Here’s a look back at Week 7’s action and fantasy advice for the week ahead:

WEEK 7 RECAP

Broncos 33, Saints 10: Since Josh Reynolds landed on injured reserve, rookie receiver Troy Franklin has led Denver in targets (nine) and receptions (seven) the last two weeks. There’s a chance Courtland Sutton is dealt before the trade deadline, and Franklin would likely be Bo Nix’s (his college teammate) top target the rest of the season if that happens.

Jaguars 32, Patriots 16: Travis Etienne missed the game at Wembley Stadium with a hamstring injury. Tank Bigsby ran for at least 90 rushing yards for the third time in the last four weeks. Bigsby is the overall RB3 in standard formats (RB9 in PPR) since Week 4. Etienne has only reached 90 rushing yards once in his last 18 games despite multiple games with 20-plus carries in that stretch.

Seahawks 34, Falcons 14: Kenneth Walker became just the eighth player in NFL history to score a rushing and receiving touchdown on his birthday. The list includes Bo Jackson (1987), and most recently, Nyheim Hines in 2020.

Bills 34, Titans 10: Rookie receiver Keon Coleman had his best game of the season against Tennessee with four receptions for 125 yards on seven targets. Coleman even helped new teammate Amari Cooper on his TD reception by clarifying an audible for the veteran. I expect Cooper’s addition to have a rising tide effect in Buffalo’s offense. Josh Allen surpassed 300 yards passing for the first time this season, and Cooper’s presence makes it even harder for a defense to focus on Coleman or Dalton Kincaid or Khalil Shakir or James Cook.

Bengals 21, Browns 14: Jerry Jeudy has a single reception in three straight games, but I expected much more in his first game after Amari Cooper was traded to the Bills. I still believe Jeudy and tight end David Njoku will be the main targets in the passing game most weeks, especially with Jameis Winston under center. I also anticipate Cedric Tillman will see increased usage, especially after producing eight receptions for 81 yards on 12 targets and a two-point conversion against Cincinnati.

Packers 24, Texans 22: Josh Jacobs’ 8-yard TD reception in the third quarter was the first receiving TD of his six-year career. Only Thomas Jones (242) had more receptions than Jacobs’ 211 before catching his first scoring pass.

Colts 16, Dolphins 10: Miami has averaged 10 points in the four games without Tua Tagovailoa, making the plethora of fantasy assets on the Dolphins unusable. Tagovailoa is supposed to return this week against the Cardinals, so rejoice, and burn some sage if you roster Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, De’Von Achane or Raheem Mostert.

Lions 31, Vikings 29: Jared Goff became just the fourth QB to record a passer rating of at least 140 in three straight games, joining Aaron Rodgers (2011), Kurt Warner (1999) and Roger Staubach (1971).

Eagles 28, Giants 3: Saquon Barkley had 176 rushing yards against the G-Men, a team Barkley spent his first six seasons with. Only Cedric Benson has run for more yards against his former team, with 189 rushing yards for the Bengals in 2009 after spending his first three seasons with the Bears.

Rams 20, Raiders 15: Kyren Williams has produced 1,528 rushing yards on 329 carries (4.64 yards per carry) with 46 receptions (61 targets) for 275 receiving yards and 22 total TDs in his last 17 games.

Commanders 40, Panthers 7: Washington rookie QB Jayden Daniels suffered a rib injury early in the game and was ruled out. His mother tweeted out that “he’s fine,” but his status for a showdown against Caleb Williams and the Bears on Sunday is still uncertain.

Chiefs 28, 49ers 18: With Brandon Aiyuk (knee) lost for the season, Jauan Jennings will have WR3/flex upside going forward, and it sounds like the team is optimistic he’ll be ready to go against the Cowboys on Sunday night after missing the game against Kansas City with a hip injury.

Steelers 37, Jets 15: Only Lamar Jackson and Baker Mayfield outscored Russell Wilson in fantasy last week. He had 264 passing yards, two TD passes and a rushing TD in his debut with Pittsburgh. Wilson’s upcoming schedule against the Giants, Commanders and Ravens means he’ll definitely deserve streaming consideration well into November.

Ravens 41, Buccaneers 31: After Mike Evans aggravated his hamstring injury, Trey Palmer took over as an every-down outside receiver. With Evans out at least three games, target Palmer as his replacement. Jalen McMillan has been the No. 3 WR for Tampa Bay this season when healthy, so the third-rounder in this year’s draft likely sees the biggest bump in value and opportunity with Chris Godwin (ankle) almost certainly done for the year. Sterling Shepard — Baker Mayfield’s former college teammate — will likely see a lot of Godwin’s targets in the slot.

Cardinals 17, Chargers 15: Kimani Vidal played a higher percentage of offensive snaps in this game than last week, with that change largely coming from Vidal taking the two-minute drill to end the first half. With Gus Edwards on IR, Vidal is the next man up, and with J.K. Dobbins’ checkered injury history, an important insurance policy.

Feel free to hit me up @UTEddieBrown on X, formerly known as Twitter, with any specific lineup questions I don’t cover in my posts.

Here are my best bets for Week 8:

MINNESOTA AT L.A. RAMS

Obvious starters: Justin Jefferson (MIN), Aaron Jones (MIN), Vikings D/ST, Cooper Kupp (LAR), Kyren Williams (LAR).

Who to start: Sam Darnold (MIN) is a safe bet to throw multiple TD passes in his return to Los Angeles. Matthew Stafford (LAR) gets his top receiver back and faces a defense that has allowed eight TD passes to quarterbacks in the last three games.

Who to sit: Jordan Addison (MIN) has exactly three receptions in all four games he’s played this season, and exactly four targets in three of those four games. Ty Chandler (MIN) is TD-dependent with 22 touches in the last three games. Colby Parkinson (LAR) remains TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in three of the last five games.

Sleeper: Tutu Atwell (LAR) has 20 receptions for 284 yards in the last four games and faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points to wide receivers.

PHILADELPHIA AT CINCINNATI

Obvious starters: Saquon Barkley (PHI), Jalen Hurts (PHI), A.J. Brown (PHI), Ja’Marr Chase (CIN), Joe Burrow (CIN), Tee Higgins (CIN).

Who to start: Dallas Goedert (PHI) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (hamstring). Chase Brown (CIN) is the overall RB8 across most fantasy formats since Week 4 with 263 total yards, nine receptions and four total TDs.

Who to sit: DeVonta Smith (PHI) is a boom-or-bust option with only six targets in the last two games since the Eagles’ bye week. I’m fading the Eagles D/ST on the road against Burrow. I’m fading Zack Moss (CIN) and his diminishing usage against a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Mike Gesicki (CIN) faces a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to tight ends.

Sleeper: If Goedert remains out, Grant Calcaterra (PHI) faces a defense that has allowed 27 receptions for 280 yards and four TD receptions to tight ends in the last three games.

BALTIMORE AT CLEVELAND

Obvious starters: Lamar Jackson (BAL), Derrick Henry (BAL), David Njoku (CLE).

Who to start: Zay Flowers (BAL) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (ankle). Rashod Bateman (BAL) is the overall WR14 in standard formats (WR20 in PPR) since Week 3 and faces a defense that has allowed five TD receptions in the last three games. The Ravens D/ST faces an offense allowing the third-most fantasy points to opposing defenses, including 35 sacks through seven games. Nick Chubb (CLE) maintains RB2/flex upside after receiving 12 touches in his first game back and scoring a TD. Jerry Jeudy (CLE) has flex appeal against a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers.

Who to sit: I’m fading Mark Andrews (BAL) and Isaiah Likely (BAL) against a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Justice Hill (BAL) faces a defense allowing the eighth-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Jerome Ford (CLE) will be TD-dependent if he’s active (hamstring). I’m fading the Browns D/ST against Jackson and Henry.

Sleeper(s): Jameis Winston (CLE) faces a defense that has allowed 10 TD passes to quarterbacks in the last three games. Cedric Tillman (CLE) faces a defense that has allowed 11 TD receptions to wide receivers in seven games this season.

TENNESSEE AT DETROIT

Obvious starters: Tony Pollard (TEN), Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET), Jahmyr Gibbs (DET), David Montgomery (DET).

Who to start: Jared Goff (DET) has completed 83.5% of his passes for 1,086 yards and nine TDs against only one interception in the last four games. The Lions D/ST faces an offense allowing the most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

Who to sit: Calvin Ridley (TEN) remains a boom-or-bust option despite the good matchup with only five receptions in the last four games, if he’s active (foot). I’m fading Tyjae Spears (TEN) if he’s active (hamstring) against a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Chig Okonkwo (TEN) faces a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Sam LaPorta (DET) is TD-dependent against a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to tight ends.

Sleeper: Tyler Boyd (TEN) faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers.

ARIZONA AT MIAMI

Obvious starters: Kyler Murray (ARI), James Conner (ARI), Trey McBride (ARI), Tyreek Hill (MIA), De’Von Achane (MIA).

Who to start: Jaylen Waddle (MIA) faces a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Raheem Mostert (MIA) maintains flex appeal with 32 touches in the last two games.

Who to sit: I’m fading Marvin Harrison Jr. (ARI) — only five receptions (15 targets) for 57 yards in the last three games — against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Michael Wilson (ARI) remains TD-dependent with only 13 targets in the last three games. Jonnu Smith (MIA) is TD-dependent as the overall TE15 in standard formats (TE16 in PPR) through seven weeks.

Sleeper: Tua Tagovailoa (MIA) is expected to return (concussion) and faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks.

N.Y. JETS AT NEW ENGLAND

Obvious starters: Breece Hall (NYJ), Garrett Wilson (NYJ), Davante Adams (NYJ), Jets D/ST.

Who to start: Rhamondre Stevenson (NE) maintains RB2/flex upside if he’s active (foot). Hunter Henry (NE) is the overall TE9 in standard formats (TE6 in PPR) through seven weeks.

Who to sit: I’m fading Aaron Rodgers (NYJ) with hamstring, knee and ankle injuries flaring up on the 40-year-old QB. Allen Lazard (NYJ) is trending in the wrong direction with a chest injury. Mike Williams (NYJ) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only 19 targets in the last six games. Braelon Allen (NYJ) remains TD-dependent with only 12 touches in the last three games. Antonio Gibson (NE) remains TD-dependent if Stevenson is active. I’m fading DeMario Douglas (NE) against a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Drake Maye (NE) faces a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks.

Sleeper: Tyler Conklin (NYJ) is the overall TE12 in standard formats (TE8 in PPR) since Week 3.

ATLANTA AT TAMPA BAY

Obvious starters: Bijan Robinson (ATL), Drake London (ATL), Kyle Pitts (ATL).

Who to start: Darnell Mooney (ATL) has WR3/flex upside against a defense that has allowed seven TD receptions to wide receivers in the last four games. Kirk Cousins (ATL) faces a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Rachaad White (TB) maintains RB2/flex upside with his usage, especially with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin sidelined. Bucky Irving (TB) maintains RB2/flex upside if he’s active (foot). Cade Otton (TB) is the overall TE6 in standard formats (TE5 in PPR) since Week 3, and should see more targets with Evans and Godwin out.

Who to sit: Tyler Allgeier (ATL) is TD-dependent after only producing 25 total yards on six carries and three receptions vs. the Buccaneers in Week 5. I’m fading Baker Mayfield (TB) with his top two receivers out. Sean Tucker (TB) is TD-dependent unless Irving is inactive. Sterling Shepard (TB) and Trey Palmer (TB) only have flex appeal in deeper leagues until we see how the new receiver hierarchy plays out.

Sleeper: Jalen McMillan (TB) faces a defense that has allowed six TD receptions to wide receivers in the last three games.

GREEN BAY AT JACKSONVILLE

Obvious starters: Jordan Love (GB), Jayden Reed (GB), Josh Jacobs (GB), Tucker Kraft (GB), Brian Thomas Jr. (JAC), Evan Engram (JAC).

Who to start: Romeo Doubs (GB) maintains WR3/flex upside against a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Only the Vikings and Broncos have more fantasy points than the Packers D/ST through seven weeks. Tank Bigsby (JAC) is the overall RB2 in standard formats (RB6 in PPR) since Week 5.

Who to sit: Christian Watson (GB) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only nine targets in his last four games. Dontayvion Wicks (GB) remains TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in six of seven games. It’s hard to trust Travis Etienne (JAC) until we see him healthy (hamstring). Christian Kirk (JAC) remains TD-dependent with only 13 targets in the last three games. Gabe Davis (JAC) remains a boom-or-bust candidate if he’s active (knee).

Sleeper: Trevor Lawrence (JAC) is actually the overall QB10 since Week 4.

INDIANAPOLIS AT HOUSTON

Obvious starters: C.J. Stroud (HOU), Joe Mixon (HOU), Stefon Diggs (HOU).

Who to start: Jonathan Taylor (IND) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (ankle). Michael Pittman Jr. (IND) maintains WR3/flex upside with at least 63 yards or a TD in four straight games. Josh Downs (IND) maintains flex appeal against a defense that has allowed 10 TD receptions to wide receivers in seven games this season. Anthony Richardson (IND) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed 15 TD passes to quarterbacks in seven games. Tank Dell (HOU) has WR3/flex upside against a defense that allowed Texans wide receivers to produce 16 receptions for 193 yards and two TDs in Week 1. Dalton Schultz (HOU) faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to tight ends, including a TD in four of the last five games.

Who to sit: I’m fading Trey Sermon (IND) and Tyler Goodson (IND) if Taylor remains out against a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to running backs.

Sleeper: Alec Pierce (IND) had three receptions for 125 yards and a TD vs. the Texans in Week 1.

NEW ORLEANS AT L.A. CHARGERS

Obvious starters: J.K. Dobbins (LAC), Chargers D/ST.

Who to start: Alvin Kamara (NO) remains an obvious starter despite dealing with hand and rib injuries. Taysom Hill (NO) deserves streaming consideration if he’s active (ribs).

Who to sit: I’m fading Chris Olave (NO) if he’s active (concussion) against a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. It doesn’t sound like Derek Carr (NO) will be active (oblique). I’m fading the Saints D/ST on the road against an efficient offense. I’m fading Justin Herbert (LAC) as the overall QB25 through seven weeks. Quentin Johnston (LAC) missed last week and didn’t practice Wednesday (ankle).

Sleeper: Ladd McConkey (LAC) has had at least four receptions, 43 yards or a TD in five of six games.

BUFFALO AT SEATTLE

Obvious starters: Josh Allen (BUF), James Cook (BUF), Amari Cooper (BUF), Dalton Kincaid (BUF), Kenneth Walker (SEA).

Who to start: Geno Smith (SEA) is the overall QB6 through seven weeks. Both Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA) and Tyler Lockett (SEA) have flex appeal with D.K. Metcalf likely out (knee). Noah Fant (SEA) deserves streaming consideration as the overall TE13 in standard formats (TE10 in PPR) since Week 3, especially if Metcalf is inactive.

Who to sit: Keon Coleman (BUF) remains TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in five of the last six games. I’m fading the Bills D/ST on the road, traveling cross-country. Ray Davis (BUF) is TD-dependent with Cook healthy. Zach Charbonnet (SEA) remains TD-dependent with Walker healthy. I’m fading the Seahawks D/ST against Allen.

Sleeper: Khalil Shakir (BUF) maintains flex appeal as the overall WR37 in standard formats (WR34 in PPR) through seven weeks.

CAROLINA AT DENVER

Obvious starters: Chuba Hubbard (CAR), Javonte Williams (DEN), Broncos D/ST.

Who to start: Courtland Sutton (DEN) has WR3/flex upside against a defense that has allowed nine TD receptions to wide receivers in the seven games this season. Jaleel McLaughlin (DEN) has flex appeal against a defense allowing the most fantasy points to running backs, including 13 TDs to running backs in seven games.

Who to sit: I’m fading Diontae Johnson (CAR) and Xavier Legette (CAR) with a difficult matchup and Bryce Young back under center.

Sleeper: Bo Nix (DEN) faces a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, including multiple TD passes in six of seven games.

KANSAS CITY AT LAS VEGAS

Obvious starters: Patrick Mahomes (KC), Travis Kelce (KC), Brock Bowers (LV).

Who to start: Kareem Hunt (KC) is the overall RB14 in standard formats (RB18 in PPR) since Week 4 with 68 touches in three games. DeAndre Hopkins (KC) has flex appeal in his first game with the Chiefs.

Who to sit: Xavier Worthy (KC) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in every game this season. I’m fading Jakobi Meyers (LV) and Tre Tucker (LV) against a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. I’m fading Alexander Mattison (LV) and Zamir White (LV) against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to running backs.

Sleeper: The Chiefs D/ST face an offense allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

CHICAGO AT WASHINGTON

Obvious starters: D.J. Moore (CHI), D’Andre Swift (CHI), Brian Robinson Jr. (WAS), Terry McLaurin (WAS).

Who to start: Keenan Allen (CHI) maintains flex appeal since he was the overall WR37 in standard formats (WR35 in PPR) in the three games prior to the Bears’ bye week. George Kittle, Brock Bowers and Tucker Kraft are the only tight ends who have more fantasy points in standard formats than Cole Kmet (CHI) this season — Kmet is the overall TE3 in PPR. The Bears D/ST are one of four defenses averaging over 10 points per game in fantasy. It’s hard to bench Jayden Daniels (WAS) if he’s active (ribs) — monitor the situation closely. Austin Ekeler (WAS) maintains flex appeal as the overall RB36 in standard formats (RB35 in PPR) through seven weeks. Zach Ertz (WAS) is the overall TE10 in standard formats (TE9 in PPR) through seven weeks.

Who to sit: Rome Odunze (CHI) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with two-or-fewer receptions in four of six games. I’m fading Marcus Mariota (WAS) if Daniels is inactive against a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks.

Sleeper: Caleb Williams (CHI) was the overall QB6 in the four games preceding Chicago’s Week 7 bye.

DALLAS AT SAN FRANCISCO

Obvious starters: CeeDee Lamb (DAL), Jordan Mason (SF), 49ers D/ST.

Who to start: Jake Ferguson (DAL) faces a defense that has allowed at least seven receptions for 76 yards or a TD to tight ends in four straight games. Rico Dowdle (DAL) has flex appeal against a defense that has allowed three TDs to running backs in the last two games. George Kittle (SF) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (foot). Deebo Samuel (SF) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (illness). Brock Purdy (SF) faces a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Jauan Jennings (SF) maintains WR3/flex upside if he’s active (hip).

Who to sit: Dak Prescott (DAL) faces a defense that hasn’t allowed multiple TD passes to a quarterback since Week 2. Ezekiel Elliott (DAL) remains TD-dependent with five straight games under 10 touches. Jalen Tolbert (DAL) is TD-dependent with five-or-fewer targets in three of the last four games. I’m fading the Cowboys D/ST on the road against the 49ers’ run game.

Sleeper: Ricky Pearsall (SF) has flex appeal if Samuel and/or Jennings can’t play.

N.Y. GIANTS AT PITTSBURGH

Obvious starters: Malik Nabers (NYG), Najee Harris (PIT), George Pickens (PIT), Steelers D/ST.

Who to start: Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) has at least five receptions or a TD in every game this season. Russell Wilson (PIT) deserves streaming consideration against a defense allowing the ninth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks.

Who to sit: I’m fading Devin Singletary (NYG) and Tyrone Tracy (NYG) against a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Daniel Jones (NYG) faces a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Darius Slayton (NYG) is TD-dependent with Nabers healthy. Pat Freiermuth (PIT) faces a defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends.

Sleeper: Jaylen Warren (PIT) has flex appeal against a defense that has allowed 313 rushing yards and two TDs to running backs in the last two games.

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