Week 7 fantasy pivots loom as a flood of injuries and returns reshapes lineups. J.J. McCarthy nears a Minnesota return; Carson Wentz could start again if he can’t go. Purdy and Kittle were limited in SF practice, with Purdy’s status uncertain and Mac Jones a potential Week 7 fallback. Khalil Mack’s 21-day window opens for the Chargers, signaling a pass rush boost. Kyler Murray is limited by a foot issue, with Jacoby Brissett ready to start if needed.

Dallas expects CeeDee Lamb back to energize Prescott-Pickens, while Noah Brown’s IR creates WR depth concerns for Washington. Jets’ Garrett Wilson faces knee questions; Anthony Richardson’s orbital fracture could sideline Indy for multiple games. Jauan Jennings and Fred Warner headlines set SF’s injury notes as Lions welcome Alim McNeill back, reshaping defenses across the league.

Matchup-driven fantasy decisions take center stage this week. A concise, angle-focused guide shows who rises with favorable game scripts and who falters when defenses clamp down. Expect emphasis on run-heavy plays on short weeks, sleeper WRs stepping into role gaps, and tight-end and backfield pivots based on opponent tendencies. It’s all about exploiting weeks’ specific edge to optimize lineups before kickoff.

Key notes lean into under-the-radar targets and path to volume: a running back with favorable implied rushing volume, a wideout stepping into larger target shares when a star is limited, and a quarterback floor boosted by quick throws against pressure. The aim is confidence in your start/sit calls, not guesswork, with lines from Caesars framing the risk-reward landscape.

George Pickens has arrived in Dallas, racking 32 catches, 525 yards and a career-high six TDs over the last six games after a May trade from Pittsburgh. With Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb healthy and KaVontae Turpin adding explosiveness, the Cowboys boast a top offense while Pickens treks toward unrestricted free agency after 2025. A potential franchise tag or new deal could shape his fantasy value, especially if Lamb’s return solidifies Dallas’ aerial attack against Washington this week.

Owner Jerry Jones praised the fit and production, while Pickens signals he wants to maximize the moment and push for playoffs, keeping options open beyond 2025. The surrounding talent line and injury luck improve his rest-of-season ceiling, making him a hot-ticket target in dynasty and redraft fantasy discussions.

Brock Purdy is back at practice in a limited role as toe soreness persists, clouding Week 5 plans after a 300-yard, two-INT outing. Mac Jones has stepped in with a 3-1 mark, keeping SF’s offense afloat while Purdy heals. George Kittle nears a return with a 21-day window to practice, and Jake Tonges has emerged as a reliable TE depth option. Sunday’s SF vs. Atlanta matchup could hinge on Purdy’s health and Kittle’s availability, shaping fantasy rosters as depth players fill in behind the top targets.

Bears win at Washington; Aikman’s MNF critiques were dismissed as outside noise inside Halas Hall as the team stayed the course and prevailed.

The moment frames a culture-driven win, where internal focus and reaction to external chatter could shape Chicago's approach in upcoming games, offering fantasy managers hints on where to expect stability and potential role clarity.