Sep 21, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) drops back to pass against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Soldier Field.

Fantasy football managers are starting to feel the pressure of bye weeks and injuries as both are piling up.

The 2025 fantasy football season has been challenging to navigate, but there's some good news on the way. Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice returns this week, and veteran stars George Kittle and Mike Evans are poised to return from injuries in Week 7.

The Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens are on a bye this week, which means stars like Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Derrick Henry, James Cook and Zay Flowers are unavailable for lineups.

Finding the right players to slot in for them, or managers working around the impact of injuries, can be incredibly difficult and at times frustrating.

Fortunately, the USA Today Sports staff has you covered with those tough start-sit decisions for Week 7.

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals kicked off the week with a "Thursday Night Football" matchup that featured plenty of fantasy football star power.

If you're still undecided about how to set your lineup, we're here to assist you. USA TODAY Sports offers a guide to help you organize your fantasy lineup for every position in Week 7. Here are our staff's recommendations for start and sit players for the remainder of the week:

Fantasy football start 'em: Week 7 QB

Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears (vs. New Orleans Saints)

Williams has posted multiple touchdowns in three of his last four starts and has thrown for at least 200 yards and a touchdown in five consecutive games to open the season. That should position him to post strong passing numbers against a Saints defense that is one of three teams to allow at least 14 passing touchdowns to quarterbacks this season.

New Orleans has also struggled to contain mobile quarterbacks, allowing the fourth-most rushing yards to the position through six weeks (174). Williams is averaging 21.6 rushing yards per game but will have a much higher ceiling as a runner in this matchup.

Jared Goff, Detroit Lions (vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

The Lions are dealing with a boatload of injuries in their secondary. That should allow the Buccaneers to rack up points against them, potentially forcing Goff to throw a lot in this matchup. Goff has recorded multiple passing touchdowns in four of his last five games, so his ceiling-slash-floor combination makes him a nice start in Week 7.

Fantasy football sit 'em: Week 7 QBs

Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks (vs. Houston Texans)

Sitting Darnold is less about form and more about the matchup. The 28-year-old has averaged 278.2 passing yards and 2.2 passing touchdowns per game since Week 2, which has made him a rock-solid fantasy starter across all formats.

However, the Texans have allowed the fewest fantasy points per game (FPPG) to quarterbacks this year and just three total touchdowns across five games. Houston is also well-rested coming off a bye, so Darnold could have a lower output than usual in a tough matchup.

Jaxson Dart, New York Giants (at Denver Broncos)

Dart has recorded at least 54 rushing yards in each of his three starts. That run figures to end in Week 7 against a Denver defense that has allowed just 46 rushing yards to quarterbacks to date, despite playing hyper-mobile quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts and Justin Fields.

Dart has averaged just 169.3 passing yards across his three starts, so it's hard to recommend trusting him against a defense that is allowing the second-fewest FPPG to quarterbacks this season.

Justin Fields, New York Jets (vs. Carolina Panthers)

Any temptation to start Fields stems from his rushing upside. The Panthers have allowed just 68 rushing yards to quarterbacks this season on 23 carries across six games. That doesn't paint a rosy outlook for Fields as a fantasy asset, especially after he racked up just 45 passing yards against the Broncos in London.

Fantasy football start 'em: Week 7 RBs

Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Washington Commanders (at Dallas Cowboys)

Another week, another start recommendation for "Bill." Croskey-Merritt didn't play as well as expected in Week 7 as the Bears' defense played better off the bye week. He still managed 68 yards on 18 touches, though, which isn't awful considering the rough week for the position overall.

He should be in for a much better outing this week. Dowdle just ran all over the Cowboys' defense as the latest running back to have an outstanding day against Dallas. The Cowboys have allowed at least 189 total yards to opposing running back groups over the last three games.

Before Dowdle in Week 6, it was Breece Hall in Week 5 and Jacobs in Week 4. Croskey-Merritt should be able to clear 100 yards from scrimmage in a lead role for the Commanders offense in a must-win matchup.

Quinshon Judkins, Cleveland Browns (vs. Miami Dolphins)

The Browns had 52 pass attempts against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 6. That's tied for the second-most in a game all season behind Carolina in Week 2 against Arizona.

Against the Dolphins defense, coach Kevin Stefanski should lean more into the running game. Miami ranks worst in the league in expected points added (EPA) per rush at 0.14. For context, the league average is -0.06 EPA per rush.

Judkins unsurprisingly had his worst performance of the year against Pittsburgh with just 36 yards on 12 touches. He should be in for a much, much better day this week.

Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots (at Tennessee Titans)

We acknowledge this could be a trap game. Tennessee just fired coach Brian Callahan and that could lead to a bump in performance in Week 7. But even if the defense is a step up from what they've been, Stevenson should be a good start this week.

Tennessee finally held an opposing running back group to less than 100 yards rushing for the first time all season last week against Las Vegas. Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty still found the end zone, though, continuing the season-long streak of rushing touchdowns allowed by the Titans' defense.

Tennessee has given up 142 yards per game and 10 total touchdowns to opposing running back groups this year. Stevenson gets the nod over rookie TreVeyon Henderson thanks to getting more touches last week in the win over New Orleans.

Fantasy football sit 'em: Week 7 RBs

Travis Etienne Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. Los Angeles Rams)

Etienne was a sit recommendation last week and lived up to it. He managed a season-low 55 total yards on 16 touches against the Seahawks' surging defense. Things likely won't get much easier against another NFC West foe this week.

It's true the Rams gave up 176 total yards to the Ravens' running backs last week. But that was arguably Baltimore's best performance by its offensive line this season. Los Angeles still kept the Ravens' backs out of the end zone, a theme this season. The Rams have allowed just one touchdown to an opposing running back in six weeks of action.

This is an international game, so anything can happen. With how the Rams' defense is playing, it may be best to keep Etienne in your FLEX spot at most if possible. Don't expect a big week from him.

Zonovan Knight, Arizona Cardinals (vs. Green Bay Packers)

Knight took over as the lead back for Arizona in Week 6 with 12 touches for 54 total yards and a touchdown. He played well against a tough Colts defense that is solid against the run, considering Arizona started a backup quarterback for that contest.

He may face another tough unit this week in Green Bay. The Packers are allowing less than four yards per touch to opposing running backs this year, including just 3.72 yards per carry. Green Bay's allowed more than 100 total yards to opposing rushers twice in their first five games: 107 against Cleveland and 131 against Dallas.

Arizona's rushing offense has taken a step back in 2025. As much as Knight could be a help for injury or bye weeks, this may not be the ideal week for him to start. Keep him on the bench or in a FLEX spot if you're really pressed for starters.

Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at Detroit Lions)

Bucky Irving is not likely to play on Sunday against Detroit, which would continue to give an opportunity to White in the Buccaneers' backfield. But this opponent is what slightly scares us about White's ceiling this week.

Detroit hasn't allowed an opposing running back to find the end zone since Week 4. Receiving running backs have found little room, too, as the Lions are allowing just 5.6 yards per reception to that position in 2025. As a whole, opposing running back groups are averaging 97 total yards against Detroit this season.

White will certainly have the touches, especially if the Buccaneers' wideouts continue to be banged up in Week 7. But he may be touchdown-dependent this week for his fantasy value, given how few yards the Lions give up to running backs.

Nick Chubb and Woody Marks, Houston Texans (at Seattle Seahawks)

Houston returns from its bye in Week 7 to head on the road against the Seahawks. On paper, that's not the worst place to play. Since Mike Macdonald took over last year, the Seahawks are 10-1 on the road and 4-8 at home. Houston could have a good chance.

That won't likely be on the strength of the running game. Seattle is second to Cleveland in the NFL in EPA per rush allowed this season. They've really clamped down yardage-wise in recent weeks. Seattle's allowed less than 100 total yards to opposing running back groups over their last three games.

White had good luck for the Buccaneers in Week 5 by running behind All-Pro Tristan Wirfs near the goal line. Houston doesn't have anyone of Wirf's caliber on the offensive line. It's unclear which of the Texans' backs will be the lead man but either one will very likely struggle in prime time against Seattle's stout run defense.

Fantasy football start 'em: Week 7 WRs

Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers

Allen may not be the obvious choice to start, even among his Chargers teammates. Quentin Johnston has more yards and touchdowns, while Ladd McConkey is coming off a 100-yard game.

However, the 13th-year receiver is still Los Angeles quarterback Justin Herbert's top receiving target. His 51 targets are tied for 10th among all NFL pass-catchers through six weeks, and his 33 catches both lead the Chargers and rank 13th in the league.

Allen and the Chargers are due for a matchup with the Colts in Week 7, a team that has not only allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to receivers but also the second-most receptions to wideouts this year.

Rashee Rice, Kansas City Chiefs

This is the week you've been waiting for, Rashee Rice drafters! After serving a six-game suspension, Rice, the Chiefs' No. 1 receiver, is set to make his 2025 debut.

It's coming at a perfect time for Rice and fantasy managers with the wideout on their teams. Kansas City is hosting the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. The Raiders have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to wide receivers so far this season and third-most receptions to the position.

Many diligent fantasy managers will know to put Rice in their starting lineups for the first time this week. For those who haven't been paying quite as much attention, let this serve as a reminder to slot in the Chiefs' No. 1 receiving target to Week 7 lineups.

Courtland Sutton, Denver Broncos

Sutton will be a tempting player to bench this week after his second-worst fantasy performance of the season: one catch for 17 yards against the New York Jets. But a much brighter day is ahead for the Broncos' leading receiver.

Sutton and the Broncos will host the New York Giants on Sunday. Big Blue has managed to give up the most receptions (85) and receiving yards (1,070) to wide receivers through six weeks despite boasting an elite pass-rush attack. Their average of 38.6 fantasy points allowed to receivers each week is also the third-most in the NFL.

Denver hasn't strayed from getting Sutton the ball this year amid a couple of strong outings from Marvin Mims and Troy Franklin. Sutton is still quarterback Bo Nix's top receiver, leading the team in targets (40), receptions (27), receiving yards (382) and receiving touchdowns (3).

Fantasy football sit 'em: Week 7 WRs

A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles

Brown had a much better fantasy outing in Week 6 against a Giants defense that has really struggled to stop the pass. But he's due for another weak performance in Week 7.

The Eagles, who have struggled on offense all year, will face a mighty test in the form of the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. Through six weeks, Minnesota has allowed just 37 receptions to wideouts, the fewest of any team in the NFL. Their 483 receiving yards allowed to receivers are fewer than any other team by more than 140 yards. The Vikings' two receiving touchdowns allowed to the position are tied for the second-fewest as well.

Several times this season, Brown has expressed his frustrations with not getting the ball enough. He still has just one game with more than 80 receiving yards this year through six weeks after eight such outings in 13 games last year. Brown isn't likely to see his production improve against Minnesota's excellent passing defense.

Jauan Jennings, San Francisco 49ers

Jennings told reporters after the 49ers' Week 6 loss the the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that he's playing with five broken ribs. He's also been dealing with shoulder and ankle injuries this season. Not ideal.

To make matters worse for fantasy managers with Jennings on their teams, the 49ers are hosting the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7. Atlanta has allowed the third-fewest receptions (50) and second-fewest receiving yards (625) to opposing wide receivers of any team this year.

Even if quarterback Brock Purdy is back, or if fellow receiver Ricky Pearsall is still missing, or both, Jennings belongs on the bench this week. He still has just one game with more than two receptions this season, and his production isn't likely to improve by much, if at all, against this Falcons defense.

Fantasy football start 'em: Week 7 TEs

Tucker Kraft, Packers at Cardinals

The Packers tight end was highlighted as a start a week ago and rewarded managers with a fine showing. The Packers head to the desert to play a struggling Cardinals squad that has allowed the most receptions to the position in 2025.

Green Bay is a touchdown favorite in this matchup and is among the teams with the highest implied totals of the entire week. Scoring opportunities should be abundant for the Packers, and Kraft likely will be a big part of it again as one of Jordan Love's favorite red zone weapons. We can expect another strong showing from the third-year tight end this week.

Mason Taylor, Jets vs. Panthers

Another rookie tight end who is growing into a larger role is Mason Taylor. The Jets rookie was the third tight end off the board in the 2025 NFL Draft and finds himself in a full-time role. He faces little target competition with Garrett Wilson expected to be out this Sunday. Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand was the passing game coordinator in Detroit when Sam LaPorta emerged as a rookie, boosting the intrigue around Taylor.

Justin Fields has struggled at times this season, but Taylor has the potential to be the next rookie to surprise at tight end. He finished as TE8 in Week 5 and could find himself inside the top 10 again in Week 7 when the Jets host a Panthers defense allowing the second-most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends.

Harold Fannin Jr., Browns vs. Dolphins

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku suffered a knee injury near the end of their Week 6 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the rookie went on to pad his stats in garbage time and finish as TE7 on the week. Fannin was an early season waiver-wire darling, but has struggled to find consistent production with the quarterback change and Njoku's presence.

A rookie tight end is always difficult to trust, but Fannin is trending up in an offense that could be without Njoku. The Browns host the Dolphins, a team that has struggled to defend tight ends. Fannin could easily finish inside the top 10 again this Sunday, even if Njoku suits up.

Zach Ertz, Commanders at Cowboys

While the influx of youth at tight end is a great sign, Ertz is one of the most reliable veterans out there. This marks the second straight week he is a recommended start, and he came through in Week 6 as the TE5 after hauling in six catches for 43 yards and a touchdown.

He was due for a bounce-back game after having his worst showing in over a decade in Week 5, and a matchup with the Cowboys' porous secondary should allow him to keep Father Time at bay. Dallas has allowed the most yards per game thus far. In his two matchups against Dallas last year he finished each as TE7. There should be plenty of fantasy goodness on both sides of this matchup that has the highest projected total of the week.

Fantasy football sit 'em: Week 7 TEs

T.J. Hockenson, Vikings vs. Eagles

Minnesota returns from its Week 6 bye and hosts the defending champions. Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy could continue to be sidelined with a high ankle sprain, which could lead to Carson Wentz starting again.

Hockenson has been one of the biggest disappointments of the fantasy season so far, finishing outside the top 10 at the position in four of five games. Philadelphia poses another tough matchup as they have allowed the third-fewest fantasy points per game to the position. There have been few signs to trust Hockenson at this time. Leave him on the bench in Week 7.

Theo Johnson, Giants at Broncos

Giants second-year man from Penn State, Theo Johnson, was a hot name in many waiver wire columns following the season-ending injury to Malik Nabers. He finished Week 5 as the TE3, and Jaxson Dart has shown some promise through his first three NFL starts.

However, Johnson posted just 4.7 points in PPR formats last week, and the matchup in Week 7 doesn't get easier for the athletic 24-year-old. The Broncos boast a terrific pass rush, which could give Dart fits all day. Denver has allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends, setting up Johnson for another down week.

Johnson could become a weekly must-start option in the second half of the season, but this matchup doesn't bode well for him. Fantasy managers searching for upside at the position should look for another option in Week 7.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fantasy football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em advice, rankings for Week 7

Reporting by Tom Viera, Ayrton Ostly, Jack McKessy and Jacob Camenker, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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