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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
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

Drake Maye Oct 16 7:30pm ET
Drake Maye

New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye (knee) was able to put in a full practice on Wednesday after banging up his knee in his first career start in the Week 6 loss to the Houston Texans, but he went for an MRI exam after practice. It's something to watch for fantasy managers in superflex, two-QB leagues as the Patriots prepare to face the Jacksonville Jaguars in London this Sunday. In the 22-year-old's first NFL start, he went 20-for-33 for 243 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions, adding five carries for 38 yards and a lost fumble. It obviously was an up-and-down performance, but Maye certainly gives fantasy managers in two-QB leagues much more upside than Jacoby Brissett. And in a fantastic Week 7 matchup against the one-win Jags, Maye will definitely have some QB2 upside if he's able to suit up.

From RotoBaller

D'Onta Foreman Oct 16 7:20pm ET
D'Onta Foreman

Cleveland Browns running back D'Onta Foreman (groin) was able to practice on a limited basis in the first session of the week on Wednesday. Foreman led Cleveland in touches out of the backfield in the Week 6 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles after Jerome Ford (hamstring) suffered an injury just four snaps into the game. The 28-year-old managed 47 scrimmage yards on 12 touches (10 carries, two catches). In addition to Foreman, Pierre Strong Jr. saw 10 touches and went for 78 total yards. The Browns' backfield should be considered very fluid right now, with Ford potentially missing Week 7 against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals, while Nick Chubb (knee) could be activated off the Physically Unable to Perform to make his season debut on Sunday. Chubb has the most fantasy upside of any of these names, but it might take him a while to get going.

From RotoBaller

Tommy Tremble Oct 16 7:10pm ET
Tommy Tremble

Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble (concussion) was limited in practice on Wednesday. Tremble missed the Panthers' Week 6 game against the Atlanta Falcons due to his injury. His limited participation in practice this early in the week suggests that he is progressing well through the NFL's concussion protocol. Tremble has been virtually irrelevant for fantasy in 2024. In four games played this season, he only has seven receptions for 59 yards and a fumble lost. The Carolina Panthers offense has focused more on the wide receivers and running back Chuba Hubbard (rest). Even if Tremble suits up this weekend, leave him on the waiver wire.

From RotoBaller

Nick Chubb Oct 16 7:10pm ET
Nick Chubb

Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (knee) was able to put in a full practice on Wednesday, signaling that he has a good chance at making his 2024 debut this Sunday against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals. Jerome Ford (hamstring), who was injured in the Week 6 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, was a DNP on Wednesday, while D'Onta Foreman (groin) was limited. The Browns still must activate Chubb from the Physically Unable to Perform list before he's eligible to play, but that could be coming later this week as long as he doesn't suffer a setback on Thursday or Friday. The 28-year-old required two surgeries for a serious left-knee injury he suffered in Week 2 last year, so fantasy managers may want to temper expectations for his productivity and workload right away. If Chubb plays this weekend, he'll be a risky RB3/flex, at best, for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Joe Mixon Oct 16 7:00pm ET
Joe Mixon

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle) was limited in practice on Wednesday. Mixon has been battling an ankle sprain for several weeks but he returned to the field in Week 6 against the New England Patriots without any limitations. As a veteran, it is not uncommon for Mixon to receive rest or limited practice participation in the middle of the week. When healthy, Mixon has been excellent in 2024. In two full games played, he has rushed for 261 yards and two touchdowns. He has added 49 receiving yards and a touchdown in those games as well. The Texans seem intent on riding Mixon throughout the season which is great for fantasy managers provided he can stay healthy. Mixon will slot in as a high-end RB2 or low-end RB1 against the Green Bay Packers in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Diontae Johnson Oct 16 6:50pm ET
Diontae Johnson

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ankle) was a non-participant in Wednesday's practice. Johnson has been dealing with the injury for a couple of weeks so his lack of participation in a Wednesday practice should come as no surprise. Still, his practice participation should be monitored leading up to the weekend. Johnson has come alive with quarterback Andy Dalton under center. He has earned 10-plus targets in three of the past four weeks and scored at least 19.8 fantasy points in three of the last four weeks. He is entering an excellent matchup against the Washington Commanders who have had a tough time slowing down opposing passing games. If Johnson can play through his injury once again, then he will surely slot in as a high-end WR2. The Commanders should have no issue scoring on the Panthers' defense which should provide Johnson with plenty of target volume as the Panthers attempt to keep up.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Kincaid Oct 16 6:40pm ET
Dalton Kincaid

Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (collarbone) was limited in the Bills' walk-through practice on Wednesday. Kincaid was not limited in the Bills' Week 6 win over the New York Jets so his appearance on the injury report is concerning for fantasy managers. However, Wednesdays are often rest or limited days for veterans who are a little banged up. Kincaid's status will need to be monitored leading up to the Bills' Week 7 game against the Tennessee Titans. Kincaid has been a relative disappointment for fantasy football in 2024. He was drafted to be a top tight end but he has been anything but that. He has earned at least six targets in three straight games but the arrival of new wide receiver Amari Cooper is sure to cut into Kincaid's target volume. Kincaid's season high in yards is 51 and he has only scored one touchdown. Even if his injury is nothing, he is going to be a mid-to-back-end TE1 in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Amari Cooper Oct 16 6:30pm ET
Amari Cooper

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott announced on Wednesday that there is no decision regarding the availability of new wide receiver Amari Cooper on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans. Cooper was traded to the Bills from the Cleveland Browns on Tuesday for a 2025 third-round pick and a 2026 seventh-round pick. Whenever players arrive at a new team in the middle of the week, it is usually up in the air whether they will play. Once he takes the field, Cooper should immediately step into a role as the No. 1 wide receiver for a Josh Allen-led offense. Cooper has caught 24 passes for 250 yards and two touchdowns thus far in 2024. He has struggled due to poor play from quarterback Deshaun Watson. However, Cooper is only one year removed from a 72-reception, 1,250-yard, and five-touchdown season. He should be able to produce those types of numbers once again once he is up to speed in the Bills offense. Cooper should be a WR2 in fantasy for the rest of the season.

From RotoBaller

James Cook Oct 16 6:30pm ET
James Cook

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (toe) was limited in Wednesday's walk-through practice. Cook's injury cost him the Bills' Week 6 game against the New York Jets. Rookie running back Ray Davis shined in Cook's stead. He rushed for 97 yards and caught three passes for 55 yards. With the excellent play of Davis, the Bills may have a solid one-two punch on their hands once Cook returns from injury. Cook is currently the RB12 in fantasy with 525 rushing yards and two touchdowns along with 21 receptions for 180 yards and one touchdown. If Cook can play on Sunday, he will draw a tough matchup against a solid Tennessee Titans defense. Even so, he is not someone you can remove from your lineup due to his big-play ability.

From RotoBaller

Derek Carr Oct 16 6:20pm ET
Derek Carr

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) is listed as doubtful to play on Thursday night against the Denver Broncos. Carr has been dealing with a torn oblique that cost him the Saints' Week 6 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Carr has not practiced all week and so it is interesting that the Saints have not officially ruled him out for Thursday. The listing as doubtful leaves the door cracked for Carr to play but it seems highly unlikely at this point. All signs suggest that rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler will get his second start on Thursday night. Unfortunately, the Saints will be without Rashid Shaheed (knee) and Chris Olave (concussion). If Carr cannot go, then his next chance to retake the field will be in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Chargers.

From RotoBaller

Cooper Kupp Oct 16 5:40pm ET
Cooper Kupp

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said that it's possible that wide receiver Cooper Kupp (ankle) makes his return in Week 7 to face the Las Vegas Raiders. The Athletic's Jourdan Rodrigue reports that Kupp will do individual drills with his position group in practice on Wednesday, according to McVay. It means that Kupp will likely be listed as limited on Wednesday's final injury report. Kupp is trying to return from a left high-ankle sprain that he suffered in the Week 2 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Before the injury, though, he was looking unstoppable with 18 catches (27 targets) for 147 yards and a touchdown in two games. If the 31-year-old returns to face the Raiders this Sunday, he could eat for fantasy managers with Puka Nacua (knee) still on Injured Reserve.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Jones Oct 16 5:30pm ET
Daniel Jones

New York Giants star left tackle Andrew Thomas (foot) had successful surgery on Wednesday morning to fix a Lisfranc foot injury, according to sources, and is expected to miss the rest of the 2024 season. After signing a contract extension, Thomas will have played in just 16 of 34 games in his first two seasons with the club. He's one of the team's most indispensable players, so his loss will surely be felt for an offense that already was having issues moving the ball consistently through the first six weeks of the season. They could get rookie sensation Malik Nabers (concussion) back this weekend, but Thomas' injury cannot be overstated for quarterback Daniel Jones and the rest of the offense. Josh Ezeudu is expected to start on Jones' blind side moving forward. Thomas should be ready for OTAs next spring.

From RotoBaller

Devin Singletary Oct 16 5:20pm ET
Devin Singletary

New York Giants running back Devin Singletary (groin) was listed as a limited practice participant on Wednesday. Singletary continues to put in limited practices despite missing each of the last two weeks. More light will be shed on his status for the Week 7 game on Sunday against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles later this week. In the two games that Singletary has missed, rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. has taken advantage of the opportunity and has looked much better than Singletary. The fifth-round pick should now be rostered in the majority of fantasy leagues, especially if you also have Singletary. At the very least, Tracy deserves more run in New York's backfield, even after Singletary returns. Tracy has taken 35 carries for 179 yards (5.11 yards per tote) and a touchdown while catching seven passes for an additional 58 yards.

From RotoBaller

Graham Gano Oct 16 5:20pm ET
Graham Gano

New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll said that kicker Graham Gano (hamstring) won't come off the Injured Reserve to kick in Week 7 against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles. Gano is not ready to return to the team despite missing the required four games on IR, so the Giants are expected to roll with veteran Greg Joseph again this Sunday. The 37-year-old Gano is recovering from a right-hamstring injury. Fantasy managers should be looking elsewhere for a kicking option this weekend. The Giants offense hasn't been great in 2024, although they could be getting rookie wideout Malik Nabers (concussion) back against the Eagles. Joseph missed both of his field-goal chances in the Week 6 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals and has made eight of his 11 field-goal tries overall in his four games this year.

From RotoBaller

Levi Wallace Oct 16 5:10pm ET
Levi Wallace

Denver Broncos defensive back Patrick Surtain II (concussion) was ruled out for Thursday's game, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The star cornerback was unable to practice this week due to a concussion and will set his sights on returning in Week 8. As a result, Levi Wallace and Riley Moss should be expected to see the majority of snaps on Thursday night. Saints rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler already faces a tall task as he will be without his top two wideouts, Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee), but could have an easier time without Surtain on the field. Despite this, the Broncos remain a top defensive unit to play this weekend, facing a depleted New Orleans passing attack.

From RotoBaller

Malik Nabers Oct 16 5:10pm ET
Malik Nabers

New York Giants wide receivers Malik Nabers (concussion), Wan'Dale Robinson (ankle) and Darius Slayton (groin) were all listed as limited participants in Wednesday's practice. It's safe to say the Giants' receiving corps is banged up heading into a Week 7 divisional contest against the Philadelphia Eagles. Nabers' status is the one most worth watching, as the 21-year-old first-rounder has missed the last two games with an injury. However, he's progressing through the league's concussion protocol and has a realistic shot to return this Sunday. Fantasy managers should check back later this week on the status of New York's wideouts. Nabers had 35 catches for 386 yards and three TDs in four games for his injury, so he'll be a must-start in fantasy lineups if he is active against Philly. Jalin Hyatt would benefit the most if the Giants are missing multiple receivers this weekend.

From RotoBaller

D.J. Chark Oct 16 5:00pm ET
D.J. Chark

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver DJ Chark (hip) is set to have his practice window open on Wednesday, according to Kris Rhim of ESPN. Chark has been on the injured reserve since the opening week with a hip injury. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during practice this week as he could make his 2024 season debut on Monday evening against the Arizona Cardinals. Last season, Chark caught 35 passes for 525 yards and five scores with the Carolina Panthers. When Chark returns, he should compete for targets with Joshua Palmer, Quentin Johnson, and Ladd McConkey and should be left on all waiver wires for now.

From RotoBaller

Chris Olave Oct 16 4:50pm ET
Chris Olave

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (concussion) will not play on Thursday night due to a concussion. Olave suffered a concussion last weekend against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and was unable to clear the league's concussion protocol. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the 24-year-old's status next week before their game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Olave has struggled to find consistency at times this season but has eclipsed double-digit PPR points on three occasions and tallied a season-high 20.6 points in Week 3. In addition, No. 2 wideout Rashid Shaheed (knee) will also sit out. As a result, fantasy managers looking for a replacement option should consider adding rookie Bub Means, as he saw an impressive eight targets last weekend and could lead the New Orleans passing attack.

From RotoBaller