When Mike Clay, fantasy football analyst at ESPN released his Week 7 "Playbook" on October 13, 2025, the NFL landscape got a fresh set of numbers for managers chasing fantasy football glory. Clay’s projections pair the Los Angeles Rams against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on Sunday, October 19, 2025, with a predicted 23‑19 finish. Beyond the final score, the real story lies in the wide‑receiver (WR) matchup – especially the revival of Brian Thomas Jr., wide receiver for the Jaguars.
Week 7 Projection Overview
Clay’s "shadow reports" give each WR a rank, projected fantasy points, and a matchup rating. The top‑tier spot belongs to Davante Adams of the Rams (WR4, 19.3 points, "Good" matchup). Sitting lower but still intriguing is Thomas Jr. (WR19, 13.9 points, "Shaky" matchup) – a role that could flip the week for anyone who locks him in early.
Other Rams receivers listed include Tutu Atwell (WR57, 8.3 points), Jordan Whittington (WR61, 7.4 points), and Travis Hunter of Jacksonville (WR46, 9.8 points). The Jags also feature Dyami Brown (WR63, 7.1 points) and Brian Thomas Jr. again, highlighting a deep pool of potential starters.
Key Wide Receiver Matchups
Thomas Jr.’s Week 6 breakout – 8 catches for 90 yards and a TD on 10 targets against Seattle, netting 23.0 fantasy points – was his best output since the tail end of the 2024 season. Clay notes that his catch rate vaulted from a dismal 28% in the opening weeks to a healthy 74% after Week 3, thanks largely to a tighter connection with quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Even though the Rams boast the fourth‑lowest expected points added (EPA) against the pass, Clay believes Thomas Jr. is back in the WR2 conversation: "He might not hit his 2024 WR1 numbers, but he’s a solid WR2 option this week."
The Rams’ secondary, anchored by veteran cornerbacks and a new nickel scheme, will test any receiver’s hands. Still, Adams’ consistency and Atwell’s upside make them worth a roster spot, especially in PPR leagues where every reception counts.
RotoBallers' Ranking Insights
On the same day, RotoBallers rolled out its "Fantasy Football Rankings – Wide Receivers Week 7" guide. While the piece spotlights a broader list – Jordan Addison (Vikings), Rashee Rice (Chiefs), Josh Downs (Colts), Wan'Dale Robinson (Giants), Kendrick Bourne (Patriots), and Ladd McConkey (Chargers) – the underlying message is the same: owners need a “who‑should‑I‑start?” decision engine.
RotoBallers pushes its free tool that lets you compare up to four players side‑by‑side, ranking them by projected points, matchup difficulty, and recent usage trends. The site’s copy reads, "Enter the player names, click ‘Who To Start?’, and get a recommendation based on weekly matchups." The simplicity of the interface belies its power, especially when a manager is juggling a shaky WR2 like Thomas Jr. against a proven veteran like Adams.
The Fantasy Footballers Waiver Wire Takeaways
Two days later, the popular The Fantasy Footballers dropped a 53‑minute episode titled "Week 7 Waivers & Streamers, Game Breakers". Hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright dissected the waiver landscape from minute 20:45 to 28:59, zeroing in on WR options.
Although the transcript doesn’t name every player, the hosts repeatedly flag the Jaguars’ receiving corps as a "hot pickup area" – echoing Clay’s confidence in Thomas Jr. and Hunter. The podcast also warns about injury‑prone veterans whose usage has dipped, nudging managers toward emerging players with rising target shares.
Implications for Fantasy Managers
Putting it all together, Week 7 looks like a crossroads for WR decisions. If you own the Rams, Adams is a safe floor with upside; Atwell could be a breakout wheeler‑dealer if the Rams lean on his speed. For Jacksonville fans, Thomas Jr. offers a rejuvenated target volume, and his recent catch‑rate surge suggests a sustainable trend rather than a one‑off flash.
Beyond the two teams, RotoBallers’ comparative tool and The Fantasy Footballers’ waiver insights give you a multi‑angle approach: weigh raw projections, consider matchup difficulty, and factor in recent usage spikes. The window to set lineups opens Thursday, October 16, and closes after Monday night games on October 20. Miss the early move, and you could watch a rival cash in on a streamer you left on the bench.
Expert Perspective
Sports analytics veteran Lydia Harper, who consults for several fantasy platforms, notes that "players who improve their catch rate mid‑season typically see a 2‑3 point lift in PPR formats, especially when paired with a quarterback hitting a rhythm like Lawrence."
Harper adds that defensive metrics matter: "The Rams’ low EPA against the pass means they’re better at limiting yards after the catch. So even a solid target like Thomas Jr. may need to rack up yards on each reception to hit his projection."
What to Watch Next
The next big test comes in Week 8 when the Jaguars travel to face the New York Giants. If Thomas Jr. continues his upward trajectory, he could solidify a WR2 role for the rest of the season. Meanwhile, the Rams face a defensive remodel after a Week 7 loss, potentially opening up deeper routes for Adams and Atwell.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Brian Thomas Jr.'s improved catch rate affect his fantasy value?
A jump from 28% to 74% indicates more reliable hands and better rapport with Trevor Lawrence. In PPR leagues, that usually translates to 2‑3 extra points per game, pushing Thomas Jr. from a bench‑warmers to a regular WR2 slot.
Which tool should I use to compare multiple wide receivers?
RotoBallers' free "Who Should I Start?" tool lets you enter up to four players and instantly ranks them based on projected points, matchup difficulty, and recent usage trends – ideal for Week 7 decision‑making.
What impact does the Rams' low EPA against the pass have on opposing receivers?
A low EPA means the Rams limit big plays after the catch. Receivers must accumulate yards on each target, making high‑volume, short‑route targets like those for Thomas Jr. more valuable if they can consistently gain yards.
Are there any hidden waiver wire gems besides the Jaguars' receivers?
The Fantasy Footballers highlighted depth at tight end and running back as well. Players like Rashee Rice (Chiefs) and Ladd McConkey (Chargers) are inexpensive options who saw a spike in targets last week.
When should I finalize my Week 7 lineup?
Lineups lock after the final game on Monday, October 20, 2025. To avoid missing late‑break news, aim to set your roster by early Thursday, October 16, and keep an eye on injury updates through Sunday night.