Updated 10/19 at 12:05 PM ET. Added Jimmy Graham as No. 7 tight end. Moved Russell Wilson from No. 9 to No. 11. Ticked C.J. Spiller up. Added Jarrett Boykin, ticked Davante Adams down two spots. Moved Storm Johnson down, ticked Denard Robinson up.
Hi I’m Lamar Miller. You may remember me from such failed attempts at claiming the Dolphins’ starting job like “Last Season,” and “This Summer.”
That would be Lamar Miller’s life as played by Troy McClure. But as any avid “Simpsons” watcher knows, McClure rarely rattles off more than two titles. With Miller, he wouldn’t have to, as the third time has been the charm for the third-year pro. After failing to beat out Daniel Thomas in 2013 and Knowshon Moreno in training camp, Miller has been a different player since Moreno’s elbow injury forced him into No. 1 duties. With Moreno now down for the season with a torn ACL, there’s no one to steal Miller’s job away — not that he’s looked like he’d lose it.
The 2012 fourth-rounder is averaging 5.2 yards per carry, and is No. 9 in average running back fantasy points despite touching the ball just 78 times through five games. His four touchdowns are already twice as many as he had in all of 2013. Miller has not reinvented his game. New OC Bill Lazor has just harnessed it, putting Miller in position to succeed after poor blocking and worse coaching torpedoed his 2013 breakout chances.
Miller hasn’t been LeSean McCoy, or even Le’Veon Bell. Miller has wheels, but is more of a straight-line speedster than juke-you-out-of-your-jock cutter. This can be a problem, as he doesn’t provide much in the way of power. But Miller knows to follow his blockers, and when the hole is there, he hits it with a flash. He doesn’t dance like Trent Richardson. Miller prefers to get upfield. This enables him to take fewer negative runs than his style would suggest.
If Miller sounds like someone who needs good blocking, it’s because he does. He’s not big on creating his own space. Thankfully, the Dolphins’ line has pulled a complete 180 from last year’s disaster, and should only get better with the return of G/C Mike Pouncey. Miller is a circumstance back. They were poor last season, and he struggled mightily. Now they’re better, and he’s running in kind. Locked into 15-20 weekly touches, Miller is a top 15-16 option with RB1 upside depending on the opponent. This week it’s the Bears, a team whose run defense is much improved on last season, but still allowing 4.3 yards per carry (20th in the league). Miller may have burned you before, but now he’s ready to help carry your team.
Editor’s Note: Rotoworld’s partner FanDuel is hosting a one-week $500,000 Fantasy Football league for Week 7’s games. It’s only $10 to join and first prize is $40,000. Starts Sunday, October 19th at 1pm ET. Here’s the link.
Week 7 Quarterbacks
| Rank | Player Name | Opponent | Notes |
| 1 | Peyton Manning | vs. SF | - |
| 2 | Aaron Rodgers | vs. CAR | - |
| 3 | Andrew Luck | vs. CIN | - |
| 4 | Philip Rivers | vs. KC | - |
| 5 | Jay Cutler | vs. MIA | - |
| 6 | Drew Brees | at DET | - |
| 7 | Tom Brady | vs. NYJ | Probable (ankle) |
| 8 | Cam Newton | at GB | - |
| 9 | Colin Kaepernick | at DEN | - |
| 10 | Carson Palmer | at OAK | Probable (shoulder) |
| 11 | Russell Wilson | at STL | - |
| 12 | Tony Romo | vs. NYG | Probable (ribs) |
| 13 | Joe Flacco | vs. ATL | - |
| 14 | Matt Ryan | at BAL | - |
| 15 | Matthew Stafford | vs. NO | - |
| 16 | Ben Roethlisberger | vs. HOU | Probable (-) |
| 17 | Eli Manning | at DAL | - |
| 18 | Kirk Cousins | vs. TEN | - |
| 19 | Andy Dalton | at IND | - |
| 20 | Alex Smith | at SD | - |
| 21 | Ryan Tannehill | at CHI | Probable (ankle) |
| 22 | Kyle Orton | vs. MIN | - |
| 23 | Brian Hoyer | at JAC | - |
| 24 | Derek Carr | vs. ARZ | Probable (knee) |
| 25 | Austin Davis | vs. SEA | - |
| 26 | Ryan Fitzpatrick | at PIT | Probable (calf) |
| 27 | Blake Bortles | vs. CLE | - |
| 28 | Charlie Whitehurst | at WAS | - |
| 29 | Teddy Bridgewater | at BUF | - |
| 30 | Geno Smith | at NE | - |
QB Notes: Peyton Manning needs just three touchdowns in Sunday night’s game against the 49ers to break Brett Favre’s all-time record of 508. “Just three” because it’s a mark Manning has reached in 4-of-5 2014 starts, and 15 times since the start of last season. Manning has averaged 3.3 scores over his past 21 games, a positively unreal number. … We’ll use this gimmick another week. Aaron Rodgers since imploring Packers fans to r-e-l-a-x: 58-of-87 (66.6) for 722 yards (8.29 YPA), a 10:0 TD:INT ratio and three Green Bay victories. A Panthers defense allowing the seventh most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks is next. … Andrew Luck’s 31.3 fantasy points per game continues to lead all quarterbacks. Manning is probably out of reach, but Luck could eventually pass Rodgers for default No. 2 status. Luck has managed at least 312 yards or three scores in all six of his stats, and is averaging 331/2.8. … Philip Rivers is No. 3 in fantasy points, No. 3 in passing yards and tied for third in touchdowns.
Jay Cutler is completing 68.1 percent of his throws after entering 2014 as a career 61 percent passer. He’s still turning the ball over too often — Cutler has already thrown two picks three times, all Bears losses — but is on pace for a new career high in touchdowns (35), and his most yards as a Bear (4,469). The only thing standing between Cutler and a top-six finish is staying healthy. … Thursday night has the reputation for being a fantasy horror show, but has witnessed monster performances from Andrew Luck, Aaron Rodgers, Matt Ryan and Eli Manning this season. Will Tom Brady be next? Only the Redskins and Bucs are allowing more fantasy points to enemy quarterbacks than Rex Ryan’s Jets. Gang Green is traditionally up for its Pats showdowns, but don’t be shocked if Thursday night is another blowout. … It took six weeks, but Cam Newton was finally healthy enough to be unleashed in Sunday’s tie, piling up 391 total yards, 107 of which came on the ground. That more than doubled Newton’s previous 2014 rushing output. The Packers have had an infamously difficult time stopping running quarterbacks.
Editor’s Note: Learn to build better FanDuel lineups. RotoGrinders has everything you need to gain an edge in your Week 7 games, including strategies and picks from top-ranked players. Check out the hub of the daily fantasy community.
Russell Wilson’s Sunday start was a throwback to his December 2013 swoon. Both his 14 completions and 126 passing yards were his fewest since he went 11-of-27 for 108 yards against the Cardinals last Week 16. It wasn’t a truly concerning performance, but a reminder that though Wilson’s weekly floor may be high, his ceiling is still nowhere near that of most of his QB1 compatriots. On the rare weeks that the bottom does fall out, Wilson is a liability who can’t make up for lost points with volume like the Matt Ryans of the world. The Rams, who are allowing the 12th most points to rival signal callers, represent a nice antidote. … With all the (typical) hand wringing over his game, you might not realize that Colin Kaepernick enters Week 7 as fantasy’s No. 10 quarterback. You also may not realize that he has just five turnovers. Kaep has the reputation for being a sloppy quarterback, but he doesn’t turn the ball over. He has only 19 career giveaways. Kaep’s Week 7 opponent, Denver, has forced a meager five turnovers.
If you throw out the fact that he’s made just two 2014 starts, only six quarterbacks are averaging more fantasy points than Carson Palmer. He’s on the QB1 radar against a Raiders defense allowing a 70.2 completion percentage and 7.8 YPA. … Joe Flacco’s 12 touchdowns are just seven fewer than he tossed in all of 2013. … With his protection in the gutter, Matt Ryan did something uncharacteristic in Week 6: Lay an egg at home. Now he must venture on the road to face a Ravens defense allowing the 11th fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Baltimore has Pro Football Focus’ top-rated pass rush. It could be an extremely long day at the office for Atlanta’s passing attack. … Tony Romo boasts a 9:2 TD:INT ratio over his past four starts. DeMarco Murray may be carrying the Cowboys, but Romo is riding shotgun. … The Eli Manning Comeback Party Bus finally stopped rolling in Week 6, as he passed for just 151 yards while losing Victor Cruz for the season. Odell Beckham represents an excellent fall-back option, while Dallas is a pass defense waiting to get exposed, but it’s quite possible Manning has already had his best stretch of the season.
It’s often been ugly, but Kirk Cousins is averaging 24.1 fantasy points per game. He’s an excellent streamer against the Titans. … Although he was playing without A.J. Green, Andy Dalton actually posted his most fantasy points (26.7) of the season in Sunday’s tie with the Panthers. A good story, but not something his owners can count on going forward. … Despite Sunday’s outburst, it’s important to remember that Brian Hoyer attempted just 17 passes, and is averaging an underwhelming 18 fantasy points per game. The Jaguars are an appealing matchup, but Hoyer is a better option in “real life” than fantasy. … It was a highly impressive Week 6 for Derek Carr, but he’s yet to come close to proving his weekly fantasy bonafides. … Some of the Austin Davis shine finally wore off in Week 6. A lot more of it could disappear in Sunday’s game against the Legion of Boom. … Teddy Bridgewater has pledged to get rid of the ball faster after getting sacked eight times in Week 6, but it’s probably not going to matter against Buffalo’s stout front.
Don’t forget, for the latest on everything NFL, check out Rotoworld’s Player News, or follow @Rotoworld_FB or @RotoPat on Twitter.
Week 7 Running Backs
| Rank | Player Name | Opponent | Notes |
| 1 | DeMarco Murray | vs. NYG | Probable (illness) |
| 2 | Arian Foster | at PIT | Probable (groin) |
| 3 | Matt Forte | vs. MIA | - |
| 4 | Jamaal Charles | at SD | - |
| 5 | Le’Veon Bell | vs. HOU | - |
| 6 | Marshawn Lynch | at STL | Probable (-) |
| 7 | Giovani Bernard | at IND | - |
| 8 | Branden Oliver | vs. KC | - |
| 9 | Ben Tate | at JAC | Probable (finger) |
| 10 | Andre Ellington | at OAK | Probable (foot) |
| 11 | Justin Forsett | vs. ATL | - |
| 12 | Lamar Miller | at CHI | Probable (knee) |
| 13 | Alfred Morris | vs. TEN | - |
| 14 | Fred Jackson | vs. MIN | - |
| 15 | Eddie Lacy | vs. CAR | - |
| 16 | Ahmad Bradshaw | vs. CIN | - |
| 17 | Ronnie Hillman | vs. SF | - |
| 18 | Andre Williams | at DAL | - |
| 19 | Frank Gore | at DEN | Probable (back) |
| 20 | Joique Bell | vs. NO | Probable (concussion) |
| 21 | Shane Vereen | vs. NYJ | - |
| 22 | Chris Ivory | at NE | - |
| 23 | Reggie Bush | vs. NO | Probable (ankle) |
| 24 | Bishop Sankey | at WAS | - |
| 25 | Jerick McKinnon | at BUF | Probable (ankle) |
| 26 | Trent Richardson | vs. CIN | - |
| 27 | Jonathan Stewart | at GB | Probable (knee) |
| 28 | Jeremy Hill | at IND | - |
| 29 | C.J. Spiller | vs. MIN | - |
| 30 | Pierre Thomas | at DET | Probable (illness) |
| 31 | Darren McFadden | vs. ARZ | - |
| 32 | Isaiah Crowell | at JAC | - |
| 33 | Steven Jackson | at BAL | - |
| 34 | Antone Smith | at BAL | - |
| 35 | Zac Stacy | vs. SEA | Probable (ankle) |
| 36 | James Starks | vs. CAR | - |
| 37 | Mark Ingram | at DET | Probable (hand) |
| 38 | Matt Asiata | at BUF | Probable (groin) |
| 39 | Storm Johnson | vs. CLE | - |
| 40 | Brandon Bolden | vs. NYJ | - |
| 41 | Carlos Hyde | at DEN | - |
| 42 | Khiry Robinson | at DET | - |
| 43 | Bernard Pierce | vs. ATL | - |
| 44 | Juwan Thompson | vs. SF | Probable (knee) |
| 45 | Chris Johnson | at NE | Probable (ankle) |
| 46 | LeGarrette Blount | vs. HOU | - |
| 47 | Roy Helu | vs. TEN | - |
| 48 | Denard Robinson | vs. CLE | - |
| 49 | Lorenzo Taliaferro | vs. ATL | - |
| 50 | Knile Davis | at SD | - |
| 51 | Peyton Hillis | at DAL | - |
| 52 | Maurice Jones-Drew | vs. ARZ | - |
| 53 | Tre Mason | vs. SEA | - |
| 54 | Jonas Gray | vs. NYJ | - |
| 55 | Benny Cunningham | vs. SEA | - |
| 56 | Dexter McCluster | at WAS | - |
| 57 | Joseph Randle | vs. NYG | - |
| 58 | Terrance West | at JAC | - |
| 59 | Chris Ogbonnaya | at GB | - |
| 60 | Alfred Blue | at PIT | Probable (knee) |
| 61 | De’Anthony Thomas | at SD | - |
| 62 | Daniel Thomas | at CHI | - |
| 63 | Jacquizz Rodgers | at BAL | - |
| 64 | Ka’Deem Carey | vs. MIA | - |
| 65 | Robert Turbin | at STL | - |
| 66 | Jordan Todman | vs. CLE | - |
| 67 | Marion Grice | at OAK | - |
| 68 | Darrin Reaves | at GB | Questionable (calf) |
| 69 | George Winn | vs. NO | - |
| 70 | Stepfan Taylor | at OAK | - |
RB Notes: I wrote about DeMarco Murray at length on Monday, but the short of it? He’s on pace for 424 carries, which would be the most all time, and just the sixth 400-tote campaign in NFL history. Of those previous 400-carry backs, none posted a YPC over 4.5. As a collective, they managed 4.17. It makes Murray’s 4.93 YPC on such a massive workload all the more impressive. It remains to be seen how a player with Murray’s injury history will hold up down the stretch, but the sledding will not be tough vs. a Giants defense coughing up 4.4 yards per tote. … Arian Foster has the second most raw fantasy points amongst running backs despite essentially missing two games. His 513 yards are third in the NFL, while his five scores are second only to Murray’s six. He’s settling in as fantasy’s clear No. 2 back whenever he’s healthy. … Matt Forte’s 46 receptions lead the NFL. The Dolphins have one of the league’s stingier run defenses, but Forte’s dual-threat game is matchup proof.
Jamaal Charles headed into the Chiefs’ bye week averaging 5.21 yards per carry after returning from his ankle sprain. Now fully healthy, he gets a Chargers defense surrendering 4.7 yards per carry. With only one rushing score through four games after tallying 12 in 15 a year ago, Charles is due to go off on the ground. … Le’Veon Bell’s 793 yards from scrimmage are the second most in football, but he somehow has just one touchdown. That’s astounding, especially considering the Steelers’ struggles in the red zone. Bell’s scoring rate should soon start catching up to his yardage. … Marshawn Lynch is No. 4 in running back fantasy points, but rather bizarrely, is averaging just 15.8 carries. That number needs to come up for an offense that hasn’t been meeting its potential. … Giovani Bernard entered Week 5 averaging just 3.36 yards per carry, but has spiked that number to 4.46. Last week’s 89-yard touchdown rumble played a large part, of course, but it’s not like you could call that a bad thing. A big-play threat soaking up touches, Bernard’s RB1 value is looking more durable than previously thought.
In two weeks as the Chargers’ lead back, Branden Oliver has 53 touches for 306 total yards and three touchdowns. However you slice it, he’ll be an RB1 until Ryan Mathews (knee) returns. He has a juicy Week 7 matchup in a Chiefs defense silver plattering 4.8 yards per carry. … Ben Tate has 47 carries in two games since returning from his knee injury. That kind of volume could make anyone an RB1. With the Browns committed to the run rain, shine or downpour, Tate should be fired up every week till the wheels fall off. … Andre Ellington’s 81 carries are 12th in football even though: 1. The Cardinals have already had their bye. 2 Ellington’s been battling a foot injury since Week 1. 3. Ellington is 5-foot-9. Averaging 20 touches per game, Ellington is an every-week RB2 who can be an RB1 in matches like the one he has Sunday. Only six teams are allowing more fantasy points to enemy runners than the Raiders. … Now part of a three-man committee, Zac Stacy has plunged from mid-range RB2 to dice-roll RB3.
You want to know what Justin Forsett is? Ahmad Bradshaw with a bigger workload. Averaging 6.4 yards per carry and 3.8 catches per game, Forsett is shaping up as one of the year’s true waiver-wire steals. He has the Week 7 matchup of a lifetime against a Falcons defense allowing the most fantasy points to running backs. … Eddie Lacy’s committee concerns came to fruition in Week 6. He out-touched James Starks 14-10, but got out-gained 42-40. Lacy played 39 snaps to Starks’ 38. The guess is that Green Bay still wants Lacy to be its clear lead runner, but he’s got to get his 3.8 YPC above 4.0. The matchup is dreamy in a Panthers defense allowing a league-worst 5.5 yards per carry. … Fred Jackson out-snapped C.J. Spiller 52-12 in Week 6, and has out-gained him 150-52 over the Bills’ past two games. Things seem to change weekly in Buffalo, but F-Jax’s RB2 value is as secure as it’s been this season, while Spiller is shaping up as a dart-throw RB3. The Vikings are allowing the third most fantasy points to rival running backs.
Ronnie Hillman out-touched Juwan Thompson 27-8 against the Jets’ sound run defense in Week 6, totaling 116 yards. He’ll be an RB2 for as long as Montee Ball (groin) is sidelined. … Andre Williams had a plodding Week 6, but the Cowboys are allowing the second most yards per carry in the NFL (5.1). He remains a big-time touchdown threat. … In theory, Shane Vereen’s workload will increase in the absence of Stevan Ridley, but it’s never wise to take things for granted in New England. The best news for his Week 7 is the way dual-threat running backs Hillman and Oliver have torched the Jets in recent weeks. … Jerick McKinnon appeared to zoom past Matt Asiata in Week 6, but now the Vikings are making noise about wanting to re-involve Asiata. We’d still expect McKinnon to lead the Vikings’ committee going forward, but unfortunately that’s what he’s a part of: A committee. … Storm Johnson has workload and talent concerns. He’s a middling RB3. … Antone Smith is 16th in weekly running back fantasy points. Perhaps the Falcons will finally start treating him as such. … Mark Ingram and Khiry Robinson are best avoided for Week 7 against the Lions’ elite run defense.
Week 7 Receivers
| Rank | Player Name | Opponent | Notes |
| 1 | Jordy Nelson | vs. CAR | - |
| 2 | Demaryius Thomas | vs. SF | - |
| 3 | Antonio Brown | vs. HOU | - |
| 4 | Julio Jones | at BAL | Probable (ankle) |
| 5 | Dez Bryant | vs. NYG | Probable (shoulder) |
| 6 | Alshon Jeffery | vs. MIA | - |
| 7 | Brandon Marshall | vs. MIA | Probable (ankle) |
| 8 | Randall Cobb | vs. CAR | - |
| 9 | Emmanuel Sanders | vs. SF | - |
| 10 | T.Y. Hilton | vs. CIN | - |
| 11 | Golden Tate | vs. NO | - |
| 12 | Steve Smith Sr. | vs. ATL | - |
| 13 | Kelvin Benjamin | at GB | Questionable (concussion) |
| 14 | Mike Wallace | at CHI | Probable (hamstring) |
| 15 | Andre Johnson | at PIT | Probable (ankle) |
| 16 | Michael Floyd | at OAK | Probable (groin) |
| 17 | Julian Edelman | vs. NYJ | - |
| 18 | Mohamed Sanu | at IND | - |
| 19 | DeSean Jackson | vs. TEN | Probable (shoulder) |
| 20 | Rueben Randle | at DAL | - |
| 21 | Brandin Cooks | at DET | - |
| 22 | Roddy White | at BAL | - |
| 23 | DeAndre Hopkins | at PIT | Probable (hand) |
| 24 | Sammy Watkins | vs. MIN | - |
| 25 | Reggie Wayne | vs. CIN | - |
| 26 | Michael Crabtree | at DEN | Probable (foot) |
| 27 | Pierre Garcon | vs. TEN | - |
| 28 | Larry Fitzgerald | at OAK | - |
| 29 | Keenan Allen | vs. KC | - |
| 30 | Justin Hunter | at WAS | - |
| 31 | Andre Holmes | vs. ARZ | - |
| 32 | Cecil Shorts | vs. CLE | - |
| 33 | Terrance Williams | vs. NYG | - |
| 34 | Torrey Smith | vs. ATL | - |
| 35 | James Jones | vs. ARZ | - |
| 36 | Marques Colston | at DET | - |
| 37 | Brian Quick | vs. SEA | - |
| 38 | Kendall Wright | at WAS | - |
| 39 | Eric Decker | at NE | Probable (hamstring) |
| 40 | Odell Beckham | at DAL | - |
| 41 | Wes Welker | vs. SF | - |
| 42 | Brandon LaFell | vs. NYJ | - |
| 43 | Allen Robinson | vs. CLE | - |
| 44 | Anquan Boldin | at DEN | - |
| 45 | Dwayne Bowe | at SD | - |
| 46 | Malcom Floyd | vs. KC | - |
| 47 | Eddie Royal | vs. KC | Probable (elbow) |
| 48 | Doug Baldwin | at STL | - |
| 49 | Davante Adams | vs. CAR | - |
| 50 | Markus Wheaton | vs. HOU | Probable (groin) |
| 51 | Andrew Hawkins | at JAC | - |
| 52 | John Brown | at OAK | Probable (hamstring) |
| 53 | Kenny Britt | vs. SEA | Probable (knee) |
| 54 | Cordarrelle Patterson | at BUF | Probable (hip) |
| 55 | Greg Jennings | at BUF | - |
| 56 | Jermaine Kearse | at STL | - |
| 57 | Jarius Wright | at BUF | - |
| 58 | Jerricho Cotchery | at GB | - |
| 59 | Stevie Johnson | at DEN | Probable (hip) |
| 60 | Devin Hester | at BAL | Probable (hamstring) |
| 61 | Brandon Tate | at IND | - |
| 62 | Brian Tyms | vs. NYJ | - |
| 63 | Robert Woods | vs. MIN | - |
| 64 | Jarvis Landry | at CHI | - |
| 65 | Kenny Stills | at DET | - |
| 66 | Miles Austin | at JAC | - |
| 67 | Brian Hartline | at CHI | Probable (finger) |
| 68 | Allen Hurns | vs. CLE | - |
| 69 | Hakeem Nicks | vs. CIN | - |
| 70 | Marqise Lee | vs. CLE | - |
| 71 | Andre Roberts | vs. TEN | - |
| 72 | Jeremy Ross | vs. NO | Probable (ankle) |
| 73 | Jeremy Kerley | at NE | - |
| 74 | Brandon Lloyd | at DEN | - |
| 75 | Preston Parker | at DAL | - |
| 76 | Jarrett Boykin | vs. CAR | - |
| 77 | Chris Hogan | vs. MIN | - |
| 78 | Taylor Gabriel | at JAC | - |
| 79 | Corey Fuller | vs. NO | - |
| 80 | Paul Richardson | at STL | - |
WR Notes: Jordy Nelson leads the league in receiving yards, and is tied for second in targets. The Panthers are surrendering the eighth most points to rival wideouts. … Demaryius Thomas since the Broncos’ Week 4 bye: 18 catches for 350 yards and three touchdowns. … How have the Texans fared against diminutive No. 1 receivers lately? Oh, just fine aside from the 9/223/1 they coughed up to T.Y. Hilton in Week 6. They’re not about to be the team that finally stops Antonio Brown. … Julio Jones has been all-everything in 2014, but his status has been complicated by the collapse of the Falcons’ offensive line. Throw in the fact that he’ll be doing battle with Jimmy Smith this Sunday and he’s “just” the No. 4 receiver. … Alshon Jeffery is averaging 5.75 catches for 94 yards over his past four games, mixing in two touchdowns. He averaged 5.5/89 in 2013. … The Bears pledged to get Brandon Marshall more involved in Week 6, and did just that, finding him six times for 113 yards. With Jeffery and Marshall both 100 percent healthy, the Bears are going to rampage like it’s … 2013.
If you’re going to be “touchdown dependent,” you might as well lead all receivers in scores. Randall Cobb does, and has become the red-zone threat du jour for a team without a competent tight end. Curiously, Cobb is still averaging just 3.7 yards after the catch after posting a 5.9 mark in 2013. … Trying to explain Emmanuel Sanders’ off Week 6? Don’t look Wes Welker’s way, as the slot maven drew only one target. Welker has been zero threat to Sanders’ status as Peyton Manning’s No. 2 receiver, and that should remain the case going forward. Manning can, has and will support three top-30 wideouts. … T.Y. Hilton sits at fourth in yards at 604 after his 223-yard explosion in Week 6. He still has only one score, but averaged six in 2012-13. No. 6 in targets (59), Hilton is going to find the end zone many more times this season. … With Calvin Johnson inactive or limited three times this season, Golden Tate has averaged seven catches for 98 yards, scoring one touchdown. Just like Hilton, Tate averaged six scores in 2012-13. There are more TDs to come. The Saints, who are allowing the fourth most fantasy points to receivers, represent a golden opportunity.
Steve Smith Sr. had his first slow game of the year in Week 5. He responded by going 5/110/1 in Week 6. Sr. has yet to catch fewer than five passes this season, and is No. 5 in receiver fantasy points. The Falcons are an excellent home matchup. … Kelvin Benjamin surprisingly popped up on the Wednesday injury report with a concussion. He’s tentatively expected to play in Sunday’s game against the Packers, but contingency plans obviously need to be readied. … Mike Wallace has scored in 4-of-5 games. He has only 25 catches for 313 yards, but is getting looks where it counts most. … Andre Johnson’s Week 6 touchdown was his first in 77 catches, the longest such streak of his career. That’s frustrating, but what isn’t frustrating is Johnson’s weekly 5.6/70. He remains locked into WR2 status with room to grow. … Michael Floyd has been up and down with the Cardinals’ quarterback rollercoaster, but is still the owner of a 16/306/1 line through five games. That projects to 51/979/3. All three numbers should increase dramatically with Carson Palmer finally back in the saddle.
Julian Edelman’s numbers have grown a tad less predictable as the Pats rediscover the world beyond the first five yards in front of the line of scrimmage, but he’s going to soak up looks against a Jets defense surrendering the 10th most points to opposing receivers. … I’ve been a Mohamed Sanu skeptic, but 10/120/1 speaks for itself. Hue Jackson is among the league’s very best at maximizing talent, and he should continue to do so with the player who’s become his default No. 1 receiver. … DeSean Jackson has three 100-yard games in Kirk Cousins’ four starts. … Rueben Randle has been a cause célèbre for the Rotoworld crew. There’s no denying it. But that’s because we believe in him, and now the Giants must with Victor Cruz lost for the season. Odell Beckham is there to take bites out of the apple, but Randle is a more-effective player than Larry Donnell, and as such should continue to provide the most touchdown upside in the Big Apple. Randle is averaging 9.75 targets over his past four games.
Brandin Cooks is averaging 8.4 targets. That number is not going to go down in the absence of Jimmy Graham. … It’s understandable if you’ve lost patience with Percy Harvin, but do you think this is a player who is going to explode or fade away? I’m still betting on the former. … Keenan Allen is perhaps 2014’s most confounding player. He never leaves the field — he continues to lead wideouts in snaps — but can’t buy a touchdown to save his life. You have to be tired of hearing it, but the faith simply must be kept. Allen is better than role players Malcom Floyd and Eddie Royal. At some point, the box scores should start reflecting that. … Sammy Watkins is off Revis Island, and back into the high-end WR3 mix. … On Revis Island? Eric Decker, who’s on a short week after returning from a hamstring injury in Week 6. Temper your WR3 expectations. … They don’t make WR3 fliers more intriguing than Andre Holmes. Quietly, the Cardinals and Patrick Peterson are allowing the second most fantasy points to opposing receivers. … Cordarrelle Patterson is a WR5.
Week 7 Tight Ends
| Rank | Player Name | Opponent | Notes |
| 1 | Julius Thomas | vs. SF | - |
| 2 | Rob Gronkowski | vs. NYJ | - |
| 3 | Greg Olsen | at GB | Probable (ankle) |
| 4 | Jordan Cameron | at JAC | - |
| 5 | Delanie Walker | at WAS | Probable (shoulder) |
| 6 | Jordan Reed | vs. TEN | - |
| 7 | Jimmy Graham | at DET | Questionable (shoulder) |
| 8 | Martellus Bennett | vs. MIA | - |
| 9 | Antonio Gates | vs. KC | - |
| 10 | Travis Kelce | at SD | - |
| 11 | Larry Donnell | at DAL | - |
| 12 | Dwayne Allen | vs. CIN | - |
| 13 | Vernon Davis | at DEN | Probable (back) |
| 14 | Jason Witten | vs. NYG | - |
| 15 | Jared Cook | vs. SEA | - |
| 16 | Heath Miller | vs. HOU | Probable (-) |
| 17 | Clay Harbor | vs. CLE | Probable (knee) |
| 18 | Owen Daniels | vs. ATL | Probable (-) |
| 19 | Jace Amaro | at NE | Probable (knee) |
| 20 | Ladarius Green | vs. KC | - |
| 21 | Charles Clay | at CHI | Probable (knee) |
| 22 | Tim Wright | vs. NYJ | - |
| 23 | Coby Fleener | vs. CIN | - |
| 24 | Josh Hill | at DET | - |
| 25 | Jermaine Gresham | at IND | - |
| 26 | Scott Chandler | vs. MIN | - |
| 27 | Levine Toilolo | at BAL | - |
| 28 | Niles Paul | vs. TEN | - |
| 29 | Garrett Graham | at PIT | - |
| 30 | Andrew Quarless | vs. CAR | - |
| 31 | Mychal Rivera | vs. ARZ | - |
| 32 | John Carlson | at OAK | Questionable (knee) |
| 33 | Lance Kendricks | vs. SEA | - |
| 34 | Anthony Fasano | at SD | - |
| 35 | Chase Ford | at BUF | - |
| 36 | Brandon Pettigrew | vs. NO | - |
| 37 | Ben Watson | at DET | Probable (groin) |
TE Notes: Julius Thomas is on pace for 29 touchdowns. No, he probably won’t get there, but the third 20-TD season all time for a pass catcher is well within reach. Thomas’ nine scores would have been tied for 14th in all of 2013. … In Week 1, Rob Gronkowski looked like a sad impersonation of Rob Gronkowski. In Week 6, he looked like Rob Gronkowski. “Absolutely” back according to his quarterback, Gronk has played 128-of-162 snaps (79.0 percent) over the Pats’ past two games, posting a Gronk-ian 13/194/1 line on 20 targets. Thomas has a big lead on Gronk for No. 1 overall status, but the Pat could still chase him down. … No. 2 in average tight end fantasy points, Greg Olsen has caught at least six passes in 4-of-6 games, and is averaging 5.5 catches for 65 yards, with five touchdowns to boot.
Jordan Cameron proved his health with an emphatic 3/102/1 in Week 6, ripping off gains of 42 and 51 yards, with the latter going for a score. Cameron destroyed Cortez Allen in single coverage, using his rare athleticism for a tight end to reach the house. … Delanie Walker’s upside may not be as high as his Week 2 scorching of the Cowboys suggested, but he’s established quite a nice floor even amidst the Titans’ quarterback roulette. He’s one of just six tight ends averaging 10 fantasy points per game. … Jordan Reed (hamstring) caught 8-of-11 targets for 92 yards against the Cardinals, making as impressive a return as he could have coming back from a five-week absence. He has a nice Week 7 matchup in a Titans defense allowing the eighth most fantasy points to tight ends. … With Alshon Jeffery and Brandon Marshall both healthy, Martellus Bennett has predictably cooled from his hot start, failing to score in four games. He’s averaged a healthy 5.3/67 over his past three, however, and remains a TE1.
Travis Kelce is 47th in tight-end snaps, but is the owner of a 20/274/3 line, while his 178 yards after the catch lead all tight ends. His 8.9 number is 1.5 higher than his next closest competitor (Cameron). Kelce is a big play waiting to happen. … Larry Donnell has one catch for six yards over his past two games. He might really no longer be a thing if he doesn’t have a big day against a Dallas defense getting smoked by tight ends. … Dwayne Allen has just 18 catches, but four of them have ended up in the end zone. He’s the No. 9 tight end in a down year for the position. Allen’s Week 7 opponent, Cincinnati, has allowed the most fantasy points to enemy tight ends. … The bottom hasn’t fallen out for either Jason Witten or Heath Miller, but the lid seems to be closing on their upside. … Jace Amaro’s 2014 future is bright, but he’s not a super appealing stream on a short week.
Week 7 Kickers
| Rank | Player Name | Opponent | Notes |
| 1 | Stephen Gostkowski | vs. NYJ | - |
| 2 | Dan Bailey | vs. NYG | - |
| 3 | Justin Tucker | vs. ATL | - |
| 4 | Steven Hauschka | at STL | - |
| 5 | Phil Dawson | at DEN | - |
| 6 | Mason Crosby | vs. CAR | - |
| 7 | Adam Vinatieri | vs. CIN | - |
| 8 | Nick Novak | vs. KC | - |
| 9 | Dan Carpenter | vs. MIN | - |
| 10 | Matt Bryant | at BAL | - |
| 11 | Chandler Catanzaro | at OAK | - |
| 12 | Matt Prater | vs. NO | - |
| 13 | Brandon McManus | vs. SF | Probable (groin) |
| 14 | Shayne Graham | at DET | - |
| 15 | Blair Walsh | at BUF | - |
| 16 | Robbie Gould | vs. MIA | - |
| 17 | Shaun Suisham | vs. HOU | - |
| 18 | Billy Cundiff | at JAC | - |
| 19 | Graham Gano | at GB | - |
| 20 | Caleb Sturgis | at CHI | - |
| 21 | Nick Folk | at NE | - |
| 22 | Cairo Santos | at SD | - |
| 23 | Mike Nugent | at IND | - |
| 24 | Kai Forbath | vs. TEN | - |
| 25 | Ryan Succop | at WAS | - |
| 26 | Josh Brown | at DAL | - |
| 27 | Greg Zuerlein | vs. SEA | - |
| 28 | Sebastian Janikowski | vs. ARZ | - |
| 29 | Randy Bullock | at PIT | - |
| 30 | Josh Scobee | vs. CLE | - |
Week 7 Defense/Special Teams
| Rank | Player Name | Opponent | Notes |
| 1 | Bills Def/Spec Team | vs. MIN | - |
| 2 | Browns Def/Spec Team | at JAC | - |
| 3 | Patriots Def/Spec Team | vs. NYJ | - |
| 4 | Seahawks Def/Spec Team | at STL | - |
| 5 | Cardinals Def/Spec Team | at OAK | - |
| 6 | Texans Def/Spec Team | at PIT | - |
| 7 | Broncos Def/Spec Team | vs. SF | - |
| 8 | Chargers Def/Spec Team | vs. KC | - |
| 9 | Lions Def/Spec Team | vs. NO | - |
| 10 | Bears Def/Spec Team | vs. MIA | - |
| 11 | Vikings Def/Spec Team | at BUF | - |
| 12 | Titans Def/Spec Team | at WAS | - |
| 13 | Steelers Def/Spec Team | vs. HOU | - |
| 14 | Dolphins Def/Spec Team | at CHI | - |
| 15 | Packers Def/Spec Team | vs. CAR | - |
| 16 | Panthers Def/Spec Team | at GB | - |
| 17 | Bengals Def/Spec Team | at IND | - |
| 18 | Giants Def/Spec Team | at DAL | - |
| 19 | Ravens Def/Spec Team | vs. ATL | - |
| 20 | Redskins Def/Spec Team | vs. TEN | - |
| 21 | Cowboys Def/Spec Team | vs. NYG | - |
| 22 | Rams Def/Spec Team | vs. SEA | - |
| 23 | Chiefs Def/Spec Team | at SD | - |
| 24 | Raiders Defense | vs. ARZ | - |
| 25 | Colts Def/Spec Team | vs. CIN | - |
| 26 | Jaguars Def/Spec Team | vs. CLE | - |
| 27 | Jets Def/Spec Team | at NE | - |
| 28 | Saints Def/Spec Team | at DET | - |
| 29 | Fortyniners Def/Spec Team | at DEN | - |
| 30 | Falcons Def/Spec Team | at BAL | - |
