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Dynasty $125 - FFL: Week 7 | NFL: Week 7

Raheem Morris takes ownership of Falcons' 'flat' loss to Seahawks

Mon Oct 21 5:24pm ET
Field Level Media

As exciting as the Atlanta Falcons' three-game winning streak was entering Week 7, Sunday was a reminder that it's easy to be humbled in the NFL.

Atlanta (4-3) had won three in a row over NFC South foes before a lackluster showing in a 34-14 home defeat to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. The Falcons' offense, which was averaging 33.3 points over their longest win streak in five years, turned the ball over three times in the fourth quarter, while being held scoreless the final 22:43 of the loss.

"We came out flat," Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said Monday. "When I say that, I'm talking about myself. I didn't prepare them well enough to come out the right way."

First-year quarterback Kirk Cousins had his worst game as a Falcon, as his two interceptions and fumble in the fourth quarter sealed Atlanta's fate.

Still very much in the thick of the divisional race, the Falcons will look to put Sunday's ugly game behind them. Ahead of Monday night's Tampa Bay-Baltimore game, Atlanta trailed the Buccaneers by a half-game, while leading the New Orleans Saints by two games and the Carolina Panthers by three.

The Falcons, who own the head-to-head tiebreaker over all three NFC South teams, will face Tampa Bay for the second time in less than a month next Sunday, following their 36-30 overtime win over the Buccaneers on Oct. 3.

"With it being Tampa, you know each other so well," Morris said. "I think it's almost an advantage for them on a short week. But it's the National Football League schedule. This is why we all love it. It's fun, it's enjoyable. I can't wait to get back out and get a chance to play again. I know our guys can't either."

While the offense has carried the load for the Falcons for much of the year, the Atlanta defense has had a "bend but don't break" mentality. On Sunday, however, the unit's inefficiency showed, as it recorded just one sack.

It's been a common theme for the franchise, whose six sacks rank last in the NFL. Atlanta also ranked last in 2021 and second-to-last in 2022 before seeing a bump last season.

A missing piece for the Atlanta defense the last three weeks has been linebacker Troy Andersen. The 2022 second-round pick had a career day on Sep. 29 against the Saints, recording a team-high 10 tackles while returning an interception for his first career touchdown.

Andersen has been out since that game with a knee injury, and Morris and the Falcons are hopeful to see his return this week.

"Troy is going to practice for us on Wednesday," Morris said. "We'll get him out there, get him moving a little bit, see where he is. Troy is a Ferrari, so to speak. His game is based off being able to move fast and vicious. What makes Troy special ... is his ability to run and be as healthy as possible."

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Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 7

Player Notes
Aaron Jones Oct 21 4:20pm CT
Aaron Jones

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (hamstring) was listed as limited on Monday's estimated practice report. The team didn't actually hold a practice a day after their first loss of the 2024 season as they prepare to take on the Los Angeles Rams this Thursday night. Jones suffered a hamstring injury in the Week 5 win over the New York Jets in London and had the bye in Week 6 to heal up before returning in the Week 7 loss to the division-rival Detroit Lions. His hamstring looked just fine on Sunday, as he carried the ball 14 times for 93 yards and a touchdown while adding three catches for 23 yards. Barring a setback, the 29-year-old should be ready to rock this Thursday against a Rams defense that has allowed the 12th-most fantasy points to RBs the last three weeks. Jones should be started on Thursday as long as he doesn't suffer a setback in practice.

From RotoBaller

D.K. Metcalf Oct 21 4:10pm CT
D.K. Metcalf

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (knee) suffered a Grade 1 MCL sprain in the Week 7 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday and is now being considered "week-to-week," according to a source. Metcalf left Sunday's game in the fourth quarter and was seen trying to test his knee out on the sideline before eventually shutting it down and heading to the locker room with a trainer. The 26-year-old did some damage for his fantasy managers before leaving, though, catching four passes for 99 yards and a touchdown on seven targets. If Metcalf is unable to play in Week 8 against the Buffalo Bills, hopefully he'll be ready for a Week 9 tilt against the Los Angeles Rams. Seattle has a bye in Week 10. If Metcalf misses any time, both Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Tyler Lockett would immediately become much more attractive in starting fantasy lineups.

From RotoBaller

T.J. Hockenson Oct 21 4:10pm CT
T.J. Hockenson

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee) was listed as limited on Monday's estimated practice report. The Vikings didn't hold an official practice heading into Thursday night's clash against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 8. Hockenson continues to work his way back from a torn ACL late last year, but head coach Kevin Stefanski wouldn't say on Monday if Hockenson will be activated from the Physically Unable to Perform list in time to be active for Thursday's game. Even if Hockenson is activated and suits up on Thursday, it would be surprising if the 27-year-old wasn't eased into action in his season debut. However, he should be rostered in all fantasy formats by now and could quickly become a strong TE1 option in fantasy after going for career-highs in catches (95) and receiving yards 960 with five touchdowns in 15 games in 2023 in his first year in Minnesota.

From RotoBaller

Brandon Aiyuk Oct 21 3:30pm CT
Brandon Aiyuk

Tests confirmed on Monday that San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) suffered a season-ending knee injury in the Week 7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, according to sources. Aiyuk got sandwiched between two defenders during a hard collision on Sunday, with one hit going low and bending his knee backward in ugly fashion on Sunday. The 49ers feared a torn ACL, which could make it difficult for the 26-year-old to be ready for the start of the 2025 season. Jauan Jennings (hip) was out with an injury on Sunday, and Deebo Samuel Sr. only played three snaps due to illness, leaving tight end George Kittle to lead a decimated wideout corps that featured rookies Ricky Pearsall and Jacob Cowing catching their first NFL passes. Jennings, who could return in Week 8, should be a top waiver-wire priority this week with Aiyuk done for the rest of the season.

From RotoBaller

Taysom Hill Oct 21 3:20pm CT
Taysom Hill

New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen said that he thinks there's a chance that tight end Taysom Hill (ribs) can play on Sunday in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Hill is dealing with fractured ribs and hasn't played for the Saints since Week 4. The 34-year-old Swiss Army knife of an offensive weapon could return this weekend, but he'll need to prove he's ready in practices this week. It's possible that Hill could have an expanded role in the backfield, and perhaps even under center for some plays, if quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) isn't ready to return in Week 8. However, fantasy managers can't bank on that kind of role from a player whose involvement is already unpredictable. In his three games in 2024, Hill has 14 carries for 77 yards and two TDs while catching only two passes for two yards. If Hill returns in Week 8, he'll be an extremely volatile flex play or TE2.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Daniels Oct 21 2:40pm CT
Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels (ribs) left Sunday's Week 7 blowout win over the Carolina Panthers early in the first half due to an injury to his ribs. While his injury isn't considered serious, Daniels will require treatment and monitoring throughout the week, according to sources, making him up in the air for Week 8 versus the Chicago Bears. The 23-year-old went for testing on his ribs when he left the game on Sunday and was due for more testing on Monday. While we don't know the exact nature of the injury to his ribs, it doesn't seem serious enough to land him on Injured Reserve, which would knock him out for at least four games. Daniels has been a must-start QB1 in fantasy as one of the best dual threats at the position early in his career, but managers may be forced to go elsewhere this week if the Commanders play it safe and hold him out. We'll know more in a few days.

From RotoBaller

Alexander Mattison Oct 21 2:30pm CT
Alexander Mattison

Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison was much more efficient than usual in Week 7 in the 15-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Mattison rushed 23 times for 92 yards and caught all three of his targets for 31 yards, giving him 15.3 PPR fantasy points on the day. He took the vast majority of the RB workload. The sixth-year pro was much more involved in the offense than fellow RB Zamir White (groin) who was in his first game back from injury. It appears that the former Minnesota Viking could dominate RB touches in the future, but he also averaged under three yards per carry in four games this season. The Rams defense is also very weak, so the matchup was soft. The Raiders will face the Kansas City Chiefs and their formidable run defense in Week 8. Mattison is a risky FLEX option in deeper leagues. Las Vegas' depleted offense could have difficulty doing much of anything.

From RotoBaller

Chris Olave Oct 21 2:20pm CT
Chris Olave

Per head coach Dennis Allen, New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (concussion) is still in the league's concussion protocol, as Matthew Paras of the Saints reported. There is still a chance that the 24-year-old is active for the Saints' Week 8 road tilt against the Los Angeles Chargers. Still, seeing him progress through the process a bit more expedited would have been more encouraging. It's in stark contrast to what rookie wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. has experienced -- suffering a concussion on the same Sunday afternoon yet gaining clearance to play a whole week sooner (albeit for a Monday Night Football matchup. Olave must still be cleared to play by an independent neurologist before being deemed active for the outing against LA. With quarterback Derek Carr's (oblique) status uncertain and the loss of WR Rashid Shaheed (knee) for the remainder of the season, it'd be an enormous boost for the Saints' offense to regain their star wideout.

From RotoBaller

Greg Gaines Oct 21 2:10pm CT
Greg Gaines

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea (hamstring) expects to suit up for his team's matchup on Monday Night Football. It's fantastic news for the Bucs, as they'll need all the help they can get against the league's top rushing offense in the Baltimore Ravens. Vea was a late addition to Tampa Bay's injury report with a hamstring issue, but he'll give it a go in what projects to be an exciting matchup of 4-2 teams. The 29-year-old is one of the premiere space-eaters in the league and has recorded a sack in three straight contests. He'll look to keep that streak going in the first game of the Monday Night Football doubleheader. With a fairly new injury designation, it's possible his snaps are limited. If that's the case, teammate Greg Gaines would likely see an uptick in usage.

From RotoBaller

Jonathan Taylor Oct 21 2:00pm CT
Jonathan Taylor

As reported by Kevin Bowen of 'The Fan,' Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen is "very optimistic" that running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) will return to action in Week 8. It's excellent news for the Colts and fantasy managers, as Taylor has been shelved since Week 4 when he picked up an ankle sprain in the team's 27-24 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. It'd be nice to see him return to practice -- something he hasn't done in quite some time -- but it's an encouraging statement from his head coach. Steichen noted that defensive lineman DeForest Buckner (ankle) will also return this week. Even if Taylor is active, it's fair to wonder about his workload and effectiveness coming off an injury that can sap a player's juice for a bit. However, he is one of the most dynamic backs in the league and should immediately slide back in as the Colts' RB1. Indianapolis will take on their division-rival Houston Texans this Sunday, and the 25-year-old struggled against them back in Week 1, averaging three yards per carry on his 16 rush attempts (48 yards) and scoring a touchdown.

From RotoBaller

Zac Taylor Oct 21 1:40pm CT
Zac Taylor

Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. (calf) exited the team's 21-14 win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday and did not return. It was initially thought to be a knee injury, but as per the NFL's Ian Rapoport, it turns out he picked up a calf injury. A very particular calf injury dubbed "Tennis leg" that is apparently quite common among Tennis players. Rapoport also noted that he'll have further testing to assess the extent of the injury but reported that head coach Zac Taylor is "optimistic" about the 28-year-old edge-protector. With no other active left tackle on the roster, guard Cody Ford replaced him in the contest and would likely do so again if Brown Jr. can't suit up for a Week 8 home tilt against the Philadelphia Eagles. Expect an update on him over the next 48 hours.

From RotoBaller

Haason Reddick Oct 21 1:30pm CT
Haason Reddick

Per Adam Schefter, New York Jets defensive end Haason Reddick is present at the team's facility on Monday with his agent, Drew Rosenhaus. Reddick has officially begun preparing for Sunday's divisional matchup against the New England Patriots in Week 8. After months of back-and-forth, the 30-year-old pass-rushing specialist will presumably be active against the Patriots and should be a big boost for New York's defensive unit when he takes the field. The Jets have done a decent job getting after the quarterback in 2024 -- recording the fifth-most sacks in the league (21) through a nearly complete Week 7 -- and the journeyman edge-rusher stands to make them a more formidable unit in that regard. Reddick has recorded double-digit sacks in four straight seasons. While it is not yet confirmed, the plan appears to be for him to play in the road matchup.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Allgeier Oct 21 1:20pm CT
Tyler Allgeier

Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier returned to his usual backup role in Sunday's 34-14 loss to the Seahawks, ceding a full workhorse load to backfield mate Bijan Robinson. It seemed the 24-year-old's role was expanding, culminating with an 18-carry, 105-yard outburst in Week 6, but Allgeier finished Week 7 with just five carries compared to Robinson's season-high 21 rush attempts, totaling 36 yards on the ground while adding one catch for nine yards. He was never destined to out-touch Robinson, but his efficiency (5.5 yards per carry) and proven ability to carry the load pointed to more opportunities that ultimately did not come to pass this week. Despite averaging 7.2 YPC in Sunday's contest, Allgeier still looks like a volatile, game-script-dependent fantasy asset right now and remains a strong handcuff to Robinson should anything happen to Atlanta's lead back. The Falcons' Week 8 opponent, Tampa Bay, has generally been stout against the run, which doesn't bode well for Allgeier's near-term prospects.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Oct 21 1:00pm CT
Tua Tagovailoa

The Miami Dolphins designated quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) to return from Injured Reserve on Monday with the hopes that he can return to play this Sunday in Week 8 to face the Arizona Cardinals. Tagovailoa isn't guaranteed to play this weekend, but if he looks good in practice during the week, Miami could officially activate him from IR by Saturday and have him start on Sunday. The 26-year-old lefty signal-caller suffered his fourth concussion in five years in the Week 2 loss to the division-rival Buffalo Bills and has been on IR ever since. However, after consulting with doctors and specialists, Tagovailoa not only made the decision to continue his career, but to try and return this year. Tagovailoa is obviously an extreme injury risk moving forward, but his return to the field should drastically boost the fantasy values of all of Miami's offensive skill players, most notably Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.

From RotoBaller

Will Levis Oct 21 12:50pm CT
Will Levis

Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan said that quarterback Will Levis (shoulder) is week-to-week as he continues to deal with an AC sprain in his right shoulder that he suffered in Week 4 against the Miami Dolphins. The Titans didn't inform backup Mason Rudolph that he was starting in Week 7 against the Buffalo Bills until a day before the game on Saturday. Ultimately, Levis' shoulder didn't respond well to a full practice last Thursday, so Callahan made the decision to sit him this Sunday. The only way for AC joint injuries to heal is with proper rest, so there's a realistic chance Levis will miss a second straight game in Week 8 versus the Detroit Lions. The offense sputtered under Rudolph against Buffalo, as he went 25-for-40 for 215 yards, one TD and an interception in a 34-10 loss. At best, Rudolph will be a low-end QB2 in superflex leagues against Detroit if he makes another start.

From RotoBaller

JuJu Smith-Schuster Oct 21 12:40pm CT
JuJu Smith-Schuster

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said that wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) won't play in Week 8 against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders, although Reid didn't expand on the exact nature of Smith-Schuster's injury. In addition to Smith-Schuster, receiver Justin Watson (ankle) suffered a serious injury in the Week 7 win over the San Francisco 49ers and could be dealing with a fractured ankle. Smith-Schuster played only seven offensive snaps and wasn't targeted at all before leaving on Sunday. If KC doesn't trade for a receiver, they'll be down to rookie Xavier Worthy, Mecole Hardman and Skyy Moore against the Raiders with Rashee Rice (knee) and Marquise Brown (shoulder) already done for the year. Hardman had only three touches on Sunday but did score his first TD of the year. He's worth a look on the waiver wire if you're hurting at receiver.

From RotoBaller

Christian McCaffrey Oct 21 12:30pm CT
Christian McCaffrey

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) won't be available for the Week 8 game on Sunday night against the Dallas Cowboys, and then the team is on bye in Week 9. McCaffrey has been ramping up for an early-November return, so Week 10 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Nov. 10 could be the target date he's shooting for to make his 2024 debut. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports CMC hasn't had any setbacks as he ramps up. San Fran could really use McCaffrey back with receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) going down with a potential season-ending torn ACL in the Week 7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Fantasy managers that have been stashing McCaffrey all year could have him back just in time to make a run for a fantasy championship, although it remains to be seen how effective he'll be and how much of a workload he'll have upon his return.

From RotoBaller

Cooper Kupp Oct 21 12:20pm CT
Cooper Kupp

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said that wide receiver Cooper Kupp's (ankle) workload for the upcoming Thursday night game in Week 8 against the Minnesota Vikings is "to be determined." "That'll be something that as we're putting it together and really diving into it, we'll have a better feel for, but definitely excited to have him back," McVay said. The Rams are expecting Kupp to play on Thursday for the first time since spraining his ankle back in Week 2, but it's unclear at this time if the 31-year-old will play a normal complement of snaps for LA's offense. Kupp only practiced on a limited basis last week and may not get in a full session on a short week before facing Minnesota, which will make him a volatile option for starting fantasy lineups in Week 8. But with Puka Nacua (knee) still on Injured Reserve, Kupp is going to be quarterback Matthew Stafford's preferred target when he's on the field.

From RotoBaller

Aidan O'Connell Oct 21 12:20pm CT
Aidan O'Connell

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (thumb) will be placed on Injured Reserve after fracturing his right thumb in the Week 7 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, according to sources. O'Connell was making his second start of the year on Sunday but will now be out for four to six weeks and will miss at least the next four games after going on IR. He'll have a chance to return this season, but the earliest O'Connell can return would be in Week 13 against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs on Dec. 8. In his two starts, O'Connell went 33-for-50 for 279 yards with a TD and an interception. Gardner Minshew II will now take over as Vegas' starter, but he's nothing more than a low-upside, low-end QB2 in superflex fantasy leagues. After relieving O'Connell on Sunday, Minshew went 15-for-34 for 154 yards with three interceptions and also lost a fumble.

From RotoBaller

Deshaun Watson Oct 21 12:10pm CT
Deshaun Watson

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) suffered a torn Achilles in the Week 7 loss to the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, according to a source, and his 2024 season is over. According to The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot, Watson will undergo surgery soon, and he's deciding between the conventional surgery and the new "speed-bridge" procedure that Jets QB Aaron Rodgers has last year. Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who also did Watson's shoulder surgery, got Rodgers back on the practice field within 77 days, around four months faster than with a traditional Achilles repair. The 29-year-old's future with Cleveland could now be in question, especially since he's unlikely to be ready for the start of next season. Dorian Thompson-Robinson (finger) took over for Watson on Sunday, but it could be Jameis Winston making the start in Week 8 against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens.

From RotoBaller