Fantasy Football: OL/DL matchups to target and avoid in Week 7

• QB controversy in New England: Bailey Zappe’s eye-popping production from a clean pocket should have fantasy managers hoping Mac Jones sits at least another week.
• Value in some backups with bigger expected roles: Kenyan Drake and Atlanta’s running backs could create above expectations in Week 7.
• Bucs-Panthers may not be as lopsided as it seems: What does that mean for Leonard Fournette against a solid defensive line against the run?

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

With bye weeks and injuries playing a major part in fantasy managers’ lineup decisions, there will be more of a focus on some of the deeper fantasy options to help with these key decisions this week.

NOTE: Click here to see this week’s entire offensive line/defensive line matchup tool.

OFFENSIVE LINE MATCHUPS TO TARGET

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS VS. CHICAGO BEARS

The Patriots’ offensive line ranks top 10 in pass-blocking grade (70.7) this season and has allowed just a 21.6% pressure rate, which is among the lowest rates in the league. The Bears defensive line have struggled to rush the passer, ranking last in the league in pass-rush grade (56.1) and pass-rush win rate (30.9%). 

TOP PLAYER(S) TO TARGET

QB Bailey Zappe – It’s still unclear whether or not Mac Jones will be back and starting this week, but if not, Zappe should be worth a look in deeper leagues or as a DFS play. He currently owns the sixth-highest passing grade (min. 50 dropbacks) when kept clean this season (85.5). Zappe also ranks first in completion percentage (81.8%) and adjusted completion percentage (87.3%) among quarterbacks with at least 50 dropbacks. He ranks first in quarterback rating (123.7) and second in passing yards per attempt (9.7) from a clean pocket. Operating behind one of the best offensive lines in the league should have fantasy managers hoping Jones sits for at least another week.

WR Jakobi Meyers – Meyers leads the team in targets (31) and receiving yards (321), and 81% of those targets have come from a clean pocket, accounting for 91% of his total receiving yards. Meyers ranks sixth among receivers in receiving grade from a clean pocket (82.6) with nine explosive plays (tied for ninth) and is sixth in yards per route run (3.32).

ATLANTA FALCONS @ CINCINNATI BENGALS