Week 6 was pure chaos across the league. It took just six weeks to eliminate any team’s aspirations to go undefeated in 2023, as the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles each lost outright on the road. Cleveland’s defensive line dominated the line of scrimmage, affecting Brock Purdy (QB – 49ers), while its historic defensive pace continued under DC Jim Schwartz. The New York Jets’ defense held their own against Jalen Hurts (QB – Eagles) and A.J. Brown (WR – Eagles), shutting the Eagles out in the second half and forcing three interceptions.
Offensive and defensive line mismatches resulted in several of these upsets, and now, with six teams on Bye in Week 7, there is a chance we see even more upsets. Whether it’s the ability to create running lanes, or protecting a quarterback so that he can go through his progression reads in a clean pocket, offensive linemen have never been more valuable. Scoring is down across the league this season, and defenses are feasting, especially some of the highest paid edge rushers and linebackers along the front-seven. Disruptors on the interior of a defensive line can blow up a backfield, regardless of the play call on offense. This matchup within the matchup is always exciting to watch unfold.
From a fantasy football context, it’s important to recognize the key matchups in the trenches and which unit has the edge entering a game. NFL fantasy analyst Matt MacKay returns with his latest offensive and defensive line unit rankings, while analyzing several key matchups to monitor that could impact fantasy production. It’s a week where a lot of fantasy managers will be streaming players and inserting them into lineups for the first time this season, so let’s find out which offensive and defensive line matchups are the most impactful in Week 7.
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Offensive Line Rankings & Matchups
1. Detroit Lions
2. Miami Dolphins
3. Kansas City Chiefs
4. Philadelphia Eagles
5. San Francisco 49ers
Key Week 7 Matchups
Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Believe it or not, we’ve got an intriguing matchup in the NFC South in Week 7. Baker Mayfield (QB – Buccaneers) has benefitted from Tristan Wirfs (OT – Buccaneers) and the rest of Tampa Bay’s offensive line this season, as the Bucs are giving up just a 3.0 percent sack rate, ranked third-best in the league. Atlanta has a bunch of talented veterans on its defensive line though, which is why they are third in pressure percentage (29.6%) and second in quarterback knockdown percentage (13.6%) through six games. The Falcons don’t record many sacks (13) but they are also top-three in hurry percentage (12.3%), so Mayfield could struggle against a stout defensive front that continuously generates pressure. Or, the Buccaneers could halt the Falcons’ pass rush and run defense, creating a big outing for Tampa Bay’s offense at home. Tampa Bay’s offense versus Atlanta’s defense is the key matchup here.
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Chicago Bears
This matchup is more of an indictment on Chicago’s offensive line than Las Vegas’ defensive line. The Raiders are led by Maxx Crosby (DE – Raiders) off the edge, but the Bears’ offensive line is terrible. Chicago is giving up a 12.4 percent sack rate, ranked third-highest in the league, and Justin Fields (QB – Bears) is currently injured, forcing Tyson Bagent (QB – Bears) under center. The Raiders are actually outside the top 15 in most key defensive metrics, as their collective defensive front doesn’t disrupt enough outside of Crosby, but this matchup could see the Raiders feasting on the Bears’ backups against a porous Chicago offensive line at Soldier Field.
Detroit Lions vs. Baltimore Ravens
One of the best matchups on the Week 7 slate is between the Detroit Lions and Baltimore Ravens. The Lions have a top-five unit on both sides of the line of scrimmage, but their offensive line has been built over the past several years into a stalwart group, neutralizing most defensive lines in the run and passing attack. Baltimore’s defense is actually ranked 32nd in hurry percentage (2.4%), and 26th in pressure percentage (19.3%), despite being an effective unit against the run. Detroit can pivot to its passing attack with Jared Goff (QB – Lions) without much issue, so this could turn into a big game for the likes of Sam LaPorta (TE – Lions), Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR – Lions), and Josh Reynolds (WR – Lions).
Defensive Line Rankings & Matchups
1. Cleveland Browns
2. New York Jets
3. Detroit Lions
4. Kansas City Chiefs
5. Baltimore Ravens
Key Week 7 Matchups
Los Angeles Rams vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Another porous offensive line can be found in Pittsburgh, which goes up against the Los Angeles Rams’ defensive front that still rosters Aaron Donald (DT – Rams). The Rams are better defending the pass than the run though, so we may see the Steelers finally find a way to establish the run against Los Angeles, who surrenders 4.3 yards per attempt, 12th-most in the NFL. They are, however, top-14 in net yards per pass attempt, so Najee Harris (RB – Steelers) and Jaylen Warren (RB – Steelers) could both enjoy big outings in a road game where the rushing attack may finally get going for Pittsburgh.
Miami Dolphins vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Miami’s been able to protect Tua Tagovailoa (QB – Dolphins) with its personnel up front, plus the West Coast offensive scheme head coach Mike McDaniel runs. Terron Armstead (OT – Dolphins) and the rest of the moves made this offseason have made this a quality offensive line unit, especially in the run game, allowing Raheem Mostert (RB – Dolphins) and De’Von Achane (RB – Dolphins) to thrive. It’ll be fascinating to watch them operate against the Eagles’ defensive line, ranked fourth-best in pressure percentage (29.1%) and top-five in hurry percentage (12.1%) this season. The Dolphins’ defensive line against Philadelphia’s offensive line will be another good trench battle, but the Dolphins’ offensive line is key to allowing the high-octane Dolphins’ offense to move downfield quickly and efficiently.
Cleveland Browns vs. Indianapolis Colts
Myles Garrett (DE – Browns) and the Browns’ defensive line have been a nightmare for opposing offenses this season. Outside of the 28-3 loss to the Ravens, the Browns have only surrendered 35 points defensively. Pittsburgh scored two defensive touchdowns, while the 49ers were pushed around and contained with relative ease for the first time this season in Week 6. Indianapolis has good offensive linemen, like Quenton Nelson (G – Colts) and Ryan Kelly (C – Colts), but the right-side of its unit is injured and Gardner Minshew (QB – Colts) has looked volatile to say the least. Cleveland’s defensive line should dominate this matchup, as long as they don’t let Jonathan Taylor (RB – Colts) and Zack Moss (RB – Colts) get going, as the Browns have allowed over 100 rushing yards in consecutive games.
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Matthew MacKay is a featured writer for FantasyPros. For more from Matthew, check out his archive and follow him @Matt_MacKay_.
