Joe DiCarlo 
We are back for Week 7’s Breakdown and could not be more excited for Daily Fantasy this weekend. The cream keeps rising to the top here, as we deliver gems such as Tank Dell and Bucky Irving into your DFS lineups from week into week out. Week 7 will be 10 games again, as London and teams on Bye shrink the Main Slate up yet again. Keep it here and let’s cut right to it, the Breakdown for Week 7’s ten-game slate is here in Mid-October!
Stay tuned to all our injury news, updates, and building advice on Discord. Also, check out our Optimizer and Projection Models to get the best possible performance from your lineups. Also, check back into the article during the week as we approach kickoff for more content, as more game breakdowns will be available as we approach the Sunday Slate.
Sunday Main Slate 10/20/24
Lions @ Vikings (-2.5) (O/U 50)
Detroit flies out to Minnesota for an NFC North battle with the 5-0 Vikings. We can expect a ton of ownership in this game, with a 50-point total between two powerhouse offenses, this contest holds weight. Detroit looked unstoppable on the road in Dallas, winning decidedly 49-6, while Minnesota had the week on bye.
The Lions’ offense has been off the charts since the start of the season and shows no signs of pumping the brakes. The league’s number-one-ranked scoring offense is in the top five in passing and rushing touchdowns scored. Although they face the number-one-ranked rushing defense in Minnesota, we can’t pivot away from the one-two punch of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs running behind a top-five offensive line. The better matchup lies in the air with Jared Goff (Minnesota ranks 30th in passing yards allowed, and 23rd in passing touchdowns).
What can we say negatively about those unbeaten Vikings? Their record speaks for itself. Sam Darnold (#1 in red zone completion percentage 72%) has been flawless in leading Kevin O’Connell’s offense. He’ll have a heck of a matchup against Detroit’s pass funnel offense (27th in DVOA), and throwing to Justin Jefferson who will be mismatched against Detroit’s Carlton Davis (+23% coverage rating). Jordan Addison will also be involved more since running back Aaron Jones is set to miss some time. Ty Chandler and the recently acquired Cam Akers will be available to pick up the slack, but Chandler should see the bulk of the work.
Cash: Justin Jefferson, Amon-Ra St. Brown
GPP: David Montgomery, Jahmyr Gibbs, Ty Chandler (if Aaron Jones is out), Jared Goff, Sam Darnold, Jameson Williams, Jordan Addison, Sam LaPorta
Texans @ Packers (-2.5) (O/U 47.5)
Houston will take on the Packers at Lambeau in what appears to be another high-scoring game between two of the most prominent and up-and-coming football teams. Both clubs can put up points and at the same time keep their opposition off the field with their stout defenses. It’ll be a game to be recognized for in DFS, with its Vegas line giving us an indication of some back-and-forth scoring in a near fifty total.
Houston is still loaded with firepower, even though top wideout Nico Collins was recently placed on IR. The offense was moving on all cylinders in New England last weekend, with Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs each catching touchdowns from C.J. Stroud, as well as Joe Mixon scoring two himself after returning from a three-game hiatus. With a record of 5-1, rest easy using any of these Texans for DFS, especially their receiving options since Green Bay allows over 225 passing yards per game (25th in DVOA).
The Packers looked back to full capacity last week, as Jordan Love put up over 25 fantasy points with ease against Arizona. The Texans have been tough on paper defensively (4th in passing yardage allowed), but their schedule has been cake early in the season. Love will be a lock again for Cash games, but his receiving core should be played in tournaments only, since he spreads the ball around so much it’s too hard to pinpoint (has averaged 3+ targets to all available receivers in rotation).
Cash: Jordan Love, Joe Mixon
GPP: C.J. Stroud, Stefon Diggs, Tank Dell, Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, Tucker Kraft, Dalton Schultz.
Eagles @ Giants (+3.5) (O/U 43.5)
We have an NFC East battle in the Meadowlands as the Eagles take on the Giants in what looks to be a low-scoring and close matchup. Philadelphia, who barely squeaked by the struggling Cleveland Browns, does not look like the same team we saw reach the Super Bowl two years ago. Big Blue continues to tough it out by moving the chains without Malik Nabers, hopefully, he clears protocols to play.
Philly is back to full strength offensively after Devonta Smith and AJ Brown returned from injuries last week, each catching one in the end zone. Although tight end Dallas Goedert may be a little banged up, they should easily score on New York. Expect a ton of a pissed-off Saquon Barkley usage at Met Life this weekend, as he returns to face his former team in his I-95 rival Eagles uniform. The Giants allow over five yards per carry, to opposing backs, so pay up for Saquon in cash.
The Giants showed some pride in losing against the Bengals last week as they almost pulled off the win without Malik Nabers and Devin Singletary. Rookie Tyrone Tracy scored 22 fantasy points, averaging about five yards per carry, and Darius Slayton has seen 22 targets, catching 14 of them for 179 yards and a touchdown in the two games without Nabers. The Eagles secondary has been generous to opposing receivers this year, allowing seven touchdowns and almost seven yards per catch. If Nabers is on the field, lock him in for cash, if not, we like Slayton and Wan’Dale Robinson.
Cash: Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, Malik Nabers (if healthy)
GPP: AJ Brown, Devonta Smith, Wan’Dale Robinson, Darius Slayton, Daniel Jones, Tyrone Tracy Jr. (if Singletary is Out)
Update: Dallas Goedert is Out…Grant Calcaterra is In
Seahawks @ Falcons (-2.5) (O/U 51)
Seattle will try to overcome its two-game slump in Atlanta when it takes on the red-hot Falcons. Both teams can score with ease, it will be just a matter of who can finish with the most. The 51-point total along with the low 2.5-point spread will be very inviting for DFS ownership, so let’s decide on who to own on this slate.
Geno Smith and the Seahawks will need to take to the air if they have a shot at beating Atlanta. The trenches have been friendly to tread on as well (142 RuYDS allowed per game), but if they want to keep up with the pace they will need to attack their 21st in DVOA secondary. DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith Njigba draw terrible coverages from Atlanta’s AJ Terrel (+11% Rating) and Dee Alford (+7% Rating). Seahawks will be popular for DFS this week, especially Kenneth Walker, who averages thirteen carries per game to go along with six targets and 12 red zone touches.
Kirk Cousins has the Falcons’ offense running like a top. Even Kyle Pitts has logged double-digit fantasy points for two straight weeks. Seattle has been trash in stopping the run, allowing close to 145 yards per game on the ground. look to see more of Bijan Robinson on Sunday to take advantage of the matchup. Once Bijan gets moving, expect Kirk to open up the passing routes to London, Mooney, and Pitts. Cash only except for Mooney who can be placed into GPPs.
Cash: Kenneth Walker, Bijan Robinson, Drake London, Kyle Pitts
GPP: Kirk Cousins, Geno Smith, Jaxon Smith Njigba, DK Metcalf, Darnell Mooney
Bengals @ Browns (+6) (O/U 41.5)
The craptastic Browns have made the slate and will host the Bengals in an AFC North matchup as five-and-a-half-point road favorites. Cleveland appears to be waving the white flag for the 2024 season at 1-5, while Cincinnati has been on a tear offensively scoring over 30 points in three of their last four games. When the Browns and Bengals clash, there’s always blood to be spilled no matter how bad of their records.
Big changes are on the horizon for the Browns. They traded away their top receiver Amari Cooper for a third-round pick this week and there could be more deals on the way. Some good news however is Nick Chubb has been logging full practices this week since being activated from IR. This is perfect timing as Jerome Ford landed on the injury report and has been missing practices with his hamstring. Chubb could see a slightly increased workload in his first game back since Week 2 of last season, and the Bengals’ 28th-ranked run defense (146 RuYDS allowed per game) would be a soft landing spot. Jerry Jeudy also gets a bump with the departure of Amari Cooper.
Joe Burrow has looked like his old self with a healthy receiving core. Now that Tee Higgins is back at 100% alongside Ja’Maar Chase, he’s completed 78% of his passes and has thrown 12 touchdown passes so far this season, which is 2nd in the league. The steam from the Cleveland engine may be gone, and the Bengals may very well walk into the Dog Pound and put them in a kennel. Fire up that Bengals defense for DFS too this weekend.
Cash: Ja’Maar Chase
GPP: Joe Burrow, Nick Chubb, Jerry Jeudy, Joe Burrow, Tee Higgins, Zack Moss, Chase Brown, Bengals DST
Titans @ Bills (-8.5) (O/U 41.5)
Tennessee is coming off their bye week and will have a tough matchup on the road up in Buffalo. The Bills now in full command of the AFC East will look to chalk up another win against a sputtering Titans offense that is unable to pass the football due to a lackluster Will Levis.
A 41.5-point total with a huge spread screams the Bills’ DST for DFS. Josh Allen may not have to put up too many points if the Titans fail to move the football, but we can never tell you to fade one of the best quarterbacks in the game. Buffalo also acquired stud receiver Amari Cooper via trade from Cleveland, but he may not play until he gets up to speed on the playbook. Pay close attention to Bills’ news reports for Cooper and James Cook’s foot problem. If Cook is out, Ray Davis is the next man up to run the ball. He recently torched the Jets on 20 carries for 97 yards and three catches for 55 yards.
The Titans have been a dumpster fire when it comes to chucking the pigskin. Will Levis has struggled in his Sophomore season, averaging only 5.6 yards per attempt and only throwing five touchdowns. The only game in town has been running back Tony Pollard. Although he is only middle of the pack in yards per carry (4.2), catches (16), and touchdowns (3), he’s scored double-digit fantasy points in four of five games for the season. His matchup is tasty, as Buffalo is dead-last in opposing running back yards per attempt at 5.3 YPC.
Cash: Josh Allen, Bills DST
GPP: Tony Pollard, Ray Davis (if James Cook is out)
Update: Tyjae Spears is out, Mason Rudolph to start at QB
Dolphins @ Colts (-3) (O/U 43.5)
Miami will head to Indy fresh off a Week 6 Bye and aim for a win against an opponent that may do them the honor. The Dolphins will still be without quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who has been desperately missed by the offense, especially Tyreek Hill. The Colts will be rolling back Anthony Richardson after starting the veteran Joe Flacco in their previous two games, who has led the offense better. Both clubs have putrid defenses and should allow points on each side of the field, I am not worried about this mid-to-low total of 43.5.
Tyler Huntley will be handed the keys to the offense once more for Miami, and hopefully the week off has helped him get more comfortable with the playbook. This may be his last start as Tua can be cleared to play in Week 8, and facing this Colt’s defense, he could go out in style. Indianapolis is currently ranked 26th in passing and 31st in rushing defense, which should set up a great game flow for De’Von Achane and Tyreek Hill. But how much faith you have in Huntley is up to you. They are all viable for a slot in GPPs.
Richardson has been ramping up in practices and is ready to take back his job as quarterback in Week 7, but should we trust him to lead the offense? It’s not fair to knock his stats since he has missed a few games already this year, but when he was on the field he only completed 53% of his passes. Facing a secondary featuring Jalen Ramsey also doesn’t help his cause this week, so the Colts will need to lean on the running game. The Dolphins have allowed eight rushing touchdowns (30th in the league) at 4.7 yards per carry in five games. When Richardson does decide to throw, he’ll look for Josh Downs. In two games they’ve connected on 11 of 14 targets for 104 yards and a touchdown.
Cash: None
GPP: Tyler Huntley, Anthony Richardson, De’Von Achane, Trey Sermon (if healthy), Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Josh Downs
Panthers @ Commanders (-7.5) (O/U 51.5)
Washington is back on the slate and will host a Panthers’ squad that has been unable to stop a bloody nose defensively. The total is juicy but the salaries have risen in a Commanders’ uniform, especially quarterback Jayden Daniels, who is the most expensive on the slate on DraftKings at $7,600. Washington’s defense is equally as bad hence the 51.5-point total. Does Andy Dalton have anything left in the tank to keep the Commanders honest? Let’s dive into this game later in the slate.
The meat and potatoes of this Panthers’ offense have been Chuba Hubbard and Dioantae Johnson all season long. The duo have combined for six touchdowns on top of 51 receptions, with Hubbard averaging 5.6 yards per carry. The ball will be in their hands to face a Commanders’ run defense that is 29th in the league and a secondary that is 28th in DVOA to opposing wide receivers. Xavier Legette also gets some praise in this write-up, as he caught a touchdown in two of his last three contests.
Washington’s players are priced up for a reason, they win games and light up the scoreboard. They sit in a great spot at home to win their fifth game and sit on top of the NFC East. Noah Brown is quietly emerging as Jayden’s second option at receiver seeing eight targets last week. But Terry McLaurin is still the alpha in this receiver room averaging 20 fantasy points per game in his last four. We love the matchup for Washington so pretty much all of their skill players are viable, but pay attention to injury reports for Brian Robinson Jr. If he sits out a third straight game then Austin Ekeler will feast against the worst run defense in football (Panthers allow over 153 RuYDS per game).
Cash: Jayden Daniels, Chuba Hubbard, Diontae Johnson, Terry McLaurin
GPP: Austin Ekeler, Xavier Legette, Andy Dalton, Noah Brown
Raiders @ Rams (-6.5) (O/U 43)
Vegas lands in the City of Angles to take on the Rams who will be well rested from a bye week. The Raiders are in total tank mode. They traded away Davante Adams for a measly third-round pick, which may have caused the rest of the team to want to sit out. LA is still in the hunt to tank as well sitting at 1-4, but at least their guys show up to play. I am not getting good vibes for DFS in this game, but let’s dissect it anyway.
Adams got his way by faking a hamstring until he got traded. Jakobi Meyers should’ve been back last week but is listed as doubtful. The QB situation between Aiden O’Connell and Gardner Minshew is not tempting, and running back Zamir White may not play again because of his groin. If you have a big set and really need to play a Raider the only games in town are Brock Bowers and Alexander Mattison. Receivers are a crap shoot between Tucker, Turner, and Wilkerson, cheap for DFS but risky. all Raiders are GPP candidates.
Cooper Kupp may step back on the field this week. What better landing spot than the Raiders to test that ankle? He has not played since Week 2 so he may not be worth the high price in DFS, but knowing head coach Sean McVey’s mentality he could play a ton of snaps. The safer Ram would be running back Kyren Williams this week. He’s expensive, but his matchup is remarkable as Vegas allows over 140 yards rushing per game. He is the whole enchilada at running back as he leads the league in carries (95) and red zone touches (32), scoring seven times already this year.
Cash: Kyren Williams
GPP: Cooper Kupp (if he plays), Matt Stafford, Brock Bowers, Alexander Mattison, Tre Tucker, Colby Parkinson, Tutu Atwell, Rams DST
Chiefs @ Niners (-1.5) (O/U 47.5)
We have finally reached the main event, a rematch of the Super Bowl LVIII. Kansas City enters the Bay Area undefeated and well-rested coming off bye. The Niners, however, really need this win in order to stay on top of their division. The bad taste left in their mouth from the loss eight months ago may still be lingering as well, so we can expect an all-out war on the field. Be prepared to stack this game or go up against other entrants stacking them in DFS.
The Chiefs have not looked the sharpest offensively thanks to a boatload of injuries this season, relying on their defense and controversial referee calls to stay undefeated. His fantasy numbers have not been up to par this year, but Patrick Mahomes shows up when it matters. In last year’s big game, he threw for well over 300 yards and two touchdowns, a feat he can easily duplicate this Sunday. Travis Kelce and Juju Smith-Schuster will see large roles once again in the passing game, as well as Kareem Hunt to run the rock.
The Niners are out for blood and looking to climb the standings in the NFC West. It could be tough sledding going up against a Chiefs’ defense that allows only 88 yards per game rushing. That is not good news for a Niner team that is built on running the ball. The fate of San Fransisco once again rests in the hands of Brock Purdy and his arsenal at his fingertips. They are all healthy, so it’s wheels up to Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and George Kittle. Kittle will have the best matchup on paper as Kansas City is dead last in DVOAto defending opposing tight ends.
Cash: Pat Mahomes, Juju Smith-Schuster, Travis Kelce
GPP: Brock Purdy, Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, Kareem Hunt, George Kittle, Jordan Mason (Isaac Guerendo if he is out)
Update: Jordan Mason will play
Thanks for reading my NFL DFS Game by Game Breakdown for Week 7! Remember to check back daily for more updates and content up until kickoff. You can reach me on X @JoeDiCarlo78 or in our Discord tag me @DiCarlo78 for any lineup build opinions or questions, always here to help! Gain access to our Projection Models and jump into our Discord where we will have our experts and myself talking plays across every sport 24/7/365!
