From game-time decisions to injuries so significant they affect the value of every single position, let's break down the Fantasy and DFS impact of injuries for every Week 7 matchup. Know when to pivot and how your fantasy roster will be affected.
Below, you'll find a game-by-game look at the injuries you need to know that will have the biggest impact for Fantasy leagues, as well as the implications for DFS players. This week's list of notable names includes quarterbacks Russell Wilson, Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones; running backs Damien Harris, J.K. Dobbins, and Saquon Barkley; receivers Keenan Allen, Rashod Bateman, Ja'Marr Chase and Jaylen Waddle; tight ends Mark Andrews and Darren Waller; and many others, including key offensive line and defensive injuries to know.
Notable injuries
- OT Jack Conklin (ankle) - Cleared
- OG Wyatt Teller (calf) - Out
- DE Myles Garrett (shoulder, biceps) - Cleared
- DE Jadeveon Clowney (ankle) - Questionable
- CB Denzel Ward (concussion) - Out
- RB J.K. Dobbins (knee) - Out
- RB Justice Hill (hamstring) - Cleared
- RB Gus Edwards (knee-ACL) - TBD
- WR Rashod Bateman (foot) - Questionable
- TE Mark Andrews (knee) - Questionable
- LB Justin Houston (groin) - Questionable
- CB Marcus Peters (quadriceps) - Questionable
- DE Calais Campbell (foot) - Cleared
With Dobbins officially out, Kenyan Drake is set to lead the Ravens backfield again, but he will have competition. Justice Hill should return to action this week, and Hill was operating as the RB2 before suffering an injury. Despite the competition, Drake remains a flex against against a Cleveland team that's allowed the third most fantasy points to running backs. Fantasy managers will need to monitor status for Bateman and Andrews throughout the weekend. If both players are out, Devin Duvernay would be a low-end flex option against a Browns defense dealing with key injuries.
DFS impact
Drake is an interesting option in GPP at only $5,100 on DraftKings. He's a bit risky with Justice Hill returning to action but has a positive matchup. Dobbins' absence could also increase upside for Lamar Jackson, who will likely carry a significant load on the ground. Jackson is the highest-priced quarterback on the main slate. While Duvernay is a low-volume receiver, at only $4,500 on DraftKings he is a strong value play if both Bateman and Andrews are out. Key defensive injuries for the Ravens increase upside for Jacoby Brissett, Amari Cooper and Donovan Peoples-Jones.
Notable injuries
- WR Julio Jones (knee) - Out
- TE Cameron Brate (concussion) - Out
- OG Shaq Mason (ankle) - Questionable
- DE Akiem Hicks (foot) - Out
- CB Carlton Davis (hip) - Questionable
- QB Baker Mayfield (ankle) - Doubtful
- QB Sam Darnold (ankle) - TBD
- WR Laviska Shenault (hamstring) - Questionable
- OT Taylor Moton (knee) - Questionable
- C Pat Elflein (hip) - Questionable
- LB Frankie Luvu (shoulder) - Questionable
- CB Jaycee Horn (ribs) - Questionable
With Mayfield unlikely to play, P.J. Walker is set to start Week 7 for the Panthers. Walker struggled in Week 6, completing only 10 of 16 passes for 60 yards. The Panthers will also be without Christian McCaffrey, who was traded to the 49ers. All offensive players will likely struggle against a typically strong Tampa Bay defense.
For the Bucs, Brate suffered another concussion, making Cade Otton as low-end streaming option at tight end.
DFS impact
The Panthers' backfield will be lead by D'Onta Foreman and Chuba Hubbard. Foreman is minimum price on DraftKings and was successful in the absence of Derrick Henry in Tennessee last year. Foreman is a risky low-priced option. The Panthers have significant injuries to their secondary, making all Tampa Bay offensive players high-upside options despite underwhelming performances in Week 6. The Panthers have been strong against tight ends this season but Otton is a low-priced punt option at tight end. In Week 5 with Brate out, Otton had six receptions on seven targets for 43 yards.
Notable injuries
- CB A.J. Terrell (thigh) - Cleared
- WR Ja'Marr Chase (hip) - Cleared
- WR Tee Higgins (ankle) - Cleared
- TE Hayden Hurst (groin) - Cleared
- OG Alex Cappa (illness) - Cleared
- DT Josh Tupou (calf) - Out
- LB Logan Wilson (shoulder) - Out
The most significant injury in this matchup is Ja'Marr Chase, who logged multiple limited practices this week. Chase practiced in full on Friday and is cleared to play, as is Tee Higgins after back-to-back full practices.
Despite defensive injuries for the Bengals, Falcons offensive players should be avoided if possible.
DFS Impact
With all offensive weapons healthy for the Bengals, Joe Burrow is an excellent DFS option against an a Falcons defense that has allowed the eight most fantasy points to tight ends and sixth most to receivers. Chase is the second-most expensive receiver on the main slate but Higgins is low priced for his value at $6,400.
Notable injuries
Lions
- RB D'Andre Swift (shoulder, ankle) - Questionable
- WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle) - Cleared
- WR Josh Reynolds (knee) - Questionable
- WR D.J. Chark (ankle) - Out
- C Frank Ragnow (foot) - Cleared
- QB Dak Prescott (thumb) - Cleared
- WR CeeDee Lamb (hip) - Cleared
- TE Dalton Schultz (knee) - Cleared
Fantasy managers will have to wait for more news on Swift, who is still questionable for Week 7. In games where Swift has played more than 50% of snaps, he's scored upwards of 15 Fantasy points in PPR. He's a must-start if active. If inactive, Jamaal Williams is a flex option. Reynolds, a low-end flex option, is questionable as well. Fantasy managers may be weary of playing Lions offensive players against a strong Dallas defense. But Amon-Ra St. Brown will likely dominate targets and Detroit will likely push pass volume to keep up with Dallas.
For Dallas, all injured players are cleared and Dak Prescott is returning to action. Fantasy managers might be concerned about playing Prescott in his first game back from injury. But Detroit is bottom 10 in Fantasy points allowed at all positions. All Dallas players should start.
DFS Impact
With Prescott and Lamb cleared, they are strong options in DFS -- particularly Lamb, who is priced at only $6,800 on DraftKings. Detroit players are difficult to trust against Dallas but Amon-Ra St. Brown could be utilized as a contrarian option. Reynolds has been a fantastic value play over the past three games, with a minimum of 15 fantasy points in each game.
Notable injuries
- RB Saquon Barkley (shoulder) - Cleared
- WR Kadarius Toney (hamstring) - Out
- WR Kenny Golladay (knee) - Out
- OT Andrew Thomas (elbow) - Cleared
- C Jon Feliciano (groin) - Questionable
- LB Azeez Ojulari (calf) - Out
- WR Jamal Agnew (knee) - Out
- WR Marvin Jones (hamstring) - Questionable
- NT DaVon Hamilton (foot) - Questionable
- OLB Foye Oluokun (calf) - Questionable
- CB Shaquill Griffin (back) - Out
The Giants injury situation is very similar to last week. However, Fantasy managers should have increased confidence in the emergence of Wan'Dale Robinson as a potential flex option in deep leagues. Barkley is cleared and should start in all formats.
For the Jags, the absence of Agnew should have little impact on the offense but Fantasy managers should monitor news around Marvin Jones. If Marvin Jones is out, it increases value for Zay Jones, who can be a low-end flex option in deep leagues.
DFS impact
Although expensive, Barkley continues to be a strong DFS option. Robinson is an excellent value play at only $4,500 on DraftKings. While Zay Jones is a flex option in season-long leagues, he lacks upside in DFS despite low pricing.
Notable injuries
- RB Jonathan Taylor (ankle) - Cleared
- RB Nyheim Hines (concussion) - Cleared
- DE Kwity Paye (ankle) - Out
- LB Shaquille Leonard (concussion) - Out
Titans
- FB Tory Carter (neck) - Out
- OG Nate Davis (knee) - Out
- ILB Zach Cunningham (elbow) - Out
The big news in this game is that Jonathan Taylor is cleared to play. Taylor struggled prior to his Week 5 injury, but Fantasy managers should feel comfortable with Taylor as their RB1. Hines has been cleared from his concussion and should return to passing-down work.
DFS Impact
Despite being sidelined for two weeks and production struggles, Taylor is priced within $300 of the top running back option on DraftKings. In a difficult matchup with a relatively healthy Titans defense, Taylor is not an ideal option. Although Taylor is returning to action, Matt Ryan and Colts receivers are interesting options against a Titans defense that has struggled to stop the pass -- perhaps benefitting Hines, who is priced at $5,300.
Notable injuries
- WR Sammy Watkins (hamstring) - TBD
- WR Randall Cobb (ankle) - Out
- WR Christian Watson (hamstring) - Out
- OG Elgton Jenkins (knee) - Cleared
- OT David Bakhtiari (knee) - Cleared
Commanders
- QB Carson Wentz (finger) - Out
- WR Dyami Brown (groin) - Out
- WR Jahan Dotson (hamstring) - Questionable
- TE Logan Thomas (calf) - Out
Sammy Watkins is returned to practice this week but his status is still unknown. While Watkins is not a Fantasy option, his absence combined with the absence of Cobb makes Romeo Doubs a potential flex option. If Watkins is out, Doubs is a low-end flex play. However, the wide receiver injuries also boost value for Aaron Jones and Robert Tonyan, who is coming off a double-digit reception game.
With Carson Wentz out, Taylor Heinicke is set to start after being the primary starter for Washington in 2021. Offensive philosophy should remain unchanged. Washington pass catchers remain unreliable options as the Commanders will likely focus on the run.
DFS impact
Options for both the Packers and Commanders are unappealing in what should be a low-scoring game focused on the ground. Doubs could be a value play at only $5,000 on DraftKings but there are several lower-priced options with higher upside.
Notable injuries
- WR Elijah Moore (personal) - Out
- WR Braxton Berrios (back) - Cleared
- OT Duane Brown (shoulder) - Cleared
- OLB Quincy Williams (ankle) - Cleared
- QB Russell Wilson (hamstring) - Out
- NT D.J. Jones (ankle) - Questionable
- OG Quinn Meinerz (foot) - Questionable
- DE DeShawn Williams (back) - Questionable
- DE Dre'Mont Jones (neck) - TBD
- DB Damarri Mathis (knee) - Cleared
- NB K'Waun Williams (wrist) - Cleared
Elijah Moore, who will miss Sunday's game after requesting a trade, has had little Fantasy impact this season. In a better matchup, his absence could be significant. But against a tough Denver secondary, Garrett Wilson and Corey Davis are still risky options.
For Denver, Russell Wilson is out and Brett Rypien will start. Wilson's absence will likely decrease output for Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy. Both receivers should be downgraded to flex options as Rypien has only one career start. The Broncos will likely rely on the run, although the lead back is still a touchy situation. Head coach Nathaniel Hackett said Melvin Gordon will start but the split between all three active backs is unclear, making Broncos running backs risky options.
DFS impact
Despite the absence of Moore, Jets receivers are not DFS options. Similarly, Broncos receivers should be avoided completely due to lack of upside. As a whole, it's tough to play any offensive players from these games. This matchup is better suited for potential DST options.
Notable injuries
Texans
- DE Jonathan Greenard (calf) - Out
Raiders
- WR Hunter Renfrow (hip) - Questionable
- WR Mack Hollins (heel) - Questionable
- TE Darren Waller (hamstring) - Out
- TE Foster Moreau (knee) - Cleared
Both Renfrow and Hollins should be monitor throughout the weekend. Renfrow is a low-end flex option if he plays, but if he's out and Hollins is active, Hollins becomes a low-end flex option. It's rare that Fantasy managers can replace tight end production with a backup tight end but Moreau has been a solid Fantasy option in games without Waller. Moreau is a streaming option in deep leagues.
DFS impact
Houston has been a difficult matchup for wide receivers, primarily because the Texans give up the most fantasy points in the league to running backs, so teams can simply rely on their ground game against Houston. With two receivers questionable and Waller out, this likely increases upside for Josh Jacobs, who is only $6,500 on DraftKings. Moreau will likely be a popular play priced at only $2,800 on DraftKings.
Notable injuries
- WR Tyler Lockett (hamstring) - Questionable
- WR Penny Hart (hamstring) - Doubtful
- OG Gabe Jackson (knee) - Doubtful
- WR Keenan Allen (hamstring) - Questionable
- WR Joshua Palmer (concussion) - Out
- TE Gerald Everett (illness) - Cleared
- TE Donald Parham (concussion) - Out
- RB Joshua Kelley (knee) - Out
- C Corey Linsley (illness) - Cleared
- OT Trey Pipkins (knee) - Cleared
- DT Sebastian Joseph-Day (ankle) - Questionable
- K Dustin Hopkins (quads) - Out
Lockett is questionable heading into the weekend, but he did not practice at all this week so Fantasy managers should prepare for another option. There is no ideal pivot within the Seattle receiving corps, but a Lockett absence likely increases value for Kenneth Walker.
The Chargers' injury list is extremely long but uncomplicated. Gerald Everett is a continued start in all formats. Fantasy managers must monitor Keenan Allen again. With the afternoon start time, it's very simple. If Allen is cleared before the 1 p.m. games, you can start him as a flex option. If Allen is a game-time decision, Fantasy managers should pivot to another option from another game.
DFS impact
Both the Seahawks and Chargers defenses struggle on the ground. With the receiving corps suffering from injuries, Austin Ekeler and Kenneth Walker are high upside plays. Walker will likely be a popular option at only $5,800 on DraftKings. I would avoid any low-priced value receivers for either team.
Notable injuries
- OG Joe Thuney (ankle) - Questionable
- DB Rashad Fenton (hamstring) - Out
- OT Trent Williams (ankle) - Cleared
- DE Nick Bosa (groin) - Cleared
- DT Arik Armstead (foot) - Out
- DE Samson Ebukam (Achilles) - Cleared
- SS Talanoa Hufanga (concussion) - Questionable
- CB Jimmie Ward (hand) - Cleared
- CB Charvarius Ward (groin) - Questionable
Offensively, both teams are relatively healthy. One key area to note is the availability for new 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey. Fantasy managers will need to monitor his availability throughout the weekend. If active, Fantasy managers should start McCaffrey, even on limitations.
San Francisco is dealing with a number of injuries on defense with Armstead out but Bosa, Ebukam and Jimmie Ward cleared. Status of others will need to be monitored throughout the weekend.
DFS impact
The only significant DFS impact is Christian McCaffrey's availability. McCaffrey is healthy. But switching to a new team and having a major impact within days of arrival is difficult. McCaffrey could be limited which would make him a risky DFS option as the highest-priced running back on the slate.
Notable injuries
- QB Kenny Pickett (concussion) - Cleared
- TE Pat Freiermuth (concussion) - Cleared
- CB Levi Wallace (concussion) - Cleared
- FS Minkah Fitzpatrick (knee) - Cleared
- QB Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) - Cleared
- QB Skylar Thompson (thumb) - Questionable
- WR Jaylen Waddle (shoulder) - Questionable
- TE Durham Smythe (hamstring) - Questionable
- OT Greg Little (Achilles) - Questionable
- OT Terron Armstead (toe) - Questionable
- DE Christian Wilkins (hand) - Questionable
- DE Emmanuel Ogbah (back) - Questionable
- ILB Jerome Baker (hip) - Cleared
All injured Steelers have been cleared. Significant injuries to Dolphins defensive players could help Najee Harris.
The Dolphins need to be monitored through the weekend. Although Pittsburgh defense stepped up in Week 6 against Tampa Bay, they are still bottom 12 in points given up to quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers. If Waddle is active, Fantasy managers should start him with Tua Tagovailoa back in action.
DFS impact
Although healthy, Steelers are untrustworthy options in DFS. Tyreek Hill increases in value significantly if Waddle is out. A Tua-Hill stack could be a high upside play.
Notable injuries
Bears
- None
- QB Mac Jones (ankle) - TBD
- RB Damien Harris (hamstring) - TBD
- WR Nelson Agholor (hamstring) - TBD
- WR Kendrick Bourne (toe) - TBD
- TE Jonnu Smith (ankle) - TBD
- OT Isaiah Wynn (shoulder) - TBD
- DT Christian Barmore (knee) - TBD
- CB Jonathan Jones (ankle) - TBD
Injury status for the Monday night game should be monitored throughout the weekend. Game-time status is still unknown for many of the Patriots. Mac Jones vs Bailey Zappe has a major effect on pass catchers. Hunter Henry has thrived with Zappe at quarterback and targets have been spread more evenly throughout the receiving corps. The potential return of Damien Harris would affect Rhamondre Stevenson. But against a struggling Bears defense, Stevenson could still finish as a top-24 back, even with the return of Harris.
