NFL Week 7 fantasy football, betting cheat sheet: Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed out for Saints

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Welcome to the Week 7 NFL fantasy and betting cheat sheet, a one-stop-shop for The Athletic’s game previews, injury and weather updates, and expert analysis. Bookmark this page and check back often, as we offer regular updates Thursday through Sunday to assist with fantasy lineups and betting decisions.

The latest NFL news and headlines

Last updated: 12:45 p.m. ET, Oct. 17

Injury news | Weather report
Featured games | Week 7 best bets
Survivor pool strategy | Fantasy football player rankings

Injury news

Updated through Thursday, Noon ET

The New Orleans Saints are short at the wide receiver position coming into Week 7. Chris Olave remains in concussion protocol, and Rashid Shaheed is undergoing meniscus surgery. In her “Brain Games” column, Renne Miller thinks WR Bub Means has a chance to step up this week in their absence. Quarterback Derek Carr is doubtful again, giving Spencer Rattler another opportunity to prove himself. And as if they needed more injuries to contend with, TE Taysom Hill is also questionable for this week’s game.

Arizona Cardinals WR Marvin Harrison Jr. is questionable for Week 7 due to a concussion. If he can’t go, look for WRs Michael Wilson, Greg Dortch, and TE Trey McBride to share targets.

Wide receiver Mack Hollins, RB James Cook, and TE Dalton Kincaid are all questionable for the Buffalo Bills. Newly acquired WR Amari Cooper could see high volume in his first game with his new team.

Carolina Panthers WR1 Diontae Johnson is questionable with an ankle injury. If he can’t play, WR Xavier Legette will surely see more usage.

The Cleveland Browns backfield remains banged up coming into Week 7. Jerome Ford and D’Onta Foreman are questionable. The only healthy RB on the depth chart is Pierre Strong Jr. While Nick Chubb is set to return from the knee injury that ended his 2023 season, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said there’s no set number of touches planned for the running back.

After an easy win over the Cardinals in Week 6, the Green Bay Packers saw WRs Christan Watson, Dontayvion Wicks, and Jayden Reed hit the injury report, all with questionable tags. Also on the list is TE Tucker Kraft, who would be a significant loss considering Luke Musgrave is on IR.

Houston Texans RB Joe Mixon remains questionable after returning to action in Week 6. The team traded away Cam Akers to the Vikings earlier this week. If Mixon doesn’t play, Dameon Pierce has a chance to take over the backfield against Green Bay.

Once again, the Indianapolis Colts have a lot of players on the injury report, but QB Anthony Richardson isn’t one of them. Instead, RBs Trey Sermon and Jonathan Taylor and WRs Josh Downs and Michael Pittman Jr. lead the pack of skill position players who sat out the Colts’ Wednesday practice. If Sermon and Taylor are out, Tyler Goodson — who is running efficiently, averaging 5.9 yards per carry — will lead the backfield.

Jacksonville Jaguars TE Evan Engram, who had a massive game last week with over 100 yards receiving, is questionable again heading into this week. If he plays, every manager should start him. Running back Travis Etienne Jr. is also on the injury report for the Jags, giving RB Tank Bigsby the opportunity for a big Week 7 game.

RB Zamir White is questionable again for the Las Vegas Raiders, and if he doesn’t play, Alexander Mattison is a decent flex option. Wide receiver Jakobi Meyers is also questionable for the Raiders, so the receiver room could be a big question mark after trading Davante Adams to the New York Jets.

Los Angeles Chargers WR Quentin Johnston while elsewhere in L.A., the Rams have WR Cooper Kupp listed as questionable.

Miami Dolphins star RB De’Von Achane remains in concussion protocol, opening up more work for Raheem Mostert and Jaylen Wright against a weak Indianapolis run defense.

TE T.J. Hockenson has returned to practice for the Vikings but remains limited. RB Aaron Jones is listed as questionable and newly acquired RB Cam Akers and Ty Chandler should share carries if Jones is out.

Once again, RB Rhamondre Stevenson is questionable for the New England Patriots as they try to beat Jacksonville in London.

For the New York Giants, WR Malik Nabers was a limited participant in practice Wednesday and is questionable for a big NFC East matchup against the Eagles. Also questionable are WRs Darius Slayton and Wan’Dale Robinson, along with RB Devin Singletary. Without Singletary, Tyrone Tracy Jr. takes the lead-back role.

While QB Aaron Rodgers and new Jets WR Davante Adams are officially listed as questionable, both are expected to play. Tight end Tyler Conklin‘s availability is more in doubt, as he is questionable for the Adams-Rodgers reunion in Pittsburgh. The Steelers may be without RB Najee Harris when they host the Jets on Sunday night.

Backup and 2024 phenom Jordan Mason is questionable coming into Week 7, but Isaac Guerendo has looked good in his place. Also questionable for the 49ers are WRs Deebo Samuel and Jauan Jennings.

Bucky Irving could have another big week for Tampa Bay if Rachaad White goes from questionable to out this week. If White plays, Irving will still see carries, as he’s played well in White’s absence.

The Titans may be without QB Will Levis in Week 7, not that it matters much as Levis has been atrocious this year behind center. Without Levis, Mason Rudolph becomes “the man” for Tennessee. Running back Tyjae Spears is also listed as questionable for the Titans.

Finally, RB Brian Robinson Jr. of the Washington Commanders has a questionable tag again this week. If he can’t play Sunday afternoon, Austin Ekeler will handle the balance of the work.

Weather report

Outdoor games only

The weather hasn’t been a major factor this season, and it shouldn’t have much impact in Week 7, either.

According to Rotowire, the only Week 7 matchup forecast to be affected by rain is between the New England Patriots and the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium in London. As of Thursday, there is a 71 percent chance of rain, and the projected game-time temperature sits at a mild 59 degrees.

Patriots vs. Jaguars (in London), Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET (Rain possible)

Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence hasn’t fared too poorly in the rain, averaging a passer rating of 91, a completion rate of 64 percent, and 231 passing yards. In those conditions, he also has three passing touchdowns, one rushing touchdown, and two interceptions. Without rain, his career averages are similar.

Don’t shy away from playing Evan Engram, who had a monster game in Week 6 (32 routes, 10 targets, 10 receptions, 102 yards). Also, look to Travis Etienne Jr. (if he plays) and Tank Bigsby to get high usage if the rain hits.

Patriots rookie QB Drake Maye will make his second start of the year. In his debut Week 6, Maye showed chemistry with Demario Douglas, who ran a wildly high 40 routes and finished with six receptions and 92 yards on nine targets. Douglas could make for a decent flex option.

Wondering what the weather impact is on fantasy production? Jake Ciely has you covered like a poncho in rainy season.

Featured games

Check out our Week 7 previews here. Game-specific previews are available on the day of the game.

• Venue: Caesars Superdome — New Orleans, LA
• Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
• TV: Prime Video
• Streaming: Fubo (try for free)

Two rookie quarterbacks go head-to-head when the Broncos take on the Saints in Week 7. Saints QB Spencer Rattler was handed a loss in his NFL debut, but New Orleans’ defense did him no favors, and he lost WR Chris Olave to a concussion early in the game. The Saints D should fare better against QB Bo Nix and a Denver team ranked 25th in points scored per game with 18.7.

Without Olave and Rashid Shaheed (meniscus surgery), the Saints’ offensive weapons are limited. Look for Alvin Kamara to carry a heavy load and tight ends Juwan Johnson and Foster Moreau to see additional targets, along with receivers Bub Means, Mason Tipton and Cedrick Wilson Jr. — three players not found on many fantasy rosters.

For the Broncos, WR Courtland Sutton has eclipsed 10 fantasy points in three of the last four games, making for a fine flex option.

Sunday afternoon

Kansas City Chiefs (5-0) vs. San Francisco 49ers (3-3)

• Venue: Levi’s Stadium — Santa Clara, CA
• Time: 4:25 p.m. ET
• TV: FOX
• Streaming: Fubo (try for free)

Unlike the Thursday night game, the matchup between the Chiefs and Niners includes plenty of prime fantasy performers. But temper expectations for big points as the Chiefs rank ninth in opponent yards per game, and the 49ers rank 11th.

If Niners RB Jordan Mason can’t go, look for rookie and fourth-round draft pick Isaac Guerendo to have a big game. Deebo Samuel comes into this matchup with a great floor and ceiling. He’s only scored below 10 fantasy points once and had 20.7 PPR points in Week 6. George Kittle has been on a tear lately and led the team in both routes (29) and targets (6) last week.

The Chiefs, one of two undefeated teams in the NFL, may have extra motivation as underdogs against a 3-3 San Francisco team. But Kansas City is and has been dealing with injuries. Rashee Rice, Isiah Pacheco, and Hollywood Brown are all on injured reserve. That leaves Xavier Worthy and Juju Smith-Schuster as the top receivers on the field, and neither are true WR1s. Before the Chiefs’ bye in Week 5, Kareem Hunt took over as lead rusher with 102 yards on 27 carries.

Sunday Night Football

New York Jets (2-4) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2)

• Venue: Acrisure Stadium — Pittsburgh, PA
• Time: 8:20 p.m. ET
• TV: NBC
• Streaming: Peacock, Fubo (try for free)

Pittsburgh is hosting an Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams reunion, and everyone except Robert Saleh is invited. Will Adams fix all the Jets’ problems? No, but he gives Rodgers a true WR1 and Garrett Wilson more room in coverage. The Jets are solid on the ground with a burgeoning running back tandem in Breece Hall and Braelon Allen but Pittsburgh’s defense ranks fourth against the run, so yards won’t come easy.

The Steelers are considering starting veteran QB Russell Wilson over the young, dynamic quarterback Justin Fields, who has been winning and playing well. Maybe Mike Tomlin and company see something I don’t. Regardless, George Pickens is the only Pittsburgh receiver I’m comfortable starting this week.

Full preview coming Sunday.

Monday Night Football

Baltimore Ravens (4-2) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2)

• Venue: Raymond James Stadium — Tampa, FL
• Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
• TV: ESPN, ABC
• Streaming: ESPN+, Fubo (try for free)

Two high-powered offenses face off when MVP candidate Lamar Jackson visits Tampa Bay for the first of two Monday night games.

For the Buccaneers, WR Chris Godwin has been unstoppable this season, ranking fourth in the league in fantasy points per game. With Bucky Irving playing well and Sean Tucker’s big Week 6, the Bucs backfield could become crowded if Rachaad White returns from injury.

For the Ravens, RB Derrick Henry has turned back time and currently leads the league in rushing yards with 704, averaging 5.9 yards per carry. Zay Flowers has been productive the past two weeks, putting up 19 fantasy points in Week 5 and 22.4 in Week 6.

Full preview coming Monday.

Los Angeles Chargers (3-2) vs. Arizona Cardinals (2-4)

• Venue: State Farm Stadium — Glenside, AZ
• Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
• TV: ESPN+
• Streaming: Fubo (try for free)

The Chargers and QB Justin Herbert head to Arizona, where QB Kyler Murray looks to bounce back after a tough loss to Green Bay in Week 6. Murray is a volatile fantasy player who can win or lose a week for fantasy managers. Still, I’d rather have him over many of the pocket passers in the league because he creates a decent floor with his legs in most games. Herbert, who is massively talented, is just not fantasy viable under Jim Harbaugh’s run-heavy offense. On that note, Chargers receivers are difficult plays week-to-week, too. However, J.K. Dobbins is a great RB option this week against a Cardinals defense ranked 29th in rushing yards allowed per game.

Cardinals RB James Conner had a down week against Green Bay with only 46 net yards and goes against a tough Chargers run defense in Week 7.

Full preview coming Monday.

Week 7 best bets

Austin Mock scours his weekly projections to spot the top values on the board.

Bet picked Thursday: Seattle Seahawks +3 (-110) at Atlanta Falcons

The Seahawks have played a brutal schedule the last few weeks, and I think the market is a little low on them this week. Sure, the front seven of Seattle has been banged up — hopefully we get some good news there — but are we sure Atlanta is deserving a laying a field goal here? Atlanta cannot generate pressure which bodes well for this Seahawks offense. This is a typical buy-low on the Seahawks and sell-high on the Falcons because of the last few weeks. — Mock

• Worst price to bet: Seahawks +3 (-110)

See all of Mock’s best bets for Week 7.

Survivor pool strategy

A weekly guide to staying alive from Renee Miller and Adam Gretz. Odds from BetMGM as of Thursday.

The two teams with the best odds and highest likelihood of winning are the Buffalo Bills and the Washington Commanders. Josh Allen and the Bills face Will Levis and the Tennessee Titans. Enough said. Levis has a 70.7 passer rating on the season, one of the lowest in the league, and last week, he didn’t even eclipse 100 passing yards. The Bills added Amari Cooper ahead of Week 7, giving Allen just what he needs to elevate his already elite gameplay this season.

Coming off a hard-fought game against the Baltimore Ravens, the Commanders host the Carolina Panthers in Week 7. Commanders QB Jayden Daniels still leads the league in completion percentage and continues a strong campaign for the Rookie of the Year award. Jackson outplayed Daniels in Week 6, but not by much. That doesn’t bode well for Andy Dalton and the Panthers — a team with only one win and at the bottom of the NFC South.

Get this week’s top survivor pool tip.

Jake Ciely’s Week 7 fantasy football player rankings

Your top QB, RB, WR and TE for the week?

Lamar Jackson, Saquon Barkley, Justin Jefferson and Travis Kelce.

Get Ciely’s full Week 7 rankings. Plus sleepers and projections