RB

Start6

He’s getting the short-yardage and goal-line chances and has been more active than Walker, so start him this week if you need a running back who can score. But most of his points come from those close-in touchdowns, so bench him if you have safer options or if Walker starts getting more snaps — watch injury and snap updates. Want 6 more details?

Moderate consensus from highly credible sources. Overall confidence 50% in 6 sources updated about 2 months ago

Synthesis: Multiple reputable analysts (Yahoo, Regression Files/Denny Carter, CBS/Eisenberg) indicate Charbonnet is trending toward the primary goal-line/touchdown option and has been more available than Kenneth Walker III — giving him a higher floor for TD-dependent production. Contrasting views (FantasyHeadliners, RotoBaller) flag inefficiency and an unsettled Seattle timeshare, and FantasyPros even recommends dropping him in favor of more reliably playable backups. Weighing the majority expert lean and the concrete usage evidence (goal-line role, recent TDs, availability advantage), the best single play is to START Charbonnet as a flex/TD-dependent RB in the short term while the role holds, but with caution: he is touchdown-dependent and has limited ceiling in a split backfield. If you have higher-floor RBs or better waiver options, bench him — and if Kenneth Walker’s availability/usage increases, downgrade to sit. Monitor snap share, goal-line carries, and injury updates closely.

10/15 Sit (100%) Timeshare looks to be tilting toward Charbonnet, but work is still split and both he and Walker are touchdown-dependent; article advises avoiding the Seattle backfield if possible until clarity emerges.
10/15 Start (100%) Committed as Seattle’s primary goal-line/touchdown option; while overall upside is limited, he has the highest likelihood of TDs in that backfield while the role holds.
10/15 Sit Statistically inefficient and part of Seattle’s inconsistent backfield usage — not a reliable start currently.
10/15 Drop Host recommended dropping Charbonnet in favor of waiver options (e.g., to pick up more-playable backups like Vidal) due to limited value.
10/15 Start (100%) Has taken goal-line carries, been more available than Kenneth Walker III, and is trending toward an RB1 role in Seattle’s split backfield; higher opportunity and role reliability right now.
10/13 Start (100%) Valuable flex option given recent TDs and production; Jaguars have allowed RBs to score well recently and Charbonnet has been finding the end zone.

WR

Ja'Marr Chase

Start9

Start Ja’Marr Chase — Flacco has been throwing to him a ton and injuries have left him as the go-to target, so he should see plenty of catchable passes against a weak Steelers pass defense. There’s a bit of risk since the QB pairing is new, but the target volume makes him worth starting. Want 13 more details?

Perfect consensus from highly credible sources. Overall confidence 85% in 13 sources updated about 2 months ago

Near-unanimous expert consensus: multiple outlets (Yahoo, FantasyPros, Rotoworld, NBC, CBS, Sporting News) recommend starting Chase after Joe Flacco’s insertion. Supporting evidence: Flacco has targeted Chase heavily (about 53% air-yard share and ~44% first-read; 12 targets in Flacco’s debut, 10-94-1 and subsequent TDs), indicating Chase is the primary Bengals receiving option. Flacco’s accuracy/stabilizing presence should increase Chase’s catchable targets and fantasy ceiling; Bengals are maintaining passing volume and injuries (Mike Gesicki IR, Tanner Hudson out) further concentrate targets. Matchup is favorable (PIT giving up top-10 passing yards per game in Week 7 context) and recent usage trends show elite weekly upside. Downside/risk: small-sample Flacco chemistry and game-script variance, but the reward/consensus outweighs the risk. Recommendation: START Ja’Marr Chase this week.

10/18 Start (100%) Article states Chase 'is a top-three fantasy WR again with Flacco' after a massive outing vs. the Steelers — indicates high-volume, high-upside role and strong recent form with Joe Flacco at QB.
10/18 Start (100%) Flacco looked more comfortable and Chase caught a fourth-quarter TD; with Mike Gesicki on IR and Tanner Hudson out, Chase should be a primary target in the Bengals' passing game.
10/18 Start Joe Flacco's insertion has increased Chase's usage; Bengals maintained passing volume and Week 7 opponent Pittsburgh is giving up the 6th-most passing yards, making Chase a top-5 viable start.
10/18 Start (100%) CBS Sports Week 7 Non‑PPR cheat sheet shows a very high confidence score (92) for Chase — author recommends starting him this week.
10/15 Start (100%) Must-start at home vs. PIT — elite upside and primary target for Bengals.
10/15 Start (100%) Burrow's absence and Flacco's signing still projects Chase to lead the Bengals' passing game; Flacco is expected to boost Chase's fantasy upside.
10/15 Start Panel recommendation: do not sell; Joe Flacco is targeting Chase heavily (53% air-yard share, ~44% first-read) which re-establishes Chase as a high-end weekly option. Hold/start him rather than selling.
10/15 Start (100%) High catchable-target rate and primary beneficiary of Flacco’s accuracy; top fantasy asset when Flacco is effective.
10/13 Start (100%) Article states Joe Flacco’s encouraging outing as Bengals QB improves Ja’Marr Chase’s fantasy outlook — Flacco’s presence should boost passing efficiency and volume to Chase, making him a more reliable start.
10/13 Start (100%) Received a large share of targets from Joe Flacco (caught all targets for 52 yards and a TD in Week 6); Flacco concentrated targets on Chase/Higgins which should keep Chase fantasy-productive.
10/13 Start Flacco targeted Chase 12 times (10-94-1) in his debut, indicating Chase should regain elite fantasy role under Joe Flacco.
10/13 Start Joe Flacco is targeting Chase heavily (12 targets in a game) and is keeping Bengals' elite playmakers involved; Chase is shored up as a top-five fantasy option.
10/13 Start (100%) Became the primary target under Joe Flacco and produced a touchdown and consistent early-game usage — should be started while QB play is stabilizing.

WR

Brandon Aiyuk

Add5

He’s hurt and will miss several weeks, so don’t start him now — but when healthy he’s a big part of the 49ers’ passing game, so grab him only if you can hold him on your bench or your league’s injured list while he recovers. Keep an eye on injury updates and practice reports.

RB

James Cook

Start5

Start Dalvin Cook this week — even with fewer snaps lately he’s still getting enough work and has a good matchup vs. Atlanta. But don’t forget to bench him for Week 7 because Buffalo has a bye, and he’s sharing work so huge games aren’t guaranteed. Want 3 more details?

RB

Rico Dowdle

Start7

He's been getting a ton of touches the last two weeks and faces a Jets defense that's easier on running backs, so start him this week. But Chuba Hubbard could come back and steal plays later, so trade him if you get a good offer after these big games — otherwise keep starting him while he's getting the ball. Want 29 more details?

Moderate consensus from highly credible sources. Overall confidence 59% in 29 sources updated about 2 months ago

Consensus from multiple analysts points to Dowdle as the hot-hand pick: back-to-back monster games (200+ scrimmage yards and 30+ PPR points), a ~52.5% opportunity share over the past two weeks, and heavy carry counts (23 and 30) that show a true lead-work role while Chuba Hubbard is banged up. Coaches and beat writers have hinted he could earn RB1-type usage, and matchup vs. the Jets is favorable to running backs. Risk: Hubbard’s eventual return and his contract/coaching profile create committee risk — one analyst warns usage could shrink — so treat Dowdle as a high-upside low-end RB2/flex now and as an RB1 if Hubbard is ruled out. If you can sell after these two huge games, that’s a reasonable strategy; otherwise start him while the volume and matchup are in his favor.

10/18 Monitor (100%) Had a breakout 'revenge' game with record scrimmage yards vs. former team; author is 'riding it out' but notes possibility to flip him for value, indicating volatility and limited long-term clarity.
10/18 Start On a heater with back-to-back 230+ scrimmage yard games and likely to see a larger role; RB2/flex if Chuba Hubbard remains sidelined, fringe RB1 if Hubbard out.
10/18 Sit (100%) Despite two big games with Chuba Hubbard out, Panthers have shown clear preference for Hubbard (contract, coaching praise). With Hubbard returning, Dowdle is unlikely to remain clear lead back — expect reduced role and carry share.
10/18 Add (100%) Dowdle produced at an elite level during Hubbard’s absence and has earned a prominent role; he should be added in most formats as useful depth/handcuff with upside, though he’s likely to be in a committee.
10/18 Start (100%) Article explicitly advises you "simply can't sit Dowdle" after he posted back-to-back games with 200+ yards from scrimmage; continuing high usage and recent explosive production make him a must-start despite Chuba Hubbard’s return.
10/18 Start Hosts said 'dowdle for sure' in a flex/RB decision despite split backfield — expected to be included in the game script/usage.
10/18 Start (100%) After strong recent performances, Dowdle should be treated as an RB2/flex this week despite Chuba Hubbard’s return; Panthers likely to favor the hot hand, and Jets defense may keep Panthers' offense on field.
10/18 Start (100%) Chuba Hubbard may return but isn't expected to be 100%; Dowdle should have the edge in touches this week before workload becomes more split later.
10/18 Start (100%) High carry workload (23 and 30 carries in last two weeks) plus ~4.5 targets/game vs a Jets run defense that is middle-to-bottom in PPR PPG allowed to RBs — strong opportunity and volume to start him.
10/18 Start (100%) Coming off back-to-back 200-yard games and expected to retain lead role even with Chuba Hubbard returning; high upside and momentum makes him a must-start in any format.
10/18 Start Coming off back-to-back strong showings, likely to maintain a lead/secondary-down role and is startable as a low-end RB2 while he continues to outplay Chuba Hubbard.
10/18 Start Described as the likely leading touch-getter in a committee and placed in 'dub flex' — feels good to play him as flex at least.
10/18 Start Multiple hosts picked Dowdle over Chuba Hubbard for the week: 'I'm starting Dowdle' — recommended while Hubbard's status/usage is uncertain.
10/15 Start (100%) Has seized Panthers' RB1 role with massive recent workload (averaged ~30 touches over past two starts) and strong production; matchup vs Jets is favorable (Jets rank poorly vs the run). Projects as RB2 with high touch share.
10/15 Start (100%) Two straight weeks of 200+ scrimmage yards and has seized lead work for Carolina; top-10 RB consideration while Chuba Hubbard is injured.
10/15 Start (100%) Chuba Hubbard is sidelined and Dowdle produced 473 yards from scrimmage across two games; he could have usurped the job and should be started while Hubbard is out.
10/15 Start (100%) Back-to-back huge fantasy games (183 rushing + receiving in Week 6 after 206 yards Week 5); fifth in NFL in rushing yards despite fewer carries. Head coach indicated Dowdle could earn the RB1 role. Strong YAC and rush yards over expected metrics vs. Chuba Hubbard.
10/15 Add (100%) Article calls him 'the best free-agent bargain of the year,' signaling immediate fantasy value and waiver-wire priority.
10/15 Add (100%) Mentioned in the Sunday aftermath/waiver discussion — likely seeing increased role; worth adding in deeper leagues or monitoring for immediate value.
10/15 Start Two massive weeks in a row and the Jets matchup is manageable; with Chuba Hubbard uncertain to return, Dowdle has earned the start.
10/15 Add Two straight 30+ fantasy-point games and RB11 overall despite limited starts — earned role and flex-worthy rest of season.
10/15 Start Two straight monster games (200+ scrimmage yards across games) and heavy usage — panel says Dowdle has fantasy relevance while Chuba Hubbard is out. Start him now; consider selling if you can get value before Hubbard returns.
10/15 Add Shown RB1 ceiling in recent weeks (productive snaps) — buy now as Panthers' best recent option even with Chuba Hubbard's possible return.
10/15 Start Has a 52.5% opportunity share over the past two weeks (10 points higher than the next back); called a must-start at least until Chuba Hubbard returns.
10/15 Start (100%) Scorched the Dolphins and Cowboys with huge back-to-back rushing performances and has earned a prominent role; Panthers plan to use both Dowdle and Hubbard but will tweak rotations to keep Dowdle involved.
10/13 Start (100%) Two straight huge PPR weeks filling in for injured Chuba Hubbard (calf); has clear lead role and would be an RB1 if he gets the Week 7 call vs Jets.
10/13 Start Two straight mega games (180+ rushing yards each, 30+ half-PPR points) in Chuba Hubbard's absence; Panthers unlikely to bench him while he's producing at this level.
10/13 Start Has started two games with massive usage (239 and 234 yards from scrimmage). Chuba Hubbard is questionable/likely to miss Week 7 with a calf issue; Panthers look to run more. Dowdle should be treated as a low-end RB2 while Hubbard battles for snaps.
10/13 Start (100%) Back-to-back RB1 weeks with huge scrimmage totals (206 rush yards prior week, 239 scrimmage yards including 183 rushing in Week 6); currently the hot hand in Carolina and should be started while producing at this level.

WR

Jauan Jennings

Sit7

He's hurt (ribs and other nagging injuries) and hasn't been catching many passes, so don't start him this week. The matchup is tough against the Falcons' outside defenders, so only play him if you have no better option. Want 3 more details?

WR

Chris Godwin

Sit6

He has a fibula injury and is listed out, so sit him this week. Watch team practice updates and only play him once he's officially active and back doing full practices. Want 5 more details?

TE

Kyle Pitts

Start4

Start him this week — San Francisco is missing key defenders and he’s getting more targets in the slot, so he’s got a good chance for a big game. Grab him if he’s available, but don’t keep him long-term if you need steady points since his production has been hit-or-miss. Want 14 more details?

Mixed consensus from highly credible sources. Overall confidence 33% in 14 sources updated about 2 months ago

Majority of recent expert takes recommend starting or adding Pitts this week due to a favorable Week 7 setup: Atlanta is coming off a bye with Michael Penix Jr. increasing pass volume, Pitts has seen rising target share (including a 5-70-1 best game) and leads the Falcons in slot routes, and the 49ers are missing key defenders (Fred Warner, possibly Nick Bosa) which increases vulnerability to slot/pass-catching TEs. Multiple outlets list him as a top waiver add in deeper PPR formats and a good streaming/start option this week. Counterpoints: season-long inconsistency and several analysts recommend selling or treating him as a short-term streaming play rather than a locked TE1, and strong TE defenses (e.g., Buffalo) have limited him previously. Given the matchup upside and recent usage uptick, start Pitts this week if you need upside; add him off waivers if available. Consider selling in the medium term if you need roster stability due to his erratic floor.

10/18 Start (100%) Enjoying a resurgence with QB Penix; volume and efficiency make him a strong play in what should be a pass-heavy Falcons game.
10/18 Start Good streaming option this week: 49ers have been middle-of-pack vs TEs, but losing Fred Warner increases susceptibility to slot players (49ers allow most yards to slot). Pitts leads Falcons in slot routes and gains more appeal if Darnell Mooney is out.
10/18 Monitor Listed outside the top 15 — monitor for usage changes or injury-driven opportunities; not a clear start this week.
10/18 Start (100%) Despite a down game (3/18), Pitts remains a strong seasonal option and faces a 49ers defense that is missing key pieces (Fred Warner, Nick Bosa); projected to be funneled targets if Darnell Mooney is out.
10/18 Add (100%) Article suggests Atlanta may need more than its top two weapons and Week 7 is a good time to involve Pitts against a 49ers squad missing defenders — add for upside in TE-needy rosters.
10/15 Start Still recommended as a start because of upside and limited alternatives; inconsistent but rosterable when you lack better options.
10/15 Sell Hosts bluntly advised selling Pitts — he’ve had a chance to break out and hasn’t delivered; treat him as a sell candidate/wavier eligible asset.
10/15 Sit Inconsistent production and recent poor game; recommended as a streaming tight end rather than a locked-in TE1.
10/13 Start (55%) Included in optimal Classic lineup as a high-upside pass-catcher for the Falcons now playing with Michael Penix Jr.; start as a TE with upside.
10/13 Add (100%) Listed atop the Week 7 'Tight Ends To Add' priority list — clear waiver add recommendation.
10/13 Sit (100%) Bills have allowed just 113 receiving yards to tight ends on the season (2nd-best); Pitts has failed to hit 40.5 yards in multiple games and has struggled to clear similar totals against strong TE defenses.
10/13 Start (100%) Graded as the best TE option on the MNF slate — increased targets recently, coming off best game (5-70-1). Dalton Kincaid may miss, making Pitts a reliable TE start with big-play TE upside.
10/13 Add (100%) Top tight-end waiver target ('Add in 10+ Team PPR Leagues') on the Week 7 rankings — high upside TE pickup for deeper PPR leagues.
10/13 Add (100%) Atlanta coming off a bye; averaging ~5 catches/50 yards and draws a San Francisco defense weakened by season-ending injuries — should be picked up off waivers before he’s gone.

WR

Michael Pittman Jr.

Start6

Start Pittman — with Josh Downs likely out he should get more looks and give you steadier points. But the Chargers defend receivers well and Pittman’s been hit-or-miss, so if you need someone who can have a huge day or Downs plays, think about sitting him. Want 6 more details?

Moderate consensus from highly credible sources. Overall confidence 42% in 6 sources updated about 2 months ago

Majority of experts recommend starting Pittman this week — they cite his steady target volume (typically 6+ targets per game) and the likely absence/limited availability of Josh Downs (concussion), which should boost Pittman’s floor and route share. Counterpoints: Chargers have been solid vs. opposing WRs and Pittman has shown inconsistent fantasy scoring (failed to hit double digits in ~1/3 of games), so upside is capped and there’s clear downside if Downs plays or the Chargers bottle up the Colts’ passing attack. Overall risk/reward favors starting Pittman as a safer WR3/flex with a reasonable floor and moderate ceiling; if you need upside only, consider benching depending on Downs’ final status and your opponent.

10/18 Start Called the safest WR choice in a trio after Josh Downs was ruled out — higher floor with boosted role.
10/18 Start (100%) Despite a poor Week 6, Pittman has been a consistent target volume receiver (at least six targets each game) and should bounce back vs. the Chargers; Josh Downs (concussion) may be out, increasing Pittman's role.
10/18 Start Despite a disappointing prior week, the author explicitly says he feels good about Pittman and suggests he’s the primary Colts receiver to start.
10/15 Sell Hosts suggested Pittman as the sell candidate in his trio — concerns as Josh Downs gets more involved and uncertainty whether the offense will consistently support multiple top receivers.
10/15 Sit (100%) Article recommends fading Pittman against the Chargers due to Chargers' consistency defending WRs (season and recent weeks), Pittman’s inconsistent production (failed to reach double-digits in a third of games), and declining target share vs teammates (Downs/Warren). Pittman projects as at best a flex this week.
10/13 Start After an unusually quiet game, the article expects Pittman to rebound as a WR3/flex next week as the Colts' offense spreads the ball.

WR

Mike Evans

Start4

Start Mike Evans only if he's officially playing and practiced this week — Detroit's corners are beat up and his teammates are out, so Baker Mayfield will likely throw to him a lot. If he's ruled out or didn't practice, sit him and use someone else. Want 14 more details?

Unclear consensus from highly credible sources. Overall confidence 25% in 14 sources updated about 2 months ago

Consensus from multiple outlets: start Mike Evans if he is active. Key reasons: favorable matchup vs. a Lions secondary missing key corners and generally banged-up; teammates (Chris Godwin and others) are sidelined or limited, which should consolidate targets toward Evans; Baker Mayfield is the QB and will lean on his reliable veteran WR in a depleted receiving corps. Caveat/risk: Evans is returning from a hamstring strain — several sources still list him as questionable or out, and some analysts advise sitting while he’s clearly sidelined. Recommendation is conditional: start Evans only if he’s officially active on game day and shows practice activity; if he’s ruled out, sit/drop/IR per your roster needs. Monitor pregame/injury reports closely.

10/18 Monitor Status was uncertain for Week 7 but if active he becomes an upgraded start against a Lions secondary missing key corners; monitor his game-day status.
10/18 Monitor (100%) Article/video lists Mike Evans among Week 7 lineup questions but provides no explicit start/sit/add/drop instruction. Recommend monitoring his injury/status and practice reports before setting lineups.
10/18 Start Trending toward return and expected to rapidly regain pre-injury levels; recommended to start once active.
10/18 Monitor Limited practice returning from a hamstring strain; roughly a 60/40 chance to play per report. Monitor activation and start only if active.
10/18 Monitor Listed as back from hamstring; if active this week it's a 'green-light' matchup vs Lions' vulnerable defense and should be started. Monitor status pregame.
10/18 Start (100%) Expected to return from hamstring injury with Chris Godwin Jr. expected to sit and Emeka Egbuka questionable; matchup vs. Lions' banged-up defense is favorable.
10/18 Start If active, author places him in the dub flex — with Godwin and Bucky out, Evans would see consolidated targets and should be started if he suits up.
10/18 Start Host: 'If Evans plays, I gotta play Evans' — start Evans when active; monitor practice/injury reports.
10/15 Add Buy on injury dip: Evans is likely to return sooner than other Bucs receivers and can resume a WR1 role with Baker Mayfield throwing to a depleted receiving corps. Early-season struggles were matchup-driven (facing elite CBs); schedule softens and opportunity increases with teammates (Chris Godwin, Amechi/Igbuka) injured or recovering.
10/15 Sit Listed out with a hamstring and was already not active, creating opportunity for others; should be benched while injured.
10/15 Trade Listed as an additional player to target in trades; suggested as a buy target by the article.
10/15 Start (100%) Included among WRs to like for Week 7 (Buccaneers at Lions) — the article recommends him as a startable option for this matchup.
10/13 Sit (100%) More severe hamstring issue — missed three straight games and has not returned to practice, so he should be considered out/unsuitable to start until he shows return-to-practice progress.
10/13 Sit (100%) Hamstring injury — multiple headlines indicate he will miss multiple weeks. Don’t plan to start him while he’s sidelined and consider opening IR/bench spot if available.

2025 NFL Season

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Week 7 Advice