Fantasy Football Matchup Rankings: Unlocking Success in Week 7
As the fantasy football season heats up, making informed lineup decisions becomes crucial. To help you navigate the complexities of matchups, we’ve developed a schedule-independent method to evaluate positional matchups. Our rankings list all 32 opposing defenses in order of most to least favorable for opposing players at each position.
Quarterbacks: Capitalizing on Favorable Matchups
Baker Mayfield’s impressive start to the season is expected to continue against the Ravens, who have surrendered the second-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. Mayfield’s comfort in his new offense, coupled with the Ravens’ vulnerability, makes him an attractive option. Other quarterbacks to consider are Kirk Cousins, who faces the Seahawks, and Drake Maye, who takes on the Jaguars.
On the other hand, Jared Goff’s matchup against the Vikings is one to avoid. The Vikings have been stingy against quarterbacks, holding them to the fifth-fewest points per passing attempt. Goff’s pocket passer style could struggle against this defense.
Quarterback Matchup Rankings
| DEF to avoid | Opp. | Rk | Adj. FPA | DEF to exploit | Opp. | Rk | Adj. FPA |
| — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| @IND | 1 | -6.0 | NE | 32 | 8.7 |
| @NO | 2 | -5.0 | @ATL | 31 | 4.5 |
| BYE | 3 | -4.5 | @LAR | 30 | 3.6 |
|… |… |… |… |… |… |
Running Backs: Identifying Opportunities
J.K. Dobbins’ recent backfield takeover makes him an attractive option against the Cardinals, who have surrendered the most rushing yards over the past four weeks. Austin Ekeler and Tank Bigsby are also worth considering, as they face favorable matchups.
However, Jordan Mason’s matchup against the Chiefs is one to avoid. The Chiefs have been stingy against running backs, and Mason’s injury concerns only add to the uncertainty.
Running Back Matchup Rankings
| DEF to avoid | Opp. | Rk | Adj. FPA | DEF to exploit | Opp. | Rk | Adj. FPA |
| — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| @SF | 1 | -11.3 | @WSH | 32 | 11.7 |
| @MIN | 2 | -6.4 | DEN | 31 | 8.7 |
| DET | 3 | -6.3 | TEN | 30 | 7.6 |
|… |… |… |… |… |… |
Wide Receivers: Finding Success
DeMario Douglas’ recent performance makes him an attractive option against the Jaguars, who have struggled to contain wide receivers. Zay Flowers and Diontae Johnson also face favorable matchups.
On the other hand, George Pickens’ matchup against the Jets is one to avoid. The Jets’ pass defense has been stout, and Pickens’ fantasy appeal is threatened by potential quarterback changes.
Wide Receiver Matchup Rankings
| DEF to avoid | Opp. | Rk | Adj. FPA | DEF to exploit | Opp. | Rk | Adj. FPA |
| — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| @BUF | 1 | -11.9 | NE | 32 | 11.4 |
| @NO | 2 | -9.4 | @TB | 31 | 10.5 |
| BYE | 3 | -8.3 | BAL | 30 | 10.2 |
|… |… |… |… |… |… |
Tight Ends: Capitalizing on Opportunities
David Njoku’s increased workload makes him an attractive option against the Bengals, who have struggled to contain tight ends. Dalton Kincaid’s matchup against the Titans, however, is one to avoid.
Tight End Matchup Rankings
| DEF to avoid | Opp. | Rk | Adj. FPA | DEF to exploit | Opp. | Rk | Adj. FPA |
| — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| @MIN | 1 | -3.8 | HOU | 32 | 5.3 |
| BYE | 2 | -3.7 | @ATL | 31 | 5.2 |
| @NYG | 3 | -3.3 | @SF | 30 | 4.7 |
|… |… |… |… |… |… |
By leveraging these matchup rankings, you’ll be better equipped to make informed lineup decisions and capitalize on favorable matchups. Remember to always consider multiple factors when making your decisions, and good luck in Week 7!
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