NFL Week 7 Usage Trends: Fantasy Football Notes for All 32 Teams

Seven weeks into the 2026 NFL season, fantasy managers are discovering things can keep changing all year long. A running back can dominate one week and disappear the next; a rookie can suddenly become the most important player in an offense (looking at you, Omar Cooper Jr!), and some coaches seem determined to use every running back on the roster just because they can. Week 7 gave us plenty of examples, including a changing backfield in Denver, more frustration for Ashton Jeanty managers, and a shift in Chicago’s passing game.

This weekly piece will look at those trends and make recommendations for players who might be worth rostering or starting in our fantasy lineups. For Week 7, we’ll focus on the most meaningful changes in playing time, touches, targets, and opportunities, separating legitimate changes in roles from numbers inflated by game script.

If you have interesting usage notes, feel free to reach out to me on Twitter/X (@CableBoxScore) and let me know. Let’s dive into the 2026 NFL Week 7 usage!

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NFL Week 7 Usage Trends

ARIZONA CARDINALS

With Jeremiyah Love sidelined, Arizona’s backfield remains a difficult situation for fantasy football managers. Bam Knight had seven carries for 48 yards and three receptions against Denver, while Tyler Allgeier had eight attempts and three receptions. That isn’t nearly enough volume to make either a reliable starter. Until Love returns, this is a backfield where the available touches are not doing anything to help fantasy managers.

ATLANTA FALCONS

Atlanta’s passing game came alive against San Francisco, with Michael Penix Jr. throwing for three touchdowns and Drake London catching seven passes for 66 yards and a score. London remains the safest receiver to trust, while Kyle Pitts’ increased usage (15 catches and four touchdowns over the last three weeks) is worth monitoring. The Falcons have enough offensive talent to support multiple fantasy starters, but the weekly target distribution remains key.

BALTIMORE RAVENS

Baltimore’s offense struggled with Tyler Huntley under center, but Zay Flowers still managed eight receptions for 137 yards and a touchdown. That’s encouraging for Flowers managers, although the Ravens aren’t going to throw for nearly 300 yards every week with Huntley. Derrick Henry managed just 45 yards on 17 carries, and Baltimore’s quarterback situation continues to limit the offense’s overall fantasy ceiling.

BUFFALO BILLS

The Buffalo Bills were on bye for Week 7.

CAROLINA PANTHERS

Carolina’s offense barely showed up against Tampa Bay, and Chuba Hubbard was a major casualty of the game script. Hubbard managed just seven carries for 33 yards and 61% of snaps after playing 94% of the snaps in Week 6. Darren Waller’s 50-yard touchdown also accounted for a significant chunk of Carolina’s passing production. Hubbard’s workload entering this game was encouraging, so don’t overreact to one blowout, but the Panthers’ offensive up-and-down nature remains a concern.

CHICAGO BEARS

Colston Loveland is officially (and FINALLY) taking over Chicago’s passing game. He played 83% of the snaps, ran 27 routes, and commanded an incredible 12 targets, catching seven for 69 yards and a touchdown. That’s 19 targets over his last two games, and Cole Kmet’s knee injury could create even more opportunities.

Luther Burden III also delivered 130 yards and a touchdown on just four receptions, but the more important development was his 61% snap share after playing only 39% in Week 6. He ran 26 routes compared with 18 last week. Burden’s ceiling is enormous if Chicago ever decides to keep him on the field consistently.

CINCINNATI BENGALS

Chase Brown played 80% of Cincinnati’s meaningful offensive snaps before the starters were removed against Baltimore, handling 16 of the team’s first 20 running back opportunities. Unfortunately, Samaje Perine still vultured a one-yard touchdown. Brown’s workload remains excellent, but his managers might want to consider filing a formal complaint with the Bengals’ goal-line coordinator. Brown continues to struggle to find the end zone.

CLEVELAND BROWNS

Quinshon Judkins returned from injury and scored twice, but Dylan Sampson’s involvement deserves attention. Judkins played 52% of the snaps and handled 18 of 27 running back opportunities, while Sampson played 47% and produced 77 yards on nine touches. This looks more like a two-man backfield than a traditional workhorse situation now. Sampson is worth rostering in PPR leagues.

KC Concepcion caught eight passes for 129 yards, while Harold Fannin Jr. added six receptions for 91 yards on nine targets. Both needed these good games after recent weeks, particularly with the Browns showing they can support multiple receiving options.

DALLAS COWBOYS

The usual suspects (Javonte Williams, CeeDee Lamb, and George Pickens) all feasted against an overmatched and overworked Philadelphia defense. The bigger story is what has happened to Jake Ferguson. He had one target and did not catch a pass in a game where the Cowboys scored 38 points. That’s four straight games with no more than three receptions and 19 yards.

DENVER BRONCOS

Well, that escalated quickly. Jonah Coleman returned from injured reserve and immediately played 50% of Denver’s offensive snaps, handling nine carries and two targets. J.K. Dobbins played just 21% of the snaps, while RJ Harvey played 25%. Coleman is suddenly the most interesting running back in this offense and should be a priority waiver addition. Dobbins and Harvey managers probably didn’t enjoy watching this one.

DETROIT LIONS

Jahmyr Gibbs handled an absurd 91% of Detroit’s snaps and 35 of 36 running back opportunities against Green Bay, rushing 29 times for 116 yards. David Montgomery’s absence has turned Gibbs into a true workhorse, as you already know. The Lions also leaned heavily on Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, who combined for 20 targets, 244 receiving yards, and two touchdowns. Sam LaPorta, meanwhile, saw just two targets despite running 28 routes.

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Josh Jacobs returned and immediately reclaimed the lead role, playing 54% of the snaps and handling 18 of Green Bay’s 26 running back opportunities. He totaled 91 yards and caught a touchdown, while MarShawn Lloyd played 34% and received eight touches. Jacobs should see his workload increase as he gets adjusted, leaving Lloyd as little more than a handcuff.

Matthew Golden continues to command an enormous workload, leading Green Bay with 12 targets and 155 air yards. Unfortunately, drops limited his production again. The opportunities are too good to ignore, but Golden’s managers are understandably wondering when all those targets will start turning into consistent fantasy points.

HOUSTON TEXANS

Houston’s backfield appears to be moving toward Woody Marks, who handled 19 carries for 66 yards against the Giants as David Montgomery continues to miss time. The bigger concern is the passing game, where C.J. Stroud managed only 153 yards despite throwing two touchdowns. With Marvin Harrison Jr. joining Nico Collins, Jaylin Noel, and the rest of this crowded receiving corps, there simply aren’t enough passing yards to make everyone fantasy-relevant. Nico Collins is the clear alpha, but playing him only 67% of snaps in this one was borderline malpractice.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Indianapolis managed just 108 passing yards against Minnesota, leaving very little fantasy production available outside Jonathan Taylor. Keenan Allen led the Colts with three receptions for 31 yards. Tyler Warren’s health remains important, but the larger issue is Daniel Jones and an offense that isn’t creating enough passing opportunities. It’s difficult to trust any Colts receiver until the quarterback play improves. His coach gave him the vote of confidence, but fantasy managers are thinking, “so, what?”

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

The Jacksonville Jaguars were on bye for Week 7.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Kansas City’s offense completely disappeared against Seattle, managing just three points in a 20-3 loss. With Rashee Rice sidelined, Xavier Worthy remains the most interesting receiver to monitor, but the passing game’s overall efficiency is becoming a concern without their most reliable wideout. Don’t make major roster decisions based on one terrible game, although the Chiefs desperately need more consistent production from their secondary receivers.

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

Ashton Jeanty’s playing time actually improved against the Rams, increasing to 71% after consecutive games below 60%. He handled 16 of the Raiders’ 23 running back opportunities, but managed an ugly 15 yards on eight carries. Mike Washington Jr. received six carries for 27 yards. Jeanty’s receiving production saved his fantasy day, but this is becoming a frustrating situation for a player drafted to be a rushing workhorse.

Tre Tucker also deserves attention after catching five passes for 103 yards and a touchdown on 12 targets. That’s his third strong performance of the season, and the target volume makes him worth rostering in most leagues.

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

The Los Angeles Chargers were on bye for Week 7.

LOS ANGELES RAMS

Blake Corum is becoming a legitimate threat to Kyren Williams’ workload over the last two weeks. Corum played 43% of the snaps against Las Vegas and handled 18 of the Rams’ 36 running back opportunities. More importantly, he played 44% of the first-half snaps, so this wasn’t just garbage-time usage. Williams still rushed for 99 yards and a touchdown, but Corum needs to be rostered everywhere.

MIAMI DOLPHINS

Ollie Gordon II continues to be one of the season’s better waiver-wire success stories. Gordon played 83% of Miami’s offensive snaps against the Jets and handled 28 of 35 running back opportunities. He rushed 25 times for 103 yards and a touchdown, giving him scores in four consecutive games. His receiving involvement remains limited, but workloads like this don’t grow on trees, especially this late into the season.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Jordan Mason returned to a substantial role against Indianapolis, rushing 15 times for 68 yards while playing 55% of the snaps. Aaron Jones handled only 34% before aggravating his knee injury in the fourth quarter. Mason could regain a significant workload if Jones misses additional time, making him a valuable roster addition wherever available.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Rhamondre Stevenson played 68% of the snaps against Chicago, while TreVeyon Henderson was reduced to 24% and Corey Kiner played just 12%. Stevenson caught five passes for 93 yards and a touchdown, but Henderson managed only five touches for 23 yards. The second-year back is becoming difficult to justify starting, and Kiner’s involvement makes him a less attractive handcuff than he was entering the season.

What about the tight ends? Hunter Henry continues to be a reliable fantasy option, catching all seven of his targets for 71 yards. Eli Raridon also caught three passes for 56 yards and a touchdown.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Alvin Kamara played 56% of the snaps against Pittsburgh and caught seven passes for 57 yards, but New Orleans’ rushing attack was nonexistent. Kendre Miller led the backfield with eight carries for six yards, while C.J. Donaldson suffered a shoulder injury. Miller played 46% of the snaps after the first quarter, making him worth holding, although this isn’t an offense or a running game to rely on.

NEW YORK GIANTS

Welcome back, Cam Skattebo! After disappearing in Week 6, Skattebo rushed 17 times for 124 yards and a touchdown against Houston. Unfortunately, Tyrone Tracy Jr. suffered a hamstring injury, and Skattebo also reported hamstring discomfort following a 42-yard overtime run. The Giants have a Week 8 bye, which should help both players recover. Skattebo is once again worth starting if healthy, although this backfield has been one wild ride this season.

NEW YORK JETS

Braelon Allen is making Breece Hall’s return a much more complicated situation. Allen played 75% of the snaps against Miami and handled 24 of 28 running back opportunities, rushing 17 times for 104 yards. He’s now topped 100 yards from scrimmage in consecutive games. Hall could return in Week 8, but Allen has earned enough work that this may become a full committee.

Omar Cooper Jr. also continues to look like a legitimate fantasy stud, catching five passes for 115 yards and a touchdown. That’s consecutive games with more than 100 receiving yards, making him one of the more exciting rookie receivers available in fantasy leagues.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

With no DeVonta Smith and Saquon Barkley hobbled throughout the game, Makai Lemon had his breakout performance with seven receptions for 67 yards and a touchdown. Tanner McKee will be his quarterback all season now, the Eagles are certainly in no rush to bring back Smith, and Barkley is a trade candidate. If Lemon is somehow still available in your league’s waivers, do whatever you can to pick him up this week.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Pittsburgh’s backfield gave a resounding “Oui, Oui!” in Paris this week. Jaylen Warren played 62% of the snaps and handled 18 carries for 101 yards, while Rico Dowdle played 44% and added 86 total yards on 15 touches. Dowdle also caught six passes on six targets. Both backs have fantasy value, particularly in PPR leagues, although Warren remains the preferred option because of his larger rushing workload.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Christian McCaffrey suffered a thigh injury against Atlanta, briefly leaving the game before returning. He finished with a season-low 52% snap share and just seven carries. Kaelon Black handled 12 carries for 63 yards and a touchdown with 47% of snaps, making him an important waiver-wire target if McCaffrey’s injury becomes a concern. McCaffrey says he will be OK, but I would pick up Black anyway.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Seattle’s offense didn’t need to do much against Kansas City, but Jaxon Smith-Njigba continued to dominate the team’s receiving opportunities. He accounted for an incredible 79% of Seattle’s air yards in Week 7. What will become more interesting for this team is the running game. Emanuel Wilson reached 100 yards again, but Zach Charbonnet and Jadarian Price might both be coming back for Seattle’s next game. This could become a mess.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Bucky Irving continued his impressive workload against Carolina, handling 25 touches for 110 yards and two touchdowns. He played 75% of the snaps through three quarters before sitting out the fourth quarter of Tampa Bay’s blowout victory. Kenneth Gainwell received additional work, including nine first-half carries, but Irving remains the clear fantasy priority. Irving probably would have played more if not for the blowout.

TENNESSEE TITANS

Tony Pollard erupted for 129 yards and three touchdowns on 25 carries against Cleveland, making it back-to-back great weeks. But Carnell Tate remains the more interesting name in Tennessee’s passing game. Tate led the Titans with five receptions for 69 yards and continues to look like their most dependable receiver. Cam Ward is the problem, and you have to wonder if the Titans make a change soon.

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS

The Washington Commanders were on bye for Week 7.

Make sure to check out all of our Week 8 Fantasy Football Rankings and Analysis!