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FFL: Week 7 | NFL: Week 7

49ers try again to solve Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs

Thu Oct 17 3:30am ET
Field Level Media

Of course, the 49ers want another shot at the Kansas City Chiefs, a replay of the Super Bowl in Las Vegas on what turned into a forgettable February afternoon for San Francisco.

The Chiefs are chasing a three-peat and are off to a 5-0 start, stringing together 11 consecutive wins dating to last Christmas through the postseason. Inarguably their greatest win in that batch was the 25-22 overtime victory in which the Chiefs overcame a 10-point deficit and captured the Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl LVIII.

San Francisco is 3-3 after its 36-24 victory at the NFC West rival Seattle Seahawks on Oct. 10, which 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan termed a "must win" in the locker room before the game. Shanahan is not going quite that far this week, but there is no denying how important San Francisco believes Sunday could be to its season.

"I try to have the same conversation every week, just word it a little differently -- I never want to say 'must win,'" Shanahan said. "I see this game like I see all games. Every game matters. But I didn't choose those words (must win) this week."

While the 49ers are relatively rested after a 10-day window between games and want the rematch, the timing of rolling out the red carpet for the NFL's crown bearer isn't entirely perfect. Kansas City had last week off.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid owns the NFL's highest winning percentage coming out of a bye week. He is 21-4 (.840), including an 8-3 record coming out of a bye week in the regular season with Kansas City.

In addition, the Niners aren't exactly a picture of health. They are still without 2023 NFL Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey, and his backup, Jordan Mason, the No. 2 rusher in the NFL this season, left last week's game with a sprained shoulder.

The 49ers will also be without wide receiver Jauan Jennings (hip) and two kickers. Jake Moody is out with a right ankle sprain, while Matthew Wright is headed to injured reserve after hurting his shoulder on a tackle attempt against Seattle. San Francisco will activate kicker Anders Carlson from the practice squad.

Cornerback Darrell Luter Jr. (pelvis) and defensive tackle Kevin Givens (groin) are questionable for the 49ers.

However, San Francisco should see the debut of rookie receiver Ricky Pearsall Jr., who has missed the 49ers' first six games after being shot in the chest on Aug. 31. Shanahan told reporters Friday that Pearsall, who is listed as questionable, would be added to the 53-man roster ahead of Sunday's game.

"The guys were pumped," Shanahan said. "(Pearsall) has been practicing all week. It's been great to see him out there. He's had a hell of a week and we're pumped to get him out there."

Shanahan said shifts in scheme have been common in matchups with the Chiefs, altering tendencies on offense and defense in the fourth quarter particularly. The bottom line for all opponents trying to solve Kansas City is beating quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

"Everyone says 'down year' because their numbers aren't just crazy. But Pat's as good as it gets," said Shanahan, who is 0-7 in his career against Reid as an assistant or head coach.

"He's been as good as it gets since the first year he got to play. All of their games except for one has come down to the last possession, and he's as good as it gets in that situation."

Shanahan's record vs. Reid includes two defeats in 49ers-Chiefs Super Bowl matchups. Kansas City beat San Francisco 31-20 in February 2020.

The Chiefs aren't using injuries as an excuse. Though refreshed after a week off, Kansas City is far from full strength with 12 games to go in the regular season.

The Chiefs head West without No. 1 running back Isiah Pacheco (leg) and the team's top two wide receivers Hollywood Brown (shoulder) and Rashee Rice (knee), who are all on injured reserve.

Familiar faces rejoined the Chiefs in recent weeks and now find themselves in prominent roles alongside Mahomes. Kareem Hunt is working as the top running back again for the Chiefs, and Kansas City rediscovered JuJu Smith-Schuster, signed off the street in August, in a seven-catch, 130-yard effort in Week 5 vs. New Orleans.

However, Smith-Schuster is questionable for Sunday with a hamstring injury. Defensive end Michael Danna is out with a pectoral injury.

The depth-chart roulette also invited Mahomes to reconnect with Travis Kelce. The tight end has 16 catches for 159 yards in the past two games, a major part of the Mahomes mentality not to lament who isn't available for a given game.

"I'm just excited for the guys who continue to get better each and every week," Mahomes said. "I think we've got the guys to do it."

The offensive numbers are relatively modest to start this season from Mahomes' best statistical seasons. He has as many TDs (six) as INTs in 2024. Kansas City enters the week 15th in scoring (23.6 per game), ninth in passing (236.8 yards per game) and 11th in total offense (354.6 yards per game).

Reid said avoiding penalties and turnovers was an emphasis after a self-scout during the bye week.

"We can do a better job of not stopping ourselves with things," Reid said. "Whether it's penalties or dropped balls, we've had a couple of those. Schematically, we go back and we hammer through that. We can help out the guys in some of the areas, too, just putting them in a little bit better position."

The 49ers are thriving even with an evolving cast, averaging 27 points (ninth in the league), 420 total yards (second), 262 passing yards (second) and 158 rushing yards (third) entering Week 7. And only four teams have fewer defensive takeaways than the Chiefs (four).

However, as 49ers linebacker Fred Warner painfully framed this week, Mahomes has never lost to the 49ers. He is 4-0 with 1,356 pass yards (339 per contest), 11 TDs (10 pass, one rush) with a combined passer rating of 104.6 when facing San Francisco.

"They still got 15 back there. I have yet to beat him," Warner said. "I have played against him maybe four times now and have yet to beat him. I think it's an important game for us to try and get over that hump and get the win."

With a win Sunday in Santa Clara, Kansas City would become the 10th defending Super Bowl champion to start the following season 6-0. The only times the Chiefs began 6-0 were 2003, when they finished 13-3 but lost in the AFC divisional playoffs, and 2013, when they went 11-5 and fell in an AFC wild-card game.

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Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 7

Player Notes
Sam Darnold Oct 20 5:30pm ET
Sam Darnold

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold threw for 259 yards, one touchdown, and one pick off 22-for-27 passing in Sunday's narrow loss to the Lions. He added four carries for 39 yards. The signal-caller was coming off a horrid performance in the Week 5 overseas loss to the New York Jets. While he played better on Sunday, it still wasn't enough, resulting in the Vikings first loss of the 2024-25 campaign. Minnesota won't have much time to sulk, as the team will meet the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night. Granted, Darnold was more productive earlier in the year. Still, he's worth starting in most fantasy setups.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Waddle Oct 20 5:30pm ET
Jaylen Waddle

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle caught 1-of-2 targets in Sunday's 16-10 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. The numbers are all season-low marks for the fourth-year wideout, and the first time in his young career he registered fewer than four targets. No Dolphins pass-catcher recorded more than three targets or two receptions in the contest aside from tight end Jonnu Smith, who led the team with seven catches and 96 yards on seven targets. It's a significant disappointment for Waddle's managers in an excellent matchup. It's anticipated that quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will practice ahead of the team's Week 8 outing and might make his return when the Dolphins host the Arizona Cardinals next Sunday. If not, it could be another week of Tim Boyle calling signals with Tyler Huntley (shoulder) forced from Sunday's loss in the second half.

From RotoBaller

Tyreek Hill Oct 20 5:20pm ET
Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill caught 1-of-2 targets for eight yards in the team's 16-10 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. He added five rushing yards on his only attempt. Ouch. It's an enormous letdown in a promising matchup for Hill, with Miami coming off a bye in Week 6. The 30-year-old had quarterback troubles again on Sunday when Tyler Huntley (shoulder) left the game and was ruled out in the second half. Tim Boyle entered in relief, but the Dolphins went with a run-heavy game script, attempting just 26 passes to 40 rushes. The ground game was working in their defense, but Hill and wideout Jaylen Waddle combined for just four targets, two catches, and 19 yards. With QB Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) set to practice ahead of Week 8, the team could see its arrow pointing up in anticipation of a home matchup against the Arizona Cardinals next Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Josh Jacobs Oct 20 5:20pm ET
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs was solidly effective for the Packers as he capped off his afternoon in Week 7 with a touchdown reception in the Packers' 24-22 victory. Jacobs averaged over 6.0 yards per carry, totaling 72 rushing yards on just 12 carries. Jacobs also caught 5-of-5 targets for 16 yards, including an eight-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Jordan Love in the third quarter. That touchdown grab was the first of his career and ended his streak of 211 receptions without a receiving touchdown; the longest in NFL history. While the passing game was on display for the Packers for much of the game, Jacobs was plenty involved and had a quality day for fantasy purposes. He'll look to continue that momentum as the Packers head south to face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 8, where Jacobs should be considered a low-end RB1 for that matchup.

From RotoBaller

Jonnu Smith Oct 20 5:10pm ET
Jonnu Smith

Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith reeled in all seven of his targets for 96 yards and a touchdown in their 16-10 Week 7 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. It was a career day for the 29-year-old veteran, who set a new personal best with his seven receptions. His marks in the matchup were all team-highs, too, as no other Miami pass-catcher recorded more than three targets. It was an excellent performance from Smith, with the 96 yards being his most since he posted 100 in Week 9 last season as a member of the Atlanta Falcons. With quarterback Tua Tagovailoa potentially returning in Week 8, the Dolphins' offensive outlook could be on the rise. However, that is nowhere near a guarantee. Miami will now turn their attention to next Sunday when they'll host the visiting Arizona Cardinals.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Love Oct 20 5:10pm ET
Jordan Love

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love tossed three touchdown scores for most of the Packers' scoring on the afternoon as the Packers' edged the Texans 24-22 in Week 7. Love had an up-and-down game with 24-of-33 passing for 220 yards with three touchdown passes and two interceptions. A touchdown pass to Tucker Kraft kicked off the scoring on a beautiful diving play. Minutes later, Love found Dontayvion Wicks for a 30-yard touchdown with a perfect touch pass over the top. The final touchdown pass was Josh Jacobs' first receiving touchdown of his career; an eight-yard dump-off. Love was very good for fantasy production on the afternoon as he continued his streak of multiple-touchdown games in all five games Love has played this season. The Packers head south to Jacksonville to face the Jaguars, where Love will be a locked-in QB1 for that pristine matchup in Week 8.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Schultz Oct 20 5:00pm ET
Dalton Schultz

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz started his day with a first-quarter catch for 28 yards, but that accounted for all of his receiving production in a 24-22 loss at Green Bay. The 28-year-old tight end actually led the team in receiving, but only because Houston threw for a paltry 86 passing yards against the Packers. Schultz was targeted just twice in the game, his lowest total of the 2024 season thus far. The veteran will look for a better day in Week 8 against the Indianapolis Colts.

From RotoBaller

Aidan O'Connell Oct 20 5:00pm ET
Aidan O'Connell

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (thumb) exited during the first quarter of Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Rams and was taken to the locker room for further evaluation. He is officially listed as questionable to return, but head coach Antonio Pierce told the CBS broadcast that "it doesn't look like he'll be back." O'Connell suffered the injury while grazing his hand on a defender during a pass attempt. Gardner Minshew II has entered the game in his place. At the time of his departure, O'Connell had completed six of 10 passes for 52 yards, zero touchdowns, and zero turnovers. It's been a tumultuous start to the year for the Las Vegas quarterback room. Minshew opened the year as the starter, was benched for O'Connell due to poor performance, and is now back in the lineup due to his teammate's injury. Based on Pierce's comments, it sounds like Minshew will stay in the game as Las Vegas' quarterback for the rest of Week 7.

From RotoBaller

JuJu Smith-Schuster Oct 20 5:00pm ET
JuJu Smith-Schuster

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) exited during the first quarter of Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers and is officially questionable to return. He had not been targeted prior to his departure. Smith-Schuster entered Week 7 with a hamstring injury, so while the Chiefs initially cleared him to play, it appears he re-aggravated the issue early during Sunday's contest. As the game continues, the Chiefs' passing attack will funnel through a combination of Travis Kelce, Xavier Worthy, and Mecole Hardman, among others.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Daniels Oct 20 4:50pm ET
Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (rib) exited during the first quarter of Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers and is officially questionable to return. Marcus Mariota has entered in his place. Daniels has been the Rookie of the Year frontrunner and an MVP candidate so far, leading the Commanders to a remarkable 4-2 start. At the time of his departure on Sunday, he had completed each of his two pass attempts for six yards through the air while also adding 50 rushing yards. Mariota is still a capable NFL quarterback, but he represents a clear downgrade from this year's No. 2 overall pick. Look for Washington to place a little more emphasis on the rushing attack until Daniels can return to the lineup.

From RotoBaller

Devon Achane Oct 20 4:50pm ET
Devon Achane

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane handled 15 carries in the team's 16-10 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, churning out 77 yards. He added two receptions and eight yards on three targets. Achane ran well Sunday against a porous Colts D as the Dolphins deployed a run-heavy game plan, totaling just 26 pass attempts to their 40 rushing. It's another disappointing outing for the second-year back, as Miami has averaged just nine points a game on offense since Week 2. While his day wasn't very useful regarding fantasy production, he out-carried backfield mate Raheem Mostert by four and out-gained him by 27, while the veteran did not record a target in the passing game. The Fins will square off against the Arizona Cardinals at home in Week 8.

From RotoBaller

C.J. Stroud Oct 20 4:50pm ET
C.J. Stroud

The Green Bay Packers defense and special teams unit were in a slugfest with the Houston Texans in Week 7, eventually outlasting the Texans 24-22 by a game-winning field goal. The Packers tallied four sacks on Texans' quarterback C.J. Stroud and held him to just 86 yards passing on the afternoon. Stroud could not get much offense generated on the afternoon, as the Packers held Stefon Diggs to just 23 yards on five receptions and Tank Dell without a catch. The Packers still gave up 22 points as Joe Mixon put up 115 yards rushing and two touchdowns. It wasn't pretty, but the Packers found a way to get it done, even if the fantasy output by Green Bay wasn't exactly fruitful with zero interceptions and zero fumble recoveries. Green Bay heads south to Jacksonville to take on the Jaguars, where they will be a locked-in starting D/ST for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Geno Stone Oct 20 4:50pm ET
Geno Stone

Cincinnati Bengals safety Geno Stone (left leg) exited late in the fourth quarter of Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns and was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the contest. He finished Week 7 with seven tackles, bringing his season total to 37. He also intercepted his first pass of the 2024 campaign. If Stone is forced to miss extended time, Tycen Anderson would presumably earn more snaps at free safety.

From RotoBaller

Tim Boyle Oct 20 4:40pm ET
Tim Boyle

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tim Boyle completed 8-of-13 passes for 74 yards in Sunday's 16-10 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. He gained four yards on the ground on his only attempt. Boyle entered the game in the second half after starting QB Tyler Huntley (shoulder) picked up an injury and was deemed out for the remainder of Week 7. It was another disastrous day for the Dolphins' offense, who have yet to find their footing since Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) went down with a brain injury. Of the team's 12 possessions in the contest, just two went for ten or more plays, and it's the fourth time in the last five matchups that they've failed to score more than ten points. With Tagovailoa potentially returning to action in Week 8, Miami's fortune may swiftly change.

From RotoBaller

Baylon Spector Oct 20 4:40pm ET
Baylon Spector

Buffalo Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard (ankle) exited during the second half of Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans and was subsequently ruled out. He finished Week 7 with eight tackles, bringing his season total to 32. He also registered two tackles for loss and one fumble recovery. Baylon Spector entered the game in Bernard's place and will presumably earn more opportunities if the 25-year-old misses additional time.

From RotoBaller

Stefon Diggs Oct 20 4:40pm ET
Stefon Diggs

Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs managed just 23 yards and no touchdowns on five catches in a 24-22 defeat Sunday at Green Bay. It was an all-around miserable day for the Houston passing game, which managed only 86 yards through the air. The passing struggles trickled down to the veteran receiver, who was targeted a team-high seven times without much to show for it. Diggs and the Texans will have a more favorable matchup in Week 8 against the Indianapolis Colts.

From RotoBaller

C.J. Stroud Oct 20 4:30pm ET
C.J. Stroud

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud was held in check during a 24-22 loss at Green Bay, compiling a season-low 86 yards on 10-for-21 passing with no touchdowns or interceptions. He also added 19 yards rushing on five attempts. The second-year quarterback was sacked four times and saw nearly a third of his passing yards on one play, a 28-yard completion to tight end Dalton Schultz. It was an all-around frustrating day for the Houston offense, which was held without a passing touchdown for the first time this season. Stroud and the Texans will look for better in Week 8 against Indianapolis.

From RotoBaller

Dorian Thompson-Robinson Oct 20 4:20pm ET
Dorian Thompson-Robinson

Cleveland Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (finger) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals. He exited in the fourth quarter and was replaced by Jameis Winston. It's been an eventful Week 7 for the Browns and their quarterbacks. Prior to kickoff, the Browns demoted Winston to the emergency third-string quarterback role and elevated Thompson-Robinson to the backup position. However, Watson suffered a suspected torn Achilles in the first half, so Thompson-Robinson was thrust into action. Now, Thompson-Robinson is hurt, too, finishing Week 7 with 11 completions, 82 passing yards, and two interceptions, as well as 44 rushing yards and one sack. Thus, the Browns are turning to their third quarterback of the day, Winston. This situation will be imperative to monitor ahead of Week 8. If Thompson-Robinson recovers, he'll presumably start next week. Otherwise, Winston will draw the start while the Browns scour free agency for a new backup.

From RotoBaller

Joe Mixon Oct 20 4:20pm ET
Joe Mixon

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon continued his excellent form in a 24-22 loss at Green Bay, finishing with 115 yards rushing, two touchdowns, and two catches for nine yards. The veteran back found the end zone twice in the first half, scoring from two and four yards away. The former Oklahoma Sooner looks to be in a good spot within a talented Houston offense in which he is afforded volume, red-zone touches, and regular work in the passing game. Mixon will look for more of the same when the Texans play the Indianapolis Colts in Week 8.

From RotoBaller

Drake Maye Oct 20 4:13pm ET
Drake Maye

Dynasty | Patriots quarterback Drake Maye completed 26-of-37 passes for 276 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions in a loss against Jacksonville. Dynasty Analysis: He added 18 rushing yards, which actually tied for the team lead. The fact Maye didn't turn the ball over in this one despite being under siege the entire game is a modern miracle. While the stat line isn't something that blows you away, anyone who has watched him play over the past couple of games has to believe the Patriots have clearly found their quarterback of the future. Maye's dynasty stock is on the rise.

From Dynasty League Fantasy