Bo Nix has come on as a legitimate fantasy asset in the last
month. He’s the QB12 over the last four weeks and is averaging
17.7 FPts/G during this stretch. This is all while averaging just
174.5 passing yards and 1.25 passing touchdowns per game. How
is it possible that Nix has been a fantasy QB1 with this sort
of aerial production? Nix is one of football’s most underrated
dual-threat quarterbacks. He’s averaging 6.0 FPts/G on the
ground and 36 percent of his fantasy scoring this year has come
as a rusher. His rushing ability makes him a reasonable option
as a bye week fill-in.
Based on Nix’s 174.5 passing yards per game, you’d
likely be able to guess that Denver’s receivers aren’t
making the biggest impact. Courtland Sutton is the most utilized
receiver in this offense by a wide margin but is the WR47 in points
per game. Sutton has drawn a target on 25 percent of his routes
which has amounted to 7.7 targets per game. So how is he averaging
just 10.1 PPR points per game? Well, out of 76 pass catchers with
25-plus targets, Sutton ranks 75th in catchable target rate. A
catch has been possible on just 59 percent of his targets. Sutton
is tempting to start given his volume, but it’s hard to
do so given Nix’s struggles as a passer.
Javonte Williams’ role has steadily improved in recent
weeks. Over the last three games, Williams has played 63 percent
of snaps and held a 61 percent opportunity share. For most backs,
this is enough to sustain fantasy-relevant production. It isn’t
for Williams; he’s averaging just 10.2 FPts/G with this
usage. Williams’ quality of play and the Broncos’
offensive environment both play a role in his struggles. Until
one of those factors improves, he belongs on the bench.
DEN FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.29
DEN FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.19
DEN FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.32
DEN FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.12
A barrage of injuries to the Saints’ offense has left Spencer
Rattler as the starting quarterback and Bub Means as the WR1.
Some may be tempted to start Means because of his new role, but
this is just an offense to avoid. With Rattler under center last
week, the Saints’ offense averaged just 4.6 yards per play
and could not sustain a drive. They had more drives that resulted
in negative offensive yardage than drives of over 50 yards. Given
the state of this offense, it’s impossible to start anyone
other than Kamara.
The New England offense is entering a new era under Drake Maye.
This offense now seems capable of supporting multiple fantasy-relevant
weapons. Through the air, that weapon is slot receiver Demario
Douglas. He has separated himself from the pack in the New England
receiver room. He’s now seen at least a 23-percent target share
in three of his last four games. Douglas has been a WR3 or better
in all three of these games, including a WR8 finish in Maye’s
first start. With Maye under center, a high-volume role provides
Douglas with Flex appeal.
Assuming he’s able to play, Rhamondre Stevenson (foot),
is a locked-in RB2 this week. Keep an eye on the injury report
as he missed practice Wednesday and Thursday. As we all know,
fantasy value for running backs is highly correlated to total
volume. Stevenson is averaging 15.8 weighted opportunities per
game and comes in as the RB9 in this metric. The elevated offensive
environment under Maye further boosts Stevenson’s fantasy
outlook. Against a Jacksonville defense that ranks 26th in fantasy
points allowed to running backs and 31st in scoring defense, this
is a good spot for Stevenson.
As highlighted in the outlooks for Douglas and Stevenson, Drake
Maye has changed the outlook of this offense in just one game.
He threw for three touchdowns and showed an ability to create
explosive plays, something this offense has been lacking. The
most appealing aspect of Maye’s game actually comes on the ground.
He rushed five times for 38 yards in Week 6. It’s a small sample
size, but Maye ranks second among QBs in scramble rate, behind
only Jayden Daniels. Given that this offense ranks first in quarterback
pressure rate, the lofty scramble rate should hold in future weeks.
His arm talent and willingness to rush make him a viable streamer.
Fade: N/A
NE FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.25
NE FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.5
NE FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.17
NE FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.19
Christian Kirk’s fantasy value is primarily driven by the
high-volume role that he holds in the Jacksonville offense. His
best two games of the year (Week 2 & Week 3) came on the back
of 22- and 36-percent target shares. However, that voluminous
role was only able to take him so far. Even in a week where Kirk
accounted for 36 percent of the targets (and scored), he was unable
to crack the top 12 receivers.
That high-volume role may have disappeared into thin air with
the return of Evan Engram. After missing four games with a hamstring
injury, Engram returned to the lineup to soak up all the dump-off
targets from Trevor Lawrence. He saw 10 targets in Week 6, compared
to six for Kirk. The fluctuating volume for Kirk makes it hard
to rely on him on a weekly basis.
Travis Etienne was originally labeled as week-to-week after suffering
a hamstring injury in London against the Bears. Miraculously,
he logged a limited practice both Wednesday and Thursday, opening
the door for him to play in Week 7. If he’s able to play,
this is likely a very messy backfield that will struggle to support
consistent production from a single running back. A string of
injuries for Etienne in recent weeks makes it hard to look into
previous snap shares, but the play of Tank Bigsby has made it
seem that this is quickly turning into a committee backfield.
With the quality of this offense, it’s hard to imagine there
will be a top-24 back in Jacksonville if they’re only playing
50-60 percent of the snaps.
Tony Pollard is in a prime position to deliver strong fantasy
production in Week 7, especially with Tyjae Spears dealing with
a hamstring injury that has kept him out of practice. While Pollard
has already been seeing around two-thirds of the Titans' offensive
snaps, Spears' potential absence would remove a player who typically
handles about nine touches per game. This opens up more opportunities
for Pollard, both in terms of volume and upside.
Even if Spears is able to play, Pollard is still in a great matchup
against the Buffalo Bills' defense, which has allowed the second-most
fantasy points per game to opposing running backs. Recent monster
performances by backs like Breece Hall, Derrick Henry, De'Von
Achane, and even Justice Hill show that the Bills can be exploited
on the ground.
Pollard has been a consistent performer in 2024, scoring between
15 and 19 fantasy points in all but one game. He's a solid RB1
this week with a high floor, and if Spears sits, Pollard's ceiling
could push him into mid-range RB1 territory.
DeAndre Hopkins has had a frustrating start to the 2024 season,
hampered by injuries and an underperforming Tennessee Titans offense
led by Will Levis, who has struggled to establish consistency.
Despite this, there are signs that Hopkins could be trending in
the right direction for Week 7 against the Buffalo Bills.
Hopkins played a season-high 76 percent of the team’s offensive
snaps in Week 6, indicating that he’s finally getting healthy
after being limited earlier in the year. Though his production
has been inconsistent, his Week 6 target share of 22 percent is
promising, suggesting that he could be more involved in the offense
moving forward. Hopkins still managed to stay close to Calvin
Ridley in fantasy production despite his limited snaps, which
shows his potential if he can stay on the field.
The Titans' passing game is still unreliable, but given the Bills'
defensive struggles this season, particularly against receivers,
this could be a good opportunity for Hopkins to reassert himself
as the team's top wideout. While he's not an elite WR option right
now, he’s worth considering as a WR3 or flex play in deeper
leagues, especially in matchups where the Titans may need to throw
to keep up with the opposition.
Calvin Ridley has had a rough stretch in 2024, and his production
has been very disappointing for fantasy managers. His chemistry
with Will Levis appears to be off, as shown by the poor connection
on targets—just two catches on 14 targets over the past
three games. Ridley does lead the Titans in targets with 27, but
the overall inefficiency of the passing game has made him nearly
unplayable in fantasy formats.
The Titans' offense hasn't been passing enough to support Ridley's
fantasy value, and the lack of rhythm between him and Levis limits
any upside he may have. The matchup against the Buffalo Bills
is also difficult, as they rank in the top 10 in fewest fantasy
points allowed to wide receivers.
For Week 7, Ridley is a low-floor WR4, and unless the Titans'
offense shows significant improvement, he's best left on the bench,
especially in tough matchups like this one against Buffalo.
TEN FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.27
TEN FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.24
TEN FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.31
TEN FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.32
Ray Davis made the most of his opportunity in Week 6, impressively
taking over the Bills' backfield with 23 touches for 152 total
yards. With James Cook nursing a toe injury, Davis capitalized,
playing 58% of the snaps and outperforming veteran Ty Johnson.
While Davis didn't find the end zone, his strong showing puts
him on the radar for fantasy managers, especially if Cook remains
limited or inactive.
That said, Cook’s participation in practice suggests he
may be active for Week 7, which could limit Davis' workload. If
Cook is healthy, Davis' value drops significantly, making him
more of a low-end RB3 or a bench option. However, if Cook is inactive
or limited, Davis would be an appealing RB2/FLEX play, particularly
in a potential blowout where the Bills might lean on the running
game late.
Monitor the situation closely leading up to game day, as Davis'
role hinges heavily on Cook's availability.
Amari Cooper's recent move to Buffalo presents a unique opportunity
for both him and the Bills. With the team looking for a primary
target following the offseason departures of Stefon Diggs and
Gabe Davis, Cooper could step into a significant role. However,
it's essential to temper expectations in his first game with the
team. While Cooper has struggled at times this season, largely
due to a difficult situation in Cleveland, he brings undeniable
talent to the table.
In his debut, expect Cooper to be involved but not necessarily
in a full-scale capacity. He might play enough snaps to earn a
WR3 designation, with some potential for big plays as he acclimates
to the new offense. Keep an eye on how the coaching staff plans
to utilize him, but don't be surprised if his full impact develops
over time rather than immediately.
James Cook’s situation is more complex due to his lingering
toe injury, which sidelined him in Week 6. When healthy, Cook
has demonstrated solid low-end RB1 potential, making him a viable
start if active. However, the emergence of rookie Ray Davis adds
a layer of uncertainty regarding Cook's workload. Davis performed
well in Cook’s absence and could command a share of carries
even if Cook returns. Additionally, with quarterback Josh Allen
often handling goal-line duties, Cook's opportunities for touchdowns
may be limited, which impacts his fantasy value. If Cook is active,
he should be considered for lineups, but be cautious about his
overall ceiling this week.
Dalton Kincaid has been a disappointment thus far, hovering at
the edge of TE1 rankings in a season where the tight end landscape
is particularly bleak. He remains a starter for many fantasy managers
due to the lack of quality options, especially with players like
Jake Ferguson and Cole Kmet on bye. Kincaid has consistently seen
at least five targets over the past four games, providing a semblance
of reliability. However, the matchup against the Titans poses
a significant challenge. Tennessee has been exceptionally tough
on tight ends, allowing the fewest receptions and yards while
not conceding a single touchdown to the position this season.
Despite this tough matchup, Kincaid's target volume keeps him
relevant in fantasy lineups, though expectations should be tempered.
Keon Coleman has shown flashes of potential this season, but
his inconsistency in target share and overall production limits
his viability as a fantasy option. With the addition of Amari
Cooper, Coleman's path to a significant role in the Bills’
passing game becomes even more challenging. The presence of a
proven veteran like Cooper likely pushes Coleman further down
the depth chart, reducing his opportunities even if he has displayed
talent in past games. For fantasy managers, Coleman is best viewed
as a bench stash for deeper leagues rather than a startable option,
especially in a week with so many uncertainties.
Khalil Shakir has had moments where he’s flashed ability,
but similar to Coleman, he hasn't established himself as a reliable
target for Josh Allen. The arrival of Cooper complicates matters
even further, likely relegating Shakir to a minimal role in the
offense. The Bills have struggled to get consistent production
from their wide receivers, but with a new alpha in Cooper, it’s
hard to envision Shakir having enough opportunities to warrant
a start in fantasy lineups. Like Coleman, Shakir is best kept
on the bench unless you are in a very deep league or dealing with
significant injury issues among your wideouts.
Mack Hollins has had some opportunities this season, yet he has
not been able to make a substantial impact. His inconsistent play
and lack of consistent targets make him a risky proposition for
fantasy managers. With Cooper joining the Bills, Hollins’
chances of seeing meaningful targets further diminish. He’s
unlikely to be a significant factor in the offense, as the Bills
will likely prioritize getting the ball to Cooper and possibly
others before turning to Hollins. As such, he should be avoided
in standard fantasy lineups.
Based on the fantasy output and peripheral metrics of De’Von
Achane, Tyreek Hill, and Jaylen Waddle in recent weeks, none of
them look like players who can be trusted in fantasy lineups.
The talent of this trio is unquestioned; it’s quite clearly been
poor quarterback play that’s holding them back. Among 36 quarterbacks
with at least 50 passing attempts on the year, Tyler “Snoop” Huntley
ranks 32nd in yards per attempt and 28th in completion percentage
over expected.
However, Week 7 presents a matchup that even Huntley should be
able to take advantage of. The Indianapolis defense ranks 7th
in yards allowed per play, 13th in EPA per play, and 12th in fantasy
points allowed to wide receivers and running backs. They have
allowed three 300-yard passers, three 100-yard rushers, and three
110-yard receivers. If there’s a bounce-back spot where
the talent of Achane, Hill, and Waddle can prevail, it’s
against the Colts.
On the Fence: N/A
Fade: N/A
MIA FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.32
MIA FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.3
MIA FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.30
MIA FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.30
After being somewhat of a surprise scratch in Week 6, Anthony
Richardson appears to be well on his way to playing this week.
Even for people who drafted Richardson with the highest of hopes,
it’s hard to feel comfortable with him in your lineup. He
started the season off with a bang, scoring 27.1 fantasy points
while completing just nine passes. Things quickly began to fall
apart. He combined for just 20 points across his next two matchups
before getting injured in the first quarter of Week 4. Still,
there are some bright spots to look at. Richardson did show a
very clear ceiling in Week 1 and he’s been effective with
his opportunities, ranking 5th in fantasy points per dropback.
However, his struggles as a passer make it hard to rely on him
moving forward. Ideally, he’d be able to remain on benches
this week while evaluating his play in his first game back.
Richardson’s issues with accuracy have created serious
problems for the receivers in Indianapolis. When a quarterback
is completing just 51 percent of their passes, it’s hard
for receivers to maintain any sort of fantasy value. This is especially
disappointing for Josh Downs, who’s looked primed for a
breakout sophomore season. Through four games this year, Downs
has been targeted on 34 percent of his routes and hit a 23-percent
target share in all four contests. Will Richardson be able to
maintain Downs’ breakout trajectory? It’s hard to
feel confident.
Essentially everything mentioned about Downs is why Michael Pittman
Jr. becomes a fade this week. The return of Richardson negatively
impacts all receivers in Indianapolis, including Pittman. The
rise of Josh Downs also complicates Pittman’s future outlook.
Pittman’s ability to earn targets in droves allowed him
to finish as WR13 finish last year. He ranked top 10 in targets,
target share, and receptions last season. With Downs back in the
fray this season, Pittman has now seen a sub-16-percent target
share in two of four games. If Pittman isn’t the clear alpha,
he should be benched in an offense led by Anthony Richardson.
LaPorta entered the season not just as a starting fantasy tight
end, but as someone viewed by many as the No. 1 overall option
at the position ahead of guys like Jason Kelce and Trey McBride.
Through five games, he’s managed 13 receptions for 199 yards and
a touchdown; that’s a 44-677-3 pace, well below the 86-889-10
line he posted as a rookie -- and even that modest pace is boosted
greatly by his 52-yard touchdown in Week 6, which came off a trick
play. For better or worse, the offense has become more receiver
focused with St. Brown (42) and Jameson Williams (29) accounting
for almost half of the 149 targeted passes. You must think at
some point, the Lions will try to get LaPorta more involved. Maybe
it starts Sunday. The Vikings are 30th in pass defense, and their
pass rush could make shorter and intermediate options, like LaPorta
and St. Brown, more appealing.
It may seem a little unusual to fade the starting quarterback
in a matchup against a team with the 30th-ranked pass defense
(263 yards per game), but Minnesota’s other metrics don’t bode
as well for Goff. Only two teams have more sacks than the Vikings
(20), and both have played one more game, and no one has more
INTs (11). Plus, half of the eight TD passes allowed by the Vikings
this year came courtesy of Jordan Love, so they’ve allowed just
four in their other four games combined. Despite Minnesota’s success
defending the run, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Lions
unleash the combo of Gibbs and Montgomery in Week 7.
DET FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.19
DET FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.29
DET FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.4
DET FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.28
An ankle injury has limited Addison to three games this year.
The USC product has three catches in each of them. Twice, he’s
finished with less than 40 yards. In the other one, he had 72
yards and scored a pair of TDs, including one on a seven-yard
run. There’s little doubt the way to attack the Lions is
through the air -- they rank third against the run and 27th against
the pass -- and that may be doubly true with the loss of Aidan
Hutchinson (leg) to a broken tibia. While Jefferson will clearly
be the focal point of Minnesota’s passing attack, Addison
could see more opportunities this Sunday. He’d be worth
using as a No. 3 receiver with some juice.
As with Goff, Darnold finds himself with a fade designation despite
facing a defense that has allowed 246.2 yards per game to opposing
passers. Detroit’s TD-to-INT rate is among the best in the NFL,
however, allowing four TDs while intercepting seven passes, and
they just got done throttling the potent combo of Dak Prescott
and CeeDee Lamb. There are also some questions about Darnold.
Over his last six quarters, Darnold has thrown zero TD passes
while turning the ball over four times. It’s got a whiff of Carolina
circa 2021 as well, when he played four really good games for
the Panthers, which went 3-1, and then went on to win just once
more over his final eight starts while throwing 4 TDs and 10 INTs.
Just something to chew on.
In the preseason, word was it was going to be an even split between
Brown and Zack Moss. Those first three games, we saw more of Moss
(33 carries to 13). In Week 4, it was almost even (19 for Moss,
17 for Brown). Over the last two weeks, however, it’s been Brown
getting more work, logging 27 touches to Moss’ 19. He’s been the
more effective runner on the year, averaging 5.5 yards per carry
with 3 TDs while Moss has managed just 3.6 YPC and 2 scores. Cleveland
was a lock down run defense in 2023, but that hasn’t been the
case this year, as they rank 21st at 137.3 yards per game allowed.
With Brown trending up, he’d make a nice No. 3 fantasy back this
Sunday against the team that bears his surname.
As noted above, Moss has seen his role shrink a bit recently,
and he’s coming off by far his worst game of the season:
7 touches, 14 yards, and a lost fumble. Ball security is a sure
way to lose snaps if you’re not a top guy, and Moss is,
at best, part of a committee with Brown. Cleveland’s issues
with run defense could create an opportunity for Moss to bounce
back this Sunday, presenting him with a positive matchup. The
question is whether he’ll see enough opportunities to deliver
value to fantasy owners. As a flex candidate, maybe Moss is worth
taking a chance on.
Fade: N/A
CIN FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.6
CIN FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.14
CIN FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.20
CIN FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.10
With Amari Cooper gone, somebody is going to have to step in
as the top option in Cleveland’s passing game. With apologies
to Jerry Jeudy, Njoku seems best positioned to fill that role.
The tight end posted an 81-882-6 line last year, leading the team
in catches and finishing second to Cooper in receiving yards,
and he paced Cleveland last Sunday with five grabs, albeit for
only 31 yards. He’s still rounding into form after missing nearly
a month with an ankle injury, but the upside is there. Given how
shaky the position has been this year across the NFL, Njoku is
someone you can justify taking a chance on unless you have one
of the small handful of studs.
It’s been over a year since Chubb (knee) suffered a horrific knee
injury that some thought would end his career. He’s back at practice,
though, and the expectation is he’ll be activated from the PUP
and return to the field in Week 7. It comes at a good time as
Jerome Ford (hamstring) is expected to miss time with a hamstring
injury. The Browns have D’Onta Foreman and Pierre Strong, but
the opportunity is there for Chubb. That’s what we know. What
we don’t know is whether Chubb will resemble the player he was
before the injury. For those that have forgotten, the former Bulldog
had put together four straight 1,000-yard seasons before his injury
and was one of the toughest backs in the NFL. While it seems unlikely
that he'd jump right back in with a full workload, if the team
feels he’s healthy they might just turn him loose. If you wanted
to gamble on Chubb as your flex, it could pay off.
Acquired during the offseason to give the Browns a quality No.
2 receiver alongside Cooper, Jeudy is now WR1 in Cleveland. For
now, it doesn’t matter. Deshaun Watson has yet to pass for 200
yards in a game, and Jeudy has logged exactly one catch in each
of his last two games. It’s probable he’ll see an uptick in targets,
but we’re obviously leaning toward Njoku being the primary beneficiary.
Jeudy should remain on your bench until we see more production.
Coming into the season, the question for Houston’s offense
was how Stroud would distribute the ball to a talented trio of
receivers. For the first five weeks, the answer was to minimize
Dell, who had 13 catches, 136 yards, and no TDs in that time (he
appeared in four games, missing one due to injury). With Nico
Collins (hamstring) landing on IR before Week 6, however, Dell
was back in the mix, being targeted a team-high nine times and
finishing with a 7-57-1 line. His speed and shiftiness, along
with his ability to work out of the slot, makes him the type of
receiver the Packers tend to struggle with. Facing a Green Bay
defense that ranks 25th versus the pass, Dell is a strong WR3
that could push into WR2 territory.
Collins’ injury also led to the busiest day of the year for Schultz,
who was targeted a season-high eight times. That’s the good news.
It resulted in just four catches for 27 yards, though, and the
veteran tight end has yet to top 35 yards in a game this year.
Maybe he can top that number in Week 7. As noted, the Packers
are No. 25 against the pass (228.7 yards per game), and they had
all kinds of trouble dealing with Trey McBride last Sunday as
he caught eight passes for 96 yards. The week before, Colby Parkinson
put up a 7-52-0 line. If you’re searching for a tight end streaming
option, Schultz offers more potential than many.
Fade: N/A
HOU FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.9
HOU FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.27
HOU FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.16
HOU FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.29
While the season-to-date numbers don’t jump off the page, Kraft
has been an ascending part of Green Bay’s offense. In Weeks 4
and 5, he totaled 10 receptions, 141 yards, and 3 TDs, which included
a team-high 4-88-2 effort in Los Angeles. With Christian Watson
and Romeo Doubs back last Sunday, Kraft settled for 15 yards on
three touches. Don’t be discouraged. Much has been made about
Green Bay’s passing attack not having a true No. 1 option, and
the offshoot of that is it’s going to be different guys each week
-- though we’d argue that Reed has become a reliable weekly play.
The opposing tight end has finished in the top three in terms
of receiving yards for three straight games versus Houston, including
Hunter Henry last Sunday, who scored his first TD of the season.
Kraft is worth viewing as a low-end TE1.
Back after a one-game suspension, Doubs turned three receptions
into 49 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Watson, returning after
missing Week 5 with an ankle injury, had three catches for 68
yards and a score. Both guys delivered for fantasy owners bold
enough to put them in their lineup. Can they do it again? Sure,
but it’s far from a certainty given what was written above concerning
the way Green Bay’s offense is structured. If Dontayvion Wicks
(shoulder) sits with a shoulder injury, their odds of posting
decent fantasy numbers increases. Still, when you look at a box
score where Love targets 10 different players and none of them
more than six times you see how dicey that road to fantasy value
really is. You can try either one as a flex or even WR3, just
know the risks.
Geno Smith has been nothing more than average to above average
in terms of his efficiency this season. He ranks between 7th and
15th in yards per attempt, EPA per play, and completion percentage.
However, he’s been able to deliver four top-10 weeks on
the back of immense volume. Smith leads the league in total pass
attempts and Seattle ranks first in pass rate over expectation.
Out of his four top-10 finishes, all but one have required over
40 pass attempts. He rushed for a touchdown in Week 1 which allowed
him to finish as the QB7. In a game that features a 51-point total,
40 pass attempts and a QB1 performance are certainly possible,
but it’s not something you want to be banking on.
After a few promising weeks, Jaxon Smith-Njigba has looked a
whole lot like his rookie-season self over the last month. In
his last four games, Smith-Njigba has failed to score 15-plus
PPR points, has hit a 20-percent target share just once, and is
averaging 0.99 yards per route run. These are all marks of a pedestrian
receiver and Smith-Njigba belongs on benches until he proves to
be something more.
SEA FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.23
SEA FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.11
SEA FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.22
SEA FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.5
The underlying usage for Kyle Pitts is pretty discouraging. 0.17
targets per route run, 69-percent route participation, and cracking
a 15-percent target share just once in six games. However, he’s
shown the ability to generate explosive plays that make him a
far more appealing option than any routes-based bets at tight
end. Pitts has a reception of 30-plus yards in three games this
season and offers a ceiling that isn’t attainable by streaming
options. Unless this aspect of his game disappears, he’s
a low-end TE1.
Drake London is the clear No.1 in Atlanta, but at times, this
has seemed to be an offense that can support multiple fantasy-relevant
receivers. Mooney has been that second receiver with three finishes
as the WR27 or better. He has also seen healthy usage in the offense,
accounting for 20 percent of the targets and 32 percent of the
air yards. Thanks to what should be a high-scoring matchup, Mooney
can be a Flex option who pays off if this turns into a track meet.
Jalen Hurts has a promising matchup against the Giants, who have
been middle-of-the-pack in terms of fantasy points allowed to
opposing quarterbacks. However, they’ve struggled significantly
against mobile quarterbacks, giving up 200 rushing yards to QBs
already, the third-most in the league. This opens the door for
Hurts to exploit his rushing ability, which is a major part of
his fantasy value.
Historically, Hurts has struggled against the Giants, throwing
more interceptions (6) than touchdowns (5) in his eight career
starts against them. Despite this, he performed well in their
last matchup on Christmas Day in 2023, throwing for 301 yards
and a touchdown while also contributing 34 yards and a score on
the ground.
Though Hurts' rushing touchdowns from the "tush push"
play have been less frequent in 2024, the Eagles' offense is getting
healthier, which should lead to more scoring opportunities. Hurts
remains a top fantasy option due to his dual-threat capability,
and with the Giants’ weakness against rushing quarterbacks,
this could be a high-upside game for him in Week 7.
DeVonta Smith is coming off a decent Week 6 performance where
he scored a touchdown on three receptions for 64 yards, despite
being limited to just four targets. While it's encouraging that
he played every offensive snap, the low target share may reflect
the Eagles' growing emphasis on feeding A.J. Brown in the passing
game. Brown has been heavily prioritized, making it a bit challenging
for Smith to consistently produce top-tier numbers.
That said, Smith remains a solid WR2/3 option most weeks, particularly
in this favorable matchup against the Giants. Historically, he
has averaged over 62 yards per game and scored touchdowns in 60%
of his games against them, indicating a decent floor for this
contest. With the Eagles' offense getting healthier and likely
returning to its high-scoring form, Smith should have ample opportunity
to deliver WR2 value in Week 7.
Dallas Goedert has had a promising start to the season but finds
himself in a tough situation heading into Week 7. After suffering
a hamstring injury that knocked him out early in Week 6, Goedert's
availability is in doubt, as he's missed practices early in the
week. Even if he does suit up, this might not be the ideal week
to rely on him for fantasy production.
Goedert has struggled against the Giants historically, having
never scored a touchdown in five career games against them. With
both A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith returning to health, Goedert’s
target share is likely to drop, limiting his opportunities. Additionally,
the Eagles' passing game has been inconsistent this season, and
if Goedert is not at full strength, it's hard to imagine him getting
the red-zone looks needed to boost his fantasy value.
Given these factors, Goedert is a risky play this week, and fantasy
managers may want to consider other options, especially with his
injury situation still up in the air.
PHI FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.22
PHI FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.21
PHI FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.6
PHI FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.31
Wan’Dale Robinson has been a consistent performer in PPR
formats this season, scoring double-digit points in all but one
game. His role in the Giants' offense has expanded recently, taking
full advantage of Malik Nabers' absence with 20 targets over the
past two weeks. This heavy involvement has made Robinson a reliable
option, particularly in PPR leagues.
With Nabers expected to return this week, Robinson's upside may
be somewhat capped, but his connection with Daniel Jones and consistent
target volume still make him a solid PPR WR3 option. Even with
fewer opportunities, his ability to convert targets into fantasy
points keeps him in the conversation for a starting spot in deeper
leagues, especially in PPR formats.
Tyrone Tracy has shown potential as a valuable fantasy asset,
particularly in Devin Singletary's absence. In Week 6, Tracy dominated
the Giants' backfield, playing 84% of the snaps, carrying the
ball 17 times, and adding six receptions for 57 yards. His ability
to contribute in both the rushing and passing game, even in a
blowout loss, made him a strong fantasy performer.
With Singletary potentially returning this week, Tracy's role
may shrink into more of a timeshare situation, limiting his fantasy
value. However, if Singletary is out or significantly limited,
Tracy becomes a compelling PPR RB2 option due to his involvement
in the passing game and ability to handle a near-full workload.
Monitor Singletary's status closely. If he's inactive, Tracy
should be a solid starter in most formats. If Singletary plays,
it's best to approach Tracy cautiously, as his upside would be
diminished in a split backfield.
Devin Singletary is nearing a return from a groin injury that
sidelined him for the past two games, but there are several factors
complicating his fantasy outlook for Week 7. First, Tyrone Tracy's
emergence as a productive back in Singletary's absence creates
uncertainty about the backfield split moving forward. Even if
Singletary returns as the "1A" option, Tracy will likely
continue to see work, reducing Singletary's overall touches in
what is already a low-volume offense.
Singletary's groin injury adds further risk, as it’s unlikely
he will see a full workload even if he suits up. Additionally,
the matchup against the Eagles' defense is unfavorable—Philadelphia
has allowed just one touchdown to opposing running backs this
season, making scoring opportunities scarce.
Given these concerns, Singletary should be viewed as a risky
flex play at best, and it may be wise to look for other options
this week, especially in PPR formats.
Diontae Johnson has emerged as a key player in the Carolina offense
since the shift to Andy Dalton, showcasing impressive production
over the past four games with 24 receptions for 306 yards and
three touchdowns. His staggering 26 percent target share underlines
his importance in a struggling offense where no other receiver
has surpassed a 12 percent share.
This week, he faces a favorable matchup against the Washington
Commanders, who have allowed a league-high 10 receiving touchdowns
to wide receivers this season and are yielding an average of 40
points per game to the position. Although Johnson may not carry
the same name recognition as some top-tier receivers, his elite
usage and the favorable matchup position him as a sneaky WR1 candidate
for Week 7. Fantasy managers should consider starting Johnson
confidently, especially given the potential for a high-scoring
game against a poor secondary.
Chuba Hubbard has also become a standout player for the Panthers,
demonstrating impressive consistency and production throughout
the season. Currently sitting among the top five scorers at the
running back position, Hubbard has averaged at least 90 rushing
yards in four consecutive games and has been heavily involved
in the passing game, recording at least four receptions in five
straight contests.
Despite the overall struggles of the Panthers’ offense,
Hubbard’s role as a bell cow running back offers a strong
foundation for his fantasy value. His ability to contribute both
on the ground and through the air makes him a reliable RB2 option.
While the lack of offensive scoring may limit his touchdown potential,
his significant usage and recent performances suggest he can continue
to deliver solid fantasy production as long as he maintains this
level of involvement.
While Andy Dalton is set to start against a struggling Washington
secondary, he may not be the answer for fantasy managers seeking
a difference-making quarterback. His performance has been inconsistent,
with only four touchdowns and four interceptions in his last three
games, following an initial success against a weak Las Vegas defense
in Week 3. Dalton lacks rushing ability, which further limits
his fantasy upside. With only two teams on bye this week, it's
likely that more appealing quarterback options are available on
the waiver wire, making Dalton an easy fade for fantasy purposes.
Rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette has shown flashes of potential,
including scoring his second touchdown in three games against
the Falcons. However, his overall usage has been underwhelming,
with just five total targets in the last two games and failing
to exceed five targets in four of the Panthers' first six contests.
While Legette could be a future WR1 for the Panthers, he’s
currently battling a shoulder injury that may limit his effectiveness.
As a low-volume, touchdown-dependent option in a struggling offense,
he is not a reliable fantasy asset and should be avoided this
week.
CAR FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.13
CAR FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.1
CAR FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.12
CAR FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.7
Robinson missed Week 6 with a knee injury, but he got back onto
the practice field this Wednesday and appears to be trending toward
playing this weekend. Prior to his injury, Robinson had been performing
as a borderline elite RB1 through the first four games of the
season and he had already scored two touchdowns before he suffered
the knee injury against the Browns in Week 5. While Austin Ekeler
was still getting on the field at times, Robinson was seeing near
elite-level usage and producing with those opportunities, so there’s
little reason to believe that the Commanders will change anything
up going forward. As long as he’s active, Robinson is at least
an RB2 and he has real RB1 upside in most matchups. Against the
Panthers and their pathetic league-worst run defense, though,
Robinson has the potential to finish as the overall RB1 for the
week. Get him in your lineups!
This one is admittedly only an option in very deep leagues, but
if you’re looking for a sneaky player who’s beginning
to get more involved in a productive offense then look no further
than wide receiver Noah Brown. Brown was a nonfactor in the first
few weeks of the season and he missed Week 5 due to a groin injury,
but he’s now played 67 percent and 64 percent of the Commanders’
offensive snaps over his past two games, far exceeding all other
Washington wide receivers other than Terry McLaurin. Even more
interesting is that Brown saw a season-high eight targets this
past week against a good Baltimore defense. The Panthers are a
top-12 matchup for opposing wide receivers this season and there
are a ton of injuries and question marks at the position, so fantasy
managers who are in a tough spot in deep leagues could give Brown
a chance here in Week 7.
Austin Ekeler was initially expected to be a passing down specialist
for the Commanders this season, raising concerns about Brian Robinson's
upside. However, Robinson has emerged as the team’s standout
running back, limiting Ekeler’s potential impact. Throughout
the season, Ekeler has consistently scored between 10 to 12 fantasy
points per game. In Week 6, when Robinson was sidelined due to
injury, expectations were high for Ekeler, but he managed just
nine carries for 21 yards, salvaging his performance with four
receptions for 47 yards. With Robinson expected to return, Ekeler’s
chances for a breakout performance are significantly reduced,
as the Commanders will likely revert to their primary strategy
that heavily features Robinson. While Ekeler can be considered
a bye-week or injury replacement in deep PPR formats, he carries
a low upside and could underperform if the team opts for a passing
strategy.
Having missed both practices to start the week, things do not
look good for Jakobi Meyers availability this weekend. If he’s
somehow able to give it a go as the Raiders defacto No.1 wide
receiver and the second best target to Brock Bowers, he’s
got WR3 appeal. If Meyers can’t go, Tre Tucker would stand
to be a benefactor, and should carry some value in deeper leagues
where WR4’s are in play.
Running back Alexander Mattison continued to carry the bulk of
the work with Zamir White out of action, posting an 14-33-1 on
the ground and 5-32-0 in the passing game last week, making him
a winner from a volume stand point. Aside from a recent bump in
volume, Mattison has relied on heavy usage in the red zone and
4 cash-ins at the goal line to create fantasy relevance.
This week, White is practicing and appears ready to return, meaning
Mattison may go back to relying exclusively on scoring to create
fantasy production. The Raiders don’t have a lot of ways
to sustain drives, but the Rams are vulnerable to the run, including
having given up 6 scores on the ground, making Mattison a viable
touchdown dependent deep play.
While it was all but a done deal, the official nail in the coffin
of Aidan O’Connell (or Gardner Minshew) came with the news that
Davante Adams was shipped to the New York Jets. Being without
Jakobi Meyers would only make it harder for O’Connell, who is
once again the Raiders starter. It’s difficult to expect much
from the Raiders offense while they go through another rebuild.
Facing the Rams and the 9 yards per attempt they’ve surrendered
probably makes O’Connell an option as a second QB in large superflex
leagues, but otherwise he’s worth a sit.
Zamir White, meanwhile, returns to an offense where Alexander
Mattison has staked out goal line opportunities and opponents
don’t have to fear the passing game. White was struggling
to find space before his injury, and while the Rams have given
up 120 yards on the ground per game, the Raiders haven’t
been able to take advantage of opportunities like this in 2024.
Throw in the fact that White’s potential volume is totally
up in the air and he can safely be avoided in Week 7.
LV FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.11
LV FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.8
LV FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.24
LV FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.23
So much for the Rams success hinges on Cooper Kupp’s return
this week. Arguably, Matthew Stafford (outside the Top 30 in fantasy
points per game at QB) is an easy fade without Kupp, and wide
receiver Jordan Whittington - 18 targets over the last two weeks
– is in the WR2 mix against the Raiders, assuming he’s
active after practicing in a limited fashion.
Kupp is back at practice, also on a limited basis, and his status
is perhaps the most critical to follow in all of fantasy football
this week. His return brings Stafford at least into the QB conversation
in deep leagues, and would likely push Whittington aside while
making Kupp no less than a WR2 right out of the gate. Whittington
could still be a deeper league play, in such an event.
It was good to see Demarcus reel in a touchdown in Week 5, but
he’s still yet to produce more than 50 yards in a game,
and his main value at this point is in very deep leagues (hinging
on Kupp’s status, as well).
After a sluggish start, Travis Kelce has returned to form following
Rashee Rice’s season-ending injury, even though he has yet to
score a touchdown. With 19 targets, 16 receptions and 159 yards
receiving over the last two weeks, he’s a must start.
In Week 5, Kareem Hunt followed up a successful return to the
Chiefs with a 28-touch effort, producing 117 total yards and a
touchdown. The Chiefs may have more RB depth this week, but it’s
likely that Hunt has secured status as the team’s top back.
The 49ers have been middling against the run and Hunt has enough
history as a receiving back to remain involved if the 49ers push
ahead on the scoreboard. He’s a fair RB2 for Week 7.
It’s difficult to give up on Patrick Mahomes as a top fantasy
QB as he’s done more at times with fewer weapons than he
has now. But it’s tough to envision him as more than a QB2
in all but the friendliest matchups at this time. Mahomes has
just a 70-passer rating on attempts going Kelce’s way (including
2 interceptions). While the 49ers defense hasn’t been stellar
this season, they can still make life hard on a QB who is thin
on offensive weapons. With at least 1 interception thrown in each
game this season and only 1 total touchdown in the two weeks without
Rice, Mahomes is a starter superflex leagues, but not the must
start he has been in the past in typical 1-QB leagues.
Juju Smith-Schuster (7-130-0) became the first wide receiver
to step forward in Rashee Rice’s absence, posting numbers
last week that harken back to 2018 and his time in Pittsburgh.
Can he repeat it? He only had 4 targets and 2 receptions (1 TD)
prior to last game, and his snap rate in Week 5 (67%) was respectable
but hardly ideal for a fantasy starter. Smith-Schuster’s
previous moment of fantasy relevance came for these very Chiefs
in 2022, when he found himself in a similar spot following Tyreek
Hill’s departure and posted numbers in the flex realm (78-933-3).
A couple of years older, such production is probably more of his
ceiling than his mid-range outcome, and he should be viewed as
a boom-or-bust candidate while the dust settles for Kansas City’s
receiving corps.
Xavier Worthy found is way to a respectable fantasy day by reaching
the end zone in @Week 5. The score came on a 3-yard run, and was
his second rushing touchdown of the season. In total, he has 4
touchdowns and appears to be the biggest scoring threat the Chiefs
have right now. That being said, even without Rashee Rice, Worthy
has yet to surpass 3 receptions in a game and has only broken
50 yards receiving once this season. The rushing ability improves
both his floor and his ceiling, but with Worthy having 30 or less
total yards in three of five contests thus far, he still carries
a lot of bust potential. That makes him a fence play as he continues
to gain experience.
It’s been a while since Clyde Edwards-Helaire has seen
the field, and far longer since he has carried fantasy football
value. The former looks like it may come to an end this week,
as Edwards-Helaire has been activated and is back at practice.
But it’s unlikely his fantasy relevance will follow suit.
Perhaps he takes on a change-of-pace role and cuts into Hunt’s
workload. Beyond that, he’s not worthy of your starting
lineup for the time being.
KC FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.20
KC FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.32
KC FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.26
KC FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.1
Currently ranked 11th in points per game at quarterback, Brock
Purdy is facing a Chiefs team that he’s quite familiar with.
Throwing the ball 38 times in last year’s Super Bowl –
his second most pass attempts of his career, to that point –
he threw for 255 yards, rushed for 12 and threw 1 touchdown against
no turnovers.
There are some injury statuses to watch, some favorable to Purdy
throwing more (Jordan Mason’s status) and some less favorable
(ie. Jauan Jennings’ status). The Chiefs remain one the better
defenses in the league even though they traded away star corner
L’Jarius Sneed this off season. But while this isn’t a great matchup,
it’s unlikely to be one that threatens Purdy’s status as a back
end QB1. The home crowd shouldn’t hurt either.
Last week, Brandon Aiyuk (2-37-0 on 4 tgts) failed to springboard
off of his breakout performance in Week 5, but he still leads
the 49ers in targets and it’s likely that Jauan Jennings
will miss Week 7 with a hip injury, meaning there should be more
targets to go around for Aiyuk.
Deebo Samuel, meanwhile, has begun the week with limited practices
due to a wrist injury, but while his status should be watched,
it looks promising that he will play following a big Week 6 performance
against Seattle (3-102-1 receiving, 15 rushing yards). Samuel
is a threat, both as a receiver and runner but his usage as a
runner could spike if Jordan Mason is either inactive or plays
limited snaps due to an AC Joint Sprain. Samuel enters WR1 territory
against the Chiefs if the 49ers have to dig deeper in the running
game, especially without Jennings.
When Jordan Mason went out with an injury last week, Isaac Guerendo
got a chance to show what he is capable of behind this 49ers blocking
front, breaking off a long run that accounted for 76 of his 99
rushing yards. He still needs polishing, and likely won’t see
the full role that Mason has enjoyed sans Christian McCaffrey,
as trusty veteran Patrick Taylor and swiss army knife Deebo Samuel
should bite into his action, but he’s got that ability to make
a fantasy day on just 1 or 2 plays, making him a Flex option even
against one of the league’s best run defenses.
Of course, all of this is pending whether Mason plays or not.
He has started the week as a limited participant, but it remains
to be seen whether the 49ers are playing games with the Chiefs
coaching staff, or he really has a chance to play. Even if he
plays, he may be limited in usage, so there is a lot risk against
a tough opponent. Mason is probably no more than Flex if he plays.
With Todd Downing taking over the play-calling duties from Nathaniel
Hackett, the Jets offense looked a little crisper last Monday
night. That included Rodgers, who passed for a season-high 294
yards to go with 2 TDs and 1 INT -- one of those touchdowns was
even a vintage Hail Mary to Allen Lazard. The Packers connection
got even deeper on Tuesday, when the Jets acquired Davante Adams
from the Raiders, giving Rodgers perhaps his all-time favorite
target. Now, the question becomes how quickly can they get Adams
integrated into the offense? The guess here is pretty quick. The
Jets run the Hackett system that Adams is familiar with, and he
and Rodgers have banked roughly a billion reps together. There’s
absolutely a chance that we get a throwback performance from the
40-year-old this Sunday night. There’s also a chance the Steelers
beat him up and put the Jets in a 2-5 hole. Still, this could
make a fun gamble.
One of the key differences between Downing and Hackett in Week
6 was Allen’s usage, as he went from nearly splitting touches
with Hall to logging just three carries (Hall had 23 total touches).
Adams’ arrival will have a trickle-down effect, and everyone
beyond him, Hall, and Wilson may well be fighting over scraps.
A few weeks ago, Allen looked like a fourth-round steal. Now,
he might end up being an afterthought. It’s best not to
use him this week.
NYJ FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.31
NYJ FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.23
NYJ FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.29
NYJ FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.26
Despite operating as the clear No. 1 receiver in the Steel City,
Pickens hasn’t scored a touchdown this season and has only topped
60 yards in a game twice. It’s somewhat of a surprise considering
he went for 1,140 yards a year ago with guys like Kenny Pickett
and Mason Rudolph running the offense -- not to mention a legit
WR2 in Diontae Johnson. The truth is, Pittsburgh doesn’t want
to throw the ball. They want to lean on the running game to control
the clock and let their defense make plays. It’s no coincidence
that Pickens’ lone 100-yard game came in Week 4, which is the
only time this year the Steelers found themselves in a big hole.
The move to Russell Wilson should at least renew interest in Pickens.
No, this isn’t the same Wilson we saw in Seattle, but he still
throws a nice deep ball, and his No. 1 wideout last year, Courtland
Sutton, caught 10 touchdown passes. You could try Pickens as a
WR3/flex this week despite the Jets featuring the NFL’s No. 2
pass defense.
Bothered by a calf injury that flared up in camp, Wilson served
as the team’s emergency quarterback the first five games before
being elevated to QB2 last Sunday. Now, it sounds like he’ll be
given the starting nod ahead of Justin Fields, who didn’t put
up huge numbers but did help Pittsburgh to a 4-2 start. For fantasy
owners, it’s a downgrade. For whatever limitations Fields has
as a passer, his running ability made him someone you could at
least roll the dice on for QB1 value each week. You cannot say
the same for Wilson, who’s likely to slot into the same game manager
role he filled in Denver (and that Fields filled for Pittsburgh)
minus the explosiveness as a runner. He belongs on your bench
most weeks, including this one.
The Ravens’ tight end rotation is far too unpredictable
to rely on in fantasy lineups. Both Isaiah Likely and Mark Andrews
are hovering between a 53-55 percent route participation and 10-15
percent target share. It’s incredibly difficult to sustain
TE1-level production with this role. The only way for either to
be a value in lineups is by scoring a touchdown. There are better
options out there than playing the touchdown lottery with this
duo.
BAL FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.4
BAL FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.30
BAL FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.1
BAL FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.6
With Rachaad White sidelined in Week 6, Sean Tucker burst onto
the scene with 192 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns. To
the disappointment of both Rachaad White and Bucky Irving managers,
head coach Todd Bowles indicated that Tucker’s play would
push this backfield into a three-way committee. The near 50-50
split between White and Irving already made it difficult for them
to hit starting lineups. If Tucker sees a legitimate role, this
would decimate the fantasy value of all three. It’s best
to leave this trio on the bench this week and evaluate the situation.
The Cardinals have given up the 10th most points per game to
running backs and the 2nd most total rushing yards, setting up
another good spot for J.K. Dobbins who saw 27 touches last week.
The stout Chargers defense is going to be very short-handed this
week (more on that shortly), so there’s a greater risk of
Los Angeles falling behind and getting away from the run, but
Arizona is dealing with some injury question marks themselves,
and the most likely scenario is this game stays close into the
fourth quarter.
After a healed-up offensive line helped spur Dobbins to a 17.2-point
fantasy performance against Denver last week, he’s now just
outside the top 12 in points per game at the position and is set
up nicely for more borderline RB1 production this week.
McConkey is already positioning himself as the defacto top target
in the Chargers offense, with his 32 targets being 10 more than
Quentin Johnson. But his 6.4 targets per game only lands him in
flex territory. Against a vulnerable Cardinals pass defense, he
could move into WR2 territory, but a hip injury is currently threatening
his status for Week 7. He’s currently practicing on a limited
basis, so watch the reports closely. Even if active for the game,
there’s some risk that he’ll play with an injury and
it’s best to not elevate him above flex value.
If McConkey does miss Week 7, it’s worth considering Josh Palmer
as a flex, if he’s available to you and you need a hand. Especially
with the prospects that Quentin Johnston could be out, Palmer
would likely see a major boost in targets if he’s stepping into
McConkey’s shoes.
The mountain that Justin Herbert has to climb to be a fantasy
relevant QB may get a little steeper this week, despite facing
a very beatable Cardinals defense (4th most points allowed to
opposing QB’s). Besides McConkey being limited by a hip
injury, Quentin Johnston (ankle) has yet to practice this week,
along with starting tight end Hunter Hurst (groin). Even if McConkey
plays, it’s probably asking too much to start Herbert as
this game could devolve into the kind of run-heavy grinder that
coach Jim Harbaugh loves.
LAC FPts Allowed vs. QBs: No.26
LAC FPts Allowed vs. RBs: No.26
LAC FPts Allowed vs. WRs: No.27
LAC FPts Allowed vs. TEs: No.16
It’s been a rocky road thus far for Kyler Murray and after
failing to throw multiple touchdowns for the 4th consecutive week,
he’s currently ranked No.13 among quarterbacks in fantasy
points per game. The Chargers have given up the 6th fewest points
to opposing quarterbacks, but a myriad of injuries on their defense
(including pass rusher Joey Bosa) present a potentially opportunistic
moment for the Cardinals passing game. Will he have either of
his top to wide receivers, Marvin Harrison Jr. or Michael Wilson?
His fantasy day may largely depend on this.
Murray is arguably no more than a high-end QB2 without either
of his top wideouts, and a low end QB1 with Wilson. If Harrison
Jr. is cleared from his concussion, Murray has mid-QB1 promise.
If you have Murray, keep a very close eye on his wideouts at practice
on Friday.
Marvin Harrison is absolutely a WR1 if he’s active this
weekend, as the Chargers will be rolling inexperienced corners,
and he has the talent to make this a huge advantage.
If Wilson can give it a go, he is arguably no worse than a deep
flex play. But if he’s active and the Cardinals top pick
in 2024 can’t go, Wilson has plenty of WR2 upside for this
match-up. In the event that neither Harrison nor Wilson play this
weekend, Greg Dortch becomes enough of a benefactor to be grabbed
as a WR3/Flex.
Last, but not least, is running back James Conner. It remains
to be seen how the Chargers will adapt to cover for inexperience
and holes in their pass defense, but to this point they haven’t
given up a whole lot to running backs, surrendering the 7th fewest
fantasy points per game, just 2 rushing touchdowns and only 4.5
yards per reception. Conner is currently RB23 in points per game,
and the match-up threatens his status as an RB2. He’s more
reasonably a high-floor, low-ceiling Flex play this week.
