The fantasy season is starting to separate the contenders from the pretenders, and every lineup decision feels like it carries playoff weight. One wrong sit, one misguided start, and you’re stuck wondering why you benched that guy who just dropped 25 points. To help you avoid that particular brand of Sunday regret, our Featured Pros are here with their top Week 7 Start and Sit calls — highlighting the players poised to shine and the ones more likely to leave you shaking your head.
- Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups
- Weekly Fantasy Football Expert Rankings
- Fantasy Football Start/Sit Advice
- Fantasy Football Trade Tools
Fantasy Football Week 7 Start/Sit Advice
Sleepers
Which player outside of the top 100 in the FantasyPros Flex rankings is a good sleeper start, and why do you think he has upside this week?
Mason Taylor (TE – NYJ)
“Mason Taylor. People might be afraid to play him after drawing just one target last week, but he got 12 (with nine receptions) the week before. Garrett Wilson is also banged up, and the Jets face the Panthers, who rank 2nd-worst against tight ends in 2025.”
– Kevin Roberts (The DFS Build)
“Mason Taylor was a massive bust last week, catching his only target for two receiving yards, scoring 1.2 PPR fantasy points. However, the former LSU star was playing well before last week, totaling 14 receptions on 19 targets for 132 receiving yards and 29.2 fantasy points over the previous two games, scoring 11.5 or more in both contests. Thankfully, he has an excellent chance to bounce back this week against the Carolina Panthers. They have surrendered 17.6 fantasy points per game to tight ends, the second-most in the NFL this season. The Panthers have given up a touchdown or over 120 receiving yards to tight ends in all but one game. Taylor is vastly undervalued as the TE15 and 102nd overall in the rankings, especially with Garrett Wilson unlikely to play on Sunday because of a knee injury.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)
“Mason Taylor burned the fantasy gamers who used him last week in a tough matchup vs. the Broncos, providing a single 2-yard catch. But THIS is the week to ride with the rookie from LSU. The Jets’ only good wide receiver, Garrett Wilson, is expected to be out with a knee injury. Jets QB Justin Fields has to go *somewhere* with the ball, and Taylor gets a plum matchup against the Panthers, who have allowed the most receiving yards and second-most fantasy points per game to tight ends. And, by the way, Taylor gets a Week 8 matchup against the Bengals, who have allowed the most fantasy points per game to tight ends.”
– Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros)
Tez Johnson (WR – TB)
“The Buccaneers’ wide receiver room is severely depleted, with Chris Godwin and Emeka Egbuka almost certainly ruled out. This elevates Tez Johnson to an every-down role, as seen by his route participation, which hit over 80% last week. He even demonstrated his big-play ability with a 45-yard touchdown last time out, and in a likely shootout against the Detroit Lions this week, Johnson is well set up for a big week.”
– Luke Renton (The Franchise Tag UK)
Michael Carter (RB – ARI)
“Michael Carter was disappointing in Week 6 after a fantastic Week 5. He essentially split the snaps with Bam Knight and was still very involved. Carter received five targets to Knight’s two targets. He totaled 64 yards and had two receptions, not bad for a down week. The Cardinals could find them chasing points against the Packers, which could lead to more usage for Carter. DJ Moore stayed overnight for a groin injury; if he misses time, that could open the door for Burden. Bonus Deep Sleeper, Jordan Whittington.”
– David Heilman (Sports Gambling Podcast Network)
Tory Horton (WR – SEA)
“Tory Horton has quietly been one of the more productive rookie receivers this season. With three touchdowns on the season and only 130 yards, he appears to have Darnold’s trust in the red zone. This week, the Seahawks take on the Texans, who are one of the few teams that have a true shutdown corner. Derrick Stingley Jr. will likely shadow JSN, potentially opening up opportunities for increased involvement from Horton and Cooper Kupp. He’s risky, but he is one of the better plays if you are desperate for a flex this week.”
– Ellis Johnson (FantasyPros)
Tyjae Spears (RB – TEN)
“Tyjae Spears can remain productive even while playing behind Tony Pollard. Last season, he proved he can thrive in a complementary role, finishing as an RB3 or better in six of 12 games. Since returning from IR, his snap share has surged from 26.2% in Week 5 to 59.3%, even out-snapping Pollard. New England presents a tough matchup, allowing the 5th-fewest fantasy points to running backs, but the game script could swing his way. If the Titans fall behind, Spears’ pass-catching ability gives him sneaky flex appeal and a path to solid production this week.”
– Kyle Zeigler (Fantasy In Frames)
Luther Burden III (WR – CHI)
“Luther Burden III will be the best waiver claim and best sleeper start of the week. He was effective on his limited snaps in Week 6. Burden was on the field for 23% of the snaps but still had four receptions for 51 yards. This week, he gets to face the New Orleans Saints, who allow the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing receivers. The Bears would be wise to get him more snaps as the season progresses, but he can still score fantasy points on limited work, as the Saints are tied for third in 40+ yard receptions given up through six weeks.”
– Ryan Prosick (Fantrax)
“I like Luther Burden III this week and moving forward. Olamide Zaccheaus had a rough week, while Burden III looked solid. He didn’t play a lot of snaps, but he did run more routes than ever this season and was targeted on a lot of them. He may not have snatched the WR3 role quite yet, but he should be able to put up some numbers against the New Orleans Saints this weekend.”
– Trevor Land (FlurrySports)
Evan Engram (TE – DEN)
Evan Engram, in a revenge game against the Giants, could make for a solid start this week for fantasy managers. Engram has been solid over the last two weeks, registering nine catches on 12 targets for 75 yards and a score. The Giants, after an impressive win last week versus Philly, did concede nine catches for 110 yards and a score last week to Dallas Goedert, only adding further intrigue to Engram’s potential in Week 7. For those who question the revenge game narrative, just ask Rico Dowdle‘s managers how they are feeling right about now.”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)
Tyler Allgeier (RB – ATL)
“Tyler Allgeier is a perfect flex candidate this week. He’s ranked as 109th overall, RB39, but he’s a consistent producer. Outside of Week 3, when he only got one carry, he’s gotten at least ten carries in the other four weeks. In Week 6, after the Falcons’ bye week, he got 10 carries for 32 yards and found the end zone. I expect San Francisco to make a game of it, which only helps Allgeier’s value as a flex candidate. I’m starting him in every league I have him.”
– Andrew Hall (FantasyPros)
AJ Barner (TE – SEA)
“AJ Barner is coming on as a top target in Seattle for Sam Darnold, and still hasn’t earned the respect of the fantasy world. He is currently ranked as the TE20 in half-PPR. All he has done in the last three weeks is catch three touchdowns with 16 receptions and 156 yards. Those are numbers that should have him in the discussion for a TE1 on a fantasy team, but owners are sleeping on him. Don’t be that owner, pick him up now and reap the rewards this week and moving forward as Sam Darnold takes this offense to the next level.”
– Adam Dove (The Fantasy Couriers)
Duds
Which player inside the top 40 in the FantasyPros Flex rankings is likely to disappoint fantasy managers this week?
Cam Skattebo (RB – NYG)
“Cam Skattebo will definitely disappoint, I guess, right? In terms of role and TD equity, Cam is a tough guy not to start these days. That said, the Broncos simply aren’t giving up scores, and they rank 4th at stopping fantasy RBs. I love Cam as much as the next person, but if there’s a week to shy away from him, this could be it.”
– Kevin Roberts (The DFS Build)
“I hate to pick on Cam Skattebo after his three-touchdown performance against the Eagles, but this matchup against Denver is far from ideal. The Broncos have been stingy against both the run and the pass, ranking sixth in the league in yards allowed per game in each category. Only one running back has topped 100 rushing yards against them this season, and that was Jonathan Taylor in Week 2. Since then, no rusher has surpassed 80 yards against Denver. If Denver gets out front and controls the clock, it could further limit Skattebo’s opportunities on the ground. I expect him to deliver back-end RB2 or low-end RB3 production this week rather than high-end RB2 numbers.”
– Kyle Zeigler (Fantasy In Frames)
Rashee Rice (WR – KC)
“Rashee Rice is a player that I think will bust this week against his current top-40 flex ranking for Week 7. Returning from a six-game suspension and an LCL injury, which ended his 2024 season early, he will likely be on a snap count and play in a limited capacity as the coaching staff hints at easing him back. Crucially, he rejoins a crowded Chiefs offense with Travis Kelce, Xavier Worthy, and Hollywood Brown already commanding targets. The volume uncertainty, combined with some expected rust, means that Rice’s floor is very low compared to his ranking.”
– Luke Renton (The Franchise Tag UK)
Kimani Vidal (RB – LAC)
“Kimani Vidal was outstanding last week, finishing as the RB9, totaling 18 rushing attempts for 124 yards, three receptions for 14 receiving yards and a touchdown, scoring 22.8 PPR fantasy points. However, Vidal is overvalued as the RB21 and 36th overall in the rankings and could be a bust this week. Last week, he faced a Miami Dolphins defense that has surrendered 134.3 rushing yards and 26.9 fantasy points per game to running backs this season, the fifth-most in the NFL. Unfortunately, Vidal has to take on a significantly better Indianapolis Colts run defense in Week 7. They have held running backs to 78.8 rushing yards and 18.6 fantasy points per game, the eighth-fewest in the NFL, giving up fewer than 23.2 in every contest. Vidal is more of a risky mid-range flex option than a must-start RB2.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)
“I think Kimani Vidal will disappoint this week. While he is a solid player getting the majority of the carries in a run-heavy offense, he faces a much better Indianapolis Colts defense this week. While he should still have a fine week, I think the consensus on him is a little too high, causing him to underachieve this week.”
– Trevor Land (FlurrySports)
“Kimani Vidal, 38th overall and RB22, had a breakout performance in Week 6, but I’m not convinced that that kind of output is the exception or the norm. On top of that, the Colts are pretty stout against the run, and now they have some great film on Vidal to study. Vidal feels like a classic trap player who gets added on waivers and started after his big breakout, but puts up a dud and frustrates managers everywhere. I’m benching him where I can, but no matter how he performs, I’m not dropping him.”
– Andrew Hall (FantasyPros)
Deebo Samuel Sr. (WR – WAS)
“Deebo Samuel has been great this season and has bounced back after a rough two seasons. But, he didn’t deliver in Week 6 and didn’t look fully healthy. This week, he gets an amazing matchup, but I am concerned about the heel. He turned four passes into 15 yards. I do not think you get a top 40 fantasy football week from Deebo in Week 7.”
– David Heilman (Sports Gambling Podcast Network)
Tetairoa McMillan (WR – CAR)
“Tetairoa McMillan is a star in the making, but this might not be a banner week for him. The Panthers’ rookie receiver will likely draw shadow coverage from Jets CB Sauce Gardner, who has allowed only 10 receptions for 170 yards on throws into his coverage this season. And McMillan’s target delivery mechanism is Bryce Young, who’s averaging 5.8 yards per pass attempt.”
– Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros)
Christian McCaffrey (RB – SF)
“Relatively, this may be a down week for Christian McCaffrey. The WR1 is stuck in an RB’s body, faces a Falcons’ defense that is the best against receiving backs. Averaging only 13.8 receiving yards and only 82 yards on the ground per game, the Falcons have stifled fantasy RBs all season. CMC is a different beast, and could easily make this call look silly. However, after seeing what this Falcons defense did to Josh Allen, I have a feeling they will be up to the task to take on the 49ers. CMC will get the usage to be an RB1, but he may struggle to crack the top 10 at the position this week.”
– Ellis Johnson (FantasyPros)
Breece Hall (RB – NYJ)
“Breece Hall is the player who is most likely to disappoint this week. The Carolina Panthers have been quite stout up front the past few weeks. They have held Bijan Robinson, Javonte Williams, and De’Von Achane to modest totals the past few weeks. The New York Jets’ offense didn’t look good in London, and it’s expected to be worse with Garrett Wilson missing this game. Carolina can devote all of their focus to stopping Breece Hall, and I believe they will.”
– Ryan Prosick (Fantrax)
“Breece Hall is a very talented running back who frustrates fantasy owners with inconsistent production. He has two weeks of 100+ rushing yards and two weeks with less than 30 rushing yards. He plays for the worst team in the league, which just lost its best weapon, Garrett Wilson, for the foreseeable future. Now, there will be extra defensive focus on Hall. Plus, this week the Jets are playing an up-and-coming Carolina Panthers defense that held two top running backs in 2025, Devon Achane and Javonte Williams, to 16 yards and 29 yards rushing. Owners will still have to start Hall due to draft capital and need, but temper expectations, which are the 23rd overall player in half-PPR this week.”
– Adam Dove (The Fantasy Couriers)
Xavier Worthy (WR – KC)
“Xavier Worthy has an unbelievable matchup this week versus the Raiders at home, which makes this so disappointing to say. However, everyone knows (or at least should) what this is going to be for Kansas City: The Rashee Rice Showcase. Expect Rice to return to his WR1 status for the Kansas City Chiefs, leaving Worthy as the clear WR2. Everything about this game calls for the Chiefs to get Rashee Rice going, early and often, potentially putting Worthy managers into a tricky predicament in Week 7.”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)
Subscribe: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeart | Castbox | Amazon Music | Podcast Addict | TuneIn
