With Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts and Kirk Cousins all sitting out this upcoming weekend due to byes, we need to find some streaming options at the QB position. There's a dual-threat veteran who is ready to go, as well as a rookie passer who is throwing with efficiency. Fear not, we will also hit on the running backs, wide receivers and tight ends who bring some deeper league value heading into Week 7.
That's right. I've identified some key players -- all rostered in less than 50% of ESPN leagues -- who can be picked up for this week's slate of NFL games. While you might notice some overlap with Eric Moody's pickup column that publishes on Mondays, an important distinction is that the options mentioned in this column are focused solely on this week's matchup and not the players' values for the remainder of the season.
With all of that in mind, let's get into it for Week 7's streaming pickup options.
Quarterbacks
Marcus Mariota, Atlanta Falcons (21.8% rostered; at Bengals): In Arthur Smith's offense, the passing volume isn't going to jump with Mariota. This is a play-action based system where the run and passing games are essentially married together. Still, given his efficient numbers as a thrower in the Week 6 win over the 49ers (13-of-14 passing, 2 TDs) and the added rushing yards he brings to the equation, Mariota is back on the radar as a matchup-based streaming option for this Sunday's game versus the Bengals. Mariota has now posted at least 17 fantasy points in his last two starts, with a total of 111 yards rushing (on 13 carries) and a touchdown during that stretch. Mariota is a solid play here, given his dual-threat traits.
Bailey Zappe, New England Patriots (1.5% rostered; vs. Bears): We'll have to monitor the injury status of Mac Jones as this week progresses, but if Jones is still down due to his ankle, then I would take a look at Zappe in deeper leagues and 2-QB formats for the Monday night game versus Chicago. The rookie recorded 18.36 fantasy points in the Week 6 win over Cleveland, and he's now thrown for three touchdowns over his last two games. Zappe can read it out with speed from the pocket. He's hitting the schemed concepts and he's accurate with the ball. Even with some physical limitations, he provides some upside as a timing-and-rhythm thrower against the Bears mix of 2-high zone and man-coverage.
Other potential options: Daniel Jones, New York Giants (27.8% rostered; at Jaguars), Ryan Tannehill (13.4% rostered; vs. Colts), Matt Ryan, Indianapolis Colts (29.7% rostered; at Titans)
Running backs
Kenyan Drake, Baltimore Ravens (18.1% rostered; vs. Browns): The status of starting RB J.K. Dobbins plays a major role here with Drake. Dobbins (knee) was held out of the second half of the Week 6 loss to the Giants. If he can't roll for the Week 7 game versus the Browns, then Drake would obviously vault into the RB2/flex range. Still, even if we do see Dobbins this Sunday, there's still value here for Drake as a deeper-league play. In that Week 6 game, Drake rushed for 111 yards on just 10 carries, which included a 30-yard TD run. He has the straight-line juice to push the ball up the field in a Baltimore run game that is built on counter/power schemes. Drake has some big-play chops as a runner, which could offset the reduced volume playing as the No.2 behind Dobbins.
Caleb Huntley, Atlanta Falcons (5.8% rostered; at Bengals): With Cordarrelle Patterson still on IR, the Falcons are using a true backfield split with Huntley and Tyler Allgeier (32.9%). I'm going to take a shot here on Huntley in the Week 6 game at Cincinnati due to his running style. Look, this guy has some old school to his game. Get downhill (at 5-foot-10, 230 pounds, no less) and drive through contact. That's the scouting report. What are we looking for here? More heavy run-game volume from the Falcons and some goal line opportunities for Huntley as a non-PPR target in Week 6. Of course, if you're unable to grab Huntley and Allgeier is still on the wire, don't be afraid to pick him up instead.
Other potential options: J.D. McKissic, Washington Commanders (39.0% rostered; vs. Packers)
Wide receivers
Mecole Hardman, Kansas City Chiefs (22.0% rostered; at 49ers): I always struggle with Hardman in my weekly rankings. Do I sneak him in as a deeper league play? It's really about the target volume in the Chiefs offense. With nine targets in his last two games, however, and a red zone TD reception versus the Bills in Week 6, I like Hardman this Sunday against the 49ers. He's seeing more vertical throws from Patrick Mahomes, and we know he can be deployed as a horizonal stretch option in Andy Reid's system (screens, fly sweeps, unders). Hardman has now posted back-to-back games with at least 12 PPR points, catching seven passes for 115 yards during that stretch. He can be played as a deeper WR3 this week, with more upside as a non-PPR option.
Wan'Dale Robinson, New York Giants (12.9% rostered; at Jaguars): In his first game action since Week 1, Robinson caught 3-of-4 targets for 37 yards, which included a red zone touchdown. It was a schemed concept there, out of a bunch set, to get the rookie loose in the flat. Plus, with the Giants still working through injuries at the WR position, I like Robinson in the Week 7 matchup against the Jaguars as a slot target for Jones. Robinson has the dynamic and sudden movement ability to un-cover in man matchups, and Brian Daboll can scheme him open versus zone looks on crossers. Yes, I want to see a bump in volume for Robinson, but there's still enough value here as a deeper-league play in PPR formats.
Other potential options: Nico Collins, Houston Texans (10.6% rostered; at Raiders), Tyquan Thornton, New England Patriots (4.0% rostered, vs. Bears)
Tight ends
Robert Tonyan, Green Bay Packers (47.7% rostered; at Commanders): Given Tonyan's Week 6 production, plus the Packers lack of a consistent vertical element in the passing game, the tight end makes sense here as a streaming option for Sunday's matchup in Washington. Tonyan posted season-highs in the Week 6 loss to the Jets, logging 10 receptions (on 12 targets) for 90 yards. That was good for 19.0 PPR points. He's a reliable underneath/second-level target for QB Aaron Rodgers, and he can stretch the seams against the Commanders' zone shells. Plus, with Randall Cobb now down due an ankle injury, it's getting pretty thin in the Packers' WR room, which could mean more consistent volume for Tonyan. If you roster Dallas Goedert, Tyler Higbee or Dawson Knox (who are all on byes), I would definitely give Tonyan a look this week.
Other potential options: Hunter Henry, New England Patriots (37.0% rostered; vs. Bears), Noah Fant, Seattle Seahawks (37.4% rostered; at Chargers), Evan Engram (30.3% rostered; vs. Giants), Daniel Bellinger, New York Giants (7.2% rostered; at Jaguars)
Defense/special teams
New England Patriots (81.1% rostered; vs. Bears): If you haven't already picked up this unit, then you have likely missed your opportunity, as they are the most-added fantasy commodity this week (although it's definitely worth checking, especially if you roster the Bills, Eagles or Rams D/ST units). The Patriots have logged six takeaways and six sacks over the last two games, posting 17 fantasy points in Week 5 and 13 in Week 6. I love the matchup for Bill Belichick's group on Monday night versus Justin Fields and the Bears offense. Look for man-heavy schemes, overload pressure stunts and late rotation in the secondary. It will be a tough spot for the Bears quarterback in this one.
Other potential options: Miami Dolphins (49.0% rostered; vs. Steelers)