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FFL: Week 7 | NFL: Week 7

Lineup Prep: Super Bowl

Wed Feb 7 8:43am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Pacheco is playing at high level


Not sure about you, but there is not a better weekend in sports than Super Bowl weekend. It is as good as it gets. Just everything involved with it is so much fun. I am so looking forward to it all this weekend. Let’s hope it is a good game and lives up to the hype. Now for my random thoughts for the week. . . .

I will give you my pick for the game right off the bat. I think it will be a close game, but look for the Chiefs to squeak it out. I think the experience factor plays a difference here in the end, especially when it comes to the quarterback position. Patrick Mahomes has been outstanding during the playoffs and think he has a huge advantage over Brock Purdy. Plus, the Chiefs defense has been outstanding lately, completely shutting down the opponent. I don’t see them shutting down the 49ers high-powered offense, but think they will cause Purdy problems. I’m going with a Chiefs 31-27 victory.

If you still don’t have any fantasy teams alive in the playoffs, consider playing our fun pickem contests. We have tons of options available to play with for the Super Bowl. I wanted to give you a few of my favorite pickem plays for the big game. Give me Travis Kelce more than 70.5-receiving yards. Kelce has 71-plus yards all three of his playoff games and is coming off arguably his best game of the season. And the 49ers struggled to stop the tight end last week, seeing Sam LaPorta rack up the receptions and yards. I also like Brandon Aiyuk less than 61.5-receiving yards. Aiyuk has failed to hit that mark two of three games and has just three catches each of his last three games. Lastly, I like Deebo Samuel more than 79.5-rushing and receiving yards. Samuel had 11 touches his last game and was a huge part of the offense. I look for the 49ers to get him involved early and often, giving him good potential to rack up some total yards.

I’m not sure how I feel about the Commanders hiring of Kliff Kingsbury. His offenses were fine in Arizona, but not as explosive as many thought and he struggled some using Caleb Williams last year at USC. I think the Commanders would have been better served keeping Eric Bieniemy as their offensive coordinator. I thought he did a great job with the offense last year in Washington all things considered. I’m not convinced Kingsbury is going to be an upgrade.

On a different subject, can we stop teasing and showing parts of the Super Bowl commercials before the game? I mean part of the fun of the game is the commercials. They are always entertaining and a part of the event. But now, you see parts of the commercials before the game, ruining the surprise. C’mon people. Let’s stop this tradition right now.

We had our first TFC draft of the 2024 season last night. And in a surprise move, the first pick of the draft was Breece Hall. And we also saw Sam LaPorta get picked before Travis Kelce. It is always interesting to see how these early drafts shake out. A lot is going to change between now and the start of next season, but trends are starting now. In this draft, four running backs were picked in the first round compared to eight receivers. And the quarterback position looks as deep as ever with guys like Jordan Love getting picked in Round 11. Brock Purdy and Kirk Cousins also went very late.

News and Notes: The Chargers hired Greg Roman as their new offensive coordinator. Roman tends to be more run heavy when it comes to play calling. . . . .Former Texans and Patriots running back Rex Burkhead announced his retirement from the NFL on Tuesday. 

HOT PLAYS

Isiah Pacheco, RB, Chiefs. Pacheco has taken his game to new heights during the Chiefs playoff run. He has at least 15 fantasy points four straight games and found the end zone seven consecutive games. He even has 20-plus carries two of three games, getting a big workload in the Chiefs offense. Expect more of the same this week from Pacheco. The 49ers allowed 182-rushing yards to the Lions their last game and allowed 135-plus rushing yards each of their two playoff games.

Travis Kelce, TE, Chiefs. Kelce has looked like a different player during these playoffs than the regular season. He had 11 receptions his last game and at least five catches all three playoff games. He has 14-plus fantasy points all three games. He has really elevated his game after a ho-hum second half of the season. Look for him to be the focal point of the Chiefs passing game once again this week. And San Francisco couldn’t contain Sam LaPorta in the Championship game, allowing him to get nine receptions for 97 yards. The Packers tight ends had six receptions and a touchdown in the 49ers other playoff game.

COLD PLAYS 

Brandon Aiyuk, WR, 49ers. Aiyuk did score a touchdown his last game, which was a big positive, but he had just three receptions. He has just three cathodes three straight games. He has were than 40 yards two of three. And with the Chiefs secondary clamping down on receivers right not, it could be more of the same for Aiyuk this week. He could be held in check once again.

Jerick McKinnon, RB, Chiefs. McKinnon is expected to make his long-awaited return this week, returning from a groin injury. He has not played since Week 15. Just remember he has not reached double-digit touches in a single game this year. Pacheco is the lead back in this offense and will get most of the work at running back. McKinnon played great during the Chiefs playoff run last season, but this is a new year. Plus, McKinnon has not played in several weeks, so you have to wonder how much he is even on the field. He will be a big risk to use for fantasy owners.

SLEEPERS

Jauan Jennings, WR, 49ers. There are always surprise players in the Super Bowl, so why not Jennings. He could draw the most favorable matchups in coverage for the 49ers receiver options. And he has looked good in the playoffs, having six receptions for 69 yards in two games. He played 42 percent of the snaps last week - even with Deebo Samuel back in the lineup. Jennings might get a big play or two in this one, making him an intriguing fantasy play. 

Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR, Chiefs. Valdes-Scantling had the game-clinching reception in the Championship game, making a sliding catch on third down to clinch the game. He finished with two receptions for 38 yards. But he played a season-high 83 percent of the snaps in that game, which is encouraging. If he is on the field that much again this week, his reception and yardage totals could rise in what might be a high-scoring game.

High/Low Scoring Games

Each week we will take a look at some of the high and low scoring games for the coming week. In high scoring affairs, get your marginal players on those teams in your lineup to take advantage of the possible points barrage. And in the low scoring games, keep those marginal players on the bench and make sure to have your defenses involved in those contests.

High Scoring Games: Chiefs/49ers.

Low Scoring Games: None.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 7

Player Notes
Jacob Cowing Oct 21 3:00am ET
Jacob Cowing

San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Jacob Cowing got his first career action in the passing game during a 28-18 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. The fourth-round pick had seen most of his work this year as a punt returner but became involved in the offense when Brandon Aiyuk (knee) and Deebo Samuel Sr. (illness) left near the end of the first half, and with Jauan Jennings already having been ruled out earlier in the week. Cowing finished with two receptions for 50 yards on three targets. One of those receptions was an important-at-the-time 41-yard fourth-quarter bomb. If Aiyuk's injury is a torn ACL as feared, Cowing will be a deep-league waiver target -- along with fellow rookie Ricky Pearsall. Pearsall has the long-term edge over Cowing based on Pearsall's first-round pedigree, but Cowing had a more impactful day and Pearsall hadn't played an NFL snap until today, including preseason. San Francisco will host the Dallas Cowboys in Week 8 on Sunday Night Football.

From RotoBaller

Alec Pierce Oct 21 1:40am ET
Alec Pierce

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce caught two of his five targets for 15 yards in the team's 16-10 win over the Miami Dolphins. Pierce led Indy in targets, tied with wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. Pierce and quarterback Anthony Richardson did connect on a 28-yard pass that nearly had him in the end zone, but the play was ultimately negated due to an illegal formation penalty. Pierce has been a very boom-or-bust option for fantasy managers and will likely continue to stay in a similar role moving forward. That being said, Pierce will have a more favorable matchup in Week 8 against the Houston Texans and can potentially be viewed as a WR4/5 option in the contest.

From RotoBaller

Matt Gay Oct 21 1:40am ET
Matt Gay

Indianapolis Colts kicker Matt Gay made all three of his field goals and connected on his only extra-point opportunity in the team's 16-10 win over the Miami Dolphins. Gay accounted for ten of Indy's six points, making a huge difference in Sunday's low-scoring contest. His longest field goal came from 52 yards out, with his other two coming from 22 and 38 yards out, respectively. Gay was 0/2 from 50+ yard attempts before Sunday's contest but was able to put one through in the second quarter. He'll look to build on his strong performance in Week 8 when the Colts take on the Houston Texans.

From RotoBaller

Josh Downs Oct 21 1:30am ET
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs caught just one of his three targets for three yards in the team's 16-10 win over the Miami Dolphins. The Colts struggled to move the ball through the air throughout the contest, relying on their run game to help lead them to a win. Downs had seen some high-level production in previous weeks with quarterback Joe Flacco as the starter but has struggled to see a similar fantasy output with quarterback Anthony Richardson at the helm. The Dolphins' secondary has been a stingy unit so far this season, and Downs and company are in store for a better matchup in Week 8 against the Houston Texans. That being said, Downs can be viewed as a WR3/4 option in the contest.

From RotoBaller

Adonai Mitchell Oct 21 1:30am ET
Adonai Mitchell

Indianapolis Colts rookie wide receiver Adonai Mitchell caught two of his three targets for 30 yards in the team's 16-10 win over the Miami Dolphins. Mitchell finished second in receiving yards for Indy, behind Michael Pittman Jr., who finished with 63. All of Indy's pass-catchers finished with underwhelming stat lines, given Miami's run funnel defense. Despite finishing second in yards, Mitchell continues to see a very low snap share, logging just 14 total snaps with six routes run in the matchup. While he has still seen production in the limited snaps, it does make him hard to trust as a viable option moving forward. The former Longhorn is likely off the radar in Week 8 when the Colts take on the Houston Texans.

From RotoBaller

Michael Pittman Jr. Oct 21 1:20am ET
Michael Pittman Jr.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. caught three of his five targets for 63 yards in the team's 16-10 win over the Miami Dolphins. Pittman accounted for almost half of Indianapolis' receiving yards on Sunday, with quarterback Anthony Richardson throwing for just 129 yards in the contest. Most of Pittman's production came from a 33-yard throw from Richardson in the first half that set up a field goal before the half expired. Like the rest of Indy's pass-catchers, their ceilings take quite a hit with Richardson as the starter, but Pittman showed today he still provides a solid floor and can be trusted moving forward. He can be viewed as a WR3 option in Week 8 when the Colts take on the Houston Texans.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Oct 21 1:10am ET
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson completed ten of his 24 passing attempts for 129 yards in the team's 16-10 win over the Miami Dolphins, throwing no touchdowns and no interceptions. Richardson found some success on the ground, running the ball 14 times for a team-high 56 yards, but did lose a fumble in the red zone in the first half. Richardson has struggled to put up big numbers through the air this season and hasn't seen incredibly high numbers on the ground to help compensate from a fantasy perspective. Fantasy managers can view Richardson as a low-end QB1 option in Week 8 when the Colts visit the Houston Texans.

From RotoBaller

Trey Sermon Oct 21 1:10am ET
Trey Sermon

Indianapolis Colts running back Trey Sermon carried the ball eight times for 36 yards in the team's 16-10 win over the Miami Dolphins. Sermon also caught his only target for another 13 yards through the air. Sermon took a backseat to running back Tyler Goodson in Sunday's matchup, being out-touched 14-to-nine, marking the first time Goodson had the higher opportunity share since the two overtook the backfield in Jonathan Taylor's (ankle) absence. Sermon had some issues with efficiency in the previous week but improved on that, averaging 4.5 yards per carry on Sunday. Sermon's fantasy value does take quite a hit with Goodson's expanded role, and the two may both be off the radar in Week 8 if Taylor were to return. If Taylor sits out again in Week 8 against the Houston Texans, Sermon can be viewed as a RB3/4 option.

From RotoBaller

Chris Boswell Oct 21 1:00am ET
Chris Boswell

Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell nailed all three of his field goal attempts and converted on all four of his extra-point tries in a 37-15 victory against the New York Jets. The Steelers offense got off to a slow start but quickly picked up momentum, pushing the ball downfield and generating an abundance of opportunities for Boswell. He has been one of the most reliable kickers in the NFL this season and has provided value for fantasy purposes. If Pittsburgh can continue putting up points at this rate, Boswell will project as a must-start on a weekly basis. He can be confidently deployed against the New York Giants in Week 8.

From RotoBaller

Beanie Bishop Jr. Oct 21 1:00am ET
Beanie Bishop Jr.

The Pittsburgh Steelers logged one sack, two interceptions, one forced fumble, and a blocked field goal while surrendering 15 points to the New York Jets in a Week 7 victory. Pittsburgh's pass rush was surprisingly held in check on Sunday night, but its secondary came through with a game-changing performance. Undrafted rookie cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. picked off quarterback Aaron Rodgers twice and nearly scored while returning an interception in the third quarter. The Steelers DST has been steady for fantasy purposes through seven weeks and will remain a must-start option against the New York Giants in Week 8.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Goodson Oct 21 12:50am ET
Tyler Goodson

Indianapolis Colts running back Tyler Goodson ran the ball 14 times for 51 yards and a touchdown in the team's 16-10 win over the Miami Dolphins. Goodson out-touched running back Trey Sermon for the first time since Jonathan Taylor (ankle) has been out, seeing 14 carries to Sermon's eight. Goodson was productive, breaking away multiple chunk runs that eventually led to a first-half touchdown. If Taylor is out again in Week 8 against the Houston Texans, fantasy managers can look to Goodson as a viable RB2 option, given his increased workload.

From RotoBaller

Christian Kirk Oct 21 12:50am ET
Christian Kirk

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk turned three targets into just one catch for 24 yards during Sunday's Week 7 win over the New England Patriots in London. The 27-year-old has underperformed over his last two games, tallying just four catches and 63 yards during that span. Immediately upon returning stateside next week, he gets a tough matchup against a very tough Green Bay Packers secondary. Fantasy managers should leave Kirk on the bench in 12-team leagues.

From RotoBaller

Gabriel Davis Oct 21 12:50am ET
Gabriel Davis

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Gabe Davis was targeted twice during Sunday's Week 7 win over the New England Patriots in London. He finished with just one catch for 13 yards, representing a massive step backward from Week 6 when he totaled five catches, 45 yards, and two touchdowns. Brian Thomas Jr. and Evan Engram have cemented themselves as Trevor Lawrence's favorite targets, leaving Davis and Christian Kirk fighting for the scraps in Jacksonville's passing attack. Neither Davis nor Kirk are dependable fantasy options when the Jaguars return stateside to face a tough Green Bay Packers secondary in Week 8.

From RotoBaller

George Pickens Oct 21 12:40am ET
George Pickens

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens hauled in five receptions for 111 yards and a touchdown on nine targets in a 37-15 victory over the New York Jets. With Russell Wilson starting at quarterback, Pickens was consistently given opportunities downfield. He came down with multiple highlight-reel grabs and found pay dirt for the first time this season on an 11-yard fade route near the end of the second quarter. While Pickens was clearly the favorite target of Justin Fields, his skillset seems to better align with Wilson's strengths, which include stretching the field vertically. The 23-year-old should find himself back in fantasy WR2 territory next week in a bout with the New York Giants.

From RotoBaller

Will Reichard Oct 21 12:40am ET
Will Reichard

Minnesota Vikings kicker Will Reichard went 3-for-3 on field goals and 2-for-2 on extra points during Sunday's Week 7 loss to the Detroit Lions. Although Minnesota lost, Reichard kept the Vikings in the game with another perfect effort, hitting key field goals from 42, 48, and 57 yards out. He has been extremely accurate through six games in his rookie campaign, converting all 12 of his field goal attempts and all 18 of his extra point attempts. Moving forward, Reichard is a reliable top-12 kicking option in fantasy football given his accuracy, power, and Minnesota's scoring tendencies.

From RotoBaller

Pat Freiermuth Oct 21 12:40am ET
Pat Freiermuth

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth logged two receptions for 51 yards on three targets in a 37-15 win over the New York Jets. Freiermuth was surprisingly given fewer opportunities than fellow tight end Darnell Washington, who earned a career-high four targets. Still, Freiermuth outgained Washington and was extremely effective with limited touches. He turned a short completion from Russell Wilson into a 30-yard gain in the second quarter and later came down with a 21-yard deep ball. Pittsburgh's passing attack was more aggressive and fast-paced with Wilson at the helm, which should prove beneficial to Freiermuth going forward. He'll remain on the fantasy radar for a Week 8 meeting with the New York Giants.

From RotoBaller

Brian Thomas Jr. Oct 21 12:30am ET
Brian Thomas Jr.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. caught all five of his targets for 89 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's Week 7 win over the New England Patriots in London. He also added two rushing yards on two attempts. The rookie was the Jaguars' most productive pass-catcher as they recorded their second win in the last three weeks. Not only did he find the end zone, but he also delivered a 58-yard reception to put the Jaguars on the edge of the red zone late in the first half. Thomas should continue to be treated as a solid WR2 option in fantasy football, including next week when the Jaguars return stateside to face the Green Bay Packers.

From RotoBaller

Evan Engram Oct 21 12:30am ET
Evan Engram

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram caught all five of his targets for 35 yards during Sunday's Week 7 win over the New England Patriots in London. The veteran pass-catcher has been quite productive in two weeks since returning from injury, catching 15 passes for 137 yards during that span. One would have to imagine that his strong stretch of games will continue when the Jaguars return stateside to face the Green Bay Packers next week. After all, Engram is looking like the Jaguars' second-best pass-catcher behind Brian Thomas Jr. Fantasy managers should treat the 30-year-old as a mid-to-low TE1 option in fantasy football.

From RotoBaller

D'Ernest Johnson Oct 21 12:30am ET
D'Ernest Johnson

Jacksonville Jaguars running back D'Ernest Johnson rushed for 38 yards on nine carries during Sunday's Week 7 win over the New England Patriots in London. He also got involved as a pass-catcher, hauling in three of his four targets for an additional 32 receiving yards. While Johnson operated as the clear backup to Tank Bigsby on Sunday, it was promising to see him stay productive while earning double-digit touches. With that said, his usage could decrease in a more negative game script scenario, such as next week versus the Green Bay Packers. Johnson is worth monitoring on the fantasy radar, but managers can't justify starting him in 12-team leagues yet.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Nailor Oct 21 12:30am ET
Jalen Nailor

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor caught four of his five targets for 76 receiving yards during Sunday's Week 7 loss to the Detroit Lions. Nailor operated as the Vikings' No. 3 receiver, but he still played 73.3 percent of the offensive snaps and was clearly heavily involved in the passing attack. In fact, Nailor had more targets, receptions, and yards than Jordan Addison, and he came just five receiving yards shy of Justin Jefferson's Week 7 mark. It's not often that you can plug a team's No. 3 receiver into your fantasy lineups, but Nailor has become an appealing option ahead of Week 8 versus a suspect Los Angeles Rams defense.

From RotoBaller