Start 'Em, Sit 'Em For Week 7: Start Josh Jacobs, Bench Josh Downs

Week 7 is here. Bye weeks and injuries are in full effect.

That means it's time to apply what we learned this season to build a winning starting lineup. This column uses our Fantasy Football Projections Model, Freedman’s NFL Betting Game Model, projected roles, injuries, depth-chart changes, and matchup context to identify the players whose Week 7 outlooks are better or worse than previous weeks.

For "start" options, I will avoid obvious names that everyone is starting and focus on fringe options that might be better than their typical ranking. Mostly, I'll focus on players who aren't usually inside the top 24-48 but are this week. For QBs and TEs, I'll focus on players entering the top 12 or nearly making it for Week 7.

A “sit” is not always a must-bench. It means the player is a downgrade from their rest-of-season outlook or the previous week and may be worth fading for a similarly ranked option in a better spot.

I will also include rankings upgrades (players who get upgrades for a variety of reasons, i.e., high team totals, matchup-related boosts, recent Utilization, etc.) and rankings downgrades (players downgraded for similar reasons working against them). Plus, you will find several players who bombed last week that I am happy to go right back to the well with. It's important to lean into stronger underlying utilization metrics and matchup data than to bench someone because of one poor performance.

Finally, you will see my positional SICKO starts. These players are for you, deeper-league SICKOS in 14+ teamers or deep bench formats who need to scrape the bottom of the barrel for viable starters.

If you haven't read the Utilization Report yet, it is my weekly piece where I break down usage changes and trends for every team. I covered 50+ players in Week 7. Much of what you see here around Utilization comes from that piece, so go check it out for more juicy nuggets.

Quarterbacks To Start In Week 7 Fantasy Lineups

Jordan Love | Packers

We could reach a point soon where I can't use Love in this section anymore because he will be a mainstay in the top 12. In our rest-of-season projections, we have already made the move: Love is our QB10.

Note: To see my rest-of-season (ROS) projections: click on projections → click filters → select period → select 2026 ROS.

Some worry the Packers will run more with Josh Jacobs returning. That's possible, but the offensive line ranks 26th in average yards before contact (0.79) on RB attempts. His craftiness and vision as a runner will improve yards before contact, but his playmaking is above average, not elite.

So I see the pass rate coming down a smidge, but I expect the Packers to stay committed to feeding their elite pass catchers as the best way to run their offense. This was the plan they hinted at all offseason. And they rank No. 1 in dropback rate over expected (DBOE) at 8%.

That means we have margin for error.

Love is averaging 281 YPG (5th) with 1.83 TDs per game (T-9th). The Lions have boosted passing by a ridiculous 72 YPG and passing TDs per game by 1.2. That has led to the No. 1 boost for QBs: +8.2 PPG, with +7.7 PPG coming strictly from passing.

The Packers have a 25.2-point team total (7th) as 3-point underdogs in what should be an electric shootout environment.

Fantasy Projections

Median: 19.5
Xfinity Best (Ceiling): 24.6
Floor: 15.7

Love is my QB2 in Week 7 against the Lions.

Week 7 Fantasy QB Upgrades

Mid-range QB1s (starting on most teams):

Matthew Stafford | Rams: Stafford underperformed with 16.9 points in a good matchup against the Cardinals last week. But the Rams have a 26.3-point team total (6th), and the Raiders boost QB passing by 4.4 PPG (4th). Stafford is the QB16 (18.6 PPG) on the season but is my QB8 in Week 7.

Low-end QB1s (starting in 12-team leagues):

C.J. Stroud | Texans: Stroud is averaging 286 passing YPG (4th) and 1.5 TDs (T-15th). Houston has a 26.5-team total (4th), far above their usual level. The Texans are 9.9-point favorites over the Giants, which could help the RBs, but their best weapons are at WR. Stroud is my QB11.

QB SICKO START For Week 7 Fantasy

These players are for you, deeper-league SICKOS in 14+ teamers or deep bench formats. Or maybe your leaguemates are all carrying 2-3 QBs. What is wrong with those people anyway!?!?

Bo Nix | Broncos: Many fantasy managers have given up on Nix—and rightfully so considering his 12.1 PPG (33rd). But, in the words of Lloyd Christmas, I am telling you there's a chance. Nix faces the Cardinals, who boost QBs by 3.8 PPG (4th), and Denver has a decent team total (23.9). Nix is available in almost half of leagues and is a mid-range QB2 with Josh Allen, Trevor Lawrence, and Jayden Daniels on bye.

Week 7 Fantasy QB Downgrades

High-end QB2s (you might have a better option):

Patrick Mahomes | Chiefs: Mahomes is the QB12 with 19.4 PPG this season, but I have him outside the top-12 this week. Kansas City has a 19.9-point team total (7th-lowest) against a Seattle defense that ranks second-hardest for QBs (-5.5 PPG). Mahomes is my QB14. But if you are looking for a bet this weekend, Freedman dropped this note in the Slack chat:

Start These RBs In Your Week 7 Fantasy Football Lineups

Josh Jacobs | Packers

Disclaimer: I am just a fantasy nerd trying to help y'all win at this silly game we all love. I don't condone ANYTHING that Jacobs might have done. If he committed domestic violence, he can fuck straight off.

Jacobs was removed from the Commissioner's Exempt List this week and will return to action. Here are a few things to remember about the exempt list:

Players can attend team meetings: He should know any playbook changes.
Players can work out: Jacobs should be in great shape with fresh legs.
Players can't practice: Jacobs could be rusty in terms of vision and feel for the o-line.

Because of these factors, plus how bad the replacement backs have looked, I expect Jacobs to get a large workload right away. I am docking Jacobs' efficiency, but the market is far too low on his rushing attempt prop (11.5). We have him projected for 14.1 attempts with 66% of the work—bet the OVER, y'all.

The Lions have been one of the tougher matchups for RBs (-2.4 PPG), but that has all come in the passing game (-2.6 PPG). They are a neutral matchup in the area where Jacobs will do most of his damage: as a runner. The Lions give up 4.76 yards per carry (YPC).

The Packers offensive line has not been good as a run-blocking unit. They rank 26th in average yards before contact (0.79), which I don't expect to suddenly change with Jacobs. But at least some of those yards before contact are on the RB, and Jacobs has the vision and understanding of the NFL run game to help improve incrementally.

Still, I have Jacobs projected for 3.77 YPC, acknowledging limited practice time and the o-line. We are betting more on Jacobs' TD upside than on huge yardage totals. The Packers have the seventh-best team total (25.2) as 3.2-point underdogs.

Fantasy Projections

Median: 13.7
Xfinity Best (Ceiling): 21.9
Floor: 9.9

Jacobs is a mid-range RB2 with mid-range RB1 upside in Week 7. He should be in almost all fantasy lineups.

Ollie Gordon | Dolphins

Gordon is averaging 15.8 PPG with a 72 Utilization Score, averaging 17 attempts and 1.7 targets in three games without De'Von Achane.

Gordon is hardly a smash play. He has severe flaws. Miami ranks 32nd in points per game (32nd) and 31st in plays per game (54.6). That is a bad combination for a TD-dependent RB with a 7% target share.

But the offense is the second-most run-heavy team (-9% DBOE). When they do have the ball, he will get his chances, regardless of the score. And he has been surprisingly efficient behind a Dolphins offensive line that ranks sixth in yards before contact (1.54) on RB attempts.

Yards per carry: 5.0 (6th out of 39 RBs with at least 40 attempts)
Yards after contact: 3.38 (10th)
10-plus yard attempts: 17% (4th)
Missed tackles forced: 21% (11th)

The Jets provide a 1.0 PPG boost to RB rooms (11th), and this could be a close game for the Dolphins, who are usually larger underdogs than the 4.9 points in Week 7.

Fantasy Projections

Median: 11
Xfinity Best (Ceiling): 17.8
Floor: 8.1

Gordon is a mid-range RB2 with four teams on bye.

Week 7 RB Upgrades to Start in Fantasy Football

Mid-range RB2s (start in most formats):

Woody Marks | Texans: Marks has averaged 11.3 PPG over the last two outings despite an 81% snap share. That isn't ideal, but the Texans have the fourth-highest team total (26.5) as 9.9-point favorites over the Giants. New York provides a 2.9 PPG boost to RB rooms. Marks is my RB19.

Low-end RB2s (start in 12-team leagues):

J.K. Dobbins | Broncos: Dobbins has averaged 14.2 attempts, handling 63% of the totes in five healthy outings. His passing-game usage is trending up over the last two weeks, with 50% and 43% route shares and 10% and 13% target shares. The Cardinals have limited RBs in the passing game (-4.5 PPG) but have been an above-average matchup on the ground (+0.4 PPG). Denver has a solid team total (23.9) and is a 4.2-point favorite. Dobbins is the RB22 in our consensus rankings.

RB3s (start in larger formats):

Jordan Mason | Vikings: Mason will return from IR. We are projecting a slight lean to Aaron Jones, but Mason could reclaim the base-down work immediately. It is a hard situation to figure out. The Vikings are 7.5-point favorites, and the Colts are the seventh-best matchup for RBs (+2.7 PPG). Mason projects for 7.8 points (RB29).
Blake Corum | Rams: In a non-shootout game against Arizona last week, Corum got back on track with 14 fantasy points. This week, the Rams are 4.2-point favorites over the Raiders with a 26.3-point team total (7th). Kyren Williams complained about his role after last week's loss, so there is some risk. Corum is my RB29 in Week 7.
Rico Dowdle | Steelers: Dowdle took a back seat to Jaylen Warren in Week 6, playing 36% of the snaps. He had only seven rushing attempts and was the RB1 on just 2 of 15 drives. But Pittsburgh has a solid team total (23.9) and gets a Saints defense green-lighting the No. 1 boost to RBs (5.8 PPG). Dowdle is a mid-range RB3 who has a chance to score.

RBs That Bombed In Week 6 That I Am Starting Again In Week 7

"'Cause I gotta have faith

I gotta have faith

Because I gotta have faith, faith

I got to have faith, faith, faith"

- George Michael

Jaylen Warren | Steelers: Warren's fantasy points dropped to 9.8 with Dowdle back in the fold in Week 6. But much of that was due to the matchup and game script. Warren was still the lead RB on 13 of 15 drives, with Role decreased with a 74% snap share. He handled 63% of the rushing attempts. The Saints provide the No. 1 boost to RBs (5.8 PPG). Warren is a low-end RB1 in Week 7.

RB Injury Watch For Week 7 In Fantasy Football

Breece Hall | Jets → Braelon Allen: Hall (quad) did not practice on Wednesday. Allen has an 88% snap share, 80% attempt share, and 13% target share, averaging 13.2 PPG in three contests without Hall. The Dolphins have authored the No. 2 boost for RBs (4.3 PPG), but it has all come through receiving (4.7 PPG). The Jets are 4.9-point favorites with an average team total (22.1). Allen is a mid-range RB2 if Hall is out.
Saquon Barkley | Eagles → Dameon Pierce: Barkley (hamstring) didn't practice Wednesday, and the team signed Elijah Mitchell after cutting Jaydon Blue. Barkley gets a nice matchup against Dallas (+4.1 PPG) if he can go but carries re-injury risk that keeps him in mid-range RB2 territory if active. Pierce is a low-end RB2 if Barkley doesn't suit up.
Jeremiyah Love | Cardinals → Tyler Allgeier: Love (ankle) didn't practice on Wednesday. Allgeier split the backfield (53% of attempts) with Bam Knight last week but still got 18 carries thanks to a surprisingly low-scoring victory over the Rams. Allgeier's touches could be fragile in a different script. The Cardinals are 4.2-point underdogs with the sixth-lowest team total (19.7) against the Broncos (-1.0 PPG vs. RBs). Allgeier is a high-end RB3 with RB2 upside if Love is out.
Zach Charbonnet | Seahawks → Emanuel Wilson: Charbonnet (ACL) was a full participant at Wednesday's practice. I have him projected to play right now with a 41% rush share (9.7 attempts). Seattle is a 2.8-point favorite over the Chiefs, with an average team total of 22.7 points. Kansas City is the fifth-toughest matchup for RBs (-2.4 PPG). If Charbonnet is active, he is a mid-range RB3. If Charbonnet can't go, Wilson is a mid-range RB2.
Quinshon Judkins & Dylan Sampson | Browns → Jaleel McLaughlin: There is optimism that Judkins (ankle) and Sampson (IR-knee) will play in Week 7 against the Titans. Both were limited on Wednesday. Judkins is a borderline RB2 if active, and Sampson is an RB4. Sampson is a high-end RB3 if Judkins is out. If both miss, McLaughlin moves to mid-range RB3 territory.

RB SICKO STARTS For Week 7 Fantasy

These players are for you, deeper-league SICKOS, in 14-16-team or 12-team leagues with 2-3 flex spots. These players are available in over 50% of Yahoo leagues and aren't in many starting lineups, but they offer a ray of light. You could get lucky.

Tyrone Tracy Jr. | Giants: Tracy led a committee approach with 33% of rushing attempts and a 7% target share, and Cam Skattebo was benched after fumbles in Week 6. There is speculation they will give him a larger role against the Texans. You know how these reports go—they are often wrong. But the Giants backfield is wide open right now, which also gives Tracy long-term appeal if it plays out. That is the kind of player we want to target with our SICKO starts whenever possible. Tracy is a boom-bust RB4 against the Texans (-1.1 PPG vs. RBs) and is available in 88% of leagues.

Sit These Running Backs In Week 7 Fantasy Football

Cam Skattebo | Giants

There isn't a need for a lot of words here. We want to steer clear of Skattebo if possible. After getting benched last week and registering zero touches, we simply don't know what to expect.

While I still have a slight edge to Skattebo as the lead RB in a committee against Houston, my confidence is low. And the Giants are 9.9-point underdogs with a 16.6 team total. That is a terrible combination—even for RBs in strong roles. And Skattebo's absence in the passing game dates back to Week 1.

Yes, I have Tracy as a SICKO start, but as a boom-bust RB4. And that is more of a bet on picking up a spot starter that might have a better long-term role than we think.

Fantasy Projections

Median: 6.0
Xfinity Best (Ceiling): 10.9
Floor: 4.2

Skattebo is a low-end RB3, but be sure to monitor the news and our updated rankings/projections—things could shift if we gain clarity that Skattebo's benching was a one-week affair.

Week 7 RB Downgrades for Sit Consideration

Low-end RB2s (sit in smaller formats):

Aaron Jones | Vikings: Jones is still a starter in larger formats, but Mason's return adds uncertainty to his role. Jones almost certainly won't enjoy an 80% rush share moving forward. The Colts provide the seventh-best boost to RBs (2.7 PPG), and Jones has played well. That keeps him in the RB2 mix but as a low-end option rather than a mid- to high-range player.
Rhamondre Stevenson | Patriots: The New England backfield is riddled with ambiguity. Every time we think we have a read, something changes. Last week, Corey Kiner emerged as the closer after a TreVeyon Henderson fumble. Stevenson might be the lead option in a three-way committee. The Bears are the eighth-hardest matchup for RBs (-2.3 PPG). Their offense leads the NFL in time of possession (36 minutes per game), which could lead to fewer plays for New England. Stevenson DOWNGRADES to low-end RB2 territory—I would rather avoid the headache.

RB3s (sit in larger formats):

TreVeyon Henderson | Patriots: Everything I just said above for Stevenson holds for Henderson. But at least Stevenson has had games with large workloads. Henderson only has one—the game Stevenson fumbled. Henderson is a mid-range RB3—even with four teams on bye. Woof.

Wide Receivers I Am Starting In Week 7

Germie Bernard | Steelers

Bernard is averaging 20.1 PPG with an 86 Utilization Score in two games as the starter. The Round 2 pick has been targeted 8 and 12 times in those contests.

While I don't think his WR1-level production will sustain long-term, we are dealing with a highly condensed offense with Michael Pittman and Roman Wilson out. And New Orleans concedes the No. 6 boost to WR units (3.5 PPG).

The Steelers have a higher-than-usual team total of 23.9 as 3.4-point favorites. This game offers sneaky shootout potential.

Fantasy Projections

Median: 13.3
Xfinity Best (Ceiling): 20.4
Floor: 9.8

Bernard is a low-end WR2 in Week 7 against the Saints.

WR Upgrades Fantasy Lineups In Week 7

Low-end WR2s (start in most leagues with a flex spot):

DK Metcalf | Steelers: All the matchup and game environment stuff from the Bernard write-up above applies to Metcalf. The veteran WR has played a lower-route-depth role most of the season and showed signs of life in Week 6 with 20.3 points and a 94 Utilization Score. He notched a season-high 35% target share and has reached 24% or higher in 4 of 5 games. Metcalf is our consensus WR21.
Luther Burden | Bears: Rome Odunze will likely face Christian Gonzalez, which will let the Patriots double Colston Loveland. New England is the fifth-hardest matchup for TEs because of its scheme flexibility. Burden could be the key to a Bears victory this week and would be a high-end WR2 if not for a surprise 44% route share last week. He has reached 69% or higher every other game. But Burden also plays on a team on pace to run 3.3 more games' worth of plays than the average NFL offense, and he scored 17.5 points last week. Burden is my WR24 but offers top-12 upside if Ben Johnson plays him 70%+ of pass plays.

High-end to mid-range WR3s (start in larger leagues with a flex):

Jaylen Waddle | Broncos: Waddle has been a massive disappointment as the WR50 in PPG (9.2). But he projects as the WR27 (11.9 points) in our model. And that is with his typical target share (22%). In fact, we are slightly under his receptions and yardage props (4.6 vs. 4.8 and 50.6 vs. 54.5). Waddle is the WR29 in our consensus rankings. I have him WR26.
Carnell Tate | Titans: Tate is a stud but is caught in the vortex of a terrible offensive environment. This week he will face Denzel Ward on some plays, but Ward doesn't always travel. And the Titans are moving Tate around, including slot work (27%). His average route depth is in the sweet spot (9.2), and he runs in-breaking routes 40% of the time. Those things are conducive to targets—especially for talented players. Tate is my WR27. Freedman (aka The Wet Blanket) is leading the charge at WR23.

WR4s (start larger leagues with 3WR + flex or double flex):

DeMario Douglas | Patriots: Douglas has delivered 22.5 and 19.6 points over the last two games. Last week, he had a 74% route share and 28% target share. With Romeo Doubs (shoulder) on IR and Mack Hollins out, he could be Drake Maye's No. 2 option again in Week 7. The Patriots are three-point favorites against the Bears on Thursday Night in a potential shootout. Douglas is my WR37.
KC Concepcion | Browns: Concepcion (calf/quad) was limited in practice on Wednesday, but is likely to play in Week 7. His target shares in his last three healthy outings: 25%, 24%, 26% (7 per game). The team moves him all over the formation (61% slot), puts him in motion (25%), and targets him off play action (22%). Those are all cheat codes for WR fantasy production. The Titans provide the No. 5 boost to WRs (4.1 PPG). Concepcion is due for a boom game.

WRs That Bombed In Week 6 That I Am Starting Again In Week 7

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, I'm keeping the faith…

- Billy Joel

Christian Watson | Packers: Watson scored 9.4 points in a good matchup against the Cowboys. But have no fear, the Lions are here. Detroit has empowered the No. 2 boost to WRs (7.9 PPG), and the Packers have the seventh-highest team total (25.2). Watson is my WR6 in Week 7.

WR Injury Watch For Week 7 In Fantasy Football

Mike Evans | 49ers → Christian Kirk: Evans (Achilles) didn't practice on Wednesday after leaving the Week 6 contest. If he can't go, Kirk would enter WR3 territory.
Emeka Egbuka | Buccaneers → Chris Godwin: Egbuka (concussion/foot) has been a target hog over the last two games but didn't practice on Wednesday. Godwin would climb back into borderline WR3 territory if Egbuka can't play. If Egbuka is a full participant by Friday, he is a low-end WR.
Rashee Rice | Chiefs → Xavier Worthy & Jalen Royals: Rice (hamstring) still isn't practicing. If he can't go, Worthy and Royals would be in line for more work. However, the Chiefs have a much lower team total than normal (19.9), and the Seahawks are the third-hardest WR matchup (-4.3 PPG). Rice is a WR3 if he plays, and Worthy is a low-end WR3 if Rice is out.
Adonai Mitchell | Jets → Omar Cooper: Mitchell (finger) returned to practice in a limited fashion on Wednesday. The Dolphins are the hardest WR matchup (-6.2 PPG), but much of that is because other teams build leads. If Mitchell plays, Cooper is a boom-bust WR. If Mitchell is out, Cooper is a borderline WR2.

WR SICKO STARTS For Week 7 Fantasy

Konata Mumpfield | Rams: Mumpfield was not a high-end prospect as a Round 7 NFL pick. But he is the best bet to see a significant bump in playing time with Davante Adams out. Playing that role won't be easy. He will have to play on the boundary against the best corners, and winning downfield isn't easy. I expect the TEs and RBs to replace many of Adams' targets because of easier matchups. But the Raiders grant opposing WRs the No. 7 boost (+3.4 PPG). That gives Mumpfield a chance to hit paydirt on a Rams team with the sixth-highest team total (26.3). And if I am wrong about Mumpfield as a talent, he could cover 6-10 games while Adams recovers. He is a boom-bust WR5.

Wide Receivers To Sit In Week 7

Josh Downs | Colts

I couldn't get Downs outside the top-36 with four teams on bye and Tyler Warren missing practice on Wednesday, so he is in play in larger leagues. But in smaller leagues, he should hit the bench (you know, to motivate him to earn his way back into our lineups).

Downs has been a massive letdown with Alec Pierce out. Keenan Allen has been the more productive WR, out-targeting Downs 26% to 18%. Allen has averaged 14.7 PPG vs. 8.4 for Downs.

Plus, I harken back to one of my golden rules for this season: don't start fringe fantasy options against the Vikings. Minnesota wreaks havoc on offensive game plans with high pressure rates and blitz looks that force teams out of their comfort zone. The Vikings are the second-hardest matchup for WRs (-5.0 PPG), and the Colts have the third-lowest team total (17.5).

It's a no for me, dog.

Fantasy Projections

Median: 10.4
Xfinity Best (Ceiling): 16.3
Floor: 7.7

Downs is a borderline WR3 without Warren in the projections. He will fall to WR4 status if Warren plays.

WR Downgrades for Sit Consideration in Week 7 Fantasy Football

Borderline WR3s (sit in 10-team leagues without 3WRs or flex):

Keenan Allen | Colts: Yes, Allen has outplayed Downs. But read the section above about the Vikings defense under Downs. Allen is a borderline WR3 who downgrades to WR4 territory if Warren plays.

WR4s (sit in 12-team leagues without 3WRs + flex our double flex):

Rome Odunze | Bears: Odunze plays more than any other Chicago WR/TE with a 94% route share since Week 2. Unfortunately, that has led to only 8.4 PPG. Odunze is stuck playing on the outside, running all of the deep routes. Odunze ranks sixth in average route depth (11.6) among WRs with at least 100 routes. None of those WRs have strong target shares—today's NFL defenses are protecting against deep passes. Odunze could boom in any game but will draw Christian Gonzalez often in Week 7. Odunze is my WR39.
Kendrick Bourne | Cardinals: Bourne will be a popular bye-week streaming option after averaging 10.9 PPG in two games without Marvin Harrison Jr., but he has a tricky matchup this weekend against the Broncos. Patrick Surtain returned to practice on Wednesday. If he takes away Michael Wilson, the rest of the defense can focus on Bourne and McBride. The Broncos are the second-hardest matchup for WRs (-5.0 PPG), and they have held slot WRs to -2.5 PPG—where Bourne primarily operates. Bourne is my WR47.

Tight Ends To Start In Week 7 Fantasy Football

Tyler Higbee | Rams

Over the last four weeks with Terrance Ferguson (IR) and Colby Parkinson banged up, Higbee has taken over as the TE1 for the Rams. Over that span, he has averaged 12.4 PPG with a 75 Utilization Score.

And even with Parkinson back in the fold, Higbee has 64% and 83% route shares over the last two games. His role is somewhat fragile, since Parkinson could tighten things up. But with Adams out, I expect more 12 and 13 personnel, which helps the veteran.

The Rams can create more mismatches with their TE group by forcing defenses to play three LBs more often. Those are situations where Higbee can win. And when defenses want to stay in nickel, the Rams can run the ball. Los Angeles ranks No. 2 in average yards before contact (1.89) on runs by RBs. They rank No. 4 in rush success rate per SumerSports (47%).

The Raiders have endorsed a blank check to TEs, providing the No. 4 boost (5.0 PPG), and the Rams have the No. 6 team total (26.3).

Fantasy Projections

Median: 9.8
Xfinity Best (Ceiling): 15.3
Floor: 7.0

Higbee is a top-12 TE play in Week 7.

TE Upgrades Fantasy Lineups In Week 7

Mid-range TE2s (bye-week fillers/flex options TE premium)

AJ Barner | Seahawks: Elijah Arroyo is on IR, which could unlock a full-time role for Barner in an offense without a strong receiving-game option behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The Chiefs provide the No. 3 boost to TEs (+6.6 PPG). Barner is available in 90% of leagues. He is my TE20.

TE Injury Watch For Week 7 In Fantasy Football

Tyler Warren | Colts: Warren (groin) didn't practice on Wednesday. Even if he suits up, it is a tough matchup against the Vikings (-3.3 PPG vs. TEs). Against Minnesota, TEs have stayed in to block more often—even good ones. If Warren gets in a full practice by Friday, he will be a mid-range TE1. But if he is questionable with only a limited session, he will be a low-end TE1 thanks to the matchup/efficiency/re-injury concerns.

TE SICKO START For Week 7 Fantasy

These players are for you, deeper-league SICKOS in 16-team leagues or TE-premium formats with two flex spots.

Colby Parkinson | Rams: With Adams out, the Rams will lean even more into their multi-TE packages (see Higbee above). Los Angeles has a 26.3-point team total, and the Raiders sanction the No. 4 boost to opposing TE units (+5.0 PPG). Parkinson is available in 99% of Yahoo leagues and ~20% of TE premium formats. He is a low-end TE2 with mid-range TE1 upside, and with reports that Terrance Ferguson won't be ready to return from IR in Week 8, we could get multiple weeks of production.

Sit This Tight End In Week 7 Fantasy Football

Michael Mayer | Raiders

Mayer has averaged 11.5 PPG since Brock Bowers returned in Week 3. With opposing offenses sometimes doubling or putting their top cover corner on Bowers, Mayer has posted TE13, TE7, TE58, and TE6 finishes.

Thanks to Klint Kubiak's willingness to lean into multi-TE sets, Mayer has reached a 70%+ route share in three of four games—all ones where he scored at least 12 points.