Bleacher Report

Turning trips to the waiver wire into reliable replacements for your injured or underwhelming fantasy players is always the goal. If those replacements turn into superstars, you hit the jackpot. 

Two weeks after the Vikings lost Dalvin Cook to a torn ACL, they haven't missed a beat with Jerick McKinnon stepping up. He's been an active part of the rushing and passing attacks with lots of success. He's made Latavius Murray an afterthought, and the Vikings would be foolish to reduce McKinnon's role until he proves he can't handle it. 

Adrian Peterson's fantasy value went from nonexistent to rejuvenated following a huge Week 6 performance. The Cardinals have every reason to stick with him this weekend in a great matchup against the Rams. Peterson has a chance to prove his first game with Arizona was not just a fluke. 

Two quarterback changes came in Week 6 for very different reasons. The Packers lost Aaron Rodgers to a broken collarbone, so they turned to Brett Hundley, who struggled in relief in a loss to the Vikings. The 49ers benched Brian Hoyer in favor of rookie C.J. Beathard in the midst of their sixth loss of the season. Both young QBs should remain starters for the foreseeable future, so we'll have to adjust fantasy expectations for those tied to them in the coming weeks. 

Here's the first look at 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 for my full rankings in both PPR and non-PPR formats.

Carson Wentz has the Eagles flying high heading into Week 7.Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

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: 

• Philadelphia Eagles (vs. Washington Redskins)
• New Orleans Saints (at Green Bay Packers)
• Atlanta Falcons (at New England Patriots)

Matt Ryan has a great chance to get back on track in New England.John Bazemore/Associated Press

Better Than Usual 

Marcus Mariota, TEN (at CLE)

Despite a hamstring injury that limited him in practice in the days leading up to Week 6, Mariota returned to action against the Colts in a big way, throwing for 306 yards with a TD and an INT on 23-of-32 passing. Mariota had just two rush attempts for zero yards, which wasn't a surprise since the hamstring issue limited his legs. With the confidence to put Mariota back in your starting lineups, he should be a great option when the Titans visit Cleveland on Sunday. The Browns allowed the most fantasy points to QBs over the last four weeks.

Concern 

Jameis Winston, TB (at BUF)

According to head coach Dirk Koetter, Winston suffered a sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder early in Week 6. While he's expected to be medically cleared, the team will decide Winston's status when he throws later in the week, per Jenna Laine of ESPN.com. Injured or not, a matchup in Buffalo won't be easy for Winston, as the Bills have held QBs to the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game over the last four weeks. The Buccaneers have a capable backup in Ryan Fitzpatrick, so they can give Winston a full week off if he needs it. Make other plans if Winston is your QB.

Avoid 

Philip Rivers, LAC (vs. DEN)

Playing the Broncos means you're downgrading or avoiding any fantasy options. In the last four weeks (three games), the Broncos allowed just 590 yards and four TDs while holding QBs to the eighth-fewest fantasy points per game. Last season, Rivers totaled 445 yards with three TDs and three INTs in two games against the Broncos. Do yourself a favor and find a better option than Rivers for Week 7.

Sleeper 

Jared Goff, LAR (vs. ARI)

Goff hit a rough patch in the schedule over the last two weeks with matchups in Jacksonville and against the Seahawks, which caused a predictable dip in his fantasy output. In those two games, he completed just 33 of 68 attempts for 412 yards with a TD and two INTs. Still, the Rams went 1-1 in those games and sit at 4-2 with the Cardinals visiting on Sunday. Even with a great CB in Patrick Peterson, Arizona allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to QBs in the last four weeks. It's not a great streaming week for QBs, but Goff is worth a shot in a potential bounce-back game.

Spoiler alert: Kareem Hunt will get at least another 100 yards this week.Reed Hoffmann/Associated Press

Better Than Usual 

Adrian Peterson, ARI (at LAR)

Everything went right for Peterson in his Cardinals debut. Can he follow it up with another strong performance? Peterson looked as dominant as ever, but he benefitted from a big lead that afforded him a heavy workload (26 carries, 134 yards, two TDs). The Rams could put up much more of a fight, although they also provide a beatable matchup for Peterson. 

In the last four weeks, only the Colts gave up more fantasy points per game to RBs. During that span, Los Angeles allowed 437 yards and four TDs on 97 carries to RBs. The Cardinals would be wise to stick with what works for Peterson, especially if it keeps Carson Palmer from registering his fifth game with at least 40 pass attempts.

Concern 

Alex Collins, BAL (at MIN)

Collins is a popular waiver-wire addition this week thanks to a workload that has steadily increased each week and topped out at 15 carries for 74 yards in Week 6 against the Bears. Collins enters Week 7 averaging 6.4 yards per carry as one of the lone bright spots in an otherwise underwhelming Ravens offense. He gets arguably his biggest test to date with a visit to Minnesota on Sunday afternoon. 

In their last four games, the Vikings limited RBs to the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game. With no role in the passing game (zero receptions) and no red-zone carries, Collins has a smaller margin for error, which is reason to lower expectations for him in such a tough matchup.

Avoid 

Samaje Perine and Rob Kelley, WAS (at PHI)

Washington was expected to lean on Perine during Kelley's Week 6 absence. Despite a strong matchup, Perine carried just nine times for 23 yards and only managed to salvage some fantasy production by catching all three of his targets for 24 yards and a TD. Chris Thompson led he way on the ground (16 carries, 33 yards) and through the air (four receptions, 105 yards).

According to head coach Jay Gruden, Kelley (ankle) will practice this week, which leaves the door open for his return on Monday night in Philadelphia. That doesn't mean you should consider playing him, as the Eagles allowed just 125 yards and a single TD on 56 carries to RBs in the last four games. The only reason they've allowed the third-fewest fantasy points per game during than span instead of the fewest is because of the 30 receptions for 204 yards and a TD RBs posted against them. This is another week to roll with Thompson and forget the rest of Washington's backfield.

Sleeper 

Wendell Smallwood, PHI (vs. WAS)

Smallwood missed the last two games with a knee issue, but according to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Smallwood said he expects to play this week against the Redskins after going through light practice on Tuesday. His presence was missed, especially in Week 6, when Kenjon Barner struggled to fill in, failed in pass protection and managed just five carries for seven yards and a single reception for nine yards.

In five games, RBs have 34 receptions against Washington, which is good for 10^th-most on the season. Before sitting out the last two weeks, Smallwood totaled 105 yards and a TD on 22 carries and five receptions for 54 yards on eight targets in his last two games. He can step right back into a significant role in a solid matchup. He's at least an RB3/flex for Week 7.

With the Cowboys facing uncertainty in the backfield, they should feature Dez Bryant against the 49ers.Rick Scuteri/Associated Press

Better Than Usual 

Alshon Jeffery, PHI (vs. WAS)

Jeffery's fantasy value will depend on the status of Washington's top CB Josh Norman, who has been out since fracturing a rib in Week 4. According to Rick Maese of the Washington Post, head coach Jay Gruden said "there's a chance" Norman could be back for Monday's game in Philadelphia, but that's he's leaving it up to the doctors, because he doesn't "want this thing to get injured obviously."

Norman was initially expected to miss four weeks, so this would be an early return.

Jeffery faced a brutal group of CBs to start the season, including Norman in the opener, who helped limit Jeffery to just three receptions for 38 yards on seven targets. Last week, Jeffery had his second-best game of the season with four receptions for 71 yards on 10 targets in a win over the Panthers. If Washington doesn't have Norman, Jeffery should continue his rise back into fantasy relevance.

Concern 

Chargers WRs (vs. DEN)

Whether it's Keenan Allen, Tyrell Williams or Mike Williams, you'd be wise to downgrade or stay away from the Chargers' WRs this weekend. A matchup against the Broncos is never easy. Denver has allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to WRs in the last four weeks. During that span, it ceded just 21 receptions for 272 yards and two TDs to WRs. Sticking with Allen is understandable, but you can send anyone named Williams to the bench.

Avoid

Giants WRs (vs. SEA)

In last week's win over the Broncos, the Giants got just two receptions for 22 yards on five targets from WRs Roger Lewis and Tavarres King. They managed to win the game thanks to big performances from Orleans Darkwa (21 carries, 117 yards) and Evan Engram (five receptions, 82 yards, one TD on seven targets). 

If you're picking up a Giants WR with the thought that someone has to catch the ball, the Giants proved they could win without much from their WRs last week and may need to do it again this week against the visiting Seahawks. Seattle allowed the 10th-fewest fantasy points per game to WRs in the last four weeks (three games). The only Giant worth considering is Sterling Shepard, who missed all of last week's practices and Week 6 with an ankle injury. He's not a lock to play and could get another week of rest with the Giants heading for a bye in Week 8.

Sleeper 

Robert Woods, LAR (vs. ARI)

Even though the Rams moved to 4-2 with a win in Jacksonville last week, they had to overcome the third straight disappointing performance from Sammy Watkins. In the last three weeks, Watkins has just two receptions for 28 yards on 10 targets. During that span, Woods lead the team with 21 targets and 12 receptions for 153 yards, including at least five receptions and 66 yards in each of the last two games.

Watkins will likely see a lot of Patrick Peterson on Sunday, which could make for another quiet performance. Meanwhile, Woods should have a chance to take advantage of the rest of the Cardinals secondary, which is responsible for allowing WRs to post the fifth-most fantasy points per game in the last four weeks. With the matchup in his favor, Woods could be the most active target for Jared Goff in Week 7.

Zach Ertz is one of the most valuable assets in fantasy football.Brad Penner/Associated Press

Better Than Usual 

Hunter Henry, LAC (vs. DEN)

Henry was covered in the B.S. Meter earlier this week as someone who should be considered a weekly starter moving forward. But rather than thinking of him as a fringe option, he's easily in the top 10 for Week 7 with a favorable matchup against Denver on Sunday. While the Broncos have been tough against QBs, WRs and RBs, they've struggled against TEs, giving up the third-most fantasy points per game to the position in the last four weeks. 

Arguably the best performance of Henry's young career came in just his sixth professional game, when he posted six receptions for 83 yards and a TD on eight targets against the Broncos last season. Last week, the Giants were able to defeat the Broncos with a makeshift crew at WR by featuring rookie TE Evan Engram, who tagged Denver for five receptions, 82 yards and a TD on seven targets. Look for the Chargers to feature Henry in a similar way.

Concern 

Jordan Reed, WAS (at PHI)

Reed hasn't been healthy all season, and his fantasy numbers have suffered as a result. In four games, he has just 18 receptions for 142 yards on 24 targets. Reed hasn't found the end zone or posted more than 48 yards in a single game. Because the TE position lacks quality starting options, you may be rolling with Reed out of necessity again this week, so be sure to keep those expectations low. The Eagles limited TEs to the fifth-fewest fantasy points per game in the last month. Reed managed just five receptions for 36 yards on eight targets when these teams met in Week 1.

Avoid

Martellus Bennett, GB (vs. NO)

If you haven't learned by now, the Packers don't produce reliable fantasy TEs. Bennett is a talented player, but he isn't featured in an offense that has Jordy Nelson, Davante Adams and Randall Cobb in the WR corps, not to mention a great pass-catcher out of the backfield in Ty Montgomery. Bennett has just two games with at least five receptions and he's topped 50 yards just once without a trip to the end zone. 

Banking on Bennett to see an increased role as a security blanket for Brett Hundley is risky in this week's matchup with the New Orleans Saints. As an improving defense, the Saints have done a good job limiting TEs to just six receptions for 72 yards and a TD in the last four weeks (three games) and the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game over that time. Bennett just isn't reliable enough to consider for your fantasy lineup.

Sleeper 

Austin Hooper, ATL (at NE)

The breakout potential for Hooper is starting to come to the forefront. In the last two games, Hooper leads the team in targets (16) and receptions (12) with 98 yards. If you're getting double-digit fantasy points from your TE in PPR formats, you have a legit starter on your hands. Hooper has a great opportunity to make it three in a row with a favorable matchup in New England on Sunday night.

The Pats allowed the seventh-most fantasy points per game to TEs in the last four weeks. If New England focuses its efforts on slowing down Julio Jones, Hooper could be the biggest beneficiary, especially if Mohamed Sanu remains out with his hamstring injury.

The Saints are creating turnovers and face a Packers' offense without Aaron Rodgers.Bill Feig/Associated Press

Best Streaming Options 

Tennessee Titans (at CLE)

Once again, targeting the Browns is a great way to find streaming options each week. Over the last four weeks, the Browns allowed the second-most fantasy points to opposing defenses thanks to eight sacks, nine INTs, one fumble recovery, one TD and a safety while scoring just 60 points. They have a major lack of talent and no legit option at QB between Kevin Hogan, DeShone Kizer and Cody Kessler. Tennessee's defense isn't good, but you can overlook that with such a great matchup.

Ownership percentages: ESPN – 46.1; Yahoo – 31

New Orleans Saints (at GB)

Who would have thought the Saints would be a legitimate fantasy defense streamer in a matchup with the Packers? After an ugly start to the season, the Saints have turned things around on defense, and it's not just because they had three TDs last week against the Lions. In the last four weeks (three games), New Orleans racked up 13 sacks, seven interceptions, two fumble recoveries and the aforementioned TDs while giving up just 45 points. 

The Saints get a crack at Brett Hundley in his first NFL start a week after the Packers gave up four sacks and three INTs while scoring just 10 points in a loss to the Vikings. 

Ownership percentages: ESPN – 2.7; Yahoo - 6

You should be able to grab Stephen Hauschka coming off his bye.Frank Victores/Associated Press

Best Option Widely Available on the Waiver Wire

Stephen Hauschka, BUF (vs. TB)

Always check the waiver wire for kickers coming off a bye because most owners will be smart enough to drop a kicker, even a good one, to pick up a replacement instead of foolishly keeping two kickers. If you hit the waiver wire this week, you may find Hauschka there for the taking. He's made 11 of 12 field-goal attempts and all eight of his extra points. Actually, he hasn't missed a field goal since his first attempt of the season in Week 1. Hauschka should have a great chance to continue his strong season when a shaky Buccaneers defense visits Sunday.

Ownership percentage: ESPN – 6.6; Yahoo - 26