October 16, 2025
Cincinnati Bengals kicker
Evan McPherson has struggled to find fantasy relevance to start the 2025 season. Through six games, McPherson has converted six of eight field goal attempts and 11 extra points, averaging just 5.5 fantasy points per game, which ranks 36th among all kickers. The injury to quarterback
Joe Burrow has limited scoring opportunities across the Bengals' offense, directly impacting McPherson's production. Even with a Thursday Night Football matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have been shaky defensively, McPherson remains a risky fantasy option due to his limited opportunities in the struggling Cincinnati offense.
Fantasy managers should look elsewhere for a more reliable kicker in Week 7.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
October 16, 2025
Cincinnati Bengals tight end
Noah Fant could see an uptick in usage following the injury to
Mike Gesicki. In his first season with the Bengals, Fant has caught 16 of 18 targets for 107 yards and a touchdown through five games but has been held back by the team's tight end committee, playing only 35% of the offensive snaps. With Gesicki now on injured reserve, Fant's snap share should increase, though
Tanner Hudson may also see expanded involvement as well. The Week 7 matchup is an intriguing one, as the Pittsburgh Steelers have surrendered the fourth-most fantasy points per game to tight ends this season, including a breakout performance by rookie
Harold Fannin Jr. in Week 6. While Fant remains too risky to start this week, he's a name to monitor moving forward if his role grows within the Bengals offense.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
October 16, 2025
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver
Andrei Iosivas struggled in his first game catching passes from
Joe Flacco in Week 6, recording just one reception for five yards and dropping three passes in the loss to the Green Bay Packers. Despite the poor performance, Iosivas continues to see strong usage, playing 81% of the offensive snaps and lining up in the slot on 64% of those plays (fifth-highest rate in the NFL). With
Mike Gesicki (pectoral) on injured reserve, there's a chance Iosivas' role in the passing game could expand in the coming weeks. The Bengals face a Pittsburgh Steelers defense in Week 7 that has allowed the eighth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers this season. Iosivas needs to clean up his drops, but his snap share and slot usage make him a deep-league dart throw in a favorable matchup.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
October 16, 2025
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver
Tee Higgins enters Week 7 looking to bounce back after a disappointing start to the 2025 season. Through six games, Higgins has managed 18 receptions for 220 yards and two touchdowns, a sharp decline from his breakout 2024 campaign. The
Joe Burrow injury has taken a toll on the entire Bengals offense, but none more than Higgins, who has struggled to find consistent production without Burrow. However, there were signs of life in Week 6 with
Joe Flacco under center, as Higgins recorded his season highs in receptions and receiving yards, potentially hinting at better days ahead. The Week 7 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers is a favorable one, as they've allowed the eighth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers and have given up 15+ PPR points to
Garrett Wilson,
Justin Jefferson, and
Jaxon Smith-Njigba this season. Even with the improved quarterback play and friendly matchup, Higgins remains a risky WR3 in Week 7.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
October 16, 2025
Cincinnati Bengals star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase is heating up at the right time, delivering back-to-back strong performances after an up-and-down start to the season. Over his last two games, Chase has caught 16 of 22 targets for 204 yards and three touchdowns, flashing the elite form that made him the overall WR1 in 2024. His inconsistency early this season stemmed largely from
Joe Burrow's toe injury, which limited the offense's rhythm and explosiveness. Now, with
Joe Flacco taking over under center, Chase appears to have retained his former production to a certain extent. The Week 7 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers sets up well, as Pittsburgh has allowed the eighth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers this year, surrendering 18+ PPR points to stars like
Garrett Wilson,
Justin Jefferson, and
Jaxon Smith-Njigba. With a favorable matchup and an improving quarterback situation, Chase profiles as a mid-range WR1 in Week 7.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
October 16, 2025
Cincinnati Bengals running back
Chase Brown has been a major disappointment in the 2025 season. After a breakout campaign in 2024, Brown has managed just 304 scrimmage yards and one touchdown through six games. The third year back is averaging only 2.7 yards per carry, with just 1.2 yards before contact (last among qualified RBs) and 1.5 yards after contact (fourth worst). The injury to quarterback
Joe Burrow has severely limited the Bengals' offense, and Brown has struggled to find any rhythm on the ground. His Week 7 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers won't make things any easier, as they have allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to running backs this season. Unless Brown sees a spike in receiving volume, it's hard to justify starting him in any fantasy format this week. Consider Brown a desperate flex option at best in Week 7.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
October 16, 2025
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback
Joe Flacco made his team debut in Week 6, completing 31 of 45 passes for 290 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Expectations were understandably modest for the veteran, as he had limited time to prepare and faced one of the league's toughest defenses in the Green Bay Packers. While he's still without a full week of practice under his belt, Flacco should have a stronger command of the Bengals' playbook and offensive system heading into Week 7. He draws a divisional matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have allowed the eighth-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks this season. While the matchup is appealing on paper, the uncertainty surrounding Flacco's chemistry with his new teammates and the overall understanding of Cincinnati's offense make him a risky fantasy option. Fantasy managers should avoid starting Flacco in all formats this week until he proves capable of fully replacing
Joe Burrow.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
October 16, 2025
Running back
Isiah Pacheco of the Kansas City Chiefs is coming off a high mark for involvement following last Sunday's victory against the Detroit Lions, and he could see a continued workload in the weeks to come. Pacheco played 77% of the Chiefs' offensive snaps against Detroit, the most of any running back on the team, which was also his highest mark since Week 1 of 2024. Just more than a year removed from a broken leg, Pacheco's numbers Sunday were more in line with 2023, during which he averaged 17 touches per game. With a solid 4.2 yards per carry so far, he could see more games like the one he just played against the Lions.
--Nick PiotrowiczSource: Pro Football Reference
October 16, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver
Mike Evans (hamstring) is expected to return to practice on Thursday ahead of the team's Monday Night Football matchup against the Detroit Lions. Evans has missed the past two games with a hamstring injury, which has plagued him at various points throughout his career. With his anticipated return to practice, there's a strong chance he suits up against Detroit. The matchup is a favorable one, as the Lions have surrendered the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season. Given the current injuries to
Chris Godwin (fibula) and
Emeka Egbuka (hamstring), Evans should immediately reclaim a heavy target share in the passing game. Assuming he's active, Evans profiles as a high-end WR2 for Week 7, with legitimate upside to post WR1 numbers as he continues his pursuit of a 12th consecutive 1,000-yard season.
--Nathan HarveySource: Rick Stroud - Tampa Bay Times
October 16, 2025
Set to play his first game of the season after serving a six-game suspension, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver
Rashee Rice is expected to play a big role in the offense right away with the Chiefs taking on Las Vegas in Week 7. An injury and a suspension have kept Rice off the field for significant portions of his 2.5 seasons in the NFL, but when he's been available, he's been a difference maker. Drawing a career average of 6.5 targets per game, the former SMU standout put up seven touchdowns and 653 yards after catch in his lone full season in 2023. With an enticing matchup against the Raiders, Rice is going to be a starting lineup fixture in all formats this week.
--Nick PiotrowiczSource: Pro Football Reference
October 16, 2025
Coming off 54 total yards and a touchdown last week, Arizona Cardinals running back
Bam Knight (knee) looks to be a continued part of the team's backfield in the absence of its top two running backs.
James Conner (ankle) is out for the year and
Trey Benson (knee) isn't eligible to return until Week 10, giving Knight some low-end roster appeal while splitting carries with
Michael Carter. Both backs drew exactly 11 carries last week against Indianapolis, a split workload that seems likely as long as Benson is unavailable. Knight was limited in Wednesday's practice, however, which managers will want to monitor as game day gets closer.
--Nick PiotrowiczSource: Pro Football Reference
October 16, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard has seen his stock rapidly rise following a series of injuries to the Bucs' receiving corps. The veteran wideout has at least three targets and two catches in every game this season and enters Week 7 just inside the top 50 of PPR receivers, making him a solid depth option for managers in need of additional help in the weeks to come. As receivers Mike Evans (hamstring), Chris Godwin (leg), and Emeka Egbuka (hamstring) deal with injuries, Shepard should have a continued role within Tampa's offense. The veteran has more than 400 career catches to his name, making him a safe if unspectacular addition to a fantasy roster.
--Nick PiotrowiczSource: Pro Football Reference
October 16, 2025
After a season-best performance last week, New York Giants wide receiver
Lil'Jordan Humphrey has quickly risen as a name to watch in deeper leagues with fellow receiver
Malik Nabers (knee) out for the year. The former Texas standout saw a 17% increase in roster pickups in Sleeper dynasty formats, making him one of the most popular adds of the week. Humphrey was playing mostly because an injury to
Darius Slayton (hamstring) further thinned out the Giants' receiver room, making Humphrey's role a bit of a wild card in future weeks. The veteran wideout has only surpassed 20 catches in a season once in his previous six years, topping out at 31 with Denver last year, so managers should likely temper expectations for him, especially against a tough Denver defense this week.
--Nick PiotrowiczSource: Pro Football Reference
October 16, 2025
With the Tampa Bay Buccaneers facing a rash of injuries at wide receiver, one of the team's answers could be tight end
Cade Otton, who is playing an impressive number of snaps and coming off a season high in targets. Otton has played more than 90% of Tampa's snaps for five weeks in a row and has continued to see more work in the passing game. The fourth-year tight end caught nine of 11 targets for 132 yards during the past two games, and although he's looking for his first touchdown of the season, he figures to be a high-quality fantasy TE2 or bye week fill-in against Detroit in Week 7. The Bucs' first injury report of the week will be worth watching, however, as receivers
Mike Evans (hamstring),
Emeka Egbuka (hamstring), and
Chris Godwin (leg) are all dealing with injuries.
--Nick PiotrowiczSource: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
October 16, 2025
Detroit Red Wings goaltender Cam Talbot recorded his third consecutive victory with a 20-save effort in Wednesday's 4-1 win over the Florida Panthers. Talbot kept the Red Wings ahead in the game before the team secured two points with a pair of empty-net goals. Detroit brought in John Gibson over the summer, but he had a nightmare in the season opener, and Talbot has provided the team with much safer hands. He boasts a perfect 3-0-0 record with a 1.78 goals-against average and a .932 save percentage. Gibson has already been confirmed as the starter for Friday's matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning. If he struggles again, we may see Talbot run away with the starter's job in Motown.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
October 16, 2025
Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard delivered three assists in Wednesday's 8-3 road victory over the St. Louis Blues. The Blackhawks traveled to St. Louis as huge underdogs but came away with two points thanks to Bedard's 10th career three-point effort. Bedard doubled his points tally for the season and now boasts two goals and four assists through five contests. While it's too early to say if Bedard can maintain this scoring pace all season, the Blackhawks look much more competitive this year, and that should help Bedard keep his offensive production high.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
October 16, 2025
Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy (knee) was officially ruled out of Saturday's contest against Alabama on Wednesday's official injury report. The potential first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft suffered a torn ACL in January and has yet to make his season debut in 2025. With McCoy and Ricky Gibson out of action again, breakout Colorado transfer Colton Hood and freshman Ty Redmond will have their hands full with wideouts Germie Bernard, Ryan Williams, and Isaiah Horton. Tennessee ranks last in the SEC in passing yards allowed per game (257.8) through Week 7.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: SEC Injury Report
October 16, 2025
Buffalo Sabres left wing Zach Benson racked up four assists in his season debut on Wednesday, helping his squad beat the Ottawa Senators 8-4. Benson, who had missed the first few games of the campaign due to a facial injury, registered assists in all situations, starting off with a short-handed helper in the second period. He logged nearly a minute and a half on the penalty kill, while spending 3:43 on the power play. During even-strength play, Benson was partnered with Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch on the first line. The trio scored a combined eight points, so it's safe to assume that they will stick together for a while.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
October 16, 2025
Alabama running back Jam Miller (head) was listed as questionable on Wednesday's official injury report for the upcoming matchup against No. 11 Tennessee. The Senior was banged up in last week's win over Missouri and is in concussion protocol. "Jam is continuing to move along here throughout the week," head coach Kaleb DeBoer said Wednesday night during his radio show. "But there's, we call it the protocol. Everyone knows it as the protocol. You've got to meet those steps throughout the week." Miller missed the team's first three games of the season before returning and providing a spark to the Tide's rushing attack. In three contests, Miller has posted 58 rushing attempts for 267 yards and one score. If he can't play on Saturday, Kevin Riley should operate as the lead back.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: SEC Injury Report
October 16, 2025
Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Cam York (lower body) is expected to make his season debut in Thursday's encounter with the Winnipeg Jets. York practiced for a third straight day on Wednesday, and the team is expected to activate him from Injured Reserve ahead of Thursday's game. With York's return, the Flyers receive help on both ends of the ice, as the 24-year-old blue-liner posted 17 points (four goals, 13 assists) and 126 blocks in 66 outings last season. York is expected to join Travis Sanheim on the first defensive pairing Thursday night, with Emil Andrae coming out of the lineup. Philadelphia has reassigned him to the minors.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
October 16, 2025
San Jose Sharks defenseman John Klingberg (lower body) is considered day-to-day. The Swedish veteran has sustained a lower-body injury ahead of Friday's meeting with the Utah Mammoth. Klingberg has kicked off his career in San Jose with two points (one goal, one assist) in three games. He's collected both of his points on the power play. On the defensive end, Klingberg has contributed four blocks and three hits. Since Timothy Liljegren (upper body) is also nursing an injury, the Sharks may have two new blue-liners in the lineup on Friday. The team has carried Shakir Mukhamadullin and Vincent Desharnais as extra defensemen.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
October 16, 2025
New York Rangers defenseman Will Borgen (lower body) missed Wednesday's practice and may be unavailable on Thursday against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Borgen has registered one assist, four shots, six blocks, and eight hits with a plus-two rating across the first five games of the season. The Rangers have recalled Scott Morrow from the minors to potentially take Borgen's place in the lineup. Connor Mackey is also an option to fill in for Borgen. The Rangers defense has already lost Carson Soucy (upper body), who landed on Injured Reserve Sunday.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
October 16, 2025
Boston Bruins defenseman Hampus Lindholm (lower body) remains day-to-day ahead of Thursday's matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights. He's at risk of missing a third consecutive game due to a lower-body injury. Jordan Harris has filled in for Lindholm during his absence and will go again on Thursday if needed. The former Montreal Canadiens player has performed well, grabbing points in back-to-back games with a goal and an assist against the Buffalo Sabres and Tampa Bay Lightning. Due to health issues, Lindholm has made only 19 appearances since the start of last season, so this likely isn't the only time Boston will need Harris' services this campaign.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
October 16, 2025
Detroit Pistons guard
Jaden Ivey (undisclosed) is considered day-to-day, Hunter Patterson of The Athletic reports. Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said Wednesday that Ivey is "working through some things," leaving his status up in the air for Thursday's preseason finale against the Washington Wizards. Heading into the preseason, Ivey was declared healthy after his 2024-25 campaign ended in early January due to a broken fibula. The 23-year-old logged 14 minutes in Detroit's first preseason game on Oct. 6 but has been sidelined since. This is a bit concerning, but there are currently no indications that Ivey's status for the season opener is in doubt.
--Taavi PailkSource: Hunter Patterson
October 16, 2025
New York Knicks guard/forward
Josh Hart (back) is making progress, but it's unclear if he will be available for Friday's preseason finale against the Charlotte Hornets, Kristian Winfield of the New York Daily News reports. Back spasms have disrupted Hart's preparations for the new NBA season, and he has only been a limited participant in practices. Missing preseason has been a big blow for Hart, as he could have used the games to re-establish his spot among the starting five. The versatile veteran was moved to the bench during the 2025 playoffs, and there have been suggestions that new head coach Mike Brown could prefer
Mitchell Robinson over Hart as a starter.
--Taavi PailkSource: Kristian Winfield
October 16, 2025
Memphis Grizzlies forward/center
Jaren Jackson Jr. (toe) made his preseason debut in Wednesday's matchup against the Charlotte Hornets, notching 17 points in 22 minutes during a 145-116 loss. Jackson Jr. was very active offensively, taking 20 shots from the field. Unfortunately, he made only seven attempts. Three of his makes came from downtown on nine shots. Jackson Jr. also grabbed a pair of rebounds and had one block with one assist. Seeing Jackson Jr. on the floor Wednesday night will have been a pleasant surprise for fantasy managers, as he was initially expected to miss the start of the 2025-26 regular season due to offseason toe surgery. The Grizzlies star will get one more preseason game on Friday against the Miami Heat to work himself into shape before things get serious.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
October 16, 2025
Sacramento Kings forward
Keegan Murray (thumb) has signed a five-year, $140 million contract extension. He had one year remaining on his rookie deal. The 25-year-old has been a solid performer for the Kings, averaging 13.3 points and 5.6 rebounds for his career. Last season, he registered a career-high 6.7 rebounds per game, though Murray's offensive production dipped to 12.4 points due to poor three-point shooting. Due to a thumb injury, Murray must sit out the start of the 2025-26 campaign. He will be re-evaluated in early November. The Kings will be missing a regular starter until Murray returns, creating an interesting dynamic on the team early in the season, especially after Sacramento snapped up
Russell Westbrook, who will be an additional option in the rotation.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA.com
October 16, 2025
Sacramento Kings forward/center
Domantas Sabonis (hamstring) didn't finish Wednesday's preseason matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers, ESPN's Anthony Slater reports. He suffered a right hamstring injury during the game, exiting in the fourth quarter after logging 24 minutes. Sabonis finished with 15 points, 14 rebounds, and five assists. Hamstring injuries usually take several weeks to heal, so it's possible the Kings have to begin their season without Sabonis.
Drew Eubanks could land a starting role in his absence, while
Dario Saric and
Maxime Raynaud are also options at the five position.
--Taavi PailkSource: Anthony Slater
October 16, 2025
Boston Celtics guard/forward
Jaylen Brown (hamstring) left Wednesday's 110-108 preseason win against the Toronto Raptors early due to a hamstring problem. He logged only seven minutes of action before exiting the game with hamstring tightness. This was certainly a worrying sight, but Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla downplayed the injury postgame. "Talked to him after, he said he would be fine," Mazzula told reporters. "But I didn't get a full update." Boston starts the regular season on Oct. 22 against the Philadelphia 76ers, and Brown's health will be a key storyline to follow as the season approaches.
--Taavi PailkSource: Celtics on CLNS
October 16, 2025
Cincinnati Bengals tight end
Tanner Hudson (concussion) was ruled out for Thursday Night Football against the Steelers, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic reports. Hudson suffered a concussion in the Week 6 loss to the Packers and wasn't able to clear concussion protocol on a short week. Fellow tight end
Mike Gesicki (pectoral) was also injured during the game and will miss time.
Noah Fant and
Drew Sample will be lined up for more opportunities, with Fant as likely as the top pass-catching option. Fant has been productive in a limited sample so far this season, hauling in 16 of his 18 targets for 107 yards and a touchdown.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Paul Dehner Jr.
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