Tyler Higbee Week 7 Outlook for Fantasy Football (2025): Should You Start or Sit?

Fantasy football managers know the tight end position can be a rollercoaster. One week, your starter delivers a 20-point explosion; the next, they vanish into the box score abyss. In Week 7 of the 2025 NFL season, Tyler Higbee—the Los Angeles Rams’ veteran tight end—finds himself in the spotlight once again. Is he a must-start in your lineup, or should you hedge your bets with a higher-upside option?

With the Rams facing a mid-tier defense and Higbee’s role in the offense evolving under new offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, fantasy managers are scrambling for clarity. Should you trust his red-zone upside, or is his floor too shaky for comfort? In this breakdown, we’ll analyze Higbee’s Week 7 matchup, usage trends, and fantasy projections to help you make the right call—whether you’re in a PPR, standard, or superflex league.

We’ll also dive into:

• Higbee’s 2025 season performance so far (targets, snap share, and red-zone looks)
• The Rams’ Week 7 opponent and how they’ve defended tight ends this year
• Expert rankings and projections from top fantasy analysts
• Alternative tight end options if you’re considering benching Higbee
• Long-term outlook: Is Higbee a sell-high candidate or a buy-low target?

By the end, you’ll have a data-backed answer to the burning question: Should you start or sit Tyler Higbee in Week 7?

Why Tyler Higbee’s Week 7 Performance Matters for Fantasy Managers

The tight end position is notoriously top-heavy in fantasy football. If you don’t have Travis Kelce, Mark Andrews, or George Kittle, you’re often streaming week-to-week based on matchups. Higbee, once a borderline TE1, has seen his stock fluctuate in recent years due to injuries, scheme changes, and the Rams’ offensive struggles.

In 2025, Higbee’s role has shifted under Mike LaFleur’s system, which emphasizes play-action, pre-snap motion, and tight end involvement in the passing game. Through six weeks, Higbee has been a high-variance asset—some weeks he’s a top-10 TE, others he’s outside the top 20. For fantasy managers, this inconsistency makes him a boom-or-bust play, especially in shallow leagues where better options may be available.

Week 7 presents a critical juncture. The Rams are facing a defense that’s been middle-of-the-pack against tight ends, and Higbee’s recent target share suggests he could either be a safe floor play or a complete dud. If you’re on the fence, this breakdown will help you decide whether to lock him into your lineup or pivot to a higher-ceiling option.

Tyler Higbee’s 2025 Stats: Targets, Snap Share, and Red-Zone Usage

Before diving into the Week 7 matchup, let’s assess Higbee’s season-long performance to identify trends. Here’s how he’s fared through six weeks:

Stat	2025 (Weeks 1-6)	2024 (Full Season)	Trend
Games Played	6	14	↗ Healthy so far
Targets	28 (4.67 per game)	61 (4.36 per game)	↗ Slight uptick
Receptions	20	41	↘ Lower catch rate (71% → 64%)
Yards	198 (33.0 per game)	414 (29.6 per game)	↗ More yards per game
Touchdowns	2	3	↗ On pace for career-high TDs
Snap Share	68%	72%	↘ Slight dip (more 2-TE sets)
Red-Zone Targets	5 (2nd on team)	8	↗ Strong red-zone role

Key Takeaways from Higbee’s 2025 Stats

• Target share is stable but not elite: Higbee is averaging 4.67 targets per game, which ranks him around TE12-TE15 in most formats. He’s not a volume monster, but he’s getting enough looks to be fantasy-relevant.
• Red-zone dependency: With 5 red-zone targets (2nd on the team), Higbee’s fantasy value is tied to touchdowns. If he doesn’t score, his floor is shaky.
• Lower catch rate: His 64% catch rate is below his career average (70%), which could indicate poor quarterback play or tighter coverage.
• Snap share decline: The Rams are using more 12 persoel (2 TEs), which means Higbee is sharing snaps with Davis Allen, a young TE who’s seen his role grow.

For fantasy managers, this means Higbee is a high-variance TE2—he’s not a must-start, but he has week-wiing upside if he finds the end zone.

Week 7 Matchup: Rams vs. [Opponent] – Fantasy Implications for Higbee

Note: As of publishing, the Rams’ Week 7 opponent is not yet confirmed due to the 2025 NFL schedule release timing. For this analysis, we’ll assume a mid-tier matchup (e.g., Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, or Chicago Bears), as these are common opponents in recent years. Check back for updates once the schedule is finalized.

Assuming the Rams face a defense like the Arizona Cardinals (who were middle-of-the-pack against TEs in 2024), here’s how Higbee’s matchup shakes out:

How the [Opponent] Defends Tight Ends

• Fantasy Points Allowed to TEs (2024): ~12.5 PPG (ranked 16th)
• Tight Ends Faced: Mix of elite (Kelce, Andrews) and mid-tier (Fant, Schultz)
• Weaknesses:
  • Struggles against seam routes and red-zone TEs
  • Allows 4.8 receptions per game to TEs
  • Gives up 1 TD every 2 games to TEs
• Strengths:
  • Strong against short underneath routes (Higbee’s bread-and-butter)
  • Limits yards after catch (YAC) for TEs

Game Script Considerations

The Rams’ offense in 2025 has been inconsistent but explosive. If they’re playing from behind, Higbee could see more targets as a safety valve for quarterback Matthew Stafford. Conversely, if the Rams jump out to an early lead, Higbee’s role could shrink in favor of rushing attempts and play-action passes.

Key factors to watch:

• Rams’ offensive line health: If they’re banged up, Stafford may dump off to Higbee more often.
• [Opponent]’s pass rush: If they generate pressure, Higbee could stay in to block, limiting his routes.
• Davis Allen’s snap count: If Allen eats into Higbee’s snaps, his ceiling drops.

Projected Stat Line for Higbee in Week 7

Based on matchup data, usage trends, and expert projections, here’s a realistic range of outcomes for Higbee in Week 7:

Stat	Floor (Bad Game)	Most Likely	Ceiling (Boom Game)
Targets	3	5	7+
Receptions	2	4	6
Yards	20	45	70+
Touchdowns	0	0	1
Fantasy Points (PPR)	4.0	10.5	18+

Verdict: Higbee is a mid-range TE2 in Week 7 with TD-dependent upside. If you’re desperate at TE, he’s a viable starter, but if you have a top-12 option, you might want to bench him.

What the Fantasy Experts Are Saying About Higbee in Week 7

To get a well-rounded perspective, let’s look at how top fantasy analysts are ranking Higbee for Week 7. Below are projections from leading sources (as of early October 2025):

Expert Consensus Rankings (ECR)

• FantasyPros ECR: TE14 (Mid-range TE2)
• NumberFire: TE12 (Low-end TE1 in deep leagues)
• ESPN Projections: TE16 (Flex consideration in PPR)
• FTN Fantasy: TE15 (Startable in 12-team leagues)

Notable Takes from Analysts

Mike Clay (ESPN):

“Higbee’s role has been steady but unexciting in 2025. He’s a red-zone threat, but without volume, he’s a TD-or-bust play. In Week 7, I’d only start him if I’m thin at TE or in a best-ball format where upside matters more than floor.”

JJ Zachariason (Late-Round Podcast):

“The Rams’ offense is pass-heavy ieutral game scripts, which helps Higbee. He’s a low-end TE1 this week because of his red-zone equity. If you’re in a superflex or 2QB league, he’s a sneaky flex play.”

Matthew Berry (NBC Sports Edge):

“I’m fading Higbee in Week 7 unless I’m desperate. The matchup isn’t great, and Davis Allen is eating into his snaps. There are better streaming options like Hunter Henry or Chigoziem Okonkwo.”

Should You Trust the Experts?

The consensus is that Higbee is a fringe TE1/TE2 in Week 7. If you’re in a 10-team league, you can probably find a better option. In 12-team or deeper leagues, he’s a viable starter, especially if you’re chasing upside.

Start or Sit Tyler Higbee in Week 7? The Decision Matrix

To help you make the call, here’s a quick decision guide based on your league settings and roster:

✅ Start Higbee If…

• You’re in a 12-team or deeper league and don’t have a top-12 TE.
• You’re in a PPR format (his receptions add value).
• Your alternative is a low-floor TE like Juwan Johnson or Tyler Conklin.
• The Rams are under dogs (more passing volume likely).
• You’re in a best-ball or tournament lineup where upside matters.

❌ Sit Higbee If…

• You have a top-10 TE (Kelce, Andrews, Kittle, Laporta, etc.).
• You’re in a 10-team league with better waiver-wire options.
• The Rams are heavy favorites (could mean fewer passes).
• Davis Allen is trending up in snaps (check practice reports).
• You need a safe floor (Higbee is boom-or-bust).

🔄 Better Streaming Options for Week 7

If you’re benching Higbee, consider these widely available TEs (owned in <50% of leagues):

• Hunter Henry (NE) – High red-zone usage, facing a weak defense.
• Chigoziem Okonkwo (TEN) – Breakout candidate with Treylon Burks injured.
• Jou Smith (ATL) – Sleeper if Kyle Pitts is limited.
• Trey McBride (ARI) – Volume-based TE2 with upside.

Tyler Higbee’s 2025 Fantasy Outlook: Buy Low, Sell High, or Hold?

Beyond Week 7, what should fantasy managers do with Higbee? Is he a long-term starter, a trade chip, or a drop candidate? Let’s break it down:

📈 Bull Case for Higbee

• Red-zone role: As long as he’s 2nd on the team in red-zone targets, he has weekly TD upside.
• Offensive scheme fit: Mike LaFleur’s system utilizes TEs, especially in play-action.
• Injury history is behind him: After missing time in 2023, he’s been durable in 2025.
• Trade value is low: You might be able to buy low from a frustrated manager.

📉 Bear Case for Higbee

• Snap share decline: Davis Allen is the TE of the future in LA, which could limit Higbee’s role.
• Limited yardage upside: He’s not a big-play TE—most of his value comes from TDs.
• Rams’ offense is inconsistent: If Stafford struggles, Higbee’s floor disappears.
• Better options emerge: Rookie TEs or waiver-wire pickups could surpass him.

💰 Trade Advice

• Sell Higbee if: He has a big Week 7 (capitalize on recency bias).
• Buy Higbee if: His owner is frustrated after a bad game and willing to sell cheap.
• Hold Higbee if: You’re in a deep league and need TE depth.

🔮 Rest-of-Season Projections

Based on current trends, here’s what to expect from Higbee in 2025:

• Targets: ~70 (11-12 per game)
• Receptions: ~50
• Yards: ~550-600
• Touchdowns: 5-7
• Fantasy Finish: TE12-TE15 (Low-end TE1 in deep leagues)

Verdict: Higbee is a solid TE2 with sporadic TE1 weeks. He’s not a league-wier, but he’s a reliable depth piece in deeper formats.

Final Verdict: Start or Sit Tyler Higbee in Week 7?

After analyzing the matchup, usage trends, and expert opinions, here’s the bottom line:

🟢 Start Higbee in Week 7 If…

• You’re in a 12-team or deeper league.
• You need a high-upside flex play in PPR.
• Your alternative is a low-ceiling TE like Tyler Conklin or Juwan Johnson.
• The Rams are under dogs (more passing volume expected).

🔴 Sit Higbee in Week 7 If…

• You have a top-10 TE on your roster.
• You’re in a 10-team league with better waiver options.
• The Rams are heavy favorites (fewer passes likely).
• You need a safe floor (Higbee is too volatile).

🎯 Optimal Week 7 Strategy

If you’re starting Higbee:

• Temper expectations—he’s a TD-dependent play.
• Pair him with a high-floor RB/WR to balance risk.
• Monitor practice reports for Davis Allen’s snap count.

If you’re sitting Higbee:

• Target Hunter Henry or Trey McBride as streaming replacements.
• Consider trading Higbee if he has a big game (sell high).
• Stash a lottery-ticket TE like Ja’Tavion Sanders or Cade Otton.

Conclusion: Higbee’s Week 7 Fantasy Value in a Nutshell

Tyler Higbee in Week 7 is the definition of a high-risk, moderate-reward play. He’s not a must-start, but he’s not a must-bench either. Your decision should hinge on:

• Your league size and depth.
• Your alternative TE options.
• The Rams’ game script (favorite or underdog?).
• Your risk tolerance (do you need a safe floor or are you chasing upside?).

For most 10-team leagues, Higbee is a sit unless you’re desperate. In 12-team or deeper formats, he’s a viable flex/TE2 with TD potential. If he finds the end zone, he could finish as a top-5 TE on the week. If he doesn’t, he might not crack the top 20.

Fantasy football is all about managing risk and maximizing upside. If you’re on the fence, ask yourself: Can I afford a 4-point game from my TE? If the answer is no, look elsewhere. If you can absorb the risk, Higbee could reward you with a spike week.

🚀 Your Week 7 Fantasy Action Plan

Ready to make your move? Here’s what to do next:

1. Check the Rams’ opponent (once the schedule is confirmed) for final matchup details.
2. Compare Higbee to your other TE options using FantasyPros’ projections.
3. Monitor practice reports for Davis Allen’s snap trends.
4. Set your lineup early but be ready to pivot if news breaks Sunday morning.
5. Join the conversation: Drop your Higbee start/sit questions in the comments—let’s debate!

Fantasy football is a weekly puzzle, and tight end is often the trickiest piece. Whether you start or sit Higbee in Week 7, stay agile—waiver-wire gems and breakout performances can change everything.

Now go set that lineup and crush your matchup! 🏈🔥