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Fantasy Football: OL/DL matchups to target and avoid in Week 7

East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Kenyan Drake (17) runs with the ball against New York Giants cornerback Fabian Moreau (37) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

  • QB controversy in New England: Bailey Zappe’s eye-popping production from a clean pocket should have fantasy managers hoping Mac Jones sits at least another week.
  • Value in some backups with bigger expected roles: Kenyan Drake and Atlanta’s running backs could create above expectations in Week 7.
  • Bucs-Panthers may not be as lopsided as it seems: What does that mean for Leonard Fournette against a solid defensive line against the run?
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

With bye weeks and injuries playing a major part in fantasy managers’ lineup decisions, there will be more of a focus on some of the deeper fantasy options to help with these key decisions this week.

NOTE: Click here to see this week’s entire offensive line/defensive line matchup tool.

OFFENSIVE LINE MATCHUPS TO TARGET

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS VS. CHICAGO BEARS

The Patriots’ offensive line ranks top 10 in pass-blocking grade (70.7) this season and has allowed just a 21.6% pressure rate, which is among the lowest rates in the league. The Bears defensive line have struggled to rush the passer, ranking last in the league in pass-rush grade (56.1) and pass-rush win rate (30.9%). 

TOP PLAYER(S) TO TARGET

QB Bailey ZappeIt’s still unclear whether or not Mac Jones will be back and starting this week, but if not, Zappe should be worth a look in deeper leagues or as a DFS play. He currently owns the sixth-highest passing grade (min. 50 dropbacks) when kept clean this season (85.5). Zappe also ranks first in completion percentage (81.8%) and adjusted completion percentage (87.3%) among quarterbacks with at least 50 dropbacks. He ranks first in quarterback rating (123.7) and second in passing yards per attempt (9.7) from a clean pocket. Operating behind one of the best offensive lines in the league should have fantasy managers hoping Jones sits for at least another week.

WR Jakobi MeyersMeyers leads the team in targets (31) and receiving yards (321), and 81% of those targets have come from a clean pocket, accounting for 91% of his total receiving yards. Meyers ranks sixth among receivers in receiving grade from a clean pocket (82.6) with nine explosive plays (tied for ninth) and is sixth in yards per route run (3.32).

ATLANTA FALCONS @ CINCINNATI BENGALS

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