NFL Week 7 brings several appealing game environments for DraftKings tournaments, including a Packers-Lions matchup with the highest total on Sunday’s main slate. Injuries and changing offensive roles are also creating some interesting salary discrepancies, particularly at running back and tight end.
Buffalo, Jacksonville, the Chargers, and Washington are on bye, removing several popular fantasy options from the player pool. That makes finding value elsewhere particularly important.
Here are my favorite DraftKings GPP plays for Sunday’s 10-game main slate on October 25.
NFL DFS Tournament Strategy for Week 7
The biggest decision this week is whether to spend on one of the elite running backs. Jahmyr Gibbs ($9,800), Bijan Robinson ($8,500), and Jonathan Taylor ($8,000) all have significant upside, but fitting one of them alongside an expensive passing stack can leave little room to maneuver elsewhere.
I’m more interested in attacking the midrange, where several players have workloads that could rival more expensive options. Injuries have also created opportunities for cheaper receivers and tight ends to take on expanded roles. In tournaments, finding one or two of those players before their salaries adjust can make the difference between a competitive lineup and a top finish.
Best Contrarian Stack for NFL DFS Tournaments in Week 7
Game Stack: Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions
Jordan Love ($6,000) – Christian Watson ($7,000) – Tucker Kraft ($4,700) – Amon-Ra St. Brown ($7,800)
Packers-Lions has the highest total on the Week 7 main slate at approximately 53.5 points, with Detroit favored by three. Love is my preferred quarterback for this game, particularly against a Lions defense that has allowed the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks through six weeks. Detroit is surrendering approximately 26.6 fantasy points per game to the position, giving Love one of the most favorable passing matchups on the slate. At $6,000, he’s also considerably cheaper than Jared Goff ($6,800), despite playing in the same high-scoring environment. On the year, Love is QB8 in season-long scoring, just one position behind Goff, making this salary gap a DFS opportunity this week.
If we’re taking Jordan Love at QB, Christian Watson ($7,000) is the primary downfield target I want alongside Love, assuming his questionable designation doesn’t keep him out. He’s averaging 20.8 DraftKings points per game and has the ability to turn a handful of targets into a massive receiving performance. This year, Watson already has 6 TDs and faces a Lions secondary that’s surrendered the second-most receptions and third-most fantasy points to WRs.
Kraft ($4,700) gives us another way to attack Detroit’s defense without paying for a second expensive receiver. He’s averaging 9.4 DraftKings points per game, and his ability to produce after the catch makes him an appealing tournament option if Green Bay is forced to throw frequently. The Lions have actually been worse against TEs this year and enter this game dead last in DvP stats vs. TEs, meaning they’ve allowed more points to the position, per game, than any other defense in the league. For under 5k, playing for the massive breakout game seems almost automatic.
St. Brown ($7,800) is my preferred bring-back. He’s averaging 21.5 DraftKings points per game and remains Detroit’s most reliable receiving option, with an established role in the short and intermediate passing game. Green Bay has allowed nearly 21 points per game this season, and Detroit carries the highest implied team total on the slate at approximately 28 points. While Green Bay has better vs. the pass than the run, St. Brown’s target volume makes him an ideal option to pair with Love’s passing attack, since game flow is more likely to favor him if Love strikes with a big game. Ownership should also be on our side since we’re bypassing the player most people will want to build around, Jahmyr Gibbs.
Alternatives I’m considering:
- Jared Goff ($6,800) + Amon-Ra St. Brown ($7,800) + Jameson Williams ($5,800) + Christian Watson ($7,000)
- Joe Burrow ($6,900) + Ja’Marr Chase ($8,100) + Tee Higgins ($6,600) + Zay Flowers ($6,900)
NFL DFS Tournament Quarterback Pick
Bo Nix ($5,000)
Nix is one of the more appealing salary-saving quarterbacks on the Week 7 slate, particularly with Denver traveling to Arizona. The Cardinals have struggled defensively this season, allowing 25.9 points per game and giving up 1.38 times the league-average fantasy production to opposing quarterbacks. That creates an interesting opportunity for Nix, who has enough mobility to contribute rushing yards and doesn’t need a massive passing performance to deliver value at $5,000.
The Broncos are favored by 3.5 points, with an implied team total around 24 points, giving Nix a reasonable opportunity to account for multiple touchdowns. He also has plenty of cheaper receiving options to pair with, including Jaylen Waddle ($5,500), who seems ripe for a breakout game this week. Arizona has allowed 11 passing touchdowns through six games, and Denver’s passing attack should have opportunities to create plays downfield. Nix hasn’t consistently delivered elite fantasy production this season, but his salary and favorable matchup make him an appealing tournament option, particularly if the Cardinals can keep the game competitive and force Denver to remain aggressive.
Alternatives I’m considering:
- C.J. Stroud ($5,700)
- Baker Mayfield ($5,500), if active
NFL DFS Tournament Running Back Picks
Higher End: Christian McCaffrey ($7,600)
McCaffrey gives us an opportunity to roster an elite fantasy running back at a significant discount compared with the most expensive options this week. He’s averaging 20.3 DraftKings points per game and remains one of San Francisco’s most important offensive weapons, contributing as both a runner and receiver. At $7,600, he’s $2,200 cheaper than Jahmyr Gibbs and $900 less than Bijan Robinson, despite offering a similar combination of workload and receiving upside.
The matchup with Atlanta is another reason to target him. The Falcons have been vulnerable against opposing running backs, allowing approximately 18% more fantasy production than the league average to the position, mainly due to their poor coverage, which has allowed the 27th most receptions to RBs. This could be a spot where McCaffrey racks up 7 or more catches, and even if he falls short in the passing game, San Francisco is also a three-point road favorite in a game with a 50.5-point total, creating a favorable environment for McCaffrey to accumulate touches on the ground and goal-line scoring opportunities. His receiving role adds value on DraftKings, but at this salary, he doesn’t need a career-best receiving day to deliver a tournament-winning return.
Alternatives I’m considering:
- Kyren Williams ($7,000)
- Jonathan Taylor ($8,000)
Lower End: Braelon Allen ($5,900)
Allen is one of my favorite running back values this week, particularly with Breece Hall dealing with a quadriceps injury. Hall missed practice Wednesday, and Allen has already demonstrated he can handle a substantial workload when provided the opportunity. Over his last two games, he’s carried the ball 41 times for 194 yards and a touchdown while adding three receptions for 26 yards. That kind of volume is extremely appealing for a running back priced below $6,000.
The matchup with Miami makes Allen even more attractive. The Dolphins have allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing running backs, with at least one back scoring 15+ PPR points against them in every game this season. New York is also a 4.5-point home favorite, creating a favorable environment for Allen to accumulate carries if the Jets can control the game. At $5,900, he’s priced well below the elite backs but could approach a bellcow workload in this spot against a weaker opponent, if Hall remains sidelined.
Alternatives I’m considering:
- Aaron Jones ($6,200)
- Quinshon Judkins ($5,400), if active
NFL DFS Tournament Wide Receiver Picks
Higher End: Tetairoa McMillan ($7,100)
McMillan remains one of the most appealing young receivers for tournaments because of his target volume, downfield ability, and cheaper salary. He’s averaging 19.2 DraftKings points per game and has established himself as Carolina’s primary receiving threat, with the ability to produce a massive fantasy score when Bryce Young consistently looks his way. At $7,100, he’s cheaper than several of the elite receivers while still offering a comparable ceiling in games where Carolina is forced to throw. Even with a more muted Week 6 performance, McMillan still managed 80+ yards and 14+ DKFP, and this week he will get to face a somewhat funnel to the pass defense in Tampa Bay.
The Buccaneers have allowed 33.6 fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers, and while they’ve been solid at keeping WRs out of the end zone, they have allowed the 13th most receptions to opposing WRs this year, leaving room for McMillan to produce if his volume remains high. Carolina is a 3.5-point home favorite in a game with a total around 44.5 points, and McMillan’s ability to win downfield gives him opportunities to generate explosive plays even if the Panthers don’t throw 40 times. His target share and established role make him an appealing higher-end GPP option at a manageable salary.
Alternatives I’m considering:
- Malik Nabers ($6,800)
- Nico Collins ($7,200)
Lower End: Courtland Sutton ($4,700)
Denver’s passing game hasn’t been particularly explosive this season, but Sutton remains an established downfield and red-zone target, giving him a realistic opportunity to produce a strong fantasy score without needing double-digit receptions.
The matchup with Arizona makes him particularly appealing. The Cardinals have allowed approximately 22% more fantasy production to opposing wide receivers than the league average, and Denver carries an implied team total around 24 points. While Denver’s passing game has yet to establish who their true WR1 is, Sutton’s ability to win contested catches and produce downfield gives him a path to a 100-yard game or multiple touchdowns in this spot. At $4,700 and $800 cheaper than teammate Waddle, I don’t mind stacking him with his QB (who is also cheaper) or using him as an island play in this spot, as one big play could make him a strong tournament value.
Alternatives I’m considering:
- Carnell Tate ($5,100)
- Josh Downs ($5,600)
NFL DFS Tournament Tight End Pick
Tyler Higbee ($3,500)
Higbee is one of my favorite salary-saving tight ends this week, particularly with Davante Adams sidelined by a hamstring injury. The Rams are expected to be without one of their primary receiving options, which could create additional opportunities for Higbee in the short and intermediate passing game. He’s averaging 8.4 DraftKings points per game and has scored at least 11.7 PPR points in three of his last four appearances, giving him a reasonably established receiving role at a manageable salary.
The matchup with Las Vegas makes Higbee even more appealing. The Raiders have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends, with six different players scoring at least 10.7 PPR points against them through six weeks. The Rams carry an implied team total around 26.5 points, creating opportunities for multiple players to contribute in the passing game, and while they are favorites, their defense has also been a letdown at times this year, so the potential for a good game environment this week for Higbee does exist, despite the spread. At $3,500, Higbee doesn’t need a massive performance to deliver value, and the expanded receiving opportunity and favorable matchup make him an appealing GPP target.
Alternatives I’m considering:
- Colby Parkinson ($3,000)
- Harold Fannin Jr. ($4,200)
NFL DFS Tournament Defense Pick
New York Jets ($2,900)
The Jets are one of my favorite value defenses for Week 7, largely because they face Miami. The Dolphins have struggled on offense, averaging just 14 points per game, and Malik Willis is expected to start at quarterback, who has seven turnovers on the season already. Miami has also allowed opposing defenses to generate steady pressure and turnovers, giving the Jets an appealing opportunity to build on several strong fantasy performances against struggling offenses.
New York scored 11 DraftKings points against Tennessee and 16 against Cleveland earlier this season, showing it can capitalize on favorable matchups. The Jets are also 4.5-point home favorites, while Miami’s implied total is just 17.5 points. At $2,900, we get a defense with real sack and turnover upside against one of the league’s least productive offenses, without paying the premium for Minnesota or Houston.
Alternatives I’m considering:
- Cleveland Browns ($2,800)
- Minnesota Vikings ($3,500)
NFL DFS Tournament Picks FAQ
What is a GPP in NFL DFS?
A GPP, or guaranteed prize pool tournament, is a DFS contest that generally rewards high-ceiling lineups capable of finishing near the top of a large field. Unlike safer lineup constructions, tournament lineups often place more emphasis on ceiling, correlation, ownership and leverage.
What should I look for in NFL DFS tournament picks?
Strong NFL DFS tournament plays should offer a combination of upside, salary value and a realistic path to outperforming their expected ownership. Correlated game stacks and lower-owned pivots from popular players can also help differentiate lineups in larger contests.
How are NFL DFS tournament picks different from cash-game picks?
Cash-game lineups generally prioritize projection, workload and consistency, while tournament lineups can take on more volatility in exchange for a higher ceiling. GPP players may also consider ownership and leverage more heavily when deciding between similarly projected options.
What are the best NFL DFS tournament picks for Week 7?
My favorite NFL DFS tournament plays for Week 7 include Bo Nix ($5,000) at quarterback; Christian McCaffrey ($7,600); Braelon Allen ($5,900) at running back; Tetairoa McMillan ($7,100) and Courtland Sutton ($4,700) at wide receiver; and Tyler Higbee ($3,500) at tight end. The Jets ($2,900) are my preferred value defense, while the Packers-Lions is my featured contrarian game stack for Sunday’s DraftKings main slate.
