NFL Week 7 Bangs & Busts

Week 7 brings another great slate of football. Loaded with statement games, divisional battles, and plenty of fantasy fireworks waiting to happen. By now, teams are showing who they really are, and the best fantasy players are the ones who adjust fastest. Let’s dive into this week’s Bangs & Busts and find the edges that separate smart managers from the pack.

Quarterback

BANG: Baker Mayfield @ Lions
Projection: 19.2 pts (QB9)
Baker Mayfield has been playing MVP-caliber football through six weeks. Willing this Buccaneers team to wins they have no business in, even as his receiver room’s been held together by tape and toughness. He’s playing decisive, confident football and attacking defenses off play action. The Lions’ secondary has been one of the league’s biggest liabilities, and this game projects as a back-and-forth shootout indoors. Expect Baker to keep the heater going and outplay his projection.

BUST: C.J. Stroud @ Seahawks
Projection: 17.7 pts (QB14)
Seattle’s defense has quietly become one of the league’s best at disguising coverages and limiting explosive plays. Stroud’s poise is never in question, but Houston’s offense hasn’t been able to find consistent rhythm against elite secondaries. With Seattle generating pressure without blitzing, expect a long day for the Texans’ offense and a modest fantasy line for Stroud.

Running Back

BANG: Quinshon Judkins vs Dolphins
Projection: 15.7 pts (RB14)
Judkins continues to look more comfortable every week in Cleveland’s backfield, showing burst, balance, and vision. Miami’s defense has been soft on the edges, and with extreme winds expected in this matchup, the Browns will have every reason to keep the ball on the ground. Judkins should see heavy volume, 20+ touches are on the table and if he finds the end zone, he’ll crush this projection.

BUST: Jordan Mason vs Eagles
Projection: 14.1 pts (RB22)
Mason has taken over the Vikings’ early-down work, but this is as bad a matchup as he could draw. Philadelphia’s defensive front is elite, giving up minimal yards after contact and blowing up interior runs. The Vikings’ offense has struggled to stay on schedule, and if they fall behind, Mason’s role disappears quickly. It’s a tough spot to trust him in any format.

Wide Receiver

BANG: Ladd McConkey vs Colts
Projection: 14.0 pts (WR26)
McConkey’s precision as a route runner is already paying off, and Justin Herbert’s trust in him grows weekly. The Colts’ secondary has been carved up by motion and crossers, exactly where McConkey thrives. Expect a high-efficiency game with 8+ targets and a legitimate chance to post his first 100-yard performance.

BUST: Michael Pittman Jr. @ Chargers
Projection: 12.8 pts (WR29)
Pittman’s target volume remains strong, but his efficiency has plummeted in tighter coverage. The Chargers’ corners are playing physical football and forcing contested catches on every snap. With this offense likely needing to spread the ball around to stay competitive, Pittman’s ceiling is capped and his projection feels too optimistic.

Tight End

BANG: Mason Taylor vs Panthers
Projection: 9.4 pts (TE14)
The Jets’ rookie tight end has quickly become a focal point in the passing game and with Garrett Wilson doubtful, his volume should spike. Justin Fields has leaned on Taylor in the middle of the field, and Carolina’s linebackers have been torched by tight ends all season. Look for Taylor to be heavily involved as the Jets attack the short game; he’s a legitimate breakout candidate this week.

BUST: Evan Engram vs Giants
Projection: 9.3 pts (TE13)
Engram faces a familiar opponent in the Giants, but the matchup doesn’t favor him. New York’s safeties have clamped down on seam routes and limited tight ends to minimal yards after the catch. Denver’s offense has been inconsistent through the air, and Engram’s usage near the goal line hasn’t made up for it. Expect another quiet week.

Defense / Special Teams

BANG: Patriots D/ST @ Titans
Projection: 6.6 pts (DST8)
This one has layers. New England’s head coach Mike Vrabel gets his revenge game against the team that fired him and he’ll have his defense ready. On the other sideline, Tennessee is in complete flux after parting ways with their coach. That kind of instability rarely produces clean football. Expect an ugly offensive showing from the Titans and a big day for the Patriots’ pass rush.

BUST: Falcons D/ST @ 49ers
Projection: 6.5 pts (DST10)
Atlanta has been disciplined defensively, but San Francisco’s motion and misdirection schemes eat zone looks alive. The Falcons don’t generate consistent pressure, and Mac Jones has looked solid backing up Purdy. This seems like a trap game against an efficient Niners offense.

Kicker

BANG: Harrison Butker vs Raiders
Projection: 8.7 pts (K4)
Butker’s reliability keeps him locked into elite kicker territory. Kansas City’s offense should have no problem moving the ball against a shaky Raiders defense, and when drives stall just outside the red zone, Butker cashes. Another double-digit outing is well within reach.

BUST: Joey Slye vs Patriots
Projection: 7.0 pts (K15)
The Titans’ offense is trending the wrong way, and Slye’s scoring chances are shrinking along with it. With New England likely controlling tempo and limiting red-zone trips, Slye’s volume projects near the bottom of the slate. Low floor, limited ceiling.