Welcome back, everybody! We’ve got NFL Week 7 officially in the books and a lot to recap from ALL the action! My goal with this weekly piece is to provide you with the KEY ACTION items – waiver wire pickups, trade, add, drop, stash, buy, sell, start, sit, etc. – for your fantasy football team based on what happened the previous week. Let me do the work of scouring through the data so you can just follow my lead. As my college marketing professor always said, “Keep it simple, stupid.” The KISS mantra is at its finest.

Obviously, I’ll cite data and what I watched on film from the weekend’s past matchups, highlighting what matters most and what’s potentially just noise. I will make a strong effort to feature players coming off polarizing performances, as they are sure to be the ones fantasy managers have the most question marks about.

And I’d be more than happy to include certain tables where I see they fit and/or there is a demand.

Again, the idea behind the Fantasy Forecast has always been about identifying which players are running routes, seeing high snap shares, and earning high-value targets, as these tend to be precursors for future fantasy production. And sometimes, they don’t always appear in the normal box score.

Also new this year. An opening trade advice column and more graphics! Courtesy of FantasyPros in-house data scientist Sam Hoppen!

So, without further ado…let’s unveil the Fantasy Forecast for Week 8 to prepare our rosters for future success.

Because the forecast calls for a SHOCKINGLY fun Week 8 slate with all 32 teams BACK in action!

• More Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Advice
• Weekly Fantasy Football Expert Rankings
• Fantasy Football Start/Sit Advice
• Fantasy Football Trade Tools

Week 8 Fantasy Football Forecast

Jump ahead and check out my advice for each team using the table below!

Trade Advice

My thoughts on this week’s trade market.

• You may have lost the battle. But the war is not over. Too often, we declare winners/losers one week after a trade is made. I’m guilty of it myself. I’m recommending a buy or sell, and it’s not working out immediately. Then, I overreact when my initial read on the situation pivots to the opposite transaction when I should have been more patient. You are allowed to be patient. I’ve reached a point where I don’t feel the need to change my stance after just one week. Give the buys/sells at least two to three weeks to simmer before readjusting.
• Playoffs? Yes, playoffs. It’s not too early to look ahead at playoff schedules. In this article, I try to call out the best schedules for the rest of the season, as you should make every trade with this knowledge.
• Enough of the low-ball offers. It works in some more casual leagues, but in more competitive leagues, it’s not going to fly. Give the other manager a reason to engage in trade talks.
• Specific to trading for WRs. Unless you are trading at the very top of the WR pool, don’t make a move for a wideout unless you think they can deliver a week-wining upside. Among the non-elites, this has to be the goal.
• Last point. Take advantage of player spikes in value even if you benched them the previous week. Didn’t start Tank Bigsby or Javonte Williams this past week? Well, you can still benefit from their great performance by trading them for a strong return.

Denver Broncos

Add Bo Nix | Buy Courtland Sutton | Hold/Sell Javonte Williams | Add Troy Franklin | Hold/Drop Audric Estime & Jaleel McLaughlin

Bo Nix completed 16 of 26 passes for 164 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. He had a 61.5% completion rate, with a passer rating of 79.6 and an average of 6.3 yards per attempt.

Javonte Williams was the star on the ground, with 14 carries for 88 yards and two rushing touchdowns, averaging 6.3 yards per carry with a long run of 20 yards. Four rushing attempts and scored two touchdowns in the red zone with a 63% snap share. This is another classic example of an RB on the cusp of losing his job rising above and delivering in a smash spot.

Per Next Gen Stats, The Broncos recorded 226 rushing yards in Week 7 against the Saints, setting season-highs in rush yards over expected (+43), yards before contact (95), and yards after contact (132). If you bought low a few weeks back (and didn’t sell after I gave up too early), you must hold Williams with the Panthers up next. Then, sell after TWO big games.

Bo Nix also contributed with 10 rushes for 75 yards, showing his dual-threat ability, averaging 7.5 yards per carry with a 32-yard long.

Jaleel McLaughlin had four carries for 35 yards, including a big 21-yard run, averaging 8.8 yards per carry. Audric Estime added five carries for 29 yards, averaging 5.8 yards per carry with a 13-yard long run. However, he lost a fumble. Woof. We saw Payton go back to Williams after he fumbled, so I don’t think this means it’s over for Estime. That being said, the rookie hardly did what was required of him to move up the depth chart. Hold him for now in deeper formats and drop him in shallow leagues.

Troy Franklin was the team’s top target, catching five of his six targets for 50 yards, averaging 10 yards per reception, with a 30-yard long and 23 yards after the catch (YAC) with 52 air yards, 30.06% air yards share, 24% Target share. Franklin ran a route on 50% of dropbacks and was targeted on 35% of his routes. The rookie continues to keep trending up!

Lucas Krull was productive at tight end, catching three of his four targets for 41 yards, averaging 13.7 yards per reception, with a long of 23 yards and 17 YAC with 52 air yards, 30.06% air yards share, and 16% Target share.

Javonte Williams was also active in the passing game, catching all three of his targets for 23 yards, with a 9-yard long and 33 YAC.

Devaughn Vele managed a single catch for 20 yards with 38 air yards, 21.97% air yards share, and 12% Target share. Vele ran a route on 47% of dropbacks.

Marvin Mims Jr. contributed with two catches for 18 yards, with a long of 11 yards.

Lil’Jordan Humphrey had two catches for 12 yards, with a 9-yard long. Lil’Jordan Humphrey was targeted two times in the red zone and caught one pass but didn’t score.

Adam Trautman was targeted three times but did not record a catch.

Courtland Sutton was completely blanked with zero targets despite running a route on 65% of dropbacks. Given the matchup against the Panthers, Sutton should rebound.

Javonte Williams had a dominant performance, leading the Broncos’ rushing attack with two touchdowns, contributing both on the ground and in the passing game.

Denver will play the Panthers reeling defense next. Then the schedule goes @ BAL, @ KC, vs. ATL, @ LV, vs. CLE BYE, vs. IND, @ LAC, @ CIN, and vs. KC.

Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, the Broncos have the No.1-ranked schedule for quarterbacks rest of season (1st for WRs).
Back to top

New Orleans Saints

Sell/Hold Alvin Kamara | Add Kendre Miller | Buy Chris Olave

Spencer Rattler completed 25 of 35 passes for 172 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. He had a 71.4% completion rate, a passer rating of 82.1, and averaged 4.9 yards per attempt.

Jake Haener came in for limited action and completed 3 of 4 passes for 38 yards and a touchdown, posting an impressive passer rating of 143.8 and 9.5 yards per attempt.

Kendre Miller led the team on the ground with six carries for 36 yards, averaging 6.0 yards per carry with a long of 16 yards. 29% snap share. Miller looked pretty good in his debut and even got some rare strong praise from Dennis Allen post-game. Considering Alvin Kamara leads the NFL in touches (145), I’m a firm believer it won’t be able to sustain this insane workload.

Spencer Rattler also contributed with five rushes for 34 yards, including a 28-yard long run, averaging 6.8 yards per carry.

Jamaal Williams added three carries for 17 yards, with a 5.7-yard average and a long of 13 yards.

Kamara struggled in the run game, managing just 10 yards on seven carries, averaging 1.4 yards per carry with a long of 6 yards. Kamara has come crashing down since his hot start, and I’d do my best to move off the aging running back if I can. The Saints’ offense hasn’t been the same after the injuries across the OL and the loss of Derek Carr. But if we want to be smart about this, you hold Kamara until the Panthers in Week 9, then sell. Carr should be back by then.

Speaking of Saints returning, Chris Olave should also return after he missed Week 7 with a concussion. Recall that Rashid Shaheed was placed on IR, opening the target floodgates for Olave to feast. Buy low with Olave’s “out of sight, out of mind” status.

Cedrick Wilson Jr. led all receivers, catching six of his seven targets for 57 yards and one red-zone touchdown at the end of the game, averaging 9.5 yards per reception, with a long of 17 yards and matching YAC (yards after the catch) of 17.

Mason Tipton was also productive, catching six of nine targets for 45 yards, averaging 7.5 yards per catch, with a long of 9 yards and 14 YAC with 122 air yards, 44.53% air yards share, and 23.08% Target share. Tipton ran a route on 83% of dropbacks.

Foster Moreau caught both of his targets for 38 yards, averaging 19.0 yards per catch with a long of 32 yards and 17 YAC.

Bub Means had three catches for 37 yards, averaging 12.3 yards per catch, with a long of 14 yards and 20 YAC. Means ran a route on 85% of dropbacks.

Juwan Johnson added three catches on six targets for 18 yards, averaging 6.0 yards per catch with a long of 12 yards and 16 YAC. 30 air yards, 10.95% air yards share, 15.38% Target share. Johnson ran a route on 62.5% of dropbacks (lead tight ends).

Alvin Kamara had six receptions for just 14 yards, averaging 2.3 yards per catch, with a long of 6 yards and 17 YAC.

Kendre Miller chipped in with two catches for 1 yard, averaging 0.5 yards per catch with a long of 6 yards and 4 YAC.

New Orleans plays the Chargers, Panthers, Falcons, and Browns in the next four games before its bye week. Post-bye week, the Saints will face LAR, NYG, WAS, @ GB, and LV. It’s a pretty solid playoff schedule around the fantasy postseason.

According to the FantasyPros SOS tool, the Saints’ quarterback schedule is the No. 1 ranking for the rest of the season (7th for WRs).
Back to top

New England Patriots

Add Drake Maye | Add DeMario Douglas & Hunter Henry | Drop Ja’Lynn Polk | Price Check Rhamondre Stevenson

Drake Maye completed 26 of 37 passes for 276 yards, throwing for two touchdowns with no interceptions. He finished with a 109.7 passer rating and averaged 7.5 yards per attempt.

Rhamondre Stevenson led the backfield with seven carries for 18 yards, averaging 2.6 yards per carry with a long of 11 yards. Stevenson led the backfield with a 50% snap share.

Drake Maye contributed with three rushes for 18 yards, averaging 6.0 yards per carry with a 15-yard run.

Antonio Gibson had three carries for four yards, while JaMycal Hasty struggled with two rushes for -2 yards.

Antonio Gibson added one catch for 9 yards. Rhamondre Stevenson caught two passes for seven yards on three targets, with a long of 4 yards. JaMycal Hasty was involved in the passing game as well, catching all five of his targets for 49 yards, including a touchdown, with a 16-yard reception and 55 YAC.

The fact that Stevenson is losing out on snaps/routes to Hasty is problematic. He’s barely hanging onto low-end fantasy RB2 status with a lackluster role in a bad offense. Even though Maye has been impressive through two games, the run game hasn’t been unlocked.

Given that Stevenson has been so poor, he’s a hold. He should be able to find more running room against the New York Jets’ poor run defense. Stevenson is going to be a very matchup-dependent fantasy RB ROS.

Hunter Henry was the most productive target, catching eight of his nine targets for 92 yards, averaging 11.5 yards per reception with a long of 32 yards and 35 yards after the catch (YAC) with 103 air yards, 35.76% air yards share, 25% Target share.

Kayshon Boutte had one catch on two targets for 33 yards, showing his big-play potential. Boutte ran a route on 81% of dropbacks.

Austin Hooper caught four of his five targets for 32 yards, with a long reception of 11 yards.

K.J. Osborn hauled in two of his three targets for 26 yards and a touchdown, with a long of 22 yards. He took over after Douglas left the game.

Kendrick Bourne caught one pass for 14 yards on two targets. Bourne ran a route on 55% of dropbacks.

DeMario Douglas only played one snap in the second half. He ran a route on 24% of dropbacks and was targeted on 30% of his routes run. Pain.

He was dealing with an illness and finished with just two catches for 14 yards on three targets (two of which came on the first drive of the game). But he also left the game after getting a false start penalty. Presuming he is healthy, he is still the WR to own on the Patriots depth chart.

Ja’Lynn Polk was targeted three times but did not record a reception with 51 air yards, 17.71% air yards share, and 8% Target share. Polk ran a route on 52% of dropbacks.

It was another tough outing for him, and he also got hurt toward the end of the contest. Javon Baker was made inactive due to illness in Week 7, but that could change in Week 8 based on Polk’s continued struggles.

The Patriots will face the Jets again in Week 8.

The rest of the schedule: @ TEN, @ CHI, vs. LAR, @ MIA, vs. IND, BYE, @ ARI, @ BUF, vs. LAC, and vs. BUF.
Back to top

Jacksonville Jaguars

Buy Brian Thomas Jr. | Sell Tank Bigsby | Sell Christian Kirk | Hold Travis Etienne Jr. | Add D’Ernest Johnson

Trevor Lawrence completed 15 of 20 passes for 193 yards, throwing for one touchdown with no interceptions. He had a strong passer rating of 121.5 and averaged 9.7 yards per attempt.

Tank Bigsby dominated the ground game with 26 carries for 118 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 4.5 yards per carry with a long run of 13 yards on a 66% snap share.

Bigsby had 14 red zone rushing attempts and converted two into touchdowns. No targets in the red zone. Per Next Gen Stats, Bigsby took over lead RB duties against the Patriots, accumulating most of his rushing production on runs inside the tackles (a career-high 91 of his 118 rushing yards).

Bigsby forced seven missed tackles across 26 carries; his 2nd-most missed tackles forced on runs in a game this season.

D’Ernest Johnson added nine rushes for 38 yards, averaging 4.2 yards per carry with a 10-yard long run. Two rushing attempts and one target in the red zone.

He was involved in the passing game as well, catching three of his four targets for 32 yards, averaging 10.7 yards per catch with a 26-yard-long reception. Johnson ran a route on 52% of dropbacks. Bigsby was at 33%.

The matchup against the Patriots’ bad run defense was there for the taking, and Bigsby took full advantage. But the game script was so perfect for him that I have hesitation about what happens if the Jaguars are forced to play from behind in future weeks. GB, @ PHI, vs. MIN, and @ DET before a Week 12 bye week.

Fellow RB Travis Etienne Jr. will likely return, creating more chaos and ambiguity in the Jaguars’ backfield. Head coach Doug Pederson has already spoken on Etienne’s status as the team’s RB1 despite how well Tank has played.

Just seems like a situation I’d like to wipe my hands clean of.

Trevor Lawrence also contributed 13 rushing yards on two carries, averaging 6.5 yards per carry with a long of 11 yards. Brian Thomas Jr., primarily a receiver, had two rushes for 2 yards.

Brian Thomas Jr. was the standout receiver, catching all five of his targets for 89 yards and a red-zone touchdown, averaging 17.8 yards per reception with a long catch of 58 yards and 29 yards after the catch (YAC) with 64 air yards, 57.66% air yards share, and 25% Target share.

Per Next Gen Stats, Thomas Jr. has now recorded six receptions for 281 yards and two touchdowns on targets over 20 air yards.

Evan Engram also caught all five of his targets for 35 yards, averaging 7.0 yards per reception with a long of 13 yards and 26 YAC with 11 air yards, 9.91% air yards share, and 25% Target share.

Christian Kirk was targeted three times but managed just one catch for 24 yards.

Gabe Davis caught one of his two targets for 13 yards, and Tank Bigsby was targeted once but did not record a catch.

The Jags’ schedule isn’t great. Versus GB, @ PHI, vs. MIN, and @ DET before a Week 12 bye week.

After Week 12, Jacksonville finishes the season against HOU, @ TEN, vs. NYJ, @ LV, @ TEN, and @ IND.

Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, the Jaguars are tied for the No.32-ranked schedule for quarterbacks. Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, they also have the third-worst-ranked schedule for running backs.
Back to top

Miami Dolphins

Buy Tyreek Hill & Jaylen Waddle & De’Von Achane | Add Jaylen Wright | Sell Raheem Mostert

Tyler Huntley completed 7 of 13 passes for 87 yards and one touchdown, managing a solid passer rating of 100.5. He left the game with an injury.

Tim Boyle completed 8 of 13 passes for 74 yards, though he was unable to find the end zone, finishing with a passer rating of 77.1.

Tua Tagovailoa is expected to return for Week 8. We made it, folks.

Overall, the move with the Dolphins hasn’t changed. Buy them now before their value returns to normal with Tagovailoa back. And even though people know this, it’s still very possible they aren’t accurately valuing guys like Waddle/Hill. Buy low.

What could this correction look like? Well, if Hill and Waddle perform how they normally do – 1,200 and 1,000-yard receivers, respectively – we are looking at 82-plus yards per game from Hill and 66-plus yards per game from Waddle. Those per-game numbers would rank 6th and 16th, respectively, among WRs this season.

Buying low on Dolphins is not what you do with the short term in mind. It’s 100% about the season’s long haul and second half.

De’Von Achane led the team with 15 carries for 77 yards, averaging 5.1 yards per carry. He had a long run of 15 yards but was kept out of the end zone. He played 58% of the snaps in his return and rushed for his largest total since Week 2. Achane contributed in the passing game as well, catching two of his three targets for 8 yards.

If you can buy Achane now, you have to do it. The schedule is JUICY for Miami’s RBs. Versus Arizona, @ BUF, @ LAR, vs. LV, vs. NE,

Raheem Mostert also contributed 11 carries for 50 yards, posting a 4.5 YPC. But he also lost a fumble and had another 32-yard carry wiped off the board because of a holding call. Mostert rushed three times in the red zone while playing a 33% snap share.

Jaylen Wright had five carries for 33 yards, with a notable long run of 19 yards, averaging an impressive 6.6 yards per carry. The rookie played six offensive snaps.

The first-half carries were Achane (11) and Mostert (8). Even though Mostert is the next man up, I think the team has liked what they have seen from Wright. I’d be selling Mostert and looking to stash Wright.

The Dolphins’ quarterbacks, Huntley and Boyle, combined for 24 rushing yards.

Jonnu Smith was the standout performer, catching all seven of his targets for 96 yards and a red-zone touchdown, including a long reception of 18 yards. He dominated with a 27% Target share and was Huntley’s go-to option with 46 air yards, 29.68% air yards share, and 33.33% Target share.

Smith ran a route on 62.5% of dropbacks (highest since Week 2).

Alec Ingold had one catch for 25 yards on a single target. Jaylen Waddle was quiet in this game, managing only one catch for 11 yards on two targets. Tyreek Hill was surprisingly underused, catching just one pass for 8 yards on two targets.

Malik Washington caught two passes for nine yards on three targets with 21 air yards, 13.55% air yards share, and 14.29% Target share.

Julian Hill and Odell Beckham Jr. both had minimal involvement, with Hill catching one pass for 4 yards and Beckham Jr. failing to record a reception on two targets.

Miami will play the Cardinals in Week 8. Then it’s @ BUF, @ LAR, vs. LV, vs. NE, @ GB, vs. NYJ, @ HOU, vs. SF, and @ CLE.
Back to top

Indianapolis Colts

Sell Jonathan Taylor & Michael Pittman Jr. | Hold Josh Downs | Add Tyler Goodson

Anthony Richardson completed 10 of 24 passes for 129 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. His completion rate was just 41.7%, and he averaged 5.4 yards per attempt, finishing with a passer rating of 59.2.

Per Next Gen Stats, Richardson’s 41.7 completion percentage and 5.4 passing yards per attempt were the lowest of his career in a start. Richardson has generated a 51.6% completion rate from a clean pocket in 2024, the lowest mark in the NFL among qualified quarterbacks by nearly 13% (Lawrence, 64.3%).

Richardson was also heavily involved in the running game, carrying the ball 14 times for 56 yards, averaging 4.0 yards per carry, with a long run of 22 yards.

Tyler Goodson led the backfield with 14 carries for 51 yards, averaging 3.6 yards per carry, and found the end zone for the Colts’ only rushing touchdown. Trey Sermon added 36 yards on eight carries, averaging 4.5 yards per carry. The first-half carries favored Goodson over Sermon (seven vs. three). Goodson rushed 3 times in the red zone, while Sermon led in snaps played (53% vs 48%).

Jonathan Taylor is expected to practice this week, so don’t go overboard bidding on Goodson on waivers. That being said, I am happy to sell off JT and his ankle woes once he comes back to the starting lineup. Taylor’s worst game of the season came against the Texans in Week 1, where he was held to just 48 yards on 16 carries (three yards per carry).

Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, the Colts have the last-ranked schedule for running backs. And the coaching staff is just ‘hopeful” he returns to practice this week…providing no sense he will be ready for a game anytime soon.

Ashton Dulin chipped in with a 12-yard rush on his lone attempt.

Michael Pittman was Richardson’s top target, catching three of his five targets for 63 yards. He averaged 21 yards per catch, with a long of 33 yards, accounting for 21% of the team’s total targets.

Pittman ran a route on 77% of dropbacks.

Adonai Mitchell made the most of his limited targets, catching two of three passes for 30 yards, averaging 15 yards per reception.

Alec Pierce caught two of five targets for 15 yards, averaging 7.5 yards per reception with 60 air yards, 25.86% air yards share, and 22.73% Target share.

Trey Sermon contributed in the passing game as well, catching his only target for 13 yards. He ran more routes than Goodson.

Will Mallory had a single reception for five yards.

Josh Downs and the tight ends Mo Alie-Cox, Kylen Granson, and Andrew Ogletree combined for limited involvement, with Downs managing just one three-yard catch on three targets with 6 air yards, 2.59% air yards share, and 13.64% Target share. Downs ran a route on 50% of dropbacks (season low).

The tight ends were held without a catch despite being targeted a combined four times.

Michael Pittman led the team in receiving yards and Target share with five targets (21%), while Adonai Mitchell made an impact on limited opportunities.

Pittman commanded 88 air yards for a 38% air yards share.

The Colts’ passing game lacked explosiveness, with no receiver topping 70 yards, and their rushing attack, led by Richardson and Goodson, was mediocre at best.

The schedule for Weeks 8-13 before a Week 14 bye week is: @ Houston, @ MIN, vs. BUF, @ NYJ, vs. DET, and @ NE. After the bye week, the schedule is: @ DEN, vs. TEN, and @ NYG.

Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, Indianapolis is tied for the No.32-ranked schedule for quarterbacks. With Richardson as the quarterback, it’s hard to be overly confident in any Colts pass-catcher, and the schedule sure doesn’t help.

It might be time to give up the dream of Richardson in 2024.
Back to top

Tennessee Titans

Hold Tony Pollard | Hold DeAndre Hopkins & Calvin Ridley | Add Mason Rudolph | Add Tyler Boyd

Mason Rudolph went 25 of 40 through the air for 215 yards with one touchdown and one interception. His completion rate was 62.5%, and he averaged 5.4 yards per attempt. Rudolph finished with a passer rating of 74.5, with a touchdown pass to Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. Westbrook-Ikhine received two red zone targets, converting one into a touchdown.

Tony Pollard led the Titans’ ground game with 16 carries for 61 yards, averaging 3.8 yards per carry. His longest run was 14 yards. He got hurt early on after taking a hit to the head, but he returned to game action with an 89% snap share with Tyjae Spears inactive.

Julius Chestnut added 15 yards on three carries, averaging 5 yards per attempt, with a long of 8 yards.

Rudolph also contributed on the ground, scrambling 5 times for 13 yards.

Chigoziem Okonkwo was the leading receiver, catching all four of his targets for 50 yards, averaging 12.5 yards per reception, with a long of 26 yards with 40 air yards, 17.24% air yards share, and 10.53% Target share.

Tyler Boyd caught all five of his targets for 43 yards, averaging 8.6 yards per reception, with a long of 12 yards. Boyd caught both of his two red zone targets. His most productive game as a Titan came with Rudolph as the quarterback.

Calvin Ridley was heavily targeted but struggled with efficiency, catching just three of nine targets for 42 yards. He did have a 33-yard reception but finished with only 25 yards after the catch with 131 air yards, 56.47% air yards share, and 23.68% Target share.

It was just another awful game from Ridley. He doesn’t ever appear to be on the same page with his quarterbacks, and he continues to drop balls. His “gain” of 33 yards came on the final play of the second half, which turned into laterals and a loss of yardage for DeAndre Hopkins.

Josh Whyle added three catches on four targets for 34 yards, averaging 11.3 yards per catch, including a long of 12 yards.

Nick Vannett was efficient, catching all four of his targets for 25 yards, averaging 6.3 yards per reception, with a long of 11 yards.

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine found the end zone on a 5-yard catch, finishing with two catches on four targets for 10 yards total.

Julius Chestnut and Tony Pollard contributed as receivers out of the backfield, with Chestnut catching his lone target for 9 yards and Pollard catching two passes for 4 yards.

DeAndre Hopkins was held in check, catching his only target for -2 yards. He was noticeably standing on the sideline in the fourth quarter. And the fact he finished with negative receiving yards was based on the lateral nonsense that happened on the final play of the game. He actually had a six-yard catch with 4 air yards, 1.72% air yards share, and 2.63% Target share. Hopkins ran a route on just 50% of dropbacks.

Will Hopkins be traded? Stay tuned. But the potential for that means you’ve got to try and hold guys like Ridley/Hopkins on your bench. The playoff schedule is still great for these Titans WRs.

Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, the Titans have the fourth-ranked schedule for WRs for the rest of the season.

Mason Rudolph distributed the ball well, with Chigoziem Okonkwo and Tyler Boyd leading the way in receiving production.

Calvin Ridley led the team with nine targets, accounting for 24% of the team’s total Target share, but had difficulty turning those targets into meaningful yardage.

The rest of the schedule: @ DET, vs. NE, @ LAC, vs. MIN, @ HOU, @ WAS, vs. JAC, vs. CIN, @ IND, and @ JAC.

Against the Lions’ defense in Week 7, Sam Darnold had most of his production when targeting slot receivers, completing 12 of 13 passes for 190 yards & a TD (a season-high 48.1% of attempts) per Next Gen Stats. The Lions linebackers allowed all 10 targets to be completed for 46 yards, while slot corner Amik Robertson allowed three receptions for 70 yards & a TD on his three targets in coverage.

Also, per Next Gen Stats, the Lions blitzed on 20 of 35 dropbacks (57.1%), their highest rate in a game since defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn’s first game with the Lions (Week 1, 2021).

If Rudolph starts again, I think we could see him heavily target the slot like Darnold did in Week 7 against the Lions’ defense.
Back to top

Buffalo Bills

Add Keon Coleman | Hold Ray Davis | Price Check Amari Cooper | Buy Khalil Shakir

Josh Allen threw for 323 yards, 2 touchdowns, and zero interceptions, completing 63.6% of his passes with an average of 9.8 yards per attempt. He finished with a passer rating of 116.1.

Ray Davis provided an efficient boost on the ground with five carries for 41 yards, averaging 8.2 yards per attempt, including a 22-yard run and a rushing touchdown. He was a non-factor until garbage time as he had one carry for zero yards in the entire first half. Two rushing attempts in the red zone.

James Cook handled the bulk of the carries, rushing 12 times for 32 yards and a touchdown, though he averaged just 2.7 yards per attempt with a long of 11 yards. Saw 3 rushing attempts, scoring 1 touchdown in the red zone.

Allen contributed modestly on the ground with three carries for one yard.

Rookie Keon Coleman had a standout game, catching four of his seven targets for 125 yards. His longest reception was a 57-yarder, and he racked up 80 yards after the catch, showing excellent run-after-catch ability. Coleman caught a touchdown at the goal line in the corner of end zone, but the Replay Official reviewed the pass completion ruling, and the play was REVERSED. Coleman was targeted twice in the red zone but didn’t have a TD score. Coleman ran a route on 80% of dropbacks, leading the Bills.

Per Next Gen Stats, Coleman caught 4 of his 7 targets for a career-high 125 yards, with all his production coming lined up out wide (24 of 28 routes). Coleman generated a team-leading 62 yards after the catch, including +43 yards after the catch over expected.

Amari Cooper was mostly reliable in his Bills debut, catching four of his five targets for 66 yards, with a long of 27 yards, and he added a red-zone touchdown. Dropped his first pass – would expect nothing less – but bounced back. 57 air yards, 20.14% air yards share, 15.63% Target share.

Cooper didn’t play a full allotment of snaps with his new team as he ran a route on 31.43% of dropbacks. But his 45.5% target rate per route run is very encouraging for his long-term outlook with Allen as his quarterback. I still think Cooper’s going to maintain his boom-or-bust mantra, but the highs will be very appealing attached to Allen. Although, his playoff matchups at home in Buffalo outdoors against the Jets/Patriots don’t seem like monster Cooper games. Just put him on the block and see if you can get an overpay.

Khalil Shakir was perfect on the day, securing all seven of his targets for 65 yards. His longest catch was for 20 yards, and he managed 62 yards after the catch. Shakir had 1 red zone target. 4 air yards, 1.41% air yards share, 21.88% Target share. Shakir ran a route on 77.14% of dropbacks. With all the shine on Coleman/Cooper I think that Shakir is a sneaky buy. He’s back to his full health and Allen still trusts him the most among the current WR personnel.

Dalton Kincaid added 52 yards on three receptions, with a long catch of 25 yards, showing flashes of his potential as a deep threat. Kincaid saw 1 red zone target but was unable to catch the pass. 77 air yards, 27.21% air yards share, 18.75% Target share.

Ray Davis also contributed to the passing game, catching his lone target for 6 yards.

Dawson Knox was quiet, catching 1 of 3 targets for 5 yards. Knox was targeted 1 time in the red zone but didn’t catch the pass. Ty Johnson made an impact with a short 4-yard touchdown catch on his only target.

Curtis Samuel and Mack Hollins were each targeted once but did not register a catch. Samuel left the game with an injury.

Buffalo plays the Seahawks and Dolphins in the next two games. Buffalo went noticeably more pass heavy in Week 7 (+10% pass rate over expectation) compared to the -3% PROE Weeks 1-6.

The remaining schedule: @ IND, vs KC, BYE, vs SF, @ LAR, @ DET, vs NE and vs NYJ

Cincinnati Bengals

Sell Zack Moss & Mike Gesicki | Buy Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins & Chase Brown

Joe Burrow completed 15 of 25 passes for 181 yards and two touchdowns, with a solid passer rating of 108.9 and an average of 7.2 yards per attempt. He avoided any interceptions.

Chase Brown led the rushing attack with 15 carries for 44 yards, averaging 2.9 yards per attempt, including a long run of 22 yards. He had another 28-yard run called back on holding. Brown started and operated as the Bengals RB1. Ja’Marr Chase had one carry for 11 yards. Zack Moss struggled to gain momentum with six carries for 7 yards, averaging just 1.2 yards per carry.

Moss ran more routes than Brown, but Brown led in snaps for the second straight game (58% versus 49%). Joe Burrow had three attempts for -3 yards.

Tee Higgins led the way in receiving with four receptions on eight targets, totaling 82 yards and a touchdown. He averaged 20.5 yards per catch, with a long of 25 yards and 32 yards after the catch, with 119 air yards, 45.77% air yards share, and 33% Target share.

Ja’Marr Chase caught five of six targets for 55 yards and a red-zone touchdown. His longest reception went for 18 yards, and he added 19 yards after the catch with 82 air yards, 31.54% air yards share, 25% Target share.

Zack Moss made an impact in the passing game, catching all three of his targets for 33 yards, with a long of 19 yards and 37 yards after the catch.

Brown caught two passes for nine yards, averaging 4.5 yards per catch with 12 yards after the catch.

Mike Gesicki caught his lone target for two yards. Tanner Hudson, Drew Sample, Andrei Iosivas, and Erick All were each targeted once but did not register a catch. Mike Gesicki ran a route on 46% of dropbacks to All’s 43%.

Matchups are the Eagles and Raiders as their next slate of opponents, followed by the Ravens and Chargers before their bye week. Should see more offensive production. However, don’t be afraid to flip Bengals for equivalent elite pieces. The playoff schedule between the Titans, Browns, and Broncos in Week 17 isn’t great.
Back to top

Cleveland Browns

Add Dorian Thompson-Robinson & Jameis Winston  | Add Pierre Strong | Add Jerry Jeudy | Hold David Njoku | Add Cedric Tillman | Sell Nick Chubb

Deshaun Watson completed 15 of 17 passes for 128 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. He posted a solid completion percentage of 88.2% and averaged 7.5 yards per attempt with a passer rating of 98. Watson suffered an Achilles injury in this game and will miss the remainder of the season.

Dorian Thompson-Robinson struggled more in relief, completing just 11 of 24 passes for 82 yards with two interceptions and a passer rating of 19.8. But DTR also did not finish the game after sustaining a finger injury.

Jameis Winston came in late and completed five of 11 passes for 67 yards and one touchdown, finishing with a passer rating of 95.6.

He entered the game with under four minutes left. His targets were as follows: Strong (1), Njoku (3), Jeudy (4), Tillman (3) and Moore (1).

Dorian Thompson-Robinson was the most productive runner, with three carries for 44 yards, including a long run of 34 yards.

Nick Chubb had a tough outing in his season debut, rushing 11 times for 22 yards and 1 touchdown, averaging just two yards per carry with a long run of five yards. Chubb rushed three times in the red zone.

Pierre Strong managed six yards on three carries, while D’Onta Foreman had five yards on two carries.

Strong led the backfield in routes run (54%), and snaps played (50%) as Chubb was eased back into playing time (36% snap share). The game script also called for the pass-catching back to see more usage. Note that 10 of 11 of Chubb’s carries came in the first half alone.

Cedric Tillman led the team with eight receptions on 12 targets, amassing 81 yards. He averaged 10.1 yards per catch, with a long of 25 yards and 31 yards after the catch (YAC), with 127 air yards, 38.48% air yards share, and 25% Target share.

He took over full-time WR duties with Cooper gone. Tillman ran a route on 82% of dropbacks.

David Njoku was also heavily involved, catching 10 of 14 targets for 76 yards and a touchdown. He averaged 7.6 yards per reception with a long of 15 yards and added 36 YAC. Njoku received three red zone targets, catching one for a touchdown with 61 air yards, 18.48% air yards share, and 29.17% Target share. Njoku ran a route on 78.5% of dropbacks.

Jordan Akins was efficient with his four catches on four targets, totaling 42 yards and averaging 10.5 yards per catch, with a long of 21 yards.

Elijah Moore had six receptions for 41 yards on seven targets, averaging 6.8 yards per catch, with a long of 12 yards and 22 YAC.

Jerry Jeudy only managed one catch for 18 yards on five targets with 63 air yards, 19.09% air yards share, and 10.42% Target share. Four of his six targets (and only catch) came with Winston under center. Still, Jeudy ran a route on 98% of dropbacks.

Nick Chubb and Pierre Strong each had one reception out of the backfield for 10 and 9 yards, respectively, with each seeing three targets.

Winston might be the quarterback for the Browns to start the rest of the season, although Thompson-Robinson playing ahead of him last week does make the situation a bit murky. His finger injury also adds another layer of complexity. I think the Browns “want” to start Thompson-Robinson to see what they have in the young quarterback. But if he’s not healthy, Winston will likely be the starter immediately. If I am bidding on these guys in a Superflex format, I prefer DTR for the long haul. But given the reports are about him not missing (multiple weeks) safe to say he’s not playing in Week 8. That’s the best-case scenario for the Browns offense against Baltimore. If you need an immediate fix at QB, roll with Winston. Just be aware they could turn back to DTR down the line.

Cleveland will play the Ravens and Chargers in the next two weeks before they go on bye—a solid matchup against Baltimore in a short week for this passing game to produce.

I can’t say the same for the run game. Seeing Chubb back (and score) was amazing. But against Baltimore’s defense, it is going to be brutal. The hope for holding/buying on Chubb would be based on Weeks 16-17 against the Bengals and Dolphins. Hopefully, Chubb will be back to fuller form by then.
Back to top

Houston Texans

Buy Tank Dell | Buy Joe Mixon | Add Dalton Schultz

C.J. Stroud completed 10 of 21 passes for just 86 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. He finished with a 47.6% completion rate and a passer rating of 58.8, averaging 4.1 yards per attempt.

Per Next Gen Stats, Stroud faced pressure on a career-high 48.3% of his dropbacks. He finished the game just 3 of 9 for 40 yards and four sacks under pressure, adding on one scramble for 6 yards. The Packers entered Week 7 generating pressure on just 31.7% of opposing dropbacks (19th in the NFL) but recorded their highest pressure rate of the season in the contest.

Joe Mixon had a dominant performance on the ground, carrying the ball 25 times for 115 yards and scoring two rushing touchdowns. He averaged 4.6 yards per carry with a long run of 32 yards. Saw seven rushing attempts in the red zone and played a 66% snap share.

Per Next Gen Stats, Mixon found success on outside runs to the left, recording 49 yards and both of his touchdowns (+16 RYOE) on 10 such carries. Despite missing Weeks 3-5, Mixon leads all running backs in rushing touchdowns on outside runs to the left this season (4), while his +100 rushing yards over expected ranks 5th in the NFL.

Stroud also added 19 yards on five carries, with an average of 3.8 yards per carry and a long of 10 yards.

Dare Ogunbowale contributed 6 yards on his only carry, while Dameon Pierce had two carries for just 2 yards.

Dalton Schultz led the team in receiving yards with 28 yards on one reception from two targets, including a long reception of 28 yards with 26 air yards, 18.98% air yards share, and 10.53% Target share.

Stefon Diggs caught five of his seven targets but managed only 23 yards, averaging 4.6 yards per reception, with a long of 17 yards and 10 yards after the catch (YAC) with 66 air yards, 48.18% air yards share, and 36.84% Target share.

Cade Stover had one reception for 15 yards.

Xavier Hutchinson added one key reception for 11 yards on his only target.

Joe Mixon also contributed in the passing game, catching two of three targets for nine yards, averaging 4.5 yards per catch.

Dare Ogunbowale and Tank Dell were targeted but did not record any receptions. Dell saw a total of six targets, including penalties, but goose-egged. Woof. Dell saw two red zone targets but failed to convert either into a catch with 45 air yards, 32.85% air yards share, and 21.05% Target share.

Buy low.

The Texans take on the Colts, Jets, and Lions in their next three games. Then it’s the Cowboys, Titans, and Jaguars before their bye week. They open the fantasy football playoffs against the Dolphins, Chiefs, and Ravens.
Back to top

Green Bay Packers

Hold Tucker Kraft | Sell Christian Watson | Add Romeo Doubs | Buy Josh Jacobs | Sell Dontayvion Wicks

Jordan Love completed 24 of 33 passes for 220 yards, with three touchdowns but also two interceptions. He finished with a 72.7% completion rate and a passer rating of 95.5, averaging 6.7 yards per attempt. Per Next Gen Stats, Love completed 19 of his 22 attempts under 2.5 seconds on Sunday, recording 149 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception on quick attempts (+3.0 EPA). He recorded a season-high +9.8% completion percentage over expected.

Josh Jacobs led the ground game, carrying the ball 12 times for 76 yards, averaging 6.3 yards per carry, with a long of 27 yards on a 67% snap share–fourth in the NFL in touches and sixth in yards from scrimmage. Doesn’t feel like it.

Emanuel Wilson had five carries for 11 yards, averaging just 2.2 yards per carry, with a long of 5 yards.

Jayden Reed, Bo Melton, and Christian Watson each had one rushing attempt, with negative or no yards, indicating struggles in the trick play or end-around categories.

Romeo Doubs had a strong showing, catching eight of his 10 targets for 94 yards, averaging 11.8 yards per reception, with a long of 23 yards and 22 yards after the catch (YAC). Doubs had one red zone target with 128 air yards, 43.10% air yards share, and 30.30% Target share. Doubs ran a route on 86% of dropbacks and was targeted on 32% of his routes.

Dontayvion Wicks was a big-play contributor, catching three of six targets for 48 yards and a touchdown, with a long reception of 30 yards and 14 yards YAC, with 82 air yards, 27.61% air yards share, and 18.18% Target share.

Tucker Kraft chipped in with three catches on four targets for 33 yards, including a 14-yard reception. Kraft caught his only red zone target for a touchdown. Great matchup this week against the Jaguars.

Josh Jacobs was also involved in the passing game, catching all five of his targets for 16 yards, with a long of 8 yards and 32 yards YAC, as he showed his ability to gain extra yards after the catch. He scored his first career receiving touchdown from inside the red zone.

Jayden Reed caught two of his four targets for 10 yards, while Christian Watson caught one of two targets for 9 yards. Reed ran a route on 83% of dropbacks with 38 air yards, 12.79% air yards share, and 12.12% Target share for Reed. Love missed him deep on a long completion that could have saved him in the box score. Buy low.

Thirty air yards, 10.10% air yards share, 6.06% Target share for Watson. Watson is going to be difficult to trust as anything more than a boom-or-bust WR3. He split snaps and routes with Wicks, who is healthy and back in the lineup. Given that we have all 32 teams playing next week and GB has a Week 10 bye, I don’t feel the need to hold onto either Wicks/Watson in such a volatile role. One might hit against the Jaguars, but it’s hard to have confidence in which one it will be.

Bo Melton and Ben Sims were also targeted, with Melton catching one pass for 8 yards and Sims catching one pass for 2 yards.

The Packers play Jacksonville and Detroit before a Week 10 bye week. This offense will continue to cook.

Post bye week: @ CHI vs. SF, vs. MIA, @ DET, @ SEA vs. NO, and @ MIN.
Back to top

Seattle Seahawks

Hold Geno Smith | Hold DK Metcalf & Jaxon Smith-Njigba | Add Noah Fant & Tyler Lockett

Geno Smith completed 18 of 28 passes for 207 yards and two touchdowns, with a completion rate of 64.3%. He posted a strong passer rating of 110.3, averaging 7.4 yards per attempt.

The Falcons also did the unthinkable in this matchup. Smith was under pressure on 50% of his dropbacks against the Falcons, his highest pressure rate faced in a game this season. Per Next Gen Stats, the Falcons generated far more pressure without blitzing against the Seahawks than they have in any other game, generating a season-high 50 % pressure rate with four or fewer rushers. Smith was productive against pressure, completing 7 of 13 attempts for 123 yards and two touchdowns.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba also took a single pass attempt, completing it for 35 yards with a perfect passer rating of 118.8.

Kenneth Walker III had another solid game on the ground, rushing 14 times for 69 yards and a touchdown, averaging 4.9 yards per carry, with a long run of 20 yards. He had another TD wiped off due to a holding penalty in the first quarter.

Zach Charbonnet contributed 19 yards on eight carries but struggled to break free, averaging 2.4 yards per attempt. He actually out-snapped Walker (55% to 47%) as the latter was dealing with an illness. I’d expect Walker’s bell cow role to return in Week 8.

Geno Smith chipped in with 15 rushing yards on four attempts, showing his mobility when needed.

DK Metcalf was the star of the receiving game, catching four of seven targets for 99 yards and a touchdown, averaging an impressive 24.8 yards per reception, with a long catch of 35 yards and 14 yards after the catch (YAC) with 153 air yards, 41.80% air yards share, and 25% Target share.

However, Metcalf did not finish the game, leaving with a knee injury (not considered serious). It sucks for those who bet the alternative receiving yards prop for Metcalf to go 100-plus. Pain.

Further reporting revealed Metcalf suffered a Grade 1 sprained MCL, and he is now listed as week-to-week. Given Seattle’s two more games until their bye week, we might not see him for a month.

Noah Fant was highly efficient, catching all four of his targets for 65 yards, averaging 16.3 yards per catch, with a long of 28 yards and a strong 38 YAC with 30 air yards, 8.20% air yards share, and 14.29% Target share. If Metcalf misses, Fant becomes a tight-end streaming option.

Tyler Lockett hauled in four of his six targets for 45 yards, averaging 11.3 yards per catch, with a long of 16 yards. Lockett had two red zone targets, catching 1, but no touchdowns and 96 air yards, 26.23% air yards share, 21.43% Target share, and 32% target rate.

Kenneth Walker III was also active in the passing game, catching both of his targets for 24 yards and a touchdown, averaging 12 yards per reception, with a long of 17 yards and 10 YAC.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba had just three receptions on six targets but only managed nine yards, averaging 3 yards per catch, with 12 YAC with 57 air yards, 15.57% air yards share, and 21.43% Target share.

Seattle will face Buffalo and Los Angeles (Rams) before their bye week. The schedule is great for the offense and its fantasy weapons. However, the playoff schedule isn’t ideal. Something to keep in mind when potentially trading Seahawks away as the season progresses.

Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, the Seahawks are tied for the No.32-ranked schedule for quarterbacks.

Post Bye Week: @ SF, vs ARI, @ NYJ, @ ARI, vs GB, vs MIN and @ CHI.
Back to top

Atlanta Falcons

Hold Kyle Pitts | Buy Darnell Mooney | Hold/Buy Bijan Robinson | Buy Tyler Allgeier

Kirk Cousins led the way, completing 24 of 35 passes for 232 yards, with 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions. He finished with a 68.6% completion rate and a passer rating of 72.6, averaging 6.6 yards per attempt.

Michael Penix Jr. came in for one pass, completing it for 14 yards, posting a perfect passer rating of 118.8.

Bijan Robinson was the workhorse for the Falcons, rushing 21 times for 103 yards and a touchdown, averaging 4.9 yards per carry, with a long run of 26 yards. He received six rushing attempts in the red zone with a 68% snap share to boot.

Tyler Allgeier added 36 yards on five carries, including a 24-yard burst, averaging an impressive 7.2 yards per carry. Bijan out-carried Allgeier 11 to four in the first half.

Jase McClellan chipped in with 17 yards on five carries, while Kirk Cousins had one rush for a loss of 1 yard.

Kyle Pitts was Cousins’ favorite target, catching seven of nine passes for 65 yards, averaging 9.3 yards per reception, with a long of 13 yards and 24 yards after the catch (YAC). He was targeted a team-high five times in the first half with 71 air yards, 27% air yards share, and 25% Target share.

Pitts ran a route on 82% of dropbacks. His usage has been on an upward trend for the last three weeks, which has contributed to his increased production. The tight-end trust circle is small. Is Pitts in? I think so.

Drake London caught six of eight targets for 63 yards and a touchdown, averaging 10.5 yards per reception, with a long of 17 yards and 16 YAC. London made the most of his two red zone targets by catching both and scoring one touchdown. 97 air yards, 37.02% air yards share, and 22.22% Target share.

Darnell Mooney contributed with five catches on eight targets for 46 yards, averaging 9.2 yards per reception, with a long of 20 yards. Mooney caught his only red zone target but didn’t score with 51 air yards, 19.47% air yards share, and 22.22% Target share. Buy low with the Buccaneers coming up in Week 8. Over 100 yards against the Buccaneers earlier this season.

Bijan Robinson was active in the passing game as well, catching three of five targets for 40 yards, averaging 13.3 yards per reception, with a long of 26 yards and an impressive 51 YAC.

Casey Washington made the most of his one target, catching it for 14 yards and adding 10 YAC.

Ray-Ray McCloud and Tyler Allgeier also added minor contributions, catching passes for short yardage. McCloud had four targets and two catches for nine yards.

The remaining Falcons schedule @ TB, vs. DAL, @ NO, @ DEN, BYE, vs. LAC, @ MIN, @ LV vs. NYG, and @ WAS.
Back to top

Detroit Lions

Buy Jameson Williams & Sam LaPorta | Sell Sam LaPorta

Jared Goff was nearly flawless, completing 22 of 25 passes for 280 yards and two touchdowns, achieving an outstanding passer rating of 140. His precision led to an average of 11.2 yards per attempt.

Jahmyr Gibbs had a standout game, rushing for 116 yards on 15 carries, with an impressive 7.7 yards per carry and two touchdowns. His longest run was a 45-yard burst that set the tone for the Lions’ ground attack. 2 rushing attempts in the red zone with a backfield-leading 58% snap share.

David Montgomery added 31 yards on nine carries but was held to just 3.4 yards per carry, with a long run of 8 yards. He played 39% of the snaps, left the game briefly with a knee injury, and also lost a fumble. It was not “Knuckles” best day at the NFL office. With all the shine on Gibbs, I think Monty is a sharp buy-low after he failed to score a TD for the first time this season.

Jared Goff contributed two rushes for -4 yards, and Jalen Reeves-Maybin had a single 1-yard carry.

Amon-Ra St. Brown was electric, catching all eight of his targets for 112 yards and a touchdown, averaging 14 yards per reception. He had a long catch of 35 yards and added 24 yards after the catch (YAC) with 87 air yards, 49.43% air yards share, and 32% Target share.

Jahmyr Gibbs also contributed in the passing game, hauling in all four of his targets for 44 yards, averaging 11 yards per catch with a long of 18 yards and an impressive 53 YAC.

Kalif Raymond had three catches on four targets for 39 yards, including a 21-yard reception and a touchdown.

David Montgomery was involved in the receiving game with three catches on four targets for 39 yards, including a 19-yard long one-handed reception.

Tim Patrick caught both of his targets for 25 yards, with a long of 22 yards, averaging 12.5 yards per catch.

Sam LaPorta had a single catch for 25 yards, making the most of his lone target with 21 air yards, 11.93% air yards share, and 8% Target share. Back-to-back games with one target. Woof.

Jameson Williams caught his lone target but lost 4 yards on the play. -5 air yards, -2.84% air yards share, 4% Target share. WOOF.

I’d like to claim that a usage change contributed to the lackluster performances for Williams/LaPorta, but their route participation didn’t really change. Just not their days to produce in a very crowded offense. Hard for them to produce when guys like Patrick/Raymond are also chipping in and commanding targets. LaPorta’s disappointed all season though (listed as a sell last week) so I’m not sure this a “buy-low” opportunity. More of a reason to send an offer for Jamo.

Especially given his suspension. Williams is facing a two-game suspension for violating the NFL’s Performance-Enhancing Substances (PES) policy, sources told ESPN.

In the short term, with Williams out, LaPorta should see his production increase.

Gibbs was the focal point, scoring two rushing touchdowns and contributing both on the ground and through the air, totaling 160 all-purpose yards.

Detroit plays Tennessee next. Then the schedule is @ GB, @ HOU, vs JAC, @ IND, vs CHI, vs GB, vs BUF, @ CHI and @ SF.

The scheduling quirk for Detroit is going to happen in the second half. At Green Bay will be the first time they play outdoors. Then at Chicago in Week 16 could get dicey if it’s cold and/or bad weather.
Back to top

Minnesota Vikings

Price Check Aaron Jones | Hold Vikings | Add T.J. Hockenson

Sam Darnold had an efficient game, completing 22 of 27 passes for 259 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He averaged 9.6 yards per attempt and posted a passer rating of 103.5.

Aaron Jones led the way on the ground with 14 carries for 93 yards and a touchdown, averaging 6.6 yards per carry. His longest run was a 34-yard burst during the first drive. He played a 72% snap share and was not limited by the hip/hamstring injury he entered the game with.

Sam Darnold added 39 yards on four carries, including a 19-yard scramble, averaging 9.8 yards per carry.

Ty Chandler had just two carries for 4 yards. Justin Jefferson chipped in with a 3-yard rush on a botched WR pass play.

Justin Jefferson was the standout receiver, catching seven of eight targets for 81 yards and a touchdown. He averaged 11.6 yards per catch with a long of 25 yards, adding 29 yards after the catch (YAC) with 73 air yards, 33.18% air yards share, and 30.77% Target share.

Jalen Nailor had a big play with four receptions on five targets for 76 yards, including a 33-yard long reception and 28 YAC with 61 air yards, 27.73% air yards share, and 19.23% Target share.

Jordan Addison caught three of four targets for 66 yards, including a 51-yard-long reception.

Aaron Jones was also involved in the passing game, catching all three of his targets for 23 yards, averaging 7.7 yards per reception.

Johnny Mundt had four receptions on five targets but only gained 8 yards, averaging 2 yards per catch.

Josh Oliver caught his lone target for five yards.

Minnesota plays @ LAR (Thursday night) vs IND, @ JAC, @ TEN, @ CHI and vs ARI.

This is a GREAT schedule for the offense to stay on an upward trend. Hold your Vikings tight. However, given that Jones is an older RB who has already had a soft-body tissue injury (playing on a short week), don’t drop Chandler if you don’t have to. Also, entertain the idea of “selling high” on Jones based on the injury history.

Note that Addison’s hearing was originally slated for October 7th, stemming from his off-field incident earlier this offseason. However, as of that date in question, the arraignment and plea hearing for Addison, stemming from two misdemeanor charges in July for DUI, is now scheduled for Dec. 3, according to Superior Court of California online records per ESPN’s Kevin Seifert. That would be before Week 14.
Back to top

Philadelphia Eagles

Buy DeVonta Smith & Jalen Hurts

Jalen Hurts completed 10 of 14 passes for 114 yards, with one touchdown and no interceptions. He posted a passer rating of 119.3 and averaged 8.1 yards per attempt.

Saquon Barkley was electric on the ground, rushing 17 times for 176 yards and a touchdown, averaging an impressive 10.4 yards per carry with a long of 55 yards. 4 times he rushed in the red zone.

Kenneth Gainwell contributed with 13 carries for 56 yards, averaging 4.3 yards per carry and breaking off a 14-yard run. 5 rushing attempts with no touchdowns in the red zone.

Jalen Hurts chipped in with 22 yards on seven carries, scoring two rushing touchdowns, while averaging 3.1 yards per rush and a long of 16 yards.

Will Shipley had 8 carries but only managed 15 yards, averaging 1.9 yards per carry.

A.J. Brown was Hurts’ top target, catching all five of his targets for 89 yards and a touchdown, averaging 17.8 yards per catch with a long of 41 yards and 15 yards after the catch (YAC) with 75 air yards, 75% air yards share, and 35.71% Target share.

Saquon Barkley also added two receptions on three targets for 11 yards, averaging 5.5 yards per reception with 19 YAC.

Kenneth Gainwell caught his only target for 11 yards, with 8 YAC.

Grant Calcaterra had a short reception, catching one pass for 5 yards.

Parris Campbell and Jahan Dotson were both targeted once but did not record a catch.

DeVonta Smith had a single reception for negative yardage (-2 yards) on two targets. 1 air yard, 1% air yards share, 14.29% Target share. This was the most outlier of outlier games for Smith. Not involved at all despite Dallas Goedert being out of the lineup. Buy low.

The Eagles will face the Bengals, Jaguars, Cowboys, Commanders, Rams, and Ravens. The Eagles’ schedule is very good for the rest of the season.

Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, it’s the No.1-ranked schedule for quarterbacks and RBs.

Weeks 14-17, Philly plays the Panthers, Steelers, Commanders and Cowboys.
Back to top

New York Giants

Buy Malik Nabers | Sell Wan’Dale Robinson | Buy Tyrone Tracy Jr.

Daniel Jones completed 14 of 21 passes for 99 yards. He did not throw any touchdowns or interceptions, finishing with a 77.3 passer rating and an average of 4.7 yards per attempt.

Per Next Gen Stats, the Eagles’ defense recorded all eight of their sacks with a four-man pass rush, the most sacks, and the highest sack rate (21.6%) with a four-man pass rush in a game this season.

Drew Lock saw limited action, completing three of eight passes for 6 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions, recording a 45.8 passer rating. Jones is expected to start in Week 8.

Tyrone Tracy Jr. led the backfield with six carries for 23 yards, averaging 3.8 yards per carry with a long of 8 yards. He started over Singletary. Tracy Jr. ran a route on 60% of dropbacks to Singletary’s 15%. He also played a 67% snap share.

Devin Singletary contributed with five carries for 18 yards, averaging 3.6 yards per rush and breaking a 10-yard run.

Tracy is the Giants’ RB1. With his pass-catching ability and strong matchups upcoming against the Panthers/Commanders, trade for him.

Daniel Jones added five rushes for 20 yards, averaging 4 yards per carry with a 9-yard run. Drew Lock also had a 13-yard rush on his only attempt, and Eric Gray chipped in with one carry for 2 yards.

Malik Nabers was the top target with eight looks, catching four passes for 41 yards, averaging 10.3 yards per reception with a long of 14 yards and 12 yards after the catch (YAC) with 105 air yards, 54.69% air yards share, and 29.63% Target share. The good news is that Nabers seems healthy. As we suggested with Brian Thomas Jr. last week, buy these uber-talented rookie WRs after “down” games.

Wan’Dale Robinson was productive, catching six of his nine targets for 23 yards, but averaged just 3.8 yards per catch with 11 YAC with 16 air yards, 8.33% air yards share, and 33.33% Target share. Four of his targets came with Lock at QB in desperation time.

Darius Slayton caught one pass for 11 yards on three targets, with a long of 11 yards with 49 air yards, 25.52% air yards share, and 11.11% Target share.

The routes were Slayton (90%), Nabers (85%), and Robinson (75%).

Daniel Bellinger had one reception for 11 yards, while Tyrone Tracy Jr. caught all three of his targets for 9 yards.

Eric Gray made a 7-yard reception on his only target, while Devin Singletary caught one pass for 3 yards.

Tight end Theo Johnson also caught a touchdown, but it was nullified on an offensive pass interference call. Johnson ran a route on 72.5% of dropbacks.

The Giants will play the Steelers, Commanders, and Panthers before a bye week.

After the bye week: vs TB, @ DAL, vs NO, vs BAL, @ ATL and vs IND.
Back to top

Las Vegas Raiders

Buy Brock Bowers | Hold Alexander Mattison | Add Jakobi Meyers & Tre Tucker

Gardner Minshew completed 15 of 34 passes for 154 yards, but threw three interceptions with a completion percentage of only 44.1% and a passer rating of 21.

Aidan O’Connell left the game with a broken thumb injury but not before, completing 6 of 10 passes for 52 yards, with a passer rating of 73.8. He has subsequently been placed on IR.

Alexander Mattison led the ground game with 23 carries for 92 yards, averaging 4.0 yards per carry with a long of 13 yards.

Zamir White chipped in three carries for 13 yards, averaging 4.3 yards per carry.

Mattison dominated with a 70% snap rate. Safe to say, the Raiders have a new RB1 with a healthy White buried behind Mattison on the depth chart.

Both Tucker and Turner each added one carry, gaining 11 yards and 4 yards, respectively.

Brock Bowers was the go-to target, seeing 14 targets and catching 10 of them for 93 yards, averaging 9.3 yards per reception and racking up 47 yards after the catch (YAC). Bowers had three more targets removed because of penalties, with 65 air yards, 28.02% air yards share, and 40% Target share.

Bowers was targeted thrice in the red zone, catching 1, but did not score. Given that Bowers plays the Jaguars in the fantasy football semifinals, I don’t think there’s another tight end I would rather have for the rest of the season.

Tucker caught three of eight targets for 36 yards, averaging 12 yards per reception with 102 air yards, 43.97% air yards share, and 22.86% Target share.

DJ Turner ran a route on 98% of dropbacks, and Tre Tucker ran a route on 96% of dropbacks. Turner had seven targets but only managed to haul in two for 13 yards, averaging 6.5 yards per catch with 72 air yards, 31.03% air yards share, and 20% Target share.

This team needs WRs and pass-catchers BADLY. Bowers is locked in as TE1, but Jakobi Meyers should get fed once he gets healthy. Buy him

Alexander Mattison made an impact in the passing game as well, catching all three of his targets for 31 yards, averaging 10.3 yards per reception.

Harrison Bryant contributed with two receptions on two targets for 19 yards, averaging 9.5 yards per catch. He left the game with an elbow injury.

Zamir White caught his only target for 14 yards.

Las Vegas will face KC and @ CIN before a Week 10 bye week.

Post bye week: @ MIA, vs DEN, @ KC, @ TB, vs ATL, vs JAC and @ NO.
Back to top

Los Angeles Rams

Add Tutu Atwell | Buy Kyren Williams & Jordan Whittington| Drop Colby Parkinson & Demarcus Robinson

Matthew Stafford completed 14 of 23 passes for 154 yards but threw one interception and finished with a passer rating of 62.6 and a completion percentage of 60.9%.

Per Next Gen Stats, the Raiders defense played Cover 0 on a third of Matthew Stafford‘s dropbacks in Week 7 (33.3%), the highest rate by a defense in a game since Week 17, 2021 (Dolphins).

Kyren Williams carried the ball 21 times for 76 yards and scored two touchdowns, averaging 3.6 yards per carry with a long of 14 yards. Four rushing attempts in the red zone.

He’s scored in nine straight games. Again, there is no need to sell Williams away, as it seems the only thing that will derail his season will be an injury. As I noted last week, per the FantasyPros SOS tool, the Rams have the No. 1 most favorable schedule for RBs. At this point, he’s probably a better buy than anything else.

Xavier Smith, a wide receiver, contributed two rushes for 30 yards, showing some versatility with a long run of 24 yards.

Blake Corum rushed three times for 11 yards, averaging 3.7 yards per carry—still a super strong handcuff.

Matthew Stafford also had two rush attempts but ended up with -2 yards.

Tyler Johnson was the leading receiver, catching four of seven targets for 57 yards, averaging 14.3 yards per reception, with a long of 37 yards and 40 YAC. Johnson also received two red zone targets without catching a pass with 47 air yards, 33.33% air yards share, and 31.82% Target share. Johnson ran a route on 92% of dropbacks. He was the biggest beneficiary of Jordan Whittington‘s lack of playing time.

Tutu Atwell was targeted nine times (49% target rate), hauling in six catches for 51 yards, averaging 8.5 yards per reception, with a long of 13 yards and 44 YAC. 28 air yards, 19.86% air yards share, 40.91% Target share. Atwell ran a route on 92% of dropbacks.

Colby Parkinson, the tight end, caught both of his targets for 32 yards, with a long reception of 23 yards. Parkinson hasn’t produced at all this season, but now his role has shifted. Parkinson ran a route on just 46% of dropbacks (season-low). He is no longer an option among the tight-end streamers.

Demarcus Robinson caught one of three targets for 9 yards. Hunter Long caught his only target for 5 yards. Robinson ran a route on 100% of dropbacks. But this man is just getting his cardio in. Keep him on waivers.

Kyren Williams was the focal point of the offense, scoring twice on the ground, but the Rams struggled to capitalize in the air. Jordan Whittington was questionable leading up to this game and clearly was limited. He only played nine snaps (16%).

Coach Sean McVay said after Sunday’s 20-15 win over the Raiders that he expects Cooper Kupp (ankle) to play Thursday against the Vikings.

With Kupp “returning,” Atwell is probably the only other Ram you can have any confidence with, starting in Week 8. I still don’t want to drop Whittington entirely, as I want to see a Kupp operate at full health first and foremost. Puka Nacua will be out at least until Week 8 but he has bee designated to return per Adam Schefter.

The Rams are getting healthier for the back nine of the season. This week, they play the Vikings on Thursday night. Then it’s @ SEA, vs. MIA, @ NE, vs. PHI, @ NO, vs BUF, @ SF, @ NYJ and vs ARI.
Back to top

Carolina Panthers

Buy Diontae Johnson | Sell Chuba Hubbard | Add Ja’Tavion Sanders | Buy Jonathon Brooks

Andy Dalton completed 11 of 16 passes for 93 yards, throwing two interceptions, with a 68.8% completion rate and a passer rating of 44. He averaged 5.8 yards per attempt.

Bryce Young completed both of his pass attempts but for a total of -4 yards. His passer rating stood at 79.2, with an average of -2 yards per attempt.

Chuba Hubbard carried the ball 17 times for 52 yards and a touchdown, averaging 3.1 yards per carry, with a long run of 9 yards. Rushed twice, scoring one touchdown in the red zone.

Miles Sanders had three rushes for 34 yards, averaging 11.3 yards per carry, with a long of 26 yards.

Spoke about Hubbard as a “sell” candidate last week, and I think that’s still the move to make.

Jonathon Brooks is going to come back sooner rather than later after his 21-day practice window was opened. He’s the future for the Panthers at running back, not Hubbard, who is on an expiring deal at the end of the season. The clock is potentially ticking on Hubbard’s role as a three-down workhorse, especially when it matters most in the fantasy football playoffs. If you need wins now, Hubbard is a hold. But if you are playing the long-term game, cashing out on Hubbard before Brooks returns seems like the sharp move. Or at least make sure you also have Brooks on your Hubbard rosters.

Xavier Legette added one carry for six yards.

Andy Dalton scrambled twice for three yards, averaging 1.5 yards per carry.

Rookie tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders was the most reliable target, catching all six of his targets for 61 yards, averaging 10.2 yards per reception, with a long of 29 yards and 32 yards after the catch (YAC) with 31 air yards, 49.21% air yards share, and 35.29% Target share. Sanders ran a route on 71.43% of dropbacks. The usage is starting to turn into production for the rookie tight end. He’s capped based on the offensive environment, but it’s already slim pickings when it comes to tight ends.

Diontae Johnson caught just one of his three targets for 17 yards, averaging 17 yards per catch with 40 air yards, 63.49% air yards share, and 17.65% Target share. Johnson ran a route on 71% of dropbacks after he came out of the blow-out game. The low games for DJ are brutal, but his ceiling contests are still too good to write him off entirely. All of his targets came in the first quarter. You probably don’t have to trade for Diontae this week, given the matchup against Denver, but that might just be baked into the trade price.

Jalen Coker hauled in his lone target for 10 yards. Coker ran a route on 57.14% of dropbacks as he has usurped Jonathan Mingo as the Panthers WR3.

Ian Thomas caught both of his targets for 4 yards, averaging 2 yards per catch.

Legette caught 2 of 3 targets for 3 yards, averaging 1.5 yards per reception with 2 air yards, 3.17% air yards share, and 17.65% Target share. Legette ran a route on 85.71% of dropbacks (leading the team).

Miles Sanders had one reception for -6 yards.

Carolina will face the Broncos, Saints, and Giants before a bye week.
Back to top

Washington Commanders

Buy Brian Robinson & Austin Ekeler | Add Marcus Mariota & Noah Brown & Zach Ertz

Marcus Mariota completed 18 of 23 passes for 205 yards and threw two touchdowns, with a 132.8 passer rating and an average of 8.9 yards per attempt.

Jayden Daniels was perfect on his two passing attempts for 6 yards, finishing with a 79.2 passer rating. Daniels was knocked out of the game in the first quarter with a rib injury and did not return.

Brian Robinson Jr. carried the ball 12 times for 71 yards and scored a touchdown, averaging 5.9 yards per carry with a long run of 11 yards. Rushed 5 times in the red zone and was limited to just a 39% snap share in another blow-out victory.

Jayden Daniels added 50 yards on three rushes, including a 46-yard breakaway run, averaging 16.7 yards per carry. He still found a way to score fantasy points even before he got injured. OUR GUY.

Jeremy McNichols chipped in with 42 yards on seven carries, averaging 6 yards per carry. He didn’t see his second carry in the game until the fourth quarter, with the Commanders up 30 points.

Marcus Mariota contributed 34 yards on 11 rushes, averaging 3.1 yards per carry.

Austin Ekeler rushed 4 times for 17 yards, averaging 4.3 yards per carry. He only had two carries and three touches in the first half. 41% snap share. Ekeler was my TD bet of the week, and we came up just short. He had a carry from the six-yard line and a target from the 8-yard line, but no scores.

I’ve been pumping the Ekeler train the last few weeks, and I’m not hopping off. Still think he’s looked great this season, and he’s a cheap piece of this offense that has been one of the most successful rushing attacks in the NFL this season.

Terry McLaurin was the standout receiver, catching all six of his targets for 98 yards, averaging 16.3 yards per catch, with a long of 25 yards and an impressive 20 yards after the catch (YAC) with 75 air yards, 31.51% air yards share, 24% Target share, and 35% target rate.

Zach Ertz hauled in 4 of five targets for 40 yards and scored a touchdown, averaging 10 yards per catch. Ertz was 2-for-2 in the red zone and scored one touchdown with 40 air yards, 17.24% air yards share, and 10.53% Target share. Pain.

Olamide Zaccheaus caught four of 6 targets for 25 yards, averaging 6.3 yards per catch with 43 air yards, 18.07% air yards share, and 24% Target share. Zacchaeus ran a route on 64% of dropbacks.

Dyami Brown made the most of his only catch, grabbing a 23-yard reception.

Noah Brown also had a single catch for 16 yards. Brown ran a route on 54% of dropbacks.

Ben Sinnott was targeted twice, catching both for 6 yards and scoring a touchdown. Sinnott had one red zone target, which he caught for a touchdown.

Austin Ekeler caught two passes for 3 yards, averaging 1.5 yards per catch, with 7 yards after the catch.

Marcus Mariota played efficiently, finding the end zone twice while completing nearly 80% of his passes.

Brian Robinson provided the ground support with a solid rushing performance and a touchdown.

Terry McLaurin was the top target, moving the chains and picking up chunks of yardage after the catch.

Jayden Daniels showed dynamic playmaking with his rushing, including a 46-yard run.

The Commanders found balance in both the run and pass game, keeping the chains moving and securing key plays from their playmakers.

The Commanders will Chicago at home next. Then, it’s @ NYG vs. PIT, @ PHI vs. DAL, and vs. TEN before their bye week.
Back to top

Kansas City Chiefs

Buy Xavier Worthy | Buy Kareem Hunt | Sell JuJu Smith-Schuster

Patrick Mahomes completed 16 of 27 passes for 154 yards, with zero touchdowns and 2 interceptions, resulting in a passer rating of 44.4 and an average of 5.7 yards per attempt.

Kareem Hunt led the backfield with 22 carries for 78 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 3.5 yards per carry with a long run of 13 yards. Had 7 red zone rushing attempts and 1 target. Hunt ran a route on 47% of dropbacks.

Patrick Mahomes contributed with his legs, rushing five times for 39 yards and one touchdown, averaging 7.8 yards per carry with a long run of 33 yards.

Mecole Hardman, usually a receiver, ran twice for 38 yards, with a long of 20 yards and one TD. Hardman Jr. had 1 red zone target.

Carson Steele added six carries for 17 yards, while Samaje Perine and Xavier Worthy each chipped in with minimal rushing yardage.

Noah Gray, the tight end, led the team with four receptions on four targets for 66 yards, averaging 16.5 yards per catch, with a long of 26 yards and 28 YAC with 41 air yards, 18.98% air yards share, and 16% Target share.

Perine caught his only target for 22 yards, gaining 21 YAC on the play.

Xavier Worthy was targeted a team-high eight times but only managed three catches for 19 yards, averaging 6.3 yards per reception with 13 YAC. Mahomes missed him deep early in the second half, and he fell out of a route that was intercepted. Worthy caught his only red zone target but didn’t score. Worthy ran a route on 72% of dropbacks – tied for the team lead with Justin Watson.

The rookie totaled 134 air yards, 62.04% air yards share, 32% Target share, and 35% target rate per route run. Buy LOW.

Travis Kelce caught four of his five targets for 17 yards but was held in check for much of the game, averaging 4.3 yards per reception with 38 air yards, 17.59% air yards share, and 20% Target share.

Mecole Hardman contributed with one catch for 17 yards, while Justin Watson added a single catch for eight yards. Hardman ran a route on 31% of dropbacks.

JuJu Smith-Schuster re-aggravated his hamstring and didn’t return to Sunday’s game against the 49ers. Smith-Schuster ran a route on 15% of dropbacks. He has already been ruled out for Week 8.

Kareem Hunt was the driving force in the ground game with two rushing touchdowns, while Patrick Mahomes added another rushing score but struggled through the air with two interceptions. Hunt also was targeted twice in the passing game.

KC will play the Raiders, Buccaneers, Broncos, and Bills. Then it’s @ CAR, vs LV, vs LAC, @ CLE, vs HOU and @ PIT.

Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, the Chiefs have the second-ranked schedule for WRs rest of season.
Back to top

San Francisco 49ers

Buy Jordan Mason | Add Jauan Jennings & Ricky Pearsall & Jacob Cowing | Hold Deebo Samuel & George Kittle

Brock Purdy completed 17 of 31 passes for 212 yards but threw three interceptions with a 54.8% completion rate and a passer rating of 36.7.

Per Next Gen Stats, the Chiefs outside cornerbacks aligned in press coverage on a season-high 59.8% of their snaps. Purdy failed to complete any of his five passes targeting receivers against press coverage, including two of his three interceptions. Without his top three wide receivers for a majority of the game, Brock Purdy completed just 5 of 14 passes for 80 yards and three interceptions (1 sack) against the Chiefs in man coverage.

Jordan Mason led the rushing attack with 14 carries for 58 yards, averaging 4.1 yards per carry, with a long run of 26 yards. He had three yards on five carries in the first half. He received four rushing red-zone attempts but did not score. He played 86% of the snaps as he was not limited by his shoulder injury.

Brock Purdy scrambled eight times for 27 yards with two rushing touchdowns, averaging 3.4 yards per carry.

Had Purdy not vultured the two TDs, Mason managers wouldn’t be nearly as frustrated.

Mason’s value seems very low now, given his recent lack of production. That tied with Christian McCaffrey‘s “eventual” return make him an intriguing trade target if you can get him dirt cheap. But only “dirt cheap” as the 49ers overall are trending in the wrong direction. Otherwise, he’s a hold as I don’t anticipate him having a lucrative trade market.

Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, the 49ers have the No.4-ranked schedule for running backs.

Kyle Juszczyk, the fullback, contributed with one carry for 14 yards, while Isaac Guerendo had a minimal role with one carry for 2 yards.

George Kittle was the most productive receiver, catching six of his seven targets for 92 yards, averaging 15.3 yards per catch, with a long of 41 yards and 30 yards after the catch (YAC). Kittle caught his only red zone target but did not score with 77 air yards, 28.84% air yards share, and 25% Target share.

With all the injuries, Kittle looked slated to boom the rest of the season. But he’s dealing with a sprained foot, which is also considered day-to-day.

Jacob Cowing caught two of three targets for 50 yards, including a long catch of 41 yards and 17 YAC. Cowing had 2 red zone targets, catching 1 pass, but no touchdowns. 39 air yards, 14.61% air yards share, 10.71% Target share. Cowing ran a route on 19% of dropbacks. Cowing is a rookie that I liked a lot so I like adding him in deeper formats given all the injuries to the 49ers.

Brandon Aiyuk was targeted six times but only managed two catches for 23 yards, averaging 11.5 yards per reception with 61 air yards, 22.85% air yards share, and 21.43% Target share.

He was carted off the field and will miss the rest of the season after suffering a torn ACL.

Rookie Ricky Pearsall had three catches on five targets for 21 yards, averaging 7 yards per catch with 43 air yards, 16.10% air yards share, and 17.86% Target share. Pearsall ran a route on 70% of dropbacks.

Jordan Mason added two catches for 11 yards, while Ronnie Bell contributed one catch for 10 yards. Bell caught a pass on the one-yard line that was originally called a touchdown.

Deebo Samuel was ruled out of Sunday’s contest versus the Chiefs due to an illness. A report surfaced pre-game that he was dealing with something, and it kept it essentially out of the entire game aside from four offensive snaps. Samuel Sr. ran a route on just 5% of dropbacks.

Brock Purdy‘s three interceptions were a major issue for the offense, leading to a low passer rating and difficulty sustaining drives.

Samuel’s health remains very much in question, given that he has been hospitalized due to pneumonia and fluid in his lungs. There is no timeline for his return per Adam Schefter.

Fantasy football managers should be excited about his potential production spike with Aiyuk out, but it might have to wait. As for the ancillary pieces, Jennings needs to be added immediately, with Pearsall as the secondary target. Chris Conley is also dealing with an ankle sprain.

Coach Kyle Shanahan said after Sunday’s 28-18 loss to the Chiefs that the 49ers hope to get Jennings (hip) back for Week 8 against the Cowboys.

All in all, if possible, you want to acquire the remaining (healthy) 49ers. Playoff schedule: vs LAR, @ MIA and vs DET.
Back to top

New York Jets

Buy Breece Hall | Price Check Garrett Wilson & Davante Adams | Hold Braelon Allen | Sell Allen Lazard | Drop Tyler Conklin

Aaron Rodgers went 24 of 39 for 276 yards, throwing one touchdown, but also had two interceptions, averaging 7.1 yards per attempt with a passer rating of 70.

Breece Hall led the ground game with 12 carries for 38 yards, scoring 1 rushing touchdown and averaging 3.2 yards per carry, with a long run of 13 yards. 2 rushing attempts in the red zone on an 82% snap share. It was the second straight week of Hall as a straight workhorse with Todd Downing calling the shots. YLTSI.

Isaiah Davis had a single run for 12 yards, while Braelon Allen added 4 yards on two attempts. Allen played just 9% of the snaps. Nothing more than a handcuff at this point.

Breece Hall was heavily involved in the passing game, hauling in six of his nine targets for 103 yards, averaging 17.2 yards per catch, including a long reception of 57 yards and 109 yards after the catch (YAC).

Garrett Wilson caught five of his nine targets for 61 yards, averaging 12.2 yards per catch with a long of 27 yards and 39 YAC with 97 air yards, 47.78% air yards share, and 23.08% Target share. Wilson ran a route on 100% of dropbacks.

Allen Lazard had a perfect catch rate, snagging all four of his targets for 58 yards, averaging 14.5 yards per catch, with a long of 20 yards. Lazard ran a route on 62.5% of dropbacks (season-low).

Davante Adams caught three of his nine targets for 30 yards, averaging 10 yards per catch. Adams saw one red zone target but didn’t catch it with 45 air yards, 22.17% air yards share, and 23.08% Target share. Adams ran a route on 97.5% of dropbacks.

Adams’ Jets debut left a lot to be desired, but he got dropped into the Jets WR1 role from the get-go. He saw a strong Target share and was heavily involved in the first half of the game plan. He and Wilson split snaps from the slot, suggesting that each will get favorable mismatches moving forward.

Per Next Gen Stats, Adams aligned in the slot on 50.9% of his snaps, which is the highest rate in a game since Week 8, 2016, vs. the Falcons (59.6%). Adams caught 2 of 5 targets when aligned in the slot for 21 yards (20 routes) but just 1 of 4 targets when aligned wide for 9 yards (19 routes).

Given the Jets schedule you need to be over buying BOTH Jets WRs given how their prices have suppressed since Sunday night football. At least kick the tires on both of them. Remember, Jets get the Rams and Jaguars in the first two weeks of the fantasy football playoffs.

Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, the Jets have the third-ranked schedule for WRs for the rest of the season.

Mike Williams contributed one catch for 15 yards from two targets.

Tyler Conklin made all four of his targets count, although he only totaled 7 yards, but scored one touchdown. Conklin made the most of his one red zone target, securing a touchdown. Do not chase. Only ran a route on 60% of the dropbacks.

Braelon Allen also chipped in with one catch for 2 yards.

The Jets will play the Patriots in Week 8. Then it’s vs HOU, @ ARI, vs IND before a bye week. Post-bye week Gang Green will play vs SEA, @ MIA, @ JAC, vs LAR and @ BUF.
Back to top

Pittsburgh Steelers

Sell Najee Harris | Buy Jaylen Warren | Hold/Buy George Pickens

Russell Wilson led the offense, completing 16 of 29 passes for 264 yards, throwing two touchdowns with no interceptions, and achieving a solid 9.1 yards per attempt.

Najee Harris carried the ball 21 times, rushing for 102 yards at a 4.9 yards per carry average, including a long run of 34 yards, while also scoring one touchdown. Received eight red zone rushing attempts, scoring one touchdown.

Jaylen Warren had 12 rushes for 44 yards, averaging 3.7 yards per carry. Harris out-carried Warren eight to four in the first half. Warren received three rushing attempts and one target in the red zone but did not score. He led the Steelers in backfield snaps (51%) over Harris (49%).

I talked about last week how slow Najee has been traditionally, so I’d like to think this is a sign of things to come. However, the last two games stand out as a glaring outlier compared to his body of work this season. The matchups against the Raiders and Jets have been extremely soft spots.

I think I’d use this opportunity to sell high on Harris (fifth in the NFL in touches). The schedule gets much tougher in the second half of the season with all six AFC North matchups. Warren is getting healthier, which could create problems for Harrs in the second half of the season.

The Steelers will face NYG before a bye week. After that, they will play @ WAS, vs BAL, @ CLE, @ CIN, vs CLE, @ PHI, @ BAL and vs KC.

Wilson also chipped in 3 rushing yards and a touchdown on three attempts.

George Pickens had an impressive day, hauling in five of his nine targets for 111 yards and one touchdown, with a notable 44-yard-long catch and 28 yards after the catch (YAC). Pickens had three red zone targets and converted 1 of them into a touchdown. He had 152 air yards, 69.41% air yards share, 33% Target share, and 32% target rate. Pickens was a big winner with the Steelers’ QB change.

Pat Freiermuth caught two of his three targets for 51 yards, averaging 25.5 yards per catch with 33 YAC with 22 air yards, 10.05% air yards share, and 11.11% Target share.

Calvin Austin III had just one reception on four targets, but it was a 36-yard gain with 21 YAC.

Darnell Washington caught all four of his targets for 36 yards, averaging 9 yards per reception with 7 air yards, 3.20% air yards share, and 14.81% Target share. Washington ran a route on 26% of dropbacks, but he was hyper-targeted by Wilson (50% target rate per route run).

Washington’s expanded role could come at the expense of Freiermuth, so it’s something to monitor in the coming weeks.

Van Jefferson recorded two catches for 15 yards and one touchdown. Jefferson was targeted twice in the red zone and scored once.

Jaylen Warren added two receptions for 15 yards from 3 targets. Warren ran a route on 52% of dropbacks. Najee Harris was targeted once but did not record a reception (23% route rate).

Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, the Steelers have the No.1-ranked schedule for quarterbacks rest of season.
Back to top

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Add Cade Otton & Jalen McMillan | Hold/Sell Rachaad White & Bucky Irving

Baker Mayfield completed 31 of 45 passes for 370 yards, with three touchdowns and two interceptions, achieving a passer rating of 97.5 and 8.2 yards per attempt.

Per Next Gen Stats, Mayfield was at his best in the short passing game against the Ravens (i.e., under 10 air yards), completing 25 of 29 pass attempts under 10 air yards for 242 yards and two touchdowns.

Both of his interceptions targeted a receiver in the intermediate area of the field (10 to 19 air yards). Mayfield now leads all qualified quarterbacks in yards (1,271), touchdowns (11), passing EPA (+48.2), and success rate (61.5%) on passes under 10 air yards this season.

Rachaad White had 10 rushing attempts for 40 yards, averaging 4.0 yards per carry, with a long of 8 yards.

Sean Tucker had five carries for 29 yards, averaging 5.8 yards per carry, with a long of 15 yards.

Bucky Irving carried the ball nine times for 23 yards, averaging 2.6 yards per carry, and scored a rushing touchdown. He saw all the carries in the red zone (three).

Rachaad White was targeted six times, catching all for 71 yards, scoring two touchdowns, and averaging 11.8 yards per reception with a long of 23 yards and 77 YAC. White caught both of his red-zone targets and scored once from inside the 20-yard line.

Irving caught all three targets for 54 receiving yards, averaging 18 yards per reception, with a long of 25 yards and 51 YAC.

Sean Tucker caught one of two targets for 9 yards.

The snaps went White (48%), Irving (35%), and Tucker (20%). Each RB had five carries in the first half.

A full-blown three-way committee. Gross.

White saved the day with his receiving numbers, which he will likely be dependent on heavily with the injuries to the Buccaneers’ WRs. He’s a hold for now if you can’t sell high off the two TDs after he reclaimed his RB1 duties in the Tampa Bay backfield.

The roles of White as the primary pass-catcher and Irving as the primary ball-carrier seem to be “mostly” defined in this backfield for the rest of the season. But both are losing work to Tucker as well while there is some overlap with Irving, who is proficient as a receiver.

All in all, it is best to avoid this backfield if possible.

Mayfield scrambled for five carries, gaining 22 yards, averaging 4.4 yards per attempt, with a long of 12 yards.

Jalen McMillan had one rush for 11 yards.

Cade Otton was targeted 10 times, catching eight passes for 100 yards, averaging 12.5 yards per catch, with a long of 28 yards and 41 yards after the catch (YAC). The guy came up big, hitting the OVER on his receiving yards prop in the plus matchup. Given the injuries to the Buccaneers WRs, Otton will be called upon more than usual in the coming weeks.

Chris Godwin was targeted nine times, catching seven passes for 65 yards, averaging 9.3 yards per catch, with a long of 21 yards and 29 YAC. Godwin will be out indefinitely after suffering a gruesome ankle injury at the end of the game.

Mike Evans was targeted three times, catching one pass for 25 yards and scoring a touchdown. He scored early and then left the game after re-aggravating his hamstring injury.

Trey Palmer was targeted three times, catching one pass for 16 yards. Sterling Shepard caught his only target for 15 yards.

McMillan was targeted eight times, catching three passes for 15 yards, averaging 5 yards per catch with 9 YAC. He led the Buccaneers in red-zone targets (two) but didn’t score. He also saw 100 air yards.

Projecting this Buccaneers WR room without Evans/Godwin moving forward, McMillan has to be the top add off waivers. McMillan was viewed as a potential Godwin replacement for 2025 and beyond, so I presume he will take over starting slot duties in this offense.

Tampa will play the Falcons next, and then the Chiefs and 49ers before their bye week.
Back to top

Baltimore Ravens

Hold Mark Andrews | Buy Isaiah Likely | Add Rashod Bateman

Lamar Jackson completed 17 of 22 passes for 281 yards and threw five touchdowns with 0 interceptions. He had a passer rating of 158.1 and averaged 12.8 yards per attempt.

Derrick Henry had 15 carries for 169 yards, averaging an impressive 11.3 yards per carry, with a long run of 81 yards.

Lamar Jackson rushed nine times for 52 yards, averaging 5.8 yards per carry, with a long of 17 yards.

Zay Flowers had one rush for 19 yards.

Justice Hill carried the ball 5 times for 4 yards, averaging 0.8 yards per carry.

Rashod Bateman was targeted four times, catching all four passes for 121 yards and scoring one touchdown. He averaged 30.3 yards per catch (92 air yards) with a long reception of 59 yards and 31 yards after the catch (YAC). He tied Zay Flowers in total routes run.

Hill caught all 3 of his targets for 44 yards and a touchdown, averaging 14.7 yards per reception with 60 YAC.

Mark Andrews caught all 4 of his targets for 41 yards and 2 touchdowns, averaging 10.3 yards per reception, with a long of 20 yards and 7 YAC.

Isaiah Likely caught two of four targets for 17 yards, averaging 8.5 yards per catch, with a long of 10 yards and 7 YAC.

Andrews and Likely saw equal target shares (20%). But Likely ran more routes and played more snaps (as he has done all season). He had a fifth target removed due to a penalty.

I’d love to say Andrews is back. Obviously, as a massive Andrews-stan this offseason, I am thrilled. And he looked visibly better compared to the start of last season. But his production is based on being attached to a high-powered offense.

For tight end purposes, that is more than okay to work with. Just don’t expect two TDs every week when he’s playing fewer snaps than Likely. Flowers also won’t see one target in games where he is healthy.

In this game, Likely had more red-zone targets (three) than Andrews (two), but Andrews came away with the TDs.

Charlie Kolar caught his only target for 14 yards with 3 YAC.

Nelson Agholor caught 1 of 2 targets for 20 yards with 11 YAC.

Derrick Henry caught one pass for 13 yards and a touchdown.

Zay Flowers caught his only target for 11 yards with 13 YAC. He got banged up early in this game, and he wasn’t targeted after the first drive.

Patrick Ricard was targeted once but did not record a reception.

Baltimore will face the Browns next, followed by the Broncos, Bengals, Steelers, Chargers, and Eagles before a bye week.
Back to top

Arizona Cardinals

Drop Michael Wilson & Greg Dortch | Buy James Conner & Trey McBride | Buy Marvin Harrison Jr.

Kyler Murray completed 14 of 26 passes for 145 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. He had a passer rating of 67.0 and averaged 5.6 yards per attempt.

James Conner led the team with 19 carries for 101 yards, averaging 5.3 yards per carry, with a long of 14 yards. Bell cow back to work with an 84% snap share.

Kyler Murray rushed 6 times for 64 yards and one touchdown, averaging 10.7 yards per carry, with a long of 44 yards.

Emari Demercado had one carry for 14 yards.

James Conner also contributed in the passing game, catching two of his four targets for 51 yards, averaging 25.5 yards per catch, with a long of 33 yards and 58 yards after the catch (YAC).

Per Next Gen Stats, Conner totaled 19 rushes for 101 yards, including five runs of 10+ yards, tied for the 2nd-most by a running back in a game this season.

Trey McBride caught five of his seven targets for 51 yards, averaging 10.2 yards per catch, with a long of 14 yards and 24 YAC. He had one red-zone target but did not score despite a 28% Target share.

Marvin Harrison Jr. caught three of his six targets for 21 yards, averaging 7 yards per catch, with a long of 10 yards. He led Arizona in air yards share (42%) and finished with a 24% Target share. He’s been sluggish and was a recommended sell a few weeks back. Now that his price is so suppressed, I sort of like him as a supreme buy-low based on the Cards’ playoff schedule.

Michael Wilson caught one of his three targets for 15 yards.

Greg Dortch caught one of his two targets for 5 yards with a touchdown.

Elijah Higgins caught his only target for 1 yard. Tip Reiman caught his only target for 1 yard.

Zay Jones did not record a reception on his only target.

The Cardinals’ next games are against the Dolphins, Bears, and Jets before their bye week. After their bye week, the schedule is salivating for the playoff run: @ SEA, @ MIN, vs. SEA, vs. NE, @ CAR, @ LAR, and vs. SF. A reminder to make sure that Trey Benson is not available in any league formats for the upside he could deliver if there’s a Conner injury.

Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, Arizona has the No.1-ranked schedule for running backs.
Back to top

Los Angeles Chargers

Buy J.K. Dobbins & Ladd McConkey | Add Kimani Vidal & Will Dissly

Justin Herbert completed 27 of 39 passes for 349 yards, with zero touchdowns and zero interceptions. He had a passer rating of 97.1 and averaged 8.9 yards per attempt.

J.K. Dobbins carried the ball 14 times for 40 yards, averaging 2.9 yards per carry, with a long of 11 yards. 68% snap share.

Kimani Vidal had three rushes for 10 yards, averaging 3.3 yards per carry, with a long of 7 yards. He had one carry inside the 15-yard line.

Dobbins out-carried Vidal six to two in the first half. With the Saints’ run defense next week, Dobbins will bounce back.

Justin Herbert rushed two times for 8 yards, averaging 4 yards per carry, and had a long of 4 yards.

Hasaan Haskins had two rushes for 2 yards, averaging 1 yard per carry.

Dobbins caught all three of his targets for 26 yards, averaging 8.7 yards per catch, with a long of 14 yards and 19 YAC. Kimani Vidal caught his only target for 9 yards with 6 YAC.

Jalen Reagor had one rush for -1 yards.

Will Dissly led the team with eight receptions on 11 targets for 81 yards, averaging 10.1 yards per catch, with a long reception of 18 yards and 46 yards after the catch (YAC). Hayden Hurst was out, and Dissly feasted as Herbert’s underneath option. 73% snap share with 30 routes run and a 30.5% Target share.

Joshua Palmer caught four of his five targets for 63 yards, averaging 15.8 yards per catch, with a long of 24 yards and 5 YAC.

Ladd McConkey caught five of his seven targets (19%) for 46 yards, averaging 9.2 yards per catch, with a long of 21 yards and 20 YAC. He was blanked early in the game but got more involved as the matchup progressed.

Simi Fehoko caught three of his six targets for 45 yards, averaging 15 yards per catch, with a long of 25 yards and 7 YAC. Fehoko led the Chargers WRs in snaps played while tying McConkey in routes run (39).

Jalen Reagor caught his only target for 41 yards with 2 YAC. He fumbled at the goal line.

Stone Smartt caught one of two targets for 31 yards with 11 YAC.

Eric Tomlinson caught his only target for 7 yards with 11 YAC.

The remaining schedule is as follows: vs. NO, @ CLE, vs. TEN, vs. CIN, vs. BAL, @ ATL, @ KC, vs. TB, vs. DEN, @ NE, and @ LV.
Back to top

Bye Week Teams

Dallas Cowboys

Buy CeeDee Lamb | Buy Rico Dowdle, Jalen Tolbert

The Dallas Cowboys offense struggled to get going in a tough outing back in Week 6, with quarterback Dak Prescott completing just 17 of 33 passes for 178 yards, throwing two interceptions and no touchdowns. Prescott’s 51.5% completion rate and a passer rating of 42.2 left much to be desired. Backup quarterback Cooper Rush stepped in with nearly 10 minutes remaining in the game, completing 8 of 11 passes for 46 yards.

Per Next Gen Stats, Prescott recorded a 23.7% dropback success rate, his 2nd-lowest rate in a game in his career.

On the ground, Rico Dowdle led the Cowboys in rushing with 25 yards on five carries, including a long run of 12 yards, but failed to find the end zone. Ezekiel Elliott managed 17 yards on eight carries, averaging just 2.1 yards per carry. KaVontae Turpin added six yards on his lone rushing attempt.

Snaps: Ezekiel Elliott: 41%, Rico Dowdle: 28%

Wouldn’t overly read into the Cowboys’ snap rates. Dowdle started the game still.

And I think he’s a bit of a forgotten asset in the backfield coming off the bye week. He’s still the favorite to be Dallas’ RB1 rest of season, that has a top-10 SOS rest of season for RBs. There’s upside with Dowdle should he be asked to carry the load. He is 15^th in rushing success rate this season.

CeeDee Lamb was the standout for the Cowboys’ receiving corps, catching 7 of his 14 targets for 89 yards, including a long reception of 27 yards. Lamb commanded a 32% Target share, proving to be Prescott’s go-to option. Lamb had three red zone targets, converting one into a catch but no touchdown. Lamb had 110 air yards, 34% air yard share.

Jalen Tolbert caught four of five targets for 43 yards, while Dowdle was also active in the passing game, catching 5 of 6 targets for 30 yards out of the backfield. Tolbert ran a route on 96% of the dropbacks.

KaVontae Turpin added four catches on seven targets for 24 yards, while Jalen Brooks contributed 15 yards on one catch and six targets. Turpin ran a route on 43% of the dropbacks to Brooks’ 67%.

Brooks had two red zone targets but did not convert them into catches or touchdowns.

Tight end Jake Ferguson struggled to make a big impact, catching just three of his four targets for just 11 yards. Ferguson had two red zone targets, making two catches but not scoring.

The Cowboys failed to reach the end zone, and turnovers and inefficiency in the passing game stalled multiple drives. It was a rough performance for Prescott and the offense, who look to regroup for the next matchup after their Week 7 bye week.

Per the FantasyPros SOS tool, Dallas has a top-10 ranked schedule for quarterbacks.

The schedule is as follows: @ SF, @ ATL, vs PHI, vs HOU, @ WAS, vs NYG, vs CIN, @ CAR, vs TB, @ PHI.

Dallas is following the same script as last year. Start slow, go on the bye week, and “hopefully,” come out with guns blazing. Lamb is probably a sharp buy-low target as one of the true elite fantasy WRs.
Back to top

Chicago Bears

Buy Rome Odunze | Hold D’Andre Swift & D.J. Moore | Add Roschon Johnson | Sell Keenan Allen

The Chicago Bears dominated their Week 6 matchup, led by a standout performance from quarterback Caleb Williams. Williams completed 23 of 29 passes for 226 yards and threw four touchdowns with one interception, posting a quarterback rating of 124.4. Williams did all his damage underneath, with none of his top-four pass weapons surpassing 40 air yards.

On the ground, Williams also added 56 rushing yards on just four attempts, including a long run of 23 yards.

The rushing attack was spearheaded by running back D’Andre Swift, who carried the ball 17 times for 91 yards and a touchdown, averaging 5.4 yards per carry. Swift rushed twice for five yards and scored one rushing touchdown with no red zone targets.

Roschon Johnson struggled to gain traction, rushing for just 8 yards on five carries.

Snaps: D’Andre Swift: 68%, Roschon Johnson: 27%, Khalil Herbert: 5%.

Tight end Cole Kmet led the receiving group, catching all five of his targets for 70 yards and two touchdowns, commanding an 18% Target share.

Wide receiver Keenan Allen contributed 41 yards on five catches (five targets), averaging 8.2 yards per reception with two touchdowns, while Rome Odunze added 40 yards on two receptions from two targets, including a 20-yard long reception. Allen had two red zone targets, catching both and scoring two touchdowns-pretty easy case for a sell-high to an older veteran WR off the touchdowns amid strong target competition.

Routes: D.J. Moore: 91.18%, Keenan Allen: 88.24%, Rome Odunze 70%.

D’Andre Swift was also involved in the passing game, catching all four targets for 28 yards, while Roschon Johnson had two catches for 25 yards on his three targets. Through six games, Swift ranked fifth in touches. Definitely concerned if he can keep up this heavy of a workload.

D.J. Moore had a quiet outing, catching four of his five targets for 20 yards. Moore had two red zone targets, catching both, but did not find the end zone through the air. Moore originally had a TD, but he was ruled down at the one-yard line.

The Bears are coming off a Week 7 bye. After that, they will play the Commanders, Cardinals, Patriots, and Packers. It’s a solid string of matchups for the Bears offense.

In the macro, you probably want to hold onto your Bears players, given the soft matchups upcoming. They have improved dramatically offensively, with Williams hitting his stride. They are also coming off a bye week, so most managers won’t give you much if you are selling. Therefore, the move is to buy Rome Odunze. We see rookies often take a massive step forward in the second halves of the season, especially after the bye week.

Also, stash Khalil Herbert after he gets dropped during the bye week. He’s not playing anymore. I think he could get traded. The Raiders could sure use another RB.

Subscribe: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeart | Castbox | Amazon Music | Podcast Addict | TuneIn