ESPN Fantasy Oct 22, 2026, 08:55 AM ET

Everything that happens in the NFL has additional context when viewed from a fantasy football perspective. From position battles to injuries and so much more, the news cycle will constantly affect player values.

Our fantasy football buzz file, with contributions from our ESPN fantasy writers and our NFL Nation reporters, aims to provide fantasy managers with the intel they need as news breaks around the league.

Oct. 22: Notable names you can bench in Week 7

By Michael F. Florio

Deciding whether or not to sit one of your big-name options is the toughest decision in fantasy football. Here are some big names you can consider sitting this week and some options you can start instead.

Patrick Mahomes has scored fewer than 18 fantasy points in three straight games, including just 10.5 last week. The Kansas City Chiefs rushing attack is so effective that it has hurt Mahomes' fantasy value, keeping him to 30 passes or fewer in the past three games.…