Fantasy Football Takeaways: Bijan Robinson, Sam Howell, Tyler Allgeier, Javonte Williams

An inexcusable job of reporting a player’s health was a headline-grabbing happening in Week 7. However, there were plenty of positive things to dwell on, too. Finally, a sack-prone young quarterback is still a target to stream and start defenses against. Here are all of my takeaways for Week 7 of the fantasy football season.

Fantasy Football Takeaways

Disappointments

Green Bay Can’t Stop Running Backs
Denver’s three-headed backfield (and fullback Michael Burton) had 23 rushes, 135 rushing yards, nine targets, seven receptions and 46 receiving yards against the Packers in Week 7. In six games this season, Green Bay has yielded 111.5 rushing yards per game, 4.3 yards per carry 6.5 receptions per game, 42.8 receiving yards per game and five touchdowns (all rushing) to running backs. They’re an ideal matchup for running backs and face a few shaky running backs in the near future, making those running backs more desirable starting options in the cushy matchup.

Arthur Smith and the Falcons Should Be Substantially Fined
Bijan Robinson wasn’t listed on Atlanta’s injury report and played only 11 snaps. It was revealed during the game that Robinson didn’t feel well, and Robinson revealed he had a nagging headache that started the night before.

Bijan Robinson (headache) said he’ll be good for Week 8.

More on why he was so limited in Week 7 ? pic.twitter.com/KeWNG9ZwxK

– Underdog NFL (@Underdog__NFL) October 22, 2023

It’s inexcusable that Arthur Smith and the Falcons didn’t divulge that information before the game. The injury report is in existence for a reason.

Nevertheless, Robinson’s misfortune shed light on how the Falcons would use Tyler Allgeier and Cordarelle Patterson in the absence of their rookie running back. Allgeier played 33 snaps and ran eight routes versus 26 and 11 for Patterson. The former had 11 carries, 59 rushing yards, three receptions and 53 receiving yards. Meanwhile, the latter had 10 rushes, 56 rushing yards and zero targets. Thus, Allgeier is a top-shelf handcuff with flex value when the Falcons are favored and projected to have a favorable game script.

Miscellaneous Note

The Commanders Are Still a Gift for Opposing Fantasy Defenses
It can’t be overstated how bad Sam Howell is at avoiding sacks. Analysts have pointed out he’s on pace to shatter the single-season sacks record. Still, that also doesn’t do justice to his propensity to take sacks. The following table has the sacks by Washington’s opponents against the Commanders and their per-game average against other opponents.

The gravy train of using defenses against the Commanders will last as long as they continue to start Howell. However, with Ron Rivera seemingly on the hot seat, he could opt to start capable backup Jacoby Brissett. According to Pro-Football-Reference, the veteran quarterback has a 7.6% sack rate in his career. Additionally, he had just a 6.1% sack rate for the Browns last season. A change to Brissett wouldn't eliminate the appeal of streaming defenses against the Commanders, but it would reduce the fantasy scoring outlook for the opposing DST.