• Travon Walker needs to step up on TNF: The expectation is that Pro Bowl RT Ryan Ramczyk won't play for the Saints on Thursday due to a concussion. That means the Saints could be down to their third and fourth tackles, as Landon Young won't play either. If there was ever a game Travon Walker needed to dominate, it’s this one.
• Back the Saints: This line has moved some in the direction of the Jaguars now that Trevor Lawrence (knee) is expected to play. But with only a few days rest, it's hard to see him performing well. Take the Saints at home, as they should get the win on the short week. It's hard to imagine the Jaguars scoring a lot of points in this game with a banged-up Lawrence on the road.
• Get ahead of the game: PFF's Best Bets Tool uses PFF data to uncover the biggest edges in the betting market. Click here to see the best bets for this week.
Estimated reading time: 10 minutes
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. New Orleans Saints (-1.5)
Matchup to watch: Saints RT Cameron Erving vs. Jaguars EDGE Travon Walker
The expectation is that Pro Bowl RT Ryan Ramczyk won't play for the Saints on Thursday due to a concussion. That means the Saints could be down to their third and fourth tackles, as Landon Young won't play either. If there was ever a game Travon Walker needed to dominate, it’s this one. The former first overall pick tied a career-high in total pressures in Week 6, but this might be the biggest opportunity of his young career.
Fantasy breakout: Saints WR Chris Olave
After a two-game stretch in which he totaled just 16 yards, Olave had an excellent bounce-back performance against the Texans. He caught seven passes for 96 yards and looked like himself again. He should dominate this game with Tyson Campbell out of the lineup due to an injury. Olave should be able to post WR1 numbers in this Thursday's meeting.
Favorite bet: Saints -1.5
This line has moved some in the direction of the Jaguars now that Trevor Lawrence (knee) is expected to play. But with only a few days rest, it's hard to see him performing well. Take the Saints at home, as they should get the win on the short week. It's hard to imagine the Jaguars scoring a lot of points in this game with a banged-up Lawrence on the road.
Las Vegas Raiders (-3) vs. Chicago Bears
Matchup to watch: Bears WR D.J. Moore vs. Raiders CB Jakorian Bennett
D.J. Moore has been a fantastic addition to the Bears, but this might be a less productive week for him, given the injury to Justin Fields. Then again, he'll likely see a ton of fourth-round rookie CB Jakorian Bennett, who ranks 118th among 124 cornerbacks in PFF grade through six weeks. PFF's WR/CB Matchup Chart pegs this as an excellent matchup for Moore, and he should be able to take full advantage.
Fantasy fade: Raiders TE Michael Mayer
Mayer was among the most added players this week in fantasy football, coming off a career performance in Week 6. However, his role in the offense isn't that big, and the Bears have the linebackers and safeties to match up with him. Plus, if Jimmy Garoppolo is out of the lineup, there is even less of a reason to trust him as a starting tight end in your fantasy lineup.
Favorite bet: Over 37.5
The Raiders haven’t scored more than 19 points on offense in any game this season, and the Bears will be without Justin Fields at quarterback (thumb). However, 37.5 points is an awfully low number, and neither team is all that good on defense. Expect a few big plays and some turnovers to help this total go over on Sunday.
Cleveland Browns (-2) vs. Indianapolis Colts
Matchup to watch: Browns WR Amari Cooper vs. Colts CB JUJU BRENTS
All Amari Cooper does is produce. And it doesn't matter the quarterback or the opponent. He is a juicy matchup in Week 7, taking on second-round pick JuJu Brents. While it remains to be seen who will throw the ball to Cooper, expect him to get open early and often against the former Kansas State star. He ranks top-25 among receivers in yards per route run ahead of Week 7, while Brents ranks 88th among 124 cornerbacks in yards allowed per coverage snap.
Fantasy fade: Browns RB Kareem Hunt
Hunt had a solid fantasy performance in Week 6, totaling 71 yards and a touchdown. But he remains a pretty inefficient option for Cleveland, averaging just 3.7 yards per carry in his last 20 games. He needs to score in order to be fantasy-relevant, and that's just too hard to predict. Keep him out of your lineups this week in favor of someone with more upside.
Favorite bet: Under 39
There is still a lot of uncertainty about who will be at quarterback for the Browns. But we know who is starting for the Colts and how good Cleveland's defense has been. Expect a 20-17 type of game, with the under ultimately hitting in Indianapolis.
Buffalo Bills (-8) vs. New England Patriots
Matchup to watch: Bills LT Dion Dawkins vs. Patriots EDGE Josh Uche
Dawkins has been a fine left tackle this season, but he’ll be challenged on Sunday against one of the best speed rushers in the league. Uche hasn't been as productive as last season, but he is still challenging to deal with on passing downs and has won 16.5% of his pass-rush snaps this season, a top-20 mark among edge rushers. Look for the Patriots to use him even more this week with Matthew Judon (biceps) out of the lineup.
Fantasy breakout: Bills RB James Cook
Cook has been a pretty efficient runner with the Bills over the last two seasons, averaging 5.3 yards per carry and 3.0 yards after contact per carry. He looked excellent against the Giants in Week 6, and the Bills would be wise to lean on him in this matchup. With Damien Harris (neck) out of the lineup, expect an even bigger workload for Cook on Sunday.
Favorite bet: Over 41.5
The Patriots have one of the worst offenses in the NFL, averaging 12.0 points per game. So why take the over here? This feels like a game where the Bills can get back on track on offense. Buffalo has averaged 31.1 points per game in their last six meetings against the Patriots, and this is the worst defense they'll have faced. Look for the Bills to score 30-plus on Sunday, allowing the over to hit.
Washington Commanders (-2) vs. New York Giants
Matchup to watch: Giants RT Evan Neal vs. Commanders EDGE Montez Sweat
After a rough rookie season, the hope was that Evan Neal would make a big leap forward in Year 2. That hasn't happened at all. And in fact, his overall grade has dropped from 41.8 (2022) to 39.0 (2023). He'll be tested once again in Week 7 against the duo of Montez Sweat and Chase Young. The Giants have no choice but to play him and hope he can find a way to survive.
Fantasy fade: Commanders WR Jahan Dotson
Not only should you bench Dotson in your fantasy leagues, but it might also be time to cut him altogether. Dotson just isn't involved in the passing attack (one target in Week 6), and that doesn't appear to be changing anytime soon. Dotson has failed to surpass 40 receiving yards in any game this season and is averaging just 4.5 yards per target. He just doesn't have a role in this offense for whatever reason.
Favorite bet: Under 39.5 (-110)
This is one of the week's lowest point totals, and for good reason. The Giants have not scored an offensive touchdown in four games and could be without several starting offensive linemen once again. It's hard to imagine the Giants scoring more than 17 points on Sunday, which means the under is a fantastic bet in this NFC East battle.
Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-2.5)
Matchup to watch: Falcons WR Drake London vs. Buccaneers CB Carlton Davis III
London has been more involved in the offense over the last two weeks, totaling 203 yards on 15 catches. On Sunday, he'll be in a battle against two physical cornerbacks, Carlton Davis III and Jamel Dean. Both players have above-average size and should be able to challenge London at the line of scrimmage.
Fantasy breakout: WR Mike Evans
Evans has torched the Falcons during his NFL career, totaling 1,317 yards and 10 touchdowns in 16 games. The Falcons have a pretty good secondary, but this is a fantastic spot for Evans against a divisional opponent. Start him with confidence in Week 7.
Favorite bet: Over 38 (-110)
Both offenses are coming off performances where they scored just six points. Expect a bounce-back week from both sides, as these are two very even teams. Can each side score 20 points on Sunday? That seems pretty feasible, especially given how much both sides have struggled on defense this season.
Detroit Lions vs. Baltimore Ravens (-3)
Matchup to watch: Lions TE Sam LaPorta vs. Ravens S Kyle Hamilton
The Ravens use a lot of three-safety formations and will undoubtedly throw a bunch of different players at LaPorta on Sunday. LaPorta has the second-most targets for the Lions this season (42) and has developed into a real weapon. Controlling LaPorta will be vital if the Ravens want to slow down this high-powered offense.
Fantasy fade: Ravens RB Gus Edwards
It's tough to bench the Ravens' starting running back ahead of what should be a high-scoring game, but that might be the smart decision here. Edwards is averaging fewer than 10 carries per game over the last three weeks and has yet to see a target during that stretch. Look for the Ravens to use more of Justice Hill, who is their top receiving back.
Favorite bet: Lions moneyline
The Ravens have been outstanding on defense this season, allowing just 15.2 points per game. But they have yet to be challenged by a good quarterback (outside of a rookie C.J. Stroud making his first NFL start), and this could be a poor matchup for them. With the Ravens returning from a game in London, look for the Lions to pull off the road upset in Week 7.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Los Angeles Rams (-3)
Matchup to watch: Rams LT Alaric Jackson vs. Steelers Alex Highsmith
The Rams have a very leaky offensive line, especially on the left side. Jackson has graded out as the No. 63 tackle in the NFL (out of 76) and will see a ton of Highsmith on Sunday. This matchup greatly favors Pittsburgh, as Highsmith is having the best season of his young career.
Fantasy fade: Rams RB Zach Evans
Evans was a trendy pickup this week, with Kyren Williams and Ronnie Rivers dealing with injuries. Pittsburgh has done an excellent job against running backs not named Christian McCaffrey this season. Look for Pittsburgh to be ultra-aggressive in stopping the run on Sunday, forcing the Rams into long down and distances.
Favorite bet: Steelers +3
The Steelers know to keep games close, especially when they are road underdogs. No coach has been more profitable as an underdog than Mike Tomlin. Look for the pass rush to get after Matthew Stafford and for the Steelers to win outright in Los Angeles.
Arizona Cardinals vs. Seattle Seahawks (-8)
Matchup to watch: Seahawks WR D.K. Metcalf vs. Cardinals CB Marco Wilson
Metcalf is coming off a highly inefficient game in Week 6, catching just four passes on 10 targets for 69 yards. But he has a juicy matchup this week, with both outside cornerbacks for the Cardinals struggling. This should be a big game for Watson and an excellent chance for the offense of the Seahawks to get back on track.
Fantasy breakout: QB Geno Smith
Smith hasn't been the same since suffering the ankle injury on Monday Night Football against the Giants (Week 4). He threw two interceptions against the Bengals and didn't look confident. But this is an excellent spot for him in Week 7, with the Cardinals allowing 27.0 points per game. Look for Smith to throw multiple touchdowns and for 250-plus yards.
Favorite bet: Seahawks -7.5
The Cardinals were highly competitive in the first three games of the season. But now they have lost three straight games by two or more touchdowns. Teams are starting to catch on to their defensive scheme, as they've allowed 95 points over the last three weeks. Take the Seahawks at home to win and cover in Week 7.
Green Bay Packers (-1.5) vs. Denver Broncos
Matchup to watch: Broncos RT Mike McGlinchey vs. Packers EDGE Rashan Gary
The Broncos made McGlinchey one of the highest-paid right tackles in the NFL this offseason, but he’s had some trouble adjusting in Denver. He’ll have a tough assignment in Week 7, with Rashan Gary starting to get back to form. The Broncos tackle has earned just a 57.2 pass-blocking grade this season, while the Packers edge rusher boasts an 85.0 pass-rush grade.
Fantasy breakout: Packers WR Christian Watson
Watson has played just two games this season, totaling 116 yards on five receptions. He started to look like himself in Week 5 and should be fully healed from his hamstring injury. He'll likely see a ton of Damarri Mathis on Sunday, who has graded out as PFF’s No. 123rd cornerback (out of 124). This is a smash spot for Watson in Week 7.
Favorite bet: Under 45 (-110)
Both of these offenses are struggling in a major way, and it’s hard to imagine either scores 24-plus points on Sunday. While Denver’s defense could allow some points, take the under here and bet on both offenses to continue to falter.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Kansas City Chiefs (-5.5)
Matchup to watch: Chiefs RT Jawaan Taylor vs. Chargers EDGE Khalil Mack
Through six games, Taylor is the fifth-lowest graded tackle in the NFL (42.9) and has drawn the most penalties. This week, he’ll be challenged once again by Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa. Mack has seven sacks in his last two games and will move around the formation. Patrick Mahomes doesn’t take a lot of sacks, but this could be a game where he is under pressure all afternoon.
Fantasy breakout: Chiefs WR Rashee Rice
Every week, Rice's role in the offense seemingly grows. In Week 6, he caught all four targets for a career-high 72 yards. He might be the most explosive and reliable weapon not named Travis Kelce in the passing attack. And he should have a big mismatch on Sunday against the Chargers, who just lost their slot cornerback (Ja’Sir Taylor) for the year due to an ACL injury.
Favorite bet: Chiefs -5.5
It's been a while since the Chiefs have played a really good game, but this is a golden opportunity for them in Week 7. They are coming off 10 days of rest, while the Chargers will have just six days to prepare for this game after playing on Monday Night Football. The defense for the Chiefs should keep Justin Herbert in check, which should lead to the Chiefs winning and covering.
Miami Dolphins vs. Philadelphia Eagles (-2)
Matchup to watch: Dolphins C Liam Eichenberg vs. Eagles DT Jalen Carter
Due to the injury of Connor Williams, former second-round pick Liam Eichenberg has started at center the past few weeks. He has struggled there, grading as the NFL's worst center (31.8). Up next is Jalen Carter, the highest-graded defensive tackle in the NFL after six games. He's questionable to play with an ankle injury this week, but expect him to try to play in this juicy matchup.
Fantasy breakout: Eagles WR DeVonta Smith
Smith has been held in check the last few weeks and is coming off a really poor performance against the Jets. But don’t expect the former Heisman Trophy winner to stay down for too long. Both of the starting outside cornerbacks for the Dolphins are struggling, and this should be a good week for Smith to get back on track.
Favorite bet: Under 52
The expectation (and the hope) is that a ton of points will be scored in this game. But don’t count out the defenses having strong performances. The defensive line of the Eagles should dominate on Sunday, which could limit the number of big plays down the field for the Dolphins.
San Francisco 49ers (-7) vs. Minnesota Vikings
Matchup to watch: Vikings RT Brian O’Neill vs. 49ers EDGE Nick Bosa
It took a while for him to get there, but Bosa is right back to being the highest-graded EDGE rusher in all football (93.4). But he'll have his hardest matchup of the season this week, facing O'Neill at right tackle. O'Neill is the highest-graded run blocker in the NFL, while Bosa is the No. 3 graded run defender. This should be a fantastic battle all game long.
Fantasy fade: Vikings T.J. Hockenson
Hockenson is one of the most productive tight ends in fantasy football. But if you can bench him for another viable option this week, that may be a wise decision. The 49ers don't allow anything to the tight ends, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Vikings use Hockenson more as a blocker this week to help protect Kirk Cousins from the pass rush.
Favorite bet: Over 44 (-110)
The 49ers finally had a bad game on offense. But that game occurred on the road against the NFL's best defense. Expect them to bounce back and score 30-plus points again, which we are accustomed to seeing from the Brock Purdy-led 49ers.
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