Fantasy Football Week 7: Boom and Bust Players

Welcome to Week 7 Boom and Bust analysis, brought to you by the Fantasy Sports Advice Network! We’re here to help you dominate your matchups by identifying key players poised for breakout performances and those you should avoid. As the fantasy season heats up, managing injuries and bye weeks becomes crucial, so let’s dive in with expert picks from our team.

💥 Booms: Players to Start with Confidence

1. Matthew Stafford (QB, Rams)

• Matchup: vs. Las Vegas Raiders
• Why He’ll Boom: Stafford is coming off a bye, which gives him extra time to rest and potentially reunite with Cooper Kupp. The Raiders' defense has struggled, and with Maxx Crosby nursing an ankle injury, Stafford is poised for a productive day. He’s a great option in DFS and a viable starter for those needing a QB boost.
• Pro Tip: If Crosby is ruled out, Stafford's ceiling goes even higher!

2. Ladd McConkey (WR, Chargers)

• Matchup: at Arizona Cardinals
• Why He’ll Boom: Arizona’s defense has been vulnerable to wide receivers, and McConkey has built solid chemistry with Justin Herbert. With 6-7 targets per game, McConkey is becoming a PPR gem. Despite the Chargers’ run-heavy approach, they’ll need to air it out to keep up with the Cardinals.
• Pro Tip: Available in 25% of leagues on Sleeper. Grab him if you need a bye-week fill-in!

3. Tank Bigsby (RB, Jaguars)

• Matchup: vs. Indianapolis Colts
• Why He’ll Boom: With Travis Etienne dealing with a hamstring injury, Bigsby could see a significant workload. Jacksonville may build an early lead, giving Bigsby plenty of opportunities to rack up points. This is his chance to shine!
• Pro Tip: Bigsby is a must-start if Etienne sits. Even if Etienne plays, expect a capped workload, making Bigsby a sneaky DFS option.

💣 Busts: Players to Bench or Avoid

1. Brock Purdy (QB, 49ers)

• Matchup: vs. Kansas City Chiefs
• Why He’ll Bust: Kansas City’s defense has been one of the best in the league, and Purdy has struggled with consistency, even against weaker defenses. With uncertainty around pass-catchers like Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk, it's best to bench Purdy if you have other QB options.
• Pro Tip: Consider streaming Matthew Stafford this week if Purdy is your starter!

2. Najee Harris (RB, Steelers)

• Matchup: at New York Jets
• Why He’ll Bust: Harris’s strong Week 6 performance came against a porous Raiders defense, but the Jets present a tougher challenge. With Jaylen Warren getting healthier and eating into Harris’s workload, Harris could struggle.
• Pro Tip: Expect Pittsburgh to rely more on the passing game, which favors Warren over Harris.

3. Josh Jacobs (RB, Packers)

• Matchup: at Houston Texans
• Why He’ll Bust: Houston’s defense has been tough on opposing running backs. Game script may force Green Bay to lean on the passing game, limiting Jacobs’s upside.
• Pro Tip: If you’re banking on Jacobs, temper your expectations. Consider other options if available.

🔥 Bonus Pick: David Njoku (TE, Browns)

• Why He’ll Boom: After the trade of Amari Cooper to the Bills, Njoku steps in as the top receiving option for the Browns. Even with Deshaun Watson’s struggles, Njoku’s target share should increase. A top-5 finish among tight ends isn’t out of the question.
• Pro Tip: If you need help at tight end, Njoku is worth starting, even with a challenging matchup.

Wrap-Up

Week 7 is shaping up to be full of surprises, with injuries and trades shaking up lineups. Whether you’re aiming for a playoff push or fighting to stay afloat, these boom and bust recommendations can help you navigate the chaos.

For more insights, join us at fantasysportsadvice.com—your one-stop fantasy football community! Why waste time in Discord servers or Reddit threads when you can get real-time advice and support, 24/7?

Good luck this week, and may all your booms hit big! 🎯