Midway through the NFL season, and it's prime time to shake things up in your fantasy football leagues—trading is no longer just an option, it's essential. Whether you're riding high with a perfect or near-perfect record, or scrambling from the bottom, this is your moment to act. For top teams, chase those future stars like Puka Nacua and Emeka Egbuka, snagging them from managers who might be too scared to gamble. And to those struggling squads—don't tune into NBA games or binge-watch Netflix just yet. You need immediate wins to turn things around, even if it means parting with your prized players. Trust me, holding onto them won't get you into the playoffs; it'll just leave you watching from the sidelines as others celebrate.

Diving into Week 7, we're packed with intriguing insights, sleeper picks, and those tough start-or-sit dilemmas. And just for fun, since we're talking about hits, I'll be spinning some classic tunes—pulling out the old CDs for the ultimate one-hit wonders of the 1990s.

CheckTheLink-age

Week 7 Waiver Wire (https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6714491/2025/10/14/fantasy-football-waiver-wire-week-7-kendrick-bourne-bam-knight-streamers-and-more/)
Week 7 SOS Ranks (coming soon)
Fantasy 101 (weather, start/sit, trading, more) (https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2885970/2023/09/22/jake-cielys-fantasy-football-strategy-guide-to-weather-trades-roster-management/)
🎙️All In Speed Run Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-in-fantasy-tales-of-the-ranks/id1761485888) 🎙️

WEEK 7 FANTASY FOOTBALL INSIGHTS

Quarterbacks

Over the last few weeks, Jaxson Dart has topped all quarterbacks in the league for designed rushing attempts as a percentage of plays, hitting 11.4%. Only Justin Fields sits higher at 11.7% for the full season so far. Dart also reigns supreme in rushing yards with 167, which would rank seventh even across the entire year. Sure, it's a challenging opposition, but the potential payoff is there amid the risks.

Caleb Williams sees his touchdown efficiency soar—from a lowly 2.2 TD per attempt (27th in the league) under pressure to a solid 7.1 (8th) when the pocket stays clean. That's encouraging news, especially against the Saints, who apply pressure just 31.1% of the time, ranking as the sixth-easiest team for quarterbacks in that department.

Out of Jalen Hurts' 150 rushing yards this season, a whopping 102 came under duress. And speaking of pressure, the Broncos lead the pack with 46.3%—even edging out the Vikings' 43.7%—so Hurts might have to rely on his legs more than usual.

Running Backs

A trio of teams—Miami, Chicago, and Buffalo—sit in the top five for both yards before contact (YBC, the space gained before defenders wrap up) and yards after contact (YAC, the extra distance pushed through tackles) allowed to running backs. Alvin Kamara has only cracked 45 rushing yards twice this season, and facing the Bears could open doors for Kendre Miller as well. Quinshon Judkins had a hot streak of 94, 82, and 110 yards over three games before a letdown against Pittsburgh; the Dolphins might just be the bounce-back spot, with Cleveland's offense primed to feed the ground game 38 times.

Another outing for Tyjae Spears means more touches slipping away from Tony Pollard. Plus, New England's defense is the sole unit in the top 10 for toughest YBC and YAC combos.

Despite a rough patch versus Chicago, Jacory Croskey-Merritt holds third in yards per touch (6.1) and yards per carry (5.7). The Cowboys offer the best adjusted points allowed (APA, a metric factoring in scoring efficiency against running backs) at 29.4.

Rico Dowdle set records in a two-game blitz, but if Chuba Hubbard returns, I'd slot both as RB2-level players—slightly upgraded versions of Seattle's dynamic duo. It's not about raw talent; I just prefer the Panthers' game plan and their heavy emphasis on rushing.

Bam Knight got just one touch before Emari Demercado's injury, then 11 afterward, including seven to Michael Carter. If Demercado suits up, Carter's the only Cardinal back to bank on. If he's out, the workload could split evenly or favor Knight... especially after last week's misleading start rumors. But here's where it gets controversial—how reliable are these backfield reports anyway? Could this be a sign of instability that fantasy managers need to watch closely?

Wide Receivers

Jameson Williams has been a tease, but let's hunt for optimism. His team's target share jumps 13.3% when Jared Goff faces pressure (from 26.8% to 13.5%), the fourth-largest gap league-wide. Tampa Bay applies pressure at the sixth-highest clip (41.5%), which could boost Williams' role. On the flip side, Amon-Ra St. Brown gets a massive 17.8% bump when the pocket's stable (second-best in football).

Speaking of clean pockets, DK Metcalf enjoys the fifth-biggest lift (14.6%), climbing from 11.5% to 26.2% targets. Cincinnati, meanwhile, ranks fifth-lowest for pressure at 29.3%, so Metcalf might shine.

DJ Moore isn't currently in the rankings. If he's cleared to play, he'd slot as a WR3, pushing Luther Burden down to WR5.

If Tutu Atwell is active, he could serve as a solid deep-threat gamble. With Jordan Whittington sliding to third or second option (now that Puka Nacua's out), Jacksonville allows the second-highest percentage of passes over 20 yards. Atwell averages 19.7 air yards per target, making him a potential game-changer.

Even if Darius Slayton comes back, steer clear against Denver—Patrick Surtain rarely defends the slot, where Wan'Dale Robinson will likely operate most.

If Quentin Johnston returns, he'll be more unpredictable than at the start of the year. Ladd McConkey's resurgence is part of it, but Indianapolis uses more Cover-1 and Cover-2 schemes than most, and Johnston's style clashes in those, netting just 119 yards and a touchdown versus 258 and three in other coverages.

Christian Watson might return and is start-worthy. If he's out and Dontayvion Wicks is sidelined, Matthew Golden could enter the Top 35.

Kendrick Bourne has been a pleasant surprise. But if Brock Purdy, Ricky Pearsall, and George Kittle all return, Bourne drops to a WR4 with upside—though targets might be scarce. Without Purdy, he gains traction; if Purdy's out and either Pearsall or Kittle misses, Bourne could crack the Top 25.

We're assuming Marvin Harrison is sidelined due to concussion, but if he plays, he'd be a borderline WR2 despite the tough defense.

Calvin Ridley's also presumed out. If he suits up, he'd join the WR3 tier, relegating Elic Ayomanor to WR4/5.

As noted in waivers, if Mike Evans plays, he's and Cade Otton are the only receivers I'd consider. With Evans out, Kameron Johnson is the safest bet, Sterling Shepard adds stability, and Tez Johnson brings boom-or-bust potential.

Tight Ends

Harold Fannin racked up 4 catches for 3 yards and 40 total with David Njoku off the field in Week 6, leading Cleveland's tight ends (though that's not saying much). If Njoku misses time, Fannin's a Top 10 option.

Cade Otton topped Tampa Bay in targets (6) and receptions (5), trailing only Kameron Johnson in yards (64 to 51). Minus Emeka Egbuka, Otton has TE1 potential.

If you're tempted to gamble on Tommy Tremble against New York, beware. It's a decent risk if Ja'Tavion Sanders sits, but forget it if Sanders plays—18 of Tremble's 20 targets and 14 of 16 catches came without Sanders on the field.

FUN WITH RANKS

I planned to list the 'Top One-Hit Wonders from the 90s and 2000s,' but after listing 15 from the 90s, I realized we'd need multiple posts! So, here's my Top 30 one-hit wonders from the '90s—I'm sure I'm missing a couple. Enjoy, debate my choices, #CheckTheLinks to listen, and share yours!

And remember, being a one-hit wonder means that single mainstream hit—no matter how much you or I love their other songs or an album. Think Peyton Hillis. So, let's keep it fun!

Top One-Hit Wonders from the '90s

1. House of Pain: 'Jump Around' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhzpxjuwZy0) — I'd love to catch a Wisconsin football game just for halftime (I still remember 90% of the words)
2. Sir Mix-a-Lot: 'Baby Got Back' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X53ZSxkQ3Ho&list=RDX53ZSxkQ3Ho&start_radio=1)
3. Tag Team: 'Whoomp! There It Is' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffCEr327W44&list=RDffCEr327W44&start_radio=1) — I'm both ashamed and proud I knew every lyric
4. Semisonic: 'Closing Time' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGytDsqkQY8&list=RDxGytDsqkQY8&start_radio=1) — I recall a 'Best Of' album with 10 songs that were basically 'Closing Time' remixes. My friends and I always got excited when it played after work one summer.
5. Chumbawamba: 'Tubthumping' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2H5uWRjFsGc&list=RD2H5uWRjFsGc&start_radio=1) — Perfect for karaoke, as I mentioned in my earlier list
6. Vanilla Ice: 'Ice Ice Baby' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rog8ou-ZepE&list=RDrog8ou-ZepE&start_radio=1)
7. Eagle-Eye Cherry: 'Save Tonight' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIGMUAMevH0&list=RDNIGMUAMevH0&start_radio=1) — And that's his real name!
8. The Toadies: 'Possum Kingdom' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkwD5rQ-d4&list=RDEkwD5rQ-d4&start_radio=1) — I played it endlessly on Rock Band
9. Nine Days: 'Absolutely (Story of a Girl)' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIANBamMgas) — See? I told you I'd miss some, and this deserves Top 10
10. The Mighty Mighty Bosstones: 'The Impression That I Get' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIGMUAMevH0&list=RDNIGMUAMevH0&start_radio=1)
11. Hum: 'Stars' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMEB4HNNZ2I&list=RDgMEB4HNNZ2I&start_radio=1)
12. Quad City DJs: 'C’mon ‘N Ride It' (https://youtu.be/cPz16LHTtpo?si=GPSMvxPAAinXlCTC) — Thanks to Space Jam, not the NFL's overuse.
13. Lou Bega: 'Mambo No. 5' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKLN3XEcnw&list=RDEKLN3XEcnw&start_radio=1) — I aced a trivia question on which female name wasn't in the song (or just lucky)
14. Blind Melon: 'No Rain' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qVPNONdF58&list=RD3qVPNONdF58&start_radio=1) — They seem like a '60s or '70s band
15. Snow: 'Informer' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSffzbl6zo&list=RDTSffzbl6zo&start_radio=1) — Even with lyrics, who gets them? 'Informer, you no say daddy me Snow me I go blame'
16. Sixpence None the Richer: 'Kiss Me' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jnq9wPDoDKg&list=RDJnq9wPDoDKg&start_radio=1)
17. The Verve: 'Bitter Sweet Symphony' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lyu1KKwC74&list=RD1lyu1KKwC74&start_radio=1)
18. New Radicals: 'You Get What You Give' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DL7-CKirWZE&list=RDDL7-CKirWZE&start_radio=1)
19. Len: 'Steal My Sunshine' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1fzJAYajA&list=RDE1fzJAYajA&start_radio=1)
20. Harvey Danger: 'Flagpole Sitta' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYsMjEeEg4g&list=RDwYsMjEeEg4g&start_radio=1) — 'I'm not sick, but I'm not well'
21. Hanson: 'MMMBop' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHozn0YXAeE&list=RDNHozn0YXAeE&start_radio=1) — Admit it, you left it on the radio and pretended to be too lazy to change
22. The Proclaimers: 'I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbNlMtqrYS0&list=RDtbNlMtqrYS0&start_radio=1) — Their mouths are enormous!
23. Haddaway: 'What Is Love' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEXWRTEbj1I&list=RDHEXWRTEbj1I&start_radio=1) — Did you do the 'Night at the Roxbury' head bob?
24. Jennifer Paige: 'Crush' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIhSnaqou0I&list=RDEIhSnaqou0I&start_radio=1) — If you're like me, you thought it was by a bigger star
25. Tal Bachman: 'She’s So High' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElORM9O-0U&list=RDElORM9O-0U&start_radio=1)
26. Duncan Sheik: 'Barely Breathing' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-oh-tP6RvA&list=RDA-oh-tP6RvA&start_radio=1)
27. OMC: 'How Bizarre' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2cMG33mWVY&list=RDC2cMG33mWVY&start_radio=1) — Looks like The Rock crossed with Elvis
28. Del Amitri: 'Roll to Me' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSEnw-WZjA&list=RDBSEnw-WZjA&start_radio=1) — I think they sing 'Right time, wrong me'
29. Dishwalla: 'Counting Blue Cars' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Clxtg2pFTQM&list=RDClxtg2pFTQM&start_radio=1) — You might remember it as 'Tell me all your thoughts on God'
30. Los Del Rio: 'Macarena' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWaymcVmJ-A&list=RDzWaymcVmJ-A&start_radio=1) — Instant dance reaction

Technicality — Everlast: 'What It’s Like' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qA1nGPM9yHA&list=RDqA1nGPM9yHA&start_radio=1) — From House of Pain, so a two-hit wonder—otherwise Top 20

Honorable Mention — White Town: 'Your Woman' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVL-zZnD3VU&list=RDlVL-zZnD3VU&start_radio=1) — You know the beat, but not the words or title. Weirdly catchy.

Because Nicole insisted — Rednex: 'Cotton Eye Joe' (https://youtu.be/mOYZaiDZ7BM)

All In Speed Run Pod

WEEK 7 FANTASY FOOTBALL RANKINGS

🚨 HEADS UP 🚨

No flawless tool exists yet. If you're on mobile, try viewing on a PC or laptop, or open in your phone's browser (Android users, two-finger scroll works). ECR means 'Expert Consensus Ranking'—updates aren't always consistent, so take it lightly. Rankings update frequently, so check before lineups lock.

WEEK 7 FANTASY FOOTBALL PROJECTIONS

🚨 HEADS UP 🚨 Projections may vary from rankings; mine prioritize starting order without extras like 'prioritize high-risk upside.' Assumes 4-point TDs for QBs, 6-point others, Half-PPR.

Download Link Added Thursday

Oct 15, 2025

Connections: Sports Edition

Spot the pattern. Connect the terms

Find the hidden link between sports terms

But here's where it gets controversial—do you think relying on projections over rankings is smarter, or does it overcomplicate things for casual players? And this is the part most people miss: with so many variables like injuries and matchups, how much faith can we really put in these lists? What about you—do you prioritize sleepers like Jameson Williams or stick to safer plays? Share your thoughts, agree or disagree, and let's debate in the comments!