Faux Football Preview - Week 7
Chew previews Week 7 in the NFL with some redraft and dynasty fantasy advice.
Week 6 hopefully ended in a win for you, and (hopefully) you are poised for another in Week 7. There were surprise boom weeks from Jaxson Dart, Rico Dowdle (Again!), Kayshon Boutte, and Michael Mayer; however, there were duds from Justin Fields, Quinshon Judkins, Michael Pittman, and Juwan Johnson. Let’s look ahead to a healthy, fantasy-point-filled Week 7.
Check out last week’s preview here to see how things shook out. As a reminder, both redraft and dynasty are considered in this weekly roundup, so without further ado, let’s get to it.
DYNASTY BUY/SELL
Once the NFL season starts, the dynasty mindset can take a backseat to the redraft mindset. Each week, I will highlight two players to buy and two players to sell in dynasty, providing examples for each. As always, the trades are taken from the dynasty-daddy.com trade database.
Buy #1 - BROCK PURDY
The 2025 season has not panned out quite as Brock Purdy would have hoped, as injury has limited him to two games thus far. Since he was not placed on the IR, there is optimism that Purdy will return sooner rather than later. In his stead, Mac Jones has filled in admirably despite injury affecting additional aspects of the offense. Jones’ performance has helped those trying to buy Purdy in dynasty, as it has given the illusion to some that they are interchangeable. This is simply not the case. When healthy, supporting cast included, Purdy is a top-12 quarterback in dynasty, and now is the time to buy!
Trade #1: Brock Purdy ←→ Aaron Rodgers + Alvin Kamara + Darren Waller
Trade #2: Brock Purdy + ‘26 2nd ←→ Jaxson Dart
Sell #1 - RICO DOWDLE
Why on earth would you sell a running back after his franchise-record-breaking two-game run? The answer is in the question. It would be downright irresponsible to let Rico Dowdle fade into a complementary role once Chuba Hubbard is healthy. But given Hubbard’s role as a leader of this team, I am hesitant to think that Dowdle will retain a volume of touches anywhere near what the last two weeks have offered. The Panthers’ backfield immediately becomes a 1A/1B situation, where it is anyone’s guess as to who will be the leader in fantasy points on any given week.
Trade #1: Rico Dowdle ←→ ‘26 2nd
Trade #2: Rico Dowdle + Chris Olave ←→ ‘27 1st + ‘28 2nd
Buy #2 - COURTLAND SUTTON
The Broncos left a lot to be desired from a fantasy standpoint in Week 6, and I am sure that London was equally disappointed in the low-scoring affair. And despite reaching the dreaded age-30 season, Courtland Sutton is showing that 2024 was not a fluke. The Broncos’ offense has looked a bit different in 2025, as Nix is battling the sophomore slump that often hits quarterbacks. But one constant remains: Sutton serving as Nix’s primary target, and with the former’s recent contract extension, he is poised to retire as a Bronco.
Trade #1: Courtland Sutton ←→ Tre Tucker + ‘27 3rd
Trade #2: Courtland Sutton + Sam Darnold ←→ TreVeyon Henderson + ‘26 2nd
Sell #2 - JUSTIN FIELDS
The passing volume has ebbed and flowed, as much of Justin Fields’ fantasy production has come on the ground. Fields has seen three top-10 fantasy finishes, two of which were against the most pitiful defenses in the Dolphins and the Cowboys. The deal says it all, as Fields was a cheaper option for the Jets that allowed him to start and link up with his former college teammate in Garrett Wilson. The rushing upside will keep Fields fantasy relevance for as long as he is starting, but I am leery of the longevity of that prospect, so he is a sell for me dawg.
Trade #1: Justin Fields ←→ Anthony Richardson + ‘26 2nd
Trade #2: Justin Fields ←→ ‘26 2nd + ‘26 3rd
HANDCUFF HIERARCHY
The running back position can be one of frustration in fantasy as we scour the bench and waiver wire to fill in when injuries and bye weeks strike. But since we are just now getting started with the NFL season, here is a look at the various tiers for all 32 backup running backs. As the season progresses, we will see players rise and fall amongst the tiers, so stay tuned!
*This list only includes each team’s RB-2; thus, if the RB-1 is injured, then the RB-3 will take the place of the RB-2 on this list.
STANDALONE VALUE
These players have flex appeal even with the RB-1 being healthy in Week 7.
The offense flows through Drake Maye in New England, and TreVeyon will get his touches firmly behind Rhamondre Stevenson.
Blake Corum, R.J. Harvey, Tyler Allgeier, and Kenneth Gainwell are the second options in their respective backfields, with upside given their roles.
Bam Knight and Woody Marks could usurp their backfield leaders in any given week.
Rico Dowdle is out here breaking franchise records in two games of relief for an injured Chuba Hubbard. This is Hubbard’s backfield, but the Panthers would be foolish not to consider the hot hand that is Dowdle.
Zach Charbonnet and David Montgomery continue to be 1B options where they can easily outscore their respective backfield counterparts in any given week.
SPOT STARTER
The initial RB-1 is injured, and everyone moves up the depth chart, or the player has a specialized role.
Well, the question has been answered as to who will step up in Omarion Hampton’s absence. Hassan Haskins will work behind the much more effective Kimani Vidal.
Sean Tucker, Kareem Hunt, and Jeremy McNichols have weekly upside based on their offensive roles.
D’Andre Swift is holding down the starting spot, but Kyle Monangai continues to get opportunities.
Some of these guys are simply not going to usurp their backfield leaders: Bhayshul Tuten, Ollie Gordon, Tyjae Spears, Isaiah Davis, and Kendre Miller.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
If you are in a DEEP league, these are the rest of the bunch that you’re forced to pick from for Week 7.
This group is completely overshadowed by a bellcow back or limited by an anemic offense.
TIGHT END STREAMERS
Of all the fantasy-relevant positions, it’s the tight end that is my favorite to stream. If you were not fortunate enough to get one of the top few tight ends, it can be a futile process to find fantasy points at the tight end position. Here are three tight ends ranked outside the top 12 who are stream-worthy in Week 7.
A Look Back At Week 6 (If Top-12 ✅)
Harold Fannin → 15.1 points ✅
Theo Johnson → 4.7 points ❌
A.J. Barner → 10.1 points ❌
Week 7
MASON TAYLOR (TE-13) v. CAR
This week, it just so happens that my motto of “start any tight end against the Panthers” coincides with that tight end being an ascending player in fantasy, Mason Taylor. The former LSU Tiger saw his targets increase each week, reaching an apex of twelve in Week 5. Don’t be fooled by the down performance in Week 6, as that can be attributed more to the Broncos’ defense. A bounce-back game for Taylor is perfectly set up in Week 7, with a void left from the absence of the injured Garrett Wilson. If you are streaming tight end, stream Mason Taylor in Week 7.
KYLE PITTS (TE-15) @ SF
The Falcons’ offense flows through Drake London and Bijan Robinson; there is no doubt about that. But Kyle Pitts has carved out a nice, steady role that keeps him involved each week to varying degrees. Enter Week 7, where the 49ers’ defense is now without defensive stalwarts Nick Bosa and Fred Warner. The game plan will no doubt center around London and Robinson once again in Week 7, but look for Pitts to achieve his ceiling against a battered San Francisco defense.
ORONDE GADSDEN II (TE-26) v. IND
Oronde Gadsden stepped up big in the absence of Quentin Johnston, who missed Week 6 with a hamstring injury. As of the writing of this article, there is no clarity on whether or not Johnston will suit up for Week 7. Regardless, Gadsden is poised for another strong performance as the Colts present an enticing matchup. Gadsden offers a safety valve for Justin Herbert, with injuries also to the offensive line and the backfield. And who knows, Week 7 could be Gadsden’s first touchdown.
So you made it this far, and hopefully you enjoyed it (that’s what she said). If you wouldn’t mind sharing this in your group message with your fellow fantasy football degenerates, I would greatly appreciate it!
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