We’re nearing the halfway point of the NFL season, which means it’s time to lock in. Let’s start tinkering with our starting lineups today to make sure we’re fully prepared for week seven. These running back and wide receiver rankings will be tailored toward a start 7, PPR format, but you can really apply this to all formats.
The rankings below are based on statistical analysis, matchup data, sportsbook data, and film. Let’s dive right into the rankings and get some wins in week seven!
Week 7 Wide Receiver Rankings
Tier 1
1. Ja'Marr Chase @ CLE
2. Justin Jefferson vs DET
3. Amon-Ra St. Brown @ MIN
Tier 2
4. A.J. Brown @ NYG
5. Drake London vs SEA
6. Malik Nabers vs PHI
7. Chris Godwin vs BAL
Tier 3
8. Cooper Kupp vs LV
9. Stefon Diggs @ GB
10. Deebo Samuel Sr. vs KC
11. Mike Evans vs BAL
12. Jayden Reed vs HOU
13. Diontae Johnson @ WAS
14. DK Metcalf vs ATL
15. Amari Cooper vs TEN
16. Davante Adams @ PIT
17. DeVonta Smith @ NYG
18. Garrett Wilson @ PIT
Tier 4
19. Terry McLaurin vs CAR
20. Tyreek Hill @ IND
21. Brian Thomas Jr. vs NE
22. Tee Higgins @ CLE
23. Brandon Aiyuk vs KC
Tier 5
24. Zay Flowers @ TB
25. Tank Dell @ GB
26. Jaxon Smith-Njigba vs ATL
27. Darnell Mooney vs SEA
28. Wan'Dale Robinson vs PHI
29. George Pickens vs NYJ
Tier 6
30. Xavier Worthy @ SF
31. Jaylen Waddle @ IND
32. Michael Pittman Jr. vs MIA
33. Jameson Williams @ MIN
34. JuJu Smith-Schuster @ SF
35. Jordan Addison vs DET
36. Ladd McConkey @ ARI
Must Start: Wide Receiver
Brian Thomas Jr. vs NE
ESPN Projection - WR30
For everyone new here, in order to qualify for the FTR start of the week, you have to be projected out as a back-end WR2/RB2 according to ESPN’s projections. Despite not having a great game in week six, scoring 5.7 points, Brian Thomas Jr is still averaging 15.2 PPG. I know the main argument is going to be Christian Gonzalez, but Thomas won’t be lined up with him on every single play. We just saw Stefon Diggs take on the Patriots as the WR1 and score 19.7 points last week.
When looking at the Patriots defense from a fantasy perspective, they’re actually an above-average matchup to wide receivers allowing the 13th most points (213.9) this year. Thomas is an elite talent who’s been producing at an extremely high level this year, so you have to start him almost every week. If you’re still not convinced, the FTR team broke down his film here!
Week 7 Running Back Rankings
Tier 1
1. Kyren Williams vs LV
2. Saquon Barkley @ NYG
3. Derrick Henry @ TB
4. Breece Hall @ PIT
5. Bijan Robinson vs SEA
Tier 2
6. Kenneth Walker III @ ATL
7. Alvin Kamara vs DEN
8. Joe Mixon @ GB
9. David Montgomery @ MIN
10. Jordan Mason vs KC
11. Jonathan Taylor vs MIA
12. Jahmyr Gibbs @ MIN
Tier 3
13. De'Von Achane @ IND
14. Josh Jacobs vs HOU
15. James Cook vs TEN
16. J.K. Dobbins @ ARI
17. Chuba Hubbard @ WAS
Tier 4
18. James Conner vs LAC
19. Tony Pollard @ BUF
20. Brian Robinson Jr. vs CAR
21. Kareem Hunt @ SF
22. Aaron Jones vs DET
23. Rhamondre Stevenson vs JAC
Tier 5
24. Najee Harris vs NYJ
25. Chase Brown @ CLE
26. Bucky Irving vs BAL
27. Devin Singletary vs PHI
28. Zack Moss @ CLE
29. Nick Chubb vs CIN
30. Tyrone Tracy Jr. vs PHI
31. Tank Bigsby vs NE
Tier 6
32. Javonte Williams @ NO
33. Rachaad White vs BAL
34. Alexander Mattison @ LAR
35. Zach Charbonnet vs ATL
36. Tyler Allgeier vs SEA
Must Start: Running Back
Jordan Mason vs KC
ESPN Projection - RB23
There’s definitely some concern about whether Mason will play this week or not, but assuming he suits up, you have to play him. Even when you take into account that Mason only played a half in week six, he’s averaging 15.4 PPG on the year. When he didn’t have a great game in week five either, scoring 8.8 points, he still had 6.4 YPC on the day. Mason is able to run wild in this fantastic 49ers offense, which also gives him a ton of touchdown upside each week.
I understand the matchup isn’t good for Mason, as the Chiefs have allowed the least fantasy points to running backs (71.9 points), but the 49er’s offense is elite. There were weeks where Mason was a top 3-5 running back, so having him in your starting lineup at least isn’t asking for much. The 49ers are also 9th for the implied team totals in week seven at 24.25 points. You should lower your expectations for Mason, but not starting him at all would be a bit reckless.
