👉 TAP TO SAVE 30% WITH CODE NEW
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

Week 7 Matchups - Fantasy Football Game Breakdowns (Part 1)

Fantasy football lineup advice based on Week 7 matchups. Chris Mangano gives his In-depth matchups analysis, lineups start and sit recommendations, and players he loves or hates.

Welcome to our Week 7 matchups analysis and starts/sits column for fantasy football. We'll be covering every matchup from every Sunday game to help you make the best decisions for your fantasy lineups. We'll also be updating this as injury reports come in so check back often.

This article will cover the early slate of games, beginning at 1 PM ET on Sunday. Also, check out our late game matchups analysis and our MNF matchups analysis (released on Saturdays).

Check back here each week to get advice for your toughest start/sit decisions and take a look at our consensus rankings each week. Find me on Twitter @ChrisMangano for more insight and help to your start/sit questions.

Featured Promo: Looking for some more fantasy football action? Adopt a dynasty orphan team over at FFPC. Sign up today and get $25 off any FFPC league. Sign Up Now!

 

Matchups Analysis - 1:00 PM ET Games

The early slate has eight games this week including another London game that starts at 6:30 AM. Set those lineups in time by analyzing each matchup below to gain the best advantage.

 

Titans at Chargers

Matchups We Love:

None

Matchups We Hate:

Marcus Mariota (QB, TEN)
Mariota has only thrown for more than 129 yards once and does not have a touchdown in four of his five games played. The Chargers are not an overly difficult matchup for passers, allowing 276 yards and two touchdowns per game, but Mariota has looked so bad that he cannot be trusted in any format.

Jonnu Smith (TE, TEN)
Smith only has four catches for 49 yards on the season and has just five more targets than Luke Stocker. The Chargers allow less than five catches and 50 yards to tight ends, so both Smith and Stocker should be benched.

Other Matchups:

Dion Lewis (RB, TEN)
Lewis is playing 68% of the Titans snaps and has just 12 fewer carries than Derick Henry. He has out-targeted Henry 27 to six, however, and has 23 receptions. His work in the passing game is keeping him barely fantasy relevant, and he gets a decent matchup this week against a Chargers defense allowing 4.4 YPC and over five receptions to running backs. Lewis is nothing more than a PPR flex play.

Corey Davis (WR, TEN)
Davis leads the Titans with 50 targets and an impressive 30% target share but has turned that opportunity into just 27 catches and one score. His quarterback play is really holding him back. The Chargers do give up 165 yards and more than one touchdown per game to opposing wideouts, so opportunity should be there again, but he can't be considered more than a low floor flex play.

Philip Rivers (QB, LAC)
Rivers had just his second game throwing for less than 250 yards, but has thrown two or more touchdowns in each contest. The Titans are tough on quarterbacks, allowing just 217 yards and barely more than one touchdown per game. Still, Rivers has been playing great and must remain in the QB1 conversation, even if just barely.

Melvin Gordon (RB, LAC), Austin Ekeler (RB, LAC)
Gordon is playing 71% of the Chargers snaps and has out-carried Ekeler 91 to 41 and out-targeted him 42 to 17. Still, Ekeler has value in this high-volume offense. The matchup this week is good as the Titans allow over 100 yards on the ground but do pretty well against backs in the passing game. Still, in what will likely be positive game script Gordon is a must-start. Ekeler should be viewed as more of a desperation flex play.

Keenan Allen (WR, LAC)
For the first time all season, Allen had less than seven targets. Still, he remains the Chargers clear number one receiver and despite his lack of touchdowns offers a safe weekly floor. He should be a safe start once again facing off against a Titans defense that allows over 13 catches per game to receivers. Allen is still a weekly WR1 albeit with a lower ceiling than most.

 

Texans at Jaguars

Matchups We Love:

None

Matchups We Hate:

Deshaun Watson (QB, HOU)
Despite getting lit up by Dak Prescott and the Cowboys, the Jaguars remain one of the top passing defenses in the game allowing just 200 yards and under one touchdown per game to quarterbacks. Watson is also dealing with a chest injury that appeared to impact his performance last week. With the state of the QB landscape, there should be plenty of better options this week.

Lamar Miller (RB, HOU)
Miller returned from his one-week absence and logged 67% of the snaps and had 15 carries to Alfred Blue's seven, while each got three targets. Miller will now have to contend with a Jaguars defense allowing just 3.6 YPC and giving up barely four catches per game to running backs. Miller is nothing more than a low-end flex play based on volume.

Will Fuller (WR, HOU), Keke Coutee (WR, HOU)
As long as both Fuller and Coutee are active it will be hard to trust either. In the last two weeks, Fuller has played 91% of snaps but has just six targets, while Coutee has played 72% of snaps but has 12 targets. Now, in a tough matchup against a Jaguars secondary that is giving up barely 11 catches and less than 130 yards to receivers, neither can be counted on. Don't take last week's anomaly against the Cowboys as a sign that this defense is suddenly weak.

Ryan Griffin (TE, HOU)
Griffin has 14 targets, six catches, and 65 yards over the last two games but can be avoided against a Jaguars unit allowing less than four catches per game to tight ends.

T.J. Yeldon (RB, JAX)
Yeldon has yet to rush for more than 58 yards in a game thus far but does have three or more catches in every game but one. The Texans are stingy on the ground, yielding just 3.4 YPC. If there is an area Yeldon can do well in it is the passing game where the Texans allow six receptions to receivers per game. Yeldon is a risky play in a tough spot.

Other Matchups:

DeAndre Hopkins (WR, HOU)
Despite the emergence of Keke Coutee, Hopkins still has a 27% target share over the last two weeks and has caught 14 passes for 214 yards with one score. The Jaguars are one of the toughest units against receivers, and Hopkins will see plenty of stud corner Jalen Ramsey, but he is too good to bench though you should temper expectations this week.

Blake Bortles (QB, JAX)
Bortles continued his feast or famine ways, as he now has three games with at least 376 yards and three games with under 180 yards. He has at least thrown a touchdown in every game but one. The Texans are not a tough spot, allowing 250 yards and two touchdowns per game to quarterbacks. Bortles is just too hard to trust for single quarterback leagues and is playable only in two-quarterback formats.

Keelan Cole (WR, JAX), Dede Westbrook (WR, JAX)
Over the last two weeks, Cole has out-targeted Westbrook 14 to 10 and has eight catches to Westbrook's six, though Westbrook has the only score over that span. The Texans are a middle-of-the-pack defense versus receivers, giving up just over 12 catches and 15o yards per game to opposing wideouts. Cole is the preferred play based on target share and is a WR3/4 type. Westbrook has flex appeal.

James O'Shaughnessy (TE, JAX)
With Austin Seferian-Jenkins out, O'Shaugnessy has 11 targets and seven catches over the team's last two games. He gets a favorable matchup against a Texans defense allowing almost five catches and over 60 yards per game to the position. There is risk in starting him, no doubt, but if you're desperate you could do worse.

Carlos Hyde (RB, JAX)
On Friday Hyde was traded to the Jaguars, but is not expected to play this week.

 

Panthers at Eagles

Matchups We Love:

Devin Funchess (WR, CAR)
Despite the return of tight end Greg Olsen, Funchess led the team with eight targets in Week 6 and has a 21% target share on the season. He gets a great matchup in Week 7 as he faces an Eagles secondary allowing the second most catches to receivers and 200 yards per game. Funchess is an easy start.

Matchups We Hate:

Greg Olsen (TE, CAR)
Olsen returned from his foot injury and managed to stay healthy the entire game, turning seven targets into four catches for 48 yards. This week he has to square off with the stingiest defense versus the tight end, as the Eagles allow the fewest receptions and yards to the position. If possible you should look for a better option.

Nelson Agholor (WR, PHI)
Since Alshon Jeffrey returned in Week 4, Agholor has just a 17% target share with 11 catches for 157 yards. The Panthers are not a tough matchup for receivers, but not a great one either, and with Agholor's lack of involvement he is hard to trust as anything more than a low-end PPR flex.

Other Matchups:

Cam Newton (QB, CAR)
Newton has only thrown for over 300 yards once all season but has 36 or more rushing yards in all but one game and 12 total touchdowns. The Eagles give up passing yards, over 290, but are allowing just one touchdown per game. Still, Newton does enough with his legs and is always a threat to run one in. He can't be benched.

Christian McCaffrey (RB, CAR)
McCaffrey continues to log a massive amount of snaps as he has played 95% of them, but he's had more than 10 carries just twice all year. He continues to be a fixture in the passing game, however, with 14 targets and 12 receptions over the last two games. The Eagles are stout against the run, holding backs to 3.8 YPC and less than 60 yards on the ground but are allowing the fourth most receptions. McCaffrey may once again do little on the ground, but his work in the passing game gives him a safe floor especially in PPR formats.

Carson Wentz (QB, PHI)
Wentz has eight touchdowns over the last three games and has thrown for over 300 yards in two of them, and gets a decent matchup against a Panthers secondary allowing 250 yards and just under two touchdowns per game to passers. Wentz isn't carrying the same upside he had a year ago but remains a weekly must start.

Corey Clement (RB, PHI), Wendell Smallwood (RB, PHI)
With Jay Ajayi on I.R. for the first game in Week 6, Smallwood out-snapped Clement 44 to 26 and out-carried him 18 to 11, but Clement got the goal line work. With Clement a week removed from his quad injury he should see a larger role and is the preferred option of the two. The Panthers are allowing over 5 YPC on the ground so both Clement and Smallwood should have success. Unfortunately, this will likely be more of a 50/50 split in Week 7 and neither can be considered more than RB3/flex starts.

Alshon Jeffery (WR, PHI)
Since returning in Week 4, Jeffery is second only to Zach Ertz on the team in targets and has a 24% target share. The Panthers are allowing over 13 catches per game and 180 yards to wideouts, so Jeffery should see plenty of opportunity in this one. He is a solid WR2 start and is pushing for WR1 designation.

Zach Ertz (TE, PHI)
Ertz continues to be a target machine as he has a 27% target share in the three games Alshon Jeffery has played and a 28% share on the season. The Panthers allow the eighth most receptions to the position so Ertz should have another fine week. He is a must-start.

 

Vikings at Jets

Matchups We Love:

Adam Thielen (WR, MIN), Stefon Diggs (WR, MIN)
Thielen leads the league in targets, receptions, and yards, while Diggs has put up three games with over 20 points and two under eight. Both are in play this week as the Jets allow the third most receptions, 200 yards, and over one touchdown per game to receivers. Thielen is locked into every lineup, while Diggs is an upside WR2.

Matchups We Hate:

Kyle Rudolph (TE, MIN)
Rudolph is third on the team in targets but has a meager 12% target share. Now he must face a tough Jets defense that allows just 3.5 receptions per game to tight ends and less than 50 yards per game. He still has to be considered a top-10 at the position, but he will likely need to score to really pay off.

Bilal Powell (RB, NYJ), Isaiah Crowell (RB, NYJ)
Powell has out-snapped Crowell 51% to 42% and out-touched him 85 to 78. Crowell has had some monster games but Powell has been the "safest" between the two. Both are tough to trust in a matchup against a Vikings defense allowing just 3.8 YPC and 76 yards on the ground while giving up less than four receptions to backs. Both should be benched if possible.

Other Matchups:

Kirk Cousins (QB, MIN)
Cousins only has one touchdown in each of his last two games but is in a bounce-back spot against a Jets defense allowing close to 300 yards through the air and just under two touchdowns per game. Cousins continues to be a solid weekly start.

Latavius Murray (RB, MIN)
Dalvin Cook practiced on Wednesday and then was a DNP on Thursday which is never a good sign. It looks like Murray will once again get the start. He played 82% of the snaps in Week 6 with Cook out and had a monster 24/155/1 day against a bad Cardinals run defense. The Jets are better against the run, but are allowing over 4 YPC and 85 yards per game. If Cook is indeed out Murray is in the low-end RB2 range.

Sam Darnold (QB, NYJ)
Darnold has five touchdowns in his last two games and should keep things rolling against a Vikings defense allowing over 290 yards and close to two touchdowns per contest. Darnold comes with plenty of risk, but he is a fine deep-league streamer or QB2.

Robby Anderson (WR, NYJ), Jermaine Kearse (WR, NYJ)
With Quincy Enunwa out in Week 6, Kearse led the Jets with nine catches for 94 yards on 10 targets. Anderson had five targets and could only turn them into three catches and 39 yards, though he led the team with 66 air yards. The Vikings are a middle-of-the-pack defense against receivers so both Anderson and Kearse should have an opportunity. Anderson is a boom/bust WR4 while Kearse is the safer play as a WR3 type.

Chris Herndon (TE, NYJ)
Herndon only had two targets in Week 6, but he caught both and hauled in a touchdown. He has a chance to do it again as the Vikings give up the sixth most receptions and almost 80 yards to tight ends. You have to be really desperate to start him, but if you are he has a chance this week.

 

Patriots at Bears

Matchups We Love:

Julian Edelman (WR, NE), Josh Gordon (WR, NE)
Over the last two games, Edelman and Gordon are first and second on the team in targets with 16 and 13 respectively. The Bears are allowing the fourth most receptions to wideouts while also giving up over 200 yards and more than a touchdown per game. Both can be started with confidence. Both are in the WR2 range.

Tarik Cohen (RB, CHI)
Cohen has just six fewer snaps than Jordan Howard over the Bears last two games and has out-touched him 33 to 26 over that span. The Patriots allow 4.6 YPC and almost 100 yards on the ground, but the real appeal for Cohen is the fact they give up over six catches per game and 9.5 YPR. Cohen is an upside flex play, especially in PPR formats.

Matchups We Hate:

James White (RB, NE)
With the emergence of Sony Michel, White's role has diminished somewhat. He played just 42% of the team's snaps in Week 6 and he had just 11 total touches. He is still involved in the passing game but that is basically his only role now. The Bears are allowing the fourth fewest receptions to backs which is not good news for someone whose primary role is receiving. It's hard to bench White unless you have better options but owners should temper expectations.

Other Matchups:

Tom Brady (QB, NE)
Remember when people were wondering if age was finally catching up to Brady? Yeah, that was fun. Brady now has back t0 back 300-yard games and has thrown seven touchdowns over the last three. The Bears are allowing over 280 yards and two touchdowns per game to opposing quarterbacks, so there is no reason to worry about Brady in this one. He is a set-it-and-forget-it start.

Sony Michel (RB, NE)
Michel has 25, 19 and 25 touches over the last three games and is getting elite-level volume on an elite-level offense. The matchup this week will be a test, however, as the Bears allow just 3.7 YPC and only 72 yards on the ground. Still, getting that kind of volume in this kind of offense is a recipe for fantasy success. Michel is a weekly must-start at this point.

Rob Gronkowski (TE, NE)
With the return of Julian Edelman and the emergence of Josh Gordon, Gronkowski has taken a bit of a backseat and is just third on the team with 10 targets over the last two. The Bears are not a great spot either, allowing just four catches and 45 yards to the position. Still, it's Gronk, and he has as high a ceiling as any tight end. You may just want to temper expectations.

Mitch Trubisky (QB, CHI)
Trubisky followed up his six-touchdown game against the Buccaneers with a three-touchdown, 314 yard game against the Dolphins. Now he gets a Patriots defense allowing 270 yards and more than two touchdowns per game. Trubisky should keep things rolling this week and is a solid streaming option.

Jordan Howard (RB, CHI)
With the exceptional play of Tarik Cohen the last two games, Howard has seen just 25 carries. The Patriots run defense is allowing 4.6 YPC and almost 100 yards on the ground, so Howard could have success, but his lack of volume has dropped him down to more of a flex start.

Taylor Gabriel (WR, CHI), Anthony Miller (WR, CHI)
Allen Robinson didn't practice on Thursday after being limited Wednesday, usually a bad sign for a players chances of suiting up. If he sits, Gabriel and Miller are in great spots. The Patriots are giving up nearly 14 catches, 165 yards, and 1.5 touchdowns per game to receivers. Gabriel is the preferred play and can be considered an upside WR2, while Miller is an upside flex play.

Trey Burton (TE, CHI)
Burton would also see a bump if Allen Robinson were to sit, and he gets a decent matchup against a Patriots unit that gives up close to five catches and 50 yards per game. Trubisky trusts Burton and he is a solid option this week.

 

Bills at Colts

Matchups We Love:

None

Matchups We Hate:

Derek Anderson (QB, BUF)
With Josh Allen suffering an elbow injury, the Bills chose not to turn to Nathan Peterman but instead to veteran journeyman Derek Anderson. Anderson last played meaningful snaps in 2016 when he went 0-2 while throwing two touchdowns and five interceptions. Anderson attempted just eight passes last year. Saying Anderson is a risky start in one of the league's worst offenses is an understatement, and he is nothing more than a bench stash in 2QB leagues this week.

Other Matchups:

LeSean McCoy (RB, BUF)
McCoy has played 74% of the snaps over the last two weeks and has 40 carries and five receptions over that stretch. While he is finally getting the volume most hoped for, his upside is being severely limited in this offense. The Colts are holding backs to 3.7 YPC and just 89 yards on the ground, but give up over six receptions per game. McCoy should be involved enough to post low-end RB2 numbers.

Kelvin Benjamin (WR, BUF), Zay Jones (WR, BUF)
Trusting Benjamin or Jones is not something you want to have to do, but with four teams on bye, you may have too. The matchup is good as the Colts are allowing the eighth most receptions to receivers and more than one touchdown per game. The problem is their offense is inept. Maybe Derek Anderson will help, but neither Benjamin nor Jones can be considered more than a desperation flex play.

Charles Clay (TE, BUF)
Clay had five targets in Week 6 and caught four passes albeit for a paltry 20 yards. He's worth consideration this week, however, as the Colts allow the fourth most receptions to tight ends and 75 yards per game. Clay makes for an OK streaming option in deep leagues.

Andrew Luck (QB, IND)
The matchup with the Bills is not great, but Luck has attempted less than 40 passes only once and gets his star receiver T.Y. Hilton back this week. The Bills are holding opposing quarterbacks to just 236 yards and 1.5 touchdowns per game, but Luck is proving to be matchup proof. With the Colts lack of run game, he should once again attempt plenty of passes and remains a weekly QB1.

Marlon Mack (RB, IND), Nyheim Hines (RB, IND)
Although Hines out-snapped Mack 30 to 24 in Week 6, Mack seems to have put a stranglehold on the lead back job. He took 12 of the team's 19 carries and turned them into 89 yards while adding one reception. Hines had only three carries and two receptions. The Bills underrated defense is good against the run, allowing just 3.8 YPC and 77 yards on the ground. They do however give up six receptions per game, which could keep Hines in play. Mack is a low-end RB2 while Hines is a low-end PPR flex play.

T.Y. Hilton (WR, IND), Chester Rogers (WR, IND)
Hilton is set to return after a two-week absence. In the two games he missed, Rogers had 20 targets and 11 receptions. Through the team's first four games Hilton had 36 targets and a 19% target share and should once again be Andrew Luck's top target. The Bills are allowing 13.5 catches and 150 yards to wideouts so both will have chances. Hilton can be viewed as a WR2 while Rogers is now more of a flex start.

Eric Ebron (TE, IND)
With both Jack Doyle and T.Y. Hilton out in weeks five and six, Ebron led the Colts with 22 targets and put up a 13/176/3 line. While he likely takes a hit with the return of Hilton, it should be noted in weeks three and four without Doyle he had 10 catches, 73 yards, and one touchdown. The Bills are excellent against tight ends, giving up less than four receptions and 40 yards per game. Ebron is in must-start territory but you should temper expectations this week.

 

Browns at Buccaneers

Matchups We Love:

Baker Mayfield (QB, CLE)
Mayfield is a popular breakout pick at the quarterback position this week, but it should be noted he has only thrown for more than 300 yards once and has only one two-touchdown game. Still, the matchup is as good as it gets as the Buccaneers have allowed a 300-yard passer in every game this season. Mayfield comes with risk, but the upside is there and he is a great streaming choice.

Duke Johnson (RB, CLE)
Johnson out-snapped Carlos Hyde 35 to 32 in Week 6, and had four catches for 73 yards. The Bucs are actually good against the run, but allow over six catches and 66 yards through the air. Johnson should benefit and makes for an excellent PPR flex start.

UPDATE: With the departure of Carlos Hyde, I like Johnson's outlook even more. He should hopefully be even more involved going forward.

Jarvis Landry (WR, CLE), Antonio Callaway (WR, CLE)
Since Baker Mayfield took over as the starter, Landry leads the Browns with 42 targets and a 26% target share. Callaway isn't far behind with 34 targets and a 21% share. Unfortunately neither has been very successful as Landry has put up just an 18/190/1 line and Callaway a 12/105/0 line. This is a get-right spot for both, however, as the Buccaneers allow the most catches and touchdowns to receivers and over 200 yards. Landry is on the WR1 radar this week while Callaway is a high-upside, albeit risky, flex start.

David Njoku (TE, CLE)
Njoku has 32 targets with Baker Mayfield under center and an impressive 20% target share. Over the last two weeks, he has 23 targets and is in line for a monster game against a Buccaneers defense that gives up the second most receptions to the position and almost 100 yards per game. Njoku has top-five upside this week.

Matchups We Hate:

Carlos Hyde (RB, CLE)
Hyde was out-snapped by Duke Johnson in Week 6 and had his fewest carries and yards of the season. The Buccaneers actually do a good job against the run, holding backs to 3.4 YPC and just 66 yards per game. There is also the risk that Nick Chubb begins to take more work. Hyde is hard to bench at this point but this may be another dud.

Other Matchups:

Nick Chubb (RB, CLE)
In a surprise move, Carlos Hyde was traded to the Jaguars on Friday opening the door for Nick Chubb to step up and take over the primary running back role for this team. The Browns has said they wanted to get him more touches, and now he'll get his chance. Tampa's Gerald McCoy and Vinny Curry are both out for Sunday's game which is good news for Chubb, and improves the outlook overall for Cleveland's offense. Chubb is a solid RB2, but this will also be a week to monitor his usage and performance.

Jameis Winston (QB, TB)
Winston made his first start of the season and predictably torched the Falcons to the tune of 395 yards and four touchdowns. While the matchup against the Browns this week is not as soft, they are still giving up 280 yards and 1.5 touchdowns to passers per game. With the team's lack of running ability, Winston should have plenty of attempts and offers upside as a low-end QB1.

Peyton Barber (RB, TB)
Barber took advantage of a poor Falcons run defense turning 13 carries into 82 yards and catching four passes for another 24 yards and a score. The Browns are not a good run-stopping unit, allowing 4.8 YPC and over 110 yards per game. Still, Barber has done little in the run game this year and this is a high-volume passing attack. Even in a good matchup, he can't be considered more than a low-end RB2.

Mike Evans (WR, TB), DeSean Jackson (WR, TB), Chris Godwin (WR, TB)
In Jameis Winston's first start, Godwin and Jackson led the team with nine targets while Evans had just five. While Evans should operate as the main target going forward, all three have value this week against a Browns defense allowing 14 catches and 190 yards to receivers. Evans is in the WR1 range, while Jackson and Godwin are upside WR3 plays.

O.J. Howard (TE, TB), Cameron Brate (TE, TB)
Howard was expected to be out two to four weeks, but miraculously played in Week 6 and caught all four of his targets for 62 yards and a score. Brate had only one target but turned it into a 15-yard touchdown. The Browns are not a great matchup but are also not overly tough. Howard is the preferred play and is a fringe TE1 while Brate is nothing more than a touchdown-dependent dart throw.

 

Lions at Dolphins

Matchups We Love:

Kerryon Johnson (RB, DET)
With Theo Riddick having yet to practice and looking doubtful on Sunday, Johnson should see an increase in the passing game. The Dolphins allow the third-most receptions to backs and give up over 100 yards on the ground, so Johnson is an upside RB2 play.

Frank Gore (RB, MIA), Kenyan Drake (RB, MIA)
Despite out-snapping Gore 90 to 56 over the last two weeks, the ageless one has 27 carries and 164 yards during that stretch. Drake, meanwhile, has just 19 carries and 93 yards over that span but does have 11 receptions. Both are in play this week against a Lions defense giving up almost 6 YPC and 142 yards on the ground. They are also allowing over five receptions and 50 yards. Both are in the flex discussion this week and have plenty of upside.

Matchups We Hate:

Kenny Golladay (WR, DET), Marvin Jones (WR, DET)
Golladay ranks second on the team with 41 targets and Jones is third with 33. They'll each need all the targets they can handle against a Dolphins secondary led by Xavien Howard that is only giving up 11 catches and 176 yards to receivers. Howard may not shadow but it also may not matter as the matchup is tough. Neither can be considered more than a WR3 this week.

Brock Osweiler (QB, MIA)
Osweiler started in Week 6 in replace of injured Ryan Tannehill and in typical Osweiler fashion dominated the Bears defense to the tune of 380 yards and three touchdowns. Wait, what? Yes, that's right, Osweiler dominated the Bears stout defense. If you believe that is the real Osweiler than you will ignore the fact that the Lions are holding opposing quarterbacks to just 246 yards. If you think that game was a fluke (hint: it was) then he is barely startable even in two-quarterback formats. Good luck if you choose to roll with him in Week 7.

Kenny Stills (WR, MIA), Albert Wilson (WR, MIA), Danny Amendola (WR, MIA)
With Brock Osweiler making the start in Week 6 the target breakdown was Amendola 10, Wilson 7 and Stills just 2. Stills did lead the team in air yards at least, albeit with only 60. The Lions are the toughest matchup for receivers giving up less than 10 receptions and under 150 yards per game. It's tough to start any of these receivers and they should be benched if possible.

Other Matchups:

Matthew Stafford (QB, DET)
Stafford is coming off his worst game of the year against the Packers and now faces a Dolphins defense that gives up 289 yards but just one touchdown per game to passers. Stafford is tough to bench and is as safe as they come, but he can't be considered more than a fringe QB1 in this matchup.

Golden Tate (WR, DET)
Tate leads the team with 54 targets and a 26% share and will avoid Xavien Howard playing from the slot. While the matchup against the Dolphins is not great, Tate is involved enough and gets the better matchup so he should be OK. He remains a WR2, especially in PPR formats.

More Week 7 Lineup Prep




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Jonathan Isaac

Remains Out Friday
NFL

Jeremiyah Love Considered the Top Overall Talent in 2026 NFL Draft?
Jarrett Allen

Removed From Injury Report Ahead of Playoffs
Donovan Mitchell

Good to Go for Playoff Opener
Mitchell Robinson

Ready for Game 1 Against Hawks
OG Anunoby

Cleared to Play Saturday
Jalen Brunson

Available for Game 1 Saturday
Thomas Bryant

Won't Play Saturday
Immanuel Quickley

Questionable for Game 1
Kristaps Porzingis

Expected to Play Friday
Joel Embiid

Officially Out for Game 1 Against Celtics
Aaron Jones Sr.

Role in Minnesota Could Continue to Decrease in 2026
Romeo Doubs

Appears Poised for Larger Role in New England
Isiah Pacheco

Is Isiah Pacheco a Worthy Buy-Low Target for Dynasty Managers?
Rico Dowdle

Will Rico Dowdle Emerge as the Clear RB1 in Pittsburgh?
Rashid Shaheed

Can Rashid Shaheed Establish a Higher-Volume Role in Seattle in 2026?
Marcus Mariota

Set for Backup Role in 2026
Josh Hader

Moved to 60-Day Injured List
Ruke Orhorhoro

Jaguars Acquire Ruke Orhorhoro From the Falcons
NFL

Jordyn Tyson Could Come Off the Board as Early as Fifth Overall
Willson Contreras

Returns to Red Sox Lineup on Friday
Daniel Palencia

Goes on 15-Day Injured List With Oblique Strain
Jacoby Brissett

Sitting Out Offseason Workouts, Asking for Extension
Will Anderson Jr.

Texans Agree to Three-Year Extension With Will Anderson Jr.
Juan Soto

Still on Track to Return Next Week
Los Angeles Angels

Garret Anderson Dies at 53 Years Old
Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers Not Expected to Take a QB at No. 21 Overall in the Draft
NFL

Jordyn Tyson's Friday Workout to be Heavily Attended
Quentin Johnston

Chargers Shut Down Trade Rumors Surrounding Quentin Johnston
Najee Harris

a Name to Remember After the NFL Draft
Mike Malott

A Favorite At UFC Winnipeg
NFL

Malachi Fields Could Provide More Value to NFL Team Than Fantasy Managers
Gilbert Burns

Set For UFC Winnipeg Main Event
Travis Etienne Jr.

Entering a Second Dynasty Peak
Kyler Phillips

Set UFC Winnipeg Co-Main Event
Charles Jourdain

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Tyler Allgeier

Familiarity with System Could Give Him an Early Edge
Jai Herbert

An Underdog At UFC Winnipeg
Kenneth Gainwell

Should Carve Out Meaningful Role with Buccaneers
NFL

Can Zachariah Branch Actually Succeed for Fantasy?
Mandel Nallo

Set For His UFC Debut
Ja Morant

Trade Talks Likely to Resume
Karine Silva

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Washington Wizards

Brian Keefe to Return as Washington Head Coach
Luka Dončić

Cade Cunningham, Luka Doncic Cleared for Awards Eligibility
Jasmine Jasudavicius

Looks To Bounce Back
Kristaps Porzingis

Could Sit in Must-Win Game
Quinten Post

Ruled Out for Friday's Play-In Game
Robert Thomas

Wraps Up Season With a Hat Trick
Mark Williams

Could Sit in Play-In Clash
Macklin Celebrini

Establishes Sharks' New Scoring Record
Grayson Allen

Iffy for Friday's Play-In Game
Scott Wedgewood

Keeps Kraken From Scoring Thursday
Nathan MacKinnon

Wins Rocket Richard Trophy With 53 Goals
Connor McDavid

Secures Sixth Art Ross Trophy With Four-Assist Performance
Connor Dewar

Ready for Game 1
Nikita Grebenkin

Unavailable at Start of Playoffs
Mac Jones

Is Mac Jones Worth Stashing in Dynasty Leagues?
Parker Messick

Flirts With No-Hitter in Latest Gem Against Orioles
Jock Landale

Hawks Plan to Re-Evalute Jock Landale in Two Weeks
Mike Trout

Hits Five Homers in Series Versus Yankees
Jonathan Isaac

Considered Questionable for Matchup Versus Hornets
Moussa Diabaté

Moussa Diabate Listed as Questionable for Friday
Joel Embiid

Expected to Miss Start of Playoffs
CGY

Arsenii Sergeev to Make NHL Debut Thursday
Aleksander Barkov

Cleared for World Championship
Pierre-Luc Dubois

Dealing With Fractured Hand
Zach Whitecloud

Ready to Rock Thursday
Matt Coronato

Available Against Kings
Josh Manson

Expected to Return for Postseason
Nathan MacKinnon

Martin Necas Sit Out Regular-Season Finale
Spencer Arrighetti

Fans 10 in Season Debut, to Remain a Focal Point in Rotation?
Nick Pivetta

Dealing With Flexor Strain, Could Miss Months
Nico Hoerner

Homers, Drive in Five in Win Over Phillies
Shota Imanaga

Strikes Out 11 in First Win of the Season
Sal Stewart

Continues to Hit, Goes Deep Twice on Wednesday
Shohei Ohtani

Strikes Out 10 in Win Over Mets
Connor Bedard

Has Two Assists in Season Finale
Claude Giroux

Sends Out Two Assists in Battle of Ontario Win
Tye Kartye

Registers First Career Three-Point Game
Owen Power

Records Two Assists Wednesday
Esa Lindell

Tallies Two Points in Regular-Season Finale
Reilly Smith

Produces Three-Point Performance Wednesday
Shane Wright

Returns With a Goal Wednesday
Shohei Ohtani

Will Pitch on Wednesday, But Won't DH
Nick Pivetta

Confident he'll Pitch Again This Year
Trevor Story

Carries Red Sox With Five RBI on Wednesday
Sam Antonacci

Officially Called Up by White Sox
Jorge Soler

Suspension Reduced to Four Games
Harrison Bader

Giants Place Harrison Bader on 10-Day Injured List With Hamstring Strain
CFB

Michigan Lands Commitment From Quarterback Kamden Lopati
Ketel Marte

Serving as Designated Hitter on Wednesday
Kevin McGonigle

Tigers, Kevin McGonigle Agree to Eight-Year Contract Extension
Sahith Theegala

Brings Strong Form Into Harbour Town
Wyndham Clark

Needs Putter to Show Up at RBC Heritage
Jacob Bridgeman

Looks to Return to Elite Form at Harbour Town
J.J. Spaun

a Volatile Option at RBC Heritage
PGA

Sungjae Im Offers High-Upside Value at RBC Heritage
Matt Fitzpatrick

Set for Another Strong Showing at RBC Heritage
Jason Day

Eyes Bounce-Back After Sunday Struggles at the Masters
Akshay Bhatia

Looking to Rebound at Harbour Town
Cameron Young

Hoping to Secure Second Win of Season at RBC Heritage
Scottie Scheffler

Looks to Win Again at RBC Heritage
Shane Lowry

Has Disappointing Final Round at Masters
Viktor Hovland

Hoping to Build on Final Round at Masters
Brian Harman

Struggling For Consistency Heading to RBC Heritage
Chris Gotterup

Putting Together Outstanding 2026 Season
Justin Thomas

Looks to Defend in Hilton Head
Jordan Spieth

in Search of Improved Putting at RBC Heritage
Marco Penge

May Continue Up-and-Down Ride at the RBC Heritage
Xander Schauffele

Could Get The Job Done at RBC Heritage
Jake Knapp

Keeps Building Strong Results in 2026
Kurt Kitayama

Trying to Regain Form From Florida
Collin Morikawa

Continues to be a Scary DFS Play at RBC Heritage
CFB

Tramell Jones Jr. Outperforms Aaron Philo During Florida's Spring Scrimmage
CFB

Keelon Russell Flashes in Alabama's Spring Game
Ty Gibbs

Holds off the Field for His First Cup Series Victory at Bristol
Ryan Blaney

Earns His First Runner-Up Finish at Bristol
Kyle Larson

Dominant Performance At Bristol Falls Short of Victory
Tyler Reddick

Matches his Career-Best Finish at Bristol
Alex Bowman

Crashes Early at Bristol in Return From Injury
Carlos Ulberg

Is The New Light Heavyweight Champion
Jiří Procházka

Jiri Prochazka Suffers First-Round Knockout Loss
Azamat Murzakanov

Suffers His First Loss
Paulo Costa

Wins Back-to-Back Fights
Curtis Blaydes

Drops Decision At UFC 327
Josh Hokit

Remains Unbeaten
Carson Hocevar

Is Carson Hocevar A Worthy DFS Option for Bristol Lineups?
NASCAR

Could Bubba Wallace Be A Solid DFS Option for Bristol Lineups?
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF