Six teams on a bye in Week 7 have made this an interesting DFS slate for the Sunday.
Even with the Cincinnati Bengals, Tennessee Titans, New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans, and Carolina Panthers on a bye, we still have a chance to take advantage of some intriguing price points in our DFS lineups. Let’s take a closer look at my DFS picks for NFL Week 7.
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Week 7 DFS Locks
Matthew Stafford, QB, Los Angeles Rams ($6,500)
Heading into Week 7, Matthew Stafford was one of just three quarterbacks in the league to throw more than 225 passes through the first six games of the season.
Last week, while the connection between Stafford and Cooper Kupp was still operating at a high level, Stafford only had to throw the ball 24 times against the Arizona Cardinals with running back Kyren Williams posting a career-high 158 yards in a 26-9 victory last week.
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Well, Williams is now on injured reserve, which means the team is forced to turn to either Zach Evans, Royce Freeman, or Darrell Henderson to lead the Rams’ rushing attack.
Translation: Stafford is likely to have to throw the ball early and often against the Pittsburgh Steelers to generate points. This makes a great play at his current price.
Jerome Ford, RB, Cleveland Browns ($5,100)
Kareem Hunt may have found the end zone last week, but Jerome Ford still led the team in carries and rushing yards against the San Francisco 49ers.
The team expects to get quarterback Deshaun Watson back into the starting lineup this week, which should help the offense operate in a far more efficient manner against the Indianapolis Colts.
Hunt is also expected to be a game-time decision on Sunday. If Hunt is inactive, Ford may be a bit chalkier than I would like. But he is still someone who feels like a great bet to see north of 15+ carries against the Colts.
Cooper Kupp, WR, Los Angeles Rams ($9,500)
Kupp has wasted no time reestablishing himself as the alpha WR in the Rams’ pass-catching pecking order.
He has gone for 100+ receiving yards in both games this season and found the end zone for the first time this season against the Cardinals last week.
The Steelers’ defense has given up 100-yard receiving performances to Davante Adams, Brandon Aiyuk, and Nico Collins this season.
Expect Kupp to eat early and often against this Pittsburgh secondary.
Michael Mayer, TE, Las Vegas Raiders ($2,700)
If you are in search of a pay-down option at TE for this slate, look no further than this rookie tight end coming off of a career day in Week 6.
Mayer saw a career high in snaps, targets, receptions, and receiving yards in the Week 6 win against the New England Patriots.
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While it may not be ideal that Brian Hoyer is starting under center for the Raiders, Mayer does have a favorable matchup against a Chicago Bears defense that has allowed an average of 10.5 fantasy points per game this season.
It will be interesting to see how Mayer builds off of an encouraging performance in Week 6.
Cleveland Browns D/ST ($3,400)
One of these days, DFS platforms will start appropriately pricing this dominant Cleveland defense. Until they do, you should be taking advantage of their price point.
The Browns’ defense is priced cheaper than the Rams, Raiders, Bucs, Packers, and Colts this week. No disrespect intended towards those other teams, but that seems ludicrous.
The Browns will be facing off against quarterback Gardner Minshew this week, who tossed three interceptions last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Don’t overthink this. The Browns are a great DFS play this week.