Fantasy Football Predictions Using Week 7 Betting Market Data

The Rams entered this season with more hype than any team in recent memory. They were already arguably the best team in the league last year, and they added significantly to their defense this offseason. Myles Garrett, Aaron Donald, and Trent McDuffie all had the potential to be among the best players in the league at their respective positions, and adding them to their core gave the Rams a juggernaut feel.

Of course, things rarely go to plan in the NFL. Los Angeles lost Garrett to an injury in Week 1, and the injuries haven’t stopped since then. Davante Adams was the latest, and he’s expected to miss the next 6-10 weeks.

One of the things about having such a star-laden roster is that it usually comes at the expense of depth. If those star players go down, it can create a big problem. The Rams managed just 16 points and 286 yards last week vs. the Cardinals, who aren’t exactly a defensive juggernaut. Without Adams, they’re going to need Puka Nacua to carry a massive burden.

The Rams draw another exploitable matchup on paper in Week 7. They’re taking on the Raiders, who have been lit up defensively over the past three weeks. That said, it remains to be seen if Matthew Stafford can take advantage, especially without Adams. The sharps are seeing some value with the Raiders as home underdogs, and if they can cover the spread, it means their defense is going to have to slow down the Rams’ offense. You’re obviously still starting guys like Nacua and Kyren Williams, but I’d be a bit wary of some of the other potential “values” with Los Angeles for fantasy purposes.

Shootout in Baltimore?

The big question with the Ravens is: will Lamar Jackson return to the lineup this week? The Ravens teased us in the lead-up to Week 6, but he was unable to get in even a limited practice. He was absent from Wednesday’s practice to start Week 7, but the team stated that he could “potentially” practice at some point. Here we go again.

If Jackson does return to the lineup, the prospect of him and Joe Burrow getting into a duel is tantalizing for fantasy purposes. Don’t forget what those two did just two years ago. They combined for 79 points in their first meeting, and they followed that up with 69 points in the second. There were oodles of fantasy production on both sides, and a lot of the same pieces are still in town.

The sharps have targeted the over in this matchup to start the week, though Jackson being at the helm is obviously a huge X-factor. If he’s back, it could be a scoring bonanza. Guys like Ja’Kobi Lane and Mike Gesicki would enter the streaming conversation. If he doesn’t, this game would take a significant hit. Make sure to monitor this situation throughout the week.

Avoid Browns-Titans At All Costs

So I’m aware that this isn’t exactly a scorching-hot take. Both of these offenses have been pretty pitiful this season. The Titans are 30th in EPA per play offensively, while the Browns are 26th. Both of these teams are better on defense – significantly better in the Browns’ case – which is a recipe for a low-scoring affair. Unsurprisingly, the total for this contest sits at just 36.5 points, and there has been plenty of sharp support on the under as well.

Ultimately, you’d be hard-pressed to find a single fantasy starter in this matchup. Quinshon Judkins is questionable, but he’s outside the top 20 at running back in our rankings even if he suits up. Denzel Boston and Carnell Tate have solid underlying profiles, but neither has been a reliable week-to-week option.

Honestly, you’re probably just best off pretending this game doesn’t exist. That’s how low my expectations are for it this weekend.