WEEK 7 RECAP
Jaguars 31, Saints 24: I didn’t anticipate Calvin Ridley becoming a boom-or-bust candidate. Ridley has had 40 or fewer receiving yards in five of seven games this season. The other two games, he’s had at least seven receptions for 101 yards.
Bears 30, Raiders 12: Roschon Johnson missed a second straight game due to a concussion, giving D’Onta Foreman another chance to show he deserves playing time and he made it count with 120 total yards and three total touchdowns against Las Vegas. Assuming Johnson does actually return this week, it wouldn’t surprise me if he splits carries with Foreman until Khalil Herbert is healthy.
Browns 39, Colts 38: Josh Downs is the overall WR13 across all fantasy formats since Week 3. He has two games with three or fewer receptions — the two games where Anthony Richardson played more than 95 percent of the offensive snaps. To see the rookie has thrived with Gardner Minshew under center would be an understatement.
Patriots 29, Bills 25: Kendrick Bourne has finished as the WR5, WR55, WR10 and WR14 in PPR during the four games he’s played at least 87 percent of the snaps (or started).
Giants 14, Commanders 7: According to Pro Football Focus, Jalin Hyatt is one of only eight wide receivers with four or more receptions of 25-plus air yards this season. The others are AJ Brown, Rashid Shaheed, Tyreek Hill, Stefon Diggs, Gabe Davis, Joshua Palmer and Marvin Mims Jr.
Falcons 16, Buccaneers 13: I’m choosing to treat Bijan Robinson only getting one carry because of a massive headache as an outlier.
Ravens 38, Lions 6: Dating back to the 2021 season, Jared Goff has more road games where he hasn’t thrown for a single passing TD (seven) than he has where he’s thrown for two or more passing TDs (four).
Steelers 24, Rams 17: Darrell Henderson returned to a familiar role in Week 7 against Pittsburgh with Kyren Williams and Ronnie Rivers both on IR. Henderson played 57 percent of the snaps, finishing with 19 touches for 66 total yards and a TD in his first game of the season. Royce Freeman was the more efficient option with 66 yards on 12 carries (5.5 yards per carry) and should remain a factor, considering Henderson hasn’t exactly been the most durable option in his previous four seasons. I also wouldn’t be surprised to see Myles Gaskin sprinkled in before Williams returns. None of these guys are worth a heavy FAAB investment.
Seahawks 20, Cardinals 10: DK Metcalf was inactive with both a ribs and hip injury, enabling rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba to have his best game of the season with four receptions (seven targets) for 63 yards and a TD. Smith-Njigba has had at least five targets in five of six games.
Broncos 19, Packers 17: It would likely take Javonte Williams getting hurt again to fully activate Jaleel McLaughlin, but he’s still averaging 6.9 yards per carry with 4.3 yards after contact per carry, both ranking second among running backs this season (behind only De’Von Achane). It’s reasonable to stash someone playing this well if you have space at the end of your bench. All it takes is an opportunity.
Chiefs 31, Chargers 17: Was it Taylor Swift attending the game or the opponent? Travis Kelce’s 179 receiving yards on National Tight End Day was the second-most in a game in a career that is sure to land him in Canton. Kelce also gained 191 yards against the Chargers in 2021.
Eagles 31, Dolphins 17: D’Andre Swift averaged 6.9 yards per carry in his first two starts with Philadelphia, 4.1 yards per carry in his following two games and 3.2 yards per carry in his last two.
Vikings 22, 49ers 17: Minnesota rookie receiver Jordan Addison is the overall WR8 in standard formats (WR13 in PPR) through seven games — Addison has 29 receptions for 400 yards and six touchdowns.
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’s my best bets for Week 8:
TAMPA BAY AT BUFFALO
Obvious starters: Mike Evans (TB), Chris Godwin (TB), Rachaad White (TB), Josh Allen (BUF), Stefon Diggs (BUF), James Cook (BUF), Bills D/ST.
Who to start: Gabe Davis (BUF) is coming off two stinkers, but remains the overall WR22 in standard formats (WR33 in PPR). With Dawson Knox slated to go on IR, it is officially Dalton Kincaid (BUF) season.
Who to sit: Baker Mayfield (TB) faces a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Cade Otton (TB) only deserves streaming consideration in deeper PPR formats. I’m fading the Buccaneers D/ST on the road against Allen and company.
Sleeper: Khalil Shakir (BUF) had four targets against the Patriots after receiving five targets in his previous five games and could also benefit from Knox being sidelined.
L.A. RAMS AT DALLAS
Obvious starters: Cooper Kupp (LAR), Puka Nacua (LAR), CeeDee Lamb (DAL), Tony Pollard (DAL).
Who to start: Despite coming off a bye, the Cowboys D/ST remains the highest-scoring defense in fantasy. Dak Prescott (DAL) has streaming upside at home against a mid-level defense. Jake Ferguson (DAL) faces a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to tight ends. Michael Gallup (DAL) has flex appeal in PPR with an average of seven targets his last four games.
Who to sit: Matthew Stafford (LAR) faces a defense that is allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Both Darrell Henderson (LAR) and Royce Freeman (LAR) are TD-dependent options with a difficult matchup. Tutu Atwell (LAR) faces a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Zach Evans (LAR) didn’t play a single offensive snap against the Steelers after being one of the hottest waiver wire additions in Week 7. Brandin Cooks (DAL) remains TD-dependent with exactly four targets in four of five games this season.
Sleeper: Tyler Higbee (LAR) faces a defense that has allowed four TDs to tight ends in its last two games.
MINNESOTA AT GREEN BAY
Obvious starters: Jordan Addison (MIN), Christian Watson (GB).
Who to start: It’s hard to bench TJ Hockenson (MIN) if he’s active despite dealing with a foot injury he suffered against the 49ers. Both Alexander Mattison (MIN) and Cam Akers (MIN) have flex appeal against a defense allowing the third-highest fantasy points to running backs. KJ Osborn (MIN) has flex appeal as the overall WR33 in PPR formats since Week 5. In terms of fantasy, Jordan Love (GB) has only had one truly bad game (against the Raiders in Week 5). AJ Dillon (GB) has flex appeal with at least 15 touches in four of six games. Romeo Doubs (GB) deserves flex consideration with at least nine receptions, 95 yards or a TD in three of the last four games. Jayden Reed (GB) is averaging 10.5 points per game in PPR since Week 2 — I see him as more of a boom-or-bust candidate in standard.
Who to sit: I’m fading Kirk Cousins (MIN) against a defense that has allowed only a single TD to quarterbacks in every game this season (also Cousins hasn’t had a good game at Lambeau since 2018). I’m also fading Aaron Jones (GB) until we see his hamstring is closer to 100 percent healthy. Luke Musgrave (GB) hasn’t practiced with an ankle injury he suffered against the Broncos last week.
Sleeper: The Vikings D/ST is tied for the highest-scoring defense in fantasy since Week 4.
ATLANTA AT TENNESSEE
Obvious starters: Bijan Robinson (ATL), Drake London (ATL), Kyle Pitts (ATL), Derrick Henry (TEN), DeAndre Hopkins (TEN).
Who to start: Jonnu Smith (ATL) is the overall TE10 in standard formats (TE9 in PPR) since Week 2. Desmond Ridder (ATL) is the overall QB6 since Week 5. Chigoziem Okonkwo (TEN) faces a defense that has allowed at least five receptions or a TD to tight ends in four of five games.
Who to sit: Tyler Allgeier (ATL) remains TD-dependent despite a high volume of touches. Treylon Burks (TEN) faces a defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers in his first game-action since Week 3. Tyjae Spears (TEN) faces a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to running backs. You’re not considering Malik Willis (TEN) or Will Levis (TEN) at quarterback — both could play.
Sleeper: The Falcons D/ST has streaming upside against Willis and/or Levis.
NEW ORLEANS AT INDIANAPOLIS
Obvious starters: Alvin Kamara (NO), Chris Olave (NO), Saints D/ST, Jonathan Taylor (IND), Michael Pittman Jr. (IND).
Who to start: Michael Thomas (NO) has at least 9.3 PPR points in every game this season. Rashid Shaheed (NO) deserves flex consideration with how much the Colts utilize zone coverage. Josh Downs (IND) has at least six receptions, 57 yards or a TD in four of the last five games. Gardner Minshew (IND) deserves streaming consideration despite the difficult matchup.
Who to sit: Jamaal Williams (NO) is TD-dependent with Kamara seeing the majority of touches. Both Taysom Hill (NO) and Juwan Johnson (NO) are TD-dependent with Johnson returning from a calf injury. I’m fading Zack Moss (IND) with elbow and heel injuries against a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to running backs.
Sleeper: Derek Carr (NO) is the overall QB9 since Week 5.
NEW ENGLAND AT MIAMI
Obvious starters: Rhamondre Stevenson (NE), Tua Tagovailoa (MIA).
Who to start: Kendrick Bourne (NE) faces a defense that has allowed seven TDs to wide receivers in the last five games. Tyreek Hill (MIA), Jaylen Waddle (MIA) and Raheem Mostert (MIA) are all dealing with some sort or injury, but remain an obvious starter if active. The Dolphins D/ST face an offense allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.
Who to sit: JuJu Smith-Schuster (NE) only has value in the deepest of PPR formats. Both Hunter Henry (NE) and Mike Gesicki (NE) remain TD-dependent despite the good matchup. Mac Jones (NE) only has value in superflex formats.
Sleeper: Ezekiel Elliott (NE) has at least 12 touches or a TD in four of the last five games.
N.Y. JETS AT N.Y. GIANTS
Obvious starters: Garrett Wilson (NYJ), Breece Hall (NYJ), Jets D/ST, Saquon Barkley (NYG), Darren Waller (NYG).
Who to start: Tyrod Taylor (NYG) deserves streaming consideration against a defense allowing at least 15 fantasy points to quarterbacks in five straight games.
Who to sit: Dalvin Cook (NYJ) remains TD-dependent with six-or-fewer touches in three straight games. Allen Lazard (NYJ) remains TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in every game this season. There are options with more upside than Tyler Conklin (NYJ) this week. All indications are Daniel Jones (NYG) will miss his third straight game. I’m fading Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to wide receivers.
Sleeper: The Giants D/ST are the third-highest scoring defense in fantasy since Week 5.
JACKSONVILLE AT PITTSBURGH
Obvious starters: Travis Etienne Jr. (JAC), Christian Kirk (JAC), Evan Engram (JAC), George Pickens (PIT).
Who to start: Calvin Ridley (JAC) faces a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Trevor Lawrence (JAC) is the overall QB10 since Week 3. Najee Harris (PIT) has at least 15 touches in four straight games. Diontae Johnson (PIT) faces a defense that has allowed eight TDs to wide receivers in seven games. Jaylen Warren (PIT) maintains flex appeal in PPR as the overall RB28 since Week 2. The Steelers D/ST is the third-highest scoring defense in fantasy since Week 2.
Who to sit: Kenny Pickett (PIT) has scored one-or-fewer TDs in five of six games this season.
Sleeper: The Jaguars D/ST is the third-highest scoring defense in fantasy since Week 4.
PHILADELPHIA AT WASHINGTON
Obvious starters: Jalen Hurts (PHI), AJ Brown (PHI), DeVonta Smith (PHI), D’Andre Swift (PHI), Dallas Goedert (PHI), Eagles D/ST, Terry McLaurin (WAS).
Who to start: Both Jahan Dotson (WAS) and Curtis Samuel (WAS) have flex appeal against a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Sam Howell (WAS) deserves streaming consideration after producing 290 passing yards, 40 rushing yards and a TD against the Eagles in Week 4.
Who to sit: Kenneth Gainwell (PHI) remains TD-dependent with eight-or-fewer touches in four straight games. I’m fading Brian Robinson (WAS) against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to running backs.
Sleeper: Logan Thomas (WAS) is the overall TE13 across all formats despite missing a game and parts of others this season.
HOUSTON AT CAROLINA
Obvious starters: Nico Collins (HOU), Dalton Schultz (HOU), Adam Thielen (CAR).
Who to start: CJ Stroud (HOU) was the overall QB10 in his last five games. Tank Dell (HOU) faces a defense that has allowed six TDs to wide receivers in the last four games. Both Dameon Pierce (HOU) and Devin Singletary (HOU) have flex appeal against a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to running backs. The Texans D/ST was tied for the seventh-highest scoring defense in fantasy in its last four games.
Who to sit: Robert Woods (HOU) remains TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in four straight games. I’m fading both Chuba Hubbard (CAR) and Miles Sanders (CAR), who is averaging 3.1 yards per carry this season, until we see how the touches play out with Sanders returning from a shoulder injury. DJ Chark Jr. (CAR) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in four of five games this season. Bryce Young (CAR) has played better recently, but I’d still only trust him in superflex formats.
Sleeper: Hayden Hurst (CAR) faces a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to tight ends, including 39 receptions in the last four games.
CLEVELAND AT SEATTLE
Obvious starters: Amari Cooper (CLE), Browns D/ST, Kenneth Walker (SEA), DK Metcalf (SEA).
Who to start: Kareem Hunt (CLE) has RB1 upside with Jerome Ford doubtful to play with an ankle injury. The Seahawks D/ST deserves streaming consideration at home against an offense that has committed multiple turnovers in five of six games.
Who to sit: It’s hard to trust Deshaun Watson (CLE) or PJ Walker (CLE) despite a decent matchup. David Njoku (CLE) faces a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Pierre Strong (CLE) only has value if Hunt is out or limited with a thigh injury. I’m fading Geno Smith (SEA) against one of the best defenses in the NFL. I’m also fading Tyler Lockett (SEA) and Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA) against a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers.
Sleeper: Elijah Moore (CLE) has at least seven targets in five of six games and faces a defense that has allowed seven TDs to wide receivers in the last five games.
KANSAS CITY AT DENVER
Obvious starters: Patrick Mahomes (KC), Travis Kelce (KC), Isiah Pacheco (KC).
Who to start: Rashee Rice (KC) is the overall WR16 in standard formats (WR19 in PPR) since Week 5. The Chiefs D/ST had four sacks, created three turnovers and held the Broncos to eight points in Week 6. Courtland Sutton (DEN) is the overall WR20 in standard formats (WR19 in PPR) through seven games.
Who to sit: Jerick McKinnon (KC) simply isn’t touching the ball enough to trust outside of daily fantasy. Skyy Moore (KC), Kadarius Toney (KC), Marquez Valdes-Scantling (KC) and Mecole Hardman (KC) are all boom-or-bust candidates. Russell Wilson (DEN) faces a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. I’m fading Javonte Williams (DEN), Jaleel McLaughlin (DEN) and Samaje Perine (DEN) against a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Jerry Jeudy (DEN) only had three receptions for 14 yards against the Chiefs in Week 6. Marvin Mims (DEN) only has four targets in the last four games.
Sleeper: Adam Trautman (DEN) faces a defense that has allowed seven receptions, 77 yards or a TD to tight ends in three of the last four games.
BALTIMORE AT ARIZONA
Obvious starters: Lamar Jackson (BAL), Mark Andrews (BAL), Ravens D/ST, Marquise Brown (ARI).
Who to start: Zay Flowers (BAL) has at least 73 yards or a TD in three straight games. Gus Edwards (BAL) faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to running backs.
Who to sit: Justice Hill (BAL) only has flex appeal in the deepest PPR formats. Rashod Bateman (BAL) has had exactly three targets in every game he’s played this season. Nelson Agholor (BAL) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only 11 targets the last four games. Joshua Dobbs (ARI) faces a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Trey McBride (ARI) faces a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to tight ends. This is a difficult matchup to trust Rondale Moore (ARI) or Emari Demercado (ARI). Michael Wilson (ARI) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only seven receptions the last three games.
Sleeper: Odell Beckham Jr. (BAL) faces a defense that has allowed six TDs to wide receivers in the last three games.
CINCINNATI AT SAN FRANCISCO
Obvious starters: Ja’Marr Chase (CIN), Joe Mixon (CIN), Joe Burrow (CIN), Christian McCaffrey (SF), George Kittle (SF), Brandon Aiyuk (SF), 49ers D/ST.
Who to start: Tee Higgins (CIN) faces a defense that has allowed five TDs to wide receivers in the last four games. Tyler Boyd (CIN) maintains flex appeal in PPR formats with at least seven targets in five straight games. Sam Darnold (SF) could start with Brock Purdy (SF) still in the NFL’s concussion protocol — either would be a solid streaming option this week.
Who to sit: I’m fading the Bengals D/ST against an offense allowing the fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses.
Sleeper: Jauan Jennings (SF) replaced an injured Deebo Samuel against the Vikings and finished with five receptions (nine targets) for 54 yards.
CHICAGO AT L.A. CHARGERS
Obvious starters: DJ Moore (CHI), Austin Ekeler (LAC), Keenan Allen (LAC), Justin Herbert (LAC).
Who to start: Cole Kmet (CHI) faces a defense that struggled against two teams (the Vikings and Chiefs) who feature tight ends — allowing 24 receptions, 276 yards and 2 TDs to the position in those two contests. D’Onta Foreman (CHI) has had at least 15 carries and 65 yards in the last two games. The Chargers D/ST deserves streaming consideration at home against an undrafted rookie free agent at quarterback.
Who to sit: Roschon Johnson (CHI) remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol — he’d likely split carries with Foreman if he’s active. It’s hard to trust Tyson Bagent (CHI) despite the premium matchup. Joshua Palmer (LAC) hasn’t practiced with a knee injury this week. Gerald Everett (LAC) remains TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in five of six games this season.
Sleeper(s): Darnell Mooney (CHI) faces a defense that has allowed nine TDs to wide receivers in six games. Quentin Johnston (LAC) could see a significant increase in targets if Palmer is out.
LAS VEGAS AT DETROIT
Obvious starters: Davante Adams (LV), Josh Jacobs (LV), Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET), Jahmyr Gibbs (DET), Sam LaPorta (DET).
Who to start: Jakobi Meyers (LV) is the overall WR15 in standard formats (WR12 in PPR) through seven games. Jimmy Garoppolo (LV) deserves streaming consideration against a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Jared Goff (DET) is averaging 23.4 fantasy points in three games at home this season. I expect the Lions D/ST to bounce back after a rough performance at Baltimore against an offense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.
Who to sit: Jameson Williams (DET) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only four receptions in the last three games. Josh Reynolds (DET) remains TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in four of the last five games.
Sleeper: Michael Mayer (LV) faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to tight ends.
