Week 7's fantasy football rankings
Plus, the latest injury news and a preview of Thursday night's game to help you prepare your lineups.
Hey all,
Here come this week’s initial player rankings, and guess what? The link works! (I mean, I am pretty sure. If it doesn’t, I need another new web host…)
Seriously, I am sorry for the issues last week. I hope you have forgiven me…
See you again this weekend for the full Week 7 Playbook.
Best - Justin
Week 7 news you might be able to use…
What was initially feared has come to be: Anthony Richardson is undergoing season-ending surgery on his shoulder. He showed early on why he was a first-rounder in the 2023 NFL Draft, so dynasty managers should feel confident in his long-term outlook. Gardner Minshew II will start for the Colts the rest of the way.
Kyren Williams is expected to be sidelined for multiple games because of an ankle injury, which wasn’t thought to be serious initially. He should be back after the team’s bye in Week 10 at the latest. Meanwhile, Zach Evans is “likely” to operate as the Rams’ No. 1 running back for now.
Deshaun Watson remains unsure if he will play against the Colts on Sunday. If Watson sits again, either PJ Walker or Dorian Thompson-Robinson will draw the start.
Saints RB Jamaal Williams has returned to practice but is unlikely to be ready in time for Thursday’s matchup with the Jaguars. Fantasy managers should expect Williams to see goal-line carries once he returns to the lineup.
View the latest FantasyPros player news on 5thDownFantasy.com.
Who should you add to your roster in place of these injured studs? Check out Week 7 waiver wire picks from 5th Down’s Martin Grisko.
What to expect Thursday night
Fantasy analysis for Thursday night’s matchup between the Jaguars and Saints, courtesy of 5th Down’s Neil Forbord…
Elite start
Travis Etienne (JAC, RB) – Etienne may have just entered RB1 status for the rest of the year. He has back-to-back multi-touchdown outings and has yet to have a game with less than 2 catches. As the #3 running back in full PPR formats, Etienne doesn’t look like he will slow down anytime soon.
Going into the season, there was concern floating around the fantasy community that Tank Bigsby would be a thorn in the side of Etienne’s managers. So far this season, Etienne is averaging 57 (ranking 2nd in the league for running backs) snaps per game versus the 11.6 Bigsby is getting. Have no fear this year with Etienne in your lineup. Teams may be only averaging 69 yards on the ground against the Saints, but I anticipate an uptick in that number for Etienne.
Projection: 3 catches for 105 all-purpose yards and 1 touchdown
Solid start
Chris Olave (NO, WR) – Olave has had some highs and lows this season. Lucky for him, Jacksonville is the second worst in the league against the pass and giving up 270 yards per game. There was plenty of hype around Olave this offseason, as many expected him to make a big second-year leap. The yards and targets have been there for him most of the season, but the touchdowns have not. I’m calling for him to make it in the end zone this Thursday to add to his sophomore campaign.
Projection: 7 catches for 92 receiving yards and 1 touchdown
Flex-worthy start
Michael Thomas (NO, WR) – Thomas is in the running for the Mr. Consistent award this year. Consistent at getting you 9-12 points, that is. He certainly won’t win you a week, but he won’t lose you one, either. He doesn’t have the upside anymore like Calvin Ridley on this list, but he’s certain to put up some points for you. He’s an important piece in this Saints passing attack and should be due for his first touchdown of the season. I just don’t think that will happen this week.
Projection: 5 catches for 57 receiving yards
More fantasy analysis of Thursday night’s game on 5thDownFantasy.com.
Week 7 player rankings
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