The most brutal of all bye weeks is upon us (Eagles, Bills, Rams, Vikings), so having a set of reliable fantasy projections and rankings is more important than ever. As we always say, the more expert opinions, analysis, and stats you can absorb, the more it will sharpen your Week 7 start ‘em, sit ‘em decisions.
To prove we actually believe in the “more is better” approach to fantasy football research, we’re happy to offer SN Fantasy readers an exclusive look at Draft Sharks’ award-winning weekly rankings and projections. We'll also highlight players at each position who stand out in our rankings compared to theirs so you get multiple perspectives on a few of the biggest start-or-sit headaches. To see Draft Sharks' exclusive Week 7 3D floor-to-ceiling projections, become a Draft Sharks member today at the link below!
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Week 7 Fantasy Football Projections, Rankings from Draft Sharks
Week 7 fantasy QB projections, rankings
Spotlight Player: Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars vs. Giants (SN Ranking: 19 | DS Ranking: 11)
Lawrence has been remarkably inconsistent this year, which gives us pause about recommending him as a QB1 in a statistically unfavorable matchup. Just look at his past three games: 174 passing yards on 23 attempts, 286 passing yards on 47 attempts, and 165 passing yards on 22 attempts. He has three total TD passes in that span, but he also has 59 total rushing yards and two rushing TDs. We can't say he's "bad," but we also don't feel comfortable saying he's "good." The Giants allow the 11th-fewest fantasy points per game to QBs and sport the eighth-ranked pass defense, so we'd rather roll with some "lesser" QBs who have better matchups. Draft Sharks is trusting Lawrence's superior talent, which is never a bad bet.
SN's WEEK 7 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Week 7 fantasy RB projections, rankings
Spotlight Player: Kenyan Drake, Ravens vs. Browns (SN PPR Ranking: 26 | DS Ranking: 32)
We originally highlighted JK Dobbins (knee) in this spot, but since he's out this week, we'll go with Drake. Clearly, there isn't much difference in our rankings, but Draft Sharks is being a little more hesitant because of the return of Justice Hill and the possible return of Gus Edwards. We can't blame either, but either way, Drake has RB2/flex upside going into the week.
Spotlight Player: Antonio Gibson, Commanders vs. Packers (SN PPR Ranking: 51 | DS Ranking: 30)
Gibson has seen just eight carries the past two weeks and added in another six receptions. His snap-share dwindled to 26 percent last week, and it's clear he's well behind Brian Robinson Jr. in Washington's offense. Why still rank him as a flex in 12-team leagues? Gibson always has big-play potential, but at this point, we think he's virtually unplayable.
SN's WEEK 7 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Week 7 fantasy WR projections, rankings
Spotlight Player: Hunter Renfrow, Raiders vs. Texans (SN PPR Ranking: 38 | DS Ranking: 37)
After missing two games because of a concussion, Renfrow played just 55 percent of snaps in Week 5. He hauled in all four of his targets for 25 yards, but clearly, he was being eased back into the offense. It's reasonable to expect improvement this week, especially if Darren Waller (hamstring) is out, but Renfrow still seems like a lower-ceiling receiver right now. He didn't start in Weeks 2 or 5, and the presence of Davante Adams mixed with the emergence of Mack Hollins seems to have taken some shine off last year's Pro Bowler. Mix in a tricky matchup against a Houston defense that hasn't allowed many receiving TDs, and you have a borderline flex to us. Draft Sharks trusts the pedigree and expects a high-reception outing, which is more than fair.
UPDATE: Draft Sharks dropped Renfrow about 10 spots throughout the week, perhaps because of the hip injury that has him "questionable" ahead of Sunday's game.
Spotlight Player: Chase Claypool, Steelers @ Dolphins (SN PPR Ranking: 51 | DS Ranking: 43)
Despite seemingly being MIA through Pittsburgh's first five games, Claypool saw at least six targets in all but one. When you factor that into his seven-catch, 96-yard, one-TD outburst in Week 6, it's easy to see why Draft Sharks still views him as a borderline WR3 in a highly favorable matchup in Miami this week. We're still leery of the overall production potential, especially with Mitchell Trubisky under center, but Claypool is the type of boom-or-bust WR who's worth putting in your flex spot this week.
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Week 7 fantasy TE projections, rankings
Spotlight Player: Cade Otton, Buccaneers @ Panthers (SN PPR Ranking: 24 | DS Ranking: 12)
We always say that once get past the top seven or eight TEs, they're all TD-or-bust. In that sense, there really isn't a huge difference between No. 12 and 24, but obviously, the spread looks large. Otton caught six-of-seven targets for 43 yards when he started in Week 5, and it's clear the Bucs have been utilizing their TEs more since the start of Week 3, giving their starters at least six looks in each game. With that in mind, a No. 12 ranking isn't crazy (and No. 24 is probably too low). But here's the thing: Even with those extra looks, Tampa's tight ends haven't produced much, and going against a Panthers' defense allowing the ninth-fewest fantasy points/game to TEs doesn't figure to help. We don't see Otton as much different than guys like Daniel Bellinger or Noah Fant, but it ultimately comes down to who happens to score.
Week 7 fantasy defense projections, rankings
Spotlight Player: Indianapolis Colts vs. Titans (SN Ranking: 7 | DS Ranking: 20)
We still give the Colts some residual love based on their preseason expectations, which they've failed to live up to. Shaquille Leonard's constant injury issues (back, concussion) haven't helped, but the bottom line is the Colts just aren't getting it done. Now, they face a run-oriented Tennessee squad that surrendered no takeaways to the Colts in Week 4. Why do we like them? Tennessee has allowed eight sacks the past two weeks and Indianapolis has 11 QB takedowns over the past three games. The Colts' pass rush should give it a solid floor, and all that pressure should force Ryan Tannehill into some mistakes. The ceiling is limited, but we still think Indy can pay off as a starter this week.
