Quarterbacks to Start
Matthew Stafford (LAR)
Despite injuries to his receiving corps, Matthew Stafford is a solid quarterback option. He has finished as a QB1 in two of his last three games and currently ranks as the QB15 in fantasy points per game. Stafford has been highly effective this season, ranking sixth in yards per attempt, third in passing touchdowns, and second in hero throw rate among qualifying passers. He faces a Jacksonville defense that leads the NFL in interceptions but has also allowed the tenth-most passing touchdowns. While a top-tier QB1 finish might be out of reach, Stafford is positioned to deliver a strong performance.
C.J. Stroud (HOU)
C.J. Stroud’s only QB1 finish this season came in a dominant performance against Baltimore before the bye week. While he has not finished higher than QB15 in any other contest, his underlying metrics are solid, including ranking 13th in yards per attempt and 14th in highly accurate throw rate. This week presents a favorable opportunity against a Seattle pass defense that has allowed the sixth-most passing yards per game and tenth-most passing touchdowns. Stroud is in a prime position to post quality QB2 numbers.
Jordan Love (GB)
Currently the QB13 in fantasy points per game, Jordan Love has been efficient despite Green Bay’s low-volume passing attack. He ranks an impressive third in yards per attempt and fifth in passer rating but sits at only 25th in total dropbacks. This week, he faces a vulnerable pass defense that has allowed the seventh-most passing yards per game and ranks ninth-highest in success rate allowed per dropback. The favorable matchup gives Love a clear path to flirt with QB1 production.
Caleb Williams (CHI)
Caleb Williams has translated favorable matchups and his rushing ability into strong fantasy production, ranking as the QB8 in points per game with three top-ten weekly finishes. His real-life performance has been less consistent, as he ranks near the bottom of the league in accuracy and catchable target rate. However, fantasy managers can capitalize on another soft matchup this week against a New Orleans defense that has struggled mightily, allowing the second-most passing touchdowns and the fourth-highest completion percentage over expectation (CPOE). Williams is a strong QB1 start.
Justin Fields (NYJ)
Justin Fields has been a boom-or-bust fantasy asset this season, with two games under five fantasy points but three games scoring over 25. His value is anchored by his rushing prowess, averaging 47 yards and 7.6 attempts per game. This week, with receiver Garrett Wilson sidelined, Fields will rely heavily on his legs against Carolina. The Panthers’ defense ranks last in the NFL in pressure rate, which should afford Fields the clean pockets he has rarely seen this season, making a productive fantasy day highly possible.
Quarterbacks to Sit
Jaxson Dart (NYG)
Since Week 4, Jaxson Dart has performed as the QB10, largely due to his rushing, averaging 55.7 yards on the ground per game. His passing metrics, however, remain poor, including a 37th-place ranking in yards per attempt. This week, he faces an elite Denver pass defense that ranks first in pressure rate and has allowed the second-fewest passing touchdowns. Given that Dart has faced the fourth-highest pressure rate this season, this matchup projects to be a difficult one, limiting him to QB2 consideration.
Trevor Lawrence (JAC)
As the QB21 in fantasy points per game, Trevor Lawrence has been a disappointment, with only two QB1 finishes. His Week 5 rushing performance was an outlier, and his passing efficiency has been subpar, ranking 29th in yards per attempt and 28th in fantasy points per dropback. He now faces a formidable Rams defense that has held opposing quarterbacks to the seventh-lowest yards per attempt and CPOE. Expect mid-range QB2 numbers at best from Lawrence in Week 7.
Tua Tagovailoa (MIA)
Tua Tagovailoa has just one QB1 performance this season and ranks as the QB24 in fantasy points per game. Functioning primarily as a game manager with a low average depth of target (6.7 yards), he has failed to consistently produce for fantasy managers. While his accuracy metrics are solid, he ranks just 27th in yards per attempt. He faces a middling pass defense this week, but another low-end QB2 performance is the most likely outcome.
Deep Sleeper Quarterback
Sam Darnold (SEA)
Sam Darnold has been surprisingly effective recently, posting three QB1 finishes in his last four games. His efficiency has been elite, as he ranks first in the NFL in yards per attempt, third in passer rating, and third in hero throw rate. Although he faces a stout Houston pass defense that has allowed the lowest passer rating in the league, Darnold’s high level of play makes him a viable QB2 with upside.
Risky Starts
Bo Nix (DEN)
Bo Nix has struggled this season, ranking as the QB19 with poor efficiency across the board, including 30th in yards per attempt and 31st in highly accurate throw rate. The matchup this week does him no favors, as he faces a rejuvenated Giants pass defense. Since Week 4, New York has allowed the seventh-lowest passer rating while generating the tenth-best pressure rate. Denver will likely lean on its ground game, making Nix a player to fade.
Daniel Jones (IND)
Daniel Jones is enjoying a renaissance season, performing as the QB9 in fantasy points per game thanks to impressive passing improvements. He ranks fifth in yards per attempt and third in highly accurate throw rate. However, he faces an exceptionally difficult matchup against the Chargers, who have allowed the third-fewest yards per attempt and the second-lowest success rate per dropback to opposing passers. With Indianapolis likely to rely on its running game, Jones faces a tough path to fantasy success this week.
