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FFL: Week 7 | NFL: Week 7

Waivering: Week 4

Tue Sep 24 7:59am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

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Jennings is a top pickup


The bye weeks don’t start this week but get going the following week. It is never too early to start preparing. See when your key players are off and plan accordingly. Get players with favorable schedules to replace those bye week players. A good owner is a proactive owner. The four teams with a bye in Week 5 are the Lions, Chargers, Eagles and Titans, so some good players will be off. Just wanted to give you a heads up. Here are some possible pickups for this week. Good luck navigating those waiver wires.

QUARTERBACK

Andy Dalton, Panthers (12.4% owned). Dalton clearly gave the Panthers offense some much needed life last week. He had a great first start, throwing for 319 yards and three touchdowns without a turnover. The Panthers have some talent at receiver, so this game isn’t a fluke. Dalton could have some big games while starting for this team, especially if they are playing from behind.

Sam Darnold, Vikings (57.7% owned). Darnold has made this list every week and remains available in just over 40 percent of leagues. He just keeps getting it done and is showing his start isn’t a fluke. He has multiple touchdowns all three games and a four-touchdown performance last week. He is playing like a low-end No. 1 right now.

Bo Nix, Broncos (31.4% owned). Nix had his first game with 20-plus fantasy points. He seems to be making strides every week. And his ability to make plays with his legs helps his fantasy potential even more. He is still yet to have a passing touchdown this year but two rushing scores. If he can start getting consistent passing touchdowns, watch out.

RUNNING BACK

Emmanuel Wilson, Packers (14.7% owned). Josh Jacobs is the clear starter for the Packers, but Wilson is the backup and playing well in that role. He scored his first touchdown last week and had 85 total yards on 14 touches in the Packers run-heavy offense. Wilson should at least be owned by Jacobs owners but has some standalone value as well if he keeps getting around double-digit touches per week.

Roschon Johnson, Bears (13.6% owned). D’Andre Swift is doing next to nothing, so Johnson might be getting a few more chances in the offense. Johnson did not have any touches before last week, but had 12 touches for 62 yards. He could be worth a speculative add for fantasy owners with Swift struggling.

WIDE RECEIVER

Jauan Jennings, 49ers (36.1% owned). Jennings had quite the performance last week, catching 11 passes for 175 yards and three touchdowns. As long as Deebo Samuel and George Kittle are out, Jennings has big-time fantasy potential in this offense. He makes plays with his chances.

Tre Tucker, Raiders (2.5% owned). Tucker was a lot more involved in the offense last week for the Raiders, catching seven passes for 96 yards and a touchdown on nine targets. He has multiple receptions every game this season and could be getting more involved going forward after this big game.   

Calvin Austin, Steelers (2.6% owned). Austin got some preseason love but started the season slow, having just a catch each of the first two games. He made some big plays last week, though, catching four passes for 95 yards and a touchdown. It was an impressive showing for Austin, who has a knack for making the big play.

Tutu Atwell, Rams (9.2% owned). Atwell might be the most dependable receiver to use for the Rams while their top starters are out. Atwell led the Rams in receiving last week, finishing with four receptions for 93 yards. He has seven catches his last two games.

Allen Lazard, Jets (66.5% owned). Lazard has touchdowns two of three games and 13-plus fantasy points two of those games. He is capable of the big game in this offense and has the trust of Aaron Rodgers. He might be boom or bust but can be a help to fantasy teams going forward. Lazard is a top red-zone target for Rodgers.

Darnell Mooney, Falcons (58.7%). Mooney is starting to become a favorite target of Kirk Cousins. He had just a catch in Week 1 but has 11 receptions his last two games, including eight last week. He is a former 1,000-yard receiver that hasn’t performed as well in recent seasons, but the potential is there for Mooney to get going in this Falcons offense.

TIGHT END

Cole Kmet, Bears (53.2% owned). Kmet was dropped in some leagues after his slow start but got it going last week. Kmet had 10 receptions for 97 yards and a touchdown. After catching just a pass in the opener, Kmet has 14 receptions his last two games. With Caleb Williams getting more comfortable, look for Kmet’s numbers to be more consistent.

Tyler Conkiln, Jets (24.6% owned). Conklin was a much bigger part of the passing game last week, catching five passes for 93 yards on six targets. The Jets passing attack finally got going a little, which should help provide more consistency for Conklin. He apparently had a great connection with Aaron Rodgers in camp, so there was a lot of hope for him for this coming year. Maybe last week gets him going.

Cade Otton, Bucs (11.2% owned). Otton had just a catch his first two games but was targeted four times. He broke out last week, catching seven passes for 47 yards on eight targets. He is another tight end that had high hopes coming into the season but started slow. Last week showed his potential in this offense when he is getting the looks.

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
Will Reichard Oct 19 3:00pm ET
Will Reichard

Minnesota Vikings kicker Will Reichard remains a solid streaming option in Week 7, facing the Detroit Lions. The 23-year-old has remained perfect throughout the season, going 9-for-9 on attempts and 16-for-16 on extra-point attempts. During the first five games, Reichard has averaged 8.6 PPR points per game and made at least two field goal attempts in three games. The Alabama product has also made three attempts from over 50 yards. Facing the Detroit Lions in what is projected to be a high-scoring affair, given the projected 50.5 point total makes Reichard a safe option with solid upside on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Rachaad White Oct 19 2:50pm ET
Rachaad White

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (foot) is listed as questionable for Monday's game according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. White opened the week as a limited participant during Thursday's and Friday's practice. However, the 25-year-old was able to upgrade to full participation on Saturday, which is a positive sign for his availability on Monday evening. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor White's status throughout the weekend. If White can suit up, fantasy managers should expect Tampa Bay to split opportunities between their running backs, which makes Bucky Irving and White low-end RB2s, with Sean Tucker projecting to be a flex option facing a tough Baltimore rush defense.

From RotoBaller

Cam Akers Oct 19 2:40pm ET
Cam Akers

Minnesota Vikings running back Cam Akers could be pushed up the depth chart on Sunday if Aaron Jones (hamstring) cannot suit up. Jones is currently listed as questionable and could be a game-time decision. The Vikings traded for Akers from Houston earlier this week, which could suggest that Jones may not be able to play. In Houston, Akers saw work as the lead running back when Joe Mixon (ankle) was sidelined and tallied a modest 9.3 PPR points per game during a three-game stretch. While Ty Chandler will likely see most attempts in Jones' absence, Akers could carve out a solid workload and be a viable desperation flex option in 14+ team formats.

From RotoBaller

Mike Evans Oct 19 2:40pm ET
Mike Evans

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) is off the injury report and good to go for Monday's game, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. The veteran wideout was held out of practice on Thursday and Friday. However, on Saturday, Evans was able to upgrade to limited participation and avoided an injury designation ahead of Monday's game. Fantasy managers should feel confident starting the 31-year-old in all formats as he will face a weak Baltimore secondary who have surrendered the 29th-most points to opposing wideouts.

From RotoBaller

Anders Carlson Oct 19 2:30pm ET
Anders Carlson

San Francisco 49ers kicker Anders Carlson will kick off against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday in Santa Clara. The younger brother of Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson will be the third kicker used by the 49ers in as many games since Jake Moody (ankle) and Matthew Wright (shoulder, back) both suffered injuries attempting to make tackles. Last season, Carlson spent his rookie year as the Green Bay Packers starting kicker from beginning to end but was cut during this year's preseason. Carlson was the 23rd-most productive kicker in fantasy but led the league in misses with 13. Any decent kicker that San Francisco puts out there is likely a decent fantasy option, given the team's offensive prowess, as seen last week with journeyman Wright's three field goals and three extra points made. Anyone streaming kickers or looking for a replacement could do worse than Carlson in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Ty Chandler Oct 19 2:30pm ET
Ty Chandler

Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandler could have an increased role if No. 1 running back Aaron Jones (hamstring) cannot suit up. Jones is currently listed as questionable on the team's injury report and will likely be a game-time decision. If Jones is eventually ruled out, Chandler should be expected to be pushed to the top of the depth chart. When Jones left their previous game early, Chandler saw 14 attempts but tallied a mere 30 yards. Through the air, he caught two passes for nine yards. Facing a tough Detroit defense that has allowed the fourth-fewest PPR points to opposing running backs does lower Chandler's ceiling this weekend. However, if he is in the lead role, he is worth a look as a flex play simply for the potential volume.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Higbee Oct 19 2:20pm ET
Tyler Higbee

Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee (knee) is considered "ahead of schedule" in his recovery process, according to Cameron DaSilva of USA Today. The 31-year-old tight end suffered a torn ACL in their playoff loss to the Detroit Lions last season, but head coach Sean McVay remains optimistic about his potential return this season. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Higbee's status, as he could have a chance to return later this season. For the time being, Colby Parkinson should continue to see the majority of snaps at the tight end position. Through five games this season, Parkinson has averaged 7.1 PPR points per game.

From RotoBaller

Nyheim Hines Oct 19 2:10pm ET
Nyheim Hines

Cleveland Browns running back Nyheim Hines (knee) was not activated before their Week 7 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, according to Scott Petrak of The Chronicle-Telegram. Hines is still recovering from his torn ACL. However, the 27-year-old did log three full practices this week, which suggests he will return in Week 8 against the Baltimore Ravens. Last season, Hines tallied only 36 yards on the ground with one score but caught 25 passes for 188 yards through the air. This weekend, fantasy managers should expect Nick Chubb (knee) and D'Onta Foreman to lead the backfield. When Hines does return, he should see most of his work on passing downs.

From RotoBaller

Alvin Kamara Oct 19 1:10pm ET
Alvin Kamara

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara is denying that he has requested a trade. "I ain request a trade.. so that's a lie. I'm in an orange robe on the way to Knoxville.. #WhoDat," Kamara wrote on his X account. Rumors may be swirling that Kamara is unhappy in New Orleans after five straight losses, most recently a 33-10 beatdown at the hands of the Denver Broncos on Thursday night. The 29-year-old got off to a blazing start in 2024 with 80 rushing attempts for 362 yards (4.53 yards per tote) and five rushing touchdowns in the first four weeks, adding 17 catches for 174 yards and another score. But in three games since then, he has 76 yards on 31 carries for one touchdown and has caught 17 passes for 78 yards. It hasn't helped that QB Derek Carr (oblique) has missed the last two games. Kamara should improve once Carr returns, but that may not be for another week or so.

From RotoBaller

Mike Evans Oct 19 12:50pm ET
Mike Evans

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said that wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) will be questionable to play on Monday night in Week 7 against the Baltimore Ravens and will be a game-time decision. Evans was listed as a non-participant in practice on both Thursday and Friday but was seen practicing on Saturday, which at least gives him a shot to play on Monday. We would expect the 31-year-old to be able to suit up against Baltimore, but it's no sure thing and it puts fantasy manages in a tough predicament with Tampa not playing until Monday this week. Hopefully, we'll get a bit more clarity on Evans' status late Saturday night or early Sunday morning, but for now, he's trending as a volatile high-end WR2 this week because of his injury. If Evans is inactive on Monday night, Chris Godwin, Sterling Shepard and rookie Jalen McMillan are likely to start in three-receiver sets.

From RotoBaller

Treylon Burks Oct 19 12:50pm ET
Treylon Burks

According to sources, the Tennessee Titans are expected to place wide receiver Treylon Burks (knee) on Injured Reserve after he suffered a non-contact knee injury in practice this week. Moving Burks to IR would mean he would not be eligible to play for the next four weeks. The earliest Burks would be eligible to return would be for a Week 11 date against the Minnesota Vikings on Nov. 17. The 24-year-old former 18th overall pick in 2022 out of Arkansas has been a bust for the Titans in two-plus seasons in the NFL. In five games this year, he's caught four of eight targets for 34 yards and no touchdowns and is well off the fantasy radar, especially after his new knee injury. In Burks' absence for the foreseeable future, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, who caught a touchdown in last week's loss to the Colts, should see more run as depth behind Calvin Ridley, DeAndre Hopkins and Tyler Boyd.

From RotoBaller

Cooper Kupp Oct 19 12:40pm ET
Cooper Kupp

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler says that Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (ankle) could be a true game-time decision to play in Week 7 on Sunday versus the Las Vegas Raiders. Kupp was limited in practice all week and was listed as questionable on Friday's final injury report. He has had a good week of practice and is optimistic that he'll be able to return to action, but head coach Sean McVay said the team will see how he responds over the weekend leading into Sunday's contest. The 31-year-old veteran would be a must-start fantasy wideout if he's active for Week 7, but the problem is the Rams play in the later window on Sunday, so we won't know first thing on Sunday if Kupp will be playing. Something to consider is that the Rams play again next Thursday night against the Minnesota Vikings, so it's possible they will rest Kupp for one more week if they don't feel he's quite ready.

From RotoBaller

Nick Chubb Oct 19 12:40pm ET
Nick Chubb

The Cleveland Browns announced on Saturday that they have officially activated running back Nick Chubb (knee) from Injured Reserve ahead of their Week 7 divisional contest on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Browns listed Chubb as questionable to play on their final injury report on Friday, but the 28-year-old is fully expected to be active this weekend. How much Chubb will see the field will be a different story, and we expect Cleveland to ease him back in since he hasn't played since Week 2 of last year, when he suffered a gruesome season-ending knee injury in which he tore multiple ligaments. Chubb will see work against Cincy, but D'Onta Foreman and Pierre Strong Jr. will likely spell him often, making him a volatile RB3/flex in his first game of 2024. Meanwhile, Jerome Ford (hamstring) has been ruled out, and his fantasy value has now tanked now that Chubb is back in the fold.

From RotoBaller

Christian McCaffrey Oct 19 12:30pm ET
Christian McCaffrey

It's still a mystery as to when San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) will make his 2024 debut after dealing with Achilles tendinitis, but ESPN's Jeremy Fowler says that McCaffrey should start ramping up his activities after the team's Week 9 bye. The two-time Pro Bowler and last year's leading rusher has been on Injured Reserve since Week 2 and has yet to play for the 49ers this season. Barring a setback as he ramps up his activities, the 49ers are hoping that they'll get CMC back in November. For now, fantasy managers must keep him stashed in an IR spot and hope he returns sooner than later for the second half of the season. Jordan Mason (shoulder) has been a must-start RB1 in fantasy in CMC's place. He suffered an AC joint sprain in his left shoulder in Week 6 but has been cleared to play in Week 7 on Sunday in a Super Bowl rematch against the Kansas City Chiefs.

From RotoBaller

Russell Wilson Oct 19 12:20pm ET
Russell Wilson

The Pittsburgh Steelers are planning to start quarterback Russell Wilson on Sunday night against the New York Jets in Week 7 now that he is finally healthy. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport says to expect both Wilson and Justin Fields to play, but Wilson is expected to play the bulk of the snaps under center. Wilson was the presumptive starter back in training camp before suffering a calf strain, which kept him out for the first six weeks of the season while Fields led the team to a 4-2 start. The writing was on the wall for the Steelers to turn to Wilson this week when he took first-team practice reps over Fields. The 35-year-old Wilson surely doesn't have the type of mobility that Fields provides, which could be an issue against a Jets defense that ranks third in sacks and fifth in QB pressure rate in 2024. Wilson has led the NFL in sacks taken twice in the last five years. At best, treat Wilson as a low-end QB2 in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Marvin Harrison Jr. Oct 19 12:20pm ET
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Arizona Cardinals rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (concussion) has cleared the league's concussion protocol and will play in Week 7 on Monday night against the Los Angeles Chargers, according to sources. The Cardinals removed Harrison from their final injury report on Saturday. The 22-year-old put in a full practice on Friday, paving the way for him to be cleared on Saturday. It's excellent news for the Cardinals offense and for fantasy managers. The matchup against the Bolts defense isn't ideal, but cornerback Asante Samuel (shoulder) is on Injured Reserve, and they could be without corner Kristian Fulton (hamstring) as well. Harrison has four touchdowns in his first six NFL games, but outside of his 130-yard performance back in Week 2, the talented rookie has been a bit of a disappointment fantasy-wise. Now that he's cleared, fantasy managers will want to return him to starting lineups.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Allgeier Oct 19 12:00pm ET
Tyler Allgeier

Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier broke out with 105 rushing on 18 attempts and added one score in last week's contest versus the Panthers. While it was an outstanding performance, managers shouldn't expect that on a weekly basis. However, Allgeier is averaging 5.5 yards per carry which is sixth-best in football so the 24-year-old has probably earned himself double-digit carries from here on out. Week 7's matchup with Seattle has one of the highest projected totals on the slate, and while Atlanta may prefer to pass (58.8%), these teams both have some of the highest pace-per-play rates in the NFL, so there should be plenty of offensive opportunities on both sides. Additionally, the Seahawks have been gashed on the ground on multiple occasions this year, even allowing Jordan Mason and Isaac Guerendo to combine for 172 yards rushing last week. Fire up Allgeier as an RB3/FLEX play this week against a Seattle team yielding 5.0 yards per carry, which is fourth-worst in all of football.

From RotoBaller

Justin Fields Oct 19 11:10am ET
Justin Fields

The New York Jets defense will head on the road to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 7's Sunday night game. The Steelers appear ready to turn to Russell Wilson at quarterback after Justin Fields started the first six games of the season under center. The switch to Wilson can be considered a positive for the Jets on defense as the veteran looked to be on his last legs with the Denver Broncos last season while Fields at least provides a threat on the ground as an elite rusher at the QB position. Treat the 1.5-point road favorite Jets as a top-five fantasy defense heading into Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Darnell Mooney Oct 19 11:10am ET
Darnell Mooney

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney hauled in just three of five targets for 38 yards last week as the team leaned more on the ground attack in a game they basically controlled throughout. The fifth-year pro had garnered no less than six targets in the four weeks prior. This week's clash with the Seahawks figures to be more competitive and is anticipated to be a high-scoring affair, so should this game go back and forth, Mooney would stand to benefit. Drake London is the unquestioned first option, but Mooney has a higher yards per catch average than London (13.6 vs. 11.3), and with Seattle down their top two cornerbacks in this one, there may be little they can do to limit the receivers on the outside. Look for a big play or two from the 26-year-old wideout in Week 7 as he projects as a high-end WR3.

From RotoBaller

Kyle Pitts Oct 19 10:50am ET
Kyle Pitts

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts remains a volatile fantasy asset through six weeks, having caught as many as seven passes in Week 5 and as few as zero in Week 4. Last week was more in the middle, reeling in three of five targets from Kirk Cousins. On the bright side, the 24-year-old's 14.6 yards per catch ranks second-best among TEs, and his average depth of target (aDOT) of 7.82 is better than the likes of George Kittle, Travis Kelce, and Dallas Goedert. Week 7 brings a matchup versus a Seattle pass defense that has surrendered seven reception TDs over their last three contests, two of which came to the aforementioned Kittle in Week 6. With one of the highest projected totals (51) on the slate, everyone will likely be involved, Pitts included. The former fourth-overall draft pick can be inconsistent but is still a TE1 this week.

From RotoBaller