Week 7 NFL DFS Picks, Predictions & Top Matchups For Main Slate

October 16, 2024

October 16, 2024

Seattle Seahawks QB Geno Smith throws against the San Francisco 49ers during an NFL football game. Seahawks QB Geno Smith is a top NFL DFS Pick for Week 7 Sunday main slate on PrizePicks. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

NFL Week 7 is loaded with exciting matchups. Only two teams will be on a bye, which gives us plenty of options for NFL DFS. Among the headline matchups are the 49ers hosting the Chiefs and the Lions taking on the undefeated Vikings.

Let’s add even more excitement to Week 7 by highlighting some of the top picks and projections to target on PrizePicks. Below, we’ll get into the Week 7 injuries to watch, top matchups, and picks and predictions for the Sunday main slate.

NFL Week 7 Picks for DFS & PrizePicks

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Week 7 NFL Injury Report

49ers RB Jordan Mason (Shoulder): Day-To-Day

49ers RB Jordan Mason has stepped up in the absence of RB Christian McCaffrey (Achilles). Mason suffered an injury of his own last week with an AC joint sprain in his left shoulder forcing him out against the Seahawks. 

He is listed as day-to-day heading into the 49ers’ marquee matchup with the Chiefs — a rematch of last year’s Super Bowl. 49ers RB Isaac Guerendo turned 10 carries into 99 yards against the Seahawks, so expect to see a lot of him again if Mason can’t play.

Bills RB James Cook (Toe) Could Return

Bills RB James Cook was a limited participant in Saturday’s practice, but ultimately sat out Monday Night Football against the Jets. Bills RB Ray Davis shined in his absence, turning 20 carries into 97 yards and adding 55 receiving yards. 

If Cook is out again, Davis should assume a lead role. He’s probably also earned more touches even when Cook is back. However, initial reports have been positive for Cook as Bills head coach Sean McDermott said he is optimistic that Cook will take the field in Week 7.

Dolphins RB De’Von Achane Could Return From Concussion

Dolphins RB De’Von Achane suffered a concussion in Week 5 against the Patriots. The Dolphins had a bye in Week 6, which came at an opportune time. He wore a red non-contact jersey in practice Monday, but it was good news to at least see him on the field. If he can’t play in Week 7, Dolphins RB Raheem Mostert is more than capable of filling in for him.

Steelers QB Russell Wilson (calf) “in line” to Start

In a surprising move, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Wilson is “in consideration” to start in Week 7, despite QB Justin Fields leading the team to a 4-2 start. Tomlin did clarify that he hasn’t confirmed who will start against the Jets. 

Wilson was active in Week 6 as an emergency backup, but it was assumed that Fields would continue to start for the Steelers. It’s a situation to monitor this week. 

Rams WR Cooper Kupp (Ankle) Improving

Rams WR Cooper Kupp has missed three straight games, but is trending in the right direction. Rams head coach Sean McVay said that Kupp could even retake the field as soon as Week 7 against the Raiders. The same positive news can’t be shared for Rams WR Puka Nacua (knee), who is expected to be out until at least Week 8.

Other NFL Week 7 Injuries for DFS

  •  Titans RB Tyjae Spears (hamstring) is considered as week-to-week, meaning he will likely sit out this week against the Bills. He missed practice on Wednesday. His absence should lead to a hefty workload for Titans RB Tony Pollard, who has rushed for 82 yards in three of his five games this season. Pollard is averaging 21 touches per game over the last two weeks. 
  • Browns RB Jerome Ford (hamstring) has been tabbed as week-to-week by the Browns, and he did not practice on Wednesday. Browns RBs D’Onta Foreman and Pierre Strong split carries when Ford went down against the Eagles, but Browns RB Nick Chubb (knee) is also trending towards making his return for Week 7. He should be eased back into things, so all three running backs could receive work against the Bengals, leading to a lack of any substantial fantasy football production.
  • Colts QB Anthony Richardson (oblique) is expected to start against the Dolphins after sitting out the last two weeks. There hasn’t yet been the same positive news for Colts RB Jonathan Taylor (ankle), who has missed back-to-back games. Colts RB Trey Sermon has been unable to take advantage of added work, turning 28 carries into 67 yards and one touchdown over the last two weeks.
  • Giants WR Malik Nabers has missed two-straight games while trying to clear the concussion protocol, but he’s on track to play in Week 7. That’d likely mean less looks for WR Darius Slayton and — to a lesser extent — slot WR Wan’Dale Robinson. Giants RB Devin Singletary (groin) has joined him on the sidelines the last two games. When Nabers is finally healthy, he will jump right back into a leading role. The same might not be the case for Singletary with Giants RB Tyrone Tracey Jr. posting 179 rushing yards and 58 receiving yards over the last two games.
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NFL Week 7 Pass Defenses to Target

Panthers Defense vs. Commanders

The Panthers continue to be torched on defense, especially through the air. They have the third-highest pass expected points added (EPA) per play (0.25), per 4for4 Fantasy Football. Their 13.22% explosive pass percentage is also the seventh-highest mark. This is a great spot for a Commanders team that is already averaging 29.7 points per game.

PrizePicks to consider: QB Jayden Daniels 243.5 Pass Yards / WR Terry McLaurin 66.5 Receiving Yards

Commanders Defense vs. Panthers

As good as the Commanders have been on offense, their defense has not played well against the pass. Their explosive pass rate allowed of 13.48% is the sixth-highest mark in the league. The Commanders defense is also 28th in dropback EPA (.222) and 31st in success rate (51.7%). Given how bad the Panthers have been on defense, they should be forced to throw a lot to try and keep pace, potentially leaving their passing attack with some gaudy numbers.

PrizePicks to consider: QB Andy Dalton 247.5 Pass Yards / WR Diontae Johnson 68.5 Receiving Yards

NFL Week 7 Run Defenses to Target

Packers Defense vs. Texans

The Packers are 4-2 and have one of the most explosive offenses in the league with QB Jordan Love back under center. However, their defense still has plenty of holes. 

They have struggled to defend the run, allowing the sixth-highest explosive rush percentage (11.02%) in the league, per 4for4. Texans RB Joe Mixon returned from a three-week absence because of an ankle injury to run for 102 yards and a touchdown against the Patriots on Sunday. He has appeared in three games this season, surpassing 100 rushing yards in two of them.

PrizePicks to consider: Texans RB Joe Mixon 63.5 Rush Yards

Raiders Defense vs. Rams

The season has spiraled out of control quickly for the Raiders, who just traded WR Davante Adams to the Jets on Monday. Now they face the difficult task of taking on a Rams team that is fresh off their bye week. 

The Rams strength is running the ball behind Rams RB Kyren Williams. That’s trouble for the Raiders, who have allowed the ninth-highest explosive rush percentage (10.26%) and have the fifth-highest rush EPA per play (0.02) in the league, per 4for4.

PrizePicks to consider: Kyren Williams 90.5 Rush Yards

Week 7 NFL DFS Picks for PrizePicks

Commanders QB Jayden Daniels 1.5 Pass TDs — More

After failing to record a touchdown pass in his first two starts, Commanders QB Jayden Daniels has six passing touchdowns over his last four games. He has brought an explosive element to the Commanders’ passing attack, completing 19 passes of at least 20 yards and averaging 8.5 yards per pass attempt. 

The Panthers are tied for the second-most passing touchdowns allowed (12) in the league, leaving Daniels with a favorable opportunity to post his third game with multiple touchdown passes.

Seahawks QB Geno Smith 262.5 Pass Yards — More

The Seahawks tend to throw the ball a lot, as they lead the league in pass play percentage at 68.4%. That has resulted in Seahawks QB Geno Smith attempting at least 40 passes in a game four times. Coming into this matchup with the Falcons, Smith has recorded five straight games with at least 284 passing yards. 

Both the Falcons and the Seahawks are averaging at least 24.3 points per game, so the potential pass-happy game script here would work in Smith’s favor.

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Best TD Scorer Pick: Eagles RB Saquon Barkley 0.5 Rush+Rec TDs — MORE (Goblin)

This is a big game for Eagles RB Saquon Barkley, facing his former team in the Giants. Despite him being the best offensive player on their team during his time there, the Giants’ front office didn’t seem to have any interest in bringing Barkley back after he became a free agent. Barkley has played well since joining the Eagles, including posting five total touchdowns. 

The Eagles tend to look his way when they get in close, leaving Barkley to total 18 red zone rushing attempts over five games.

Goblin Pick: Packers QB Jordan Love 1.5 Pass TDs — More

Packers QB Jordan Love threw four touchdown passes against the Cardinals in Week 6, marking his second game of the season with four touchdown passes. He has thrown at least two touchdown passes in all four games that he has played in. 

Week 7 brings a matchup against the Texans, who are tied for the second-most passing touchdowns allowed (12) in the league. Love should thrive in what sets up as a pass-happy shootout. 

Note: Goblin picks reduce your payout on PrizePicks, as they are easier projections to hit.

Build Your Week 7 NFL DFS Lineup on PrizePicks

Week 7 brings a packed schedule that is filled with mouth-watering matchups across the NFL. It may just be our most exciting NFL DFS Sunday yet. There is no better way to get in on the fun than by building a team on PrizePicks for the Sunday main slate.

There are no salary constraints, so pick two or more projections for your favorite players, finalize your lineup, sit back, and enjoy the games.

Follow Mike Barner for more NFL picks: @rotomikebarner

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