Fantasy Football Week 7: Matt Camp's Week 7 Big Board

Matt CampOct 19, 2016

Last week was a great reminder that for all the logic you put into setting your fantasy football lineups, sometimes things just don’t work out how you planned in the wacky world of the NFL.

Expecting big performances from Steelers like Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell against the Dolphins was justified in Week 6. That plan went out the window when Roethlisberger hurt his knee and tried to play through it with little success. Now, Pittsburgh has to host the Patriots in Week 7 with Landry Jones under center. Your feeling of excitement for the Steelers on your fantasy roster is now a feeling of fear.

Then, we had the Chiefs take on the Raiders, a team that entered Week 6 with the worst pass defense in the league. Did the Chiefs dial up their passing attack to expose the weakness? Nope. Instead, Alex Smith threw a season-low 22 passes, while Spencer Ware and Jamaal Charles combined for 33 rushing attempts, 164 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

It’s easy to throw your hands up in bewilderment when that happens, but you can’t let it keep you down for long. Put that ugly week behind you and focus on how to set yourself up for victory in Week 7. I’ll try to help in this article.

As a reminder, this is the first look at my points-per-reception (PPR) rankings for Week 7. These will change throughout the week and up to Sunday’s action as we get more information about injuries and limitations, so make sure to bookmark this page.

Also, don’t forget that the Rams take on the Giants in London on Sunday morning, so be sure to take care of any lineup decisions featuring players from those teams before that early kickoff. Will Odell Beckham hug a soccer net? We can only hope.

Top 100

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Dustin Bradford/Getty Images

Look for the Matt Ryan-Julio Jones connection to fly high against the Chargers.

I present my top 100 players (minus quarterbacks) for the week as a way to help determine your flex spots. You may favor a certain position or player over another based on his role and/or your scoring rules.

As an additional tiebreaker, here are the teams I like as a whole this week based on their matchups:

Atlanta Falcons (vs. San Diego Chargers)
Cincinnati Bengals (vs. Cleveland Browns)
Washington Redskins (at Detroit Lions)
San Diego Chargers (at Atlanta Falcons)
Kansas City Chiefs (vs. New Orleans Saints)

#	Player (team)	Matchup	Pos	ECR™	vs. ECR
1	Julio Jones (ATL)	vs. SD	WR1	1	0
2	Odell Beckham Jr. (NYG)	at LA	WR2	4	+2
3	DeMarco Murray (TEN)	vs. IND	RB1	5	+2
4	Mike Evans (TB)	at SF	WR3	6	+2
5	Le'Veon Bell (PIT)	vs. NE	RB2	8	+3
6	A.J. Green (CIN)	vs. CLE	WR4	2	-4
7	T.Y. Hilton (IND)	at TEN	WR5	14	+7
8	LeSean McCoy (BUF)	at MIA	RB3	7	-1
9	Amari Cooper (OAK)	at JAC	WR6	15	+6
10	David Johnson (ARI)	vs. SEA	RB4	3	-7
11	Brandon Marshall (NYJ)	vs. BAL	WR7	11	0
12	Antonio Brown (PIT)	vs. NE	WR8	16	+4
13	Devonta Freeman (ATL)	vs. SD	RB5	12	-1
14	Cameron Meredith (CHI)	at GB	WR9	20	+6
15	Melvin Gordon (SD)	at ATL	RB6	17	+2
16	Jordy Nelson (GB)	vs. CHI	WR10	13	-3
17	Lamar Miller (HOU)	at DEN	RB7	33	+16
18	Brandin Cooks (NO)	at KC	WR11	19	+1
19	Rob Gronkowski (NE)	at PIT	TE1	10	-9
20	Christine Michael (SEA)	at ARI	RB8	21	+1
21	Jeremy Maclin (KC)	vs. NO	WR12	23	+2
22	Todd Gurley (LA)	vs. NYG	RB9	25	+3
23	Alshon Jeffery (CHI)	at GB	WR13	22	-1
24	Marvin Jones (DET)	vs. WAS	WR14	18	-6
25	Allen Robinson (JAC)	vs. OAK	WR15	9	-16
26	Michael Crabtree (OAK)	at JAC	WR16	30	+4
27	Spencer Ware (KC)	vs. NO	RB10	27	0
28	Jarvis Landry (MIA)	vs. BUF	WR17	26	-2
29	Larry Fitzgerald (ARI)	vs. SEA	WR18	24	-5
30	Hunter Henry (SD)	at ATL	TE2	49	+19
31	Randall Cobb (GB)	vs. CHI	WR19	39	+8
32	Demaryius Thomas (DEN)	vs. HOU	WR20	28	-4
33	Golden Tate (DET)	vs. WAS	WR21	45	+12
34	Terrelle Pryor (CLE)	at CIN	WR22	34	0
35	Julian Edelman (NE)	at PIT	WR23	35	0
36	Tevin Coleman (ATL)	vs. SD	RB11	43	+7
37	C.J. Anderson (DEN)	vs. HOU	RB12	40	+3
38	Emmanuel Sanders (DEN)	vs. HOU	WR24	37	-1
39	Travis Kelce (KC)	vs. NO	TE3	29	-10
40	DeAndre Hopkins (HOU)	at DEN	WR25	41	+1
41	Doug Baldwin (SEA)	at ARI	WR26	38	-3
42	Jordan Howard (CHI)	at GB	RB13	44	+2
43	Jimmy Graham (SEA)	at ARI	TE4	42	-1
44	Ty Montgomery (GB)	vs. CHI	WR27	99	+55
45	Travis Benjamin (SD)	at ATL	WR28	52	+7
46	Giovani Bernard (CIN)	vs. CLE	RB14	50	+4
47	Jamaal Charles (KC)	vs. NO	RB15	46	-1
48	Mike Wallace (BAL)	at NYJ	WR29	58	+10
49	Delanie Walker (TEN)	vs. IND	TE5	36	-13
50	DeSean Jackson (WAS)	at DET	WR30	47	-3
51	James White (NE)	at PIT	RB16	48	-3
52	Michael Thomas (NO)	at KC	WR31	56	+4
53	Mark Ingram (NO)	at KC	RB17	31	-22
54	Stefon Diggs (MIN)	at PHI	WR32	75	+21
55	Martellus Bennett (NE)	at PIT	TE6	55	0
56	Matt Jones (WAS)	at DET	RB18	63	+7
57	Frank Gore (IND)	at TEN	RB19	59	+2
58	Kenny Britt (LA)	vs. NYG	WR33	67	+9
59	Cameron Brate (TB)	at SF	TE7	103	+44
60	Duke Johnson (CLE)	at CIN	RB20	91	+31
61	Willie Snead (NO)	at KC	WR34	53	-8
62	Allen Hurns (JAC)	vs. OAK	WR35	64	+2
63	Robert Woods (BUF)	at MIA	WR36	72	+9
64	LeGarrette Blount (NE)	at PIT	RB21	69	+5
65	Terrance West (BAL)	at NYJ	RB22	61	-4
66	Tyrell Williams (SD)	at ATL	WR37	65	-1
67	Jay Ajayi (MIA)	vs. BUF	RB23	70	+3
68	Zach Miller (CHI)	at GB	TE8	54	-14
69	Jamison Crowder (WAS)	at DET	WR38	73	+4
70	Coby Fleener (NO)	at KC	TE9	57	-13
71	Jerick McKinnon (MIN)	at PHI	RB24	60	-11
72	Sterling Shepard (NYG)	at LA	WR39	68	-4
73	Doug Martin (TB)	at SF	RB25	71	-2
74	John Brown (ARI)	vs. SEA	WR40	66	-8
75	Jacquizz Rodgers (TB)	at SF	RB26	90	+15
76	Theo Riddick (DET)	vs. WAS	RB27	85	+9
77	Gary Barnidge (CLE)	at CIN	TE10	79	+2
78	Mohamed Sanu (ATL)	vs. SD	WR41	84	+6
79	Darren Sproles (PHI)	vs. MIN	RB28	82	+3
80	Jordan Matthews (PHI)	vs. MIN	WR42	51	-29
81	Chris Hogan (NE)	at PIT	WR43	81	0
82	Kyle Rudolph (MIN)	at PHI	TE11	62	-20
83	DeVante Parker (MIA)	vs. BUF	WR44	83	0
84	Charles Clay (BUF)	at MIA	TE12	92	+8
85	Will Fuller (HOU)	at DEN	WR45	89	+4
86	Kendall Wright (TEN)	vs. IND	WR46	100	+14
87	Isaiah Crowell (CLE)	at CIN	RB29	87	0
88	Bilal Powell (NYJ)	vs. BAL	RB30	107	+19
89	Tavon Austin (LA)	vs. NYG	WR47	93	+4
90	Matt Forte (NYJ)	vs. BAL	RB31	74	-16
91	Julius Thomas (JAC)	vs. OAK	TE13	77	-14
92	Jeremy Hill (CIN)	vs. CLE	RB32	78	-14
93	Quincy Enunwa (NYJ)	vs. BAL	WR48	76	-17
94	Anquan Boldin (DET)	vs. WAS	WR49	102	+8
95	Pierre Garcon (WAS)	at DET	WR50	118	+23
96	Jack Doyle (IND)	at TEN	TE14	95	-1
97	Ryan Mathews (PHI)	vs. MIN	RB33	108	+11
98	Sammie Coates (PIT)	vs. NE	WR51	101	+3
99	Dennis Pitta (BAL)	at NYJ	TE15	80	-19
100	Cordarrelle Patterson (MIN)	at PHI	WR52	166	+66

2016 Fantasy Football Rankings powered by FantasyPros

ECR - Expert Consensus Rankings

Quarterbacks

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Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

The Tom Brady Revenge Tour makes a stop in Pittsburgh on Sunday.

Better than Usual

Andy Dalton, CIN (vs. CLE)

Dalton has quietly been a top-10 fantasy quarterback this season, although last week’s performance against the Patriots didn’t do a lot to boost his standing. Dalton completed 21 of his 31 attempts for 254 yards and a touchdown. He has just one game with multiple passing TDs and two games with at least 300 yards.

Despite not having a consistent secondary option behind A.J. Green, Dalton is getting by as a low-end starting option. He should be better than that this week against the Browns. Cleveland’s given up three TDs in each of their last four games and at least 300 yards in three of their six games. Last week, Marcus Mariota got them for 284 yards, three TDs and 64 rushing yards.

If you’ve been waiting for a week to use Dalton with confidence, this is it.

Week 7 Projection: 285 yards, 2 touchdowns

Concerns

Russell Wilson, SEA (at ARI)

With a week to heal his leg injuries, Wilson came back from the bye with a nice matchup against the Falcons. Unfortunately, he underwhelmed for fantasy with just 270 yards through the air and seven rushing yards. He didn’t throw or run in a TD. Wilson has just 35 rushing yards all season, a number he rushed for in seven games last year.

The Cardinals haven’t faced any top-10 QBs this year, and the only one in the top-15 they've faced was Tyrod Taylor, who threw for just 119 yards but ran for 76 and a TD in a victory. Arizona is giving up an average of about 210 yards this season. Wilson isn’t a top-20 QB coming into this week and likely won’t be one when it’s done.

Week 7 Projection: 250 passing yards, 1 touchdown, 11 rushing yards

Carson Palmer, ARI (vs. SEA)

The days of using Palmer as a weekly starter are over. The Cardinals had no problem taking care of the Jets in Week 6, yet Palmer threw for only 213 yards and a TD on 23-of-34 passing. David Johnson carried the offense with 22 rushes for 111 yards and three TDs. Because Johnson is so good, the Cardinals can run their offense through him and pull back on how much Palmer throws it.

Seattle's defense has 16 sacks and just 78 points allowed on the season. They’ve been a top-three defense against fantasy QBs, which only spells trouble for Palmer. They gave up 335 yards and three TDs to Matt Ryan last week, but before that they allowed just one TD in four previous games. Palmer isn’t playing anywhere near Ryan’s level, so this is still a matchup to worry about Sunday night.

Week 7 Projection: 255 passing yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions

Avoid

Carson Wentz, PHI (vs. MIN)

Wentz’s fantasy numbers have dropped off following the team’s Week 4 bye, although he hasn’t played badly. Philadelphia’s defense couldn’t get off the field last week, so Wentz was limited to just 22 attempts, of which he completed 11 for just 179 yards without a TD or interception. In the week prior at Detroit, Wentz went 25-of-33 for 238 yards with a pair of scores and one interception.

Numbers and matchups don’t matter when you’re facing the Vikings because they may be the best defense in the league. QBs average less than 240 yards per game against Minnesota, and they’ve given up just four TDs all season. They will likely add to their total of 19 sacks on the season if they attack Eagles right tackle Halapoulivaati Vaitai, who was a big reason Wentz was sacked five times last week.

The rookie will join a list that includes Aaron Rodgers, Cam Newton and Eli Manning as those who’ve been victimized by the Vikings in 2016.

Week 7 Projection: 235 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception

Sleepers

Alex Smith, KC (vs. NO)

I’m tempting fate by going back to Smith as a streamer and a sleeper this week. As I discussed in the intro, Smith threw just 22 passes last week, but he completed 19 of them for 224 yards without a TD or interception. Smith played well, but it meant nothing for fantasy thanks to the lack of volume and TDs.

So why will I go back to him against another bad defense? The Raiders never got out of the gate last week and so the Chiefs didn’t have to ramp up their passing attack. I expect the Saints to have more success with their offense, and that should push Smith to go after their vulnerable defense. Four of five QBs threw for at least 319 yards against the Saints, and the last three each had two TDs apiece.

I find it too hard to pass up using any QB against the Saints defense, and I expect Smith to be busier than he was last week.

Week 7 Projection: 270 yards, 2 touchdowns

Marcus Mariota, TEN (vs. IND)

With 124 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries in the last two weeks, Mariota has tapped back into the rushing ability that made him so dangerous in the past. It’s also boosted his fantasy value up, and that’s great timing with an AFC South showdown against the Colts coming this weekend.

In the first six weeks, the Colts gave up the ninth-most fantasy points to QBs by allowing an average of over 300 yards and more than a TD per game. They blew a lead to Brock Osweiler and the Texans last week, giving up 269 yards and a pair of TDs to one of the worst-performing QBs of the 2016 season. With Mariota riding high and this matchup clearly in his favor, he’s a strong fantasy option yet again.

Week 7 Projection: 265 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 45 rushing yards

#	Player (team)	Matchup	ECR™	vs. ECR
1	Tom Brady (NE)	at PIT	1	0
2	Matt Ryan (ATL)	vs. SD	2	0
3	Matthew Stafford (DET)	vs. WAS	4	+1
4	Drew Brees (NO)	at KC	5	+1
5	Philip Rivers (SD)	at ATL	3	-2
6	Derek Carr (OAK)	at JAC	10	+4
7	Andrew Luck (IND)	at TEN	6	-1
8	Marcus Mariota (TEN)	vs. IND	8	0
9	Kirk Cousins (WAS)	at DET	11	+2
10	Andy Dalton (CIN)	vs. CLE	9	-1
11	Aaron Rodgers (GB)	vs. CHI	7	-4
12	Alex Smith (KC)	vs. NO	15	+3
13	Brian Hoyer (CHI)	at GB	18	+5
14	Jameis Winston (TB)	at SF	14	0
15	Russell Wilson (SEA)	at ARI	13	-2
16	Blake Bortles (JAC)	vs. OAK	12	-4
17	Joe Flacco (BAL)	at NYJ	20	+3
18	Eli Manning (NYG)	at LA	16	-2
19	Tyrod Taylor (BUF)	at MIA	17	-2
20	Carson Palmer (ARI)	vs. SEA	19	-1
21	Case Keenum (LA)	vs. NYG	28	+7
22	Sam Bradford (MIN)	at PHI	22	0
23	Colin Kaepernick (SF)	vs. TB	21	-2
24	Ryan Tannehill (MIA)	vs. BUF	24	0
25	Carson Wentz (PHI)	vs. MIN	23	-2
26	Cody Kessler (CLE)	at CIN	27	+1
27	Trevor Siemian (DEN)	vs. HOU	25	-2
28	Landry Jones (PIT)	vs. NE	30	+2
29	Brock Osweiler (HOU)	at DEN	29	0
30	Ryan Fitzpatrick (NYJ)	vs. BAL	26	-4
31	Geno Smith (NYJ)	vs. BAL	31	0

Running Backs

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Ronald C. Modra/Sports Imagery/Getty Images

DeMarco Murray shouldn't have much trouble facing the Colts.

Better than Usual

Giovani Bernard, CIN (vs. CLE)

If you want to pick a Bengals back who can take advantage of this week’s matchup with the Browns, you should be looking at Bernard. He’s out-snapped Jeremy Hill in the last two games and four of six times this season. While neither player is averaging even 3.7 yards per carry, Bernard makes up for it with 29 receptions for 256 yards compared to just four receptions for 40 yards for Hill.

You want Bernard in your lineup this weekend because the Browns allowed the 11th-most fantasy points to RBs in the first six games. There seems to be more trust in Bernard right now, and with an active role as a runner and a receiver, he’s the Bengals RB of choice for fantasy.

Week 7 Projection: 15 carries, 55 rushing yards, 1 rushing touchdown, 5 receptions, 44 receiving yards

Concerns

Jordan Howard, CHI (at GB)

Howard’s hot streak was cooled off by the Jaguars…and Ka’Deem Carey? Howard was held to 34 yards and a TD on 15 carries and added just two receptions for six yards on four targets while playing 69 percent of the snaps. Carey didn’t have a reception, but he turned his nine carries into 50 yards on 31 percent of the snaps.

To be fair, that’s a normal division of snaps, but Howard spoiled us at over 90 percent in the previous two games. The carries were closer than you want to see, and if that stays the same in Week 7, it could be another rough one for Howard.

Ezekiel Elliott gashed the Packers for 157 yards on 28 carries last week, but for the season, they’ve held RBs to an average of three yards per carry. Howard is good, but he’s not at the level of Elliott, so he’ll have a tough matchup on his hands in Green Bay on Thursday night.

Week 7 Projection: 15 carries, 50 rushing yards, 3 receptions, 20 receiving yards

Avoid

Matt Forte, NYJ (vs. BAL)

The Jets are a complete mess and Forte isn’t helping the cause. He ran for just 19 yards on nine carries last week and now has 360 yards on 102 carries (3.5 yards per carry) on the season. His only three touchdowns came in Week 2, and he’s chipped in just 14 receptions for 93 yards on 22 targets. Bilal Powell is averaging six yards per carry and has 24 receptions for 156 yards on 33 targets.

Powell out-snapped Forte in two of the last three games, including 73-38 percent in Week 6. With Forte going in the wrong direction, you’re better off staying away from him with the Ravens on the schedule this week. Baltimore held RBs to just 3.6 yards per carry in the first six weeks. Forte needs volume to have fantasy value and he’s not getting it.

Week 7 Projection: 11 carries, 40 rushing yards, 2 receptions, 12 receiving yards

Ryan Mathews, PHI (vs. MIN)

The Eagles have turned their backfield into an ugly committee, and that’s bad news for Mathews. He ran well last week, going for 60 yards on nine carries, but that’s all he accounted for while playing just 21 percent of the snaps. Wendell Smallwood carried four times for six yards and had a catch for 14 yards with 19 percent, and Kenjon Barner ran twice for six yards on 15 percent.

The only Eagle RB to consider using is Darren Sproles based on his snaps and consistent role in the offense both as a runner and a receiver. He had 44 percent of the snaps in Week 6 and has played 59 more snaps than Mathews in 2016.

The Vikings have one of the best defenses in the league and have held RBs to just 3.5 yards per carry on the year. With so many players involved and a rough matchup, you can’t trust Mathews.

Week 7 Projection: 11 carries, 39 rushing yards

Sleepers

Duke Johnson, CLE (at CIN)

The Browns have yet to win a game, which means they play from behind a lot, and that’s caught up to Isaiah Crowell after such a hot start. In the first four games, he ran 61 times for 394 yards (6.5 yards per carry) with three touchdowns. In the last two games, he has 22 carries for 38 yards (1.7 YPC) and hasn’t scored.

Johnson hasn’t been busy on the ground, but with 167 yards and a TD on 32 carries (5.2 YPC), he’s been productive when called on to run, which is all that matters. He remains a consistent part of the passing game with 24 receptions on 34 targets for 192 yards. By comparison, Crowell has nine receptions for 91 yards on 13 targets.

This season, Cincinnati has allowed RBs to average more than five receptions and almost 47 receiving yards per game and the 10th-most fantasy points. Last week, they allowed James White to catch eight passes for 47 yards and two TDs. They’ve also given up 4.4 yards per carry on the year.

Because the Browns are underdogs once again, you’re better off favoring Johnson over Crowell against the Bengals. Consider Johnson your upside option out of this backfield.

Week 7 Projection: 6 carries, 27 rushing yards, 5 receptions, 40 receiving yards

#	Player (team)	Matchup	ECR™	vs. ECR
1	DeMarco Murray (TEN)	vs. IND	1	0
2	Le'Veon Bell (PIT)	vs. NE	3	+1
3	LeSean McCoy (BUF)	at MIA	2	-1
4	David Johnson (ARI)	vs. SEA	4	0
5	Devonta Freeman (ATL)	vs. SD	5	0
6	Melvin Gordon (SD)	at ATL	6	0
7	Lamar Miller (HOU)	at DEN	12	+5
8	Christine Michael (SEA)	at ARI	8	0
9	Todd Gurley (LA)	vs. NYG	7	-2
10	Spencer Ware (KC)	vs. NO	9	-1
11	Tevin Coleman (ATL)	vs. SD	15	+4
12	C.J. Anderson (DEN)	vs. HOU	13	+1
13	Jordan Howard (CHI)	at GB	14	+1
14	Giovani Bernard (CIN)	vs. CLE	18	+4
15	Jamaal Charles (KC)	vs. NO	16	+1
16	James White (NE)	at PIT	17	+1
17	Mark Ingram (NO)	at KC	11	-6
18	Matt Jones (WAS)	at DET	21	+3
19	Frank Gore (IND)	at TEN	19	0
20	Duke Johnson (CLE)	at CIN	32	+12
21	LeGarrette Blount (NE)	at PIT	25	+4
22	Terrance West (BAL)	at NYJ	22	0
23	Jay Ajayi (MIA)	vs. BUF	24	+1
24	Jerick McKinnon (MIN)	at PHI	20	-4
25	Doug Martin (TB)	at SF	23	-2
26	Jacquizz Rodgers (TB)	at SF	31	+5
27	Theo Riddick (DET)	vs. WAS	28	+1
28	Darren Sproles (PHI)	vs. MIN	29	+1
29	Isaiah Crowell (CLE)	at CIN	30	+1
30	Bilal Powell (NYJ)	vs. BAL	37	+7
31	Matt Forte (NYJ)	vs. BAL	26	-5
32	Jeremy Hill (CIN)	vs. CLE	27	-5
33	Ryan Mathews (PHI)	vs. MIN	35	+2
34	DeAndre Washington (OAK)	at JAC	34	0
35	Matt Asiata (MIN)	at PHI	40	+5
36	T.J. Yeldon (JAC)	vs. OAK	33	-3
37	Chris Ivory (JAC)	vs. OAK	38	+1
38	Devontae Booker (DEN)	vs. HOU	43	+5
39	Knile Davis (GB)	vs. CHI	44	+5
40	Mike Davis (SF)	vs. TB	62	+22
41	Chris Thompson (WAS)	at DET	41	0
42	Bobby Rainey (NYG)	at LA	47	+5
43	Mike Gillislee (BUF)	at MIA	54	+11
44	Rashad Jennings (NYG)	at LA	39	-5
45	Arian Foster (MIA)	vs. BUF	42	-3
46	Jalen Richard (OAK)	at JAC	45	-1
47	Justin Forsett (DET)	vs. WAS	50	+3
48	Derrick Henry (TEN)	vs. IND	48	0
49	Shaun Draughn (SF)	vs. TB	55	+6
50	C.J. Spiller (SEA)	at ARI	49	-1
51	Zach Zenner (DET)	vs. WAS	46	-5
52	Latavius Murray (OAK)	at JAC	51	-1
53	DeAngelo Williams (PIT)	vs. NE	58	+5
54	Dwayne Washington (DET)	vs. WAS	53	-1
55	Kenneth Dixon (BAL)	at NYJ	52	-3
56	Damien Williams (MIA)	vs. BUF	59	+3
57	Jamize Olawale (OAK)	at JAC	73	+16
58	Wendell Smallwood (PHI)	vs. MIN	65	+7
59	Travaris Cadet (NO)	at KC	56	-3
60	Ka'Deem Carey (CHI)	at GB	68	+8
61	Javorius Allen (BAL)	at NYJ	63	+2
62	Benny Cunningham (LA)	vs. NYG	57	-5
63	Robert Turbin (IND)	at TEN	60	-3
64	Robert Kelley (WAS)	at DET	70	+6
65	Alfred Blue (HOU)	at DEN	74	+9
66	Andre Ellington (ARI)	vs. SEA	61	-5
67	Dexter McCluster (SD)	at ATL	64	-3
68	Paul Perkins (NYG)	at LA	79	+11

Wide Receivers

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Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

No one's been busier than Mike Evans this season.

Better than Usual

Jeremy Maclin, KC (vs. NO)

Last week, Maclin faced the worst pass defense and the worst defense against fantasy wide receivers and wound up with three receptions for 49 yards on three targets. In fact, no Chiefs receiver had more than four targets or three receptions, and that’s because Alex Smith threw just 22 passes. Logic didn’t prevail, but the Chiefs did, so their game plan worked.

I have trouble believing the same will happen against the Saints in Kansas City on Sunday. The Saints give up the 10th-most fantasy points, more than 15 receptions, 211 yards and almost a touchdown per game to WRs. Can the Chiefs avoid such a great matchup for their passing game again? I’ll say they don’t and Maclin gets busy.

Week 7 Projection: 6 receptions, 82 yards, 1 touchdown

Concerns

DeAndre Hopkins, HOU (at DEN)

Without some late-game production in the last two weeks, many more people would be freaking out about Hopkins right now. He managed to salvage his fantasy value in Week 6 with nine receptions for 71 yards on 15 targets. That comes a week after he posted five receptions for 56 yards and a touchdown on nine targets. You can blame Brock Osweiler for Hopkins ruining the value of your first-round pick.

Unfortunately, it will be tough for Hopkins to get going in Week 7 with a trip to Denver on tap. They’re the top defense against fantasy WRs with just 51 receptions for 571 yards and a TD allowed in their first six games. That TD came from Kelvin Benjamin back in Week 1. Since then, they've faced T.Y. Hilton, A.J. Green, Mike Evans and Julio Jones. That’s a battle-tested defense, so Hopkins won’t be a new challenge.

Week 7 Projection: 5 receptions, 56 yards

Demaryius Thomas, DEN (vs. HOU)

Monday night’s showdown between the Broncos and Texans could be a battle of the defenses and who survives on offense. Denver has the best defense against fantasy WRs, but Houston isn’t far behind in third. They give up about 11 receptions and 143 yards to WRs per game with just three TDs allowed all season.

Thomas failed to take advantage of last week’s great matchup with the Chargers and wound up with just five receptions for 35 yards on a season-high 10 targets. The blame should go more on Trevor Siemian since he managed just 230 yards on 50 attempts. If your QB averages 4.6 yards per attempt, you’re in trouble.

Week 7 Projection: 5 receptions, 65 yards

Avoid

Jordan Matthews, PHI (vs. MIN)

Matthews hasn’t been the catch monster we saw in 2015, and a lack of volume isn’t helping much, but now he’s dealing with a knee issue on top of everything. Oh, and he plays the Vikings on Sunday.

In last week’s loss to the Redskins, Matthews caught three of seven targets for 75 yards. He hasn’t had five receptions or more than 75 yards in any of his last three games. According to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Eagles said Matthews is dealing with knee tendonitis, which may be contributing to his lack of production.

This week, Matthews faces a Vikings defense that’s given up the second-fewest fantasy points to WRs this season despite tough matchups with the Panthers, Packers, Giants and Texans. There are no positives for Matthews, so stay away from him if you can.

Week 7 Projection: 4 receptions, 52 yards

Sleepers

Robert Woods, BUF (at MIA)

It’s easy to overlook Woods, but he is the top receiver for the Bills with Sammy Watkins out and has been the busiest target for Tyrod Taylor. Woods found the end zone for the first time last week as part of a five-catch, 44-yard performance on eight targets in a win over the 49ers. He leads the team in all receiving categories.

It’s worth considering him in Week 7 because the Dolphins allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to WRs in the first six weeks. Woods won’t make big plays, but he’s a safe target in the short and intermediate areas and doesn’t have much competition for looks.

Week 7 Projection: 6 receptions, 61 yards, 1 touchdown

#	Player (team)	Matchup	ECR™	vs. ECR
1	Julio Jones (ATL)	vs. SD	1	0
2	Odell Beckham Jr. (NYG)	at LA	3	+1
3	Mike Evans (TB)	at SF	4	+1
4	A.J. Green (CIN)	vs. CLE	2	-2
5	T.Y. Hilton (IND)	at TEN	8	+3
6	Amari Cooper (OAK)	at JAC	10	+4
7	Brandon Marshall (NYJ)	vs. BAL	6	-1
8	Antonio Brown (PIT)	vs. NE	9	+1
9	Cameron Meredith (CHI)	at GB	13	+4
10	Jordy Nelson (GB)	vs. CHI	7	-3
11	Brandin Cooks (NO)	at KC	12	+1
12	Jeremy Maclin (KC)	vs. NO	15	+3
13	Alshon Jeffery (CHI)	at GB	14	+1
14	Marvin Jones (DET)	vs. WAS	11	-3
15	Allen Robinson (JAC)	vs. OAK	5	-10
16	Michael Crabtree (OAK)	at JAC	18	+2
17	Jarvis Landry (MIA)	vs. BUF	16	-1
18	Larry Fitzgerald (ARI)	vs. SEA	17	-1
19	Randall Cobb (GB)	vs. CHI	23	+4
20	Demaryius Thomas (DEN)	vs. HOU	19	-1
21	Golden Tate (DET)	vs. WAS	26	+5
22	Terrelle Pryor (CLE)	at CIN	21	-1
23	Julian Edelman (NE)	at PIT	20	-3
24	Emmanuel Sanders (DEN)	vs. HOU	22	-2
25	DeAndre Hopkins (HOU)	at DEN	25	0
26	Doug Baldwin (SEA)	at ARI	24	-2
27	Ty Montgomery (GB)	vs. CHI	46	+19
28	Travis Benjamin (SD)	at ATL	28	0
29	Mike Wallace (BAL)	at NYJ	31	+2
30	DeSean Jackson (WAS)	at DET	27	-3
31	Michael Thomas (NO)	at KC	32	+1
32	Stefon Diggs (MIN)	at PHI	37	+5
33	Kenny Britt (LA)	vs. NYG	36	+3
34	Willie Snead (NO)	at KC	29	-5
35	Allen Hurns (JAC)	vs. OAK	33	-2
36	Robert Woods (BUF)	at MIA	39	+3
37	Tyrell Williams (SD)	at ATL	34	-3
38	Jamison Crowder (WAS)	at DET	40	+2
39	Sterling Shepard (NYG)	at LA	38	-1
40	John Brown (ARI)	vs. SEA	35	-5
41	Mohamed Sanu (ATL)	vs. SD	44	+3
42	Jordan Matthews (PHI)	vs. MIN	30	-12
43	Chris Hogan (NE)	at PIT	42	-1
44	DeVante Parker (MIA)	vs. BUF	43	-1
45	Will Fuller (HOU)	at DEN	45	0
46	Kendall Wright (TEN)	vs. IND	47	+1
47	Tavon Austin (LA)	vs. NYG	48	+1
48	Quincy Enunwa (NYJ)	vs. BAL	41	-7
49	Anquan Boldin (DET)	vs. WAS	51	+2
50	Pierre Garcon (WAS)	at DET	59	+9
51	Sammie Coates (PIT)	vs. NE	52	+1
52	Cordarrelle Patterson (MIN)	at PHI	68	+16
53	Eddie Royal (CHI)	at GB	53	0
54	Adam Humphries (TB)	at SF	57	+3
55	Steve Smith (BAL)	at NYJ	62	+7
56	Brandon LaFell (CIN)	vs. CLE	50	-6
57	Tyler Lockett (SEA)	at ARI	54	-3
58	Torrey Smith (SF)	vs. TB	49	-9
59	Adam Thielen (MIN)	at PHI	56	-3
60	Jeremy Kerley (SF)	vs. TB	55	-5
61	Chris Conley (KC)	vs. NO	60	-1
62	Victor Cruz (NYG)	at LA	61	-1
63	Breshad Perriman (BAL)	at NYJ	65	+2
64	Michael Floyd (ARI)	vs. SEA	58	-6
65	Rishard Matthews (TEN)	vs. IND	66	+1
66	Dontrelle Inman (SD)	at ATL	77	+11
67	Kamar Aiken (BAL)	at NYJ	63	-4
68	Tajae Sharpe (TEN)	vs. IND	74	+6
69	Phillip Dorsett (IND)	at TEN	64	-5
70	Brian Quick (LA)	vs. NYG	71	+1
71	Marqise Lee (JAC)	vs. OAK	72	+1
72	Marquise Goodwin (BUF)	at MIA	70	-2
73	Eli Rogers (PIT)	vs. NE	73	0
74	Danny Amendola (NE)	at PIT	81	+7
75	Dorial Green-Beckham (PHI)	vs. MIN	75	0
76	Chester Rogers (IND)	at TEN	69	-7
77	Kenny Stills (MIA)	vs. BUF	80	+3
78	Andre Johnson (TEN)	vs. IND	76	-2
79	Seth Roberts (OAK)	at JAC	79	0
80	Justin Hunter (BUF)	at MIA	87	+7
81	Davante Adams (GB)	vs. CHI	67	-14

Tight Ends

5 of 7

Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Travis Kelce is primed for a big game with the Saints coming to Kansas City.

Better than Usual

Travis Kelce, KC (vs. NO)

The Chiefs didn’t have to get pass-happy last week in Oakland in some ugly weather because the Raiders didn’t get their passing game into any kind of rhythm. Because of that, Kelce had just three receptions for 32 yards on three targets in what looked like a fantastic matchup.

He has another good one this week against the visiting Saints. Last week, the Saints gave up nine receptions for 119 yards and a touchdown to Greg Olsen and Ed Dickson in a win over the Panthers. Kelce can be just as dangerous as Olsen if given the chance, and he should get that opportunity. Assuming New Orleans gets its high-powered offense going, the Chiefs may have to match it, which is good news for Kelce.

Week 7 Projection: 6 receptions, 69 yards, 1 touchdown

Concerns

Kyle Rudolph, MIN (at PHI)

Before the Week 6 bye, Rudolph had his first bad game with Sam Bradford, posting just two receptions for 15 yards on four targets in a tough matchup against the Texans. He comes out of the bye with another stiff test on Sunday in Philadelphia.

Only the Cardinals have allowed fewer points to TEs than the Eagles. In five games, the Eagles held TEs to just eight receptions for 93 yards and a TD, and that includes shutouts against the Browns and Lions. Rudolph poses one of the tougher challenges they’ve had this season, but you have to respect how great they’ve been regardless of competition.

Week 7 Projection: 4 receptions, 45 yards

Avoid

None of note.

Sleepers

Cameron Brate, TB (at SF)

While Mike Evans has the highest target-per-game average at 12.4, there’s still room for others to contribute in an offense that’s averaging more than 41 pass attempts per game over the first six weeks. Brate might be even more important to the offense after the team announced Vincent Jackson was put on injured reserve with an ACL injury, according to Jenna Laine of ESPN.com.

Brate gets his first chance to prove he can do more with a nice matchup against the 49ers this weekend. On average, they give up more than five receptions and 63 yards to TEs each game and have allowed two 100-yard games. Brate does have five red-zone targets this season, and both of his TDs came inside the 10-yard line. He gets a boost from the matchup and absence of Jackson.

Week 7 Projection: 5 receptions, 57 yards, 1 touchdown

#	Player (team)	Matchup	ECR™	vs. ECR
1	Rob Gronkowski (NE)	at PIT	1	0
2	Hunter Henry (SD)	at ATL	5	+3
3	Travis Kelce (KC)	vs. NO	2	-1
4	Jimmy Graham (SEA)	at ARI	4	0
5	Delanie Walker (TEN)	vs. IND	3	-2
6	Martellus Bennett (NE)	at PIT	7	+1
7	Cameron Brate (TB)	at SF	17	+10
8	Zach Miller (CHI)	at GB	6	-2
9	Coby Fleener (NO)	at KC	8	-1
10	Gary Barnidge (CLE)	at CIN	10	0
11	Kyle Rudolph (MIN)	at PHI	9	-2
12	Charles Clay (BUF)	at MIA	16	+4
13	Julius Thomas (JAC)	vs. OAK	11	-2
14	Jack Doyle (IND)	at TEN	15	+1
15	Dennis Pitta (BAL)	at NYJ	12	-3
16	Vernon Davis (WAS)	at DET	20	+4
17	C.J. Fiedorowicz (HOU)	at DEN	18	+1
18	Antonio Gates (SD)	at ATL	19	+1
19	Zach Ertz (PHI)	vs. MIN	14	-5
20	Jesse James (PIT)	vs. NE	21	+1
21	Jacob Tamme (ATL)	vs. SD	23	+2
22	Will Tye (NYG)	at LA	33	+11
23	Richard Rodgers (GB)	vs. CHI	27	+4
24	Larry Donnell (NYG)	at LA	25	+1
25	Lance Kendricks (LA)	vs. NYG	26	+1
26	C.J. Uzomah (CIN)	vs. CLE	28	+2
27	Vance McDonald (SF)	vs. TB	30	+3
28	Virgil Green (DEN)	vs. HOU	29	+1
29	Clive Walford (OAK)	at JAC	31	+2
30	Jordan Reed (WAS)	at DET	13	-17
31	Tyler Eifert (CIN)	vs. CLE	22	-9
32	Eric Ebron (DET)	vs. WAS	24	-8

Defenses

6 of 7

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Brock Osweiler is in trouble when he faces his old team in Denver on Monday night.

Best Options Based on Matchups

Denver Broncos (vs. HOU)

The champs had some issues with the Chargers last week, but their defense still played a relatively strong game even though they lost. Brock Osweiler won’t give them the same challenge Monday night. With eight interceptions and 12 sacks taken, Osweiler is a big reason the Texans have given up the sixth-most fantasy points to defenses this season.

Week 7 Projection: 3 sacks, 2 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, 15-18 points allowed

Buffalo Bills (at MIA)

After their meltdown against the Jets in Week 2, Bills head coach Rex Ryan and his staff have turned their defense around and now ride a four-game winning streak into Miami. Even though the Dolphins shocked the Steelers last week behind a big game from Jay Ajayi, their passing attack has struggled to find consistency. Protection has been an issue, as evidenced by the 17 sacks they allowed in the first six weeks. Buffalo will add to that total in Week 7.

Week 7 Projection: 3 sacks, 2 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, 18-20 points allowed

Cincinnati Bengals (vs. CLE)

As a whole, the Bengals have been a disappointing team this season, and it stems from underachievement across the board. Sometimes you need a game to get things right, and this could be the one with the winless Browns coming to town. While they’ve shown some signs of life on offense, the Browns are still tied for the seventh-most fantasy points allowed to defenses, and a big part of that is the 19 sacks given up so far.

Week 7 Projection: 2 sacks, 1 interception, 18-20 points allowed

#	Player (team)	Matchup	ECR™	vs. ECR
1	Denver Broncos (DEN)	vs. HOU	1	0
2	Minnesota Vikings (MIN)	at PHI	2	0
3	Buffalo Bills (BUF)	at MIA	4	+1
4	New England Patriots (NE)	at PIT	3	-1
5	Seattle Seahawks (SEA)	at ARI	5	0
6	Cincinnati Bengals (CIN)	vs. CLE	6	0
7	Arizona Cardinals (ARI)	vs. SEA	7	0
8	Houston Texans (HOU)	at DEN	13	+5
9	Los Angeles Rams (LA)	vs. NYG	9	0
10	Baltimore Ravens (BAL)	at NYJ	10	0
11	Philadelphia Eagles (PHI)	vs. MIN	11	0
12	Tennessee Titans (TEN)	vs. IND	12	0
13	Green Bay Packers (GB)	vs. CHI	8	-5
14	Tampa Bay Buccaneers (TB)	at SF	17	+3
15	New York Jets (NYJ)	vs. BAL	14	-1
16	Kansas City Chiefs (KC)	vs. NO	16	0
17	Miami Dolphins (MIA)	vs. BUF	25	+8
18	New York Giants (NYG)	at LA	15	-3
19	Detroit Lions (DET)	vs. WAS	19	0
20	Oakland Raiders (OAK)	at JAC	18	-2

Kickers

7 of 7

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Matt Bryant's perfect season has been a nice help for his fantasy owners.

Best Options Widely Available on the Waiver Wire

Matt Bryant, ATL (vs. SD)

A good kicker in a great offense is exactly who you want in your lineup. Bryant checks those boxes and hasn’t missed in the first six weeks. That’s 12 field goals and 21 extra points, which is a bunch of fantasy production (for a kicker). The Falcons shouldn’t have a problem rolling right along against the Chargers on Sunday, so Bryant’s great season will continue. Hopefully, he stays perfect.

#	Player (team)	Matchup	ECR™	vs. ECR
1	Stephen Gostkowski (NE)	at PIT	1	0
2	Adam Vinatieri (IND)	at TEN	2	0
3	Matt Bryant (ATL)	vs. SD	5	+2
4	Justin Tucker (BAL)	at NYJ	3	-1
5	Cairo Santos (KC)	vs. NO	6	+1
6	Mason Crosby (GB)	vs. CHI	4	-2
7	Steven Hauschka (SEA)	at ARI	7	0
8	Josh Lambo (SD)	at ATL	8	0
9	Sebastian Janikowski (OAK)	at JAC	17	+8
10	Brandon McManus (DEN)	vs. HOU	9	-1
11	Mike Nugent (CIN)	vs. CLE	10	-1
12	Josh Brown (NYG)	at LA	11	-1
13	Matt Prater (DET)	vs. WAS	12	-1
14	Chandler Catanzaro (ARI)	vs. SEA	13	-1
15	Dustin Hopkins (WAS)	at DET	14	-1
16	Blair Walsh (MIN)	at PHI	15	-1
17	Wil Lutz (NO)	at KC	16	-1
18	Chris Boswell (PIT)	vs. NE	18	0
19	Dan Carpenter (BUF)	at MIA	19	0
20	Caleb Sturgis (PHI)	vs. MIN	20	0