This article is part of our FantasyDraft NFL series.
Each week, RotoWire will provide picks and values for FantasyDraft lineups. Users have a salary cap of $100,000 to select a lineup comprised of one quarterback, two running backs, two receivers, one tight end, two flex spots and one defense. The scoring is standard point-per-reception.
To roster some top-tier players in tournaments, you need some lower-priced sleeper options.
Here are our fantasy football picks for Week 7 on FantasyDraft.
QUARTERBACK
Ryan Tannehill, $11,200 vs. HOU
Tannehill has one of the better matchups at quarterback in Week 7, but he likely will be less owned because more owners will be on Carson Palmer and Philip Rivers (who are both excellent cash game plays). Tannehill faces a Texans secondary that has allowed 12 passing touchdowns through the air this season and has given up multiple touchdown passes in four of six games. Tannehill has been safe this season, scoring at least 180 fantasy points in three of his last four games, and throwing a touchdown pass in each contest. If you choose to save at quarterback, Tannehill makes for an excellent cheap play.
RUNNING BACK
Lamar Miller, $9,500 vs. HOU
With the Dolphins changing the coaching staff, Miller saw more touches in three quarters than he has all season. Miller had 21 touches in a blowout win against the Titans in Week 6, as he rushed for 113 yards and a touchdown. In Week 7, he faces a Texans team that is likely without Jadeveon Clowney, who was a force as a run stuffer. Even with Clowney, the Texans have allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season. Miller is likely to get a lot of touches again, which makes him a solid play at just $9,500 in a good matchup.
Theo Riddick, $6,900 vs. MIN
Riddick continues to be a solid value on FantasyDraft every week for one reason: receptions. In FantasyDraft's full PPR scoring system, Riddick has been very valuable. He has 33 receptions in six games and has no less than 8.6 fantasy points in each week. With the Lions facing the Vikings in Week 7, Riddick will be asked to catch a lot of passes from Matthew Stafford as a safety valve, considering the Lions' top target will be covered by one of the better cornerbacks in the NFL. With Riddick's price and floor, he makes for a steady play as a cheap option in cash games.
WIDE RECEIVER
John Brown, $10,800 vs. BAL
Brown gets one of the top matchups in daily fantasy football against the Baltimore Ravens' secondary. The Ravens have allowed 94 catches for 1,332 yards and nine touchdowns this season. They have allowed at least 200 yards to opposing receivers in four of six games, and have given up multiple touchdown passes in three of the last five games. Brown has at least 15.8 fantasy points in each of the last three games and has been a target monster, averaging nearly 10 per game in those three contests.
Rishard Matthews, $8,000 vs. HOU
Quietly, this has been the Matthews worth playing each week this season. The Dolphins have played five games, and Matthews has at least 13.4 fantasy points in all but one. That game was against the Jets, who have two of the best cover corners in the NFL. In the remaining four games, Matthews has caught at least six passes or a touchdown, while notching more than 80 yards in three. He will line up against a Texans' secondary that has allowed 437 yards and five touchdowns to opposing receivers in the last three weeks.
TIGHT END
Jordan Reed, $9,000 vs. TB
With Antonio Gates or Delanie Walker being popular (and excellent) picks this week, Reed could be a quiet pick in tournaments as a low-owned option. He has practiced all week and is likely to return in Week 7 against a Bucs team that has been good against tight ends this season. Why would Reed make for a good play in a bad matchup? The Redskins have used him as a wide receiver a lot this season, which is one position the Bucs have struggled to defend. Reed has at least five catches in each game this season, and has at least 14 fantasy points in three of his four contests.
DEFENSE
Rams, $4,800 vs. CLE
For some reason, the Rams are oddly priced as the third-cheapest unit on FantasyDraft. This makes them an attractive option against almost anyone, but in a good matchup against the Browns it makes them an elite option. Josh McCown has been sacked 17 times in little more than four games and has thrown three interceptions. With the Rams having one of the best pass rushing defensive fronts in football (19 sacks in five games), this is an excellent matchup for a very cheap price.
