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FFL: Week 7 | NFL: Week 7

RB Strength of Schedule

Tue May 28 9:03am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Robinson setup for big season


Using our rules for our money leagues, we came up with a schedule strength ranking for the running back position. We are using our fantasy defenses report to calculate the rankings. This report can be found in all of our leagues under the "reports" heading. We took the schedule of each team and entered the average number of fantasy points allowed to running backs last season from all of their opponents to get our fantasy points allowed number. This is a good indication of the running backs with the most favorable schedules for fantasy scoring for the coming season. Defenses obviously change from year to year, but knowing the running backs that might have the easiest schedule for fantasy is always a good idea when formulating your rankings and draft strategy.

  RB SOS  
1. Green Bay Packers 356.01
2. Houston Texans 361.46
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 361.46
4. Las Vegas Raiders 361.48
5. Seattle Seahawks 362.28
6. Buffalo Bills 363.19
7. Arizona Cardinals 363.76
8. Dallas Cowboys 363.9
9. Jacksonville Jaguars 364.51
10. Washington Commanders 364.86
11. Chicago Bears 364.89
12. Indianapolis Colts 365.41
13. San Francisco 49ers 365.86
14. New Orleans Saints 366.49
15. New York Jets 368.23
16. Detroit Lions 368.49
17. Philadelphia Eagles 369.05
18. Minnesota Vikings 369.06
19. Carolina Panthers 369.88
20. Cleveland Browns 370.34
21. Kansas City Chiefs 371.71
22. New York Giants 372.21
23. Los Angeles Chargers 373.19
24. Denver Broncos 373.32
25. Cincinnati Bengals 373.66
26. Los Angeles Rams 374.09
27. Baltimore Ravens 374.16
28. New England Patriots 375.60
29. Atlanta Falcons 376.19
30. Miami Dolphins 377.49
31. Tennessee Titans 378.2
32. Pittsburgh Steelers 378.72


The two teams with the easiest fantasy schedules for running backs are the Steelers and Titans, which is interesting because both teams could platoon running backs. The Steelers split the work between Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. And the Titans are likely to use both Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. All four backs could be setup for solid seasons with favorable schedules. It is always scary to take a back that might split work but seeing these positive schedules could make pulling the trigger on them a little easier come draft day. All four could be top flex plays for fantasy teams.

The Dolphins had huge success running the ball last year and could have similar solid production this season with the third easiest fantasy schedule for running backs. Devon Achane is really looking good in year two. He is expected to get more work and likely lead the backfield in touches. Raheem Mostert had a career season last year and a great schedule but he carries a little more risk. He is 32 years old and now has rookie Jaylen Wright pushing him for playing time. Just something to keep in mind come draft day.

The Falcons are another team with a top-five favorable running back schedule, making Bijan Robinson a very intriguing pick this year. Robinson had a bit of a disappointing rookie season, but a new coaching staff and really favorable schedule make Robinson a huge breakout candidate. He is moving up draft rankings in a hurry and is capable of finishing first overall in fantasy running back scoring because of his skill set.

Rhamondre Stevenson is a possible rebound candidate. He was slowed by injury last year but is back healthy and with the fifth easiest schedule for running backs. Stevenson has shown in the past he can be a big-time fantasy back. Things are looking up for him this year, making him a good buy-low candidate.

The Packers had the easiest fantasy schedule for quarterbacks but get the toughest for running backs. This isn’t great news for new back Josh Jacobs. It is hard to bet against the productive back, though. You just might want to temper expectations for him this coming year. Jacobs could have a few down weeks, especially for his standards.

The Texans signed Joe Mixon to shore up their running back spot, but he carries some concerns. He wasn’t highly productive the last few seasons besides all his scores and now gets the second toughest schedule for running backs. Plus, the Texans are likely to be a pass heavy team, which could limit his workload a little. Mixon could end up being a boom or bust player.

Tampa also has a unfavorable fantasy schedule for running backs. Rachaad White had a big season last year but padded his numbers because of all his work in the passing game. That might be a similar scenario for him, having a tough time to run with this schedule. The positive for White is he is very good in the passing game. You have to worry about his rushing totals, though.

The Raiders haven’t really settled on a starting running back, but Zamir White is likely to get first shot at the job. That is great news for his fantasy value but the not so great news is his tough fantasy schedule. This could limit the ceiling of White a little. He has risk to begin with because it isn’t 100 percent certain he wins the job. This makes him a bit of a scary pick for fantasy teams.

Kenneth Walker didn’t have quite the breakout second season many hoped but was fairly productive with his work. And the good news is Zach Charbonnet didn’t really put a big dent in his workload. The Seahawks seem happy with Walker as the lead back. The unfortunate news for Walker is he has the fifth toughest fantasy running back schedule. Walker might fail to reach his lofty expectations once again in year three.

We also wanted to look at playoff schedules for fantasy running backs. So we crunched the numbers of all the schedules from Week 14-17, which is the fantasy playoffs for most leagues. We know you have to get to the playoffs first, but knowing the running backs with the easiest playoff schedules doesn’t hurt by any means, especially in the big money contests.

  RB PLAYOFF SOS  
1. San Francisco 49ers 291.43
2. Washington Commanders 325.2
3. Houston Texans 327.8
4. Pittsburgh Steelers 332.03
5. New York Jets 337.57
6. Cleveland Browns 340.8
7. Las Vegas Raiders 341.1
8. Miami Dolphins 348.27
9. Chicago Bears 350.37
10. Buffalo Bills 350.53
11. Arizona Cardinals 352.8
12. Dallas Cowboys 358.87
13. Detroit Lions 359.7
14. New York Giants 365.67
15. Kansas City Chiefs 366.53
16. Green Bay Packers 368.97
17. Seattle Seahawks 370.23
18. Carolina Panthers 377.15
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 378.37
20. Los Angeles Chargers 380.73
21. Jacksonville Jaguars 381
22. Baltimore Ravens 381.43
23. Cincinnati Bengals 383.50
24. Philadelphia Eagles 391.07
25. New England Patriots 397.95
26. Indianapolis Colts 398.40
27. Denver Broncos 399.53
28. Tennessee Titans 401.63
29. Los Angeles Rams 403.92
30. New Orleans Saints 406.33
31. Minnesota Vikings 407.87
32. Atlanta Falcons 422.4

 

There are two teams with a top-five favorable schedule for fantasy running backs for both the regular season and playoffs. Those teams are the Falcons and Titans. Atlanta actually has the easiest fantasy playoff schedule for running backs. Robinson was looking good even before hearing this news but looks even better now. He is making a strong case to be the second running back off the board come draft day.

And Pollard and Spears are intriguing running back options with schedules that could produce big for both during the regular season and playoffs. You just have to worry about one back emerging to grab most of the work. If that happens, one of these backs could end up being a bust.

Minnesota has the second easiest playoff schedule for running backs. Aaron Jones has some injury concerns after the last few seasons, but he could be setup for a big workload with an unsettled quarterback situation in Minnesota. Jones has some good upside with his new team, especially during the playoffs.

One other team to mention for the playoff is New Orleans. Alvin Kamara isn’t getting any younger but remains the lead back and still productive. He still seems to have something left in the tank and could be a big fantasy factor for at least one more season, especially when it matters most in the playoffs. He could be a difference maker, having the third easiest fantasy schedule for running backs.

Houston is the lone team in both the top five for the toughest regular season and playoff fantasy running back schedules. This is an obvious concern for Mixon. He is looking more and more like a player you might to avoid come draft day. He might have some big games along the way in this great offense, but you have to wonder about his consistency and playoff performance.

So the top rated fantasy back, Christian McCaffrey, also has the toughest fantasy playoff schedule for running backs. You aren’t fading McCaffrey because of this. He is one of those rare backs that it doesn’t really matter who he plays. McCaffrey will produce. We still think he is the clear No. 1 fantasy back. He can still get it done in the playoffs.

Washington has Brian Robinson and Austin Ekekler likely splitting the work at running back, which hurts both their fantasy values. They also get the second most difficult playoff schedule for running backs. We wouldn’t reach too early for either back because of this.

The Steelers have the easiest fantasy running back schedule during the playoffs but fourth toughest for the playoffs. This is a tough one. Both backs have potential for good things, showing they can co-exist last year and produce well for fantasy teams. You just have to wonder if fading in the playoffs will make all that good work during the regular season all for nothing.

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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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 7

Player Notes
Rashid Shaheed Oct 15 7:10pm ET
Rashid Shaheed

New Orleans Saints wide receivers Rashid Shaheed (knee) and Chris Olave (concussion) did not practice on Tuesday. Both players exited the Saints' Week 6 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers a little banged up. While Olave has been an inconsistent fantasy asset, Shaheed has been excellent this season and is currently the WR22. He has also seen at least seven targets in three straight games. Olave on the other hand is the WR47 in fantasy. He only posted three points in Week 5 and his injury caused him to finish with -0.5 points in Week 6. However, both players are essential to the success of the Saints' offense as they get ready to face a tough Denver Broncos defense in Week 7. Given that this game will be played on Thursday Night, both players seem to be in high danger of missing this contest. Olave's status is especially in jeopardy given that he is in the concussion protocol and has not begun practicing. The absence of both players would boost the value of wide receivers Bub Means and Mason Tipton along with tight end Juwan Johnson. It would also likely force the Saints to have a heavy reliance on running back Alvin Kamara (hand)

From RotoBaller

Derek Carr Oct 15 7:00pm ET
Derek Carr

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) was a DNP at practice on Tuesday. Carr was originally reported to likely miss multiple weeks so his practice status comes as no surprise. The Saints play on Thursday Night Football against the Denver Broncos and Carr's lack of practice suggests that he is on his way to missing another week. Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler threw for 243 yards and a touchdown in place of Carr in Week 6. He posted a poor QBR of 27.9. Prior to his injury, Carr had racked up 989 passing yards and eight touchdowns in five games. His completion percentage of 70.3 is excellent but Carr struggled over his past couple of games. For now, the Saints will have to hope that Rattler can pick up his play as Carr continues to heal.

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Cam Akers Oct 15 6:50pm ET
Cam Akers

The Minnesota Vikings are trading for running back Cam Akers. The Vikings will send the Houston Texans a conditional 2026 sixth-round pick in exchange for Akers and a conditional 2026 seventh-round pick. Akers played six games for the Vikings in 2023 after his unceremonious departure from the Los Angeles Rams. He had been filling in for Joe Mixon in 2024 as the latter recovered from an ankle injury. During that time, Dare Ogunbowale emerged as a viable option. Dameon Pierce has also returned to the lineup from his own injury which made Akers expendable. The Vikings only had running backs Ty Chandler, Myles Gaskin, and Aaron Jones (hip) on their roster. With Jones ailing and limited depth behind him, the Vikings likely felt like they needed to make a move. Akers has familiarity with Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell due to their days in Los Angeles together. Akers has rushed for 147 yards and a touchdown in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Oct 15 6:40pm ET
Davante Adams

New York Jets new wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) plans to play in Week 7 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Adams was traded to the Jets on Tuesday and will make his debut on Sunday Night Football. Although the news is exciting, fantasy managers may want to temper their expectations for Adams. He is entering a new offense with less than a week of preparation time while coming off a soft tissue injury. Additionally, the Steelers are No. 10 against opposing wide receivers in fantasy. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers seems to have found a rhythm over the last couple of weeks but it may take a couple of weeks for Adams to fully get going. In three games with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024, Adams has 18 receptions for 209 yards and a touchdown.

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Spencer Rattler Oct 15 6:30pm ET
Spencer Rattler

Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II (concussion) did not practice on Tuesday. While it is not uncommon for players with a concussion to miss Tuesday's practice, it does not bode well for Surtain's potential to play on Thursday night. Surtain has been a certified lockdown corner in 2024. He has only allowed 109 receiving yards this season and he has allowed zero touchdowns. He has stifled opposing wide receivers in fantasy football. Denver is getting ready to travel to New Orleans to play the Saints on Thursday Night Football. The Saints' wide receiver room is also banged up so if Surtain is unable to play, it would make life much easier on rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler. However, Surtain's potential absence would affect the appeal of the Broncos D/ST as a streaming option in Week 7.

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Clyde Edwards-Helaire Oct 15 6:20pm ET
Clyde Edwards-Helaire

Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire was officially activated from the non-football illness list on Tuesday. The move indicates that Edwards-Helaire will be ready to go on Sunday when the Chiefs play the San Francisco 49ers in a Super Bowl rematch. Edwards-Helaire is currently listed as the No. 2 running back behind Kareem Hunt on the Chiefs' depth chart. His activation muddies the waters in the Kansas City backfield. They have been playing a rotation of Hunt, Samaje Perine, and Carson Steele. Edwards-Helaire does not project to usurp Hunt but he will likely eat into some of his touches as a player the Chiefs know and trust. Hunt is likely going to be worth a start in Week 7 but Edwards-Helaire is a worthy stash to see how the Chiefs deploy these backs. In 15 games with the Chiefs in 2023, Edwards-Helaire ran for 223 yards and a touchdown. He added 188 yards and a touchdown in the receiving game.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Daniels Oct 15 4:30pm ET
Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels enjoyed a breakout performance last week on Monday Night Football and looks to keep it rolling in the desert against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. Last week, Daniels eclipsed 250 passing yards and threw for two scores for the first time in his career after relying primarily on his legs during the first two games of the campaign. With his incredible rushing ability, Daniels has scored over 30 PPR points twice. This week, he faces the Arizona Cardinals in a game with the highest point total of the week at 50, suggesting this could be a high-scoring affair and should open the door for significant fantasy opportunities. Daniels should be locked into all starting lineups and viewed as a high-end QB1.

From RotoBaller

Russell Wilson Oct 15 3:13pm ET
Russell Wilson

Dynasty | The Steelers are giving Russell Wilson the first team reps with the plans to likely start him this week. Dynasty Analysis: Nothing is official and it also sounds like Mike Tomlin may play both quarterbacks this week. This is surprising considering Fields has the team at 4-2 and playing decently on offense. Still, Fields hasn't done anything spectacularly and has done more "game managing" than anything else. It's fair to wonder if that's really based more on game plans than Fields, who was looking like a player trying to not turn the ball over and do what he's asked. Regardless, this is a situation worth monitoring this week. Neither quarterback is looking like a great option at the moment.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Davante Adams Oct 15 3:13pm ET
Davante Adams

Dynasty | The Jets are reportedly shopping wide receiver Mike Williams. Dynasty Analysis: This is of little surprise after the Jets acquired Davante Adams and have seen Williams post just ten catches for 145 scoreless yards this year. It's hard to see a team giving up much for Williams, who has a tendency to run very hot and cold and has proven to be less than durable throughout his career. More than anything else, it seems the Jets are committed to Adams, Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard as their top three receivers. Williams' dynasty value is on life support and a move could help. Just don't expect much at this point.

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Josh Allen Oct 15 3:13pm ET
Josh Allen

Dynasty | The Browns have traded wide receiver Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Bills. Dynasty Analysis: The Bills get Cooper and a 2025 sixth-round pick from the Browns in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick and a 2026 seventh-round pick. This seems like a reasonable price to pay for a receiver who has shown the ability to put up big weeks. Like REALLY big weeks. Cooper is as streaky as they come and that's been consistent in his time with the Cowboys, Raiders, and Browns. That likely won't end with Buffalo, but the upgrade from Deshaun Watson to Josh Allen is enormous. Cooper's weekly appeal has just changed and dynasty managers who are out of contention and have him on their roster should look to cash out.

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Jonathon Brooks Oct 15 3:00pm ET
Jonathon Brooks

The Carolina Panthers are opening running back Jonathon Brooks' (knee) practice window this week, but according to Joe Person of The Athletic, the team is likely not going to rush him into game action. Person said a Week 9 return for the home game against the New Orleans Saints is a "realistic target" for Brooks to begin his NFL career. The organization knew Brooks would not be ready to start his rookie season following a late 2023 ACL tear at Texas, and Chuba Hubbard has been excellent as the lead back thus far. Carolina is far from a Super Bowl or playoff contender, so they will likely play it safe with Brooks. When Brooks returns, he'll likely share touches with Hubbard and be eased into action, but hopefully, he'll be a flex-worthy fantasy football option late in the season and for the fantasy football playoffs. Managers who are stashing him will likely have to wait a bit longer for him to make an impact.

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Davante Adams Oct 15 2:50pm ET
Davante Adams

Following the New York Jets acquiring All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams from the Las Vegas Raiders, Adams has agreed to a restructured contract that lessens his cap hit in 2024. Adams and the team will likely work to restructure the 2025 and 2026 portions of his contract in the future, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. The 31-year-old is set to reunite with his longtime quarterback in Green Bay, Aaron Rodgers. While Adams could take time to acclimate to his new team, he has longstanding chemistry with Rodgers and has a chance to play in Week 7 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Adams caught at least 100 passes three times in his eight seasons with the Packers and Rodgers, and he scored at least 10 touchdowns in five different seasons. His arrival in New York could help Garrett Wilson draw more favorable matchups, but Wilson will no longer dominate targets.

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Dante Pettis Oct 15 2:30pm ET
Dante Pettis

The New Orleans Saints signed veteran wide receiver Dante Pettis to the practice squad on Tuesday, according to NFL.com. Starting wideouts Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee) are banged up heading into Thursday night's contest against the Denver Broncos, so there's a chance Pettis could be activated to the active roster in Week 7. Pettis, a 2018 second-round pick, has hauled in 71 of his 132 career targets for 984 yards and 12 touchdowns in his NFL career. He last played for the Chicago Bears in 2022, catching 19 passes for 245 yards and three scores. It would be a surprise if Pettis becomes a fantasy-relevant option, but he could see playing time if the New Orleans pass-catching group continues to battle injuries.

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Amari Cooper Oct 15 2:20pm ET
Amari Cooper

The Buffalo Bills are trading for Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper, according to NFL insider Ari Meirov. Cooper has been rumored to be on the trade block following a slow start to the season for quarterback Deshaun Watson and the Browns, and he's now set to play with Josh Allen in Buffalo. The five-time Pro Bowl pass-catcher has six seasons of at least 1,000 receiving yards on his resume between his time with the Raiders, Cowboys, and Browns. He will provide an immediate upgrade for quarterback Josh Allen, as the Buffalo passing offense has registered just 186.3 yards per game. Cooper's fantasy stock is on the rise, while wideouts Keon Coleman, Khalil Shakir, and Curtis Samuel, and tight end Dalton Kincaid are now set to face enhanced target competition and will be downgraded in the rest-of-season rankings.

From RotoBaller

Anders Carlson Oct 15 1:30pm ET
Anders Carlson

The San Francisco 49ers are signing former Green Bay Packers kicker Anders Carlson to their practice squad on Tuesday, according to a source. The 49ers are adding some kicking insurance after Matthew Wright injured his shoulder in the Week 6 win over the division-rival Seattle Seahawks last Thursday night. Regular starting kicker Jake Moody (ankle) is currently out with an ankle injury and is expected to miss more time, so San Fran needed another backup option at the position in case Wright is unable to play in Week 7 versus the Kansas City Chiefs in a Super Bowl rematch. The 26-year-old Carlson was waived by the Packers in training camp in August after struggling in his rookie season in 2023. The former sixth-rounder out of Auburn made 27 of his 33 field-goal attempts and also missed five of his 39 extra-point tries in 17 regular-season games. Avoid him in fantasy if he makes the start on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Mike Williams Oct 15 1:20pm ET
Mike Williams

The New York Jets are planning to make wide receiver Mike Williams available for trade after acquiring All-Pro wideout Davante Adams from the Las Vegas Raiders on Tuesday, according to sources. Williams signed a one-year deal this offseason, but the current receiver room is too crowded now after the Adams acquisition. ESPN New York's Rich Cimini suggested this might be the case after Williams ran the wrong route on an interception late in the Monday night loss to the division-rival Buffalo Bills and was called out by quarterback Aaron Rodgers for it. In addition to not catching any of his three targets on Monday, the 30-year-old was being evaluated for a head injury late in the contest. At this point, a trade might be the best thing for Williams' fantasy value after catching only 10 passes for 145 yards and no touchdowns in his first six games with the Jets in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Russell Wilson Oct 15 1:10pm ET
Russell Wilson

The Pittsburgh Steelers are planning to give quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) first-team repetitions in practice this week, putting him in line to make his Steelers debut and start on Sunday night against the New York Jets in Week 7. Pittsburgh is off to a 4-2 start with Justin Fields under center, but Wilson's calf injury is fully healed. Tomlin said Wilson "proved his health last week" and confirms he's "in consideration" to start on Sunday. He won't rule out playing both QBs against the Jets. It's a curious decision, to say the least, given how poorly Wilson looked in the last two seasons with the Broncos. Fields hasn't been amazing, but he's done enough to warrant keeping the job and has five touchdowns and only one interception while completing a career-high 66.3% of his passes through six games. He's also run for five scores. In a tough matchup against the Jets defense in primetime, Wilson will be a midrange QB2, at best, if he's officially named the starter for this week.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Oct 15 1:10pm ET
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said on Monday that quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) is "really close" to returning after missing the last two games due to a right-oblique injury he suffered in the Week 4 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Unless Richardson suffers a setback this week, he's expected to start on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. He served as the emergency QB in the Week 6 win over the division-rival Tennessee Titans. "Obviously, Joe Flacco is a really good player and been playing good ball for us," Steichen said. "But when Anthony's healthy, he's our quarterback." Staying on the field has been an issue for Richardson early in his NFL career, as he's exited with an injury in four of his eight career games. All four of his NFL injuries have come on runs, raising questions about his long-term durability. The rushing upside is there for the former fourth overall pick, but he needs to improve as a passer to become a viable QB1 option in fantasy.

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Ray Davis Oct 15 11:13am ET
Ray Davis

Dynasty | Bills rookie running back Ray Davis had 97 rushing yards, three catches and 55 receiving yards in a win against the Jets. Dynasty Analysis: With James Cook a late scratch, Davis had a golden opportunity to shine, and that he did. The Jets had few answers for him and this performance cemented him in as one of the most important handcuffs in fantasy football. If Cook was to miss significant time, Davis has the looks of a possible league-altering player. While we need to see more before getting too far over our skis, this was a great night. Davis remains a solid hold in dynasty leagues and should see his ranking rise.

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Aaron Rodgers Oct 15 11:13am ET
Aaron Rodgers

Dynasty | The New York Jets are finalizing a trade to acquire wide receiver Davante Adams from the Raiders, Dynasty Analysis: The Jets had a crushing loss against the Bills last night and clearly want to do everything they can to turn things around. Compensation is reportedly going to include a third round pick that could convert into a second should Adams hit certain incentives. Adams is coming off a soft tissue injury that should magically heal quickly at this point. Now reunited with Aaron Rodgers, Adams should immediately become a target hog and could post WR1 value moving forward.

From Dynasty League Fantasy