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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.

Editor's Note: The FFPC Baby Gorilla Tournament is now open, featuring a $100,000 grand prize and a $675,450 total prize pool! This 12-team, Tight End Premium contest uses a 20-round draft format, with the overall winners determined by total points scored during Weeks 15–17. Get $25 to use toward your first entry by signing up through our link. Grab your team now! Sign Up Now!

 

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.




REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Juan Soto

X-Rays Come Back Negative on Juan Soto's Ankle
MLB

Jacob Misiorowski Pulled Early With Possible Leg Injury
Juan Soto

Exits Wednesday's Game Early with Ankle Injury
Tim Patrick

Jets Agree to Terms With Veteran Receiver Tim Patrick
Malik Nabers

Undergoes Second Knee Surgery
De'Von Achane

Dolphins, De'Von Achane Agree to Four-Year Contract Extension
Kevin Huerter

is Cleared to Return for Game 5
Caris LeVert

is Available for Game 5 on Wednesday
Duncan Robinson

is Out for Game 5
Keegan Murray

Undergoes Ankle Procedure
Josh Giddey

Undergoes Ankle Surgery
Pete Fairbanks

Returns From Injured List
Christian Yelich

Out With Back Tightness on Wednesday Night
Nathan MacKinnon

Chasing History Wednesday
Ryan Poehling

Won't Be an Option for Game 6
Sam Malinski

Set to Miss Second Straight Game
Artturi Lehkonen

Unlikely to Play Wednesday
Matthew Schaefer

Wins Calder Trophy
TOR

Maple Leafs Fire Head Coach Craig Berube
Jalen Hurts

Can Jalen Hurts Bounce Back as a Rusher in 2026?
Robby Snelling

Placed on 15-Day Injured List with Elbow Sprain
Zach Charbonnet

Dynasty Value in Question Entering 2026
DeVonta Smith

Poised to Reach a New Level of Production in 2026?
Chris Olave

Facing Increased Target Competition in New Orleans Entering 2026
Chris Bell

Dynasty Stock Rising Following NFL Draft
Ted Hurst

Facing Uphill Battle for Playing Time in Tampa Bay
Francisco Alvarez

Mets Place Francisco Alvarez on Injured List With Torn Meniscus
Max Fried

Dealing With Left Elbow Posterior Soreness
CFB

NFL Veteran Tom Moore Joins Iowa Coaching Staff
CFB

Can Cam Cook Dominate in Return to Big 12?
Chris Brazzell II

Is Chris Brazzell II the Top Deep Threat in Carolina's Receiver Room?
Kaelon Black

a Threat to Win Backup RB Job in San Fran?
CFB

ACC, Big 12 Support 24-Team College Football Playoff
De'Zhaun Stribling

to be 49ers' New "F" Receiver?
CFB

Anthony Colandrea Looking to Elevate Nebraska Back to National Contention
Drew Allar

Steelers "Uninstalling" Everything Drew Allar Learned in College
CFB

Kwazi Gilmer Set for Big Impact at Nebraska
Ja'Kobi Lane

Is Ja'Kobi Lane the Pass-Catching Answer the Ravens Have Been Seeking?
Zachariah Branch

Does Zachariah Branch Have a Path to Immediate Production?
Max Klare

Can Max Klare Separate Himself in Rams' Tight End Room?
Eli Stowers

the Tight End of the Future in Philadelphia?
Justin Thomas

Trending Well Ahead of PGA Championship Despite Concerning Form
J.J. Spaun

Trending Up Ahead of PGA Championship
Adam Scott

Riding Strong Form Into PGA Championship
Patrick Reed

Looking to Make Another Run at PGA Championship
PGA

Sungjae Im Looks to Build on Strong Finish at Truist Championship
Sam Burns

Must Keep Ball in Play at PGA Championship
Jordan Spieth

Looks to Complete Career Grand Slam at Aronimink
Brandt Snedeker

Not the Best Option for the PGA Championship
Rasmus Hojgaard

a Volatile Option at PGA Championship
Germie Bernard

Already in a Tough Spot to Hold Dynasty Value
Ayo Dosunmu

Has Busy Night in Game 5
Maverick McNealy

Seeking Better Start in Philadelphia
Harry Hall

a Boom-or-Bust Option at Aronimink
Jaden McDaniels

Notches 17 Points in Game 5 Loss
Denzel Boston

a Smart Bet to Meet or Exceed Value in Dynasty Rookie Drafts
Hideki Matsuyama

Attempts to Improve Over 2025 PGA Championship
Scottie Scheffler

Looks to Defend PGA Championship at Aronimink
Julius Randle

Posts a Double-Double in Losing Effort
Matthew Stafford

a Sell Candidate with Touchdown Regression Likely on its Way
Nicolai Hojgaard

Wants to Keep Momentum Rolling in Philadelphia
Anthony Edwards

Held to 20 Points in Game 5 Loss
Ben Griffin

Attempting to Bounce Back After Truist Championship
CFB

Transfer Defensive Lineman Devarrick Woods Commits to Clemson
Keldon Johnson

Comes Alive in Game 5 Against Timberwolves
Jayden Reed

Dynasty Value Tethered to His Underwhelming Usage
Harris English

Will Need His Putter to Thrive at Aronimink
Stephon Castle

Makes All-Around Impact in Game 5
Victor Wembanyama

Leads Spurs to Big Win in Game 5
Akshay Bhatia

Creative Flair Could Show Itself in Philadelphia
Keegan Bradley

Knows the Aronimink Golf Club Well
Mason McTavish

Delivers Two Assists Tuesday Night
Pavel Dorofeyev

Pots Two Goals in Vital Game 5 Win
Josh Doan

Records Two Assists in Game 4 Victory
Evgeni Malkin

Penguins Want Evgeni Malkin Back
Sidney Crosby

Joins Team Canada for World Championship
Ryan Poehling

Suffers Upper-Body Injury in Game 5 Loss
Si Woo Kim

Struggles at Truist Championship
Gary Woodland

Can Continue Incredible 2026 Season at PGA Championship
Xander Schauffele

In Excellent Form Heading to PGA Championship
Brandon Nimmo

Leaves Game on Tuesday with Apparent Ankle Injury
Philadelphia 76ers

76ers Part Ways With Daryl Morey
Kevin Huerter

Iffy for Game 5 Against Cavaliers
Dylan Harper

Cleared for Action Tuesday
De'Aaron Fox

Available for Game 5 Against Timberwolves
Caris LeVert

Remains on Injury Report With Heel Issue
Duncan Robinson

Listed as Questionable for Game 5
Memphis Grizzlies

Brandon Clarke Dies at Age 29
Charlie McAvoy

Slapped With Six-Game Suspension
Jonas Brodin

Unavailable for Game 5 Against Avalanche
Joel Eriksson Ek

to Remain Out Wednesday
Sam Malinski

Day-to-Day With Upper-Body Injury
Jacob Wilson

A's Place Jacob Wilson on Injured List With Shoulder Subluxation
Artturi Lehkonen

Considered Day-to-Day
Charlie Coyle

Lands Six-Year Extension
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

to Start Game 4 Against Canadiens
Drew Helleson

Unavailable for Game 5
Radko Gudas

Still Out Tuesday
Christian Yelich

Brewers Reinstate Christian Yelich From Injured List
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Admits He Wasn't Close to Returning Before Season Ended
CFB

Isaac Brown Has All-American Upside in 2026
LeBron James

Uncertain About Future After Season-Ending Loss
CFB

Nyck Harbor Heading into Breakout Year?
CFB

Notre Dame, USC in Discussions to Resume Rivalry Series
CFB

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele Has Eyes on ACC Title
CFB

Ahmad Hardy's Gunshot Wound Not Viewed as Career-Threatening
A.J. Ewing

Mets to Call Up Top Prospect A.J. Ewing
Mookie Betts

is Officially Back on Monday
Nathan Eovaldi

Scratched From Monday's Start With Side Tightness
Henry Bolte

Athletics to Promote Top Outfield Prospect Henry Bolte to Major Leagues
Khamzat Chimaev

Suffers his First Loss
Sean Strickland

Recaptures Middleweight Title
Tatsuro Taira

Suffers Fifth-Round TKO Loss
Joshua Van

Defends Flyweight Title
MMA

Waldo Cortes-Acosta Drops Decision
Alexander Volkov

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Shane Van Gisbergen

Dominates Watkins Glen for First Win of 2026
Michael McDowell

Finishes Second for Best Run of the Year At Watkins Glen
Ty Gibbs

Scores New Career-Best Finish of Third at Watkins Glen
Tyler Reddick

Continues His Strong Season With Fifth-Place Run at Watkins Glen
Austin Dillon

Earns his First Top-10 Finish of 2026 at Watkins Glen
Mookie Betts

Dodgers Expect Mookie Betts to Return on Monday
CFB

Ahmad Hardy Sustains Gunshot Wound, in Stable Condition
Connor Zilisch

Will Start Fifth in his First Watkins Glen Cup Series Race
Tyler Reddick

Is A Top DFS Option for Watkins Glen Lineups
Christopher Bell

Is Likely to Bounce Back This Week at Watkins Glen
Carlos Rodón

Carlos Rodon Activated for Season Debut on Sunday
William Byron

Is William Byron Playable in DFS Lineups at Watkins Glen?
Kyle Larson

May have A Positive Day at Watkins Glen
Chase Briscoe

May Compete for A Top-10 Finish at Watkins Glen
NASCAR

A.J. Allmendinger May have Another Solid Outing at Watkins Glen
Ty Gibbs

Should Fantasy Managers Roster Ty Gibbs at Watkins Glen?
Ross Chastain

Is Ross Chastain Worth Rostering for Watkins Glen Lineups?
Austin Cindric

Could Austin Cindric be A Sneaky Tournament Play for Watkins Glen?
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen the Heavy Favorite at Watkins Glen
Chase Elliott

Is Chase Elliott a No-Brainer DFS Pick at Watkins Glen?
Chris Buescher

Qualifies 14th at Watkins Glen
Ryan Blaney

Has Upside at Watkins Glen After Signing Contract Extension
Michael McDowell

Still Searching for First Top-Five Finish at Watkins Glen
Carson Hocevar

Is Carson Hocevar Too Aggressive for Road-Course Racing?
Luis Castillo

Mariners Intend to Piggyback Luis Castillo, Bryce Miller
Logan Webb

Placed on 15-Day Injured List With Knee Bursitis
Bryce Miller

is Set to Return on Wednesday
Jeff Hoffman

Could Return to Closer Role
Sean Strickland

An Underdog At UFC 328
Khamzat Chimaev

Set For UFC 328 Main Event
Tatsuro Taira

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Joshua Van

Set For His First Title Defense
Alexander Volkov

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
MMA

Waldo Cortes-Acosta Looks To Extend His Win Streak
CFB

Walker Lyons Could be Go-To Target for Bear Bachmeier
CFB

Ty Benefield a Potential Game-Changer for LSU Defense
CFB

Hayden Lowe Set for Significant Role Following Miami's NFL Departures
CFB

Taylor Wein in Position for Big Season on Oklahoma's Defensive Line
CFB

Rasheem Biles an Instant Impact Player for Texas
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