Fantasy Football Week 7: Start ’Em, Sit ’Em — Key Picks, Rankings, and Matchups to Watch
By Associated Press | Updated Oct. 18, 2025
With Week 7 of the NFL season underway, fantasy football managers are facing tough lineup decisions as injuries, bye weeks, and breakout performances shake up rosters across the league. Whether you’re fighting for playoff position or trying to stop a losing streak, choosing the right players to start — and sit — could define your season.
Here’s a breakdown of Week 7 Start ’Em, Sit ’Em advice and updated rankings from around the fantasy world.
🟢 Start ’Em: Must-Play Players for Week 7
QB: C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans
Stroud continues to exceed expectations with elite consistency and smart decision-making. Facing a struggling secondary this week, he’s a top-8 fantasy QB option. Expect 250+ yards and multiple touchdowns.
RB: Travis Etienne Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars
After back-to-back strong performances, Etienne gets a soft matchup against a defense allowing over 120 rushing yards per game. His dual-threat role in the passing game makes him a must-start RB1.
WR: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions
St. Brown remains the focal point of Detroit’s offense, and his target share keeps him matchup-proof. Against a secondary ranked bottom-10 in fantasy points allowed to wideouts, he’s a top-5 play this week.
TE: Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo Bills
Kincaid’s usage is climbing fast. With injuries around Buffalo’s receiving corps, expect more red-zone targets. He’s a strong TE1 start for Week 7.
DEF: New York Jets
The Jets’ defense has forced turnovers in five straight games and now faces a turnover-prone offense. Expect sacks, pressure, and possibly a defensive touchdown.
🔴 Sit ’Em: Players to Avoid This Week
QB: Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
Despite solid yardage totals, Stafford’s lack of touchdowns and tough matchup against a top-5 pass defense make him a risky fantasy start. Look elsewhere if you can.
RB: Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots
Stevenson faces a stout front seven and has been losing touches in the red zone. Volume concerns make him more of a desperation FLEX than a safe starter.
WR: Terry McLaurin, Washington Commanders
McLaurin draws shadow coverage from one of the league’s best corners this week. Expect limited targets and minimal big-play opportunities.
TE: Tyler Conklin, New York Jets
Inconsistent usage and a difficult defensive matchup make Conklin a low-upside option. Sit him until the Jets’ offense stabilizes.
DEF: Green Bay Packers
Facing an explosive offense on the road, the Packers’ defense is unlikely to deliver strong fantasy points. Better streaming options are available.
⚙️ Week 7 Fantasy Football Rankings (Top 5 by Position)
Quarterbacks:
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Josh Allen (BUF)
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Patrick Mahomes (KC)
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Jalen Hurts (PHI)
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C.J. Stroud (HOU)
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Lamar Jackson (BAL)
Running Backs:
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Christian McCaffrey (SF)
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Travis Etienne Jr. (JAX)
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Alvin Kamara (NO)
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Bijan Robinson (ATL)
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Saquon Barkley (NYG)
Wide Receivers:
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Tyreek Hill (MIA)
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Justin Jefferson (MIN)
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Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET)
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Ja’Marr Chase (CIN)
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CeeDee Lamb (DAL)
Tight Ends:
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Travis Kelce (KC)
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Sam LaPorta (DET)
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Dalton Kincaid (BUF)
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Mark Andrews (BAL)
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George Kittle (SF)
Defenses:
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New York Jets
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Buffalo Bills
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San Francisco 49ers
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Dallas Cowboys
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Kansas City Chiefs
💡 Fantasy Tip of the Week
Monitor late-week injury reports closely. Players like De’Von Achane and Justin Jefferson being ruled out can create huge opportunities for backup players — making waiver wire pickups and flex plays crucial this week.
📊 Final Thoughts
Week 7 brings chaos — but also opportunity. The key to winning is flexibility: don’t stick with big names if the matchups are brutal, and don’t underestimate rising players with strong target shares. Smart managers who balance analytics with intuition will gain the edge heading into the second half of the fantasy season.
Source: ESPN Fantasy, NFL.com, CBS Sports
Photo Credit: Getty Images / AP
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