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FFL: Week 7 | NFL: Week 7

Soaring NFL ratings suffer second straight dip in Week 6

Wed Oct 16 5:58pm ET
Field Level Media

The NFL's streak of sky-high ratings to begin the season suffered its second consecutive setback in Week 6 with almost all key network windows down year-over-year, according to Sports Media Watch.

Week 6 opened with an NFC West showdown between the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks, but the ratings for Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime was down 5 percent compared to the same week last season.

Meanwhile, Fox's 1 p.m. ET window of Sunday games were down 13 percent, in part due to Detroit's blowout of Dallas being down 8 percent compared to the Eagles-Jets in 2023.

The trend continued into the final game of the day, with Cincinnati's win over the New York Giants watched by 15.44 million viewers -- the fewest to tune into a Sunday Night Football broadcast since 2020.

Week 6 concluded with a tight game between AFC East rivals Buffalo at the New York Jets. Despite the star power of quarterbacks Josh Allen and Aaron Rodgers, the game brought in 17.3 million viewers, down from 19.64 million for the Cowboys against the Los Angeles Chargers last year. However, it was still a strong end to an otherwise down week, representing the second-largest Week 6 Monday Night audience since 2000, according to Sports Media Watch.

Ratings could be in store for a rebound in Week 7, which kicks off on Thursday night with Sean Payton's return to New Orleans with the Denver Broncos. Season to date, Amazon Prime games are averaging 13.98 viewers on Thursday nights, up 18 percent over the full-season average for 2023.

Sunday's slate is highlighted by the Super Bowl rematch between San Francisco and Kansas City on Fox.

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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 7

Player Notes
Christian Watson Oct 16 10:40pm ET
Christian Watson

Green Bay Packers wide receivers Jayden Reed (ankle), Christian Watson (ankle), and Dontayvion Wicks (shoulder) were all officially limited participants for the team's Wednesday practice. Tight end Tucker Kraft (groin) was also limited. Yikes. As of now, wideouts Romeo Doubs, Malik Heath, and Bo Melton are the only three receivers on the roster without a designation. Watson played through the ankle injury he sustained a few weeks back in last week's contest, so it's likely just a maintenance day for the third-year wideout. However, Reed and Wicks picked up their respective injuries in the 34-13 win over the Arizona Cardinals. The former returned to action -- with minimal production -- while the latter did not return in the victory. In the case of Wicks, head coach Matt LaFleur remarked that he "dodged a bullet," and it seems the team is optimistic he misses little to no time. Fantasy managers should closely monitor the Packers' WR room over the coming days.

From RotoBaller

Jake Moody Oct 16 10:40pm ET
Jake Moody

San Francisco 49ers kickers Jake Moody (ankle) and Matthew Wright (shoulder) were both listed as non-participants in the team's first practice of the week. In a bizarre occurrence, the 49ers have had a kicker get injured in back-to-back weeks while attempting a tackle on a kickoff return. It's not much of a surprise that Moody missed another practice as he was diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain he picked up in San Francisco's Week 5 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. However, Wright's designation is worth noting after the MRI he received on his shoulder last Friday came back clean. The hope is that the 28-year-old will be healthy enough to play in the team's Week 7 tilt against the Kansas City Chiefs. If Wright can't suit up, the 49ers have signed kicker Anders Carlson to their practice squad as his replacement.

From RotoBaller

Jauan Jennings Oct 16 10:20pm ET
Jauan Jennings

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (hip) did not participate in the team's first practice of the week. The 27-year-old played 52% of snaps in Thursday's 36-24 victory over the Seattle Seahawks, which is around his typical allotment, so it's unclear when he picked up the hip ailment. When reporters asked about the former Volunteer on Wednesday, head coach Kyle Shanahan said the injury was sustained in the Week 6 matchup, but they were unaware of it Friday morning. Jennings will have two more opportunities to log at least a limited session this week before the team decides on his status for Sunday. The 49ers will square off against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 7 and need all the help they can get against one of the league's top defenses.

From RotoBaller

Mike Williams Oct 16 10:13pm ET
Mike Williams

Dynasty | Jets wide receiver Mike Williams did not practice on Wednesday. Dynasty Analysis: He was out due to "personal reasons." Those reasons surely include the fact his quarterback threw him under the bus after the game this week, the Jets subsequent trading for Davante Adams and rumors the team is attempting to trade him. At this point, it would be a surprise to see him play another game for the Jets. New York would surely take just about anything in exchange for the oft-injured wide receiver at this point, so things could move quickly. Williams is looking like more of a roster clogger than a dynasty asset at this point.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Rashid Shaheed Oct 16 10:13pm ET
Rashid Shaheed

Dynasty | Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed will reportedly undergo surgery to repair a torn meniscus. Dynasty Analysis: It sounds as if Shaheed is going to be a candidate for injured reserve and any dynasty manager enjoying his breakout season is going to need to look elsewhere for production, at least in the short-term. Shaheed has 20 catches for 349 yards and three touchdowns this season, a pace that was putting him at 57 catches for 988 yards and nine touchdowns, which would all obliterate his career highs. While those numbers are likely now unattainable, Shaheed should be able to maintain his rising value, despite being sidelined.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Hayden Hurst Oct 16 10:13pm ET
Hayden Hurst

Los Angeles Chargers TE Hayden Hurst (groin) may miss some time, but his groin injury isn't considered serious.

From TheHuddle

Deebo Samuel Oct 16 10:10pm ET
Deebo Samuel

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (wrist) got in a limited practice to kick off the week on Wednesday. The 28-year-old caught 3-of-5 targets for a team-leading 102 yards -- including a 76-yard touchdown -- in the 36-24 win over their division-rival Seahawks but left the contest briefly to get his hand checked out. He would return to the game, but it appears the injury has lingered. Considering he was not ruled out from Week 6, it's likely that fantasy managers have little reason to be alarmed regarding his status for a pivotal Week 7 matchup against the reigning champion Kansas City Chiefs. Still, his practice participation over the remainder of the week is worth tracking.

From RotoBaller

T.J. Hockenson Oct 16 9:50pm ET
T.J. Hockenson

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee) was again listed as a limited participant in the team's practice report. Technically, it's the veteran's second straight limited session, as he was designated as such in the final practice leading up to the team's Week 5 outing against the New York Jets. Whether or not he plays this week is uncertain; however, with his 21-day practice window set to close on Oct. 25, Minnesota must activate him soon lest they lose him for the remainder of the season. Fortunately, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell was optimistic when asked about him. "He's in a great spot," said O'Connell, "he's moving around great, but he's gotta get acclimated back into football a little bit." With Minnesota set to play their Week 8 matchup on Thursday Night Football, Hockenson's debut may be pushed back until then. We'll know more regarding his Sunday status over the next few days' practice designations.

From RotoBaller

Tucker Kraft Oct 16 9:30pm ET
Tucker Kraft

Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (groin) was listed as limited in the team's first practice of the week. Kraft popped up on Green Bay's injury report last Thursday with a groin injury, logging two limited sessions before suiting up for the Packers' Week 6 win over the Cardinals. The 23-year-old played a full complement of snaps (82%), though he disappointed with his performance, catching 2-of-4 targets for just 13 yards -- a season-low output -- as is the case sometimes in a deep Rolodex of competent Packers' skill players. However, his designation for the following two practices will be telling about his status ahead of Week 7's home tilt against the Houston Texans. If Kraft plays, he could be in store for a busy day with a litany of Packers' wideouts dinged up this week. If he can't, tight end Ben Sims would likely handle most of the TE duties with Luke Musgrave (ankle) on injured reserve.

From RotoBaller

Mike Williams Oct 16 9:23pm ET
Mike Williams

New York Jets WR Mike Williams is open to a trade, and the team 'is comfortable moving on' from Williams, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com.

Fantasy Spin: With the addition of Davante Adams, Williams is likely the No. 4 receiver in New York. His best chance at fantasy relevance would be a trade to a receiver-needy team.

From TheHuddle

Leonard Floyd Oct 16 8:43pm ET
Leonard Floyd

San Francisco 49ers DT Maliek Collins (knee), DE Leonard Floyd (non-injury), PK Jake Moody (ankle), OT Trent Williams (non-injury) and PK Matthew Wright (back, shoulder) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 16. DT Jordan Elliott (knee), CB Darrell Luter Jr. (pelvis) and S Malik Mustapha (ankle) were limited during practice. LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (calf), WR Ricky Pearsall (chest) and CB Charvarius Ward (knee) fully participated in practice.

From TheHuddle

John Jenkins Oct 16 8:23pm ET
John Jenkins

Las Vegas Raiders DE Maxx Crosby (ankle), LB Tommy Eichenberg (quadriceps), LB Kana'i Mauga (knee), OT Kolton Miller (knee, shoulder), OG Dylan Parham (foot), DT John Jenkins (illness) and CB Jack Jones (illness) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 16. DT Adam Butler (knee), WR Tyreik McAllister (shoulder), OT Thayer Munford (ankle, knee) and OG Jackson Powers-Johnson (knee) fully participated in practice.

From TheHuddle

Cooper Kupp Oct 16 8:23pm ET
Cooper Kupp

Los Angeles Rams WR Cooper Kupp (ankle) was limited during practice Wednesday, Oct. 16.

Fantasy Spin: The team was hoping Kupp could return for the Week 7 game, and he seems to have a decent chance to play. Fantasy players will need to monitor the situation because he is a weekly starting option in all leagues when healthy.

From TheHuddle

Evan Engram Oct 16 8:03pm ET
Evan Engram

Jacksonville Jaguars TE Evan Engram (hamstring) was limited during practice Wednesday, Oct. 16.

Fantasy Spin: Engram returned to the lineup last week and posted over 100 yards during the game. He is a big part of the passing game when healthy and can be a No. 1 fantasy tight end.

From TheHuddle

Arik Armstead Oct 16 8:03pm ET
Arik Armstead

Jacksonville Jaguars DE Arik Armstead (shoulder) and CB Tyson Campbell (hamstring) were limited during practice Wednesday, Oct. 16. OT Anton Harrison (knee) fully participated in practice.

From TheHuddle

DeAndre Hopkins Oct 16 8:03pm ET
DeAndre Hopkins

Tennessee Titans WR DeAndre Hopkins (non-injury) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 16.

Fantasy Spin: Hopkins is coming off one of his better games of the season last week but still has posted at least 50 yards on only two of the five games this season. He will see some targets in Week 7 but is only a possible flex option in fantasy leagues.

From TheHuddle

Aaron Jones Oct 16 8:00pm ET
Aaron Jones

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (hamstring) was listed as a non-participant in the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday, but he said he hopes to return to practice on Thursday. Jones said he felt his right hip bothering him before the Week 5 win over the New York Jets in London and it flared up on him during the game. Since then (the Vikings had a bye in Week 6), he's been receiving around-the-clock treatment and seems to be in good spirits as the team prepares for a Week 7 divisional showdown against the Detroit Lions this Sunday. The 29-year-old should be considered questionable for this weekend after being pulled from the London game with his hip injury, and now he's being listed with a hamstring ailment. With Jones injured, Minnesota traded for Cam Akers on Tuesday. Both Akers and Ty Chandler could split the backfield if Jones isn't cleared for Week 7.

From RotoBaller

MarShawn Lloyd Oct 16 7:50pm ET
MarShawn Lloyd

Green Bay Packers rookie running back MarShawn Lloyd (ankle) is not practicing yet despite being eligible to return to practice while on Injured Reserve on Wednesday. "I think he's getting closer," head coach Matt LaFleur said. When asked if Lloyd would return to practice next week, LaFleur said, "We'll see." Lloyd made his NFL debut in the Week 2 win over the Indianapolis Colts and carried the ball six times for 15 yards while catching his only target for a three-yard gain. He's been on IR ever since. The 23-year-old has battle multiple injuries early in his NFL career, but he still has the potential to become the direct backup to Josh Jacobs in Green Bay before the end of the year. With a return date up in the air, Lloyd is only worth stashing for now in really deep-mixed and dynasty/keeper leagues.

From RotoBaller

Najee Harris Oct 16 7:40pm ET
Najee Harris

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (ribs) did not take part in practice on Wednesday due to a ribs injury. However, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reports that it doesn't sound like there's much concern over Harris' status as the team prepares to take on the New York Jets on Sunday Night Football in Week 7. Harris typically gets a rest day during the first practice of the week. As long as the 26-year-old is able to return to a limited session on Thursday, he should be on track to play this weekend as Pittsburgh's lead back. If Harris were to be out or limited at all on Sunday evening, though, Jaylen Warren would see his biggest workload of 2024. On his 96 rushing attempts through six games, Harris has 376 yards (3.9 yards per carry) and only one touchdown to make him the RB22 in half-PPR scoring. A move to Russell Wilson at QB for the Steelers could be good news for Harris' fantasy upside.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Mason Oct 16 7:40pm ET
Jordan Mason

San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason (shoulder) was listed as a limited participant in the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday. Mason suffered an AC joint sprain in his left shoulder during last week's win over the division-rival Seattle Seahawks on Thursday night in the first half. The 25-year-old attempted to return to the game to begin the second half but came out after one carry and never re-entered. The fact that he's practicing at all is a good thing, but it doesn't guarantee he'll be active for Week 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday. With Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) still on Injured Reserve, Mason has been a must-start RB1 in all fantasy leagues to this point. Rookie Isaac Guerendo was a popular waiver-wire pickup this week after going for 99 rushing yards on 10 carries after Mason left last week. He'll be a plug-and-play option at RB if Mason is out this weekend.

From RotoBaller