QUARTERBACKS:
Tua Tagovailoa (MIA): Tua was named the Dolphins starting quarterback going forward during their bye week. He has matchups versus LAR, at ARI, and versus LAC in the three weeks following the bye as the Dolphins fight for a playoff spot.
Teddy Bridgewater (CAR): Over the last four weeks, Bridgewater has scored the 12th most fantasy points among quarterbacks. This week, he has a divisional matchup in New Orleans against the Saints. This game has a 51.5 total, and the Panthers are underdogs, which suggests they will be throwing more often than running. Speaking of running the football, Christian McCaffrey is not expected to be back this week, so the Panthers will have to continue throwing the football to stay competitive.
RUNNING BACKS:
Boston Scott (PHI): Eagles starting running back Miles Sanders hurt his knee on Sunday and will be out for Thursday’s game against the Giants. Scott is the next man up in what will likely be an RBBC with Scott and Clement.
JaMychal Hasty (SF): It seems like none of the 49ers running backs can stay healthy. With Mostert going down again, Coleman on injured reserve, it’s down to McKinnon, Wilson and Hasty to man the backfield. I’m expecting a committee situation here.
WIDE RECEIVERS:
Antonio Brown (FA): Look, don’t make the mistake and cut a player who is producing week in and week out for Antonio Brown, even if they are a bench option of yours. Just don’t. However, if you have an open roster spot or a player that’s currently hurt and will be out for most of the season, why not take a shot on him? There were reports that said the Seahawks, among other teams were interested in signing him once the eight-game suspension is over next week. You’d be better off getting him now for free before he signs and costs any FAAB if you’re going to do it. Again, only do this as a luxury and don’t cut players who have value.
DeMarcus Robinson (KC): With Sammy Watkins’ injury, someone is going to need to step up. As of now, Tyreek Hill and Mecole Hardman are the top two receivers for Patrick Mahomes now, along with tight end Travis Kelce and the running backs, Edwards-Helaire and newly signed Le’Veon Bell, but if there’s another injury to a receiver, look no further than Robinson who would be the next man up. He’s not all that great, but a solid bench guy. It is a tough week on the waiver wire in general.
TIGHT ENDS:
Trey Burton (IND): Whoever the tight end for the Colts is this season will be at least a serviceable bye week fill in option for fantasy, most of the time. Problem is, one week it’s Jack Doyle, the next few it’s Mo Alie-Cox, and then recently it’s Trey Burton, who has recovered from an injury. If one of these guys can stick with the role, they are solid bench options for you.
Darren Fells (HOU): Bill O’Brien is gone, and a new coaching approach might favor Fells and tight ends more in general. Fells has been a solid touchdown guy, which is tough to rely on long-term, but given the state of the Texans roster, he is a fine backup tight end.
KICKERS:
Chris Boswell (PIT): The Steelers are consistently one of the premier offenses in the league whenever Ben Roethlisberger is healthy. That is the case now, and Boswell has scored the 12th most fantasy points among kickers over the last few weeks. He has a competitive matchup against the Titans this week in Tennessee. Fire up Boswell if you’re in a bye week scenario.
Brandon McManus (DEN): Already had his bye and has scored 24 fantasy points as a kicker over the last two weeks, which is fifth most among all kickers over that span. He has a game where the Broncos are going to try and hang with the Chiefs, in what could be a high scoring contest. Being the game is in Denver, that only boosts McManus’ upside.
DEFENSES:
Philadelphia Eagles (PHI): The Eagles will take on Daniel Jones and the Giants on Thursday Night. Jones has been one of the most inaccurate, turnover prone QBs in the NFL this year, and the numbers back it up. His 61% completion percentage ranks in the bottom ten among starting quarterbacks this season, and he has 6 INTs along with 4 fumbles this season. (18 in 2019) With all of the injuries on the Eagles offense, they are going to need to rely on their defense to take home the victory this week.
Cleveland Browns (CLE): The Browns take on rookie Joe Burrow this week in Cincinnati. Burrow hasn’t been the most careful passer over the course of the season, so streaming the Browns defense against him isn’t a bad idea.
WEEK 7 INJURY REPORT:
QUARTERBACKS:
Sam Darnold (Shoulder): Could return from his injury this week after a limited practice.
Baker Mayfield (Chest): Limited practice, expected to play.
RUNNING BACKS:
Miles Sanders (Knee): DNP, will not play.
Raheem Mostert (Ankle): DNP, will not play.
Joe Mixon (Foot): DNP, will try and be out there on Sunday after a few days of rest.
Mark Ingram (Ankle): Has a mid to high ankle sprain. Uncertain future. Bye week coming up.
*Other RBs that had limited practices, but are expected to play: Kareem Hunt, James White, Leonard Fournette, Mike Davis, Carlos Hyde, Darrel Williams, Justin Jackson, Dion Lewis. As of this writing, all are expected to play.
WIDE RECEIVERS:
Michael Thomas (Hamstring & Ankle): Limited practice but has a new hamstring injury to keep an eye on.
D.J. Chark (Ankle): Limited Practice. Up in the air for Sunday.
Keenan Allen (Back): Limited, uncertain for Sunday.
Sammy Watkins (Hamstring): DNP, not expected to play.
Antonio Gandy-Golden (Hamstring): DNP
Darius Slayton (Foot): Limited practice, will play.
Breshad Perriman (Ankle): Limited, expected to play.
Bryan Edwards (Foot): DNP, unlikely to play.
KJ Hamler (Hamstring): Limited practice.
*Other wide receivers who were limited or did not practice but are expected to be fine this week: DeAndre Hopkins, Julio Jones, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, A.J. Green, Jarvis Landry, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Marvin Jones.
TIGHT ENDS:
Zach Ertz (Ankle): High ankle sprain, expected to be out for a few weeks.
Jonnu Smith (Ankle): Limited, should be fine.
Dawson Knox (Calf): DNP.
Noah Fant (Ankle): Could return after a limited practice.
*Other tight ends with limited or no practice but are expected to be fine: David Robert Tonyan, Will Dissly, Rob Gronkowski, Logan Thomas.
(Cover Photo: Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
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