NFL Fantasy Football: Week 7 Lineup Decisions

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Week 7 arrives with fantasy playoffs starting to come into view, but managers face one of the toughest decision weeks yet. A plethora of injuries and the start of the dreaded bye-week gauntlet (Ravens and Bills are off) mean that finding production from your bench and streaming wisely is absolutely crucial.

This week features a high-stakes international clash in London and several favorable matchups for players you might have benched recently.

Quarterbacks: Streamers and Tough Calls

Start ‘Em: Jared Goff (Lions vs. Buccaneers)

Goff is a must-start, returning home to the Detroit dome where he historically excels. Coming off a frustrating loss, the Lions have one of the highest implied team totals on the slate (29 points) against a Buccaneers defense that has shown vulnerabilities in the secondary. Expect Goff to be efficient and push for 3+ touchdowns.

Start ‘Em: Caleb Williams (Bears vs. Saints)

Williams has quietly been a strong fantasy QB this season (QB8 overall). He faces a Saints defense that, while good against the run, ranks poorly against the pass. Chicago’s path to scoring will run through Williams’ arm, making him a strong QB1 play this week.

Risky Start: Jaxson Dart (Giants @ Broncos)

Dart has been highly productive with his legs (50+ rushing yards in every start). However, he isn’t winning with passing volume (yet to exceed 202 yards). Against a tough Broncos defense, his ceiling is capped. While his rushing floor makes him a viable SuperFlex or desperate streamer, this is not the week for a big passing day.

Sit ‘Em: Matthew Stafford (Rams vs. Jaguars in London)

The Rams head to London with a major potential problem: Puka Nacua is likely out, and the Jaguars’ defense is designed to create turnovers and pressure. London games historically skew low-scoring. With his top weapon potentially sidelined, Stafford is a risky QB2 play this week.

Running Backs: Volume is King

Start ‘Em: Jacory Croskey-Merritt (Commanders vs. Cowboys)

“Bill” has seized the lead back role, playing 65% of snaps and getting a high volume of touches. He faces a Cowboys defense that ranks 29th against opposing running backs and struggles badly against the run. With the Commanders carrying a high implied total (28 points), Croskey-Merritt is an excellent top-15 RB play.

Start ‘Em: Quinshon Judkins (Browns vs. Vikings)

Judkins has been the clear focal point of the Browns’ offense. He has thrived on runs after contact, and he faces a Vikings defense that has struggled against the run (bottom third of the league). Look for him to get heavy volume and find the end zone against a beatable front.

Start ‘Em: TreVeyon Henderson (Patriots vs. Titans)

The rookie is slowly earning high-leverage work over Rhamondre Stevenson, and he faces a Titans defense that has fallen to the middle of the pack in run DVOA and is susceptible to being gashed. With the Patriots favored, Henderson could see extended work and is an intriguing Flex play.

Sit ‘Em: Travis Etienne Jr. (Jaguars vs. Rams in London)

Etienne’s production has waned in his last two games, and the Rams’ defense is a better unit than the Jaguars have faced recently. Coupled with the low-scoring tendencies of London games, Etienne’s efficiency could be capped this week.

Wide Receivers & Tight Ends: Target Share and Matchup

Start ‘Em: Rome Odunze (Bears vs. Saints)

Odunze’s usage is elite; he easily leads the Bears in target share. Against a Saints defense that ranks poorly in pass DVOA and against opposing wide receivers, Odunze is primed for a statement game.

Start ‘Em: Chris Olave (Saints @ Bears)

Despite the Saints’ struggles, Olave has elite usage, ranking top 10 in the league in targets per route run. The Bears’ pass defense has been among the worst in the NFL, making this an ideal spot for Olave’s volume to translate into a big fantasy day.

Start ‘Em: Dallas Goedert (Eagles @ Vikings)

Goedert has been receiving heavy volume (20 targets over the last two games) and is scoring at a reliable clip. The Vikings are a tough matchup for outside receivers, which often funnels targets directly to the tight end. He’s a lock for a high target share and a strong TE1 performance.

Sit ‘Em: T.J. Hockenson (Vikings vs. Eagles)

Hockenson has seen his volume drop recently, and he faces an Eagles defense that has consistently been one of the league’s best against tight ends, allowing the third-fewest yards to the position. Temper expectations in this tough matchup.