Guest of the League
NO POKER BOWL Est. 2008
FFL: Week 7 | NFL: Week 7

Chargers, Steelers, Saints inquire about WR Mike Williams

Thu Oct 17 11:56am ET
Field Level Media

The Los Angeles Chargers, Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints have reached out to the New York Jets about trading for wide receiver Mike Williams, The Athletic reported Thursday.

The report comes two days after the Jets acquired three-time All-Pro receiver Davante Adams from the Las Vegas Raiders. It also came three days after four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers blamed a game-ending interception on Williams for running the wrong route in New York's 23-20 setback to the Buffalo Bills.

Adams joined a crowded receiver room that includes Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard and Williams, among others.

Williams, 30, has recorded 10 catches for 145 yards in six games this season with the Jets.

He signed a one-year contract with the Jets on March 19 after spending his first seven seasons with the Chargers. He was released by Los Angeles earlier in March as part of a cost-cutting move.

Williams sustained a torn ACL in Week 3 of the 2023 season, which ended with 19 receptions for 249 yards and one touchdown in three starts. In 94 career games (64 starts), he has racked up 319 catches for 4,951 yards and 31 TDs, plus one rushing score.

The Chargers selected Williams with the seventh overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft out of Clemson.

The Steelers have been looking to bolster their wide receiver depth. They were unsuccessful in their bid this offseason to acquire Brandon Aiyuk.

The Saints' wideout ranks have taken a hit with injuries to Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee).

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 7

Player Notes
Jamal Adams Oct 17 10:20am ET
Jamal Adams

The Tennessee Titans are honoring Pro Bowl safety Jamal Adams' (hip) request for his release, according to a source. Adams is fully healthy and is now looking forward to another opportunity with a new team in 2024. The Titans placed Adams on the Non-Football Injury list last weekend due to a hip injury that he had been dealing with all season, but he's apparently recovered from that and is hoping to prove to other teams that he's ready to go. In addition to his injury, the 29-year-old three-time Pro Bowler was frustrated with his role in Tennessee in the three games that he played, seeing just 20 total defensive snaps. The former sixth overall pick by the New York Jets in 2017 out of LSU has battled injuries his entire career and hasn't played in a full season since 2018, his second year in the league.

From RotoBaller

Justin Fields Oct 17 10:10am ET
Justin Fields

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said on Tuesday that quarterback Russell Wilson will be "in contention" to play and potentially start on Sunday night against the New York Jets. The Athletic's Mike DeFabo writes that Justin Fields, who has led the team to a 4-2 start while Wilson rehabbed a calf strain, could still reclaim the starting gig. And even if he doesn't, the Steelers could use both Wilson and Fields in certain packages on offense. There's no guarantee Wilson will be an obvious upgrade over Fields, and he'll need to prove himself, especially as a passer. One of the biggest risks in playing Wilson over Fields is the former's lack of mobility -- twice in the last five seasons Wilson has led the league in sacks. In terms of Week 7 if Wilson starts, the Jets have the third-most sacks (20) in the league and the fifth-highest pressure rate (39.8%). Wilson will be a low-end QB2, at best, in fantasy if he starts.

From RotoBaller

Mike Williams Oct 17 10:10am ET
Mike Williams

The Athletic's Dianna Russini reports that the Los Angeles Chargers, Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints are among a number of teams reaching out to the New York Jets about wide receiver Mike Williams, according to sources. Williams missed practice on Wednesday due to personal reasons but is back at the team's facility on Thursday. Right before the Jets acquired receiver Davante Adams from the Raiders this week, a report surfaced that the Jets were planning to trade Williams, who has just 10 catches for 145 yards and no TDs in six games with Gang Green after tearing his ACL in 2023. Williams spent the first seven years of his career with the Chargers, while the Steelers and Saints have obvious needs at the wideout position. A change of scenery for Williams at this point could do his fantasy value wonders the rest of the season.

From RotoBaller

Nick Chubb Oct 17 9:50am ET
Nick Chubb

Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (knee) is expected to return in Week 7 this Sunday against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals for the first time since suffering a gruesome knee injury in Week 2 of 2023, and ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi writes that a struggling Browns offense could look to lean on the ground game with Chubb returning. Cleveland ran for 100 yards for the third time this season and averaged 4.0 yards per carry in the Week 6 loss to the Eagles, and multiple players said that running the ball was a point of emphasis during weekly preparation. That should especially be the case with Chubb returning after the Browns traded receiver Amari Cooper to the Bills earlier this week. It's unclear how much of a workload Chubb will see immediately, but the good news is Browns RBs are averaging 4.3 yards per carry and 1.78 yards after contact per rush, which rank 16th and 19th, respectively.

From RotoBaller

Patrick Surtain II Oct 17 9:40am ET
Patrick Surtain II

The Denver Broncos defense/special teams unit is a must-start in fantasy for their Week 7 matchup on Thursday night against a New Orleans Saints offense that has been decimated by injuries. Not only is Saints quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) not expected to play, but their top two receivers -- Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee) -- have been ruled out. Denver's top cornerback, Patrick Surtain II (concussion), won't play either, but the Broncos' defense should still be able to thrive against rookie QB Spencer Rattler, who turned the ball over three times and was sacked five times in his NFL debut in last week's blowout loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Denver's D has been a top-five unit in total fantasy points, while the Saints have allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to defenses in the last two weeks.

From RotoBaller

Wil Lutz Oct 17 9:30am ET
Wil Lutz

Denver Broncos kicker Wil Lutz will be on the streaming radar in deeper fantasy leagues when he faces his old team, the New Orleans Saints, for a Thursday night matchup to kick off Week 7 action. Lutz had an expected dud in last week's loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers, making just one field goal and one extra point. In six games in his second season in Denver, he's averaging 8.0 fantasy points per week, which ranks 15th among all kickers. The 30-year-old sits 10th in overall fantasy points and has attempted 14 field goals through six games, which is tied for seventh. The Broncos offense hasn't been anything special in 2024, but they should at least be able to give Lutz enough opportunities to make him a deep-league streamer against a Saints defense that is allowing the fifth-most fantasy points per game to opposing kickers this year.

From RotoBaller

Rashid Shaheed Oct 17 5:10am ET
Rashid Shaheed

The New Orleans Saints suffered an embarrassing defeat at home in Week 6, getting crushed 51-27 by their division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Even though the defense was responsible for 45 of those points, a punt return touchdown by Rashid Shaheed (knee) and the team's three interceptions salvaged the day for fantasy players. The picks made it the sixth consecutive week to start the season with at least one interception and New Orleans now ranks fourth in total takeaways with 12. Things look better in Week 7, as the Saints face the Broncos to start the week's slate on Thursday night. Denver ranks as the eighth-lowest scoring team in 2024 and is tied for the fifth-fewest touchdowns (10). Add to that the Broncos' propensity to give the ball up (nine total turnovers so far in 2024) and there is hope for a solid outcome in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Carl Davis Oct 17 2:43am ET
Carl Davis

The Washington Commanders signed free-agent DT Carl Davis (Cowboys) to the practice squad on Wednesday, Oct. 16.

From TheHuddle

Cooper Kupp Oct 17 1:53am ET
Cooper Kupp

Updating previous reports, Los Angeles Rams WR Cooper Kupp (ankle) is 'trending in the right direction' to return in Week 7, per head coach Sean McVay, who added he would feel confident in Kupp playing this Sunday if he's able to practice on Thursday, Oct. 17, and Friday, Oct. 18.

Fantasy Spin: Kupp had 14 catches in Week 1 and four in Week 2 before getting injured. If he's back in action, he should immediately return to your starting lineup.

From TheHuddle

Blake Grupe Oct 17 1:30am ET
Blake Grupe

New Orleans Saints kicker Blake Grupe made the most of the Week 6 defeat at the hands of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Grupe had a perfect day, hitting field goals from 29 and 42 yards out and converting all three of his extra point attempts in the 51-27 loss which resulted in his best fantasy score since Week 1. He is 10-for-10 on field goal attempts in 2024 though he has missed two extra points. The Saints open Week 7 with a Thursday night matchup against the Denver Broncos. The game is expected to be a low-scoring affair given Denver's defensive prowess and lack of firepower on offense. As such, Grupe's upside is limited in a game where scoring chances are expected to be few and far between. Grupe has not done enough this season to separate himself from the pack so fantasy managers should have no qualms about streaming another kicker in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Julian Love Oct 17 1:20am ET
Julian Love

The Seattle Seahawks placed starting safety Rayshawn Jenkins (hand) on Injured Reserve on Wednesday and signed safety Ty Okada off the practice squad to the active 53-man roster in a corresponding move. Jenkins, who currently ranks third on the team in tackles with 38, will now be required to miss at least the next four games. The earliest he'll be able to return will be in Week 12 against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals (Seattle is on bye in Week 10). Jenkins has played every snap on defense in 2024, so losing him will be a pretty big blow for the Seahawks' secondary going into their Week 7 game this Sunday versus the Atlanta Falcons. With Jenkins sidelined for the next four games, K'Von Wallace, Coby Bryant and Okada will be options to replace him alongside Julian Love.

From RotoBaller

Juwan Johnson Oct 17 1:20am ET
Juwan Johnson

New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson caught all three of his targets in Week 6 for a season-best 48 yards against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He started off the game with a 27-yard gain on a strike from quarterback Spencer Rattler, who was filling in for an injured Derek Carr (oblique) and will likely start again in Week 7. He also had a 30-yard catch-and-run negated by an illegal shift penalty in the third quarter. With Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee) ruled out and Taysom Hill (ribs) doubtful for Thursday's game against the Denver Broncos, New Orleans will be short on experienced skill position players. Johnson's usage may very well then skew more towards route running than blocking as it did in Week 6 but even so he will be a risky play so early in the week. Denver has allowed just five passing touchdowns all year (two to tight ends), limiting Johnson's upside. Tight end streamers in deeper leagues might want to take a chance but managers in the typical 10 or 12-team formats can leave Johnson on the wire in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Mike Williams Oct 17 1:10am ET
Mike Williams

New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams (personal) was absent from practice on Wednesday. Over the course of just a few days, Williams was publicly called out by Aaron Rodgers for running the wrong route and then subsequently knocked down a rung on the depth chart after the acquisition of Davante Adams. His relationship with the Jets is likely coming to a close amidst reports that the team will make him available prior to the 2024 NFL trade deadline. The 30-year-old has been relatively quiet this season, catching just 10 passes for 145 yards through six games. He can be avoided in most fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Zamir White Oct 17 1:10am ET
Zamir White

Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (groin) was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice as the team begins preparation for a Week 7 contest against the Los Angeles Rams. White has missed the team's last two games and has seen his fantasy stock plummet considerably after six weeks of the season. The 25-year-old entered the year as the expected lead back after Josh Jacobs departed in free agency, but it has been Alexander Mattison, and not White, who has become the Raiders' primary ball-carrier. Even if White is able to suit up this Sunday against LA, he might play second fiddle to Mattison in the backfield. The former fourth-rounder is averaging a career-low 3.1 yards per carry for 152 yards and no TDs on 49 carries through four games. White should remain on fantasy benches if he makes his return in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Keion Crossen Oct 17 1:03am ET
Keion Crossen

The Arizona Cardinals signed free agents OL Nick Leverett (Patriots), CB Keion Crossen (Dolphins), and LB Ronnie Perkins (Broncos) to their practice squad on Wednesday, Oct. 16.

From TheHuddle

Will Levis Oct 17 1:00am ET
Will Levis

Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (right shoulder) was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday. The 25-year-old looks like he'll be healthy enough to play against the Buffalo Bills in Week 7, but that doesn't mean a whole lot for fantasy managers or Titans fans. Levis has been one of the worst starting quarterbacks in the NFL this season, completing 66.4 percent of his passes for 699 yards, five touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He has also taken 15 sacks, lost three fumbles, and repeatedly demonstrated poor decision-making. Fantasy managers should continue to avoid Levis in most formats.

From RotoBaller

Cedrick Wilson Oct 17 1:00am ET
Cedrick Wilson

Wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. (ankle) popped up on the New Orleans Saints injury report earlier this week but got a full practice in the day ahead of their Thursday night matchup against the Denver Broncos. Wilson was limited in the team's earlier sessions but carries no injury designation going into Week 7. With Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee) both ruled out there is an opportunity for Wilson to see more snaps than usual. That may not result in much fantasy value, though. Olave's early departure in Week 6 afforded Wilson three targets while stand-in quarterback Spencer Rattler gave most of his attention to rookie wideout Bub Means. Even without Patrick Surtain (concussion), Denver still boasts a formidable secondary and their pass rush will give Rattler fits. Wilson is not a viable option in fantasy in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Troy Franklin Oct 17 1:00am ET
Troy Franklin

Denver Broncos rookie wide receiver Troy Franklin is looking for an encore in Week 7 on Thursday Night Football against the New Orleans Saints after scoring his first career touchdown in the Week 6 loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers. With Josh Reynolds (finger) on Injured Reserve, Franklin played 65% of the offensive snaps -- second-most behind Courtland Sutton -- and caught two of three targets for a season-high 31 yards and the score. The 21-year-old has plenty of familiarity with rookie quarterback Bo Nix from their days playing together at Oregon in college, but so far it's led to just seven catches (15 targets) for 60 yards and a TD in his first five NFL games. The Saints defense has been very friendly for opposing wideouts, so don't be surprised if Franklin makes some noise for the second straight week. For now, he's merely a stash candidate in dynasty/keeper leagues.

From RotoBaller

Courtland Sutton Oct 17 12:50am ET
Courtland Sutton

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton is outside the top-50 receivers in terms of average fantasy points per game through six weeks, but he could return some nice value in a Week 7 Thursday night matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Sutton scored his second touchdown of the season in the Week 6 loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers and was able to go over 50 receiving yards for the third time this year and third time in the last four games. Although his overall production doesn't jump off the page, Sutton is tied with D.J. Moore for 13th among all wideouts with 47 targets. The 29-year-old is Denver's clear top receiving target, and he seems to be gaining some chemistry with rookie QB Bo Nix. Against a Saints defense that has allowed the sixth-most half-PPR points per game to opposing wideouts in the last three weeks, Sutton is a WR4/flex with upside for more on Thursday night.

From RotoBaller

Jakobi Meyers Oct 17 12:50am ET
Jakobi Meyers

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday. However, head coach Antonio Pierce said that he's hopeful Meyers will be able to suit up against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 7. It's interesting to see Pierce's optimism given that Meyers missed his first practice of the week, but that certainly doesn't preclude him from progressing and playing on Sunday. There's suddenly extra attention on Meyers, who is the Raiders' No. 1 wide receiver now that Davante Adams has been traded to the New York Jets. Meyers should be evaluated as a mid-to-low WR3/FLEX in most fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller