Another strange week in fantasy football. Injuries continue to occur
at a rate that seems much higher than normal, in particular injuries
to high-profile players. Other players are laying eggs in matchups
that seem like good ones. This season is all about rolling with
the punches. Below I’ll try to provide some usage-related
tips at running back, wide receiver, and tight end to help you keep
grinding.
Running Back
Boston Scott played on 56 snaps, Corey Clement on 18, and
rookie Jason Huntly on 8 for the Eagles. Scott basically took
over the Miles Sanders role and played quite well (12-46, 3-46-1
through the air). He should be started everywhere while Sanders
is out.
While D’Andre
Swift did not have the role many envisioned when Patricia
said he was going to get more work, he did play the most snaps
among the RBs. It was only 45%, but it is still a nice development.
He went 9-27-1 on the ground, and also caught 4 balls for 21
yards. The uptick in snaps should lead to increasing value down
the stretch.
Giovani
Bernard played on 76% of the snaps, taking over the Mixon
role. He only went for 13-37 on the ground, but did produce
5-59-1 through the air. While Mixon is out, he is a nice option.
Devin Singletary and Zack Moss basically split the snaps
in Week 7 (54% to 47%). Moss was far more effective, going 7-47
on the ground and 3-25 through the air (Singletary went 8-29
and 2-18). This could be the beginning of a shift toward Moss
as the starter, so keep an eye on this situation.
La’Mical
Perine played on 70% of the snaps for the Jets, while Frank
Gore played on only 28%. They both got 11 carries, and although
Gore had a higher per-carry average, Perine scored. I avoid
all Jets, but if you are desperate for a back, Perine is an
option.
Ezekiel Elliott played on 66% of snaps but only went 12-45.
Until this offense turns things around, he can be benched (although
you likely have to start him). Things are getting ugly fast
in Dallas.
Meanwhile, Antonio Gibson continued to ascend, taking 20
carries for 128 yards and a score. Amazingly, he did that on
only 48% of the snaps. The more Washington gives him, the more
he produces. He looks like a league-winning choice, if things
continue to trend positively.
It has been a maddening season for Ronald Jones owners, as
Bruce Arians continues to flip-flop between Jones and Fournette.
It has always seemed that Arians is more focused on irking fantasy
players than in actually coaching. He gave Fournette 56% of
the snaps, immediately off of three excellent games in a row
from Jones – who received only 43%. Jones got 13 carries
and did score, but Fournette got 11 carries and 7 targets, taking
almost all of the work in the pass game. Neither is a very good
play the rest of the way because of Arians.
Phillip Lindsay looked fantastic against the Chiefs on Sunday
until he suffered a concussion. He had 9 carries for 79 yards
in the first half before he was forced out. Gordon looked less
impressive, but finished with 17-68-1. If Lindsay is active,
play him. If he is out, Gordon becomes an improved play.
With Chris Thompson out, James Robinson saw almost all the
snaps (90%). He showed extremely well with the extra opportunities,
going 22-119-1 and 4-18-1 through the air. Robinson has been
one of the top backs in fantasy all season and a great surprise
if you were able to get him early on. Devine Ozigbo is back
after his hamstring injury, so he may start getting some work,
but I don’t believe anyone is taking Robinson’s
job away.
David Montgomery was uninspiring on Monday Night Football,
but he had another 5 targets (caught them all), giving him 19
receptions over his past 4 games. He played on 83% of the snaps.
With those numbers, he remains a good start in PPR leagues.
The Rams continue to use Darrell Henderson (56%, 17 touches)
and Malcolm Brown (40%, 10 touches) as their main backs. Cam Akers seems to be in the midst of a redshirt rookie year, just
like Henderson had last season. It seems safe to assume this
will continue, although it’s never totally safe with McVay.
Wide Receiver
Sterling Shepard returned from injury and played on 77% of
the snaps. He was targeted 8 times and caught 6 for 59 and a
touchdown. If he is on your wire, you should scoop him up.
Travis Fulgham played virtually every snap and received 11
targets, remaining very involved. He only caught 5 for 73, but
if he continues to see WR1 targets, he is a must-play.
Rashard Higgins stepped in for Odell Beckham Jr. (ACL) after
the injury and played on 85% of the snaps. He produced 6-110,
catching all his targets. He is worth a large FAB bid if you
are in need at WR, as he should produce relatively well the
rest of the way, even on a run-first offense.
A.J. Green played on 87% of the snaps and received a whopping
13 targets! He produced 7-82, while his WR teammates Tee Higgins
(84%) and Tyler Boyd (80%) both scored. Green is still struggling
to produce any huge fantasy weeks, but he continues to play
almost every snap and is targeted often, making him a valuable
fantasy option.
With Aaron Jones out, the Packers focused on getting the
ball to Davante Adams. He received 16 targets, a 47% target
share! He turned those into 13-196-2 against a poor Texans defense.
It looks like he is set to take over the overall No. 1 spot
at WR the rest of the way.
Randall Cobb led all Texans receivers with 10 targets, turning
them into 8-95. Particularly in games where the Texans might
trail, he is a solid start.
With Michael Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders both out, many expected
a big day from Tre’Quan Smith. However, it was Marquez Callaway who was the top option at receiver for the Saints.
He received 10 targets and went 8-75 on 73% of the snaps.
Curtis Samuel returned to relevance in Week 7, catching all
6 of his targets for 48 yards. He also ran in a score for 5
yards. He only played on 48% of the snaps, but the involvement
in the flow of the game is the most encouraging part for owners.
If he receives 5 or more targets again next week, he might be
a solid flex option the rest of the way.
D.J. Moore had another nice day in Week 7, catching 2 TDs.
However, he received fewer targets than Robby Anderson yet again
(5 to 8). Both remain good weekly plays, but don’t overreact
to Moore’s touchdowns. Anderson’s big days are coming
as well.
In a very strange game against the Jets, Cole Beasley was
the best player on the field. He received 12 targets and turned
them into 11-112. He is an excellent weekly option in PPR leagues.
Denzel Mims returned from injury and played on 79% of the
snaps, leading the Jets with 4-42 on 7 targets. There is not
much to get excited about with this offense, but he may be worth
a flier if you need a receiver.
Diontae Johnson finally had the week we all saw coming. He
played on 75% of the snaps (and did not get hurt!). He received
a ridiculous 15 targets, producing 9-80-2. Chase Claypool was
relegated back to minor work (1 target). Johnson is a must-start
while he is healthy.
JuJu Smith-Schuster also received an amazing 14 targets and
went 9-85. I have been down on JuJu this season, but 14 targets
got my attention. Of course you play him if you have him, but
keep an eye on his usage moving forward, especially as it relates
to whether Claypool starts eating into his work.
Michael
Gallup played on 91% of the snaps and received 2 targets.
CeeDee Lamb
played on 55% of snaps and received 5 targets. Neither caught
any of their targets. Andy Dalton played poorly and was then
knocked out of the game. Amari
Cooper caught 7 for 80 yards, but this entire offense looks
to be dead in the water without Dak. I would bench these players
until something changes, if you can.
Mike Evans played on 86% of the snaps and Godwin (finger)
on 82%. But Evans received 2 targets and Godwin received 9,
going 9-88-1. I am not sure why Brady is not jiving with Evans,
but it is very concerning if you have him. It’s also very
tough to bench him – it’s an ugly situation. Antonio Brown’s addition could negatively impact both moving forward.
Scotty Miller also had a big day, going 6-109-1. I think
that was the last hurrah for him, as Antonio Brown should take
over most of his snaps beginning Week 9.
Nelson Agholor played on 78% of the snaps for the Raiders
and received a team-high 9 targets, going 5-107-1. I don’t
know if his usage will continue once Bryan Edwards is healthy,
but for now Agholor needs to be owned.
The Chiefs made an effort to involve Tyreek Hill after a
couple of quiet weeks, but he was again unable to make any big
plays. He did score and went 6-55-1 on 10 targets, but the deep
plays were covered up. It seems most teams are going to force
the Chiefs to beat them with the short stuff, which makes them
less fun to watch.
D.J. Chark played on 87% of the snaps and got 7 targets,
but he only caught 1. I would avoid this whole passing game
if possible.
Keenan Allen continued his love affair with Justin Herbert
on Sunday, receiving 13 targets and going 10-125. He is a top-10
WR the rest of the way with Herbert playing so well. However,
Mike Williams disappointed in Week 7, catching only one of three
targets. He should be benched until he shows some consistency.
Darnell Mooney played on 83% of snaps for the Bears and led
the team in targets with seven. They appeared to be working
to get him the ball. Allen Robinson appeared to leave with a
concussion, so Mooney could be a sneaky pickup this week for
those in need of a receiver.
Josh Reynolds played on 74% of the Rams’ snaps (just
slightly fewer than Kupp and Woods), and led the team in targets
with 8. He caught 4 for 52 yards and a score. He is becoming
much more integrated in this offense as they move to being a
heavy 11-personnel team, so I recommend picking him up if you
need extra options at receiver.
Tight Ends
Evan Engram was a big disappointment as he dropped what would
have been a long reception (and possibly a touchdown). He was
targeted 9 times and caught 6 for 46. It is hard to find that
sort of usage from a tight end, so continue to play him with
confidence.
Richard Rodgers took over the top TE spot in Philly with
both Ertz and Goedert out, and went 6-85 on 8 targets. He is
an excellent pick up in TE-premium leagues this week, but keep
in mind Goedert should be back before long.
With Austin Hooper out, Harrison Bryant played on 77% of
the snaps and produced 4-56-2 on 5 targets. He has been playing
well all season, but his upside remains capped since Hooper
is likely to return next week (and Njoku is still around as
of now).
Drew Sample played on 97% of snaps and had another game where
he was targeted often (6 times). He produced 5 for 52 yards,
which is certainly usable. He is inconsistent, but in this tight
end landscape he needs to be rostered.
With Dawson Knox out with Covid, Tyler Kroft caught all 4
of his targets for 64 yards, on 78% of the snaps. He is a decent
play for as long as Knox is out.
Eric Ebron played on 84% of the snaps and received 8 targets
(6-50). He remains a must-play at tight end for as long as he
gets this sort of usage.
Jonnu Smith played on 70% of the snaps but only received
4 targets, catching 1. Those mid-range looks seemed to all go
to Corey Davis on Sunday, who had 10 targets. But, Smith remains
a solid weekly play.
Noah Fant continued to struggle with his ankle on Sunday.
He gutted it out and played on 70% of the snaps, but he was
far less effective than rookie Albert Okwuegbunam, who played
on 40%. Okwuegbunam caught all 7 of his targets for 60 yards,
while Fant caught only 3 of his 7 targets for 38 yards. Okwuegbunam
needs to be owned everywhere, as there is a chance they will
shut Fant down.
Kevin Scott is a fantasy pro who is the co-host for The Lowdown
Fantasy Football Podcast. He plays in over 40 leagues annually and
has made over $100,000 playing fantasy football. You can follow
him @kevinscottff.