As we dive deep into the 2024 NFL season, fantasy football managers find themselves in a whirlwind of surprises and shakeups following a thrilling Week 6. With standout performances from unexpected players, the landscape for Week 7 has become even more critical for those looking to optimize their rosters and outsmart their opponents.

Key Highlights from Week 6

Last week, Sean Tucker emerged as the top running back, while Gabe Davis, Romeo Doubs, and DeMario Douglas shone brightly as elite wide receivers. On the tight end front, Cole Kmet grabbed the top spot, but the biggest surprise came from Mark Andrews, who landed a top-three finish against all expectations.

As we gear up for Week 7, here's a sneak peek at the early fantasy football rankings, highlighting players on the rise and those who may be on the decline across various positions.

Quarterback Rankings: Risers and Fallers

- UP: Baker Mayfield - With a remarkable start, Baker is currently the fantasy QB2, flaunting five top-seven performances. He faces a Ravens defense that has been unkind to quarterbacks, giving him an excellent shot at continued success.

- UP: Drake Maye - Making waves in his debut, Maye finished as the QB9 and has a favorable matchup against a Jaguars team that has struggled against quarterbacks, offering potential for a breakout performance.

- DOWN: Patrick Mahomes - Surprisingly, the two-time MVP has underperformed recently, finishing lower than QB14 in ten consecutive games as Kansas City’s winning streak diminishes the need for high-volume passing.

Running Back Rankings: Risers and Fallers

- UP: J.K. Dobbins and Kimani Vidal - Both running backs are set to thrive against a porous Cardinals defense, with Dobbins showcasing impressive productivity with 27 touches in Week 6.

- DOWN: Najee Harris - Despite finally finding the end zone, a challenging matchup against the Jets looms, making it tough for Harris to sustain momentum.

Wide Receiver Rankings: Risers and Fallers

- UP: Drake London - Dominating with an impressive 51 targets since Week 1, London stands as fantasy’s WR3 and is a must-start moving forward.

- DOWN: Michael Pittman Jr. - With Anthony Richardson back under center, Pittman's hopes dim, having recorded poor finishes with Richardson earlier this season.

Tight End Rankings: Risers and Fallers

- UP: Evan Engram - Leading the tight end position in targets with 10 in Week 6, Engram’s value skyrockets, especially given the current scarcity of productive tight ends.

- DOWN: Mike Gesicki - Following a ghost week with zero targets, Gesicki’s role appears to be shrinking, making him unstartable unless injuries occur in the Bengals' receiving corps.

In Conclusion

As fantasy football managers head into Week 7, keeping an eye on these risers and fallers could be the difference between victory and defeat. Whether you're strategizing for the waiver wire or assessing trade candidates, staying informed is crucial. Don't forget to check back on Sunday for the latest updates to see how injuries or match-up shifts could impact your final lineup decisions. Fantasy glory awaits!