The seventh Sunday of the 2023 NFL season brought both excitement and frustration for fantasy football managers. As matchups unfolded, several players fell short of expectations, leaving their managers in disappointment. Let's dive into the biggest busts from Week 7 and evaluate their prospects moving forward, based on the PPR scoring system.

In the realm of quarterbacks, Justin Herbert struggled against the formidable Kansas City Chiefs defense, throwing two interceptions and being sacked five times. However, given his talent, Herbert is expected to bounce back when the Los Angeles Chargers face a softer Chicago squad in Week 8. Sam Howell also had a disappointing week, being sacked six times and throwing an interception as the most-sacked quarterback in the league. He will face the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8, where he will drop to the low-end QB2 tier.

Moving on to the running backs, Austin Ekeler found it difficult to find his rhythm against the Chiefs defense, with only 45 rushing yards and one reception for one yard. Furthermore, Joshua Kelley stole a 49-yard touchdown run from Ekeler. Despite this slump, Ekeler has proven his ability in the past and is expected to see improvement in the upcoming games. Josh Jacobs of the Las Vegas Raiders had his worst performance of the season, and his future matchups won't bring much relief as he faces a solid Detroit Lions run defense. Aaron Jones, though he underperformed against the Denver Broncos, is still recognized as a talented player who will likely reclaim his form and secure a mid-range RB2 ranking next week. Raheem Mostert was stifled by the strong Philadelphia Eagles defense, but fantasy managers can expect better results when he faces the New England Patriots, whom he had success against earlier in the season.

Among the wide receivers, Cooper Kupp had a quiet game as the focus shifted to Puka Nacua, catching only two passes for 29 yards. However, this game does not diminish Kupp's overall fantasy value, as he will continue to be ranked as a high-end WR1 going into Week 8. Keenan Allen, who has been exceptional this season, was held to single-digit points for the first time in 2023, but he remains a reliable option for fantasy managers and is expected to rebound against the Chicago Bears. Amari Cooper had a disappointing outing despite the Cleveland Browns scoring heavily, and his performance drops him into the low-end WR2 range moving forward. Christian Watson struggled to make an impact against the Broncos, and with Green Bay's offense experiencing inconsistency, he lands in WR3/Flex territory for Week 8. Calvin Ridley had a dismal game on Thursday, with just one catch for five yards, leading to questions about his role in the offense and his fantasy value moving forward.

Fantasy football managers who relied on these players may be disheartened by their Week 7 performances. However, it's important to remember that fantasy football is a dynamic game, and players have the capability to bounce back. Assessing upcoming matchups, injuries, and team dynamics will play a pivotal role in making informed decisions for future lineups.

As the NFL season continues, fantasy football managers will undoubtedly experience highs and lows. It is crucial to stay vigilant, adapt strategies, and keep an eye on player performances to maximize their chances of success.