RADIO
While these players usually seem like automatic starts, sometimes hitting pause is smarter.
This week, I’m highlighting five players—across the QB, RB, WR, TE, and Flex positions—who might not live up to their usual fantasy expectations.
If you’ve got other options, it might be wise to sit these stars down.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2024:- Quarterback fantasy football rankings
- Running back fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
- Tight end fantasy football rankings
- Kicker fantasy football rankings
- FLEX fantasy football rankings
- Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
- Superflex fantasy football rankings
- IDP fantasy football rankings
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
Patrick Mahomes, QB, vs. San Francisco 49ers
Normally, benching Mahomes feels like a fantasy football no-no. But hear me out: This Week 7 matchup against the 49ers is unfavorable for this superstar.
First, let’s talk numbers. Mahomes has been shockingly human so far in 2024. He’s averaging 247 passing yards per game, with only 7.7 yards per attempt and six touchdowns—numbers that look downright pedestrian for him. His six interceptions are troubling, and while we know Mahomes can turn it around, it’s the 49ers defense that’s the real problem here.
San Francisco’s defense is no joke; it’s ranked 11th overall and surrendered a stingy 215.2 passing yards per game. They’ve allowed only eight passing touchdowns all season and are great at limiting big plays. Mahomes is already 23rd among QBs in fantasy points per game this year, and his Week 7 matchup looks like a perfect storm of disappointment.
Mahomes is probably the best player in the NFL, but if you’ve got another QB on your bench, it might be time to roll with them—especially in a week where the 49ers' relentless pass rush could force turnovers, limiting Mahomes' fantasy ceiling.
Cam Taylor-Britt with the wow interception of Patrick Mahomes: pic.twitter.com/tOb7pQBe3r
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 15, 2024
Najee Harris, RB, vs. New York Jets
Remember when Najee Harris was a lock as a top-tier RB1? Unfortunately, those days seem long gone, and Week 7 against the Jets isn’t the place to bank on a Harris revival.
Najee has been sharing time with Jaylen Warren, who’s returned from injury, and siphoning crucial snaps. Harris has only logged a 51.9% snap share, and his 3.9 yards per carry hasn’t been inspiring. His lone rushing touchdown keeps fantasy managers awake at night, and this week, the Jets’ defense should keep those nightmares rolling.
The Jets' defense is ranked second overall in the NFL, allowing just 273 yards per game and clamping down on running backs. They’ve given up only five rushing touchdowns all season and rank 10th in fantasy points allowed to RBs.
This stout run defense will limit Najee’s already meager production, and if Warren continues to eat into his workload, it could be an ugly day. Harris’ volume might be tempting, but this is not the matchup to lean on him as an RB1.
Garrett Wilson, WR, vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Garrett Wilson has been a bright spot in the Jets’ offense this season, commanding a hefty 27.4% target share with five end-zone targets to his name. But Week 7 against the Steelers might dim his light a little.
The Steelers’ defense has been tough on wide receivers all season, ranking fourth against the position in fantasy points allowed. They’ve only given up nine passing touchdowns all year and are keeping opposing offenses to just 294.2 total yards per game.
Pittsburgh's pass rush is one of the best in the league, and with the Jets' offensive line struggling, Aaron Rodgers could be under constant pressure. Wilson likely won’t have the time needed to break free on deeper routes if that happens.
While Wilson still gets his targets, this matchup could keep his production below his usual fantasy numbers (especially with Davante Adams now in the mix). He’s WR17 on the year in terms of average fantasy points, but in Week 7, consider him a risky WR2 option. Look elsewhere if you have a safer alternative.
Rodgers to Wilson back shoulder beauty 🎯
📺: #NYJvsSF on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/JbdzqLBJWh— NFL (@NFL) September 10, 2024
Dalton Schultz, TE, vs. Green Bay Packers
Dalton Schultz’s season so far can be described in one word: underwhelming. Schultz hasn’t played near TE1 levels, averaging just 5.38 fantasy points per game, with zero touchdowns and a mere 12.6% target share in Houston’s offense.
The Texans have plenty of mouths to feed in the passing game, and Schultz is simply not a big-play threat in an offense that relies heavily on its wideouts.
With Green Bay tightening up their defense every week as they get healthier, Schultz is unlikely to break out. He’s a touchdown-dependent tight end at this point, and since he hasn’t found the end zone yet this season, it’s hard to expect him to explode. If you’re clinging to Schultz as your starter, it’s time to explore streaming options at tight end.
It's the little things...like slowing your route down for a quiet pick play against the LB assigned to cover Mixon to the flat. Nice job by Schultz here. pic.twitter.com/UdD3wJJ29x
— TexansCap (@TexansCap) October 15, 2024
Bucky Irving, Flex, vs. Baltimore Ravens
Bucky Irving was a pleasant surprise last week, scoring 18.5 fantasy points in his first full game as a starter. But before you get too excited about riding him as your Flex in Week 7, let’s take a closer look at his situation.
While Irving looked great, teammate Sean Tucker outperformed him with a whopping 34.2 points. And if that wasn’t complicated enough, Rachaad White is returning from injury, turning this backfield into a three-headed monster—every fantasy manager’s worst nightmare.
On top of that, Irving faces the Ravens, who’ve been an absolute wall against the run this year. Baltimore is ranked first in the NFL against the run, allowing only 59 rushing yards per game and just five rushing touchdowns all season. They’re also fourth in fantasy points allowed to running backs.
The Bucs are notorious for splitting touches in their backfield, and Irving's volume is far from guaranteed with three capable backs in the mix. If you’ve got other Flex options, steer clear of Irving in Week 7—Baltimore’s defense is a fantasy graveyard for running backs.
Final Thoughts
Week 7 presents nasty matchups for high-profile fantasy assets, and it’s all about making tough choices.
While Patrick Mahomes, Najee Harris, Garrett Wilson, Dalton Schultz, and Bucky Irving may be household names for your fantasy team, this week might be better spent with them on your bench. Sometimes, it’s not about sticking to the biggest names but playing the matchups, and these five players are up against walls that might be too high to climb.
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