Week 7 Fantasy Rankings & Tiers
Fantasy QB Rankings & Tiers
Tier 1
Lamar Jackson (vs. CLE)
Josh Allen is on a bye this week, so Jackson is just house sitting for Tier 1 until Allen returns to action next week.
Tier 2
Patrick Mahomes (@ SF)
Justin Herbert (vs. SEA)
Joe Burrow (vs. ATL)
After getting off to a slow start to the 2022 season, Joe Burrow is starting to heat up, throwing for 300/3/0 and rushing for 4/25/1 against the Saints. Tee Higgins has been playing through an ankle injury the past couple of weeks, but I’m expecting him to be closer to 100% possibly as soon as this week. Burrow should be viewed as a top-five option against the Falcons this week.
Tier 3
Kyler Murray (vs. NO)
Dak Prescott (vs. DET)
Tom Brady (@ CAR)
Dak Prescott is expected to return to action this week if his surgically repaired thumb can hold up at practice this week. It’s perfect timing for him since he avoided playing a stingy Eagles defense and gets to face the Lions Swiss cheese defense (32nd in DVOA) in his return.
Tier 4
Derek Carr (vs. HOU)
Geno Smith (@ LAC)
Tua Tagovailoa (vs. PIT)
Trevor Lawrence (vs. NYG)
Tagovailoa is expected to return to action against the Steelers and should be viewed as a low-end QB1 option. The entire Steelers secondary is questionable this week after missing Week 6, so Tua’s final rank will likely come down to how many of their starters are able to suit up.
Tier 5
Aaron Rodgers (@ WAS)
There were multiple times during last week’s 27-10 loss where Aaron Rodgers was likely mumbling, “Like a good neighbor State Farm is there?” and getting bummed out that his buddy Jake didn’t come and rescue him.
Rodgers was visibly upset with his pass catchers, wincing in pain after taking multiple hard hits, and even lost one of his top WRs Randall Cobb to a significant injury. I think Rodgers will eventually break out of this funk, but he’s more of a mid-range QB2 option going forward. He’s only on the QB1/2 cusp this week because it’s a bye week full of high-end QBs.
Tier 6
Jimmy Garoppolo (vs. KC)
Daniel Jones (@ JAX)
Kenny Pickett (@ MIA)
Jared Goff (@ DAL)
Russell Wilson (vs. NYJ)
Matt Ryan (@ TEN)
Mac Jones (vs. CHI)
Marcus Mariota (@ CIN)
Justin Fields (@ NE)
Jimmy G. is on the QB1/2 fringe this week as the 49ers will likely resort to a pass-heavy game plan in order to keep up with the Chiefs. The 49ers defense has also been hit hard by injuries and if they are missing a few key players again this week, it could force Shanahan’s hand even more to let Garoppolo cook (especially after finding out his grandma was just feeding him Subway sandwiches the entire time!).
Speaking of Subway sandwiches, that’s all Russell Wilson has been able to cook up this year as his first seven games in Denver have been a complete disaster. There have been numerous instances this season when Wilson has been unable to spot a wide-open target in his line of vision. It’s been one of the bigger mysteries to the total enigma Wilson seems to be devolving into. Like I said earlier this year, he needs to be viewed as a QB2 until we are proven otherwise.
Mac Jones is expected to return from his ankle injury this week, although Bailey Zappe played well enough in his two starts to wonder if this could eventually turn into a QB controversy at some point. I’m sure Hunter Henry would prefer Zappe under center going forward, as he is coming off his best two-game stretch of the season.
Tier 7
Davis Mills (@ LV)
Jacoby Brissett (@ BAL)
Ryan Tannehill (vs. IND)
Zach Wilson (@ DEN)
The Texans have been involved in a one-score game in all but one contest this season. It has prevented Davis Mills from getting into many pass-heavy game scripts, but that could change this week as the Texans are 7-point dogs in Vegas this week (literally and figuratively). The Raiders rank 30th in DVOA, so this could be a spot where Davis Mills ends up posting pretty solid QB2 numbers this week.
Jacoby Brissett is in a similar situation, one in which the Browns could get forced away from their run-loving ways as they are 6.5-point underdogs against the Ravens this week. Brissett also has some sneaky rushing upside and has rushed for 30 or more yards twice this season. His odds of finishing as a QB1 are much higher this week than usual.
Tier 8
Taylor Heinicke (vs. GB)
Death, taxes, Taylor Heinicke under center for Washington. Heinicke carries enough rushing upside to be considered an intriguing QB2 flier for Week 7. If Jahan Dotson and Logan Thomas are both healthy enough to suit up this week, it’ll be the best supporting cast he’s ever played with.
Tier 9
Andy Dalton (@ ARI)
Dalton looks likely to remain as the Saints starter for at least one more game as Jameis Winston recovers from multiple injuries. I’m under the impression we will see Winston back under center in Week 8 against the Raiders. Dalton is an uninspiring QB3 option who will still be without two of his top WRs in Michael Thomas and Jarvis Landry, while also conceding snaps to Taysom Hill in precious red-zone situations.
Tier 10
P.J. Walker (vs. TB)
I don’t know which stat is worse, the fact that Walker’s average intended air yards was only 0.1 yards downfield or the fact that he only completed 62.5% of his pass attempts, considering the Panthers’ offense against the Rams was nothing but check downs and screen passes.
Fantasy RB Rankings & Tiers
Tier 1
Saquon Barkley (@ JAX)
Austin Ekeler (vs. SEA)
Josh Jacobs (vs. HOU)
Alvin Kamara (@ ARI)
Leonard Fournette (@ CAR)
Derrick Henry (vs. IND)
This position isn’t as exciting this week as it was having Rhamondre Stevenson as my RB1 overall (he finished as the top scoring RB of Week 6) in Week 7, but Josh Jacobs makes a surprise appearance in Tier 1. He has been on an absolute tear of late, rushing for over 140 or more yards in back-to-back games, while also chipping in five receptions in each game, as well. Jacobs will be leaned on heavily this week against a Texans defense that ranks 29th in DVOA vs. the run.
Tier 2
Christian McCaffrey (vs. TB)
Rhamondre Stevenson (vs. CHI)
Joe Mixon (vs. ATL)
Jonathan Taylor (@ TEN)
Dameon Pierce (@ LV)
Nick Chubb (@ BAL)
I’m still projecting Stevenson as a low-end RB1 despite the fact I’m expecting Damien Harris to return this week. He should continue to dominate passing down work while also sharing early down work with Harris. Stevenson has become the type of anti-fragile RB that I consider to be the most valuable when it comes to roster construction.
Stevenson will be a mid-range RB2 when Harris is fully healthy, with top-five upside when Harris ever misses time. Unlike fellow anti-fragile RBs like Kareem Hunt, Tony Pollard and A.J. Dillon, Stevenson doesn’t necessarily need an injury in order to become an every week RB1, there is a very real chance he can outplay Harris enough to where he becomes more of a change-of-pace back.
_InlineAdBlock
Tier 3
Breece Hall (@ DEN)
Kenneth Walker (@ LAC)
Aaron Jones (@ WAS)
Raheem Mostert (vs. PIT)
Ezekiel Elliott (vs. DET)
The top two backs of the 2022 draft class have started to push their way into the RB1/2 fringe discussion. Breece Hall still offers the most raw upside thanks to his involvement in the passing game, and he’s a Michael Carter injury away from becoming a potential top 5-10 option at the position.
Raheem Mostert is one of the many Dolphins who benefit from Tua’s return since the Dolphins are more likely to be involved in positive game scripts with him back under center. Mostert’s rushing production has been capped the past three weeks with the Dolphins losing three straight. He should get back on track as a mid-range RB2 option against the Steelers.
Tier 4
Najee Harris (@ MIA)
D’Andre Swift (@ DAL)
Jeffery Wilson (vs. KC)
A.J. Dillon (@ WAS)
Clyde Edwards-Helaire (@ SF)
David Montgomery (@ NE)
The 49ers surprisingly played from behind for much of their 28-14 loss to the Falcons last week, which led to Wilson only rushing for 25 yards on seven carries. He failed to record a reception, and it’s a good reminder that Wilson is the type of back who is dependent on a positive game script. With the 49ers defense banged up and facing the Chiefs this week, this is a week where we need to lower our expectations for Wilson.
Khalil Herbert has played well enough for head coach Matt Eberflus to come out and say they will ride the “hot hand” at RB moving forward. It’s a situation that could be a massive blow to David Montgomery’s value rest of season, but I think he will still be the preferred back on passing downs, so in a game where the Bears are 7.5-point underdogs, he should be able to cling onto low-end RB2 value.
I would be trying to sell high on Monty while you still can and try to pry away Herbert as a high-upside RB stash.
Tier 5
Eno Benjamin (vs. NO)
Damien Harris (vs. CHI)
Travis Etienne (vs. NYG)
James Robinson (vs. NYG)
Kareem Hunt (@ BAL)
Tyler Allgeier (@ CIN)
Latavius Murray (vs. NYJ)
Tony Pollard (vs. DET)
Brian Robinson Jr. (vs. GB)
Eno Benjamin flopped in his spot start for James Conner and Darrel Williams, as he only rushed for 15/37/0 against a historically bad Seahawks defense. We still don’t know which Cardinals RBs will be active for Thursday Night Football since Benjamin himself is questionable with a foot injury. He will likely remain the workhorse back this week, but I would consider him more of a dicey RB2 option.
I would not be surprised if we see rookie Keontay Ingram get more involved this week. He’s a talented back out of USC who gives me Kareem Hunt vibes. I would not be surprised if he makes some noise if given the opportunity.
The Broncos backfield is extremely volatile right now, with Hackett announcing on Wednesday that Melvin Gordon will start Week 7. Gordon started Week 6, yet it was Latavius Murray who ended up as the lead back. Consider Murray’s current rank more as a placeholder until we find more info on this evolving situation. Either way, he seems like a boom/bust RB3/Flex option this week.
Tier 6
Jamaal Williams (@ DAL)
James Conner (vs. NO)
Caleb Huntley (@ CIN)
Melvin Gordon (vs. NYJ)
There is a ton of uncertainty in this tier. We need more clarity around injury news and coach speak before arriving at any sit/start conclusions.
Tier 7
Michael Carter (@ DEN)
Khalil Herbert (@ NE)
Chase Edmonds (vs. PIT)
Jerick McKinnon (@ SF)
Kenyan Drake (vs. CLE)
Dontrell Hilliard (vs. IND)
Rachaad White (@ CAR)
J.K. Dobbins (vs. CLE)
Antonio Gibson (vs. GB)
Mark Ingram (@ ARI)
J.D. McKissic (vs. GB)
Add the Ravens backfield to the “It’s way too early to rank these guys” list.
J.K. Dobbins had a setback with his surgically repaired knee last week, while Kenyan Drake looked excellent as his replacement. However, the Ravens might be welcoming back both Justice Hill and/or Gus Edwards this week. Drake could end up anywhere from being a mid-range RB2 option to borderline droppable. It all depends on which Ravens backs suit up this week.
Carter, Herbert and Rachaad White are some of the more valuable backups in fantasy right now. Their workloads are big enough to potentially offer emergency RB3/Flex value in bye-heavy weeks, while also possessing RB2 upside if their starting RB ever were to miss time.
Tier 8
Rex Burkhead (@ LV)
Nyheim Hines (@ TEN)
Samaje Perine (vs. ATL)
Michael Boone (vs. NYJ)
DeeJay Dallas (@ LAC)
Sony Michel (vs. SEA)
Joshua Kelley (vs. SEA)
Jaylen Warren (@ MIA)
Brandon Bolden (vs. HOU)
Deon Jackson (@ TEN)
Fantasy WR Rankings & Tiers
Tier 1
Tyreek Hill (vs. PIT)
Ja’Marr Chase (vs. ATL)
Deebo Samuel (vs. KC)
CeeDee Lamb (vs. DET)
Davante Adams (vs. HOU)
With Dak Prescott expected back under center this week, we can upgrade CeeDee Lamb to WR1 territory again. He gets an additional boost from the easy matchup against the Lions this week.
Tier 2
D.K. Metcalf (@ LAC)
Tyler Lockett (@ LAC)
Michael Pittman Jr. (@ TEN)
Amon-Ra St. Brown (@ DAL)
Mike Evans (@ CAR)
Tee Higgins (vs. ATL)
Chris Godwin (@ CAR)
Courtland Sutton (vs. NYJ)
Jaylen Waddle (vs. PIT)
Amon-Ra St. Brown, Tee Higgins and Chris Godwin have been battling injuries the past couple of weeks, but their health, and in turn their fantasy value, should start to trend up as soon as this week.
Jaylen Waddle suffered a shoulder injury in Week 6. While he’s expected to play through it, this is a situation we need to monitor closely. As always, we will likely have clarity on this situation well before we need to lock in our lineups, but the fact that the Dolphins don’t play until Sunday night means there won’t be as many backup options if he’s a surprise scratch.
Tier 3
Diontae Johnson (@ MIA)
Brandin Cooks (@ LV)
DeAndre Hopkins (vs. NO)
Amari Cooper (@ BAL)
Mike Williams (vs. SEA)
Christian Kirk (vs. NYG)
Brandon Aiyuk (vs. KC)
Chris Olave (@ ARI)
Jakobi Meyers (vs. CHI)
Keenan Allen (vs. SEA)
Romeo Doubs (@ WAS)
Michael Gallup (vs. DET)
Allen Lazard (@ WAS)
Robert Woods (vs. IND)
Drake London (@ CIN)
The Texans and Browns have only lost by seven or more points once this season, but both teams are 6.5-7 point road dogs this week, meaning Brandin Cooks and Amari Cooper could benefit from their teams forced into a pass-heavy game script.
DeAndre Hopkins returns from his six-game suspension on Thursday Night Football, and it comes at the same time Marquise Brown suffered a significant injury that will keep him out for over a month. Expect Hopkins to provide high-end WR2 value until Brown is able to return.
The window to buy low on Michael Gallup may already be over, but his underlying usage has been solid the past two weeks, averaging an 87% route participation and a 26% target rate. Now, he gets to face the Lions with Prescott under center. He is a fringe WR2/3 option for Week 7.
Tier 4
Jerry Jeudy (vs. NYJ)
Juju Smith-Schuster (@ SF)
Noah Brown (vs. DET)
Corey Davis (@ DEN)
Rondale Moore (vs. NO)
Tyler Boyd (vs. ATL)
Zay Jones (vs. NYG)
George Pickens (@ MIA)
Chase Claypool (@ MIA)
Darnell Mooney (@ NE)
Noah Brown sneaks into WR3 territory this week thanks to the easy matchup against the Lions and the return of Prescott.
George Pickens and Chase Claypool’s final rank will come down to if Kenny Pickett is able to clear the concussion protocol in time to suit up for Week 7. Pickens benefits from Pickett under center, while Claypool would benefit from Trubisky. The Dolphins rank 31st in DVOA against the pass, so this could be a sneaky spot for all Steelers pass catchers.
Tier 5
Hunter Renfrow (vs. HOU)
Alec Pierce (@ TEN)
Garrett Wilson (@ DEN)
D.J. Moore (vs. TB)
Terry McLaurin (vs. GB)
Devin Duvernay (vs. CLE)
Marquez Valdes-Scantling (@ SF)
Josh Reynolds (@ DAL)
Nico Collins (@ LV)
Curtis Samuel (vs. GB)
D.J. Moore’s fantasy value has hit rock bottom thanks to the Panthers offense being a complete disaster right now. He would benefit from a potential trade, but it appears the Panthers aren’t willing to part ways with their talented wide out. It’s probably impossible to trade him for a WR2/3 right now, so all you can do is ride this out and hope for the best. Maybe getting Sam Darnold back under center will help allow him to get back into the WR2/3 discussion. I just threw up in my mouth a bit after typing that, but that’s where we are at right now.
Terry McLaurin will get a downgrade once Jahan Dotson and Logan Thomas both return to the lineup. As of right now, I’m projecting that to be the case. However, if either is unable to return this week, expect McLaurin to jump up a tier or two.
Tier 6
Josh Palmer (vs. SEA)
Donovan Peoples-Jones (@ BAL)
Rashod Bateman (vs. CLE)
Marvin Jones (vs. NYG)
Mack Hollins (vs. HOU)
Russell Gage (@ CAR)
Donovan Peoples-Jones has had a quiet, yet productive three-week stretch where he is averaging an 87% route participation and a 19% target rate, which resulted in him grabbing four or more receptions in three straight games. He could see a boost in usage this week with the Browns likely having a pass-heavy game script as 6.5-point road dogs. It’s also worth pointing out that based on his underlying usage, Peoples-Jones could jump into the WR3/4 range once Deshaun Watson takes over as the team’s starter in Week 13.
Tier 7
D.J. Chark (@ DAL)
DeVante Parker (vs. CHI)
Elijah Moore (@ DEN)
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (vs. IND)
Wan’Dale Robinson (@ JAX)
Parris Campbell (@ TEN)
Olamide Zaccheaus (@ CIN)
Jahan Dotson (vs. GB)
Marquez Callaway (@ ARI)
Darius Slayton (@ JAX)
A.J. Green (vs. NO)
Elijah Moore’s fantasy value has hit rock bottom. He’s unlikely to produce as a WR3/flex as long as Zach Wilson is under center and/or all of the Jets pass catchers remain healthy. Moore is nothing more than an upside stash in the event Davis/Wilson miss time and Joe Flacco makes a spot start. At this point, it seems like a lot needs to happen for Moore to make it back into our starting lineups.
Wan’Dale Robinson could be the Giants No. 1 target for the rest of the season since Sterling Shepard is out for the season and Kadarius Toney is not ready to return from his injured hamstring(s) — and could be on the trade block. Robinson posted a 3/37/1 line despite only seeing a 34% route participation in his debut. Once Robinson is healthy enough to see his route participation in the 70-80% range he will shoot up my rankings into the WR3/4 range.
Fantasy TE Rankings & Tiers
Tier 1
Travis Kelce (@ SF)
Mark Andrews (vs. CLE)
The drop off from Tier 1 to Tier 2 at tight end remains the largest drop off at any position. This really highlights just how much of an edge Kelce and Andrews provide you over your leaguemates.
Tier 2
George Kittle (vs. KC)
Zach Ertz (vs. NO)
T.J. Hockenson (@ DAL)
George Kittle is coming off of his best game of the season, going for 8/83/0 as the 49ers were forced into a pass-heavy game script in their 28-14 loss to the Falcons. They could be in a similar situation this week against the Chiefs.
Tier 3
David Njoku (@ BAL)
Pat Freiermuth (@ MIA)
Kyle Pitts (@ CIN)
Darren Waller (vs. HOU)
Taysom Hill (@ ARI)
Darren Waller (hamstring) still isn’t practicing after the Raiders’ bye week, which is not a good sign for his Week 7 availability. I would start making backup plans if you have Waller.
Taysom Hill is a slam dunk top-10 option at TE despite only having one reception for two yards on the season. That’s the Taysom Hill experience for you.
In all seriousness, he carries the widest range of outcomes of any TE in fantasy football history, but his floor has been much higher than anticipated considering he’s a lock to get a handful of rush attempts and 1-2 pass attempts each game. Sure, we could be getting a 0-2 point performance from him in the very near future, but even when that happens, it won’t kill you coming from your TE slot.
_InlineAdBlock
Tier 4
Hunter Henry (vs. CHI)
Gerald Everett (vs. SEA)
Robert Tonyan Jr. (@ WAS)
Hayden Hurst (vs. ATL)
Evan Engram (vs. NYG)
Daniel Bellinger (@ JAX)
Hunter Henry benefited from Jonnu Smith dealing with an injury and having rookie Bailey Zappe under center the past two games. With Mac Jones potentially returning this week and Smith no longer carrying an injury designation, we could see Henry’s production drop off this week. However, he remains on the TE1/2 fringe thanks to a TE heavy bye week.
Gerald Everett was a solid streaming option to begin the season, but with both Donald Parham and now Keenan Allen potentially returning to the lineup. Everett’s playing time and target share should start to drop off, making him more of a fringe TE1/2 option.
Tier 5
Cade Otton (@ CAR)
Greg Dulcich (vs. NYJ)
Noah Fant (@ LAC)
Juwan Johnson (@ ARI)
Mike Gesicki (vs. PIT)
Dalton Schultz (vs. DET)
Cade Otton could be getting the start this week for the injured Cam Brate. When Brate missed Week 5, Otton ran a route on 92% of Tom Brady’s dropbacks and cashed in with a solid 6/43/0 receiving line.
Last week, I hinted that Greg Dulcich could make his NFL debut in Week 6 and that he could eventually become the Broncos lead pass-catching TE. Sure enough, he became the Broncos lead pass catching TE right away, running a route on 81% of Russell Wilson’s dropbacks and posting a 2/44/1 receiving line. He should be a TE2 at worst and has the upside to potentially be a low-end TE1 rest of season.
Tier 6
Cole Kmet (@ NE)
Tyler Conklin (@ DEN)
Logan Thomas (vs. GB)
Will Dissly (@ LAC)
O.J. Howard (@ LV)
Brevin Jordan (@ LV)
Tyler Conklin remains in a 50/50 timeshare with C.J. Uzomah, and you should have already dropped him by now. He will need Uzomah to miss time to ever get back on the TE1/2 radar again.
Fantasy Kicker Rankings & Tiers
Tier 1
Justin Tucker (vs. CLE)
Daniel Carlson (vs. HOU)
Brett Maher (vs. DET)
Evan McPherson (vs. ATL)
Ryan Succop (@ CAR)
Harrison Butker (@ SF)
Tier 2
Taylor Bertolet (vs. SEA)
Nick Folk (vs. CHI)
Wil Lutz (@ ARI)
Jason Myers (@ LAC)
Jason Sanders (vs. PIT)
Brandon McManus (vs. NYJ)
Younghoe Koo (@ CIN)
Mason Crosby (@ WAS)
Graham Gano (@ JAX)
Chase McLaughlin (@ TEN)
Cade York (@ BAL)
Tier 3
Matt Ammendola (vs. NO)
Chris Boswell (@ MIA)
Ka’imi Fairbairn (@ LV)
Robbie Gould (vs. KC)
Randy Bullock (vs. IND)
Riley Patterson (vs. NYG)
Greg Zuerlein (@ DEN)
Michael Badgley (@ DAL)
Eddy Pineiro (vs. TB)
Cairo Santos (@ NE)
Tier 4
Joey Slye (vs. GB)
Fantasy Defense Rankings & Tiers
Tier 1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@ CAR)
Tier 2
Denver Broncos (vs. NYJ)
New England Patriots (vs. CHI)
Green Bay Packers (@ WAS)
Tier 3
Miami Dolphins (vs. PIT)
New York Jets (@ DEN)
Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. NYG)
Los Angeles Chargers (vs. SEA)
Tennessee Titans (vs. IND)
Tier 4
Dallas Cowboys (vs. DET)
Arizona Cardinals (vs. NO)
Cincinnati Bengals (vs. ATL)
Baltimore Ravens (vs. CLE)
New York Giants (@ JAX)
New Orleans Saints (@ ARI)
Indianapolis Colts (@ TEN)
Chicago Bears (@ NE)
Tier 5
Kansas City Chiefs (@ SF)
Pittsburgh Steelers (@ MIA)
Las Vegas Raiders (vs. HOU)
Seattle Seahawks (@ LAC)
Cleveland Browns (@ BAL)
Atlanta Falcons (@ CIN)
Tier 6
Carolina Panthers (vs. TB)
Detroit Lions (@ DAL)
Houston Texans (@ LV)
San Francisco 49ers (vs. KC)
Washington Commanders (vs. GB)
_InlineAdBlockRestart