Fantasy plays: Players to start and
sit for NFL Week 7
[October 16, 2025]
Whether it’s a sleeper tight end stepping into a prime
matchup, a running back bouncing back in a good matchup or a wide
receiver who is stepping into an opportunity — here is a guide to
the must-starts and must-stops for Week 7 of the fantasy football
season.
Quarterbacks
Start: Jared Goff, Lions vs Buccaneers
Goff has had three multiple-TD games in a row, throwing only one
pick in the process, and now he faces a Buccaneers defense that’s a
top-10 matchup for opposing QBs. With Jameson Williams finding his
top form, in addition to his already stellar bevy of options, Goff
can’t lose, even if the Lions do.
Other Locks:
—Jayden Daniels vs Cowboys
—Dak Prescott vs Commanders
—Caleb Williams vs Saints
Avoid: Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars vs Rams
Lawrence has been on a roll, but he’ll run into the Rams top-five QB
defense. What’s worse is that this is a London game, and those games
have been notoriously low scoring. You actually might want to trade
him if you can. Lawrence only has one good matchup for the rest of
the entire regular season, and it’s all top 10 defenses otherwise.
Running backs
Start: JK Dobbins, Broncos vs Giants
Don’t let Dobbins’ 40-yard output in Week 6 dissuade you from using
him this week. His opponent this week, the Giants, are giving up
almost 130 yards per game on the ground right now, and Dobbins is
still the clear top rusher in Denver. This is a bounce-back spot.
Other Locks:
—Quinshon Judkins vs Dolphins
—Jaylen Warren vs Bengals
—Jordan Mason vs Eagles
Avoid: Travis Etienne, Jaguars vs Rams
Etienne has been contained the past two weeks, despite getting at
least 15 touches in both games. He’s also travelling to London.
Wide receivers
Start: Rome Odunze, Bears vs Saints
Odunze was quiet in the Bears’ win over Washington on Monday night,
as Caleb Williams spread the ball around. But with DJ Moore day to
day with a groin injury, and Luther Burden still getting acclimated
to the NFL game, expect Williams to target his young star wideout
early and often in Week 7.
[to top of second column] |
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) handoffs the ball to running
back J.K. Dobbins (27) in the first half of an NFL football game
between the Denver Broncos and the New York Jets, Sunday, Oct. 12,
2025, in London. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
Other Locks:
—DK Metcalf vs Bengals
—Davante Adams vs Jaguars
—Drake London vs 49ers
Avoid: Tetairoa McMillan, Panthers vs Jets
McMillan salvaged a decent fantasy day in Week 6 with two
touchdowns, but he finished with only 29 yards. The Panthers are
leaning heavily on Rico Dowdle these days, and a potential Chuba
Hubbard return only bolsters their ground attack. McMillan will
likely see a ton of coverage from Sauce Gardner too, so his yards
won’t come easily in this game.
Tight ends
Start: Harold Fannin Jr., Browns vs Dolphins
Browns QB Dillon Gabriel has established a rapport with Fannin Jr.,
as evinced by Fannin’s resurgence in their two starts together.
Coming off a seven catch, 81-yard game in Week 6, Fannin could have
a big game against Miami’s TE defense this week.
Other Locks:
—Darren Waller vs Browns
—Cade Otton vs Lions
—Dallas Goedert vs Vikings
Avoid: Juwan Johnson, Saints vs Bears
With Taysom Hill and Foster Moreau back on the field, Johnson isn’t
getting as many targets as he was earlier in the season. His output
has dropped over the past few weeks, bottoming out at 15 yards last
week, and things may not get much better this week against Chicago.
If you can still find a trade partner, it’s probably time to move
on.
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