RADIO
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
Tacko Fall Ruled Out Against Cavaliers
Philadelphia 76ers center Tacko Fall (quadriceps) is out for Thursday's home opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 30-year-old missed the entire preseason with a separate left hip strain before landing a two-way deal Saturday, and he also sat out Tuesday's win over New York. Fall hasn't appeared in an NBA game since 2021-22, so his absence carries little fantasy weight. Adem Bona should continue handling the backup center minutes behind Joel Embiid after recording three rebounds, one assist, and one block in 10 minutes Tuesday. With Dominick Barlow (back) and Ariel Hukporti (Achilles) also out and Dean Wade (ankle) questionable, Philadelphia could turn to more small-ball looks with LeBron James.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
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
Bradley Beal Sidelined Through the Weekend
Los Angeles Clippers guard Bradley Beal (knee) won't play this week or travel for Sunday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to Joey Linn. The 33-year-old continues to manage right knee inflammation after recovering from surgery for last season's left hip fracture, and there remains no firm timetable for his return. His absence should keep rookie Keaton Wagler involved after he posted 15 points, five rebounds, and five assists in Wednesday's opener, while Darius Garland handled much of the scoring with 30 points. Beal had yet to resume five-on-five work earlier this month, so there is still little reason to expect a quick return.
Source: Joey Linn
Source: Joey Linn
Yanic Konan Niederhauser Out This Week for Clippers
Los Angeles Clippers center Yanic Konan Niederhauser (foot) is making progress but won't play this week or travel for Sunday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to Joey Linn. The 23-year-old underwent surgery in March after suffering a right Lisfranc injury against Indiana. Niederhauser averaged 4.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in 10.3 minutes across 41 games as a rookie but was trending up before getting hurt, posting 8.2 points and 6.2 rebounds over his final five appearances. Isaiah Jackson started Wednesday's opener, while Brook Lopez had 17 points and 11 rebounds off the bench, leaving Niederhauser with a crowded path to minutes once cleared.
Source: Joey Linn
Source: Joey Linn
Max Strus Ruled Out for Clippers' Road Trip
Los Angeles Clippers forward Max Strus (foot) will remain out this week and won't travel for Sunday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to Joey Linn. Strus is progressing from the partial plantar fascia tear in his right foot that he suffered during the preseason opener and is due to be reevaluated four weeks after the injury. Kris Dunn started alongside Darius Garland on Wednesday, producing seven points, seven assists, three steals, and two blocks. With Brandon Ingram (Achilles) and Bradley Beal (knee) also sidelined, Dunn should retain meaningful minutes and offers more immediate fantasy value through his defensive production.
Source: Joey Linn
Source: Joey Linn
Brandon Ingram Remains Sidelined This Week
Los Angeles Clippers guard/forward Brandon Ingram (Achilles) will remain sidelined this week and will not travel for Sunday's road game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The two-time All-Star is making progress after undergoing surgery on his right heel in May that also addressed a partially torn Achilles tendon, but there is still no timetable for his return. Ingram averaged 21.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists across 77 games for Toronto last season. Rui Hachimura should continue starting in his absence, while rookie Keaton Wagler has a path to steady bench usage after posting 15 points, five rebounds, and five assists in Wednesday's opener.
Source: Joey Linn
Source: Joey Linn
Jarrett Allen Questionable for Season Opener Against 76ers
Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (knee) is questionable for Thursday's season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers with right patellar tendinopathy. The 28-year-old dealt with severe tendinitis in the same knee last March, missing 10 games before acknowledging the discomfort was still lingering entering the playoffs. Allen averaged 12.7 points and 7.2 rebounds across 18 postseason games. If he sits, Evan Mobley would likely spend more time at center, while Jaylon Tyson could see a larger role after making 42 starts and shooting 44.6 percent from three last season. Khalifa Diop's (knee) absence could also open up a few extra reserve minutes for Thomas Bryant.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
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
