Fantasy football managers know that every lineup decision can make or break a week, and choosing the right players to start or sit is where championships are won. With the 2025 NFL season underway, matchups, stats, and trends are more important than ever. Each week, we’ll break down the top fantasy football start ’em, sit ’em picks at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, defense, and kicker to help you set the best possible lineup. From favorable matchups and scoring trends to players you should avoid in tough spots, my weekly guide is built to give you an edge.
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Quarterbacks to Start
Caleb Williams CHI
Caleb Williams should stay firmly on your fantasy football start radar this week. The Bears QB has topped 19 fantasy points in three of his five games and has only dipped below 16 once, showing a reliable floor for managers. He’s currently sitting as the QB8 in fantasy points per game, with three top-10 finishes, including a QB1 performance earlier this season. While Williams has struggled with efficiency metrics, his rushing ability and favorable matchups have kept him afloat. His legs remain a valuable fantasy asset, saving his Week 5 line with a rushing touchdown that otherwise would have left him under 14 points.
Williams’ matchup with the Saints lines up well for another QB1 finish. New Orleans has been one of the weakest pass defenses in football, allowing the second-most passing touchdowns, the eighth-most yards per attempt, and the seventh-highest success rate per dropback. Just as importantly, they generate pressure at a below-average rate, and Williams owns a 109 passer rating when kept clean. Given his rushing upside, matchup, and consistent fantasy production, managers should treat him as a strong start in Week 7. He might not always pass the eye test as a real-life QB, but fantasy football is about points, and Williams has proven he can deliver them.
Jared Goff DET
Jared Goff is another quarterback who deserves a fantasy football start this week. He has found success in recent weeks, topping 16.8 fantasy points in consecutive road matchups against Cincinnati and Kansas City. Now returning home, Goff should be in a strong position to deliver again. He scored 34 points and threw for 5 touchdowns in Week 2 at home in a favorable matchup. Efficiency has been his calling card, as he ranks top-10 in yards per attempt, passing touchdowns, and catchable target rate among all qualifying quarterbacks.
This week’s matchup against Tampa Bay offers plenty of upside. The Buccaneers are giving up the seventh-highest yards per attempt, the tenth-most passing yards per game, and the sixth-highest success rate per dropback. They’ve allowed a top-12 fantasy quarterback in four of their six games, and their aggressive blitzing tendencies may actually backfire. Goff ranks first in yards per attempt and third in passer rating when blitzed, making him well-equipped to exploit Tampa’s pressure-heavy scheme. With Detroit’s defense banged up and Baker Mayfield keeping the Bucs offense competitive, this game could turn into a higher-scoring environment. That sets Goff up as a solid fantasy football start with top-10 potential in Week 7.
Justin Fields NYJ
Justin Fields remains the ultimate boom-or-bust fantasy football start, but this week tilts the odds in his favor. Through five games, Fields has finished with fewer than five points twice and more than 25 in three others, joining Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes as the only QBs with three 25+ outings in 2025. His legs continue to be the driving force, as he’s averaging 47 rushing yards per game with three touchdowns on the ground. The passing side has been shaky, as Fields ranks outside the top 20 in most accuracy metrics, but the rushing upside makes up for it in fantasy. That profile makes him a volatile but enticing starting option against Carolina.
The Panthers are a defense to target in fantasy football, particularly for quarterbacks with rushing ability. Carolina ranks dead last in pressure rate, meaning Fields should enjoy clean pockets more often than usual. They’ve also allowed three passing touchdowns and a top-nine QB fantasy finish in each of the past three weeks. Even without Garrett Wilson, Fields should be able to create production through his rushing floor and occasional big passing plays. The Panthers sit middle-of-the-pack in efficiency against the pass, but their lack of pressure creates a soft matchup that plays directly into Fields’ strengths. He’s a start-worthy quarterback with legitimate QB1 upside in Week 7, even if managers must accept the volatility.
Quarterbacks to Sit
Bo Nix DEN
Bo Nix has been too inconsistent to trust as a start, and this week, he lands firmly in sit territory. Outside of one big outing, Nix has scored more than 20 points just once in his last four games and comes off a middling 13.4 fantasy-point performance against the Jets. His passing production has been limited, with only one game over 250 yards and two games with multiple passing touchdowns. While his rushing ability has offered some fantasy value, it hasn’t been enough to compensate for the lack of ceiling in his passing numbers. As the QB19 in fantasy points per game, Nix hasn’t provided enough stability for managers to rely on.
This week’s matchup only makes things tougher. The Giants’ pass defense has surged since Week 4, ranking top-10 in pressure rate, passer rating allowed, and success rate per dropback. They’ve consistently limited opposing quarterbacks, and Nix’s efficiency issues make him a poor bet to break through. Among qualifying passers, he ranks bottom 10 in yards per attempt, passer rating, and catchable target rate. With Denver likely to lean on its ground game in this matchup, Nix’s fantasy football outlook is limited. Sit him this week, as he’s unlikely to return starter-worthy production.
Jaxson Dart NYG
Jaxson Dart has shown plenty of fantasy football promise in his first three starts, but this is a week where he belongs on the sit list. He’s scored at least 15.6 points in every game so far and posted 23.6 last week against Philadelphia. His rushing has been a big factor, with at least 54 yards in each game and two touchdowns on the ground. That rushing floor gives him weekly QB1 upside, but the matchup against Denver presents a completely different challenge. The Broncos are one of the NFL’s toughest defenses, ranking second in fewest fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks and dominant against mobile passers.
The concern for Dart is that Denver’s pass rush is overwhelming. They lead the league in pressure and sack rate, collapsing pockets at an unmatched pace. They’ve allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to QBs, the fewest passing touchdowns, and the third-fewest passing yards among teams with six games played. Against the run, they’ve been just as stingy, giving up only 46 total rushing yards to quarterbacks all season. While Dart has been impressive as a rookie and sits as the QB10 in fantasy points per game since Week 4, his efficiency metrics as a passer remain below average. In just his fourth career start, on the road against an elite defense, he’s best left on the bench. Fantasy managers should sit Dart this week and wait for a softer matchup.
Daniel Jones IND
Daniel Jones has been a pleasant surprise this season, but Week 7 presents a difficult matchup that pushes him into sit territory. He’s scored at least 22 fantasy points in three of six games, ranking as the QB9 overall. His success has largely come at home, however, as his two road games have resulted in 15.8 points or fewer. While he’s added some rushing production with four touchdowns on the ground, his passing efficiency has been the real key to his breakout. Jones currently ranks top-10 in yards per attempt, highly accurate throw rate, and catchable target rate, reflecting much-improved play as a passer.
The problem is the Chargers’ defense, which has smothered opposing quarterbacks this season. Los Angeles ranks near the top of the league in yards per attempt allowed, passing yards allowed per game, and success rate per dropback. No quarterback has thrown multiple touchdowns against them, and only three have surpassed 200 passing yards, with Patrick Mahomes topping out at just 258. That makes it an extremely tough spot for Jones on the road. While his overall fantasy football production has been strong, this matchup sharply lowers his ceiling and floor. He’s best left on the bench in one-QB formats, though he remains an option in Superflex and two-quarterback leagues.
Running Backs to Start
Alvin Kamara NO
Alvin Kamara hasn’t been his usual fantasy football force, sitting at RB22 on the season and failing to top 13 points in over a month. The silver lining is that his passing game usage is back, logging at least five targets in three straight games and holding a strong 19% target share. He’s still seeing valuable work in the red zone, handling five carries inside the 20 over the last two weeks, which keeps touchdown upside in play. While he has yet to find the end zone since Week 1, Kamara continues to create missed tackles and remains one of the better per-touch backs in efficiency. This week, he draws the Bears, a defense that has allowed the seventh-most rushing yards and the sixth-most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs.
The matchup makes Kamara a clear fantasy football start in Week 7. Chicago has also surrendered the third-most explosive runs and ranks among the worst in missed tackles, which sets up perfectly for a back with Kamara’s elusiveness. His snap rate has dipped slightly, but he still dominates the passing-down and scoring opportunities in this Saints offense. If New Orleans can sustain drives, Kamara should be heavily involved both as a runner and receiver. Touchdown regression is coming, and this matchup provides a prime opportunity to cash in. Start Kamara with confidence as a mid-range RB2 who could easily deliver RB1 upside if he finds the end zone.
JK Dobbins DEN
JK Dobbins hasn’t been flashy, but his steady usage has made him a reliable fantasy football option, averaging 16.2 touches and 77.5 total yards per game. He currently ranks RB21 in fantasy points per game, fueled by strong rushing efficiency, where he sits sixth in explosive run rate among 50 qualified backs. Dobbins is not being used much in the passing game, with just one target in each of his last three outings, which limits his ceiling. Even so, his rushing ability and goal-line usage keep him relevant every week. This week, he gets a Giants defense that has struggled badly against the run, ranking top 10 in rushing yards, explosive runs, and touchdowns allowed to running backs.
That matchup makes Dobbins a fantasy football start for Week 6. The Giants also give up the second-most yards after contact per touch, which plays into Dobbins’ strength as a physical runner who ranks eighth in that category. Importantly, Dobbins has received nearly all of Denver’s goal-line work, giving him a strong chance at finding the end zone. While the London dud against the Jets was one to forget, he’s in a bounce-back spot here. Expect Denver to lean on him early and often to control the game script. Plug Dobbins into your lineup as a confident RB2 with touchdown upside in Week 7.
Kimani Vidal LAC
Kimani Vidal took full control of the Chargers’ backfield in Week 6, turning 21 touches into 138 total yards and finishing as the RB9 in fantasy football. He handled 67% of the snaps, 18 of 24 running back carries, and all but one of the team’s red zone rushing attempts, while also contributing with a 43% route share. The back has been efficient on a per-touch basis, posting a 13.6% explosive run rate and averaging 3.41 yards after contact per attempt. Last week was the clearest signal yet that he is the featured option over Hassan Haskins, and he delivered in a big way against Miami’s soft run defense. That performance cemented Vidal as a fantasy-relevant option moving forward.
This week, Vidal faces the Colts, who present more of a middle-of-the-road matchup. Indianapolis allows above-average explosive runs and struggles against zone concepts, where Vidal has run nearly 60% of his attempts. While they’ve been better than Miami, the Colts still give up efficient production to backs and rank near the bottom of the league in success rate allowed against zone runs. That sets up another opportunity for Vidal to produce as the lead back. He’s not yet a locked-in must-start, but his volume and efficiency make him a strong RB2 or flex play in Week 7. If he maintains his role, he could easily return another top-15 fantasy finish.
Running Backs to Sit
Tony Pollard TEN
Tony Pollard’s role continues to trend in the wrong direction, as he logged a season-low 43% snap share and just 12 touches for 47 yards last week. Tyjae Spears has taken over as the primary passing-down back, leaving Pollard as mostly an early-down runner with limited receiving usage. While he still handled 10 of Tennessee’s 15 rushing attempts, he only ran a route on 25% of dropbacks, capping his upside. The concerning part is that this shift comes at a time when his efficiency metrics remain strong; he ranks 14th in yards after contact per attempt, but the coaching staff isn’t leaning on him. This week, the matchup gets brutal against a Patriots defense that ranks seventh-best in fantasy points allowed to running backs.
New England has not allowed a single running back to reach 50 rushing yards against them all season, and they’ve surrendered just three total touchdowns to the position. With the Titans splitting roles and Pollard losing high-value touches to Spears, his margin for error is razor-thin. The Patriots also rank top 10 in preventing explosive runs and limiting yards after contact, which directly counters Pollard’s best attributes. Even if he gets 12–15 carries, efficiency will be hard to come by in this matchup. For Week 7, Pollard is best left on fantasy football benches outside of deeper leagues. Treat him as a risky flex play at best.
Kenneth Walker SEA
Kenneth Walker has struggled to find consistency, averaging just 14 touches and 77 yards per game since Week 4 while losing key opportunities to Zach Charbonnet. He’s been limited to a 43% snap share and has ceded red zone and goal-line carries, which has tanked his touchdown production. Despite elite efficiency metrics, second in explosive run rate and top-five in missed tackles forced per attempt, the Seahawks’ usage patterns have capped his fantasy football value. Walker hasn’t scored since Week 3 and has finished outside the top-25 running backs in three straight weeks. Without the big plays, his production has been lackluster.
This week’s matchup against Houston is less than ideal. The Texans rank top 10 in fewest fantasy points allowed to running backs. They limit rushing yardage effectively and don’t give up many explosive runs, which makes Walker’s boom-or-bust profile risky. Charbonnet continues to dominate the scoring chances, leaving Walker dependent on long gains to save his day. Until Seattle shifts their backfield split, Walker cannot be trusted as more than a flex option. He’s a sit-in Week 7 outside of desperation plays.
Zonovan Knight and Michael Carter ARI
The Cardinals’ backfield has devolved into a frustrating committee, with neither Zonovan Knight nor Michael Carter playing even half the snaps in Week 6. Knight handled more of the carries and received the valuable goal-line opportunity, while Carter saw more work in the passing game with a higher route share. The result is two backs with split roles, capped workloads, and little weekly upside unless they find the end zone. Knight managed to score a touchdown against the Colts, finishing with 12.4 points, while Carter turned in 11 touches for 64 total yards. Without a score, however, both profiles are nearly unusable in fantasy football.
That problem only gets worse in Week 7 against the Packers. Green Bay has allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to running backs, giving up just two total touchdowns to the position all season. They also rank top-five in limiting rushing yards, explosive plays, and yards after contact per attempt. With no clear lead back and a brutal matchup, both Knight and Carter carry extremely low ceilings and rock-bottom floors. At best, Knight is a desperation flex if you’re banking on another touchdown. In most fantasy leagues, both Cardinals’ backs should be benched this week.
Wide Receivers to Start
Chris Olave NO
Chris Olave should be firmly on your start radar in Week 7. He’s been a steady producer, scoring at least 12.4 PPR points in four of six games, including back-to-back solid outings against the Giants and Patriots. His volume has been outstanding, with 21 targets across his last two games and a season-high 98 receiving yards in Week 6. Olave is commanding a 29.5% target share and a 38.5% air-yard share, which firmly places him as the focal point of the Saints’ passing attack. The Bears are allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers, with five different pass-catchers surpassing 13.6 PPR points against them this season.
This matchup sets up well for Olave to deliver another top-20 fantasy performance. Chicago’s secondary has allowed the 14th-most PPR points per target to perimeter wideouts, where Olave does most of his damage. Olave has been producing at his floor with his current volume and can turn into a consistent 18+ point producer in favorable matchups. In PPR leagues especially, Olave carries WR2 value with upside for more. Fantasy managers should keep him locked into lineups this week.
Xavier Worthy KC
Even with Rashee Rice returning, Xavier Worthy belongs in fantasy football starting lineups in Week 7. He’s posted either 100 total yards or a touchdown in two of his last three games, showing his ability to generate explosive plays and fantasy points. Over his last three contests, Worthy has earned a 70.2% route share and a 19.4% target share while averaging 48.3 yards per game. His chemistry with Patrick Mahomes is strong, and the Chiefs continue to scheme him both downfield looks and red zone opportunities. Against the Raiders, who have surrendered the sixth-most fantasy points to wide receivers, Worthy projects as a strong WR2 option.
This week’s matchup is particularly appealing because the Raiders run zone coverage at the second-highest rate in the league (87%), and Worthy has been highly effective against zone. Since Week 4, he’s posted 3.13 yards per route run against single-high coverage, and the Raiders have utilized single-high shells on over half their defensive snaps. That bodes well for Worthy’s ability to get behind defenders for splash plays. The Raiders also allow the second-most yards and third-most fantasy points to perimeter receivers, which aligns with Worthy’s role. With Mahomes feeding him opportunities, Worthy has a legitimate chance to post his best fantasy game of the season. Start him with confidence.
Ladd McConkey LAC
Ladd McConkey has come alive over the past two weeks and should be considered a start this week. He finished as the WR20 two weeks ago and exploded as the WR6 last week, showcasing his playmaking ability in a featured role. In those two contests, McConkey has drawn five red zone targets and found the end zone twice, a clear sign that Justin Herbert trusts him in high-leverage situations. His current 19.5% target share and 21.6% first-read share indicate that he’s carving out a more consistent role within the Chargers’ offense. The Colts have been vulnerable against receivers, giving up the fourth-most fantasy points and seventh-most receiving yards per game to slot options, where McConkey has lined up for 60% of his snaps.
The arrow is pointing up for McConkey’s fantasy outlook. Even if last week’s 23-point eruption was aided by Quentin Johnston’s absence, it’s also possible it was the start of a breakout. Herbert has missed him on open routes in previous games, so regression may finally be catching up positively. Meanwhile, Keenan Allen has had three straight quiet weeks, suggesting McConkey could reemerge as Herbert’s most reliable target moving forward. The Colts’ defense struggles against both slot and perimeter receivers, giving McConkey multiple pathways to success. In PPR formats, he profiles as a strong WR2/FLEX play with upside for another top-15 finish.
Wide Receivers to Sit
Tetairoa McMillan CAR
Tetairoa McMillan finally found the end zone in Week 6, scoring twice against Dallas, but Week 7 presents a much tougher test. Despite finishing with 17.9 PPR points, his production came on just three catches for 29 yards, highlighting his reliance on touchdowns. Now he faces the Jets, who allow the seventh-fewest fantasy points to opposing receivers. More importantly, McMillan will likely draw shadow coverage from Sauce Gardner, one of the league’s premier shutdown corners. While receivers like Mike Evans and George Pickens have found the end zone against Gardner, none surpassed 57 yards in his coverage.
McMillan’s underlying role remains encouraging; he has a 22.4% target share, an elite 42.3% air-yard share, and ranks top-15 in both deep and red zone targets. However, this is the exact type of matchup where fantasy managers should temper expectations with the Sauce Gardner matchup. While McMillan could still sneak in a touchdown if targeted in the red zone, his yardage floor looks dangerously low, and he had not scored a touchdown until last week. Unless you’re desperate in a three-receiver format, it’s best to sit McMillan this week and avoid the Sauce matchup.
DeVonta Smith PHI
DeVonta Smith is a talented receiver, but he’s a sit candidate this week in fantasy football lineups. Smith has been boom-or-bust all season, scoring over 19 fantasy points in two games but posting single-digit outings in four others. His production is heavily big-play dependent, as he’s topped five targets only twice this season. The Vikings present an especially concerning matchup; they’ve allowed the fewest fantasy points to wide receivers, surrendering only two completions on deep passes all year. While A.J. Brown’s consistent volume makes him difficult to bench, Smith has not shown the same stability.
Statistically, Smith ranks as the WR38 in fantasy points per game, with just five deep targets and five red zone looks. On top of the early struggles this season for Smith and the Eagles’ passing game, the matchup is tough this week. The Vikings have also allowed the tenth-fewest receiving yards to slot receivers and the fifth-fewest PPR points per target. Unless Smith breaks a long play, his chances of a strong fantasy day look slim. If you have safer options with volume, benching Smith this week is the smart move.
Jordan Addison MIN
Jordan Addison has been productive since returning, finishing as the WR21 and WR19 in his last two games, but Week 6 is shaping up as a difficult spot. The Vikings’ quarterback situation is uncertain, with Carson Wentz and J.J. McCarthy both battling injuries, and that instability lowers Addison’s floor. Philadelphia has allowed multiple big games to WR1s like CeeDee Lamb and Puka Nacua, but secondary options have struggled. Davante Adams is the only No. 2 receiver to top 14 PPR points against them. Addison has been efficient, averaging 77.5 receiving yards per game with a 2.04 YPRR, but his target share remains modest at 16%. Given the matchup, volume, and quarterback play could all be issues this week.
Philadelphia’s defense also presents schematic challenges. They use single-high coverage on more than half of their snaps, and against that look Addison’s target share drops to just 14% with a 0.72 YPRR. Their pass rush is another concern, ranking 13th in win rate against a Vikings line that sits 24th. When Minnesota’s quarterbacks have been under pressure, the passing game has struggled, which could further cap Addison’s output. Unless you’re forced to start him in a three-WR format, Addison is best left on the bench in Week 7.
Tight Ends to Start
Harold Fannin Jr CLE
Harold Fannin Jr. should be locked into your fantasy football start lineups in Week 7, with David Njoku unlikely to play. In two starts with Dillon Gabriel under center, Fannin has been heavily involved, turning 14 targets into 11 receptions, 94 yards, and a touchdown while posting double-digit PPR points in both games. His role expanded last week when Njoku exited, as he saw a 19.2% target share and finished as Cleveland’s leader in catches and receiving yards. Miami is a prime matchup, ranking bottom-10 against tight ends in fantasy points allowed while surrendering the fourth-most receiving yards and yards per reception to the position. Fannin is also being deployed all over the field, lining up in the slot, out wide, and even in the backfield, which boosts his opportunity.
The Dolphins’ defense has allowed four tight ends to score at least 11.5 PPR points this season, which lines up perfectly for Fannin’s usage. He has seen two red zone targets in his last two games and owns a 16–19% target share in consecutive weeks, making him one of Gabriel’s most trusted weapons. Cleveland has struggled for consistency in the passing game, but Fannin’s versatility and growing chemistry with his quarterback provide a high floor. If Njoku is sidelined, Fannin could easily finish as a top-10 fantasy tight end this week. Start him with confidence in all formats.
Dallas Goedert PHI
Dallas Goedert is on fire right now and deserves a spot in every fantasy football start lineup. He has scored at least 10.3 PPR points in all five of his games this season and enters Week 7 on a four-game touchdown streak. His usage has spiked, racking up 20 targets over his last two outings and leading all tight ends in deep targets while ranking ninth in red zone opportunities. Goedert’s underlying metrics are strong as well. he carries a 21.3% target share and nearly 50 receiving yards per game while serving as one of Jalen Hurts’ most trusted first-read options. While other Eagles pass catchers have struggled this season, Goedert has been effective when on the field this year.
The Vikings just allowed David Njoku and Harold Fannin Jr. to combine for 10 catches, 80 yards, and two touchdowns, showing their vulnerability against tight ends. Philadelphia has also struggled to consistently integrate its wide receivers into the offense, making Goedert’s role even more important this week. With five touchdowns in five games, he’s become a focal point in the red zone and has finished as the overall TE1 in two of his last three weeks. Fantasy managers should ride the hot hand. Goedert is an easy start in Week 7 with top-five upside at the position.
Mason Taylor NYJ
After a disappointing Week 6 performance, Mason Taylor is set up for a big fantasy football bounce-back and should be in starting lineups this week. With Garrett Wilson sidelined, Taylor becomes the likely No. 1 option in the Jets’ passing game, and his recent underlying usage suggests he’s ready to take advantage. Since Week 4, he’s seen a 22.2% target share, 44.7 receiving yards per game, and two red zone targets in his last three contests. In Weeks 4–5, he delivered back-to-back TE1 finishes (TE11 and TE8) before the dud in London. Carolina provides the perfect rebound opportunity, as they rank second-worst in fantasy points allowed to tight ends while surrendering the most receiving yards per game to the position.
Four different tight ends have already scored at least 11.9 PPR points against the Panthers, making this one of the best possible spots for Taylor. The Jets’ passing attack has lacked stability, but his role as a high-volume safety blanket should lock him into the top-12 conversation at the position this week. Taylor’s ability to operate all over the field, combined with his red zone usage, raises his ceiling, and his target share keeps his floor safe. He’s right back in the TE1 discussion for Week 7, and fantasy managers should start him in a plus matchup.
Tight Ends to Sit
Juwan Johnson NO
Juwan Johnson’s fantasy football arrow is pointing down, and he belongs on sit lists for Week 7. Early in the year, his value was tied to volume, but over the past three games, he’s averaged just three targets per contest. Even though his route share has stayed steady (80–85%), his target and first-read shares have steadily declined, bottoming out at under 8% last week. He’s also been held under 20 yards in back-to-back games while competing with Taysom Hill for valuable snaps and touches in scoring situations. With such low usage and inconsistency, Johnson’s floor is dangerous, and his ceiling feels capped.
The matchup doesn’t help either, as he faces a defense that has allowed the fewest yards per reception to tight ends while ranking middle of the pack in fantasy points per game allowed to the position. Without reliable volume or scoring opportunities, Johnson cannot be trusted in fantasy lineups this week. Sit him until his role in the passing attack rebounds, because right now, he looks more like a bench stash than a starting fantasy option.
TJ Hockenson MIN
It feels strange to say this about a name as big as T.J. Hockenson, but he’s a sit in Week 7 lineups. Through six games, he has only one outing with double-digit PPR points and has yet to surpass 50 receiving yards in a single game. He’s seen four red zone targets but turned those into just one score, and since Jordan Addison’s return, his averages have dipped to just 5.5 targets and 39 yards per game. While his target share (16.2%) remains decent, it hasn’t translated into meaningful fantasy production. Facing the Eagles makes matters worse, as they’ve allowed the third-fewest points and receiving yards per game to opposing tight ends while giving up only one touchdown to the position all year.
This is not the type of matchup where a low-ceiling tight end suddenly breaks out. Philadelphia’s defense has consistently erased tight ends, and Hockenson has been trending more like a floor play than a reliable fantasy starter. As I also mentioned above, the Vikings’ offensive line struggles are going to hurt this passing game against a strong Eagles front. Outside of deep leagues where you have no other options, it makes sense to sit Hockenson this week. Consider streaming a tight end with better matchup-based upside instead.
Michael Mayer LV
Michael Mayer rewarded fantasy managers who streamed him in Week 6 with 50 yards and a touchdown, but Week 7 looks much tougher. The tight end saw an impressive 30.4% target share last week while running routes on 80% of dropbacks, finishing as the TE6 in fantasy. However, that spike in production came in a favorable matchup against Tennessee, and now he faces a Chiefs defense that ranks top-five in fewest fantasy points allowed to tight ends. Kansas City has given up just one touchdown to the position all year while holding tight ends to the seventh-fewest receiving yards per game. Mayer is still a developing talent, but this is not the matchup to trust him.
The Raiders will likely be forced to throw against the Chiefs, but the opportunities may funnel more toward the wide receivers than Mayer. He remains a long-term stash with upside, especially while Brock Bowers is out, but his Week 7 outlook is shaky at best. Unless you’re desperate at the position, Mayer should be on your sit list this week. He’s better treated as a low-end streaming option with limited upside rather than a confident starter.
DEF to Start
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs’ defense should be a top start in Week 7 against the Raiders. Geno Smith has thrown six interceptions over his last three games, and Las Vegas has surrendered six sacks in its past two outings while scoring only 26 combined points in that span. Kansas City’s defense hasn’t been a consistent fantasy force this season due to tough matchups, but this game sets up perfectly. The Raiders have committed the most interceptions in the NFL and rank bottom five in sack rate, which gives the Chiefs plenty of upside. They’ve also given up the fourth-most fantasy points per game to opposing defenses. With 18 sacks allowed and 11 giveaways already, Las Vegas’ offense is struggling in every phase. Fantasy managers should fire up the Chiefs’ defense as a strong start in all formats this week.
New England Patriots
The Patriots are another defense you can confidently start in Week 7. While they’ve been inconsistent, New England has shown the ability to exploit favorable matchups, and facing the Titans is one of the best on the slate. Tennessee has allowed the most fantasy points per game to opposing defenses while giving up pressure at the fifth-highest rate and taking sacks at the third-highest clip in the NFL. The Titans are also top five in turnovers per game, and their offensive line has been one of the worst in football. To make matters worse, they’re in disarray after parting ways with head coach Brian Callahan, which adds more volatility. With 25 sacks allowed already, Tennessee gives this Patriots defense an elite ceiling. This week, New England is a must-start fantasy defense.
DEF to Sit
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers’ defense is a sit for Week 7 despite last week’s strong outing against Miami. They racked up two sacks and three interceptions, but this week’s matchup against the Colts is a completely different challenge. Indianapolis has allowed just five sacks all season, the lowest in the NFL, and has turned the ball over only four times. On top of that, the Colts offense has scored 71 points across its last two games and has topped 20 points in every contest this season. The Chargers’ defense has only posted double-digit fantasy points once this year, showing how unreliable they’ve been. The Colts are also giving up the fewest fantasy points per game to opposing defenses, which kills any streaming appeal. Sit the Chargers defense this week and look for a better matchup.
Detroit Lions and Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Both the Lions and Buccaneers defenses should be on the sit list for Week 7. While Tampa Bay has delivered two solid fantasy performances over the last month, including 11 points last week, facing Detroit is a nightmare for fantasy defenses. The Lions have allowed the second-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing defenses and rank bottom five in giveaways. They also take a sack on just four percent of plays, one of the lowest rates in the NFL, making it difficult for defenses to generate fantasy production. Meanwhile, Detroit’s offense is rolling at home, averaging 43 points per game and ranking top six in total yards. With both offenses playing well and limiting turnovers, this could easily turn into a shootout. Fantasy managers should sit both the Lions and Buccaneers defenses this week.
Kickers to Start
Mike Badgley IND
Mike Badgley makes for a sneaky start at kicker in Week 7. This is a revenge game for the former Chargers kicker, and the matchup is lined up perfectly. Every kicker facing Los Angeles this season has connected on at least two field goals, which gives Badgley top-10 upside. He made a field goal and four extra points in his Colts debut last week and should see more scoring chances in a matchup where Indianapolis has been red-hot offensively. The Colts have scored 71 points in their past two games, and Badgley’s accuracy makes him a safe play. If you’re looking for a kicker with floor and ceiling, he’s one of the best start options this week.
Will Reichard MIN
Will Reichard is another strong kicker to start in Week 7. He has scored eight or more points in four of his first five games this season, showing both consistency and upside. The matchup against the Eagles is appealing, as their defense has surrendered more than 10 fantasy points per game to kickers. Four different kickers have already scored at least nine points against Philadelphia, and two of them topped 15. Reichard has been efficient, with steady volume as Minnesota’s offense continues to move the ball, even if drives stall in the red zone. Given his consistency and the matchup, Reichard should be trusted as a top-10 start at the position this week.
Kickers to Sit
Chad Ryland ARI
Chad Ryland may have had a solid Week 6 with two field goals and three extra points, but he’s a sit in Week 7. The matchup against Green Bay is brutal, as the Packers rank top four in fewest fantasy points allowed to opposing kickers. Only two kickers all season have hit multiple field goals against them, which severely limits Ryland’s upside. Arizona’s offense has been inconsistent, and scoring opportunities may be hard to come by in this spot. Ryland simply doesn’t offer the floor or ceiling you want in a kicker this week. Sit him in all fantasy formats.
Jason Myers SEA
Jason Myers had an impressive 10-point fantasy performance last week against the Jaguars, but he’s a sit for Week 7. The Seahawks kicker now faces Houston, which has been the league’s toughest matchup for the position. The Texans have allowed the fewest fantasy points per game to kickers, holding every opponent under six points. While Myers has shown he can deliver in tough spots, this defense is a different level of challenge. With Houston giving up so few scoring opportunities, Myers’ chances to rack up points are extremely slim. Fantasy managers should bench him this week and find a better streaming option.
