Week 7 of the NFL season delivered a mix of stellar performances and surprising struggles, with Christian McCaffrey leading the charge for the 49ers and the Eagles’ wide receivers exploding in a key victory, while players like Ashton Jeanty hit season lows in fantasy football.
Christian McCaffrey reinforced his status as the league’s premier running back with a dominant showing against the Atlanta Falcons. He rushed for 129 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries, also catching 7 passes for 72 yards, accumulating 39.1 fantasy points in the process. This marked his seventh consecutive game with over 22 points, underscoring his invaluable role in San Francisco’s offense. Despite concerns about his heavy workload, McCaffrey’s production remains elite, making him a must-start in all formats.
In the quarterback arena, Bo Nix and Jaxson Dart emerged as unexpected top performers. Nix guided the Denver Broncos to a comeback win over the New York Giants, throwing for 279 yards and two touchdowns while adding 46 rushing yards and two more scores for 39.96 fantasy points. Dart, in his fourth start, threw three touchdown passes and rushed for one, scoring 28.42 points despite completing only 45.5% of his passes. Their breakout games highlight the depth at the position this season.
The Philadelphia Eagles’ passing attack roared back to life, with DeVonta Smith hauling in 11 passes for 183 yards and a touchdown, and A.J. Brown contributing four receptions for 85 yards and two scores. Jalen Hurts frequently targeted them on deep throws, with all three touchdowns traveling over 20 yards downfield. This performance, the first time both receivers exceeded 28 PPR points together, signals a potential resurgence for Philadelphia’s offense as they head into a favorable matchup.
Other wide receivers made significant impacts, including Ja’Marr Chase, who caught passes for 38.1 points on a career-high 23 targets from Joe Flacco. Rookie Travis Hunter broke out for the Jacksonville Jaguars with 8 receptions for 101 yards and his first NFL touchdown on 14 targets, establishing himself as a key weapon. Rashee Rice’s return from suspension for the Kansas City Chiefs resulted in two touchdown catches, immediately boosting the offense. These developments reflect the dynamic nature of receiver roles in modern NFL schemes.
Running backs beyond McCaffrey had notable outings, such as Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts, who rushed for a season-high 34.2 points against the Los Angeles Chargers. Quinshon Judkins of the Cleveland Browns scored three touchdowns in a blowout win, despite averaging only 3.4 yards per carry. Rookie Kyle Monangai for the Chicago Bears impressed with 81 yards and a touchdown, earning increased playing time. These performances emphasize the critical role of volume and red-zone opportunities in fantasy success.
On the downside, Ashton Jeanty of the Las Vegas Raiders managed just 4.4 points, his season low, due to limited touches in a lopsided loss to the Chiefs. Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears scored only 4.68 points as the team leaned heavily on its running game, and Justin Fields was benched by the New York Jets after a dismal start. Alvin Kamara also struggled, posting 5.9 points, highlighting inefficiencies in the New Orleans Saints’ offense. These players face an uphill battle to regain their form.
Injuries played a pivotal role, with Jayden Daniels exiting with a hamstring issue for the Washington Commanders and Brian Thomas Jr. suffering a shoulder injury for the Jaguars. Returnees like George Kittle for the 49ers had a quiet game, while Rashee Rice’s comeback provided a boost for the Chiefs. Fantasy managers must closely monitor these health updates to make informed decisions in the coming weeks.
Looking ahead, Week 8 features key matchups such as McCaffrey against the Houston Texans’ stout defense and the Eagles taking on the New York Giants. With the season reaching its midpoint, fantasy strategies should adapt to player trends and injury reports, as playoff races intensify. The unpredictability of Week 7 serves as a reminder of the need for flexibility and depth in fantasy football rosters.