FantasyPros - The Biggest Fantasy Football Questions For Each Team in Week 7 (Ep. 1780) - The Herd with Colin Cowherd

The Herd with Colin Cowherd – FantasyPros: The Biggest Fantasy Football Questions For Each Team in Week 7 (Ep. 1780) Date: October 19, 2025

Overview

This episode of the FantasyPros Football Podcast, featured on The Herd with Colin Cowherd, dives deep into the biggest fantasy football questions for every NFL team in Week 7. Host Ryan Wormley is joined as usual by Derek Brown (“Debro”) and Pat Fitzmaurice (“Fitz”). The trio provides analytical, stat-heavy, and sometimes humorous debates about the top fantasy-relevant storylines, injury impacts, matchup previews, and key rankings to help listeners set their lineups.

The episode begins with a recap of a wild Thursday Night Football game (Bengals vs. Steelers), followed by a team-by-team breakdown of the upcoming NFL slate. Focus is given to roster-changing injuries, weather impacts, “revenge game” narratives, running back workloads, WR and QB tiers, and game environments likely to impact fantasy outcomes, alongside notable debates about specific players’ rest-of-season value.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Week 7 Kicks Off: Bengals & Steelers TNF Recap

[03:07–06:55]

The Bengals’ offense is revitalized under Joe Flacco, with massive volume for Jamar Chase and Tee Higgins (33 combined targets, both over 90 yards and a TD).
Flacco himself posted great fantasy stats (342 yds, 3 TDs), and Chase Brown impressed on the ground (11-108 rushing).
Debro: “If Flacco’s gonna give relevance to this passing game… their schedule is about to be cake. If you bought low on this offense…feeling pretty good this morning.” [04:41]
Fitz: “Chase is probably going to go into the top three [WRs rest of season]...I had Higgins WR36, gonna have to move him up.” [05:55]
Steelers notes: Jalen Warren shined (16-127 rushing). Pat Freiermuth had a huge statline (5-111-2), but Debro sees it as “fool’s gold” (more a product of matchup and volatility).

2. Position Battles and Rankings Movers

Brian Thomas Jr. (Rams vs Jaguars in London)

[12:15–15:35]

Emerged as WR7 last week, with missed opportunities due to penalties.
High target share and air yards recently, benefiting from single-high coverage.
Fitz: “I'm cautiously optimistic…he had a 37% first read share last game…trending up.” [14:22]
Both analysts rank Thomas as a mid-range WR1 this week (WR12-13).

DeAndre Swift (Saints at Bears)

[15:35–18:35]

Debate: Was last week’s RB6 finish a fluke or a sign of things to come?
Fitz: “Five and a half or six out of ten [on realness]…Swift’s career rushing efficiency wasn’t great…maybe it’s the O-line coming together, but I’m not fully buying in.” [16:00]
Debro: “I think he comes back to earth…Saints run D is tough.” [17:33]

3. Weather Concerns: Dolphins at Browns

[19:00–23:19]

Extreme wind/rain forecast changes the approach: fading pass-catchers, prioritizing running backs.
Debro: “With monsoon-level conditions...fade the passers, play the RBs.” [20:29]
Fitz: “Jalen Waddle as WR16 in consensus, I’ve got him at WR22…this is the one stadium where wind matters…fading the passers.” [22:07]

4. Chiefs WR Room: Rashee Rice’s Return

[26:40–31:53]

Fitz: “Rice is a low-end WR1 this week. Specialized role, Mahomes slinging it, but his return dings Hollywood Brown, probably unplayable now.” [26:55]
Debro: “I’ve got him WR11. If this was Week 1 and he’s healthy, this is where we’d have him anyway…matchup is good.” [29:02]
Consensus: Aggressive WR9 ranking is justified due to the lack of other high-upside options.

5. Eagles Offensive Struggles vs Vikings

[31:53–37:25]

Debro expects a run-heavy approach, big week for Dallas Goedert (“Minnesota runs two-high at the highest rate...Goedert’s getting elite usage.” [33:53]), and persistent uncertainty on DeVonta Smith/AJ Brown.
Fitz offers a lighthearted take: “Petullo’s offense has been terrible for all the principals except for Dallas Goedert, who’s suddenly Tony Gonzalez.” [35:49]
Hurts still a top 5 QB play.

6. Running Back Depth Chart Debates

Panthers at Jets: Rico Dowdle vs Chuba Hubbard

[37:45–41:30]

Dowdle’s expected lead back, but Debro warns: “It’s gonna be a mess…Chuba’s ineffective but won’t go away, probably a 60/40 split.” [40:10]

Patriots at Titans: Pollard, Stevenson, Travion Henderson

[42:32–46:05]

Both hosts lean Stevenson as the safest “gross” option: “I think New England could run it down their throat…Stevenson one, Henderson two, Pollard four.” — Debro [42:32]

Giants at Broncos: J.K. Dobbins vs Cam Skattebo

[46:38–48:53]

Split camp: Fitz prefers Skattebo (“He catches passes, will be leaned on…”), Debro prefers Dobbins in a great rushing matchup.

Chargers Backfield: Kamani Vidal vs Hassan Haskins

[49:48–51:07]

Debro: “This is Kamani Vidal’s backfield, 67% of the snaps, matchup's good, I’m not worried about Haskins.”

7. Late Afternoon & Primetime Game Notes

Packers WRs Post-Bye

[52:42–54:43]

Golden’s snap rate rising, but Debro cautions: “It’s still a committee…he’s WR3 territory, but it'll get muddier when Watson returns.”
Both hosts have Golden as WR3/flex.

Commanders at Cowboys: WR Injury Fallout

[55:36–58:19]

CD Lamb’s return: Both expect full usage, 80+ yards and a TD is reasonable.
Debro: “You’re gonna see normal CeeDee usage…9+ targets, 80+ yards.”

Falcons at 49ers: Deep Flex Plays

[59:16–62:20]

Debro: “Tyler Allgeier is worth a flex this week. In Falcons wins, his usage is huge.”
Fitz is lukewarm, but acknowledges Algier’s opportunity.

8. Monday Night Doubleheader: Bucs & Texans Passing Games

Bucs at Lions WRs Post-Injury

[62:43–66:09]

Bucs pass-catchers are a “mess,” Evans’ health key, choose K. Otten if desperate.
Fitz: “If Evans plays, you sit everyone else. If not, Otten is the most playable.”

Texans at Seahawks: C.J. Stroud Split Takes

[66:09–69:13]

Fitz: “I really only want to play Nico Collins…not Stroud, not Marks, not Chubb.”
Debro: “Seattle’s run D is elite, Houston will have to throw. Stroud’s a volatile play, but volume should be there, and stream Dalton Schultz in a pinch.”

Notable Quotes & Moments

Bengals WRs Explode: “Heavily involved doesn’t seem enough for 33 combined targets...” – Ryan Wormley [03:12]
On Joe Flacco’s Impact: “Flacco, there were people making jokes right and left on social media last night, but, like, resurrecting the fantasy hopes for this team...” – A [03:41]
On Rashee Rice’s Role: “His average depth of target for his career is 4.9 yards…Andy Reid’s playbook is full of good stuff for Rice.” – Fitz [26:55]
Weather Narrative: “When we get to monsoon-level conditions, yes, it’s going to impact it…Not so much the rain, but sustained winds.” – Debro [20:29]
On Eagles Coordinator Turnover: “If they could ever have an OC for two seasons in a row, we’d see better things out of the Eagles. Four in four years, that’s not easy for anybody.” – Debro [33:53]
Panthers Backfield: “It’s gonna be a mess…I think Rico is going to be the leader…Chuba’s not been anywhere close to the player he was last year.” – Debro [40:10]

Timestamps for Important Segments

[03:07] — Bengals-Steelers TNF Recap
[12:15] — Rams vs Jaguars, Brian Thomas Jr. Outlook
[15:35] — DeAndre Swift: Real or Fluke?
[19:00] — Dolphins-Browns Weather Worries
[26:40] — Rashee Rice Returns (Chiefs)
[31:53] — Eagles’ Struggles & Scheme Talk
[37:45] — Panthers RBs Dowdle/Hubbard
[42:32] — Patriots/Titans RB Rankings
[46:38] — Giants vs Broncos RB Debate
[49:48] — Chargers Backfield Roles
[52:42] — Packers New WR Usage
[55:36] — Commanders-Cowboys: WR Impact
[59:16] — Falcons-49ers: Best Flex Play
[62:43] — Bucs WR Drama Post-Igbuka Injury
[66:09] — Texans at Seahawks: How to handle Houston’s Offense

Tone & Language

Analytical, stat-driven, and opinionated, with a friendly, conversational (sometimes bantering) tone.
Frequent use of fantasy football lingo (e.g., ADOT, RB2, “route share,” “scheme adjusted points”).
Real-time reactions to Thursday Night Football, rest-of-season projections, and ranking debates.

Closing Thoughts

This episode delivers a comprehensive preview for fantasy managers, balancing statistical analysis, matchup-based insight, and nuanced debates about injury and weather impacts. The panel challenges consensus rankings, breaks down Q&A for every relevant player, and gives practical, just-in-time advice and start/sit philosophies—with plenty of actionable rankings and “what to watch for” throughout the NFL Week 7 slate.

Listen to this episode if:
You want a detailed, opinionated, and actionable guide to navigating Week 7’s biggest fantasy football questions—player by player, team by team.

The Herd with Colin Cowherd – FantasyPros: The Biggest Fantasy Football Questions For Each Team in Week 7 (Ep. 1780) Date: October 19, 2025

Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Week 7 Kicks Off: Bengals & Steelers TNF Recap

[03:07–06:55]

The Bengals’ offense is revitalized under Joe Flacco, with massive volume for Jamar Chase and Tee Higgins (33 combined targets, both over 90 yards and a TD).
Flacco himself posted great fantasy stats (342 yds, 3 TDs), and Chase Brown impressed on the ground (11-108 rushing).
Debro: “If Flacco’s gonna give relevance to this passing game… their schedule is about to be cake. If you bought low on this offense…feeling pretty good this morning.” [04:41]
Fitz: “Chase is probably going to go into the top three [WRs rest of season]...I had Higgins WR36, gonna have to move him up.” [05:55]
Steelers notes: Jalen Warren shined (16-127 rushing). Pat Freiermuth had a huge statline (5-111-2), but Debro sees it as “fool’s gold” (more a product of matchup and volatility).

2. Position Battles and Rankings Movers

Brian Thomas Jr. (Rams vs Jaguars in London)

[12:15–15:35]

Emerged as WR7 last week, with missed opportunities due to penalties.
High target share and air yards recently, benefiting from single-high coverage.
Fitz: “I'm cautiously optimistic…he had a 37% first read share last game…trending up.” [14:22]
Both analysts rank Thomas as a mid-range WR1 this week (WR12-13).

DeAndre Swift (Saints at Bears)

[15:35–18:35]

Debate: Was last week’s RB6 finish a fluke or a sign of things to come?
Fitz: “Five and a half or six out of ten [on realness]…Swift’s career rushing efficiency wasn’t great…maybe it’s the O-line coming together, but I’m not fully buying in.” [16:00]
Debro: “I think he comes back to earth…Saints run D is tough.” [17:33]

3. Weather Concerns: Dolphins at Browns

[19:00–23:19]

Extreme wind/rain forecast changes the approach: fading pass-catchers, prioritizing running backs.
Debro: “With monsoon-level conditions...fade the passers, play the RBs.” [20:29]
Fitz: “Jalen Waddle as WR16 in consensus, I’ve got him at WR22…this is the one stadium where wind matters…fading the passers.” [22:07]

4. Chiefs WR Room: Rashee Rice’s Return

[26:40–31:53]

Fitz: “Rice is a low-end WR1 this week. Specialized role, Mahomes slinging it, but his return dings Hollywood Brown, probably unplayable now.” [26:55]
Debro: “I’ve got him WR11. If this was Week 1 and he’s healthy, this is where we’d have him anyway…matchup is good.” [29:02]
Consensus: Aggressive WR9 ranking is justified due to the lack of other high-upside options.

5. Eagles Offensive Struggles vs Vikings

[31:53–37:25]

Debro expects a run-heavy approach, big week for Dallas Goedert (“Minnesota runs two-high at the highest rate...Goedert’s getting elite usage.” [33:53]), and persistent uncertainty on DeVonta Smith/AJ Brown.
Fitz offers a lighthearted take: “Petullo’s offense has been terrible for all the principals except for Dallas Goedert, who’s suddenly Tony Gonzalez.” [35:49]
Hurts still a top 5 QB play.

6. Running Back Depth Chart Debates

Panthers at Jets: Rico Dowdle vs Chuba Hubbard

[37:45–41:30]

Dowdle’s expected lead back, but Debro warns: “It’s gonna be a mess…Chuba’s ineffective but won’t go away, probably a 60/40 split.” [40:10]

Patriots at Titans: Pollard, Stevenson, Travion Henderson

[42:32–46:05]

Both hosts lean Stevenson as the safest “gross” option: “I think New England could run it down their throat…Stevenson one, Henderson two, Pollard four.” — Debro [42:32]

Giants at Broncos: J.K. Dobbins vs Cam Skattebo

[46:38–48:53]

Split camp: Fitz prefers Skattebo (“He catches passes, will be leaned on…”), Debro prefers Dobbins in a great rushing matchup.

Chargers Backfield: Kamani Vidal vs Hassan Haskins

[49:48–51:07]

Debro: “This is Kamani Vidal’s backfield, 67% of the snaps, matchup's good, I’m not worried about Haskins.”

7. Late Afternoon & Primetime Game Notes

Packers WRs Post-Bye

[52:42–54:43]

Golden’s snap rate rising, but Debro cautions: “It’s still a committee…he’s WR3 territory, but it'll get muddier when Watson returns.”
Both hosts have Golden as WR3/flex.

Commanders at Cowboys: WR Injury Fallout

[55:36–58:19]

CD Lamb’s return: Both expect full usage, 80+ yards and a TD is reasonable.
Debro: “You’re gonna see normal CeeDee usage…9+ targets, 80+ yards.”

Falcons at 49ers: Deep Flex Plays

[59:16–62:20]

Debro: “Tyler Allgeier is worth a flex this week. In Falcons wins, his usage is huge.”
Fitz is lukewarm, but acknowledges Algier’s opportunity.

8. Monday Night Doubleheader: Bucs & Texans Passing Games

Bucs at Lions WRs Post-Injury

[62:43–66:09]

Bucs pass-catchers are a “mess,” Evans’ health key, choose K. Otten if desperate.
Fitz: “If Evans plays, you sit everyone else. If not, Otten is the most playable.”

Texans at Seahawks: C.J. Stroud Split Takes

[66:09–69:13]

Fitz: “I really only want to play Nico Collins…not Stroud, not Marks, not Chubb.”
Debro: “Seattle’s run D is elite, Houston will have to throw. Stroud’s a volatile play, but volume should be there, and stream Dalton Schultz in a pinch.”

Notable Quotes & Moments

Bengals WRs Explode: “Heavily involved doesn’t seem enough for 33 combined targets...” – Ryan Wormley [03:12]
On Joe Flacco’s Impact: “Flacco, there were people making jokes right and left on social media last night, but, like, resurrecting the fantasy hopes for this team...” – A [03:41]
On Rashee Rice’s Role: “His average depth of target for his career is 4.9 yards…Andy Reid’s playbook is full of good stuff for Rice.” – Fitz [26:55]
Weather Narrative: “When we get to monsoon-level conditions, yes, it’s going to impact it…Not so much the rain, but sustained winds.” – Debro [20:29]
On Eagles Coordinator Turnover: “If they could ever have an OC for two seasons in a row, we’d see better things out of the Eagles. Four in four years, that’s not easy for anybody.” – Debro [33:53]
Panthers Backfield: “It’s gonna be a mess…I think Rico is going to be the leader…Chuba’s not been anywhere close to the player he was last year.” – Debro [40:10]

Timestamps for Important Segments

[03:07] — Bengals-Steelers TNF Recap
[12:15] — Rams vs Jaguars, Brian Thomas Jr. Outlook
[15:35] — DeAndre Swift: Real or Fluke?
[19:00] — Dolphins-Browns Weather Worries
[26:40] — Rashee Rice Returns (Chiefs)
[31:53] — Eagles’ Struggles & Scheme Talk
[37:45] — Panthers RBs Dowdle/Hubbard
[42:32] — Patriots/Titans RB Rankings
[46:38] — Giants vs Broncos RB Debate
[49:48] — Chargers Backfield Roles
[52:42] — Packers New WR Usage
[55:36] — Commanders-Cowboys: WR Impact
[59:16] — Falcons-49ers: Best Flex Play
[62:43] — Bucs WR Drama Post-Igbuka Injury
[66:09] — Texans at Seahawks: How to handle Houston’s Offense

Tone & Language

Analytical, stat-driven, and opinionated, with a friendly, conversational (sometimes bantering) tone.
Frequent use of fantasy football lingo (e.g., ADOT, RB2, “route share,” “scheme adjusted points”).
Real-time reactions to Thursday Night Football, rest-of-season projections, and ranking debates.

Closing Thoughts

Listen to this episode if:
You want a detailed, opinionated, and actionable guide to navigating Week 7’s biggest fantasy football questions—player by player, team by team.

FantasyPros - The Biggest Fantasy Football Questions For Each Team in Week 7 (Ep. 1780)

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Summary

Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Week 7 Kicks Off: Bengals & Steelers TNF Recap

2. Position Battles and Rankings Movers

Brian Thomas Jr. (Rams vs Jaguars in London)

DeAndre Swift (Saints at Bears)

3. Weather Concerns: Dolphins at Browns

4. Chiefs WR Room: Rashee Rice’s Return

5. Eagles Offensive Struggles vs Vikings

6. Running Back Depth Chart Debates

Panthers at Jets: Rico Dowdle vs Chuba Hubbard

Patriots at Titans: Pollard, Stevenson, Travion Henderson

Giants at Broncos: J.K. Dobbins vs Cam Skattebo

Chargers Backfield: Kamani Vidal vs Hassan Haskins

7. Late Afternoon & Primetime Game Notes

Packers WRs Post-Bye

Commanders at Cowboys: WR Injury Fallout

Falcons at 49ers: Deep Flex Plays

8. Monday Night Doubleheader: Bucs & Texans Passing Games

Bucs at Lions WRs Post-Injury

Texans at Seahawks: C.J. Stroud Split Takes

Notable Quotes & Moments

Timestamps for Important Segments

Tone & Language

Closing Thoughts

Summary

Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Week 7 Kicks Off: Bengals & Steelers TNF Recap

2. Position Battles and Rankings Movers

Brian Thomas Jr. (Rams vs Jaguars in London)

DeAndre Swift (Saints at Bears)

3. Weather Concerns: Dolphins at Browns

4. Chiefs WR Room: Rashee Rice’s Return

5. Eagles Offensive Struggles vs Vikings

6. Running Back Depth Chart Debates

Panthers at Jets: Rico Dowdle vs Chuba Hubbard

Patriots at Titans: Pollard, Stevenson, Travion Henderson

Giants at Broncos: J.K. Dobbins vs Cam Skattebo

Chargers Backfield: Kamani Vidal vs Hassan Haskins

7. Late Afternoon & Primetime Game Notes

Packers WRs Post-Bye

Commanders at Cowboys: WR Injury Fallout

Falcons at 49ers: Deep Flex Plays

8. Monday Night Doubleheader: Bucs & Texans Passing Games

Bucs at Lions WRs Post-Injury

Texans at Seahawks: C.J. Stroud Split Takes

Notable Quotes & Moments

Timestamps for Important Segments

Tone & Language

Closing Thoughts