Week 7 Fantasy Football Rankings And Tiers. Expect a Hefty Workload For Saquon Barkley.
It is time to make those tough lineup decisions for Week 7 of the fantasy football season.
Below, you’ll find positional rankings, player analysis, team totals and spreads for every game on the slate.
Notes:
- Players are now tiered across all positions (RB, WR and TE) to help with flex decisions in larger formats. Because of this, TEs might not have a player deserving of Tier 1 compared to RBs and WRs.
- Defensive yards and TDs allowed exclude overtime play.
- All references to defensive ranks are for this week (bye Week teams excluded).
Last updated: 3:30 p.m. Oct. 18. Please refer to our Rankings page for updates!
Quarterback Rankings & Tiers - Week 7
| Rank | Tier | Player | Team | Pos | Opp | Team Total | Spread | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Jalen Hurts | PHI | QB | MIA | 27.25 | -2.5 | 23.0 |
| 2 | 1 | Patrick Mahomes | KC | QB | LAC | 26.75 | -5.5 | 20.2 |
| 3 | 1 | Josh Allen | BUF | QB | NE | 24.50 | -9.0 | 23.4 |
| 4 | 1 | Tua Tagovailoa | MIA | QB | PHI | 24.75 | 2.5 | 21.4 |
| 5 | 2 | Lamar Jackson | BAL | QB | DET | 23.00 | -3.0 | 20.5 |
| 6 | 2 | Justin Herbert | LAC | QB | KC | 21.25 | 5.5 | 23.0 |
| 7 | 3 | Geno Smith | SEA | QB | ARI | 26.00 | -7.5 | 13.8 |
| 8 | 3 | Matthew Stafford | LAR | QB | PIT | 23.25 | -3.0 | 15.2 |
| 9 | 3 | Brock Purdy | SF | QB | MIN | 25.25 | -6.5 | 19.7 |
| 10 | 3 | Jordan Love | GB | QB | DEN | 23.00 | -1.0 | 18.7 |
| 11 | 3 | Sam Howell | WAS | QB | NYG | 20.00 | -2.5 | 17.7 |
| 12 | 3 | Jared Goff | DET | QB | BAL | 20.00 | 3.0 | 19.9 |
| 13 | 3 | Russell Wilson | DEN | QB | GB | 22.00 | 1.0 | 18.5 |
| 14 | 4 | Trevor Lawrence | JAX | QB | NO | 19.25 | 2.0 | 16.2 |
| 15 | 4 | Kirk Cousins | MIN | QB | SF | 18.75 | 6.5 | 20.1 |
| 16 | 4 | Deshaun Watson | CLE | QB | IND | 21.50 | -3.0 | 18.5 |
| 17 | 4 | Daniel Jones | NYG | QB | WAS | 17.50 | 2.5 | 12.6 |
| 18 | 4 | Baker Mayfield | TB | QB | ATL | 19.75 | -2.5 | 15.0 |
| 20 | 5 | Desmond Ridder | ATL | QB | TB | 17.25 | 2.5 | 15.5 |
| 21 | 4 | Joshua Dobbs | ARI | QB | SEA | 18.50 | 7.5 | 15.8 |
| 22 | 5 | Derek Carr | NO | QB | JAX | 21.25 | -2.0 | 11.6 |
| 22 | 5 | Kenny Pickett | PIT | QB | LAR | 20.25 | 3.0 | 11.7 |
| 23 | 6 | Brian Hoyer | LV | QB | CHI | 20.25 | -2.5 | 1.9 |
| 24 | 6 | Gardner Minshew | IND | QB | CLE | 18.50 | 3.0 | 9.0 |
| 25 | 6 | Tyson Bagent | CHI | QB | LV | 17.75 | 2.5 | 8.7 |
| 26 | 6 | Mac Jones | NE | QB | BUF | 15.50 | 9.0 | 11.2 |
Running Back Rankings & Tiers - Week 7
| Rank | Tier | Player | Team | Pos | Opp | Team Total | Spread | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Austin Ekeler | LAC | RB | KC | 21.25 | 5.5 | 16.3 |
| 2 | 1 | Kenneth Walker III | SEA | RB | ARI | 26.00 | -7.5 | 17.2 |
| 3 | 1 | Raheem Mostert | MIA | RB | PHI | 24.75 | 2.5 | 22.1 |
| 4 | 2 | Travis Etienne Jr. | JAC | RB | NO | 19.25 | 0.0 | 17.1 |
| 5 | 2 | Saquon Barkley | NYG | RB | WAS | 17.50 | 2.5 | 14.6 |
| 6 | 2 | Josh Jacobs | LV | RB | CHI | 20.25 | -2.5 | 12.8 |
| 7 | 2 | D'Andre Swift | PHI | RB | MIA | 27.25 | -2.5 | 14.4 |
| 8 | 2 | Bijan Robinson | ATL | RB | TB | 17.25 | 2.5 | 14.0 |
| 9 | 2 | Alvin Kamara | NO | RB | JAX | 21.25 | -2.0 | 15.3 |
| 10 | 2 | Isiah Pacheco | KC | RB | LAC | 26.75 | -5.5 | 13.1 |
| 11 | 2 | Aaron Jones | GB | RB | DEN | 23.00 | -1.0 | 13.8 |
| 12 | 2 | Brian Robinson Jr. | WAS | RB | NYG | 20.00 | -2.5 | 13.8 |
| 13 | 2 | Christian McCaffrey | SF | RB | MIN | 25.25 | -6.5 | 22.1 |
| 14 | 3 | James Cook | BUF | RB | NE | 24.50 | -9.0 | 10.6 |
| 15 | 3 | Jerome Ford | CLE | RB | IND | 21.50 | -3.0 | 11.9 |
| 16 | 3 | Rhamondre Stevenson | NE | RB | BUF | 15.50 | 9.0 | 9.2 |
| 17 | 3 | Jonathan Taylor | IND | RB | CLE | 18.50 | 3.0 | 6.5 |
| 18 | 3 | Roschon Johnson | CHI | RB | LV | 17.75 | 2.5 | 5.9 |
| 19 | 3 | Rachaad White | TB | RB | ATL | 19.75 | -2.5 | 9.4 |
| 20 | 4 | Javonte Williams | DEN | RB | GB | 22.00 | 1.0 | 5.9 |
| 21 | 4 | Alexander Mattison | MIN | RB | SF | 18.75 | 6.5 | 10.6 |
| 22 | 4 | Zack Moss | IND | RB | CLE | 18.50 | 3.0 | 18.9 |
| 23 | 4 | Jahmyr Gibbs | DET | RB | BAL | 20.00 | 3.0 | 8.0 |
| 24 | 4 | Najee Harris | PIT | RB | LAR | 20.25 | 3.0 | 6.2 |
| 25 | 4 | Jaylen Warren | PIT | RB | LAR | 20.25 | 3.0 | 7.9 |
| 26 | 5 | Kareem Hunt | CLE | RB | IND | 21.50 | -3.0 | 6.8 |
| 27 | 5 | Zach Evans | LAR | RB | PIT | 23.25 | -3.0 | 1.0 |
| 28 | 5 | D'Onta Foreman | CHI | RB | LV | 17.75 | 2.5 | 5.5 |
| 29 | 5 | Jeff Wilson Jr. | MIA | RB | PHI | 24.75 | 2.5 | 0.0 |
| 30 | 5 | Jaleel McLaughlin | DEN | RB | GB | 22.00 | 1.0 | 7.9 |
| 31 | 5 | Gus Edwards | BAL | RB | DET | 23.00 | -3.0 | 6.2 |
| 32 | 5 | AJ Dillon | GB | RB | DEN | 23.00 | -1.0 | 5.9 |
| 33 | 5 | Tyler Allgeier | ATL | RB | TB | 17.25 | 2.5 | 7.1 |
| 34 | 5 | Craig Reynolds | DET | RB | BAL | 20.00 | 3.0 | 3.8 |
| 35 | 5 | Justice Hill | BAL | RB | DET | 23.00 | -3.0 | 8.1 |
| 36 | 6 | Keaontay Ingram | ARI | RB | SEA | 18.50 | 7.5 | 2.2 |
| 37 | 6 | Latavius Murray | BUF | RB | NE | 24.50 | -9.0 | 5.5 |
| 38 | 6 | Elijah Mitchell | SF | RB | MIN | 25.25 | -6.5 | 2.2 |
| 39 | 6 | Ezekiel Elliott | NE | RB | BUF | 15.50 | 9.0 | 6.3 |
| 40 | 6 | Jordan Mason | SF | RB | MIN | 25.25 | -6.5 | 6.4 |
| 41 | 6 | Antonio Gibson | WAS | RB | NYG | 20.00 | -2.5 | 5.5 |
| 42 | 7 | Zach Charbonnet | SEA | RB | ARI | 26.00 | -7.5 | 3.5 |
| 43 | 7 | Jerick McKinnon | KC | RB | LAC | 26.75 | -5.5 | 4.9 |
| 44 | 7 | Kenneth Gainwell | PHI | RB | MIA | 27.25 | -2.5 | 4.6 |
| 45 | 7 | Emari Demercado | ARI | RB | SEA | 18.50 | 7.5 | 3.3 |
| 46 | 7 | Joshua Kelley | LAC | RB | KC | 21.25 | 5.5 | 5.7 |
| 47 | 7 | Jamaal Williams | NO | RB | JAX | 21.25 | -2.0 | 4.6 |
| 48 | 7 | Samaje Perine | DEN | RB | GB | 22.00 | 1.0 | 5.8 |
| 49 | 7 | Damien Williams | ARI | RB | SEA | 18.50 | 7.5 | 4.9 |
| 50 | 7 | Royce Freeman | LAR | RB | PIT | 23.25 | -3.0 | 0.0 |
| 51 | 7 | Cam Akers | MIN | RB | SF | 18.75 | 6.5 | 5.0 |
| 52 | 8 | Ke'Shawn Vaughn | TB | RB | ATL | 19.75 | -2.5 | 1.7 |
| 53 | 8 | Matt Breida | NYG | RB | WAS | 17.50 | 2.5 | 4.2 |
| 54 | 9 | Kendre Miller | NO | RB | JAX | 21.25 | -2.0 | 4.5 |
| 55 | 9 | Salvon Ahmed | MIA | RB | PHI | 24.75 | 2.5 | 4.4 |
| 56 | 9 | Clyde Edwards-Helaire | KC | RB | LAC | 26.75 | -5.5 | 3.8 |
| 57 | 9 | Tank Bigsby | JAC | RB | NO | 19.25 | 0.0 | 2.9 |
| 58 | 9 | Boston Scott | PHI | RB | MIA | 27.25 | -2.5 | 2.5 |
| 59 | 9 | Zamir White | LV | RB | CHI | 20.25 | -2.5 | 1.4 |
| 60 | 9 | Cordarrelle Patterson | ATL | RB | TB | 17.25 | 2.5 | 0.8 |
| 61 | 9 | Darrynton Evans | CHI | RB | LV | 17.75 | 2.5 | 3.9 |
| 62 | 9 | Ameer Abdullah | LV | RB | CHI | 20.25 | -2.5 | 1.3 |
| 63 | 9 | Kyle Juszczyk | SF | RB | MIN | 25.25 | -6.5 | 2.3 |
| 64 | 9 | Keaton Mitchell | BAL | RB | DET | 23.00 | -3.0 | 0.0 |
| 65 | 9 | DeeJay Dallas | SEA | RB | ARI | 26.00 | -7.5 | 0.8 |
| 66 | 9 | D'Ernest Johnson | JAC | RB | NO | 19.25 | 0.0 | 1.0 |
| 67 | 9 | Myles Gaskin | LAR | RB | PIT | 23.25 | -3.0 | 0.0 |
| 68 | 9 | Darrell Henderson Jr. | LAR | RB | PIT | 23.25 | -3 | 0 |
| 69 | 9 | Devine Ozigbo | DET | RB | BAL | 20 | 3 | 1.8 |
Tier 1 – Kenneth Walker
The addition of Zach Charbonnet in the second round of the NFL draft has been a non-factor for Walker. The week after the Seahawks’ bye — often when we see rookies earn more work — Walker had his finest utilization day of the year. He accounted for 76% of snaps and 73% of rushing attempts.
Walker has dominated high-leverage opportunities inside the five-yard line, accounting for 86% of the team’s rushing attempts. He still leaves the field on obvious passing downs, including the two-minute offense, but his 50% route participation over the last two games keeps him in the mix for checkdown opportunities.
Since 2011, backs with a similar utilization profile to Walker average 13.4 points per game and finish as the RB19. However, thanks to his six TDs, Walker is well ahead of those marks with 18.4 points per game as the RB10.
While that might seem unsustainable, good ole’ Pete Carroll has Walker’s back. The Seahawks have run the ball the second-most (93%) on plays inside the five-yard line, far above the NFL average of 59%.
Now the second-year RB lands a juicy matchup against a Cardinals defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points per game rushing at 19.3. The Seahawks are 7.5-point favorites, and other teams have had success getting leads on Arizona and pounding the rock. The Cardinals give up 28.8 rushing attempts per game, and they give up the second-most TDs (1.2).
Walker could be in for another multi-TD game and is a SMASH play as my RB2 on the slate.
You can also target Walker in the Underdog Pick'em streets and get a 100% deposit match of up to $500 when you sign up below with promo code LIFE!
Tier 2 – Saquon Barkley
Barkley returned to action in Week 6 to deliver a top-15 RB finish as the Giants wasted little time saddling up the veteran back with a hefty workload. Barkley toted the rock a whopping 24 times and rarely left the field, playing 82% of the snaps.
While Barkley didn’t have an elite route participation, it wasn’t due to playing time — it was due to the Giants' need for extra protection for the QB. He was still on the field for most LDD (long down and distance) opportunities and saw 91% of the two-minute snaps.
The Giants offense has been one of the worst in the NFL, with only 24% of their drives ending in points — only the Patriots have managed less. However, the Commanders allow the third-most points per game (29.3) and give up the seventh-most rushing yards in non-overtime (129).
We might not get as many checkdowns to the backs against Washington’s man-heavy coverage, but Barkley could get an opportunity or two to make a big play. Cody Barton ranks 67th out of 78 linebackers in coverage grade per PFF, and Barkley’s aDOT rises against man coverage.
Vegas expects a close game with the Commanders favored by two points, which should keep the touches flowing through Barkley. While he might not be 100% and Daniel Jones is questionable, the potential volume offsets these concerns.
Barkley is a top-12 player in a game where he could see 25-plus touches in a solid matchup.
Tier 5 – Zach Evans
We don’t know how the Rams backfield will play out in Week 7, but the depth chart behind Evans is underwhelming. Myles Gaskin and Royce Freeman were added to the active roster, and Darrell Henderson was signed to the practice squad.
Expect the former five-star recruit that the Rams traded up for in Round 6 of the NFL draft to get the first shot. He is also the one guy with the upside to make it worth giving him a whirl in our lineups. Of all Power Five backs in the 2023 class, Evans ranked first in career carries of 10-plus yards (21%). He also had an 18% targets per route run (TPRR), which is solid at the NCAA ranks.
While there is uncertainty, those traits plus the choice matchup against a Steelers defense make Evans a viable flex option. Pittsburgh allows the third-most yards per game on the ground (144), and this should be a game where the rushing attack is in a close game with the Rams as three-point favorites.
Evans is a high-end RB3 with RB1 upside if the Rams give him the majority of the work.
Wide Receiver Rankings & Tiers - Week 7
| Rank | Tier | Player | Team | Pos | Opp | Team Total | Spread | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Tyreek Hill | MIA | WR | PHI | 24.75 | 2.5 | 23.3 |
| 2 | 1 | Cooper Kupp | LAR | WR | PIT | 23.25 | -3.0 | 20.1 |
| 3 | 1 | Stefon Diggs | BUF | WR | NE | 24.50 | -9.0 | 19.4 |
| 4 | 1 | Keenan Allen | LAC | WR | KC | 21.25 | 5.5 | 20.7 |
| 5 | 1 | A.J. Brown | PHI | WR | MIA | 27.25 | -2.5 | 16.7 |
| 6 | 2 | Amon-Ra St. Brown | DET | WR | BAL | 20.00 | 3.0 | 16.6 |
| 7 | 2 | Davante Adams | LV | WR | CHI | 20.25 | -2.5 | 14.1 |
| 8 | 2 | Puka Nacua | LAR | WR | PIT | 23.25 | -3.0 | 16.2 |
| 9 | 2 | Brandon Aiyuk | SF | WR | MIN | 25.25 | -6.5 | 14.0 |
| 10 | 2 | Chris Olave | NO | WR | JAX | 21.25 | -2.0 | 10.6 |
| 11 | 2 | Jaylen Waddle | MIA | WR | PHI | 24.75 | 2.5 | 10.7 |
| 12 | 2 | Mike Evans | TB | WR | ATL | 19.75 | -2.5 | 13.7 |
| 13 | 2 | DeVonta Smith | PHI | WR | MIA | 27.25 | -2.5 | 9.9 |
| 14 | 2 | DK Metcalf | SEA | WR | ARI | 26.00 | -7.5 | 11.3 |
| 15 | 2 | DJ Moore | CHI | WR | LV | 17.75 | 2.5 | 17.4 |
| 16 | 3 | Tyler Lockett | SEA | WR | ARI | 26.00 | -7.5 | 9.7 |
| 17 | 3 | Calvin Ridley | JAC | WR | NO | 19.25 | 0.0 | 10.4 |
| 18 | 3 | Christian Kirk | JAC | WR | NO | 19.25 | 0.0 | 11.2 |
| 19 | 3 | Marquise Brown | ARI | WR | LA | 18.50 | 7.5 | 11.5 |
| 20 | 3 | Christian Watson | GB | WR | DEN | 23.00 | -1.0 | 9.8 |
| 21 | 3 | Amari Cooper | CLE | WR | IND | 21.50 | -3.0 | 10.7 |
| 22 | 3 | Zay Flowers | BAL | WR | DET | 23.00 | -3.0 | 10.2 |
| 23 | 3 | Chris Godwin | TB | WR | ATL | 19.75 | -2.5 | 9.3 |
| 24 | 3 | Jakobi Meyers | LV | WR | CHI | 20.25 | -2.5 | 14.5 |
| 25 | 3 | George Pickens | PIT | WR | LAR | 20.25 | 3.0 | 12.8 |
| 26 | 3 | Terry McLaurin | WAS | WR | NYG | 20.00 | -2.5 | 9.3 |
| 27 | 3 | Drake London | ATL | WR | TB | 17.25 | 2.5 | 9.8 |
| 28 | 3 | Michael Pittman Jr. | IND | WR | CLE | 18.50 | 3.0 | 11.1 |
| 29 | 3 | Diontae Johnson | PIT | WR | LAR | 20.25 | 3.0 | 6.3 |
| 30 | 4 | Jordan Addison | MIN | WR | SF | 18.75 | 6.5 | 10.5 |
| 31 | 4 | Romeo Doubs | GB | WR | DEN | 23.00 | -1.0 | 10.3 |
| 32 | 4 | Gabe Davis | BUF | WR | NE | 24.50 | -9.0 | 11.4 |
| 33 | 4 | Deebo Samuel | SF | WR | MIN | 25.25 | -6.5 | 9.3 |
| 34 | 4 | Joshua Palmer | LAC | WR | KC | 21.25 | 5.5 | 7.1 |
| 35 | 4 | Courtland Sutton | DEN | WR | GB | 22.00 | 1.0 | 10.7 |
| 36 | 4 | Michael Thomas | NO | WR | JAX | 21.25 | -2.0 | 8.1 |
| 37 | 4 | Curtis Samuel | WAS | WR | NYG | 20.00 | -2.5 | 10.3 |
| 38 | 4 | Jerry Jeudy | DEN | WR | GB | 22.00 | 1.0 | 6.4 |
| 39 | 4 | K.J. Osborn | MIN | WR | SF | 18.75 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
| 40 | 5 | Kendrick Bourne | NE | WR | BUF | 15.50 | 9.0 | 9.5 |
| 41 | 5 | Rashee Rice | KC | WR | LAC | 26.75 | -5.5 | 7.8 |
| 42 | 5 | Josh Downs | IND | WR | CLE | 18.50 | 3.0 | 7.9 |
| 43 | 5 | Wan'Dale Robinson | NYG | WR | WAS | 17.50 | 2.5 | 6.5 |
| 44 | 5 | Tutu Atwell | LAR | WR | PIT | 23.25 | -3.0 | 9.7 |
| 45 | 5 | Josh Reynolds | DET | WR | BAL | 20.00 | 3.0 | 10.3 |
| 46 | 5 | Rashid Shaheed | NO | WR | JAX | 21.25 | -2.0 | 8.8 |
| 47 | 5 | Jaxon Smith-Njigba | SEA | WR | ARI | 26.00 | -7.5 | 3.8 |
| 48 | 5 | Elijah Moore | CLE | WR | IND | 21.50 | -3.0 | 5.7 |
| 49 | 5 | Jahan Dotson | WAS | WR | NYG | 20.00 | -2.5 | 4.8 |
| 50 | 6 | Michael Wilson | ARI | WR | SEA | 18.50 | 7.5 | 8.8 |
| 51 | 6 | Rondale Moore | ARI | WR | SEA | 18.50 | 7.5 | 6.0 |
| 52 | 6 | Jayden Reed | GB | WR | DEN | 23.00 | -1.0 | 7.9 |
| 53 | 6 | Darius Slayton | NYG | WR | WAS | 17.50 | 2.5 | 5.4 |
| 54 | 6 | Jalin Hyatt | NYG | WR | WAS | 17.50 | 2.5 | 2.6 |
| 55 | 6 | Kadarius Toney | KC | WR | LAC | 26.75 | -5.5 | 3.9 |
| 56 | 6 | Jameson Williams | DET | WR | BAL | 20.00 | 3.0 | 6.8 |
| 57 | 6 | Quentin Johnston | LAC | WR | KC | 21.25 | 5.5 | 1.5 |
| 58 | 6 | Marvin Mims Jr. | DEN | WR | GB | 22.00 | 1.0 | 6.2 |
| 59 | 6 | Odell Beckham Jr. | BAL | WR | DET | 23.00 | -3.0 | 4.0 |
| 60 | 6 | Darnell Mooney | CHI | WR | LV | 17.75 | 2.5 | 4.4 |
| 61 | 7 | Skyy Moore | KC | WR | LAC | 26.75 | -5.5 | 4.7 |
| 62 | 7 | DeVante Parker | NE | WR | BUF | 15.50 | 9.0 | 4.0 |
| 63 | 7 | Rashod Bateman | BAL | WR | DET | 23.00 | -3.0 | 2.6 |
| 64 | 7 | Nelson Agholor | BAL | WR | DET | 23.00 | -3.0 | 5.8 |
| 65 | 7 | Brandon Powell | MIN | WR | SF | 18.75 | 6.5 | 2.9 |
| 66 | 7 | Marquez Valdes-Scantling | KC | WR | LAC | 26.75 | -5.5 | 2.5 |
| 67 | 7 | Donovan Peoples-Jones | CLE | WR | IND | 21.50 | -3.0 | 2.1 |
| 68 | 7 | Trey Palmer | TB | WR | ATL | 19.75 | -2.5 | 5.0 |
| 69 | 7 | Braxton Berrios | MIA | WR | PHI | 24.75 | 2.5 | 5.6 |
| 70 | 7 | Jauan Jennings | SF | WR | MIN | 25.25 | -6.5 | 3.2 |
| 71 | 7 | Alec Pierce | IND | WR | CLE | 18.50 | 3.0 | 3.4 |
| 72 | 8 | Deonte Harty | BUF | WR | NE | 24.50 | -9.0 | 3.8 |
| 73 | 8 | Tyquan Thornton | NE | WR | BUF | 15.50 | 9.0 | 1.1 |
| 74 | 8 | Brandon Johnson | DEN | WR | GB | 22.00 | 1.0 | 5.7 |
| 75 | 8 | Olamide Zaccheaus | PHI | WR | MIA | 27.25 | -2.5 | 2.6 |
| 76 | 8 | Allen Robinson II | PIT | WR | LAR | 20.25 | 3.0 | 4.4 |
| 77 | 8 | JuJu Smith-Schuster | NE | WR | BUF | 15.50 | 9.0 | 3.1 |
| 78 | 8 | Calvin Austin III | PIT | WR | LAR | 20.25 | 3.0 | 5.3 |
| 79 | 8 | Tyler Scott | CHI | WR | LV | 17.75 | 2.5 | 1.3 |
| 80 | 8 | Kalif Raymond | DET | WR | BAL | 20.00 | 3.0 | 6.2 |
| 81 | 8 | Van Jefferson | ATL | WR | TB | 17.25 | 2.5 | 2.6 |
| 82 | 8 | Deven Thompkins | TB | WR | ATL | 19.75 | -2.5 | 3.9 |
| 83 | 8 | Tre Tucker | LV | WR | CHI | 20.25 | -2.5 | 2.4 |
| 84 | 8 | Demario Douglas | NE | WR | BUF | 15.50 | 9.0 | 4.0 |
| 85 | 8 | Ray-Ray McCloud III | SF | WR | MIN | 25.25 | -6.5 | 1.2 |
| 86 | 9 | Dyami Brown | WAS | WR | NYG | 20.00 | -2.5 | 2.0 |
| 87 | 9 | Mack Hollins | ATL | WR | TB | 17.25 | 2.5 | 4.1 |
| 88 | 9 | Isaiah Hodgins | NYG | WR | WAS | 17.50 | 2.5 | 3.6 |
| 89 | 9 | Parris Campbell | NYG | WR | WAS | 17.50 | 2.5 | 3.3 |
| 90 | 9 | Justyn Ross | KC | WR | LAC | 26.75 | -5.5 | 0.8 |
| 91 | 9 | Hunter Renfrow | LV | WR | CHI | 20.25 | -2.5 | 1.5 |
| 92 | 9 | Trent Sherfield | BUF | WR | NE | 24.50 | -9.0 | 1.1 |
| 93 | 9 | Cedrick Wilson Jr. | MIA | WR | PHI | 24.75 | 2.5 | 2.3 |
| 94 | 9 | Derius Davis | LAC | WR | KC | 21.25 | 5.5 | 2.1 |
| 95 | 9 | Khalil Shakir | BUF | WR | NE | 24.50 | -9.0 | 2.0 |
| 96 | 9 | Marquise Goodwin | CLE | WR | IND | 21.50 | -3.0 | 0.7 |
| 97 | 9 | Jamal Agnew | JAC | WR | NO | 19.25 | 0.0 | 1.6 |
| 98 | 9 | Marvin Jones Jr. | DET | WR | BAL | 20.00 | 3.0 | 1.0 |
| 99 | 9 | Jake Bobo | SEA | WR | ARI | 26.00 | -7.5 | 2.6 |
| 100 | 9 | KhaDarel Hodge | ATL | WR | TB | 17.25 | 2.5 | 1.1 |
| 101 | 9 | Isaiah McKenzie | IND | WR | CLE | 18.50 | 3.0 | 1.1 |
| 102 | 9 | Julio Jones | PHI | WR | MIA | 27.25 | -2.5 | 0.0 |
| 103 | 9 | DeAndre Carter | LV | WR | CHI | 20.25 | -2.5 | 0.6 |
| 104 | 9 | Zach Pascal | ARI | WR | SEA | 18.50 | 7.5 | 0.7 |
Tier 2 – Tyler Lockett
Lockett averaged 15.3 points per game over the last four years, but that number has dipped to 12.4 (WR39) over the first five games of 2023. On a positive note, Lockett’s 6.8 targets per game align with the 7.2 he accounted for in those high-end seasons.
On a less-than-positive note, other WRs with similar targets to Lockett haven’t lived up to his lofty performances, leaving many numbers-based analysts calling for regression every preseason. That begs the question… has our luck with Lockett finally run out in his age-31 season?
Sep 12, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) catches the ball and scores a touchdown in the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
I don’t think anyone knows. I realize that isn’t what you want to hear, but I am just being honest. In one universe, his career trends take over to win the day. In another universe, Lockett finally falls toward league-wide averages and his hyper-efficiency ends. However, if there is a week where we should expect Lockett to break out of this funk, it is in Week 7.
The Seahawks have the third-highest team total on the slate (26) and the sixth-best passing matchup. Arizona gives up 266 yards and 1.7 TDs per game through the air and is one of the most zone-heavy teams in the NFL.
In previous seasons, Lockett has been the preferred option against zone over D.K. Metcalf, who tends to lead the way versus man. That trend has held true in 2023, with Lockett boasting a 23% target share versus Metcalf’s 16%.
Lockett UPGRADES to mid-range WR2 status.
Tier 3 – Christian Watson
Watson got off to a rocky start this year thanks to a hamstring injury that kept him out of the first three contests and limited his route participation in Week 4. However, we saw signs of life in Week 5 with an 85% route participation, a 25% target share and a mouth-watering 76% air-yards share.
He has two top-36 finishes in two tries and flashed that big-play ability in Week 6. And now he should be near 100%, thanks to a Packer’s bye week. While that is great news for fantasy managers and Green Bay fans, it is bad news for Denver.
The Broncos allow the second-most passing yards (286) and the most TDs (2.3) per game. No other defense has a worse PFF coverage grade (45.5), and they also rank last in tackling. As you might have guessed — that leads to a lot of fantasy points.
Denver allows 37.9 points per game to opposing pass catchers (second-most), and the Packers have a top-six team total (23) in Week 7. Sometimes, things just line up perfectly for some players, and Watson is one of those guys this week.
This one has required patience, but Watson managers, your day has arrived.
Watson is a SMASH play and ranks as my WR20, making him a top-40 option in Week 7.
Tier 5 – Rashee Rice
Despite playing a limited role, Rice has four top-36 finishes over his first six games. However, we have seen some improvement in playing time in three of the last four games, where the rookie has reached 47% route participation or better.
Last week, after Justin Watson left the game with an elbow injury, Rice was on the field for 83% of pass plays. Granted, it was a small sample, but the door is open for a more prominent role in Week 7, with Watson missing practice again on Thursday.
No team rotates WRs more than the Chiefs, who don’t have a true No. 2 option behind Travis Kelce. They added Mecole Hardman via a trade with the Jets this week, but he is a gimmick player who never earned a full-time role in his first stint with the team. The Chiefs are looking for someone to step up, and Rice ranks third in the NFL in TPRR (30%) and 10th in YPRR (2.75).
Even if Rice doesn’t expand his role into a full-time capacity in Week 7, the matchup could be enough to get us the fantasy points we need in a week with six teams on bye. The Chargers allow the most passing yards per game (318), and the Chiefs have the second-highest team total on the slate.
Rice UPGRADES to mid-range WR4 territory but offers WR2 upside.
Tight End Rankings & Tiers - Week 7
| Rank | Tier | Player | Team | Pos | Opp | Team Total | Spread | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Travis Kelce | KC | TE | LAC | 26.8 | -5.5 | 14.1 |
| 2 | 3 | Mark Andrews | BAL | TE | DET | 23.0 | -3.0 | 11.9 |
| 3 | 3 | T.J. Hockenson | MIN | TE | SF | 18.8 | 6.5 | 10.1 |
| 4 | 3 | Sam LaPorta | DET | TE | BAL | 20.0 | 3.0 | 10.8 |
| 5 | 4 | George Kittle | SF | TE | MIN | 25.3 | -6.5 | 8.1 |
| 6 | 4 | Darren Waller | NYG | TE | WAS | 17.5 | 2.5 | 7.0 |
| 7 | 4 | Dallas Goedert | PHI | TE | MIA | 27.3 | -2.5 | 7.3 |
| 8 | 4 | Evan Engram | JAC | TE | NO | 19.3 | 0.0 | 8.0 |
| 9 | 5 | Kyle Pitts | ATL | TE | TB | 17.3 | 2.5 | 7.0 |
| 10 | 5 | Cole Kmet | CHI | TE | LV | 17.8 | 2.5 | 9.1 |
| 11 | 6 | Logan Thomas | WAS | TE | NYG | 20.0 | -2.5 | 8.0 |
| 12 | 6 | Jonnu Smith | ATL | TE | TB | 17.3 | 2.5 | 7.8 |
| 13 | 6 | Pat Freiermuth | PIT | TE | LAR | 20.3 | 3.0 | 5.3 |
| 14 | 6 | David Njoku | CLE | TE | IND | 21.5 | -3.0 | 5.1 |
| 15 | 6 | Luke Musgrave | GB | TE | DEN | 23.0 | -1.0 | 5.0 |
| 16 | 6 | Michael Mayer | LV | TE | CHI | 20.3 | -2.5 | 2.6 |
| 17 | 6 | Taysom Hill | NO | TE | JAX | 21.3 | -2.0 | 4.2 |
| 18 | 6 | Gerald Everett | LAC | TE | KC | 21.3 | 5.5 | 5.3 |
| 19 | 7 | Zach Ertz | ARI | TE | SEA | 18.5 | 7.5 | 5.8 |
| 20 | 7 | Tyler Higbee | LAR | TE | PIT | 23.3 | -3.0 | 5.6 |
| 21 | 7 | Dalton Kincaid | BUF | TE | NE | 24.5 | -9.0 | 4.1 |
| 22 | 7 | Hunter Henry | NE | TE | BUF | 15.5 | 9.0 | 6.6 |
| 23 | 7 | Dawson Knox | BUF | TE | NE | 24.5 | -9.0 | 3.7 |
| 24 | 7 | Cade Otton | TB | TE | ATL | 19.8 | -2.5 | 4.6 |
| 25 | 7 | Trey McBride | ARI | TE | SEA | 18.5 | 7.5 | 3.4 |
| 26 | 8 | Noah Fant | SEA | TE | ARI | 26.0 | -7.5 | 4.5 |
| 27 | 8 | Mike Gesicki | NE | TE | BUF | 15.5 | 9.0 | 3.6 |
| 28 | 8 | Noah Gray | KC | TE | LAC | 26.8 | -5.5 | 4.5 |
| 29 | 8 | Adam Trautman | DEN | TE | GB | 22.0 | 1.0 | 2.9 |
| 30 | 8 | Donald Parham Jr. | LAC | TE | KC | 21.3 | 5.5 | 5.4 |
| 31 | 8 | Kylen Granson | IND | TE | CLE | 18.5 | 3.0 | 5.2 |
| 32 | 8 | Durham Smythe | MIA | TE | PHI | 24.8 | 2.5 | 3.0 |
| 33 | 9 | Colby Parkinson | SEA | TE | ARI | 26.0 | -7.5 | 3.0 |
| 34 | 9 | Will Dissly | SEA | TE | ARI | 26.0 | -7.5 | 2.2 |
| 35 | 9 | Andrew Ogletree | IND | TE | CLE | 18.5 | 3.0 | 3.8 |
Reminder: I have leveled my tiers across RB, WR and TE to help with flex lineup decisions. Travis Kelce is my highest-rated TE in Week 6, and he is in Tier 2 due to the change in process based on feedback (thanks!).
Tier 4 – Darren Waller
Waller hasn’t lived up to the hype this preseason, but no Giants player has done that. The big TE might not be the athlete we knew a few seasons ago for the Raiders, but his utilization is TE1-worthy. Excluding Week 1, when Waller played injured, he has an 86% route participation and leads the Giants with a 23% target share.
Historically, TEs with this sort of utilization average 14.8 points per game and finish as the TE4 overall. Will Waller get to those numbers? Maybe not in the Giants offense, but he has upside beyond his 10-point average since Week 2.
This week, the Giants face off against a Commanders secondary that allows 261 yards (10th) and 2.0 TDs per game passing. They are also one of the more man-coverage-happy teams in the league, and Waller has been THE MAN versus man (haha). The veteran TE leads the Giants with a 26% target share against man-coverage looks.
Daniel Jones is questionable for Week 7, but Tyrod Taylor still turned to Waller with 23% of his targets last week.
Waller ranks 12 spots ahead of industry consensus as my 64th player overall, and he is my TE6.
