Guest of the League
Best Ball SCOUT 2797
FFL: Week 7 | NFL: Week 7

Broncos' Sean Payton wary of 'over-coaching' QB Bo Nix

Mon Oct 21 3:41pm ET
Field Level Media

Bo Nix's inconsistent footwork has been a consistent throughout the Denver Broncos' 4-3 start to the season, but head coach Sean Payton said that he's also wary of "over-coaching" his rookie quarterback.

Nix threw for only 164 yards while completing 16 of 26 passes in the Broncos' 33-10 victory at New Orleans on Thursday night. But the passing game took a backseat with Denver rushing for 225 yards and dominating time of possession in a game that was well in hand by the middle of the third quarter.

Amazon analyst Kirk Herbstreit was the latest to highlight Nix's inconsistent footwork during the telecast after the quarterback misfired to multiple open receivers.

Nix is completing 61.2 percent of his passes with five touchdowns against five interceptions on the season while posting a 74.4 quarterback rating. He has a "D" report card thus far by data analytics company Inside Edge. While Nix has an A- grade for pass attempts per sack (18. percent), he has received failing grades thus far for overall hit target percentage (69.1), mid hit target (58.8) and deep hit target (39.1).

Inside Edge also grades Nix with a D- for passer rating under pressure (46.3) and passer rating no pressure (80.0).

"I think you have to be careful you're not over-coaching," Payton said Monday. "There are some things he does very well out of the pocket or climbing up in the pocket. I think we start with the focus on timing of the route, the depth of the route in the (shot)gun or under center, (is it a) three-, five- or seven(-step drop back)?

"We work on the rhythm of the play so that his feet marry up to the depth of the route. The times where he's climbing the pocket or moving in the pocket, we're pretty smart about how much we saw or how much we try to fix."

Nix did contribute 75 of those rushing yards as well, bringing his total to 255 yards and three touchdowns on the ground this season. Payton also said Nix's abilities with his legs have provided an unexpected element to his play-calling.

"I think that he's a little bit faster than maybe we anticipated even coming out from a running standpoint," Payton said. "So it does give you some flexibility particularly on third down or in the red zone."

Denver rebounded from its Week 6 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers and has now won four of its past five games to remain in the thick of the AFC wild-card picture.

The Broncos now return home, where they are 1-2 this season, to face the reeling Carolina Panthers (1-6) on Sunday. It's a critical game with challenging trips to Baltimore and Kansas City the following two weeks.

"I think the focus really always starts inward, not as much outward," Payton said. "Certainly, we have to study the opponent. Our preparation, all the things we have to do to get ready to play a game, to play our best game is what the focal point will be, and the details.

"There are still a lot of things that we have to be better at."

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 7

Player Notes
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

Dorian Thompson-Robinson Oct 21 12:10pm CT
Dorian Thompson-Robinson

X-rays on Cleveland Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson's right middle finger came back negative on Monday after he injured it in the Week 7 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Thompson-Robinson was forced into action after Deshaun Watson suffered a season-ending torn Achilles. The 24-year-old is also undergoing an MRI exam to determine the severity of his finger injury. If he's deemed good to go for Week 8 against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens, the Browns must decide between DTR or veteran Jameis Winston to make the start with Watson out. The best bet is that Winston will make the start against the Ravens, but Thompson-Robinson could make a start at some point down the road in what has become a lost season for the Browns. Fantasy managers in single-QB leagues should be looking to avoid the quarterback situation in Cleveland.

From RotoBaller

Darnell Mooney Oct 21 11:10am CT
Darnell Mooney

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney had a useful day in PPR formats in Sunday's 34-14 loss to the Seahawks, nabbing five of eight targets for 46 yards. His 53 targets on the season are more than Terry McLaurin (49) and just two fewer than Stefon Diggs (55), so he clearly has value, but much of his fantasy production came in one blow-up game versus Tampa Bay in Week 5 when he tallied nine catches on a whopping 16 targets for 105 yards and two scores. That contest notwithstanding, the fifth-year pro is averaging four catches on six targets for 52 yards per game. The 26-year-old gets another shot at those same Bucs in Week 8, and while seeing his quarterback heave up 58 pass attempts again is not at all likely, if they try to shut down Drake London who torched them for 12-154-1 the last time out, Mooney and the other receivers would stand to benefit from his added attention.

From RotoBaller

Kirk Cousins Oct 21 10:40am CT
Kirk Cousins

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins completed 24-of-35 passes for 232 yards and a touchdown but turned the ball over three times in a 34-14 loss to the Seahawks on Sunday. Two of the turnovers came via interception and the other was a fumble that turned into a scoop-and-score for the Seahawks. It was the fifth time in seven games that Cousins failed to record two or more touchdown passes and he now has seven picks in as many games. This was supposed to be a favorable matchup with a banged-up Seahawks secondary and Atlanta favored by three points, but instead, it was a lopsided affair that went in Seattle's favor. While it makes Cousins hard to trust as a weekly streaming option, the good news is that the 36-year-old gets the Buccaneers in Week 8, a team he threw for over 500 yards against with four TDs just a few weeks ago, so he'll get an opportunity to bounce back next week.

From RotoBaller

Kyle Pitts Oct 21 10:10am CT
Kyle Pitts

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts garnered nine looks from Kirk Cousins, tallying seven grabs for 65 yards in Sunday's 34-14 loss to the Seahawks. Although the 24-year-old failed to find the end zone for the sixth consecutive week, the target, reception, and yardage totals were all team-highs on the afternoon. The former first-round draft pick recorded seven catches or more just three times from 2021-23 but has now totaled seven catches in two of the last three games for Atlanta, so perhaps the arrow is starting to point up for him. He also was held without a catch in Week 4, so let's not get too ahead of ourselves. Week 8 brings a rematch with Tampa Bay, which saw 58 pass attempts from Cousins the last time out. A more balanced approach should be the expectation this time around, but Pitts did haul in seven for 88 in that contest and should be involved again.

From RotoBaller

Bijan Robinson Oct 21 9:40am CT
Bijan Robinson

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson totaled up 24 touches in Sunday's 34-14 loss to the Seahawks, with 21 rushes for 103 yards and a score while adding three catches for 40 yards. The number of rush attempts were a season high and he's now caught at least three passes in six of seven games for Atlanta. The 22-year-old flashed his big play ability with a 26-yard rush and a 26-yard catch-and-run, finishing the week within the top 12 at the position in fantasy. Fantasy managers will appreciate the added workload, but we'll see if it sticks as his previous high in rush attempts this season was just 18. On tap in Week 8 are the Buccaneers who the Falcons have faced once already and it ended up being a pass-heavy game script, with Robinson getting just 12 attempts for 61 yards and three catches for 16.

From RotoBaller