Lineup Prep: Week 7

Wed Oct 15 9:03am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Sutton can rebound big Week 7


We are at that time of the year when trades tend to happen most. Some teams are in panic mode and looking for a reset. Others want to just get rid of some players they have had enough of. And others want to set their roster up for a deep player run. I’m not sure what position you are in, but if you are looking at making a trade, I thought I would use my lead for this week’s column to give you some buy-low candidates at each position.

Here we go. . . .

I’m all in for grabbing Lamar Jackson. His team might be a mess but he is set to return from his hamstring injury after the team’s bye this week. Some Jackson owners are probably just ready to move on from him because of his injury woes. I would get him if you are looking for a spark at quarterback. Remember, he had 28-plus fantasy points each of his first three games before getting hurt in Week 4. This guy is as good as it gets when it comes to fantasy quarterbacks. I don’t care what is going on with this Ravens team.

So Chase Brown has been absolutely brutal. He has been maybe the biggest fantasy bust at running back. With that said, his owners are just dumping him for about nothing. I say go for it if the price is right. He still has no competition for carries and will get his weekly receptions, giving him a decent fantasy floor. I thought the Bengals offense looked better with Joe Flacco at the helm. Maybe he rights the ship a little and gets the Bengals offense going. This would be a plus for all involved, including Brown.

I also like taking a shot at TreVeyon Henderson. I know pass protection is the thing holding him back but he has to start doing better in that area sooner than later, right? Rhamondre Stevenson has been just brutal this year. He is losing fumbles on almost a weekly basis and averages just 3.1 yards per carry for the season. In his last two games, Stevenson has run 20 times for just 32 yards. I really think it is just a matter of time before Henderson starts getting more chances. The Patriots can’t keep sticking with Stevenson with his awful production.

Many thought Jameson Williams would have a breakout season this year. Well, that hasn’t been the case through six games. He did have maybe his best game of the season his last time out, though, catching six passes for 66 yards and a touchdown on seven targets. He has at least seven targets two of three games. The Lions like to spread the ball around, but Williams is capable of the monster game any given week. He has four games with fewer than seven fantasy points, so many of his owners don’t want to deal with that anymore. Having those boom players for the fantasy playoffs can pay off, so go get Williams if you want one of those guys on your roster.

Rookie Matthew Golden isn’t having quite the start to his career that most thought he might, but things are picking up. He still hasn’t had the monster game, but has three straight with double-digit fantasy points. He is producing more consistently and getting more weekly chances. He is the most talented of the Packers receivers and seems ready for a huge finish to his rookie season. Golden is another guy that seems setup to be a difference maker in the fantasy playoffs.

Tight end Evan Engram is another player that many were high on before the start of the season. He got off to a slow start and then got hurt. He is healthy now, though, and has at least six targets three straight games. He has at least four receptions three games. Engram is starting to form a nice rapport with quarterback Bo Nix. The Broncos offense can feature the tight end heavily, giving Engram a chance for some big games going forward. He seems ready to take off. 

News and Notes:  The Ravens released safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson on Tuesday. He didn’t last long in Baltimore and his career could be coming to an end.

HOT PLAYS

Jayden Daniels, QB, Commanders. Daniels got it going again last week, scoring 25.75 fantasy points. He had his first three-touchdown game of the season. And he did this without his No. 1 receiver in the lineup once again. Daniels hasn’t been huge this year but very consistent, having at least 21 fantasy points all but a game. We think he might have his best game of the season this week against an awful Cowboys defense. Dallas allows the most fantasy points to quarterbacks and 30 or more points four of five games. Daniels is a must-start in Week 7.

Jordan Mason, RB, Vikings. Mason has been very consistent since taking over the starting role in Minnesota. He has double-digit fantasy points three straight games and touchdowns two of three. He has at least 16 touchdowns four or five games this year, getting consistent weekly touches. Look for more of the same this week against the Eagles. Philadelphia allows the eighth most fantasy points to running backs. The Giants just ran for 172 yards against them in Week 6.

Rachaad White, RB, Bucs. White is showing he is an elite fantasy back when getting a chance to start in this Bucs offense. He has 17-plus fantasy points two straight games and found the end zone each of those games. He has 11 receptions his last three games. White is a complete back in this offense. And despite having a tough matchup this week against the Lions, we think White is a great play because of his ability both as a runner and receiver in this offense. Plus, the Bucs are hurting at receiver, which could give White even more chances to make plays in the passing game.

Courtland Sutton, WR, Broncos. Sutton had his worst game of the season last week, catching just a pass for 17 yards on three targets. Sutton had at least 17 fantasy points three straight games before that dud last week. We wouldn’t get too down on Sutton over a game. He has been great all season and should rebound in a big way this week against the Giants. New York allows the third most fantasy points to receivers. The Giants have allowed some big passing games, including 240-plus passing yards three times.

Davante Adams, WR, Rams. Adams is another receiver that had his worst game of the season last week, finishing with just 7.9 fantasy points. He had four receptions for 39 yards on nine targets. Adams had at least 13 fantasy points four straight games before last week. And with Puka Nacua banged up, look for Adams to possibly play an even bigger role this week. Adams might have his best fantasy game of the season Week 7. The Jaguars allow the seventh most fantasy points to receivers and 285-plus passing yards four of five games.

COLD PLAYS   

Sam Darnold, QB, Seahawks. Darnold has played well in his move to Seattle. He has moved the offense well and been a solid spot starter for fantasy teams. He has at least 20 fantasy points three games. Darnold also has fewer than 19 fantasy points three games, showing he can be down at times for fantasy teams. He is not a sure weekly thing and we think a game this week against the Texans is a time to sit him. Houston has been fantastic against the pass this year, allowing the fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. The Texans have allowed less than 195-passing yards two straight and three of four games.

Travis Etienne, RB, Jaguars. Etienne has cooled a little in recent weeks, having fewer than 50-rushing yards two straight games. He has failed to reach double-digit fantasy points each of those games. He is starting to show he isn’t quite as sure of a thing as fantasy owners hoped. It could be another down showing for Etienne this week against the Rams, a team that allows the third fewest fantasy points to running backs. The Rams have allowed fewer than 90-rushing yards three of four games.

Tony Pollard, RB, Titans. Pollard played a season-low 43 percent of the snaps last week. Tyjae Spears was on the field a lot more than Pollard, which is a bit concerning for Pollard owners. Pollard scored just 6.7 fantasy points. He has fewer than double-digit fantasy points three of six games and failed to reach 70-rushing yard four straight. Sure, the Titans made a coaching change this week, so the usage of Pollard could be changing. But until he starts to produce on the field, we leave him on your bench, especially this week against the Patriots. New England allows the sixth fewest fantasy points to running backs.

Jakobi Meyers, WR, Raiders. Meyers is not having near the season fantasy owners hoped. He has not gotten on the same page with new starter Geno Smith. Meyers has less than 40 yards three straight games and hasn’t reached double-digit fantasy points since Week 2. He isn’t worth the risk right now for fantasy owners. Tre Tucker is the go-to receiver for the Raiders right now. Plus, Meyers plays the Chiefs, a team that allows the eighth fewest fantasy points to receivers. Kansas City has allowed more than 200-passing yards just two of six games.

Wan’Dale Robinson, WR, Giants. Robinson had one of his best fantasy games of the season last week, topping 20 fantasy points. He scored a touchdown for the second time this season. He has emerged as the go-to target in the Giants passing game with Malik Nabers sidelined. That isn’t a good thing this week against the Broncos, though. Cornerback Patrick Surtain just shuts down opposing No. 1 receivers, which is a big concern for Robinson this week. We would not expect another big showing from Robinson in this matchup.

SLEEPERS

Joe Flacco, QB, Bengals. Flacco didn’t have a huge fantasy game his first start with the Bengals but was solid for fantasy owners, scoring 20.95 fantasy points. The good news is he moved the offense and attempted 45 passes. This is going to be a pass-first offense because the Bengals can’t run the ball at all. Flacco is going to have some spot start appeal, especially this week against the Steelers. Pittsburgh allows the sixth most fantasy points to receivers and has struggled to stop the pass most of the year. It would not surprise to see Flacco have another game with 20-plus fantasy points.

Jonnu Smith, TE, Steelers. Smith has been a disappointment since Week 1 of the season. He has fewer than 30 yards every game this year. He does have at least three receptions all but a game, so he is getting some weekly chances. Smith has a dream matchup this week against the Bengals, a team that is a mess defensively. Cincinnati can’t stop the tight end at all, allowing the most fantasy points to tight ends. The Bengals have allowed at least 247-passing yards all but a game.

Tre Harris, WR, Chargers. Harris played the most football of his young career last week, playing 83 percent of the snaps. He had four receptions for 27 yards on five targets. It wasn’t a huge game for him but he was involved and made some plays. He could get another chance to shine this week with Quentin Johnston still hurting. If that happens, look for the best game of his young career against the Colts. Indianapolis allows the fourth most fantasy points to receivers and 300-yard passing games two of three.

TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Patriots. Henderson has been a bust to date. He just isn’t finding the field enough to help fantasy teams. He has not played more than 50 percent of the snaps in any game. The only positive for Henderson is Rhamondre Stevenson continues to be terrible. He averages just 3.1 yards per carry and has run for less than 20 yards four of six games. The Patriots have to find a way to get Henderson more involved to spark the running game. Why not this week against the lowly Titans? Tennessee allows the fourth most fantasy points to running backs and at least 129-rushing yards all but a game. Henderson might be worth taking a shot on this week in a game he could break off a long run or two - even if he doesn’t get a ton of playing time.

Luther Burden, WR, Bears. With D.J. Moore banged up, this could be Burden’s time to finally shine. He even got more work last week with Moore in the lineup. Burden had a season-high four receptions for 51 yards on four targets last week. Things are looking up for Burden this week against the Saints. New Orleans allows the ninth most fantasy points to receivers. If Burden gets the start this week, look for him to have the best game of his young career.

High/Low Scoring Games

Each week we will take a look at some of the high and low scoring games for the coming week. In high scoring affairs, get your marginal players on those teams in your lineup to take advantage of the possible points barrage. And in the low scoring games, keep those marginal players on the bench and make sure to have your defenses involved in those contests.

High Scoring Games: Raiders/Chiefs, Saints/Bears, Commanders/Cowboys, Bucs/Lions, Falcons/49ers, Colts/Chargers.

Low Scoring Games: Dolphins/Browns, Panthers/Jets, Texans/Seahawks.

Bye Weeks: Ravens, Bills.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 11

Player Notes
Blake Corum Nov 12 10:40pm CT
Blake Corum

Los Angeles Rams running back Blake Corum remains a steady producer alongside Kyren Williams, as Williams held a slight lead in touches, 16 to 13, last week. While Williams continues to see the majority of the offensive snaps (58%), head coach Sean McVay has found ways to utilize his change-of-pace back. Corum has seen 12 or more carries in each of the last three games, but faces a stiff Seattle Seahawks defense in Week 11. Corum should be considered a speculative add on the waiver wire this week, with exploitable defenses down the road.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Lockett Nov 12 10:40pm CT
Tyler Lockett

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyler Lockett has seemingly resurrected his career after signing with the team on October 27. After seeing just 19 snaps in Week 9, Lockett was on the field for 34 plays in Week 11. The savvy veteran reunited with quarterback Geno Smith, and hauled in five passes for 44 yards. With Lockett already having a strong relationship with Smith, the situation couldn't be better for the 33-year-old wideout. Lockett's crisp route running should continue to shine, as the Raiders utilize him alongside Brock Bowers and Tre Tucker. Lockett is a must-add for PPR formats.

From RotoBaller

Dawson Knox Nov 12 10:30pm CT
Dawson Knox

Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox is once again rising in the positional rankings as starter Dalton Kincaid (hamstring) missed practice on Wednesday. The Bills enter an exciting Week 11 matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where scoring should be plentiful. Knox saw four targets against the Dolphins last week, as Kincaid was limited to just 18 plays. The Bills' injury report should be monitored closely, but Knox could be a valuable plug-and-play option if he is forced into the lineup Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Emari Demercado Nov 12 10:20pm CT
Emari Demercado

Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado could see an increased workload heading into the team's Week 11 matchup with the San Francisco 49ers. With Bam Knight (ankle) a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Demercado may build on his career-best performance last week, where he picked up 104 yards from scrimmage on just seven touches. The 26-year-old back is likely to see heavy usage moving forward, with quarterback Jacoby Brissett poised to get the ball out quickly to his playmakers.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Nailor Nov 12 10:20pm CT
Jalen Nailor

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor has emerged as a big-play threat in the Vikings' passing attack, after delivering 124 yards and a touchdown on just five receptions. Despite seeing just 14.3% of the target share, Nailor was able to post the most productive game of his young career. The receiver's big game put him on the map for fantasy owners, but prior to Week 10, his biggest game of the season was a three-catch outing for 37 yards. While Nailor should be viewed as a priority on the wire this week, it may be early to expect consistent production.

From RotoBaller

Cedric Tillman Nov 12 9:00pm CT
Cedric Tillman

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman (glute) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice session. Tillman made his return to the field this past weekend. Before this, Tillman had missed the previous four games due to a hamstring issue. The 25-year-old hauled in two of his four targets for 11 yards in the loss to the New York Jets. The fact Tillman is limited to start the week could just be the Browns being cautious with him. It doesn't appear that Tillman is going to have a huge role in this offense going forward. Despite that, his status is still worth monitoring ahead of the Week 11 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.

From RotoBaller

Terrell Jennings Nov 12 8:50pm CT
Terrell Jennings

New England Patriots running back Terrell Jennings (knee) is officially listed as questionable ahead of Thursday's Week 11 matchup against the New York Jets. Jennings is still managing a knee injury that he suffered during last weekend's win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It sounds like the Patriots are going to wait until closer to game-time before making a final decision. This offense will already be shorthanded with Rhamondre Stevenson (toe) being ruled out. That means, TreVeyon Henderson could be in line for a heavy workload on Thursday. Henderson is looking like an excellent fantasy option after rushing for 147 yards with two touchdowns this past weekend.

From RotoBaller

Harold Fannin Jr. Nov 12 8:50pm CT
Harold Fannin Jr.

Cleveland Browns tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (hamstring) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice session. Fannin entered this past weekend with a questionable tag and still suited up against the New York Jets. He hauled in four of his seven targets for 44 yards in the loss. This marks the fifth straight game that Fannin has hauled in at least four receptions in a single game. He has been one of the few decent fantasy options on the Browns roster this season. Fantasy managers will need to monitor his status closely this week with him getting a limited session to start the week.

From RotoBaller

Marcus Davenport Nov 12 8:43pm CT
Marcus Davenport

Detroit Lions DE Marcus Davenport (pectoral) had his 21-day practice window started Wednesday, Nov. 12, as he makes his way back from the Reserve/Injured list. He has been sidelined since suffering a pectoral injury against the Chicago Bears back in Week 2.

From TheHuddle

Marvin Mims Nov 12 8:40pm CT
Marvin Mims

Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. (concussion) was able to get through a full practice session on Wednesday. This is a step in the right direction for Mims who sat out last week's win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Mims has missed the last two games due to a concussion, but has a chance to return in Week 11 against the Kansas City Chiefs. He'll need to clear concussion protocol before being eligible to return to game action, but a full session of practice is a step in the right direction. Mims should have a role behind Courtland Sutton and Troy Franklin in this passing attack.

From RotoBaller

Tory Horton Nov 12 8:40pm CT
Tory Horton

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (groin, shin) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice session. Horton appears to be trending in a positive direction after sitting out last week's game against the Arizona Cardinals. The rookie wideout had a breakout performance in Week 9 when he scored two touchdowns. Sadly, Horton hasn't been able to play since then, but has a chance to get back on the field this weekend. It's unclear what kind of role he'll have in his offense once it's fully healthy. He could fall too far down on the depth chart to offer streaming appeal, but fantasy managers will have to wait and see. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the week.

From RotoBaller

Marlon Humphrey Nov 12 8:33pm CT
Marlon Humphrey

Baltimore Ravens CB Marlon Humphrey (finger) will not play in Week 11 against the Cleveland Browns, head coach John Harbaugh said Wednesday, Nov. 12. He had a pin procedure for his injured finger. DB Keyon Martin is expected to be the next man up in Humphrey's stead. 'Hopefully, in the next week, he'll be back,' Harbaugh said Wednesday, Nov. 12.

From TheHuddle

Zonovan Knight Nov 12 8:30pm CT
Zonovan Knight

Arizona Cardinals running back Bam Knight (ankle) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice. This doesn't come as a shock after Knight was forced to exit during the fourth quarter of Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks due to an ankle issue. He'll open the week as a limited participant, but the Cardinals likely want to be cautious to begin the week. Lately, Knight has been splitting up the reps with Emari Demercado in the backfield. Demercado and Michael Carter would take over the backfield duties if Knight misses the Week 11 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. Fantasy managers will need to check back on Thursday for another update on Knight.

From RotoBaller

Adonai Mitchell Nov 12 8:10pm CT
Adonai Mitchell

New York Jets wide receiver Adonai Mitchell should make his team debut this Thursday night when they take on the hosting New England Patriots. The former Texas Longhorn didn't suit up for the Jets in Week 10 as he'd only joined Gang Green five days before they met with the Browns. New England doesn't present as a favorable matchup. However, Mitchell should see a decent amount of playing time, particularly with teammate Garrett Wilson (knee) facing a considerable injury. As has been the case for a few weeks now, head coach Aaron Glenn has delayed naming a starter. The instability works against Mitchell, although he'll still be worth keeping an eye on, as the athleticism and opportunity are there. The 23-year-old ranks as RotoBaller's PPR WR79 for this weekend's slate of action.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Jones Nov 12 8:10pm CT
Aaron Jones

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. (shoulder, toe) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice. Jones is a bit banged up right now, but that didn't stop him from suiting up this past weekend. Jones rushed the ball nine times for 47 yards and scored a touchdown in the loss to the Baltimore Ravens. He also added three receptions for 22 yards through the air as the AC joint sprain in his shoulder didn't appear to be an issue. The fact Jones was limited on Wednesday in practice could be for rest purposes. If he misses time, Jordan Mason would see an increased workload during the Week 11 matchup against the Chicago Bears. Fantasy managers will need to check back on Thursday for another update.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Schultz Nov 12 8:00pm CT
Dalton Schultz

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz (shoulder) was a non-participant during Wednesday's practice session. This doesn't come as a surprise considering Schultz has been managing a knee and shoulder injury the last week. Despite that, Schultz did suit up for last week's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Schultz hauled in seven of his 11 targets for 53 yards and a touchdown in the victory. The hope is that Schultz was held out on Wednesday for rest maintenance. Outside of one dud, Schultz has been a viable fantasy option over the last five games. Fantasy managers should check back on Thursday and Friday for more updates on his status.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Johnson Nov 12 8:00pm CT
Tyler Johnson

New York Jets wide receiver Tyler Johnson is due for an elevated workload in Week 11's road clash with the New England Patriots. The sixth-year pro notched back-to-back three-catch efforts ahead of his bye week, posting at least 60 yards in each contest, although he failed to reel in his lone target in last weekend's win over the Browns, while Justin Fields netted 42 passing yards. Things won't be much easier against their division rivals, considering New England has allowed the sixth-fewest points (19.2) and eighth-fewest yards (306.2) per game. Johnson might be an ok flier in DFS formats, but shouldn't be on fantasy managers' radars in conventional lineup leagues. Even with the suspected uptick in volume, an up-and-down Jets' offense limits the 27-year-old's ceiling. He'll wind up as RotoBaller's PPR WR77 for his outing with the Patriots.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Nov 12 7:53pm CT
Davante Adams

Updating a previous report, Los Angeles Rams WR Davante Adams (oblique) did not practice Wednesday, Nov. 12, but head coach Sean McVay said he expects the veteran to play in Week 11 against the Seattle Seahawks. 'He's making progress,' McVay said. 'That's what he tells me (that he expects to play). He's feeling good, so I trust the man. He'll be ready.'

Fantasy Spin: Fantasy managers certainly hope so, as Adams has been a scoring machine lately. scoring six times in the past three outings, and an NFL-high nine times overall in nine games this season. He also has at least four catches in six straight games, and eight of nine outings overall. He is a tremendous low-end WR1 or top-tier WR2 in PPR fantasy leagues, with slightly lesser appeal in standard play.

From TheHuddle

Isaiah Davis Nov 12 7:50pm CT
Isaiah Davis

New York Jets running back Isaiah Davis took a step back in Week 10, operating in a clear second capacity to backfield mate Breece Hall, again leaving his role in question. Davis entered New York's bye week coming off a season-high in touches (12), yards (109), and snap share (46%). However, he saw a dip in their win over the Browns, while the team leaned on Hall as its workhorse. The second-year pro looked to be on the upswing, but he'll slide in the rankings ahead of another rough matchup in the New England Patriots. In addition, head coach Aaron Glenn has declined to name a starting quarterback for the third consecutive game, leaving the offense's potential for flux high. While Davis might be worth handcuff consideration, Hall's domination of the backfield touches and New York's low offensive floor leave him on the lower end of that spectrum. He's RotoBaller's PPR RB49 ahead of Week 11.

From RotoBaller

Parker Washington Nov 12 7:50pm CT
Parker Washington

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington (hamstring) was unable to practice on Wednesday. This is not good news for the Jaguars as Washington has seen nearly 30 targets over the last three games. It's unclear when he suffered the hamstring injury as he hauled in three of his seven targets for 33 yards during Sunday's loss to the Houston Texans. His status will need to be monitored throughout the week as the Jags head into a matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 11.

From RotoBaller