks on paper like a high-scoring affair. The two teams are currently averaging a combined 59.3 points per contest. Bates will also have the advantage in Week 7 of kicking at home inside the domed Ford Field, so weather will not play a factor in the kicking game. Bates profiles as a must-start kicker in Week 7 against Tampa Bay.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
October 18, 2025
Detroit Lions tight end
Sam LaPorta has surged over the past two weeks, recording 10 catches for 147 yards and two touchdowns on 12 targets after hauling in 16 catches for 177 yards and zero touchdowns on 21 targets in his first four games played. LaPorta and the Lions will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7 in a game that looks like it could turn into a shootout. Tampa Bay currently ranks 23rd in the NFL in passing yards allowed (1,520). Detroit will be without both starting safeties and its top two corners, so the offense could be under immense pressure to keep putting points on the board. LaPorta profiles as a must-start fantasy tight end in Week 7 against the Buccaneers.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
October 18, 2025
Detroit Lions wide receiver
Jameson Williams had his best game of the season in Week 6 against the Kansas City Chiefs, hauling in six catches for 66 yards and a touchdown on seven targets. Williams could be well-positioned to build on his breakout Week 6 game in Week 7 when the Lions take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tampa Bay currently ranks 23rd in the NFL in passing yards allowed (1,520) and has allowed the fourth-most receptions of 40-plus yards (four). In the most recent meeting between these two teams in Week 2 of the 2024 season, Williams was targeted a career-high 11 times and recorded five catches for 79 yards. He profiles as a high-upside WR3/flex option for fantasy managers in Week 7.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
October 18, 2025
Detroit Lions wide receiver
Amon-Ra St. Brown has been a consistent producer so far this season, hauling in 44 catches for 452 yards and six touchdowns on 51 targets through six games. The 25-year-old has recorded at least seven targets and seven catches in five straight contests. St. Brown could be set up for another high-volume day in Week 7, as the Lions will take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a game that profiles as a shootout. The Bucs currently rank 23rd in the NFL in passing yards allowed (1,520) and have allowed the fourth-most receptions of 40-plus yards (four). The last time these two teams squared off in Week 2 of the 2024 season, St. Brown earned a whopping 18 targets, hauling in 11 catches for 119 yards. He profiles as a must-start fantasy wide receiver in Week 7 against Tampa Bay.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
October 18, 2025
Detroit Lions running back
David Montgomery earned just four carries and two receptions in the team's Week 6 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, the second time in his last three games that Montgomery has logged single-digit touches. The Lions are reportedly making it a focus to get the ball into Montgomery's hands more often heading into their Week 7 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, Tampa Bay is currently allowing the fifth-fewest yards per carry (3.7) in the NFL so far this season, so it could be tough sledding on Monday night for Montgomery. When these two teams faced off in Week 2 of the 2024 season, Montgomery logged just 35 rushing yards on 11 carries, although he did haul in four catches for 35 yards. Montgomery is still a decent bet to find the end zone even if he struggles from a yardage perspective, which makes him a high-end flex option for fantasy managers in Week 7.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
October 18, 2025
Detroit Lions running back
Jahmyr Gibbs has been a featured piece in his team's offense all season long, recording 502 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns on 110 total touches. However, Gibbs has seen his role in the passing game decrease in recent games. After earning 19 targets across the first three weeks of the season, he's seen just six over the last three. If Gibbs is not featured as a receiver in Week 7, he may have a difficult time producing against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tampa Bay currently ranks fifth in the NFL in yards per carry allowed. If there's a bright spot for Gibbs, it's that he logged seven receptions in Detroit's Week 2 matchup against Tampa Bay last season. The 23-year-old still profiles as a must-start fantasy running back in Week 7, even in a less-than-ideal matchup against the Buccaneers.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
October 18, 2025
Through six weeks, Detroit Lions quarterback
Jared Goff leads the NFL in both completion percentage (75.9%) and touchdown passes (14). The Lions were held to just 17 points by the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 6, but the team is still averaging 31.8 points per contest. Detroit will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7 in a matchup that looks on paper like it should be a shootout. The Bucs currently rank 23rd in the NFL in passing yards allowed (1,520) and have allowed the fourth-most receptions of 40-plus yards (four). The Lions will go into the game without both starting safeties and their two top cornerbacks, so the pressure could be on Goff and the offense to keep the pedal to the metal from start to finish. Goff profiles as a solid fantasy starter in single-quarterback formats in Week 7 against Tampa Bay.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
October 18, 2025
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Green Bay Packers running back
Josh Jacobs (illness) is considered "a true game-time decision" for the week 7 meeting with the Arizona Cardinals. He's still listed as questionable. However, Schefter added that the team won't know if the veteran can suit up until Sunday. Jacobs has played well throughout the 2025 campaign, amassing 359 yards and six touchdowns off 98 carries while catching 15 passes for 176 yards. Without question, his absence would be a tough blow for fantasy managers. If that's the case,
Emanuel Wilson will be in line for more work and should draw streaming interest for the favorable matchup versus Arizona.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Adam Schefter
October 18, 2025
The Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly ready to spend big this offseason. According to Jon Heyman, the Dodgers are expected to pursue outfielder
Kyle Tucker this offseason. This should come as no surprise given the Dodgers pursuit of elite talent over the last few years. The Dodgers consider the outfield an area of need and Tucker is expected to be the best outfielder available on the market. He slashed .266/.376/.464 with 22 home runs, 73 RBI, and 25 stolen bases in 134 games with the Chicago Cubs this past season. His numbers did take a dip in the second half, but Tucker still figures to get an enormous contract this winter. This deal would make sense for both sides, but we'll see who else goes after Tucker this offseason.
--Andy WebbSource: New York Post
October 18, 2025
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Arizona Cardinals quarterback
Kyler Murray (foot), who is not expected to play in Sunday's game against the Packers, is in line to return for the Monday night meeting with the Cowboys on November 3, after the team's Week 8 bye. Murray appeared to have a chance to suit up in Week 7. However, the Cardinals will give him a few more weeks to heal. Assuming Murray is officially ruled out,
Jacoby Brissett will be back under center after throwing for 320 yards, two touchdowns, and one pick off 27-for-44 passing in the loss to the Colts in Week 6. With a difficult matchup on the horizon versus a tough Packers defense, Brissett isn't the safest fantasy option in most formats. Still, with so many injuries at the position, he will have some value for those participating in Superflex setups.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Adam Schefter
October 18, 2025
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder
George Springer (knee) was forced to make an early exit from Friday's Game 5 after getting hit by a pitch. He was pulled from the contest after taking a fastball off the knee in the seventh inning. Springer underwent testing that came back negative for any structural damage. Jays' manager John Schneider told reporters on Saturday that Springer is feeling much improved. All signs are pointing towards Springer being available for Sunday's Game 2 against the Seattle Mariners. The team will likely wait until closer to first pitch before making a final decision.
--Andy WebbSource: Mitch Bannon
October 18, 2025
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Las Vegas Raiders tight end
Brock Bowers (knee) isn't expected to suit up for Sunday's AFC West showdown with the Chiefs. If that's indeed the case, it will mark his third straight absence. The 22-year-old began the season by catching five of his eight targets for 103 yards in the Week 1 win over the New England Patriots. However, he struggled in his next three appearances. Fortunately, it appears Bowers is trending in the right direction, with Schefter adding that the 2024 No. 13 overall pick has a "good chance" to return after the Raiders' Week 8 bye. In the meantime,
Michael Mayer, who is coming off a five-catch, 50-yard, one-touchdown effort in the win over the Titans, has streaming value for those in need of a fantasy tight end in Week 7. Of course, that's assuming Bowers will officially be ruled out.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Adam Schefter
October 18, 2025
The San Francisco Giants are reportedly nearing a deal that would make Tony Vitello the next manager of the team. The Giants parted ways with veteran manager Bob Melvin after a frustrating conclusion to their 2025 campaign. In an odd turn of events, the Giants are close to hiring Tennessee Volunteers head coach as their new manager. It's extremely rare for someone to go from college straight to managing a professional team without any prior experience. Vitello does have plenty of success at Tennessee, including a National Championship in 2024. He has done an excellent job of turning around that program since he took over in 2017. This would certainly give the Giants dugout a new voice and maybe one that they need in 2026.
--Andy WebbSource: New York Times
October 18, 2025
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Los Angeles Chargers activated linebacker Denzel Perryman (ankle) ahead of the Week 7 matchup with the Colts. The 32-year-old played sparingly this season, suffering an ankle injury during the Week 1 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Brazil. Unfortunately, that landed him on the Injured Reserve list. Perryman has an impressive resume. While he is nowhere near what he was back in 2021, when he made the Pro Bowl as a member of the Las Vegas Raiders, his anticipated presence isn't an ideal scenario for the 5-1 Colts, especially since Khalil Mack (elbow) was also activated off the IR. For now, Perryman remains questionable, but it appears he's trending toward being active in Week 7.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Adam Schefter
October 18, 2025
Seattle Mariners starting pitcher
Logan Gilbert has been named the starting pitcher ahead of Game 6 of the ALCS against the Toronto Blue Jays. As expected, Gilbert will get the ball as he attempts to get his team to the World Series for the first time in franchise history. Gilbert gave up three runs (two earned) across three innings of work during Monday's Game 2. The right-hander holds a 2.45 ERA, 1.27 WHIP with 11 strikeouts in 11 innings this postseason. He only threw 58 pitches during his last outing, so he should be fairly fresh for this contest.
--Andy WebbSource: Ryan Divish
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