Fantasy Football Week 7: Advanced Stats, Trends to Maximize Your Lineup

Week 7 of the fantasy football season is upon us, so it’s time to once again look at some of the advanced stats, metrics and trends you can use to maximize your lineup potential.

Player projections for the week’s top five options at each position will also be provided in this article.

Carson Palmer assumes the top spot among quarterbacks this week thanks to his juicy matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Find out just how bad the Ravens have been at defending the pass so far this season.

Rookie running back Todd Gurley also steps into the top three in Week 7 with a solid matchup against the Cleveland Browns on tap. Find out why Gurley will score his first touchdown of the season this week.

DeAndre Hopkins sits atop the wide receiver rankings for the second week in a row, narrowly edging out Atlanta’s Julio Jones.

At the tight end position, Gary Barnidge slips into the top five after stringing together several good games in a row—somewhat improbably.

Let’s get to some of the stats, metrics and player projections that will help you dominate in Week 7.

Quarterbacks: Carson Palmer Takes Top Spot in Week 7

Rick Osentoski/Associated Press

Carson Palmer

As noted in the opening slide, Palmer ranks first among quarterbacks this week with a favorable matchup against the Ravens on tap. Palmer is in line for a 300-plus-yard, three-touchdown game.

Andrew Luck is No. 2 this week after he had a nice bounce-back game in Week 6 against the New England Patriots. He appears to be back to his Luck-like ways, but some of the uncovered stats and metrics suggest he has room for growth.

Additionally, Philip Rivers has established himself as an elite fantasy quarterback this season, as has Cam Newton.

The Projections

1. Carson Palmer (vs. BAL): 27-of-35, 323 yards, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions—24.9 fantasy points
2. Andrew Luck (vs. NO): 21-of-44, 313 yards, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions—24.5 fantasy points
3. Tom Brady (vs. NYJ): 23-of-33, 302 yards, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions—24.1 fantasy points
4. Philip Rivers (vs. OAK): 28-of-42, 337 yards, 3 touchdowns, 1 interception—23.5 fantasy points
5. Cam Newton (vs. PHI): 20-of-29, 241 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception; 47 rushing yards—20.3 fantasy points

Stats to Know

According to ESPN.com, the Baltimore Ravens are giving up the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season—just over 21 points per game. Quarterbacks have tossed 11 touchdowns and just three interceptions against the Ravens so far this season.

Tom Brady is ranked No. 3 this week, but he has his work cut out for him. The New York Jets have given up just 993 passing yards to quarterbacks so far this season—the only team that has given up fewer than 1,000 passing yards. Additionally, quarterbacks have thrown just six touchdowns compared to eight interceptions against the Jets this season.

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles has been putting up big numbers this season, and you can expect more of the same in Week 7 against the Buffalo Bills. Rex Ryan’s unit has given up the 10th-most fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks so far this season, according to ESPN.com. Bortles does, however, have two things working against him this week: Allen Robinson has a leg injury, and the team is playing in London.

What the Metrics Say

According to Pro Football Focus, Carson Palmer’s average pass travels 11.6 yards in the air—tops among quarterbacks. That’s why he hasn’t needed quite as many attempts to do his damage so far this season. (And having a deep threat like John Brown doesn’t hurt.)

Luck is averaging just 6.42 yards per attempt, 29th-lowest in the league. However, even in Week 6—when he put up solid fantasy numbers—he averaged only 6.24 yards per attempt. He is not as efficient as he could be.

Bortles is throwing a deep pass (20-plus yards down the field) on nearly 20 percent of his passes this season. He has taken 44 shots deep down the field in 2015—10 more than any other quarterback.

Running Backs: Rookie Todd Gurley an Elite Play

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Todd Gurley

Devonta Freeman has shown no signs of slowing down, and he takes the top spot heading into Week 7.

Somewhat surprising, however, is the ranking of Gurley, who checks in at No. 2. Gurley is in line for a big game on the ground against the Browns.

The Projections

1. Devonta Freeman (at TEN): 22 carries, 119 yards, 1 touchdown; 6 receptions, 51 yards, 1 touchdown—29 fantasy points
2. Todd Gurley (vs. CLE): 28 carries, 162 yards, 1 touchdown; 2 receptions, 29 yards—25.1 fantasy points
3. Le'Veon Bell (at KC): 23 carries, 108 yards, 1 touchdown; 5 receptions, 61 yards—22.9 fantasy points
4. Adrian Peterson (at DET): 21 carries, 99 yards, 1 touchdown; 6 receptions, 64 yards—22.3 fantasy points
5. Arian Foster (at MIA): 18 carries, 92 yards, 1 touchdown; 6 receptions, 68 yards—22 fantasy points

Stats to Know

Latavius Murray should have a big game in Week 7 after putting up weak stats in each of his past two outings. This week, the Oakland Raiders will play against the San Diego Chargers, who have given up an average of 24.3 fantasy points per game to opposing running backs, per ESPN.com—worst in the league.

It’s hard to trust Kansas City Chiefs running backs Charcandrick West and Knile Davis this week against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers have given up just 10.3 fantasy points per game to opposing running backs this season—second-lowest in the league—and running backs have yet to score a touchdown against the Steelers. It’s hard to envision West or Davis being the first.

Gurley ranks No. 2 this week because the Browns—his Week 7 opponent—have given up more rushing yards than any other team, according to ESPN.com. With Gurley putting up about 150 yards per game (excluding his first game), another big day is on the horizon. Look for one of Gurley's long runs to net him a score this week.

Fire up LeSean McCoy in Week 7. He squares off against the Jaguars, who have given up the fifth-most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs. Running backs have also caught 43 passes against the Jaguars this season, tied for third-most in the league.

What the Metrics Say

According to Pro Football Focus, Melvin Gordon has forced 20 missed tackles on 78 rushing attempts this season. Only one running back (Carlos Hyde) has forced more missed tackles. Gordon is not stealing the show like some would have hoped (and fumble issues now loom large), but his elusiveness is encouraging.

No running back has seen more targets than Theo Riddick’s 41 this season. Freeman is second among running backs with 40 targets, followed by Dion Lewis with 33. Riddick has value in PPR leagues.

Chris Ivory is scoring an average of 0.52 fantasy points on every snap he’s in on—tops in the league among qualifying running backs. He’s been as efficient as they get.

Wide Receivers: Brandon Marshall a Strong WR1 This Week

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Brandon Marshall

Hopkins is the No. 1 wideout for the second week in a row, and he didn’t disappoint last week.

Larry Fitzgerald is in the top five once again, and Brandon Marshall assumes a spot in the top five with a better-than-expected matchup against the Patriots coming up.

The Projections

1. DeAndre Hopkins (at MIA): 10 receptions, 147 yards, 1 touchdown—20.7 fantasy points
2. Julio Jones (at TEN): 9 receptions, 124 yards, 1 touchdown—18.4 fantasy points
3. Odell Beckham Jr. (vs. DAL): 7 receptions, 109 yards, 1 touchdown—16.9 fantasy points
4. Larry Fitzgerald (vs. BAL): 7 receptions, 79 yards, 1 touchdown—13.9 fantasy points
5. Brandon Marshall (at NE): 6 receptions, 78 yards, 1 touchdown—13.8 fantasy points

Stats to Know

Martavis Bryant had a monstrous 2015 debut thanks to his two touchdown receptions. He could be in for another big game in Week 7, as he plays against the Chiefs, who have given up the most fantasy points per game to opposing wideouts, per ESPN.com.

Fitzgerald is ranked in the top five for a reason: He squares off against the Ravens, who have given up the second-most fantasy points per game to opposing wideouts in 2015. The Ravens have given up more than 90 receptions, 1,300 yards and nine touchdowns to wide receivers so far this season. The only other team to do that is the aforementioned Chiefs.

It’s time to slightly downgrade Travis Benjamin. In Week 7, he will play against the St. Louis Rams, a team that has given up the seventh-fewest fantasy points per game to wide receivers. Wideouts have scored only three touchdowns against the Rams in 2015.

The New England Patriots have given up the eighth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers this season, per ESPN.com. Marshall figures to have a big game as the Jets look to keep pace with New England.

What the Metrics Say

Hopkins has been targeted 90 times so far this season, per Pro Football Focus. No other wideout has seen more than 75 targets. At this point last season, Hopkins had seen just 32 targets.

There’s a reason people are excited about New Orleans Saints wide receiver Willie Snead. He’s averaging 12.1 yards per target, third among all wideouts who have seen at least 20 targets (behind James Jones and Torrey Smith).

Jarvis Landry has not established great rapport with Ryan Tannehill this season. Tannehill’s quarterback rating when throwing to Landry is only 60.6. For comparison, his quarterback rating when throwing to Rishard Matthews is 145.0, and it’s 120.7 when throwing to Kenny Stills.

Tight Ends: Gary Barnidge Moves into Top 5

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Gary Barnidge

Jimmy Graham played on Thursday Night Football, and he was the consensus No. 4 tight end this week. Removing him from the equation allows Cleveland breakout Barnidge to assume a top-five slot heading into the rest of Week 7.

Antonio Gates fits squarely in the No. 2 spot thanks to his matchup against the Raiders.

The Projections

1. Rob Gronkowski (vs. NYJ): 8 receptions, 122 yards, 1 touchdown—18.2 fantasy points
2. Antonio Gates (vs. OAK): 7 receptions, 108 yards, 1 touchdown—16.8 fantasy points
3. Greg Olsen (vs. PHI): 6 receptions, 98 yards, 1 touchdown—15.8 fantasy points
4. Travis Kelce (at MIN): 6 receptions, 73 yards, 1 touchdown—13.3 fantasy points
5. Gary Barnidge (at STL): 4 receptions, 63 yards, 1 touchdown—12.3 fantasy points

Stats to Know

The Raiders have given up the most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends (14.4, according to ESPN.com), which is why Gates is entrenched in the No. 2 spot this week (it’s hard to unseat Rob Gronkowski, regardless of matchup).

The Cincinnati Bengals and the Arizona Cardinals are the only teams that have yet to give up a touchdown to opposing tight ends so far this season. The Bengals are on bye in Week 7, and the Cardinals play against the Ravens. Downgrade Crockett Gillmore this week.

Jason Witten has been a New York Giants killer in the past, and it's fair to think he could assume that post again in Week 7. The Giants have given up the fifth-most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends so far this season.

What the Metrics Say

Barnidge may be an elite play this week, but he has room for improvement. According to Pro Football Focus, Barnidge has dropped 10 percent of the catchable balls thrown his way this season—one of the worst drop rates in the league.

If Jordan Reed returns to action in Week 7, he should be in starting lineups. He is averaging 2.38 yards per route run in 2015—second best among all tight ends and just narrowly behind Gronkowski’s 2.39.

Jordan Cameron has scored only 0.11 fantasy points per snap this season, tied for 16th in the league. He hovers around TE1 territory, but he’ll need to be more efficient to solidify himself among the top 10.

Kickers: Josh Brown a Strong Play in Week 7

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Josh Brown

Seattle Seahawks kicker Steven Hauschka was ranked No. 2 heading into the week, but he played on Thursday Night Football and was excluded from the list.

Most of the kickers in this week's top five come from offenses that will be playing against poor defenses.

The Projections

1. Stephen Gostkowski (vs. NYJ): 3-3 FGs, 3-3 XPs—12 fantasy points
2. Chandler Catanzaro (vs. BAL): 2-2 FGs, 3-3 XPs—9 fantasy points
3. Matt Bryant (at TEN): 2-2 FGs, 3-3 XPs—9 fantasy points
4. Adam Vinatieri (vs. NO): 2-2 FGs, 2-2 XPs—8 fantasy points
5. Josh Brown (vs. DAL): 2-2 FGs, 2-2 XPs—8 fantasy points

Stats to Know

A kicker has finally attempted a field goal against the Tennessee Titans. The team has had only one field goal attempted against it so far this season, per ESPN.com. All other teams have had at least five field goals attempted against them.

No kicker has missed against the Cardinals in 2015—and that includes extra points. Justin Tucker, one of the best kickers in the league, will play against the Cardinals in Week 7. He can be trusted.

Josh Brown ranks in the top five this week. He will be playing against the Dallas Cowboys, who have given up the fourth-most fantasy points per game to opposing kickers so far this season.

Defense and Special Teams: Vikings Top D/ST Stream Option in Week 7

Jim Mone/Associated Press

Seattle was the No. 1-ranked defense heading into Week 7, but it played on Thursday Night Football, so it was excluded from the list.

The Minnesota Vikings are the most surprising inclusion in the top five, but their matchup against the Detroit Lions warrants it.

The Projections 

1. Arizona Cardinals (vs. BAL): 21 points allowed, 2 interceptions, 2 fumble recoveries, 4 sacks
2. Carolina Panthers (vs. PHI): 23 points allowed, 2 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery, 3 sacks
3. Buffalo Bills (at JAC): 20 points allowed, 2 interceptions, 2 fumble recoveries, 3 sacks
4. St. Louis Rams (vs. CLE): 17 points allowed, 2 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery, 3 sacks
5. Minnesota Vikings (at DET): 21 points allowed, 2 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery, 4 sacks

Stats to Know 

According to ESPN.com, fantasy D/ST units have scored an average of minus-0.4 fantasy points per game when playing against the Patriots. That’s negative-0.4 points. You’d be better off with an empty spot. Up next: the Jets. They have their work cut out for them despite being one of the better D/ST units in 2015.

The Bills rank No. 3 this week with their matchup against the Jaguars. D/ST units playing against Jacksonville have scored the third-most fantasy points per game in the league in 2015.

The Vikings are the No. 5 D/ST this week with a matchup against the Lions on tap. The Lions have turned the ball over three times per game on average so far this season.

The rankings for each position come via the expert consensus rankings compiled by FantasyPros.

Unless otherwise noted, all stats in the “Stats to Know” sections throughout the slideshow came via ESPN.com or via NFL.com.

Unless otherwise noted, all stats in the “Metrics to Know” sections throughout the slideshow came via Pro Football Focus.