Fantasy Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Week 7 lineup advice, best matchups, DFS picks

Fantasy Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Week 7 lineup advice, best matchups, DFS picks originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Welcome to Week 7 of another NFL season of fantasy football start/sit lineup advice from The Sporting News.

Vinnie Iyer's analysis, aka "The Decider," remains your one-stop shop for fantasy start 'em/sit 'em in 2026, a unique mashup of rankings and matchup breakdowns to help you make those tough decisions on whom to play and whom to sit:

• Several high-drafted fantasy players who should be in lineups most weeks when healthy and active are the "must starts."
• Borderline options with favorable matchups are "stronger starts," while the recommended plays to avoid are "weaker starts."
• The advice is based on 12-team, half-point PPR to split the difference between shallow and deep leagues and full-PPR and standard formats.

Going beyond redraft league starts and sits, "The Decider" also includes some DFS picks for different styles of games on DraftKings and FanDuel. Keep scrolling for tips on how to deploy the best fantasy football lineup for your league opener.

Teams on a bye in Week 7: Bills, Commanders, Chargers, Jaguars

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Fantasy Football Week 7 Start 'Em: Quarterbacks

Must-start Week 7 QBs

1. Jordan Love, Packers (at DET)
2. Brock Purdy, 49ers (at ATL)
3. Joe Burrow, Bengals (at BAL)
4. Lamar Jackson, Ravens (if he returns. vs. CIN)
5. Drake Maye, Patriots (at CHI)
6. Caleb Williams, Bears (vs. NE)
7. Jared Goff, Lions (vs. GB)

Strong Week 7 QB starts

8. C.J. Stroud, Texans (vs. NYG): Stroud is ripping through defenses and gets Tank Dell back in the weapons mix to pick apart the Giants in a one-dimensional aggressive offense.

9. Bryce Young, Panthers (vs. TB): Young ceded a bit to the running game and defense in Philadelphia but he'll get his big numbers back at home.

10. Matthew Stafford, Rams (at LV): Stafford will still need to chuck often and can get it done against the Raiders' pass defense even minus Davante Adams.

11. Dak Prescott, Cowboys (at PHI): Dakota was lost last week in Green Bay but he'll compile in Philadelphia on Monday night against some surprisingly shaky coverage.

12. Kyler Murray, Vikings (vs. IND): He can do enough damage with his legs and arm after a bye to keep denting a reeling Colts defense.

13. Aaron Rodgers, Steelers (vs. NO): He's staying hot with multiple-TD performances and there's nothing scary about the Fleur-de-Lis in Paris.

DFS QB Week 7 pick

C.J. Stroud, Texans (vs. NYG, $5,700 on DraftKings, $7,500 on FanDuel): Stround is priced well to take advantage of the situation before he gets priced up further. The offense has been good to him with expanded receiving options.

MORE: Week 7 NFL picks against the spread

Fantasy Football Week 7 Sit 'Em: Quarterbacks

Weaker Week 7 QB plays

14. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs (at SEA): The Seahawks on the road in prime time is a tough matchup and this figures to be more about revenge for Kenneth Walker III.

15. Kirk Cousins, Raiders (vs. LAR): The Rams' pass defense has hung tough despite injuries and this is limited reward for considerable risk.

16. Geno Smith, Jets (vs. MIA): The numbers say yes but this should be more of a grounded, grinding game between division rivals.

17. Tyler Shough, Saints (vs. PIT): He didn't look good despite the scoring against the Giants and passing often plays into the hands of the Steelers' defense.

18. Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers (if he returns, at CAR): He was. close last week but don't sleep on the improved Panthers' defense on the road.

19. Bo Nix, Broncos (at ARI): The matchup isn't bad and Stafford did end up with decent numbers last week but you can't trust Nix the player at this point, especially on the road.

MORE: Week 7 NFL power rankings: Bears, Steelers, Packers bump up

Fantasy Football Week 7 Start 'Em: Running backs

Must-start Week 7 RBs

1. Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions (vs. GB)
2. Christian McCaffrey, 49ers (at ATL)
3. Bijan Robinson, Falcons (vs. SF)
4. Kenneth Walker III, Chiefs (at SEA)
5. Saquon Barkley, Eagles (if he returns, vs. DAL)
6. Jaylen Warren, Steelers (vs. NO)
7. Kyren Williams, Rams (at LV)
8. D'Andre Swift, Bears (vs. NE)
9. Derrick Henry, Ravens (vs. CIN)
10. Ollie Gordon II, Dolphins (at NYJ)
11. Braelon Allen, Jets (vs. MIA)
12. Jonathan Taylor, Colts (at MIN)
13. Bucky Irving, Buccaneers (at CAR)
14. Chase Brown, Bengals (at BAL)
15. Javonte Williams, Cowboys (at PHI)
16. Chuba Hubbard, Panthers (vs. TB)
17. Quinshon Judkins, Browns (if he plays, at TEN)

Strong Week 7 RB starts

18. Ashton Jeanty, Raiders (vs. LAR): The Raiders have struggled to run the ball and Jeanty is not looking as explosive as rookie Mike Washington, but give him one more shot to look more efficient at home.

19. Aaron Jones Sr., Vikings (vs. IND): The old man is turning back the clock to some Packers production and the Colts will oblige again.

20. JK Dobbins, Broncos (at ARI): They'r'e figuring out more with the backs usage and running game and he can be played again now with RJ Harvey being the reach FLEX.

21. Jeremiyah Love, Cardinals (If he plays. vs. DEN): Bam Knight took his role against the Rams and produced so let's hope the rookie can return for a good spot at home.

22. Rhamdondre Stevenson, Patriots (at CHI): Stevenson is a good bet to score and see about 60 rushing yards on Thursday night.

23. Blake Corum. Rams (at LV): Corum has been looking better flanking Williams with each passing week and the Rams should lean more on the backs overall to get back on track.

24. TreVeyon Henderson, Patriots (at CHI): Henderson may be more limited in his production than Stevenson but he's still worth a FLEX play during byes.

DFS RB Week 7 Picks

Braelon Allen, Jets (vs. MIA, $5,900 on DraftKings, $6,300 on FanDuel): Allen has been looking great in place of Breece Hall and the Dolphins stink against the run.

Ollie Gordon II, Dolphins (at NYJ, $5,500 on DraftKings, $6,000 on FanDuel): Gordon has been looking great in place of De'Von Achane and the Jets also stink against the run.

Fantasy Football Week 7 Sit 'Em: Running backs

Weaker RB Week 7 plays

25. MarShawn Lloyd, Packers (at DET): There are iffy rumors of a Josh Jacobs return that would cloud up a shaky low-volume running game further.

26. Woody Marks, Texans (vs. NYG): In theory he looks good for the Giants but it's still a limited committee minus David Montgomery.

27. Tony Pollard, Titans (vs. CLE): He needs a lot of volume to compile and this matchup is too tough to consider that.

28. Zach Charbonnet, Seahawks (vs. KC): There's a chance he returns to duel Walker but the Chiefs are built to slow him down.

29. Cam Skattebo, Giants (at HOU): You can't go back here until you see the necessary evidence that he's out of the doghouse.

30. Tyler Allgeier, Cardinals (vs. DEN): Last week said he will stay in a complementary pure rushing role no matter what.

31. Alvin Kamara, Saints (vs. PIT): He scored on a reception last week but this is still a low-volume committee with Kendre Miller and CJ Donaldson.

Fantasy Football Week 7 Start 'Em: Wide receivers

Must-start Week 7 WRs

1. Puka Nacua, Rams (at LV)
2. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seahawks (vs. KC)
3. Ja'Marr Chase, Bengals (at BAL)
4. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions (vs. GB)
5. Christian Watson, Packers (at DET)
6. Nico Collins, Texans (vs, JAX)
7. CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys (at PHI)
8. Chris Olave, Saints (vs. PIT)
9. Justin Jefferson, Vikings (vs. IND)
10. Malik Nabers, Giants (at HOU)
11. Tee Higgins, Bengals (at BAL)
12. Matthew Golden, Packers (at DET)
13. George Pickens, Cowboys (at PHI)
14. Tetairoa McMillan, Panthers (vs. TB)
15. DeVonta Smith, Eagles (vs. DAL)
16. Drake London, Falcons (vs. SF)
17. Garrett Wilson, Jets (vs. MIA)
18. Zay Flowers, Ravens (at CLE)
19. Denzel Boston, Browns (at TEN)
20. Rashee Rice, Chiefs (at SEA)
21. Mike Evans, 49ers (if he plays, at ATL)
22. Jameson Williams, Lions (vs. GB)

Strong WR Week 7 starts

23. A.J. Brown, Patriots (at CHI): You gotta keep rolling with him and hope his history vs. the Bears gets him going.

24. Carnell Tate, Titans (vs. CLE): He's settling in with his talent as the No. 1 as the only real option for Cam Ward.

25. Germie Bernard, Steelers (vs. NO): He's sneakily taking over as Rodgers' top target thanks to injuries and the Saints cannot cover his speed and quickness.

26. Luther Burden III and 27. Rome Odunze, Bears (vs.NE): They are essential plays as WR3s against the Patriots secondary with Caleb Williams back.

27. Jaylen Waddle, Broncos (at ARI): Let's hope he can burn this coverage for a rebound game with Nix.

28. Emeka Egbuka, Buccaneers (at CAR: He seems to be OK with either starting QB and the Panthers have some cornerback issues.

29. Tre Tucker, Raiders (vs. LAR): He's slowly feeling it as their No. 1 wideout and is coming off a huge game with Cousins.

30. Omar Cooper Jr., Jets (vs. MIA): He's joining Tate and Bernard as a rookie asserting himself in the offense while back healthy.

DFS WR Week 7 picks

Nico Collins, Texans (vs. NYG, $7,200 on DraftKings, $7,700 on FanDuel): Collins was rather quiet in a shootout last week so he'll get revved up back at home for a nice stack with Stroud.

Christian Watson, Packers (at DET, $7,000 on DraftKings, $7,400 on FanDuel): Golden got more of the glory against the Cowboys so it's elementary he has the big game vs. the Lions' shoddy pass defense.

Denzel Boston, Browns (at TEN, $5,400 on DraftKings, $5,700 on FanDuel): The Titans tend to struggle in coverage overall but he's the guy to trust to most from Deshaun Watson.

Fantasy Football Week 7 Sit 'Em: Wide receivers

Weaker Week 7 WR plays

31. Michael Wilson, Cardinals (vs. DEN): It's hard to like him vs. the Broncos pass defense regardless of their cornerbacks' health.

32. Dontayvion Wicks, Eagles (at DAL): He's hurting most with no Jalen Hurts at QB.

33. Xavier Worthy, Chiefs (at SEA): The speedster cools off with Rice returning to help.

34. Chris Godwin, Buccaneers (at CAR): The age signs are there and it's sporadic production you can't trust.

35. DK Metcalf, Steelers (vs. NO): He's just been meh with no Michael Pittman Jr.

36. KC Concepcion, Browns (vs. TEN): He still isn't getting the volume we would like with Jerry Jeudy being a thorn.

37. Keenan Allen, Colts (at MIN): You can't feel good about any Colts with Daniel Jones vs. this defense.

38. Devaughn Vele, Saints (vs. PiT): His value will fade with Jordyn Tyson on the way back.

39. Wan'Dale Robinson, Titans (vs. CLE): He would be the Concepcion of the Titans while Tate is the Boston, if that makes any sense.

Fantasy Football Week 7 Start 'Em: Tight ends

Must-start Week 7 TEs

1. George Kittle, 49ers (at ATL)
2. Trey McBride, Cardinals (vs. DEN)
3. Brock Bowers, Raiders (vs. LAR)
4. Tucker Kraft, Packers (at DET)
5. Sam LaPorta, Lions (vs. GB)
6. Isaiah Likely, Giants (at HOU)
7. Dallas Goedert, Eagles (vs. DAL)
8. Travis Kelce, Chiefs (at SEA)
9. Tyler Warren, Colts (if he returns, at MIN)

Stronger Week 7 TE starts

10. Colston Loveland, Bears (vs. NE): He's feeling playable again no matter what with Williams back.

11. T.J. Hockenson, Vikings (vs. IND): The Colts can struggle against the position and he's feeling it more with Murray.

12. Juwan Johnson, Saints (vs. PIT): He's been much quieter of late but he should be busier in Paris.

13. Tyler Higbee, Rams (at LV): He will be the big beneficiary of no Adams.

14. Darnell Washington, Steelers (vs. NO): He deserves more attention as another emerging target for Rodgers with Freiermuth not looking right.

DFS TE Week 7 pick

Tyler Higbee, Rams (at LV, $3,500 on DraftKings, $4,900 on FanDuel): Higbee tends to be the man when the Rams are down someone at wideout in the Sean McVay era and this initial price should be accepted.

Fantasy Football Week 7 Sit 'Em: Tight ends

Weaker TE Week 7 starts

15. Harold Fannin Jr., Browns (at TEN): This is more of a wide receiver game for Watson.

16. Mark Andrews, Ravens (vs. CIN): Josh Cuevas is a thing now and he needs Jackson badly.

17. Jake Ferguson, Cowboys (at PHI): He's being phased out behind third wide receiver Ryan Flournoy.

18. Kyle Pitts, Falcons (vs. SF): He got going a little on the Bears but Fred Warner looms in coverage this week.

19. Hunter Henry, Patriots (at CHI): He scored last week but don't chase it for an end zone return.

20. Pat Freiermuth, Steelers (vs. NO): He doesn't seem right beyond blocking so see what we said about Washington, please.

Fantasy Football Week 7: Defense/special teams best starts

1. Minnesota Vikings (vs. IND)
2. Houston Texans (vs. NYG)
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. NO)
4. Denver Broncos (at ARI)
5. Carolina Panthers (vs. TB)
6. Cleveland Browns (at TEN)
7. Kansas City Chiefs (at SEA)
8. New York Jets (vs. MIA)
9. Tennessee Titans (vs. CLE)
10. San Francisco 49ers (at ATL)
11. Los Angeles Rams (at LV)
12. Las Vegas Raiders (vs. LAR)
13. Chicago Bears (vs. NE)
14. Miami Dolphins (at NYJ)

DFS D/ST Week 7 pick

Carolina Panthers (vs. TB, $3,000 on DraftKings, $4,100 on FanDuel): Whether it's undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels or a rusty Baker Mayfield, they have the pressure and playmakers to have a nice day at home playing from ahead.