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
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Week 7 Rankings Analysis: Nick Mariano vs. Industry Consensus

Editor's Note: Last week, Nick was ranked #7 overall on the experts accuracy results. And two weeks ago, he was ranked #3 overall. His rankings have been among the most accurate in the fantasy football industry. Pretty impressive stuff. 

Below he compares his ranks to the rest of the industry again for Week 7, and tells you who he likes more or less than the other experts. So read up, take this man's advice, and be sure to follow all of his rankings for Week 7 (PPR, Half-PPR and Standard leagues).

Editor's Note: New users that sign up on Fantasy Aces, make a $20 deposit, and enter any game will receive our full season NFL (or NBA) Premium Pass for free, a $59.99 value. Just email [email protected] with your new FantasyAces username - and boom, that's it! We will email you with your Premium pass.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

Week 6 Recap

Week 6 went pretty well, as we talked up Eli Manning as a bounceback candidate, tempered expectations on Jamaal Charles’ usage, said Cameron Meredith was for real and even picked out C.J. Fiedorowicz as a nice low-owned TE play.

It wasn’t all sunshine though, as Joe Flacco failed to find paydirt despite our call of him hooking up with Mike Wallace on a deep bomb, Willie Snead was the odd man out in the CAR-NO shootout and Devontae Booker couldn’t really deliver thanks to Denver falling on their face against San Diego. While the #7 finish overall out of the 140+ FantasyPros expert isn't as good as the #3 from Week 5, we'll take it!

Now it’s time to review my rankings for Week 7 and look at how they stack up against the Expert Consensus, commenting on any standouts or points of contention. Assume standard rankings when I say that a player is X spots ahead or below consensus.

 

Week 7 Quarterbacks - Rankings Analysis

There really aren’t that many great plays at the top this week, but headlining things is Mr. Matt Ryan. He’s under center for the best offense in the NFL thus far (33.2 PPG) and gets to play at home against a poor SD defense in a game that boasts the highest Vegas point total of the week at a whopping 53.5 points. That’s why Philip Rivers is #3 of course.

Outside of that I’ve got Andy Dalton a couple spots higher than the field, currently at #7 vs. their #10 consensus ranking. They’re facing Cleveland, who rank a “blah” 19th against the run per FootballOutsiders' DVOA, but are an embarrassing 30th against the pass. With Jeremy Hill likely not at 100%, look for Dalton to whip it himself.

I’ve also swapped Alex Smith and Russell Wilson at #13 and #15, because Arizona is looking a bit revamped out there (though playing the Jets helps) and gets to play at home versus a version of Wilson that clearly isn’t full strength. Meanwhile Smith gets to take on the Saints at home, and while KC’s commitment to the conservative run game can be maddening, the opportunity is still ripe here for a guy who has performed better at home thus far. Aside from that SD-ATL game, this is the only other one with a point projection of over 50.

 

Week 7 Running Backs - Rankings Analysis

*Doug Martin was listed here, but with the news of his injury setback we've removed that portion. As of this update on the night of 10/19, I have Jacquizz Rodgers at #18 compared to a the consensus ranking of #26, but that may be more from my fellow experts not updating their rankings yet.

My cohorts also have Chris Ivory and T.J. Yeldon back-to-back at #29 and #30, respectively. I think Ivory deserves a little more separation given that he out-touched Yeldon 13 to 7 in Jacksonville's Week 6 victory, including the one goal-line carry. When dealing with a committee, I'm going to give much more of a nod to the guy with the best chance at scoring six, let alone when he's also the one getting more touches.

So who is slipping in the ranks? How about Chicago’s Jordan Howard (#18 vs. #13 consensus), who is coming off of a disappointing Week 6 that saw his snap count go down to 69% from 95% with the return of Ka’Deem Carey. So his usage was scaled back, but the icing on the “uh-oh” cake here is that the Bears are on the road for a gritty divisional game against a Green Bay defense that ranks third against the run per DVOA. None of that is ideal, and despite Green Bay's recent struggles, I doubt Chicago controls this game enough to "put the game away" with their rushing attack.

 

Week 7 Wide Receivers - Rankings Analysis

Brandon Marshall was listed at #7 according to the consensus, but I’m not willing to put that much confident in the Jets offense, no matter how many targets Marshall gets flooded with in lieu of Eric Decker’s absence. As a result, I’ve got him at #11 outside of the top-10, and he’ll likely drop as the week progresses. It's not Marshall's fault and honestly the matchup against Baltimore is good (25th in DVOA against opposing #1 WRs), but the QB situation is hot garbage personified. Sigh.

Ty Montgomery (+9) and Adam Humphries (+14) are also both late movers who are likely buried a bit in the consensus rankings due to their respective situations being connected to recent injury news. Eddie Lacy is reportedly out for several weeks and James Starks has already been confirmed as such, so the Packers traded for Knile Davis and will likely lean on Montgomery out of the backfield for the foreseeable future. This may not mean rushes, but double-digit targets out of the flat are well within his range of outcomes. As for Humphries, he’ll also benefit a bit from Vincent Jackson heading to the IR and should see upwards of seven targets.

 

Week 7 Tight Ends - Rankings Analysis

So that whole Humphries benefiting from Jackson’s injury? It also goes for Cameron Brate, who I’ve got four slots higher than the consensus at #11 now that he should get an extra target or two. With Jackson on the shelf, Brate is now the only real sizable threat alongside target monster Mike Evans, who is likely to draw lots of coverage in the red zone (though he’ll still be a beast). Look for Brate to regularly see 7-10 targets from Jameis Winston from here on out.

Gary Barnidge is also a sneaky upside guy, as Terrelle Pryor is dealing with a hamstring injury (I’m sure he’ll be fine, but still) and Cincinnati has quietly been awful against tight ends this season (28th per DVOA). Barnidge has also topped 50 yards with at least five targets in each of his last four games, so he has a lot going for him despite not scoring a touchdown yet.

I’d rather talk more about the skill positions than include kicker or defense, as they are far less interesting to me. Feel free to send me a vitriolic message should you want them back, I’ll listen I swear.


Check out all of RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings. Staff rankings are updated regularly for all positions and include standard formats, PPR scoring, tiered rankings and dynasty leagues.




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

CBJ

Mikael Pyyhtia Re-Signs With Blue Jackets for One Year
UTA

Caleb Desnoyers Expected to Miss 12 Weeks After Wrist Procedure
Tyson Foerster

on Track to Be Healthy for Season Opener
NHL

Olivier Rodrigue Signs KHL Deal
NHL

Emil Bemstrom to Join Swiss Team
Payton Pritchard

Reportedly Moving Into Starting Lineup
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Expected to Return Friday
Michael King

Heading to 15-Day Injured List
Aaron Nola

to Return on Sunday
Quinshon Judkins

Won't Face Formal Charges
Sam LaPorta

To "Miss a Little Bit of Time"
Rashee Rice

Disciplinary Hearing Scheduled For Late September
Chris Godwin

Likely to Start the Season on PUP List?
Kevin Durant

Rockets Not Interested in Keeping Kevin Durant with Max Extension
Paul Goldschmidt

Could Land on the Injured List
NBA

Isaiah Mobley Joins Turkish Team
NBA

Cole Swider Links Up with EuroLeague Powerhouse
Ethan Thompson

Joins Heat for Training Camp
Los Angeles Clippers

Clippers Add Jason Preston for Training Camp
Stefon Diggs

Unsure About Availability for Week 1
Jakob Marsee

Homers Twice in Seven-RBI Night
Owen Caissie

Cubs Promoting Owen Caissie to Majors
Miguel Amaya

Going on 10-Day Injured List With Sprained Ankle
Max Muncy

Scratched With Side Soreness on Wednesday
Josh Hader

Will be Out Longer Than Two Weeks
Matt Chapman

Out in Series Finale With Hand Soreness
Justin Jefferson

Won't Practice This Week, Will be Re-Evaluated Next Week
Oneil Cruz

Placed on Seven-Day Concussion Injured List
Wyatt Langford

Out Wednesday With Forearm Tightness
Adolis García

Adolis Garcia Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Sprained Ankle
Nolan McLean

to Make MLB Debut on Saturday
Akshay Bhatia

a High-Upside Play at BMW Championship
Robert MacIntyre

a Safe Play at BMW Championship
PGA

Sungjae Im a Risky Play at BMW Championship
Xander Schauffele

Chases Big Week at BMW Championship
Shane Lowry

Aims to Rebound at BMW Championship
Si Woo Kim

Looks to Build Momentum at BMW Championship
Matt Fitzpatrick

Looking to Rebound at BMW Championship
Patrick Cantlay

Eyeing Another BMW Championship Victory
Jac Caglianone

Tallies Four Hits in Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday
Jacob Misiorowski

Scheduled to Throw a Bullpen on Tuesday
Neemias Queta

Wants to Raise His Free-Throw Attempts
Anfernee Simons

Celtics Stuggling to Trade Anfernee Simons
James Cook

Bills Agree on Four-Year Extension
Cole Anthony

Focuses on Winning with Bucks
NBA

Jesse Edwards Moves to Australia
Kessler Edwards

Joins Nuggets
Brice Turang

Dealing With Pinky Injury
Willson Contreras

Exits Early Tuesday With Right-Foot Bruise
Oneil Cruz

Leaves Tuesday's Game with Apparent Head Injury
Bradley Beal

Feeling Rejuvenated in Los Angeles
Frankie Montas

Moves to Bullpen, Hopes for Reset in Relief Role
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Looking "Incredible"
PIT

Chad Ruhwedel Retires From NHL
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. to be Activated Soon
MIN

Jack Johnson Signs Tryout Deal with Wild
Ryker Evans

Kraken Extend Ryker Evans with Two-Year Deal
Rondale Moore

Out for the Season With Knee Injury
Christian Watson

Likely to Begin Season on PUP List
Jordan Love

Undergoes Procedure on Left Thumb
Bud Cauley

Needs a Big Result in Maryland
Harris English

Confident for BMW Championship
Jason Day

Faces Uphill Battle at BMW Championship
Cameron Young

Hot at the Right Time
J.J. Spaun

Rolls in After Near Miss in Memphis
Brian Harman

is a Longer Shot Heading to Maryland
Corey Conners

Appears Safe This Week in Maryland
Daniel Berger

Must Play Better at BMW Championship
Miami Heat

Kai Jones Works Out for Heat
Sacramento Kings

Russell Westbrook Likely to Join Kings
Golden State Warriors

Al Horford Expected to Sign with Warriors if He Doesn't Retire
Jonathan Kuminga

Reportedly Leaning Toward Accepting Golden State's Qualifying Offer
Cam Thomas

"Increasingly Interested" in Signing Qualifying Offer
Sepp Straka

Withdraws From BMW Championship
Maverick McNealy

Finishes Tied for 28th at FedEx St. Jude Championship
Scottie Scheffler

Finishes Tied For Third at FedEx St. Jude Championship
Collin Morikawa

Finishes Tied For 22nd at FedEx St. Jude Championship
Rory McIlroy

Finishes Tied For Seventh at Open Championship
Brandon Aiyuk

Could Return in Week 6
Boston Celtics

Miles Norris Waived by Celtics
Javonte Green

Inks Deal With Pistons
Anthony Hernandez

Extends His Win Streak To Eight
Roman Dolidze

Submitted At UFC Vegas 109
Ode' Osbourne

Drops Decision At UFC Vegas 109
Steve Erceg

Gets Back In The Win Column
Angela Hill

Outclassed At UFC Vegas 109
Angela Hill

Iasmin Lucindo Dominates Angela Hill
Christian Rodriguez

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Andre Fili

Gets Back in the Win Column
Miles Johns

Drops Split Decision At UFC Vegas 109
Miles Johns

Jean Matsumoto Edges Out Miles Johns To Win Split Decision
Eryk Anders

Suffers First-Round TKO
Christian Leroy Duncan

Scores First-Round TKO Win
Alexander Mattison

Will Miss Entire Season With Neck Injury
Zayne Parekh

Has Sights Set on Making Flames Roster
Hampus Lindholm

Fully Healthy for New Season
NHL

Nathan Bastian Joins Stars on One-Year Contract
Christopher Bell

Good Pit Strategy Helps Elevate Christopher Bell to Second
William Byron

Extends Championship Lead with Fourth-Place Finish
Ryan Blaney

Despite Finishing Sixth, Watkins Glen Might've Been Ryan Blaney's Best Road Race
Alex Bowman

Loses Ground Above Playoff Cutline, but Still Pretty Safe
Kyle Larson

Finishes Last After Brake Failure and Spin
Chris Buescher

Scores Another Top-5 Run At Watkins Glen
Ryan Preece

Earns Stage Points, but Loses Ground to the Playoffs At Watkins Glen
William Byron

Keeps the Regular Season Points Lead After Watkins Glen
Chase Briscoe

Continues His Hot Streak With A Top-5 Finish At Watkins Glen
Chase Elliott

Top-20 Streak Ends at Watkins Glen After Pit Struggles
Josh Giddey

Bulls Still Apart In Contract Negotiations
Matthew Stafford

Will Return to Practice on Monday
Tyjae Spears

to Miss a Couple of Weeks
Rondale Moore

Expected to Miss Season
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen the Heavy Favorite to Win at Watkins Glen
Kyle Larson

Is Kyle Larson a Must-Play in DFS at Watkins Glen?
Chase Elliott

an Easy Pick to Make in DFS at Watkins Glen
Chris Buescher

Trying to Repeat at Watkins Glen
Tyler Reddick

Struggling to Find Speed at Watkins Glen
Michael McDowell

a Legitimate Threat at Watkins Glen
Joey Logano

Has Been Solid at Watkins Glen in Next Gen Car
Todd Gilliland

Has Upside at Watkins Glen
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

. has Favorable Watkins Glen Record
Justin Haley

Fastest in Practice at Watkins Glen
Riley Herbst

Could Be A Sneaky DFS Play
Tyjae Spears

Picks Up High-Ankle Sprain in Loss
Jayden Reed

Wearing Walking Boot
Tyjae Spears

Carted Off on Saturday
Rachaad White

Won't Return on Saturday
James Cook

Not Willing to Play During Contract Dispute
Anthony Richardson Sr.

Plans to Practice Saturday

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP