Six teams are on a bye in Week 7, leaving fantasy football owners with 26 teams to choose from for their starting quarterback. Add in Justin Fields (thumb), who's all but been ruled out, an ailing QB on Thursday night, and three more banged-up signal-callers on Sunday, and it's a recipe for disaster. Survive and advance, as they say.
Deshaun Watson, Daniel Jones, and Jimmy Garoppolo are all in danger of missing Week 7 and beyond. Will they be ready for Sunday? Who steps in if they aren't?
Below, we'll give you the latest news on these starting QBs and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 7 fantasy landscape. For news on banged-up WRs Deebo Samuel, DK Metcalf, DeVonta Smith, and Diontae Johnson, go here; for the latest on hurting RBs Christian McCaffrey, Kareem Hunt, Jahmyr Gibbs, Roschon Johnson, and Aaron Jones, click here.
WEEK 7 FANTASY ADVICE:
Sleepers | Busts | Projections | Start 'em, sit 'em
Deshaun Watson injury update, Week 7 fantasy outlook
UPDATE: Watson got in a limited practice on Thursday.
Watson (shoulder) missed practice on Wednesday, further clouding his status heading into the weekend. It’s been a bizarre situation surrounding Watson, who is reportedly dealing with a micro-tears in his rotator cuff. The quarterback was cleared for the team’s Week 4 game before ultimately sitting out. The expectation was that getting more rest and treatment through the bye week would allow for a return in Week 6, but that never materialized either. Considering Watson replied, “I think so” when asked if there’s a chance he will play Sunday, it doesn’t sound encouraging for Week 7 either.
Whether Watson plays doesn't seem to have too big of an impact on the Browns this season. With Dorian Thompson-Robinson under center, they didn't look like a professional football team, but with P.J. Walker, they beat arguably the best team in the league. Even with Watson, Cleveland was struggling to score at times, with most of their issues coming in the passing game. A shoulder injury isn't going to help their cause, and the roster doesn't feature many start-able players anymore. Therefore it's rather simple from a fantasy perspective on how to approach Cleveland in Week 7. Amari Cooper will still find his way into the lineup, especially against a defense like the Colts. Jerome Ford is another player that you'll start regardless of whoever the quarterback ends up being. We wouldn't recommend starting Watson if he does play, given the nature of his injury.
WEEK 7 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Daniel Jones injury update, Week 7 fantasy outlook
Jones (neck) practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday after missing Week 6. The quarterback has been cleared to throw but not cleared for contact, as the team remains cautious with his neck injury. However, based on his head coach Brian Daboll's comments, it doesn't seem like we'll be seeing him for quite some time. Daboll told reporters that he believes Jones' season is not over and he will play again in 2023, something that didn't previously seem up for debate. New York's offensive line has been a disaster, allowing Jones to be hit hard all season long. Daboll's comments appear to essentially rule Jones out for Week 7 and put Tyrod Taylor in line to start again.
The Giants' struggles have made it impossible to trust anyone on the team when it comes to fantasy. Saquon Barkley is still a must-start based on talent, and Darren Waller is still a player to start at a shallow tight end position. If there are any positives, Barkley looked great coming off an ankle injury, allowing Big Blue to be competitive in Buffalo. If the offense was able to pick it up, Wan'Dale Robinson is inching closer to fantasy relevancy. Regardless, you're not looking to start Taylor or Jones unless you have to thanks to having six teams on a bye this week. Otherwise, avoid the G-Men.
WEEK 7 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Jimmy Garoppolo injury update, Week 7 fantasy outlook
UPDATE: Garoppolo has officially been ruled OUT for Sunday's game in Chicago.
Garoppolo (back) did not practice on Wednesday, putting his status in doubt for the weekend. Head coach Josh McDaniels said earlier in the week that the team believes the team dodged a bullet after tests revealed a less serious injury to Garoppolo's back. It seems that the team might take a cautious approach and keep their starting quarterback out in Week 7. The move makes sense, considering the Raiders are set to visit the Bears, who are likely starting undrafted rookie Tyson Bagent with Justin Fields (thumb) hurting.
WEEK 7 DFS:
DK lineup | FD lineup | Best values | Best stacks
If the Raiders decide to proceed without Garoppolo in Chicago, it remains to be seen who will get the start. Brian Hoyer has been QB2 all season long, including the one game that Garoppolo missed. That's because rookie Aidan O'Connell ended up getting the start in Week 4, a 24-17 loss to the Chargers. It's a unique situation since O'Connell has been inactive in every other game. Regardless of who starts, Davante Adams has the most to gain after expressing frustration with his lack of targets. To keep the star receiver happy, expect Adams to be featured early and often on Sunday. Josh Jacobs remains a starting option regardless of quarterback, as does Jakobi Meyers, although he does receive a slight downgrade without Garoppolo.
