Week 7 Fantasy Football Matchup Analysis: Every week in the NFL is drastically different. Nobody knows what is going to happen, but everybody can make educated guesses, which is what makes fantasy football so fun! With that being said, here’s a run-down of some of this week’s most intriguing matchups.
Quarterback
Baker Mayfield (CLE at Buccaneers, 28.4 F.P.P.G.)
Ever since Baker Mayfield took over the reigns of the Cleveland offense, the passing game production has been much improved. Although Mayfield has been turning the ball over, Hue Jackson is confident in letting him air it out, especially with the weapons he has. Tampa Bay is dreadful against QBs, having only one interception to counter 16 passing touchdowns, the most in the NFL. The Buccaneers are also last in the league in giving up an average 28.4 fantasy points to quarterbacks. Mayfield will be a regular on this list moving ahead as the Browns schedule is looking pretty good from a QB perspective.
Verdict: Start as high-end QB2, viable streaming QB.
Andrew Luck (IND vs. Bills, 14.0 F.P.P.G.)
The Bills have been surprisingly good against QBs this season, only allowing 14.0 fantasy points per game. The run game is non-existent for the Colts, unless Marlon Mack gets going, as he’s the most efficient runner in the backfield. T.Y. Hilton should be back as well, giving Luck another option. The volume of the Colts passing game makes Luck a valuable starter any week.
Verdict: Start as fringe QB1.
[Also See: Week 7 Fantasy Football Rankings | Week 7 Pick’ Em]
Matthew Stafford (DET at Dolphins, 15.0 F.P.P.G.)
Matthew Stafford is known not to perform as well outdoors as indoors. That, along with a tough road matchup down in Miami, who is top-10 against QBs this season, doesn’t give me a lot of confidence in Stafford.
Verdict: Avoid if possible. Look for streaming options.
Drew Brees (NO at Ravens, 9.5 F.P.P.G.)
A tough matchup all-around for the Saints in Baltimore this weekend. Baltimore boasts arguably the best defense in the NFL especially, from a fantasy standpoint. They are top in the league against QBs, only giving up 9.5 fantasy points per game. Drew Brees owners should be wary.
Verdict: Tough matchup, start as fringe QB1/high-end QB2.
Running Back
Sony Michel/James White (NE at Bears, 10.6 F.P.P.G.)
A tough matchup lies ahead for this red-hot New England Patriots offense. Sony Michel and James White have been fantastic this year posing as fringe RB1s and high-end RB2s, but the Bears are their toughest matchup yet. The Bears have only given up one touchdown to running backs this season, rushing and receiving combined. This matchup isn’t ideal, but if the Patriots get ahead early in this game, the touches have to go somewhere.
Verdict: Start both as a high-end RB2.
Christian McCaffrey (CAR at Eagles, 13.3 F.P.P.G.)
The Eagles are coming off of a huge TNF win against the Giants and have a good home matchup against NFC foe Carolina. Saquon Barkley exploded last week with over 200 total yards against the Eagles along with a rushing score. Despite giving up so much, the Eagles rush defense has been stout, only giving up two total touchdowns and 20.1 fantasy points per game against RBs.
Verdict: Start as a fringe QB1.
Wide Receiver
Tyler Boyd (CIN at Chiefs, 24.5 F.P.P.G.)
The Cincinnati offense has been productive this year and Tyler Boyd has been a big part of it. Although this is a tough matchup at Arrowhead Stadium, I’m expecting a great showdown on Sunday Night Football.
Verdict: Start as WR2.
T.Y. Hilton (IND vs. Bills, 19.4 F.P.P.G.)
T.Y. Hilton is by-far the best offensive weapon for the Colts, but he is not quite at 100%. Tre’Davious White is a talented shutdown corner for the Bills and he is expected to shadow Hilton for this matchup. Hilton’s big-play ability gives him valuable upside, but I’m not sure if he’ll produce elite WR numbers this week.
Verdict: Start as WR2.
Tight End
David Njoku (CLE at Buccaneers, 13.3 F.P.P.G.)
As mentioned before, the Bucs’ passing defense is awful and whoever goes up against them has a great fantasy potential. The matchup, plus the growing rapport with Mayfield, gives Njoku a great opportunity to score big.
Verdict: Start with confidence.
Greg Olsen (CAR at Eagles, 4.8 F.P.P.G.)
The Eagles are the best defense in fantasy against tight ends, giving up an average of 4.8 points on a per game basis. Greg Olsen’s tight connection with Cam Newton gives him hope, but the road matchup keeps him in check.
Verdict: Given the lack of depth in TE, start but limit expectations.
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