Guest of the League
USFFL Est. 2015
FFL: Week 7 | NFL: Week 7

Vikings' Justin Jefferson 'not mad' at Kirk Cousins for departure

Wed Jul 10 12:08pm ET
Field Level Media

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson said he understands quarterback Kirk Cousins' decision to sign with the Atlanta Falcons.

Cousins, after all, signed a four-year, $180 million deal with $100 million guaranteed after spending the past six seasons with Minnesota.

"I'm not mad at him at all for that," Jefferson said Tuesday on "The Rich Eisen Show."

The Vikings addressed Cousins' departure by signing veteran Sam Darnold and selecting J.J. McCarthy with the 10th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.

"I always knew that Kirk was going to do whatever he needs to do for (him) business-wise," Jefferson told Eisen, "and I just knew that everything just wasn't the way he wanted it to be here, especially just with having to pay me and having to pay so many other different guys. I feel like he just wanted a new start, a new opportunity to start with Atlanta and a clean slate and I'm not mad at him at all for that. I'm grateful for what he has brought to me and the things that we have accomplished together.

"But at the end of the day, it's a business and you've got to do what you've got to do for yourself and for your family, and I clearly understand that. But it's on to the next. It doesn't really matter what quarterback it is in my eyes. I'm always going to try to make the best of the opportunity. I'm always going to try to be the quarterback's friend and make his job a lot easier. It doesn't matter if it was Kirk or if it's Sam or if it's J.J. I'm going to make it as easy as possible for him."

Jefferson, the 2022 NFL Offensive Player of the Year, signed a four-year, $140 million contract extension last month.

After leading the NFL in receptions (128) and receiving yards (1,809) in 2022, Jefferson reached the 1,000-yard mark for the fourth straight season in 2023 despite missing seven games due to injuries.

Drafted in the first round (22nd overall) in 2020, Jefferson is a three-time Pro Bowl selection with 392 catches for 5,899 yards and 30 touchdowns in 60 career games (57 starts). His career average of 98.3 receiving yards per game is the highest in NFL history.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 7

Player Notes
Mike Williams Oct 15 7:50pm ET
Mike Williams

New York Jets interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich said on Tuesday that wide receiver Mike Williams (head) cleared the league's concussion protocol after he was being examined by trainers late in the Monday night loss to the division-rival Buffalo Bills. Williams suffered a head injury late in the game in Week 6 and was unable to catch all three of his targets to add injury to insult. He also received criticism from quarterback Aaron Rodgers for running the wrong route on the final play for the Jets that led to an interception. It's just all bad for the 30-year-old. The Jets finally acquired receiver Davante Adams from the Raiders on Tuesday, and now the team is planning to ship Williams out of town. At this point, a change of scenery might be best for Williams, who has caught just 10 passes for 145 yards and no touchdowns in six games for Gang Green this year.

From RotoBaller

Taysom Hill Oct 15 7:40pm ET
Taysom Hill

New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill (ribs) was limited on Tuesday for the second straight day this week and could have a shot to return to action this Thursday night when the team hosts the Denver Broncos to kick off Week 7 action. If Hill is active this week, the 34-year-old Swiss Army knife could see more run either under center or in the backfield with rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler expected to make his second career start with Derek Carr (oblique) sidelined. However, we still wouldn't recommend Hill for starting fantasy lineups in most leagues as an unpredictable gadget player essentially. He's also missed three games due to injury this year, including the last two weeks. Hill does have two TDs in three games in 2024, but it's come on just 14 carries for 77 yards while adding two catches for two yards.

From RotoBaller

James Cook Oct 15 7:40pm ET
James Cook

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said that he thinks running back James Cook (toe) has a chance to play in Week 7 against the Tennessee Titans this Sunday. Cook was listed as questionable for the Week 6 game on Monday night against the division-rival New York Jets and was looking like a good bet to play last Saturday, but the Bills ended up playing it safe and holding him out in the 23-20 victory. Rookie Ray Davis showcased his abilities, carrying the ball 20 times for 97 yards while also catching three passes for 55 yards. Regardless of whether the 25-year-old Cook is able to get back on the field this weekend, Davis' impressive performance on Monday night warrants attention on the waiver wire in all fantasy leagues. He's currently rostered in only 14% of Yahoo leagues. We'll have a better idea of Cook's Week 7 status once the Bills resume practicing on Wednesday.

From RotoBaller

Alvin Kamara Oct 15 7:30pm ET
Alvin Kamara

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (hand) was limited in practice on Tuesday for the second day on a short week as the team prepares for a Thursday night matchup against the visiting Denver Broncos. On a short week, the Saints are likely just giving their star running back a little extra rest. The matchup in Week 7 against the Broncos isn't a great one, and Kamara's upside should be tempered again with rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler in line to make his second NFL start. However, as long as Kamara is active on Thursday, which he should be, he is a must-start in fantasy lineups. Kamara is currently the RB2 in fantasy points with 104 carries (fourth-most) for 428 yards (seventh-most) and six touchdowns (tied for second-most). His 28 receptions and 238 receiving yards lead all RBs.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Jones Oct 15 7:20pm ET
Daniel Jones

New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas (foot) suffered a potential season-ending injury against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 6. He is slated to meet with a foot expert to determine the next steps in his recovery. If Thomas were to have surgery to correct the issue, then his season would likely be over. Thomas is about as important an offensive player as any for the Giants. He is the anchor of an already shaky offensive line. His absence would significantly negatively affect the value of quarterback Daniel Jones, running backs Devin Singletary (groin) and Tyrone Tracy Jr., and wide receivers Malik Nabers (concussion) and Wan'Dale Robinson. Fantasy managers should monitor the situation closely.

From RotoBaller

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.

From RotoBaller

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.

From RotoBaller

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.

From RotoBaller

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.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

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.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

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.

From RotoBaller

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.

From RotoBaller

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.

From RotoBaller

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