Fantasy football Week 7: Start, sit and sleepers
Published in Football
Here’s a look back at Week 6’s action and fantasy advice for the week ahead:
WEEK 6 RECAP
Giants 34, Eagles 17: Saquon Barkley continues to underwhelm. Barkley is the overall RB15 in standard formats (RB12 in PPR), but you likely drafted him with a top-3 pick, if not No. 1 overall after his historic first season in Philadelphia. His four total touchdowns are keeping him afloat as a weekly RB2. Barkley has yet to top 100 total yards in a game this season, and has only surpassed 60 rushing yards once.
Broncos 13, Jets 11: Like all the other Jets, Mason Taylor struggled mightily against Denver’s defense overseas, catching his only target for two yards. Garrett Wilson hyperextended his knee in London and is expected to miss a couple of weeks. The next two games are against the Panthers and Bengals, who are allowing the second-most and most fantasy points to tight ends this season, so I’m expecting a big bounce-back for Taylor.
Colts 31, Cardinals 27: Bam Knight produced 54 total yards on 12 touches while scoring a TD for the second straight week and ended up playing more snaps than Michael Carter (37 to 32), who finished with 64 total yards on 11 touches for Arizona. Knight took all four of the goal-line snaps, which gives him the more lucrative share of essentially a 50-50 split if this continues until Trey Benson returns.
Chargers 29, Dolphins 27: Omarion Hampton (ankle) was placed on injured reserve last week, which forced the fantasy community to play “eeny, meeny, miny, moe” with Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins, who each played 14 snaps against the Commanders and didn’t produce much in Week 5. I favored Haskins in standard formats and Vidal in PPR, but believed both had flex appeal against a weak Miami defense. It was Vidal who took Hampton’s role, producing 138 total yards on 21 touches with a TD reception. He has RB2/flex upside until further notice.
Patriots 25, Saints 19: Drake Maye’s ascension into the top-5 discussion at quarterback continues. Maye passed for 261 yards and three TDs and led New England with 28 rushing yards. Only Patrick Mahomes and Dak Prescott have more fantasy points at QB than Maye since Week 2.
Steelers 23, Browns 9: Jerry Jeudy received 13 targets in a loss at Pittsburgh, but only finished with five receptions for 43 yards. Jeudy is the overall WR76 in standard formats (WR62 in PPR) in two games with Dillon Gabriel under center, and is only averaging 8.3 yards per reception.
Panthers 30, Cowboys 27: In essentially four games without CeeDee Lamb — Lamb was hurt early in Week 3 — George Pickens is the overall WR1, averaging 18.2 points in standard formats and 24.2 points in PPR. In two games with Lamb, Pickens is the overall WR32 in standard (WR33 in PPR). It sounds like Lamb will return this week.
Seahawks 20, Jaguars 12: Sam Darnold is the overall QB6 since Week 2 with 11 TD passes against only three interceptions and at least 295 passing yards in three of the last five games for Seattle.
Rams 17, Ravens 3: Puka Nacua is day-to-day with an ankle injury he suffered in a victory at Baltimore, and I doubt he plays this week against the Jaguars in London. The Rams are off in Week 8. Jordan Whittington had three receptions for 23 yards against the Ravens, and produced 16 receptions on 22 targets for 237 yards in three starts last season — Jacksonville is allowing the most fantasy points per game to perimeter wide receivers. If Nacua is out, Tutu Atwell has a higher ceiling than Whittington if he’s healthy, but there’s also more risk involved.
Raiders 20, Titans 10: Considering his playmaking ability, Tyjae Spears should have plenty of opportunity in an offense with a rookie QB still searching for its identity. Spears’ snap share jumped from 25.4% to 59% at Las Vegas. Tony Pollard played a season-low 42.6% of the snaps, and there’s an outside shot he gets dealt to a running back-needy team before the deadline, especially considering Tennessee just fired its coach.
Packers 27, Bengals 18: Joe Flacco was solid in his Cincinnati debut, throwing for 219 yards and two TDs. It was Flacco’s first game not throwing an interception this season. If you’re streaming quarterbacks, he’s a solid option for the next three weeks against the Steelers, Jets and Bears, who are allowing the seventh-, 12th- and fourth-most fantasy points to QBs this season. The Bengals’ defense is terrible and a QB at least has a fighting chance throwing to Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
Buccaneers 30, 49ers 19: Kendrick Bourne is the overall WR4 the last two weeks with 15 receptions on 20 targets for 284 yards. Jauan Jennings obviously wasn’t 100% healthy in his return, and there’s no telling when the Niners’ other injured offensive weapons will be ready to go.
Chiefs 30, Lions 17: Kansas City’s offense has found a groove, averaging 31.7 points in its last three games. The backfield is still underwhelming, but Kareem Hunt leads the Chiefs in red-zone carries with 10 to Isiah Pacheco’s four, which gives him slightly more flex appeal on any given week. Brashard Smith still has the highest upside of the trio going forward.
Falcons 24, Bills 14: Chris Johnson set the NFL record for scrimmage yards in a season in 2009 with 2,509, the same year Johnson ran for 2,000 yards and won NFL Offensive Player of the Year. Bijan Robinson has 822 total yards in five games this season, a ridiculous average of 164.4 per game. If Robinson’s pace holds, he’ll finish with 2,795, shattering Johnson’s record.
Bears 25, Commanders 24: Talented rookies usually see a bump in opportunities coming out of a bye, and Luther Burden III had four receptions on four targets in a win over Washington on Monday night. Both are a season-high, and his 51 yards were second only to D’Andre Swift, who had a 55-yard TD reception. It’s only a matter of time until Burden supplants Olamide Zaccheaus as the third receiver behind Rome Odunze and D.J. Moore. Also, it sounds like Moore could miss this week with a groin injury.
Feel free to hit me up @UTEddieBrown on X, formerly known as Twitter, with any specific lineup questions I don’t cover in my posts.
Here are my best bets for Week 7:
PITTSBURGH AT CINCINNATI
Obvious starters: DK Metcalf (PIT), Steelers D/ST, Ja’Marr Chase (CIN).
Who to start: Jaylen Warren (PIT) maintains RB2/flex upside against a defense allowing the most fantasy points to running backs, and has at least 13 touches in every game he’s played this season. Kenneth Gainwell (PIT) is the overall RB26 in standard formats (RB23 in PPR) through six weeks and has produced six receptions in two straight games. Aaron Rodgers (PIT) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed 12 TD passes in six games. Chase Brown (CIN) is the overall RB40 in standard formats (RB31 in PPR), which means Brown’s flex appeal is hanging on by a thread. Joe Flacco (CIN) deserves streaming consideration against a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Noah Fant (CIN) deserves streaming consideration against a defense allowing third-most fantasy points to tight ends, especially with Mike Gesicki on IR.
Who to sit: Kaleb Johnson (PIT) remains TD-dependent with only 12 carries for 37 yards in the last two games. Tee Higgins (CIN) remains TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in five of six games.
Sleeper(s): Both Jonnu Smith (PIT) and Darnell Washington (PIT) deserve streaming consideration against a defense allowing the most fantasy points to tight ends including five TDs in the last four games.
L.A. RAMS VS. JACKSONVILLE AT LONDON
Obvious starters: Kyren Williams (LAR), Davante Adams (LAR), Brian Thomas Jr. (JAC), Travis Etienne (JAC).
Who to start: Puka Nacua (LAR) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (ankle). Matthew Stafford (LAR) is the overall QB10 through six weeks and faces a defense that has allowed at least 295 passing yards in three straight games. The Rams D/ST is the fifth-highest scoring defense in fantasy and faces an offensive line that just allowed seven sacks to the Seahawks. Only the Seattle has scored more fantasy points than the Jaguars D/ST.
Who to sit: Blake Corum (LAR) remains TD-dependent if he’s active (ankle). Tutu Atwell (LAR) only has flex appeal if he’s active (hamstring) and Nacua is out — Atwell’s a boom-or-bust candidate if he’s active and Nacua plays. Tyler Higbee (LAR) remains TD-dependent with only 10 receptions in five games this season. Travis Hunter (JAC) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in four of the last five games. Trevor Lawrence (JAC) faces a defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Bhayshul Tuten (JAC) faces a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to running backs and hasn’t had double-digit touches since Week 2.
Sleeper: Jordan Whittington (LAR) is a premium flex option if Nacua is out against a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to wide receivers.
NEW ORLEANS AT CHICAGO
Obvious starters: Chris Olave (NO), Rome Odunze (CHI), D’Andre Swift (CHI).
Who to start: Alvin Kamara (NO) maintains RB2/flex upside if he’s active (ankle). Rashid Shaheed (NO) maintains flex appeal as the overall WR30 in standard formats (WR28 in PPR). Kendre Miller (NO) has at least nine touches in four straight games, and has flex appeal against a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to running backs. Caleb Williams (CHI) is the overall QB12 through six weeks and faces a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Colston Loveland (CHI) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed at least four receptions or a TD to tight ends in four of the last five games. The Bears D/ST have scored at least nine fantasy points in four of five games this season
Who to sit: Juwan Johnson (NO) is the overall TE39 since Week 4. Taysom Hill (NO) is TD-dependent with only seven touches in two games. My “spidey sense” tells me D.J. Moore (CHI) will likely miss this game with hip and groin issues.
Sleeper(s): Spencer Rattler (NO) faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, including 13 TD passes in five games. Luther Burden III (CHI) faces a defense allowing the ninth-most fantasy points to wide receivers, including eight TDs in six games this season.
MIAMI AT CLEVELAND
Obvious starters: De’Von Achane (MIA), Jaylen Waddle (MIA).
Who to start: Darren Waller (MIA) is the overall TE4 in standard formats (TE5 in PPR) since Week 4, and faces a defense that has allowed a TD to tight ends in four of six games this season. Quinshon Judkins (CLE) is the overall RB16 in standard formats (RB19 in PPR) since Week 2, and faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to running backs. The Browns D/ST have been much better at home, allowing an average of 16 points per game as opposed to the 30.7 points they’re allowing on the road. Harold Fannin Jr. (CLE) is the overall TE14 in standard formats (TE12 in PPR), and faces a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to tight ends.
Who to sit: Tua Tagovailoa (MIA) faces a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Ollie Gordon (MIA) remains TD-dependent with only 12 touches in the last three games. Malik Washington (MIA) remains a boom-or-bust candidate and hasn’t topped 22 receiving yards in a game this season. David Njoku (CLE) is day-to-day with a knee injury. Jerry Jeudy (CLE) has three-or-fewer receptions in three of the last four games. Jerome Ford (CLE) only has flex appeal in the deepest PPR formats. Dylan Sampson (CLE) is TD-dependent with only nine touches in the last four games.
Sleeper: Dillon Gabriel (CLE) deserves streaming consideration in deeper leagues against a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to quarterbacks.
NEW ENGLAND AT TENNESSEE
Obvious starters: Drake Maye (NE).
Who to start: Stefon Diggs (NE) is the overall WR17 in standard formats (WR10 in PPR) since Week 4 with 19 receptions on 22 targets for 275 yards. Both Rhamondre Stevenson (NE) and TreVeyon Henderson (NE) have flex appeal against a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to running backs, including nine TDs in six games. The Patriots D/ST face an offense allowing the most fantasy points to opposing defenses. Chig Okonkwo (TEN) faces a defense allowing the ninth-most fantasy points to tight ends, and has at least four receptions in four of the last five games.
Who to sit: Hunter Henry (NE) is TD-dependent with only nine targets in the last three games. Kayshon Boutte (NE) is TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in four the last five games. DeMario Douglas (NE) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in every games this season. I’m fading both Tony Pollard (TEN) and Tyjae Spears (TEN) against a defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Calvin Ridley (TEN) suffered a hamstring injury in the first quarter of a loss at Las Vegas and didn’t return.
Sleeper: Elic Ayomanor (TEN) has flex appeal if Ridley is out.
LAS VEGAS AT KANSAS CITY
Obvious starters: Ashton Jeanty (LV), Patrick Mahomes (KC), Travis Kelce (KC), Rashee Rice (KC), Xavier Worthy (KC).
Who to start: Tre Tucker (LV) is the overall WR9 in standard formats (WR10 in PPR) through six weeks, and has at least 62 receiving yards or a TD in four of six games this season. Both Isiah Pacheco (KC) and Kareem Hunt (KC) have flex appeal against a defense that has allowed seven rushing TDs to running backs in the last four games.
Who to sit: Brock Bowers (LV) will likely miss another week with a knee injury. Geno Smith (LV) faces a defense that has only allowed four TD passes in the last five games. Jakobi Meyers (LV) is the overall WR60 in standard formats (WR48 in PPR) since Week 3. Michael Mayer (LV) faces a defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Marquise Brown (KC), Tyquan Thornton (KC) and JuJu Smith-Schuster (KC) are all TD-dependent with both Rice and Worthy healthy.
Sleeper: The Chiefs D/ST face an offense allowing the third-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.
PHILADELPHIA AT MINNESOTA
Obvious starters: Jalen Hurts (PHI), Saquon Barkley (PHI), Dallas Goedert (PHI), Justin Jefferson (MIN).
Who to start: A.J. Brown (PHI) maintains flex appeal despite a difficult matchup with at least eight targets in five straight games. Jordan Mason (MIN) is the overall RB12 in standard formats (RB14 in PPR) his last three games, and faces a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to running backs. Jordan Addison (MIN) is the overall WR17 in standard formats (WR16 in PPR) in the two games he’s played this season. Carson Wentz (MIN) is the overall QB11 in his three starts this year. The Vikings D/ST always deserve streaming consideration at home.
Who to sit: I’m fading DeVonta Smith (PHI) against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. T.J. Hockenson (MIN) faces a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Adam Thielen (MIN) only has eight targets in five games this season.
Sleeper: The Eagles D/ST face an offense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses, including multiple turnovers in three of the last four games.
CAROLINA AT N.Y. JETS
Obvious starters: Breece Hall (NYJ).
Who to start: Rico Dowdle (CAR) is an obvious starter if Chuba Hubbard (CAR) remains out (calf), but they both have RB2/flex upside if Hubbard plays. Tetairoa McMillan (CAR) is the overall WR19 in standard formats (WR23 in PPR) through six weeks. Justin Fields (NYJ) faces a defense that has allowed eight TD passes in the last three games. Mason Taylor (NYJ) faces a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to tight ends, including a TD in three straight games.
Who to sit: Xavier Legette (CAR) is TD-dependent with only five targets the last two games. Bryce Young (CAR) only has value in Superflex formats this week. I’m holstering Jalen Coker (CAR) if he’s active (quadriceps) until we see how he’s utilized. Garrett Wilson (NYJ) is doubtful with a knee injury.
Sleeper(s): Tommy Tremble (CAR) faces a defense that has allowed five TDs to tight ends in the last three games. The Panthers D/ST face an offense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses, including 14 sacks in the last two games.
N.Y. GIANTS AT DENVER
Obvious starters: Cam Skattebo (NYG), Courtland Sutton (DEN), J.K. Dobbins (DEN), Broncos D/ST.
Who to start: Bo Nix (DEN) is the overall QB11 since Week 4. Evan Engram (DEN) deserves streaming consideration with at least four receptions or a TD in three straight games.
Who to sit: Jaxson Dart (NYG) faces a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks, including only four TD passes in six games this season. Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) faces a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Darius Slayton (NYG) is still dealing with a hamstring injury. Tyrone Tracy Jr. (NYG) is TD-dependent against a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Theo Johnson (NYG) faces a defense that has only allowed seven receptions for 47 yards and a TD to tight ends in the last three games. R.J. Harvey (DEN) is TD-dependent with seven-or-fewer touches in five of six games this season. Marvin Mims Jr. (DEN) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with two-or-fewer receptions in four of the last five games.
Sleeper: Troy Franklin (DEN) has flex appeal against a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers.
INDIANAPOLIS AT L.A. CHARGERS
Obvious starters: Jonathan Taylor (IND), Tyler Warren (IND), Michael Pittman Jr. (IND), Justin Herbert (LAC), Ladd McConkey (LAC).
Who to start: Only the Seahawks have scored more fantasy points than the Colts D/ST. Keenan Allen (LAC) maintains WR3/flex upside against a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Kimani Vidal (LAC) has RB2/flex upside despite a difficult matchup.
Who to sit: I’m fading Daniel Jones (IND) against a defense that has only allowed five TD passes in six games this season. Josh Downs (IND) is currently in the NFL’s concussion protocol. Alec Pierce (IND) is a boom-or-bust candidate against a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. I’m fading Quentin Johnston (LAC) until we see him make it through a game with his hamstring. Hassan Haskins (LAC) is TD-dependent with only 13 touches in two games.
Sleeper: Oronde Gadsden II (LAC) faces a defense that has allowed at least eight receptions or a TD to tight ends in four of the last five games.
WASHINGTON AT DALLAS
Obvious starters: Jayden Daniels (WAS), Dak Prescott (DAL), Javonte Williams (DAL), George Pickens (DAL), Jake Ferguson (DAL).
Who to start: CeeDee Lamb (DAL) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (ankle). Terry McLaurin (WAS) is an obvious starter if he’s active (quadriceps). Deebo Samuel (WAS) maintains WR3/flex upside if he’s active (heel). Jacory Croskey-Merritt (WAS) is the overall RB19 in standard formats (RB25 in PPR) through six weeks. Zach Ertz (WAS) faces a defense that has allowed 24 receptions for 217 yards to tight ends in the last three games.
Who to sit: Jaydon Blue (DAL) is TD-dependent with seven carries for seven yards in two games. The Commanders D/ST face an offense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses. Luke McCaffrey (WAS) only has flex appeal if either McLaurin or Samuel are out.
Sleeper: Jeremy McNichols (WAS) has flex appeal in PPR formats against a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to running backs.
GREEN BAY AT ARIZONA
Obvious starters: Josh Jacobs (GB), Tucker Kraft (GB), Trey McBride (ARI).
Who to start: Romeo Doubs (GB) is the overall WR25 in standard formats (WR33 in PPR) through six weeks. Matthew Golden (GB) has flex appeal with at least 52 receiving yards in three straight games.
Who to sit: Jordan Love (GB) faces a defense that has only allowed four TD passes in the last four games. The Packers D/ST has produced only two sacks and no turnovers in the last two games. Marvin Harrison Jr. (ARI) remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol. Kyler Murray (ARI) will likely miss another game with a mid-foot sprain (the Cardinals have a bye in Week 8). I’m fading Michael Carter (ARI) and Bam Knight (ARI) against a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to running backs.
Sleeper: If Murray is inactive, Jacoby Brissett (ARI) faces a defense that has allowed multiple TD passes in three of the last four games.
ATLANTA AT SAN FRANCISCO
Obvious starters: Bijan Robinson (ATL), Drake London (ATL), Christian McCaffrey (SF).
Who to start: Kyle Pitts (ATL) faces a defense that has allowed at least five receptions for 51 yards or a TD in four of the last five games. George Kittle (SF) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (hamstring).
Who to sit: I’m fading Darnell Mooney (ATL) until we see him make it through a game with his hamstring. Michael Penix Jr. (ATL) only has four TD passes in five games this season. Jauan Jennings (SF) has two-or-fewer receptions in three of his four games this season. Ricky Pearsall (SF) is likely to miss another week with a knee injury. I’m fading Brock Purdy (SF) and/or Mac Jones (SF) against a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Kendrick Bourne (SF) faces a defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Demarcus Robinson (SF) has three-or-fewer receptions in all three games he’s played this season. Brian Robinson Jr. (SF) is TD-dependent against a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Jake Tonges (SF) faces a defense that has only allowed nine receptions to tight ends in five games.
Sleeper: Tyler Allgeier (ATL) has scored a TD in three of the last four games, and has at least 10 touches in four of five this season.
TAMPA BAY AT DETROIT
Obvious starters: Baker Mayfield (TB), Rachaad White (TB), Jahmyr Gibbs (DET), Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET), Sam LaPorta (DET).
Who to start: Mike Evans (TB) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (hamstring). Cade Otton (TB) deserves streaming consideration with many of Mayfield’s weapons sidelined. David Montgomery (DET) is the overall RB16 in standard formats (RB15 in PPR) through six weeks. Jared Goff (DET) is a premium streaming option at home against a defense that has allowed at least 347 passing yards or multiple TD passes in four straight games. The Lions D/ST are the second-highest scoring defense in fantasy since Week 2.
Who to sit: Bucky Irving (TB) remains doubtful to play with a shoulder injury. A hamstring injury will likely keep Emeka Egbuka (TB) out. Chris Godwin (TB) is doubtful to play with a fibula injury. Tez Johnson (TB) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with 10 targets in five games this season. Jameson Williams (DET) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with two-or-fewer receptions in four of the last five games.
Sleeper: Sterling Shepard (TB) has flex appeal against a defense that has allowed 10 TD receptions to wide receivers in six games this season.
HOUSTON AT SEATTLE
Obvious starters: Nico Collins (HOU), Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA), Seahawks D/ST.
Who to start: The Texans D/ST are allowing only 12.2 points per game. C.J. Stroud (HOU) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed multiple TD passes in three straight games. Both Kenneth Walker (SEA) and Zach Charbonnet (SEA) have flex appeal against a defense that has allowed five rushing TDs to running backs in five games this season.
Who to sit: I’m fading Nick Chubb (HOU) against a defense that hasn’t allowed more than 69 rushing yards in five straight games. Woody Marks (HOU) only has double-digit touches in one of five games this season. Jayden Higgins (HOU) remains TD-dependent with two-or-fewer receptions in four of five games this season. Sam Darnold (SEA) faces a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks — the Texans haven’t allowed a TD pass since Week 2. Cooper Kupp (SEA) faces a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. A.J. Barner (SEA) faces a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Tory Horton (SEA) remains TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in every game this season. Elijah Arroyo (SEA) remains TD-dependent with two-or-fewer receptions in all six games this season.
Sleeper(s): Christian Kirk (HOU) has flex appeal against a defense that has allowed five TDs to wide receivers in the last three games. Dalton Schultz (HOU) has five receptions in three straight games and faces a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to tight ends.
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