Bills punch up offense with Amari Cooper trade, face Titans
Wed Oct 16 11:27pm ET
Field Level Media
Although they presently enjoy a comfortable 1 1/2-game lead in the AFC East, the Buffalo Bills have shown a weakness at wide receiver in the first six games of the season.
They hope Amari Cooper, who was acquired Tuesday, can change that, perhaps starting with Sunday's visit from the Tennessee Titans at Orchard Park, N.Y.
Coming off a career-high 1,250 yards last year for Cleveland, Cooper has experienced a frustrating start to his 2024 season. In six games, he has 24 receptions for 250 yards and two touchdowns. His per-catch average of 10.4 yards is on pace for a career low and seven yards under last year's career-best average.
However, Cooper is looking forward to bigger and better things in his fourth NFL home. Not only did he gain three games in the standings, but he's now the target of Josh Allen instead of Deshaun Watson.
Allen has thrown 156 passes this year without an interception and Watson has endured a poor season.
"As far as playing with Josh, I've always been (a) fan of his game," Cooper said. "I'm sure to see it up close and personal and play alongside him. I'm sure it's going to be great. I'm just excited to turn a new chapter and to be able to contribute."
The Bills haven't had a go-to receiver this season after trading Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans in the offseason.
Buffalo coach Sean McDermott said Friday that he expects Cooper to play on Sunday. On top of that, the Bills (4-2) may once again have the services of running back James Cook, who missed Monday night's 23-20 win at the New York Jets with a toe injury. Buffalo will also welcome back Ed Oliver after the defensive tackle missed the past two games with a hamstring issue.
Tennessee (1-4) squandered a 17-10 fourth-quarter lead last week in a 20-17 home loss to AFC South rival Indianapolis. The Titans' sputtering offense managed only 239 total yards as quarterback Will Levis struggled again, completing only 16 of 27 passes for 93 yards.
Of more importance to Tennessee is Levis' continued turnover troubles. His fourth-quarter interception last week was his seventh in five games and his 10th turnover overall. Levis has been playing with a right shoulder injury that he sustained Sept. 30 at Miami.
The Titans will start Mason Rudolph in his place against the Bills and make Levis inactive, according to multiple media reports on Saturday. Levis was a limited participant at practice on Wednesday and Friday and listed as questionable for Sunday's game. He was a full participant on Thursday, as he was a week prior.
None of Levis' completions last week went to veteran receiver Calvin Ridley, who let his frustrations out with a profanity-laced postgame interview that hit social media quickly. Ridley apologized for his comments Wednesday and first-year coach Brian Callahan said he understood Ridley's feelings.
"My message to him was simple," said Callahan. "I'm doing everything I can to continue to keep you going and get you active early in games, late in games. ... I sure as heck want him to be a huge part of what we're doing."
The Titans' problems offensively are obscuring the solid work of their defense, which is ranked No. 1 in the league in total defense (248.8 yards per game) and against the pass (137.0).
Tennessee will be without running back Tyjae Spears (hamstring) on Sunday along with defensive tackle Keondre Coburn (knee) and linebacker Cedric Gray (shoulder). Cornerback L'Jarius Sneed (quad) is questionable.
The Titans elevated quarterback Trevor Siemian from the practice squad on Saturday for game day and placed wide receiver Treylon Burks (knee) on injured reserve. Defensive lineman Abdullah Anderson was promoted to the team's 53-man roster.
Running back Ray Davis is questionable for the Bills due to a calf injury. The rookie accumulated 152 total yards (97 rushing, 55 receiving) while filling in for Cook on Monday. Fellow running back Darrynton Evans (hamstring) is doubtful for Buffalo, while safety Mike Edwards missed Friday's practice and is questionable due to an illness.
The Titans own a 30-20 lead in the all-time series, including the postseason, which dates back to the American Football League when they were known as the Houston Oilers. The Bills won the last matchup 41-7 at home two years ago.
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: Bender's Favorite NFL DFS Pickem Picks: Week 7
- FANTASY EXCLUSIVE: RealTime DFS Strategy: Week 7
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 7
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 7
- YOUTUBE VIDEO: Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 7
- 49ers WR Jauan Jennings (hip) could miss game vs. Chiefs
- Vikings RB Aaron Jones (hamstring) returns to practice
- Saints QB Derek Carr (oblique) formally inactive vs. Broncos
- Bucs star WR Mike Evans (hamstring) misses practice
- Jets WR Mike Williams (personal reasons) misses second practice
- Giants star WR Malik Nabers clears concussion protocol
- Eagles DT Jalen Carter, CB Darius Slay miss practice
- Saints WR Rashid Shaheed (knee) done for season after surgery
- Browns plan to leave Cleveland, build domed stadium in suburbs
- Week 7 TNF: Broncos-Saints Preview, Props, Prediction
- Cardinals WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (concussion) returns to practice
- Bucs owners double hurricane-relief donation to $2M
- Billionaire Tom Gores buys 27 percent of Chargers, ends sibling squabble
- Steelers' Justin Fields takes blame; OC hints at divide in pending QB call
- Bills bring in competition for struggling K Tyler Bass
- Chargers, Steelers, Saints inquire about WR Mike Williams
- Titans to grant S Jamal Adams' request for release
- New part-owner Tom Brady visits Raiders' facility
- Soaring NFL ratings suffer second straight dip in Week 6
- Vikings LB Blake Cashman (turf toe) expected out vs. Lions
- Fantasy Six Pack: NFL Weekly Projections
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Start-Sit Week 7 | Make Way For Drake Maye
- Fantasy Six Pack: IDP Football Rankings
- Fantasy Life: Week 7 Fantasy Football Injury Roundup: Marvin Harrison Jr. Is A Go
- Fantasy Life: Lots of Games To Attack In Week 7
- Fantasy Life: An Action-Packed Sunday Afternoon For Betting
- Fantasy Life: Week 7 Sunday Night Football Best Bets: Aaron Rodgers Takeoff
- Fantasy Life: Time To Make a Trade ...
The Paur Report
Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 7
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tyler Huntley (shoulder) exited during the second half of Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts and is officially questionable to return. Miami continues to have quarterback issues with Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) on injured reserve, Skylar Thompson (ribs) inactive, and now Huntley sidelined, too. At the time of his departure, Huntley had completed seven of 13 passes for 87 yards, one touchdown, and zero turnovers. He also had 20 rushing yards on five attempts. Tim Boyle has entered the game and will quarterback the Dolphins' offense until Huntley is able to return.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tyler Huntley (shoulder) has been ruled out for the remainder of Week 7 against the Indianapolis Colts. He exited in the second half and was initially listed as questionable to return before being downgraded to out. Miami continues to have quarterback issues with Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) on injured reserve, Skylar Thompson (ribs) inactive, and Huntley ruled out. At the time of his departure, Huntley had completed seven of 13 passes for 87 yards, one touchdown, and zero turnovers. He also had 20 rushing yards on five attempts. Tim Boyle has entered the game and will quarterback the Dolphins' offense for the remainder of Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) is officially active for the Week 7 game.
Fantasy Spin: Smith-Schuster has become one of the main options in the passing game and should see a good amount of targets again this week. He can be at least a flex option in fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction ahead of this weekend. The 25-year-old has been quite productive in the Commanders' up-and-coming offense, posting 393 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns through five games so far this year. He'll rank as a low-end RB1 for fantasy football in Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers linebacker Quay Walker (concussion) exited Sunday's game to be evaluated for a concussion and was subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the contest. At the time of his departure, he had registered one tackle, bringing his season total to 52. Ty'Ron Hopper should handle more defensive snaps for the duration of Walker's absence.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Jaylon Carlies (ankle) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins. He had initially been evaluated for a calf issue, but after additional testing, it was determined that he had an ankle injury and would not be able to return. Carlies had been quite productive prior to his departure, tallying five tackles and bringing his season total to 21. The rookie also registered his first career sack. Grant Stuard should see more defensive snaps with Carlies done for the day.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (coach's decision) is inactive for Week 7 against the San Francisco 49ers. He was activated from the non-football injury list several days ago and did not carry an injury designation into Sunday's game, which means he's a healthy scratch this week. This shouldn't be a major surprise given that he's buried behind Kareem Hunt, Samaje Perine, and Carson Steele on the depth chart. Edwards-Helaire can be left on waivers in most fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) is officially active for Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction ahead of kickoff. The veteran receiver is coming off an impressive seven-catch, 130-yard performance prior to the Chiefs' Week 6 bye. So far, he has shown that he's capable of handling increased opportunities with Rashee Rice (knee) sidelined. Smith-Schuster, Travis Kelce, and Xavier Worthy figure to lead the Chiefs' pass-catching attack on Sunday afternoon. Smith-Schuster is a viable WR3 in fantasy football.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers rookie first-round wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (chest) is active for Week 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs. He had been listed as questionable but was expected to play after being activated from the non-football injury list. The rookie pass-catcher, who will make his NFL debut on Sunday, was sidelined for the first six weeks after being shot during an armed robbery attempt. He'll presumably operate as the 49ers' No. 3 receiver behind Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel this week.
From RotoBaller
Updating a previous report, Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson (Achilles) suffered an Achilles tendon injury during the Week 7 game and has been ruled out.
Fantasy Spin: It appeared to be a serious injury, and Watson could be out for the rest of the season. It is not known if Dorian Thompson-Robinson or Jameis Winston will be the starter moving forward, but neither will be more than a No. 2 fantasy quarterback.
From TheHuddle
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals after suffering a serious-looking, non-contact injury during the second quarter. He was having one of his best games of the year at the time of his departure, completing 15 of 17 passes for 128 yards. He also took two sacks. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Browns fear Watson tore his Achilles, which would end his season. Dorian Thompson-Robinson replaced Watson late in the first half, and he will presumably remain Cleveland's starting quarterback going forward. Jameis Winston, who is inactive as the Browns' emergency third quarterback this week, could also compete for playing time going forward.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble (back) is officially inactive for Sunday's game against the Washington Commanders. He had cleared concussion protocol a few days ago but was still questionable for Week 7 with a back issue. Ultimately, he'll have to wait at least one more week before returning to the lineup. Ja'Tavion Sanders and Ian Thomas should operate as Carolina's primary tight ends this Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams WR Cooper Kupp (ankle) has been declared inactive for the Week 7 game.
Fantasy Spin: The team were hoping that Kupp would be ready to play, but it seems like he needs a bit more time before he is ready to play. Tutu Atwell and Jordan Whittington will be the main receivers for the Rams and can be flex options in leagues.
From TheHuddle
The San Francisco 49ers have declared QB Joshua Dobbs, OG Ben Bartch, PK Jake Moody, TE Brayden Willis, LB Jalen Graham, WR Jauan Jennings and CB Darrell Luter Jr. inactive for Week 7.
From TheHuddle
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ribs, hamstring, ankle) is officially active for Week 7 against the Washington Commanders. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction ahead of this weekend. Johnson figures to operate as the Panthers' top receiver and could thrive with a favorable matchup and a negative game script. He has played quite well with Andy Dalton under center and will continue to rank as a mid-to-low fantasy WR2 this week.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel (shoulder) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans. He had initially been listed as questionable before being downgraded. The veteran pass-catcher finishes Week 7 with one target and zero receptions. Even if he's able to get healthy in time for Week 8, he'll remain off the fantasy radar in his role behind Amari Cooper, Khalil Shakir, and even Keon Coleman.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (ankle) is officially inactive for Week 7 against the Los Angeles Rams. He had been listed as doubtful entering the weekend, so this update is not much of a surprise. The 27-year-old will miss his second consecutive game after starting the season with 25 catches, 273 yards, and one touchdown over the first five weeks. With Meyers sidelined and Davante Adams traded to the New York Jets, Tre Tucker and DJ Turner should handle additional opportunities in the passing game.
From RotoBaller
The Carolina Panthers have declared DL A'Shawn Robinson, LB Claudin Cherelus, LB Josey Jewell, LB Jadeveon Clowney, OG Taylor Moton, TE Tommy Tremble and LB Jon Rhattigan inactive for Week 7.
From TheHuddle
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (groin) is officially active for Week 7 against the Los Angeles Rams. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction after logging a full practice on Friday. White will presumably operate in tandem with Alexander Mattison, who has played well so far this season. Mattison has more fantasy appeal than White given the former's productivity around the goal line and in pass-catching situations.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (leg) exited during the second quarter of Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals after suffering a serious-looking, non-contact injury. He was having one of his best games of the year at the time of his departure, completing 15 of 17 passes for 128 yards. He also took two sacks. Based on footage from the CBS broadcast and analysis from Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot, Watson might have suffered an Achilles tear. Still, he'll have to undergo additional testing before the Browns confirm any sort of diagnosis. In the event that his season is over, Dorian Thompson-Robinson would presumably step up as the Browns' starting quarterback, with Jameis Winston also a candidate to earn playing time.
From RotoBaller
