Fantasy Football Week 7 Rankings, Grades & Start/Sit Advice (2024)

Welcome to Week 7, friends. As always, we’re here to provide you with some fantasy football Quick Grades (or Start/Sit Grades, if you prefer) for the week.

We tapped into our consensus projections and rankings and Derek Brown’s weekly Primer to generate this week’s Quick Grades. See below for the results and accompanying notes.

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Week 7 Quarterback Start/Sit Grades

Trevor Lawrence (QB)

This has been an extremely disappointing season so far for Lawrence as the QB22 in fantasy points per game. Among 37 qualifying passers, he ranks 21st in yards per attempt, 18th in passer rating, and 22nd in CPOE. As bad as it has been for him, he could enjoy the rare strong game in Week 7. New England’s pass defense outside of Christian Gonzalez has been abysmal. They have allowed the tenth-highest yards per attempt, the highest CPOE, the 12th-highest passer rating, and the eighth-highest success rate per dropback.

Drake Maye (QB)

Maye surpassed my expectations in Week 6. It wasn’t so much a Maye issue that I had but bigger concerns with the offensive line and the play-calling. The offensive line concerns were real as Maye faced the eighth-highest pressure rate and had the 13th-lowest time to pressure last week. Maye still finished the week as the QB9 in fantasy. Among 26 qualifying passers, he was 11th in yards per attempt, 16th in passer rating, 11th in CPOE, and 20th in catchable target rate. Maye scrambled on 29.4% of his pressured dropbacks last week and compensated for the pressure by either running or tossing it to underneath routes (2.2 pressured aDOT, second-lowest of the week). Maye should have more time in the pocket this week against a Jacksonville defense that has the 11th-lowest pressure rate. Maye should carve up this terrible secondary. Jacksonville has allowed the fourth-highest yards per attempt, the most passing touchdowns, the second-highest CPOE, and the sixth-highest success rate per dropback.

Anthony Richardson (QB)

Richardson almost suited up in Week 6, but Indy played it safe. Richardson should be back this week. He has been uneven this season with weekly finishes of QB4, QB21, QB31 in his three full games played. Richardson has struggled as a passer. Among 37 qualifying quarterbacks, he ranks fourth in yards per attempt and fifth in fantasy points per dropback, but he is also 36th in passer rating and CPOE. HIs rushing equity has been solid but not outstanding ranking eighth in carries per game (5.2) and seventh in rushing yards per game (35.2) among quarterbacks. Miami has been solid as a pass defense overall, but they struggle with defending a core principle of Richardson’s game at this point. Miami has yielded the 11th-lowest yards per attempt and the seventh-lowest passer rating while ranking 16th in success rate per dropback. The Dolphins big weakness has been at defending the deep ball. They have allowed the fourth-highest passer rating, the 11th-most passing yards, and the tenth-highest adjusted completion rate to deep passing. 18.2% of Richardson’s passes (the highest mark in the NFL) have been throws of 20 or more yards. This is a quiet get right spot for Richardson.

Tyler Huntley (QB)

Huntley has put up basement-level numbers as Miami’s interim starting quarterback. In his two starts, he has finished as the QB20 and QB25 in weekly scoring, managing only 5.5 rushing attempts and 23.5 rushing yards per game. That’s not nearly enough rushing production to compensate for his passing stats. Among 37 qualifying quarterbacks, Huntley ranks 27th in CPOE, 29th in catchable target rate, and 31st in fantasy points per dropback. This week’s matchup could be where he turns it around (at least for one week). The Colts have allowed the eighth-highest yards per attempt, the seventh-most passing yards per game, the tenth-highest CPOE, and the sixth-most fantasy points to passing. Huntley is a strong QB2 this week.

Will Levis (QB)

Levis has proven to this point in the 2024 season that he’s not the long-term answer for the Titans. He is the QB32 in fantasy points per game. Levis is benchable even in Superflex formats. Among 37 qualifying quarterbacks, he ranks 32nd in yards per attempt, 34th in passer rating, 32nd in fantasy points per dropback, and he has the 14th-highest off-target rate. Buffalo remains a strong pass-defense. Even if they weren’t, it wouldn’t matter to Levis. The Bills have kept quarterbacks in check with the ninth-lowest yards per attempt and the 11th-lowest success rate per dropback while also ranking 18th in passing yards per game allowed.

Geno Smith (QB)

Chef Geno has been chucking it, leading the NFL in passing attempts and passing yards per game. His per-dropback metrics are solid but not elite, as he ranks 19th in yards per attempt, seventh in CPOE, and 14th in hero throw rate. Smith is the QB10 in fantasy points per game and should continue his surprising QB1 season moving along this week. Atlanta ranks 13th in success rate per dropback and passing touchdowns allowed while also sitting with the ninth-highest CPOE given up.

Kirk Cousins (QB)

Kirko Chainz could swag out this week. Cousins is the QB18 in fantasy points per game, ranking 12th in yards per attempt, 14th in passer rating and CPOE, and sixth in highly accurate throw rate. Seattle’s pass defense has fallen off a cliff after a hot start against bad quarterbacks. Since Week 4 against Brock Purdy, Jared Goff, and Daniel Jones, they have allowed the highest yards per attempt, the second-most passing touchdowns, the third-highest success rate per drop back, and the second-most fantasy points via passing.

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Week 7 Wide Receiver Start/Sit Grades

Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR)

Smith-Njigba is the WR34 in fantasy points per game with four red zone targets and four deep targets this season. He has drawn a 19.1% target share, a 22.8% air-yard share, and a 20.5% first-read share with 1.32 YPRR. Since Week 4, Atlanta has leaned more two-high heavy (fifth-most 58.3%). Against two high, Smith-Njigba has seen a bump with a 20% target share, 1.59 YPRR, and a team-leading (tied) four end-zone targets. Smith-Njigba will run about 89% of his routes against Dee Alford (82.4% catch rate and 115.4 passer rating). Atlanta has allowed the 14th-most receiving yards per game and the ninth-highest passer rating when targeted to slot receivers.

Darnell Mooney (WR)

Mooney continues to be one of the best values from draft season as the WR26 in fantasy points per game. Among wideouts, he is seventh in deep targets (nine), and he also has drawn two red zone targets. Mooney has drawn a 20.7% target share, a 34% air-yard share, and a 26.8% first-read share with 1.86 YPRR. Since Week 4, Seattle has utilized single-high on 57.6% of their defensive snaps. Against single-high, Mooney has seen his numbers drop to an 18.3% target share, a 0.94 YPRR, and a 23.3% first-read share. The saving grace for Mooney this week could be his role as the field stretcher. Seattle has allowed the 13th-highest passer rating and the tenth-highest CPOE to deep passing. Mooney faces a secondary that, since Week 4, has allowed the seventh-most receiving yards per game and the highest PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers.

Jameson Williams (WR)

Williams is the WR18 in fantasy points per game and is in the midst of a breakout season. It has been wonderful to watch. This is the version of Jameson Williams that I loved as a prospect entering the NFL. Among 77 qualifying wide receivers, Williams is first in separation and fifth in route win rate. He has earned a 19% target share, a 39.2% air-yard share, and a 27.1% first-read share while producing 2.59 YPRR. Goff will lean on Williams this week if Brian Flores blitzes like he has so far this season. Minnesota is second in the NFL in blitz rate (41.1%). Against the blitz, Williams has had a 25% target share, a 41.2% air-yard share, 4.77 YPRR (holy crap!), and a 35.3.% first-read share. Each of those metrics ranks first on Detroit against the blitz. Williams will run about 68% of his routes against Stephon Gilmore (66.7% catch rate and 69.7 passer rating) and Shaquill Griffin (42.9% catch rate and 49.1 passer rating).

DeVonta Smith (WR)

Smith has been amazing this season as the WR11 in fantasy points per game. Slim Reaper has commanded a 25.2% target share, a 38.2% air-yard share, and a 32.9% first-read share, producing 2.44 YPRR and 75.8 receiving yards per game. Smith is tied for the team lead in red zone targets (four). New York has the tenth-highest single-high rate (57.6%). Against single-high, Smith has seen his numbers explode with a 30.9% target share, 3.29 YPRR, and a 35.6% first-read share. Deonte Banks will likely shadow A.J. Brown this week, which leaves Andru Phillips (71.4% catch rate and 75.9 passer rating) and Cor’Dale Flott (77.3% catch rate and 122.0 passer rating) guarding Smith all day. New York has allowed the eighth-highest PPR points per target and the 11th-most receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers.

Wan’Dale Robinson (WR)

Robinson is the WR29 in fantasy points per game this season, ranking tenth in the NFL in red zone targets. He has a 24.5% target share, 1.50 YPRR, and a 27.3% first-read share. Robinson is a strong WR3/flex this week against a Philly secondary that has allowed the fifth-highest PPR points per target and the eighth-most receiving yards per game to slot receivers. Robinson will run about 90% of his routes against Cooper DeJean (50% catch rate and 57.3 passer rating).

Christian Kirk (WR)

Overall, Kirk has had a letdown season to this point as the WR49 in fantasy points per game. Jacksonville’s offense and Trevor Lawrence have been dysfunctional. Kirk has had a 19.5% target share, a 27.6% air-yard share, 1.71 YPRR, and a 24.5% first-read share. Kirk is tied for second on the team in red zone targets. Lawrence should lean on Kirk this week. New England has the ninth-highest two high rate (49.6%). Against two high, Kirk ranks second on the team with a 28% TPRR, first in YPRR (2.38), and first in first-read share (30.5%). Kirk will run about 80% of his routes against Marcus Jones (66.7% catch rates and 83.3 passer rating). New England has allowed the eighth-most receiving yards per game and the tenth-highest passer rating when targeted to slot receivers.

Ja’Lynn Polk (WR)

Since Week 3, Polk has tied DeMario Douglas for the team lead in route share (69.9%) while seeing a 14.4% target share and an 18.2% first-read share. Polk, sadly, has only produced 0.56 YPRR and 15 receiving yards per game. It hasn’t been pretty. This could be the week he breaks out. Jacksonville has the tenth-highest rate of two-high (49.2%). Since Week 3 against two-high, Polk has seen a team-leading 24.4% target share, 38.6% air-yard share, and 29% first-read share. New England should pepper him with volume. The big question is whether he will do anything with the targets, but Jacksonville has been a wide receiver’s dream matchup. The Jaguars have allowed the fourth-highest PPR points per target and the most receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers. Polk will run about 85% of his routes this week against Montaric Brown (69.2% catch rate and 104.6 passer rating) and Ronald Darby (78.8% catch rate and 141.8 passer rating).

DeMario Douglas (WR)

Douglas has established himself as New England’s WR1. Since Week 3, he has been the WR30 in fantasy points per game with a 22.4% target share, a 26.7% air-yard share, 2.18 YPRR, and a 28.4% first-read share. During this span, he has averaged 58.3 receiving yards per game while seeing an end-zone target. Jacksonville has the tenth-highest rate of two-high (49.2%). Since Week 3 against two-high, Douglas has had a 19.5% target share with 2.02 YPRR and a 22.6% first-read share. Jacksonville has been scorched by slot receivers, giving up the 12th-most receiving yards per game and the fourth-highest PPR points per target to the position.

Tyreek Hill (WR)

With Huntley under center, Hill has finished as the WR51 and WR31 in weekly fantasy scoring. Hill has commanded a 28.3% target share, a 46.7% air-yard share, and a 35.7% first-read share while churning out 2.04 YPRR and 46 receiving yards per game. Since Week 4, Hill has seen three of the team’s four end zone targets. Indy has the fifth-highest single-high rate in the NFL (60.4%). Against single high with Huntley, Hill has seen his numbers climb with a 37.5% target share, a 57.4% air-yard share, 2.72 YPRR, and a 42.9% first-read share. Hill could post the type of numbers this week that remind people that he remains one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. Indy has allowed the eighth-most receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers. Hill will run about 61% of his routes against Jaylon Jones (62.9% catch rate and 71.2 passer rating) and Samuel Womack lll (44.4% catch rate and 88.7 passer rating).

Jaylen Waddle (WR)

With Huntley chucking the rock, Waddle has finished as the WR57 and the WR47 in weekly fantasy scoring. He has seen a 26.4% target share, a 25.2% air-yard share, and a 28.6% first-read share with 1.67 YPRR and 41 receiving yards per game. He hasn’t drawn an end zone target in that two-game span. Indy has the fifth-highest single-high rate in the NFL (60.4%). Against single high with Huntley, Waddle has seen his numbers dip with a 25% target share, a 27.3% air-yard share, and 1.09 YPRR. The matchup is great this week on paper for Waddle as wide receivers have feasted on Indy, but with the coverage shell, this could just been a huge Hill game. Indy has allowed the eighth-most receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers. Waddle will run about 76% of his routes against Jaylon Jones (62.9% catch rate and 71.2 passer rating) and Samuel Womack lll (44.4% catch rate and 88.7 passer rating).

Josh Downs (WR)

Since his return to the lineup, Downs has been the WR16 in fantasy points per game with a whopping 26.3% target share, 59.8 receiving yards per game, 2.34 YPRR, and a wonderful 34% first-read share. He has three end zone targets and ranks second on the team with five red zone targets. Miami is tied for 12th in two-high rate (47.2%). Since Week 3, against two-high, Downs has seen his YPRR jump to 2.57 and his first-read share trickle up to 34.7%. Downs should continue steamrolling slot corners this week. Miami has been league average against the slot, ranking 16th in rating when targeted and 19th in PPR points per target allowed. Downs will run about 86% of his routes against Kader Kohou (66.7% catch rate and 63.2 passer rating).

Week 7 Running Back Start/Sit Grades

Tony Pollard (RB)

Pollard is the RB18 in fantasy points per game, ranking 15th in opportunity share, 13th in weighted opportunities, and the RB14 in expected fantasy points per game. Pollard has averaged 18.8 touches and 84.2 total yards. Among 61 qualifying backs, he ranks 29th in explosive run rate and sixth in yards after contact per attempt. If Will Levis can limit the mistakes and turnovers, Pollard can walk away from Week 7 with another strong game. The Bills have been bleeding out production to backs. Buffalo has allowed the fourth-highest explosive run rate, the tenth-most rushing yards per game, the 13th-highest gap success rate, and the second-highest yards per carry to gap runs (Pollard 71% gap).

Chase Brown (RB)

Last week, Brown took the lead in the Cincy backfield. He finished as the RB18 for the week with 12 touches and 64 total yards (one score). He played 62% of the snaps, 72% of the rushing play snaps, 56% of the passing down snaps, and he had 100% of the red zone backfield snaps. Among 61 qualifying backs, Brown has crushed every efficiency stat I can find, ranking tenth in explosive run rate, second in missed tackles forced per attempt, and tenth in yards after contact per attempt. Brown could build upon last week’s stats against the Browns. Cleveland has allowed the fifth-highest explosive run rate, the 12th-most rushing yards per game, the 13th-highest yards after contact per attempt, and the 14th-highest rushing success rate.

Josh Jacobs (RB)

Jacobs has been underwhelming this season. He is the RB19 in expected fantasy points per game but the RB24 in actual fantasy points per game. This is despite ranking 18th in opportunity share, ninth in weighted opportunities, and tenth in red zone touches. Jacobs has had a number of smash matchups this season, and he has turned in good but not amazing numbers. He has averaged 19.8 touches and 94.1 total yards. Among 61 qualifying backs, he ranks 37th in explosive run rate, 22nd in missed tackles forced per attempt, and 29th in yards after contact per attempt. Jacobs should have another solid week against a run defense that has allowed the 11th-highest explosive run rate, the fourth-highest yards after contact per attempt, and the 12th-highest yards per carry to zone runs (Since Week 4, Jacobs 58.7% zone).

Kareem Hunt (RB)

Before their Week 6 bye, Hunt operated as the clear leadback for the Chiefs. He played 63% of the snaps with 28 touches and 117 total yards as the RB5 for the week. He had a 50% snap rate on passing downs and a 58% snap share in the red zone. He hasn’t broken an explosive run yet, and while his 2.12 yards after contact per attempt isn’t anything to write home about, his 22% missed tackle rate is solid. Hunt could post another solid stat line this week. San Francisco has allowed the 14th-highest yards after contact per attempt, the sixth-highest missed tackle rate, the 11th-highest yards per carry to zone runs, and the 14th-highest zone run success rate (Hunt 61% zone).

Tank Bigsby (RB)

Last week, Bigsby only played 27% of the snaps with seven carries and 24 rushing yards. This was despite Travis Etienne getting injured. The team instead rode D’Ernest Johnson in negative game script. In the second half of his Week 6 game against the Bears, Bigsby only played 28.6% of rushing play snaps and 17.9% of passing down snaps. Bigsby should see more work this week if Jacksonville can get a lead or at least keep the game in a neutral environment. Bigsby should be the early down hammer in Week 7. Among 61 qualifying backs, he ranks first in explosive run rate, seventh in missed tackles forced per attempt, and first in yards after contact per attempt. New England’s defense offers a plus matchup this week. The Patriots have allowed the tenth-highest rushing touchdown rate, the second-highest yards after contact per attempt, the second-highest yards per carry to gap runs, and the ninth-highest success rate to gap runs (Bigsby 65.9% gap).

De’Von Achane (RB)

Achane is practicing in full as he returns from a concussion. We only have one game this season as a sample, with Achane and Mostert both active and playing a full game. In Week 1, Achane played 52% of the snaps with 17 touches and 100 total yards. In that game, Achance and Mostert split the red zone snaps 50/50. Achane’s fall from grace as one of the most efficient rushers in the NFL last year to one of the most inefficient this season has been tough to watch. Among 61 qualifying backs, he ranks 51st in missed tackles forced per attempt and 56th in yards after contact per attempt. Indy could help cure what ails this ground game, though. Indy has allowed the second-most rushing yards per game, the eighth-highest yards after contact per attempt, and the 11th-highest yards before contact per attempt.

Raheem Mostert (RB)

Mostert should work in as Achane’s running mate this week. We only have a one-game sample of these two backs on the field together. In Week 1, Mostert played 44% of the snaps with eighth touches and 19 total yards. He split the red zone snaps 50/50 with Achane. The Dolphin’s training room apparently was invaded this offseason by the aliens of Moron Mountain because all of the special tackle-breaking ability of this backfield has disappeared. Mostert hasn’t forced a missed tackle this season while ranking 36th in explosive run rate and 37th in yards after contact per attempt. Hopefully, Indy can restore their big play juice for at least one week. Indy has allowed the second-most rushing yards per game, the eighth-highest yards after contact per attempt, and the 11th-highest yards before contact per attempt.

Week 7 Tight End Start/Sit Grades

David Njoku (TE)

In his first full game of the season, Njoku had a 63.3% route share, a 30.4% target share, 1.63 YPRR, and a 31.6% first-read share. He was the TE17 in fantasy scoring last week. While many think Jeudy will take over as the team’s WR1 with Amari Cooper, it could be Njoku who leads the way weekly. Njoku could walk away from Week 7 with a wonderful stat line. Cincy has been giving to tight ends, allowing the tenth-most receiving yards and the fifth-most fantasy points per game.

Tucker Kraft (TE)

Kraft is the TE6 in fantasy points per game with a 13.3% target share, 1.79 YPRR, and a 10.9% first-read share. He leads the team with five red zone targets. Bump down your Kraft expectations this week against a pass defense that has allowed the fifth-lowest yards per reception and the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends.

Dalton Schultz (TE)

Schultz has been an afterthought in fantasy this season as the TE27. Last week without Collins, Schultz did see a bump in usage with a 21.9% target share and a 14.3% first-read share. Overall, he has had a 13.1% target share, 0.81 YPRR, an 11.9% first-read share, and one red zone target. This week, he could see closer to his Week 6 workload in a great matchup. Green Bay has allowed the fifth-most receiving yard and fantasy points per game to tight ends. Schultz is a matchup-based streaming option.

Noah Fant (TE)

Fant is the TE17 in fantasy with zero deep targets and one red zone look this season. He has been held below 30 receiving yards in four of his six games this season. He has drawn only a 9.4% target share with 1.10 YPRR and an 11.8% first-read share. Fant isn’t on the streaming radar this week against a Falcons defense that has held the position to the 13th-fewest receiving yards per game.

Sam LaPorta (TE)

I think we need to question how healthy LaPorta is right now. Even in the first half of last week’s game, before Detroit had blown Dallas’s doors off, LaPorta only had a 56% route share. That’s puzzling. Overall this season, he has a 66% route share, a 9.2% target share, 1.79 YPRR, and a 9.3% first-read share. These aren’t the type of numbers that we thought we would be getting this season. LaPorta has been quite good when targeted, but Jameson Williams‘ ascension and breakout season are what has crushed him. Also, Detroit’s love for leaning on the run game this season. LaPorta could have a bounceback game this week against a defense that has allowed the 12th-most receptions and the ninth-most fantasy points per game to tight ends.

Grant Calcaterra (TE)

With Dallas Goedert injured during last week’s game, Calcaterra took over this full-time tight-end role with an 84.6% route share, a 16% target share, 3.05 YPRR, and a 15.8% first-read share. Cacaterra isn’t on the matchup-based streaming radar this week. The Giants have allowed the 12th-lowest yards per reception and the fifth-fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends. The passing attack will be heavily concentrated through A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith this week.

Zach Ertz (TE)

Ertz is the TE16 in fantasy points per game. He has had a 16.6% target share, 1.49 YPRR, and a 16.8% first-read share. Ertz leads the team in red zone targets, but he still hasn’t gotten into the end zone. That could change this week. Carolina has allowed the seventh-most receiving yards and the fourth-most fantasy points per game to tight ends.

Pat Freiermuth (TE)

Freiermuth is the TE10 in fantasy points per game with the sixth-most red zone targets among tight ends. Freiermuth has a 15.5% target share, 1.36 YPRR, and an 18.2% first-read share. He’s a borderline TE1 this week with a horrible matchup. New York has allowed the sixth-fewest receiving yards and the seventh-lowest fantasy points per game to tight ends.

Week 7 Defense / Special Teams Start/Sit Grades

Week 7 Kicker Start/Sit Grades