Bills QB Josh Allen and Commanders QB Jayden Daniels, who are two of the top fantasy football options at their position, will be on a bye during Week 7.
So will Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence, potentially leaving many fantasy managers with a tough decision on who else to start in their respective lineups.
With that in mind, let's break down our NFL Week 7 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em battle between Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers and Seahawks QB Sam Darnold for your fantasy football picks this week, including their best PrizePicks projections.
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Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em QBs, Week 7: Aaron Rodgers or Sam Darnold?
Who'd be the better pick out of this NFL Week 7 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em dilemma: Rodgers or Darnold?
Why Start Aaron Rodgers?
Aaron Rodgers PrizePicks Projections: 233.5 Pass Yards, 1.5 Pass TDs, 15.5 Fantasy Score
Rodgers finished with 2 TDs in a 26-19 win over the Buccaneers last week, marking his fourth straight game with at least 2 scores through the air.
The veteran QB has attempted at least 40 passes in three of his first six games after doing so just twice all of last season.
Not only is Rodgers attempting more passes, but they are going down field more often. Per PFF, his average depth of target (aDOT) is 7.5 yards. It was 6.4 yards in 2025.
Steelers WR Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) and WR Roman Wilson (finger) are currently on IR, but WR Germie Bernard stepped up to record 17 receptions for 167 yards and 1 TD the last two games.
Add Aaron Rodgers + Steelers to win to your PrizePicks lineup now.
Why Start Sam Darnold?
Sam Darnold PrizePicks Projections: 224.5 Pass Yards, 1.5 Pass TDs (Demon), 15 Fantasy Score
Darnold isn’t off to the best start, posting 7 TDs and 7 INTs. However, he's attempted at least 45 passes in two of the four full games that he played.
The defending Super Bowl champ still has an aDOT of 8.1 yards, following his mark of 8.7 yards last season.
Despite only playing four full contests, Darnold ranks 17th among 35 qualified QBs in big-time throws.
Remaining at Darnold’s side is WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who leads the NFL in receiving yards (717) and receiving TDs (7) while also being tied for first in receptions (49).
Add Sam Darnold + Seahawks to win to your PrizePicks lineup now.
Week 7 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Verdict: Start Aaron Rodgers
Darnold doesn't have a favorable matchup this week when the Seahawks host the Chiefs. Per RBSDM, Kansas City ranks fourth in dropback EPA/play allowed. K.C. has only allowed 4 passing TDs while also recording 5 INTs. Its 6.1 yards allowed per pass is the fourth-lowest mark in the NFL, too.
Teams have been able to focus their efforts on trying to slow down Darnold because the Seahawks haven’t been able to get much going on the ground. Seattle averages 3.9 yards per carry and has just 2 runs of at least 20 yards. Their rush success rate of 35.6% is 21st.
Rodgers has a much better matchup against the Saints for their international game in France. On their way to allowing 29.7 PPG, New Orleans' defense ranks 23rd in dropback EPA/play.
Last week, the Saints allowed Giants backup QB J.J. McCarthy to throw for 243 yards and 1 TD while being limited to playing in the fourth quarter.
New Orleans’ 7.7 yards ceded per pass attempt is the eighth-highest mark in the NFL. The Saints have allowed 20 completions of at least 20 yards, which is tied for the seventh-most.
With Rodgers airing things out more, he can exploit that propensity for giving up big plays. Starting him comes with significantly more upside than taking a chance on Darnold turning things around vs. a good defense.
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Rodgers is having a resurgent season with the Steelers asking him to air things out more. He also has a great matchup against the struggling Saints defense in Week 7, giving him more fantasy upside than Darnold against a stingy Kansas City secondary.
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