Adam Caplan's Must Plays in Week 7 of NFL Daily Fantasy

Believe it or not, we're actually entering the second half of the fantasy football season, as playoffs typically start in Week 13. And as I've mentioned many times in recent weeks, we've seen plenty of trends emerge, especially when it comes to defense that struggle against the pass and run for a prolonged period of time.

It's with that information that I've based my list of recommendations for this week's games.

Week 7 Quarterback Best Bet

Baker Mayfield = $7,100 at FanDuel

Matchup: Cleveland Browns at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The rookie signal caller has looked like a typical rookie at times with some struggles over his first three starts this season, but he also has shown the ability to make some really good throws.

Mayfield has a better than average offensive line to work with and has a running game to support him. He also has an excellent play caller in offensive coordinator Todd Haley.

Mayfield will face the worst-ranked defense against opposing quarterbacks. The Buccaneers defense has given up 16 TD passes in just five games, while yielding 367 yards per game, which would help to explain why defensive coordinator Mike Smith was fired earlier this week.

Oh, I think it's worth mentioning that quarterbacks are completing an incredible 76.8% of their passes against the Bucs defense. If you ever were going to start Mayfield, this probably would be the week!

Week 7 Running Back Best Bet

Kerryon Johnson = $6,500 at FanDuel

Matchup: Detroit Lions at Miami Dolphins

I typically don't recommend two players from the same offense, but there's a reason why I have the rookie on this list. Johnson, who is averaging a very strong 5.7 yards per carry, has seen his role increase over his last three games. He's flashy and explosive and is averaging 14 touches per game over that time period.

This week, Johnson will face a defense that gives up a lot of production to the running back position. The Dolphins have given up eight total TDs in six games and are also giving up over 7 receptions and 64 yards per game to running backs in the passing game.

Week 7 Wide Receiver Best Bets

Golden Tate = $7,400 at FanDuel

Matchup: Detroit Lions at Miami Dolphins

It might sound funny, but second-year WR Kenny Golladay's emergence has been a good thing for the veteran wide receiver.

Tate, who is on pace for career-highs in receptions, yards and TDs, has played primarily in the slot this season. With Marvin Jones and Golladay on the outside, Tate has taken advantage of his matchups on the inside.

While the Dolphins defense is better than average against opposing wide receivers, they still give up nearly 16 yards per catch (15.6), which is ranked worst in the NFL.

What they really struggle with his keeping receivers from getting yards after the catch, which happens to be a strong area for Tate.

Brandin Cooks = $7,500 at FanDuel

Matchup: Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers

As you can see with my list, I'm recommending players who will face teams that struggle against the position they play. Opposing offenses have had plenty of success running or passing against the 49ers defense, so Rams head coach Sean McVay, who calls the plays, can dial it up any way he wants.

But when he does call pass plays, he won't have his main slot WR Cooper Kupp this week, so Cooks’ role should increase in the passing game.

Cooks, who is averaging 18.0 yards per catch, faces a 49ers defense that is giving up nearly 15 yards per catch (14.94) and has given up eight TD passes through six games to the wide receiver position.

With Kupp out of the lineup, Cooks should be no worse than the second passing option this week and he should be in store for a huge game.

Week 7 Tight End Best Bet

David Njoku = $5,700 at FanDuel

Matchup: Cleveland Browns at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The talented second-year player has shown flashes of good play through six games this season, but over his last three games, Njoku has posted 18 receptions, 176 yards, and one TD.

One thing that is very noticeable is that rookie QB Baker Mayfield definitely looks to get him the ball each game. In fact, Njoku's pass target rate has increased in Mayfield's three starts (7, 11, 12) and the second-year pass catcher leads the team over those three games in targets.

This week, the Browns will face the worst-ranked defense against the tight end position. The Buccaneers are giving up about 7 receptions and 97 yards per game this season.

And it's clear they don't cover the tight end position well as they're giving up an 81.8% catch rate.

Week 7 Flex Best Bet

John Brown = $6,500 at FanDuel

Matchup: Baltimore Ravens vs. New Orleans Saints

When it comes to this particular player, it has never been about talent. With Brown, it has been about staying healthy. Brown, now in his fifth season and his first with the Ravens, has not played a full season since he was a rookie in 2014.

Already one of the NFL's elite deep threats, Brown has become one of QB Joe Flacco's favorite targets this season. And word emerged from training camp that both players started to develop chemistry day after day.

Brown will face the NFL's worst secondary in terms of giving up production to the wide receiver position. The Saints are giving up nearly 15 yards per catch (14.71) and have given up 10 TDs and 1,147 yards to wide receivers through just five games.

Adam Caplan's NFL Week 7 FanDuel Lineup