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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
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

Matt Judon Oct 16 4:43pm ET
Matt Judon

Atlanta Falcons LB Lorenzo Carter (illness), S Justin Simmons (hamstring) and LB Troy Andersen (knee) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 16. LB Matt Judon (non-injury), CB Antonio Hamilton (back) and LB Nathan Landman (calf, quadriceps) were limited during practice.

From TheHuddle

Josh Downs Oct 16 4:40pm ET
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receivers Josh Downs (toe) and Michael Pittman Jr. (back) did not practice on Wednesday, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. Downs was held out of practice early last week with this injury but was able to suit up for Sunday's game. The injury did not seem too serious as the 23-year-old caught seven of his nine targets for 66 yards and a score. Pittman was originally expected to hit the injured reserve last week but was also able to suit up last weekend. As a result, fantasy managers should continue to monitor their status throughout the week, but this could be a precautionary measure. Since making his season debut in Week 3, Downs has emerged as the top wideout in this passing attack, as he has averaged 15.7 PPR points in this span, while Pittman has held a solid 13.0 average mark.

From RotoBaller

Devon Achane Oct 16 4:40pm ET
Devon Achane

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (concussion) logged a full practice on Wednesday. This is a great sign for the 23-year-old, who suffered a concussion during Week 5. The Dolphins had the week off in Week 6, which gave the sophomore running back more time to progress. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the week as he has to complete all stages of the concussion protocol in order to return to action. If Achane can suit up, he should be locked into all fantasy lineups despite his slump over his past three games, where he has averaged just 5.8 PPR points per game. During the first two weeks of the campaign, Achane eclipsed over 20.0 PPR points and remains a high-upside running back given his rushing and receiving ability.

From RotoBaller

Noah Brown Oct 16 4:33pm ET
Noah Brown

Washington Commanders WR Noah Brown (groin) was limited during practice Wednesday, Oct. 16.

Fantasy Spin: Brown has posted at least 50 yards in two of his four games this season but is averaging under five targets per game. He should see a handful of targets this week but can be avoided in most leagues.

From TheHuddle

Chris Olave Oct 16 4:30pm ET
Chris Olave

New Orleans Saints WR Chris Olave (concussion) has been ruled out for the Week 7 game, according to head coach Dennis Allen.

Zach Ertz Oct 16 4:23pm ET
Zach Ertz

Washington Commanders TE Zach Ertz (non-injury) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 16.

Fantasy Spin: Ertz is coming off a season-high 68 yards in the last game and has been targeted at least five times in three of the last four games. He should see a similar workload this week but may only be a No. 2 fantasy tight end in most leagues.

From TheHuddle

Taysom Hill Oct 16 4:20pm ET
Taysom Hill

New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill (ribs) is considered doubtful for Thursday's game, according to Nick Underhill of the New Orleans Football Network. The tight end logged limited practice sessions on Monday and Tuesday after missing the previous two games and is now in danger of missing tomorrow's game. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to the 34-year-old's status on Wednesday's injury report, as it may provide more clarity on his potential to suit up. If he cannot play, rookie Spencer Rattler will face a difficult challenge against a tough Denver defense without his top wideouts and potentially starting tight end. As a result, Bub Means could be worth a look as a flex option, as he saw eight targets in relief last weekend.

From RotoBaller

Trey Sermon Oct 16 4:20pm ET
Trey Sermon

Indianapolis Colts running backs Jonathan Taylor (ankle) and Trey Sermon (knee) did not practice on Wednesday, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. Taylor has been sidelined over the past two games with an ankle sprain. Sermon suffered this knee injury in last week's victory over the Tennessee Titans. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor their status during the week as they have two more opportunities to return to practice. In Taylor's absence, Sermon has taken the lead in the Indianapolis backfield and averaged a modest 33.5 yards per game with six total receptions for 25 receiving yards. If Taylor is able to play, he should be locked into all starting lineups. If not, Sermon remains a low-end flex option.

From RotoBaller