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FFL: Week 7 | NFL: Week 7

49ers’ Mac Jones to start again as Brock Purdy, Ricky Pearsall ruled out vs. Falcons

Fri Oct 17 7:22pm ET
Field Level Media

The San Francisco 49ers will again turn to backup quarterback Mac Jones with starter Brock Purdy out for Sunday's matchup with the Atlanta Falcons, head coach Kyle Shanahan said Friday.

Purdy continues to recover from a lingering toe injury that he aggravated in Week 4. Jones, who has gone 2-2 as a starter this season, will make his fifth consecutive start after returning to full practice participation late in the week.

Meanwhile, Ricky Pearsall will miss his third straight game with a sprained knee.

The 49ers received better news elsewhere on offense, with tight end George Kittle cleared to return from a hamstring injury that had kept him sidelined since Week 1. Shanahan said Kittle will have "no pitch count" in his return.

"George has rehabbed really well, came back 100 percent, had a good week of practice," Shanahan said.

Despite a rash of injuries to key players, including season-enders for defensive stars Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, San Francisco enters Week 7 with a 4-2 record and tied for first in the NFC West with the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks.

Shanahan said the team hopes to have Purdy back "soon" after he practiced each day this week.

"He was able to get out there, throw more," Shanahan said of Purdy on Friday. "Thought it was definitely a step further ahead than it was last week, so going in the right direction."

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Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 7

Player Notes
Tory Horton Oct 17 9:10pm ET
Tory Horton

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton has been an exciting rookie to watch in 2025. He has scored four touchdowns in six games, and he is a big play waiting to happen. Unfortunately, his role in the offense is inconsistent. The Seahawks matchup with the Houston Texans in Week 7. Houston is the No. 2 team against opposing wide receivers in fantasy. Simply, this defense is elite and is very adept at shutting down opposing passing games. Additionally, Houston is not playing well on the offensive side of the ball this season. They are unlikely to put pressure on Seattle to air it out on Monday night. As such, Horton's number may not be called often. Horton has yet to play more than 49% of the snaps this season. He is firmly the No. 3 wide receiver in Seattle's offense. Seattle will play against several solid offenses following their Week 8 bye. Horton may be able to produce then, but he should remain a bench stash in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Josh Reynolds Oct 17 9:10pm ET
Josh Reynolds

New York Jets wide receiver Josh Reynolds will get a chance to operate as the team's WR1 in this weekend's home matchup with the Carolina Panthers. Reynolds has been off the fantasy radar all season in New York's low-volume passing attack. However, he'll have an opportunity to shine this Sunday with teammate Garrett Wilson (knee) battling a hyperextended knee. While Wilson is officially listed as doubtful, it's expected that he will be unavailable in Week 7, leaving Reynolds and tight end Mason Taylor as the Jets' primary pass catchers outside of running back Breece Hall. Even with the suspected bump in usage, the 30-year-old remains a lower-end option for fantasy, landing as RotoBaller's PPR WR47 for his outing with Carolina.

From RotoBaller

Cooper Kupp Oct 17 9:10pm ET
Cooper Kupp

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp is not entering a friendly matchup for his fantasy football props this week. Kupp has produced when the Seahawks have needed his services. However, Seattle's defense should be able to handle the Texans' offense, leading to low volume in the Seahawks' passing game. Kupp has only cleared five targets and four receptions twice in six games this season. On both of those occasions, Seattle was playing significantly from behind at one point in the game, and the passing game was necessary to even the score. Otherwise, the Seahawks have attempted to heavily rely on the running game in 2025. Kupp is likely going to be a flex option in the right matchups this year. However, this does not project to be one of them.

From RotoBaller

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Oct 17 9:10pm ET
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba draws a tough matchup in Week 7 against the Houston Texans. The Texans boast one of the best defenses in the NFL, particularly against the pass. However, Smith-Njigba has been matchup-proof in 2025. He has yet to score less than 13 PPR fantasy points in a game this season. That is due to JSN's uncanny ability to separate and his clear chemistry with quarterback Sam Darnold. Smith-Njigba's high floor is buoyed by his 56 targets, which is good for No. 5 in the NFL. Additionally, Smith-Njigba is averaging an eye-popping 16.6 yards per catch. He is not the underneath threat that he has been through two seasons in the NFL. He is catching deep bombs, which are leading to big plays and touchdowns. The Texans may be able to keep a lid on JSN over the top. However, his volume and route-running savvy will make him a safe WR1 this week.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Waddle Oct 17 9:10pm ET
Jaylen Waddle

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle has stepped up in the last two games for Miami without Tyreek Hill (knee), and he is a strong starter in standard leagues this week, even in a tough matchup against the Browns. In his two games since Hill's season-ending injury, Waddle had six catches for 110 yards and a touchdown against the Panthers and followed by six catches for 95 yards against the Chargers last week. Waddle gets plenty of work deep down the field and in the red zone, with a 24.6% target share, a 51.9% share of air yards, and a 35.6% first-read share over the last two weeks. All the extra work without Tyreek Hill is enough to make him the WR18 in RotoBaller's Week 7 rankings, even though the Browns' secondary has been solid against receivers this year.

From RotoBaller

Isaiah Davis Oct 17 9:10pm ET
Isaiah Davis

Despite ascending in the team's backfield pecking order, New York Jets running back Isaiah Davis has not seen his opportunity translate to fantasy success and remains exclusively in a change-of-pace role for this Sunday's game with the visiting Carolina Panthers. In two appearances as the backup to running mate Breece Hall, the 23-year-old has accrued seven yards on three carries and four receptions for 27 yards (five targets). In contrast, Hall has racked up 40 touches over that time frame. If the veteran were ever to be traded, Davis projects to step in as the lead back and would undoubtedly be interesting for fantasy. In the meantime, he doesn't command enough work to garner standalone value. He ranks as RotoBaller's PPR RB47 ahead of this weekend's slate of action.

From RotoBaller

Mason Taylor Oct 17 9:00pm ET
Mason Taylor

New York Jets rookie tight end Mason Taylor is poised to see a more significant target share this weekend when his team squares off with the Carolina Panthers. The LSU alum's usage was trending in the right direction over the previous few weeks, but his production bottomed out in a tough matchup with the Broncos in London. Although that isn't prescriptive moving forward, it's a firm reminder of the floor of the Jets' passing offense. Taylor will look to put last weekend's performance in the past, and figures to absorb a few extra looks with the news that wide receiver Garrett Wilson (knee) might miss Sunday's contest. If that comes to fruition, it wouldn't be surprising to see the 21-year-old make a sizable impact. Even if Wilson suits up, it's likely he does so at less than 100%, giving Taylor a slightly higher fantasy floor. He's a high-end TE2 and, officially, RotoBaller's PPR TE16 for his outing with the Panthers.

From RotoBaller

Zach Charbonnet Oct 17 9:00pm ET
Zach Charbonnet

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet has scored double-digit fantasy points in three of five games played in 2025. However, that production has been anchored by touchdowns. Otherwise, Charbonnet has been nowhere near a starting fantasy option. Charbonnet is splitting time with fellow running back Kenneth Walker III. Both backs are stealing work from the other. Charbonnet has also been relatively inefficient on the ground this season. His 2.6 yards per carry are highly disappointing. The sledding does not project to improve in Week 7 against the Houston Texans. Houston is No. 5 against opposing running backs in fantasy. Additionally, the Texans are allowing just 3.81 yards per carry to opposing backs. Unless the Seahawks find themselves at the goal line with a chance to hand it off to Charbonnet, he is likely to have a long day. Charbonnet is a touchdown-dependent flex option in Week 7. You can likely find a better wide receiver to fill your flex on the waiver wire.

From RotoBaller

Patrick Mahomes Oct 17 9:00pm ET
Patrick Mahomes

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes will face the Las Vegas Raiders at home in Week 7. Mahomes had another dazzling performance in Week 6 against the Detroit Lions, passing for 257 yards and three touchdowns with a 73.3% completion rate. The Chiefs quarterback also added 32 yards and a score on the ground against the Lions. After another great game, Mahomes is the highest-scoring quarterback in fantasy through the first six weeks. The 30-year-old should be able to keep the momentum rolling in Week 7 against the Raiders. The Raiders have not been a great matchup for quarterbacks, allowing the eighth-fewest points to the position, but that shouldn't be an issue for Mahomes with the return of Rashee Rice this week. The team's presumed WR1 is set to make his 2025 debut after a six-game suspension, and that can only help Mahomes continue to produce. The Chiefs are favored by nearly two touchdowns, so this isn't expected to be a competitive matchup, but there is reason for optimism. Kansas City has the highest neutral pass rate in the league, so if they're scoring points, it's likely coming from Mahomes' arm. Mahomes is ranked QB1 in our RotoBaller rankings, so roll him out with confidence this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Walker III Oct 17 9:00pm ET
Kenneth Walker III

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III is in for more of the same flex-level production in Week 7 against the Houston Texans. Walker continues to play in a timeshare with fellow running back Zach Charbonnet. He is running relatively well, but his passing game work has been nearly nonexistent. He has scored single-digit fantasy points in two straight weeks in tough matchups. The Texans are No. 5 against opposing running backs in fantasy. This is not a week that Walker should be expected to get back to his usual production. He is always a threat for a big play, but even those have come few and far between in 2025. As long as both of Seattle's running backs are healthy, Walker will remain in the flex conversation. His RB2 upside does not even seem very achievable at this point. You can start Walker this week, but expect a low ceiling and a potentially single-digit floor.

From RotoBaller

Christian Kirk Oct 17 9:00pm ET
Christian Kirk

Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk (hamstring) popped up on the Week 7 injury report on Friday and was listed as a limited participant in practice. It's unclear if Kirk injured his hamstring on Thursday or if the Texans were just giving the 28-year-old a maintenance day, but we should know more on his status for the Monday night game in Week 7 against the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday. It's worth keeping in mind that Kirk missed the start of the season due to a hamstring injury. If it's an aggravation of the same injury and he's forced to miss this week, it would mean more snaps and targets for rookies Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, and Xavier Hutchinson behind WR1 Nico Collins. Nobody outside of Collins in Houston has really been fantasy relevant this year, with Kirk catching just 10 of 16 targets for 109 yards and no touchdowns this year in his first three games with the team.

From RotoBaller

Breece Hall Oct 17 8:50pm ET
Breece Hall

New York Jets running back Breece Hall is a candidate to see an increased workload in this Sunday's home game against the Carolina Panthers. The Iowa State product fell victim to a staunch Broncos defensive unit last weekend and will get another stiff test in Week 7 in Carolina. Hall surprisingly wasn't targeted in New York's loss to Denver, but that should change this week as the team is expected to be without wide receiver Garrett Wilson (knee). The Panthers' rush defense is one of the better ones in the league currently (ninth-fewest yards per game), although they haven't done well in limiting their opposition's scoring. Volume shouldn't be an issue for Hall, but an inefficient Jets' offense has held him back - and out of the end zone - through six weeks. This contest is as good as any for him to end that drought finally, though he'll take a slight step back this week with the Jets' offense not at 100%. He's RotoBaller's PPR RB14 ahead of his matchup with Carolina.

From RotoBaller

Michael Mayer Oct 17 8:50pm ET
Michael Mayer

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer is expected to take on a significant role in Sunday's divisional showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs. With Brock Bowers (knee) listed as doubtful and wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (knee) questionable, Geno Smith may once again look heavily toward Mayer in the passing game. The 24-year-old tight end led the Raiders in targets last week, converting seven looks into five receptions for 50 yards and a touchdown. Mayer has developed into a trusted red-zone option and reliable safety valve for Smith, giving him strong streaming appeal for fantasy managers in need of a tight end. Given the potential for increased volume and scoring chances, Mayer profiles as a back-end TE1 potential in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

AJ Barner Oct 17 8:50pm ET
AJ Barner

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner has emerged as an important component of Seattle's offense in 2025. Barner is the TE11 with four of his six games producing double-digit fantasy points. Unfortunately, Barner remains difficult to trust in fantasy. He has only earned more than three targets on one occasion this season. Much of his fantasy production is predicated on scoring a touchdown or logging a big play. He needs more volume if he is to become a weekly starter in fantasy. Week 7 presents an interesting opportunity for Barner against the Houston Texans. The Texans boast one of the best defenses in the NFL. They are good at shutting down every offensive skill position. However, the Seahawks have a plethora of weapons on the outside and in the running game that need to be shut down if Houston has any chance of competing in this game. As such, Barner could find himself loose in coverage due to a lack of attention. He is a solid dart throw this week because he has proven himself to be a red zone threat. If his volume increases in Week 7, we could be having a different conversation moving forward.

From RotoBaller

Jason Myers Oct 17 8:50pm ET
Jason Myers

Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers is in line for another solid fantasy outing against the Houston Texans in Week 7. Myers is currently the K3 in fantasy. He has delivered five games with at least eight fantasy points this season. The Seahawks' offense has played very well in 2025, which has left Myers in plenty of scoring positions this season. The Texans boast one of the elite defenses in the NFL this year. They may cap the Seahawks' usual offensive output. However, Seattle should still be able to move the ball on this team, which will at least result in field goal attempts. Given the matchup, Myers is not as strong a play as he usually is, but he is still a starting option for fantasy in Week 7. If you need to plug in an option at kicker this week, do not be afraid of Myers, who is available in a lot of leagues.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Warren Oct 17 8:50pm ET
Tyler Warren

Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren turned in another strong performance in a Week 6 win over the Arizona Cardinals, catching six of his nine targets for 63 yards and a touchdown. With 29 catches for 370 yards and three all-purpose touchdowns through six games, Warren has cemented himself as a no-brainer top-six tight end in fantasy for the remainder of the season. He will look to keep it going in a Week 7 road matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers have been tough on tight ends in fantasy this season, allowing just the 26th-most fantasy points per game to the position through six games. That being said, Warren has been too dominant to treat as anything other than a top-three fantasy option at his position for Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Sam Darnold Oct 17 8:50pm ET
Sam Darnold

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold has been an exciting fantasy asset of late. Unfortunately, Darnold draws a very tough matchup against the Houston Texans on Monday night. Houston is the No. 1 overall team against opposing quarterbacks in fantasy in 2025. This passing defense has done well to shut down every opposing quarterback they have played, especially over the past two games. Even Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield had a pedestrian game against this defense in Week 2. Darnold's hot streak has included two straight games with at least 20 fantasy points. Additionally, Darnold has produced at least 242 passing yards in four of his past five games. Best of all, Darnold is protecting the football with just four turnovers this season. Darnold should continue to protect the ball against the Texans this week, but Houston's smothering defense may cap his overall passing output. This projects to be a lower-scoring game in a clash between two elite defenses. As such, Darnold should be rostered, but left on your bench in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Jacory Croskey-Merritt Oct 17 8:50pm ET
Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt had his worst performance of the season in Week 6 against the Bears, handling 17 carries for 61 yards with one reception for seven yards and losing a fumble for the second consecutive game. It's concerning to see him put the ball on the ground this frequently, but the coaching staff showed faith in him and went right back to him. On a positive note, the rookie seventh-rounder posted his highest snap share of the season at 66.7%. Croskey-Merritt should again handle the bulk of the touches in Week 7 against a Dallas defense that just allowed Rico Dowdle to rack up 239 total yards. They are allowing the fourth-most PPR points per game to opposing running backs, which sets up Croskey-Merritt for a nice bounce-back game. He is a must-start in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Zamir White Oct 17 8:50pm ET
Zamir White

Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White has reclaimed his role as the team's primary backup to Ashton Jeanty heading into Week 7. After briefly losing the job to Raheem Mostert, White appears to have earned back the RB2 spot following Mostert's recent struggles. While Jeanty continues to handle the majority of touches as the Raiders' clear workhorse, White's return to the No. 2 role puts him back on the fantasy radar as a valuable handcuff. The 26-year-old's combination of power and downhill running fits well in short-yardage and late-game situations, and he would hold immediate flex value if Jeanty were to miss time. For now, White remains a bench stash in most fantasy formats but is worth monitoring in deeper leagues or for managers seeking insurance behind one of the league's most heavily utilized backs.

From RotoBaller

Jake Elliott Oct 17 8:40pm ET
Jake Elliott

Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott has made less than two field goals in five out of six games this season, and his most recent performance was yet another example. While Elliott didn't miss anything, he made just one field goal of 42 yards and two extra points. He faces the Minnesota Vikings in Week 7, who allow just 19.4 points per game to opposing offenses-fifth-best in the league. It's best to sit Elliott in fantasy this weekend.

From RotoBaller