NFL Week 7 Recap: Immediate fantasy football takeaways from Sunday's games

2T31EFK New York Giants tight end Darren Waller (12) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

Mark Andrews and Darren Waller shine on National Tight Ends Day: Andrews achieved his ninth two-touchdown game of his career while Waller set a season high in receiving yards while scoring his first touchdown as a New York Giant.

D’Onta Foreman scores three times: Foreman remained in a split backfield with Darrynton Evans but consistently played near the goal line, as he led the Chicago Bears to victory. 

Josh Downs posts the best numbers of his career: Downs achieved the first 100-yard game of his NFL career and scored a touchdown for the second straight week.


PFF's fantasy football recap focuses on player usage and stats, breaking down all the vital information you need to achieve fantasy success in 2023.

WR:CB Matchup Chart


Detroit Lions @ Baltimore Ravens

  • Mark Andrews: 4 receptions, 63 yards, 2 touchdowns
  • Gus Edwards: 14 carries, 64 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 reception, 80 receiving yards

Jahmyr Gibbs second start: David Montgomery missed this game due to a rib injury, so Gibbs took over as the lead back.

  • Gibbs played 60% of Detroit's offensive snaps in his first start in Week 3 when Montgomery was out with a thigh injury. Gibbs’ played a higher percentage of Detriot's offensive snaps in this game.
  • This was likely because Craig Reynolds was also on the injury report due to both a hamstring and toe injury, which kept him limited in practice all week. Zonovan Knight, who also played some snaps this season, is out for the season.
  • Gibbs didn’t see nearly as many carries as Lions running backs typically receive, but that was because of the game script rather than because of Gibbs.
  • The Lions’ first three drives were all three-and-outs, and by their fourth drive, they were down 28-0.
  • He scored a fourth-quarter rushing touchdown and ended the day with 68 rushing yards on 11 carries and 58 receiving yards on nine receptions.
  • Detroit plays the Las Vegas Raiders next week, and Montgomery is expected to miss more time. Gibbs could have an even better Week 8 than Week 7.

 

Monitor the Ravens’ backfield: Gus Edwards shined against a strong Lions defense but the backfield could become less reliable.

  • For most of the game, the Ravens continued their usual rotation of Justice Hill splitting time with Edwards, who played more in short yardage while Hill played more in passing situations.
  • Edwards had a fine performance on the ground, but his 80-yard catch was more noteworthy. His career high in receiving yards in a season is 129 yards, and his second-best season was 45 yards.
  • Hill wasn’t given many opportunities, which was surprising given the game script, but he gained 46 yards on his four carries.
  • Undrafted rookie Keaton Mitchell could complicate the backfield. He started the season on injured reserve and took his first two offensive snaps in the Ravens’ third drive, which included a nine-yard reception.
  • He suffered a hamstring injury that kept him out for the rest of the game, but he could have been heavily involved late in this game had he stayed healthy.
  • Edwards should be a good sell-high option because he may never have this much receiving production again. and he might not see as many carries if Mitchell gets more involved assuming the injury isn’t serious.

Miscellaneous Notes

  • Lions veteran wide receiver Marvin Jones missed this game due to personal reasons. This should have been a chance for Jameson Williams to play many more snaps. Instead, he saw a slight increase while seventh-round rookie Antoine Green set a career-high in offensive snaps at 33.
  • The Ravens’ wide receiver rotation was altered slightly. Nelson Agholor and Devin Duvernay had been sharing snaps in 11 personnel while Odell Beckham Jr. and Rashod Bateman shared one of the outside receiver roles. There were four plays in this game where Zay Flowers, Beckham and Bateman were the three receivers in 11 personnel without Agholor or Duvernay on the field. This and the game script meant fewer snaps for Agholor.


Las Vegas Raiders @ Chicago Bears

  • D’Onta Foreman: 16 carries, 89 yards, 2 touchdowns; 3 receptions, 31 receiving yards, 1 receiving touchdown
  • Jakobi Meyers: 7 receptions, 50 yards, 1 touchdown

D’Onta Foreman shines as the Bears starter: Roschon Johnson missed a second-straight game due to a concussion, giving Foreman another opportunity to show he deserves playing time.

  • Foreman was expected to be Chicago's every-down back last week, but Darrynton Evans played just as many snaps.
  • The near-even split continued this week, but Foreman played much better this time around, averaging over five yards per carry and posting his second-ever game with three receptions.
  • Travis Homer missed last week due to injury but only played a few snaps, mostly in two running back sets.
  • Khalil Herbert will miss at least another two games. We thought Roschon Johnson would be the clear starter when he clears the concussion protocol, but we could see Johnson eased in after missing time while Foreman remains a starter. Regardless, we could see close to a 50-50 split with Johnson and Foreman.
  • Foreman should at least remain on fantasy rosters, and there is a chance he can be viable as a fantasy starter for one more week.

Michael Mayer's playing time ascension continues: Mayer caught five passes for 75 yards in an increased role last week, and his role expanded further this week.

  • He played 81% of Las Vegas' offensive snaps a week ago. He’s consistently played in 12, 21 and 22 personnel all season, but he replaced Austin Hooper as the primary tight end in 11 personnel in Week 6.
  • Mayer only missed four of the first 50 plays before the Raiders put in backups to end the game. Hooper took three snaps out of 11 personnel while the Raiders also ran a play out of 20 personnel.
  • This didn’t necessarily lead to a lot of targets. He caught two of his four targets for 13 yards. The vast majority of Las Vegas' targets went to outside wide receivers
  • Don't put Mayer in fantasy starting lineups yet, but he has the playing time and the talent to be a fantasy starter. Now, he just needs the quality targets.
  • This makes him arguably the best tight end to stash on your roster for the second half of the season due to the potential that he breaks out.

Miscellaneous Notes

  • Brian Hoyer started for the Raiders with Jimmy Garoppolo out due to a back injury while Tyson Bagent started for the Bears with Justin Fields out due to a right thumb injury. The third-string quarterbacks only played at the end of the game.
  • Due to the blowout, several players didn’t play as many snaps as usual, particularly on the Raiders. Josh Jacobs, Davante Adams and Michael Mayer were among the Raiders skill players who didn’t play over the last 10 minutes of the game.
  • Hunter Renfrow played more snaps than the last two weeks but remained fourth on the depth chart behind Tre Tucker. He is likely to be traded either this week or early next week at the trade deadline.

Cleveland Browns @ Indianapolis Colts

  • Josh Downs: 5 receptions, 125 yards, 1 touchdown
  • Jonathan Taylor: 18 carries, 75 yards, 1 touchdown; 3 receptions, 45 receiving yards

Monitor Jerome Ford’s health: Ford was spotted in the locker room with a protective boot to protect his right ankle injury.

    • Ford ran for a 69-yard touchdown in the first minute of the game. After that point, he ran 10 times for 5 yards and caught two passes for 20 yards.
    • He played in 30 of a possible 44 snaps in the first three quarters before leaving the game with an injury.
    • Hunt was questionable coming into this game with a thigh injury that kept him limited in practice all week. His role was larger last week, but he seemed to be limited in this game.
    • Strong played only three snaps over the first three quarters, but he was the primary running back in the fourth quarter, playing 17 of 28 snaps.
    • Hunt should be a waiver wire target in case Ford misses time, assuming he is healthier by their next game. If both backs are hurting, Strong could have a big game.

Browns begin easing out Donovan Peoples-Jones: He was consistently playing over 85% of Cleveland's offensive snaps the last two seasons, but his role on offense has declined.

  • This was only the second game this season where he caught more than one pass. He brought in two for 22 yards.
  • 32-year-old veteran Marquise Goodwin is taking playing time from Peoples-Jones.
  • Goodwin ran the ball once for 17 yards and caught a six-yard pass.
  • He had only caught two passes for four yards and ran the ball twice for 21 yards in the previous five games,
  • Peoples-Jones was considered a deep sleeper but it’s unlikely he is a fantasy asset this season. Now, he probably won't help in daily contests this season.

Add Josh Downs: He has continued to shine with Gardner Minshew as his quarterback.

  • Downs usage has remained consistent all season. He played nearly every snap in 11 personnel and no snaps in two receiver sets.
  • The Colts are one of five teams to use 11 personnel on at least 75% of their offensive snaps, so it’s easier to trust him than most slot receivers in the NFL because of that personnel usage.
  • This was his third-straight game with at least 13 PPR points, as he posted a career-high 125 receiving yards and scored a touchdown in the second-straight game.
  • He has two games with three or fewer receptions — the two games where Anthony Richardson played over 95% of offensive snaps.
  • Downs should not only be on rosters but in fantasy starting lineups in the right matchups.

Andrew Ogletree leads the Colts' tight end room: Kylen Granson missed this game due to a concussion.

  • The Colts continued to use a three-man rotation at tight end with Ogltree leading the rotation.
  • He took over half of the offensive snaps in 11 personnel while joining Mo Alie-Cox in 12 personnel.
  • Typically, a third tight end is used primarily in run-blocking situations, but all of Will Mallory’s snaps occurred in passing situations with 11 personnel.
  • While Ogletree received the most routes run, he didn’t see a target while Alie-Cox and Mallory both received one target.
  • Jelani Woods is eligible to return from injured reserve and could take over as the receiving tight end once everyone is healthy. The Colts were top-10 in targets to tight ends over the first six weeks, so there is a chance Woods could be fantasy-relevant once healthy.

Miscellaneous Notes

  • Deshaun Watson left the game to be evaluated for a concussion. He was cleared to return, but the Browns stuck with P.J. Walker. Watson came into the game with a right shoulder injury, and he completed one of five passes for five yards, an interception and another pass that was nearly intercepted but determined to be incomplete after review.
  • David Njoku posted a season-high 54 receiving yards but still hasn’t scored a touchdown, continuing his disappointing fantasy football season. He’s generally put up bigger numbers the last two seasons when Watson is out. Assuming Watson is back next week, Njoku can potentially be dropped.
  • Browns third-round rookie Cedric Tillman seemed to be a healthy inactive after missing last week due to a hip injury. He was a full participant in practice all week and wasn’t given an injury designation.
  • The Colts backfield remained identical to last week with Jonathan Taylor and Zack Moss splitting snaps evenly and playing in every situation.

Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots

  • James Cook: 13 carries, 56 yards; 3 receptions, 46 receiving yards, 1 receiving touchdown
  • Kendrick Bourne: 6 receptions, 63 yards, 1 touchdown

The Bills become a two-man backfield: Damien Harris ended up on injured reserve after suffering a concussion and neck injury last week.

  • There were rumors the Bills would look into Leonard Fournette, but instead, they added Ty Johnson, who only played one offensive snap.
  • James Cook benefited most from the two-man committee. He played a higher percentage of snaps on early downs than usual and took more third-down snaps than in other recent weeks.
  • Murray ended up taking the two-minute drill snaps that typically went to Cook, so the two remained relatively similar in terms of playing time.
  • Cook was the only one to shine this week from a fantasy football perspective, but if the Bills can get back to being the team they were in recent years, there is a chance both running backs could be viable for fantasy football purposes.

Add Dalton Kincaid: The Bills’ first-round rookie led the Bills in receptions and receiving yards.

  • Kincaid missed last week due to a concussion.
  • His playing time was very similar to other games. He played in two tight end sets and split playing time with Dawson Knox in 11 personnel.
  • The Bills were more likely to pass with Kincaid on the field and more balanced with Knox.
  • Third-string tight end Quintin Morris missed this game due to an ankle injury, which helped Kincaid’s playing time, if anything.
  • The big difference was his target share was higher in this game.
  • There is certainly a chance Kincaid’s target share drops down again, but there is also a chance his playing time can increase. This makes him a borderline fantasy starter in the short term and a potential league winner in the second half of the season.

The Patriots make changes at wide receiver: The Patriots had a new combination of wide receivers healthy, and there were some surprises in which players played a lot of snaps.

  • Last week, Tyquan Thornton was activated off injured reserve while JuJu Smith-Schuster and Demario Douglas were out due to concussions.
  • Douglas returned this week while Smith-Schuster remained out.
  • Douglas played 100% of the 11 and 01 personnel snaps with no snaps in 12 or 22 personnel. He played almost entirely in the slot, moving Kendrick Bourne back outside.
  • Bourne also played 100% of snaps in 11 personnel and nearly every snap in 12 personnel. He led the team in targets.
  • Tyquan Thornton seemed to be the primary competition for DeVante Parker at the other outside receiver spot as Parker only had 136 receiving yards and no touchdowns in his five games. Instead, Jalen Reagor nearly split time with Parker. Parker tended to play more in 11 personnel while Reagor played more in 12 personnel.
  • Douglas is a fine player to stash on fantasy rosters now, especially if the Patriots trade one of their veterans to leave more snaps for their younger receivers.
  • Bourne is someone to consider selling high. Once Smith-Schuster is healthy, Bourne could see a decrease in snaps based on how the two were used before Smith-Schuster’s injury.

Drop Hunter Henry: His playing time has decreased each of the last several games as other tight ends have gotten more involved.

  • Henry only played in 10 of a possible 22 snaps in 12 personnel while Mike Gesicki and Pharaoh Brown were the primary tight ends in that personnel group.
  • Henry remained the primary tight end in 11 personnel with 19 of a possible 36 snaps, but both Gesicki and Brown were involved there too.
  • Henry caught two of his three targets for 27 yards.
  • He had only caught one pass for seven yards in the previous two games.
  • There is certainly a chance his playing time bounced back a little bit, but it probably won’t reach the heights of earlier this season or last season.

Miscellaneous Notes

  • Rhamondre Stevenson and Ezekiel Elliott’s playing time remained similar to the past two weeks. Stevenson played every snap on the first drive and Elliott took every snap on the second drive, which is when Elliott scored his touchdown. Elliott has scored in back-to-back weeks but isn’t necessarily the Patriots' goalline back, making him a potential asset to sell high.
  • Bills second-year receiver Khalil Shakir‘s snap share was increasing every week before he played slightly fewer snaps in this one.


Washington Commanders @ New York Giants

  • Saquon Barkley: 21 carries, 77 yards; 3 receptions, 41 receiving yards, 1 receiving touchdown
  • Darren Waller: 7 receptions, 98 yards, 1 touchdown

Chris Rodriguez Jr. leads the Commanders in rushing yards: The rookie gained 31 yards on seven carries.

  • His carries were spread out over the entire game. He had run seven times in the previous six weeks, but those carries were generally late in victories.
  • Brian Robinson continued to be the primary running back in rushing situations, but he only ran eight times for 23 yards and a touchdown
  • Antonio Gibson was the only running back to get involved in the passing game with two receptions for 24 yards.
  • Robinson has generally been a great play when the Commanders win but a questionable play when they lose, and that trend continued.
  • Gibson can be cut in fantasy leagues based on his usage this season, but Robinson might become less reliable if Washington continues to get Rodriguez involved.

Jalin Hyatt makes two big plays: Hyatt caught two passes in this game, one for 42 yards and another for 33.

  • He had two receptions of 25-plus air yards before his week, and he added another two this week. 
  • Hyatt joins A.J. Brown, Rashid Shaheed, Tyreek Hill, Stefon Diggs, Gabe Davis, Joshua Palmer and Marvin Mims Jr. as the only wide receivers with four or more such plays.
  • He’s spent the season rotating with Isaiah Hodgins for an outside receiving role. Hyatt more than doubles Hodgins in offensive snaps for a second straight week.
  • It might be difficult to ever trust Hyatt in season-long leagues because his threat rate is only 8.9%, but he could have a huge game or two at some point this season, which could make him a solid DFS play.

Miscellaneous Notes

  • There were reports Curtis Samuel left for the locker room early in the game, but he returned shortly after. His role remained similar to other weeks the rest of the game, but he was substituted out a little more than usual in the fourth quarter for Dyami Brown. There is a small chance it’s a situation worth monitoring.
  • Parris Campbell started the season as the Giants slot receiver but played four offensive snaps this week after not playing any last week. It wouldn’t be surprising if Campbell is traded before the deadline.

Atlanta Falcons @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

  • Mike Evans: 6 receptions, 82 yards, 1 touchdown
  • Tyler Allgeier: 21 carries, 59 yards; 3 receptions, 53 receiving yards

Monitor Bijan Robinson’s health: Robinson was dealing with a bad headache which greatly limited his playing time.

  • He started feeling weird last night, but no reports came out about any problems until after the game started. This left several fantasy managers relying on Robinson this week.
  • Tyler Allgeier became the primary running back for the game, taking a lot of the early-down work and most of the short-yardage work.
  • Cordarrelle Patterson missed the start of the season and was slowly but surely playing more snaps. He became the primary backup in this game.
  • Robinson didn’t play his first offensive snap until 2:18 in the first quarter. He was mostly used in passing situations, particularly near the end of each half.
  • He only played one snap from the start of the third quarter until the last minute of regulation.
  • Robinson expects to be fine by next week, but this will be a situation worth monitoring regardless.
  • He could be a good buy-low candidate early in the week for anyone who is frustrated they lost with Robinson in their lineup.

Rachaad White ineffective in the run game for Tampa Bay: White gained 34 yards on 13 carries but remains Tampa Bay's clear lead running back.

  • He’s only achieved above 3.8 yards per carry in one game this season.
  • White caught six passes for 65 yards to help in the passing game.
  • Ke’Shawn Vaughn is the only other running back who has been given opportunities in the last three games, but he’s been even less effective running.
  • There is a chance Chase Edmonds could get more involved if he’s able to return from injury soon.
  • In Week 2, he took three snaps on the Buccaneers’ first drive — the most snaps by any Buccaneers running back outside of White on a first drive all season — and then suffered an injury that placed him on injured reserve.
  • Even if he’s able to return, the Buccaneers could be one of the most likely teams to trade for a running back at the trade deadline to see if someone else can find more success in the run game.

Miscellaneous Notes

  • Van Jefferson became Atlanta's clear No. 2 wide receiver in his second game with the team, running 16 routes while everyone lower on the depth chart ran a combined 13 routes. He only received one target.
  • Cade Otton gained at least 40 receiving yards for the second time this season. He’s consistently playing over 90% of Tampa Bay's offensive snaps, but he’s been held under 20 yards in his other four games.
  • Kyle Pitts has gained at least 40 receiving yards for the third-straight game, but this is also the third-straight game his playing time has hovered at just over 50% of Atlanta's offensive snaps.


Pittsburgh Steelers @ Los Angeles Rams

Rams rely on Darrell Henderson and Royce Freeman: Kyren Williams (ankle) and Ronnie Rivers (knee) landed on injured reserve last week.

  • Zach Evans was the only other running back on the roster last week, so many assumed he would be the starter for Week 7.
  • The Rams signed Freeman from their own practice squad, Myles Gaskin from the Minnesota Vikings practice squad, and Henderson to their practice squad and elevated him for game day.
  • Reports emerged before the game that Henderson and Freeman would lead the way, allowing fantasy managers to pivot away from Evans.
  • Henderson started the game and generally rotated by drive. Typically, Henderson took one or two plays during Freeman’s drives, which left Henderson with more playing time.
  • Henderson ran 18 times for 61 yards and a touchdown, while Freeman ran 12 times for 66 yards.
  • While Freeman ended up with more rushing yards, Henderson is the player to target off the waiver wire. He should lead the team in carries for the next three games until Williams returns.
  • Evans can be dropped in any league in which he was picked up.

Diontae Johnson returns to boost Pittsburgh: Johnson was activated off injured reserve and returned to the Steelers lineup.

  • He caught five passes for 79 yards in the return as the clear second option behind George Pickens.
  • He was somewhat limited in his return but mostly in run situations. He played all 31 snaps in 11 personnel but only eight of a possible 21 snaps in 12 personnel.
  • Allen Robinson took most of the other snaps in 12 personnel. The Steelers passed on seven of eight plays with Johnson on the field and three of 12 plays with Robinson on the field.
  • It’s safe to assume that Johnson will go back to playing more snaps once he’s closer to 100%.
  • It’s safe to put him back in fantasy starting lineups going forward — as long as the matchup isn’t terrible.

Connor Heyward emerges as the Steelers' receiving tight end: Pat Freiermuth landed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury earlier in the week.

  • When Freiermuth missed Week 5, Heyward and Darnell Washington split snaps. There was a tendency for Heyward to play more in passing situations and Washington in rushing situations.
  • Those tendencies were much stronger in this game.
  • Heyward played 25 of a possible 31 snaps in 11 personnel. Washington took six snaps out of 11 personnel, and they were all run plays.
  • Rodney Williams, who spent all last year and the start of this year on the practice squad, made his NFL debut. He took some snaps from Hayward and Washington in 12 personnel and allowed Pittsburgh to run six plays out of 13 personnel.
  • Heyward caught only two passes for 23 yards on three targets, but his role was big enough that he could be fantasy-relevant with a higher target share.

Miscellaneous Notes

  • Cooper Kupp caught only two passes for 29 yards. This was his worst game that he started and finished since 2020.
  • Jaylen Warren consistently outscored Najee Harris in PPR points earlier this season, but that streak ended. Both players scored a touchdown, but Harris had more rushing yards, receptions and receiving yards.

Arizona Cardinals @ Seattle Seahawks

Emari Demercado takes over Cardinals backfield: Demercado took control of Keaontay Ingram’s role in the offense in Week 7.

  • Starting running back James Conner landed on injured reserve two weeks ago. In his place, Ingram and Damien Williams took most of the snaps in running situations, while Demercado took the snaps in passing situations.
  • Williams remained the primary backup in rushing situations this week, but Demercado kept his role and took over as the primary running back on rushing plays. Ingram was restricted to special teams.
  • Demercado ran 13 times for 58 yards and caught four passes for 17 yards.
  • The matchups aren’t much better over the next two weeks, but Demercado should still be good for 15-plus touches in each game until Conner is ready to play again.
  • Demercado is one of the better waiver wire options this week.

Monitor the health of D.K. Metcalf: Metcalf was inactive with both a ribs and hip injury.

  • This was the third straight week Matcalf was listed as questionable and was a game-time decision. For the first two weeks, it was just a rib injury, but the addition of the hip injury rendered him inactive for Week 7.
  • Jake Bobo ended up leading the Seahawks in offensive snaps. He played 100% of snaps in 11 personnel in place of Metcalf, and he also played the majority of 12 personnel snaps.
  • He took eight of a possible 11 snaps in 13 personnel, which is why he received more snaps than Tyler Lockett, though he ran just one more route than Lockett on the day.
  • Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s role also increased. He not only played 100% of 11 personnel snaps, but he also took the field for 10 of 18 snaps in 12 personnel. He didn’t take any of the 80 possible snaps out of 12 personnel over the first six weeks of the season.
  • Smith-Njigba could be in fantasy starting lineups if Metcalf misses more playing time.

Miscellaneous Notes

  • Kyler Murray‘s 21-day practice window opened, but he wasn’t added to the active roster. He’s not expected to return next week either, but he should overtake Joshua Dobbs as the starter soon.
  • The Cardinals continued their rotation at tight end, with Trey McBride and Zach Ertz getting similar opportunities. As long as both players are splitting snaps, neither can be trusted.
  • Noah Fant is one of the highest-graded tight ends in the NFL this season. He ran the most routes among the Seahawks tight ends, but he was held to one reception for the second straight week. This is the first time in his career he was held to one or fewer catches in back-to-back games. 
  • Zach Charbonnet was inactive with a hamstring injury. Kenneth Walker III only received a slight increase in offensive snaps, but his snap count has generally been on the rise.


Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos

The Broncos backfield returns to normal: The Broncos used their three running backs similarly to how they did early in the season. 

  • Last week, Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin split early-down work as Williams was eased back from injury. In Week 7, Williams received three times the carries and played more than three times as many snaps.
  • Williams looked good, averaging over 5.0 yards per carry, but McLaughlin gained 45 yards on five carries, continuing his impressive stretch. 
  • This is disappointing for McLaughlin fantasy managers, but he is playing too well to give up on.
  • Samaje Perine was largely restricted to two-minute drill snaps last week. He regained some of the third-down snaps and a few snaps in other situations. He can remain on the waiver wire despite having a larger role.

Aaron Jones returns to Green Bay: Jones had missed three of his team's last four games with a hamstring injury.

  • He spent the first three quarters a little more limited than usual, playing 19 of a possible 47 snaps. He and A.J. Dillon were very close in carries and routes run during that time, with Dillon staying on the field for a few more plays to block.
  • In the fourth quarter, Dillon played 12 snaps to Jones' four. It’s unclear whether Jones suffered a setback or whether he had reached a snap count.
  • Dillon led the team in rushing, taking 15 carries for 61 yards. Jones averaged slightly more yards per carry, recording 35 yards on eight carries.
  • Dillon isn’t known as a receiving back, but he led the Packers in receiving yards with 34.
  • The Packers added James Robinson to their practice squad earlier in the week, but he wasn’t signed to the active roster for this game.
  • Jones should be a fantasy starter going forward, but it would be good to make sure he’s at least limited in practice before starting him.

Monitor Luke Musgrave’s health: Musgrave took an ugly hit from Kareem Jackson, for which Jackson was ejected. He injured his ankle and didn’t return.

  • Musgrave played 41 of a possible 47 snaps over the first three quarters, including 25 of 26 pass plays. He caught four passes for 30 yards in that time. 
  • Unfortunately, the rookie tight end was seen in a walking boot after the game.
  • Third-round rookie Tucker Kraft took over as the Packers’ primary tight end in the fourth quarter, playing 15 of a possible 17 snaps.
  • Kraft has only two career receptions but could become a factor if the Musgrave injury is serious.

Miscellaneous Notes

  • Both of the Broncos’ top wide receivers have been the subject of trade rumors. Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy each finished top-two in targets, receptions and receiving yards in this game. Their wide receiver rotation was very similar to recent weeks, giving no indication a player might be moved.
  • Greg Dulcich landed back on injured reserve earlier this week. This means four more games of Adam Trautman as Denver's top receiving tight end, including this game. Trautman has 5 or fewer receiving yards in five of seven games this season, so it’s best to leave him on the waiver wire.
  • Christian Watson suffered a knee injury at the end of the Packers game. He was able to limp off the field but fell to the turf once he reached the sideline. Because of how late into the game the injury occurred, it’s unclear how serious it may have been. Dontayvion Wicks would likely be the starter if Watson misses time.

Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs

Rashee Rice’s role continues to expand: Rice put together the best game of his career, catching five passes for 60 yards and a touchdown.

  • Justin Watson was inactive with an elbow injury, which opened the door to more playing time for multiple players.
  • Kadarius Toney has also been dealing with a toe injury. He was a full participant in practice all week, but his playing time dropped dramatically in Week 7.
  • This allowed big increases in playing time for Rice and Justyn Ross and slight increases for Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Skyy Moore.
  • Watson and Valdes-Scantling have been the two deep threats for Kansas City. Without Watson, Valdes-Scantling had his best game of the season.
  • Rice has been more consistent this season, and it was great to see his stats increase as his playing time increased.
  • Kansas City also traded for Mecole Hardman, who played on special teams and a limited role on offense. Hardman may get more playing time going forward, which could decrease the playing time of Rice or others.

Monitor Gerald Everett’s health: Everett suffered a quad injury in the third quarter and didn’t return.

  • Everett started the game and played 23 of a possible 34 snaps.
  • He caught three passes for 26 yards and a touchdown.
  • It had seemed like Donald Parham Jr. was gaining a larger role in the offense, but Stone Smartt ended up being the primary replacement for Everett.
  • Smartt played 11 of 17 snaps in the fourth quarter compared to six by Parham.
  • Both Parham and Smartt had one catch each in this game.
  • It seems unlikely that either of these tight ends will be fantasy-viable if Everett misses time.

Miscellaneous Notes

  • Travis Kelce’s 179 receiving yards was the second-most for him in a game in his career. He gained 191 yards in a game in 2021, which also happened against the Chargers.
  • Austin Ekeler hasn’t been effective as a rusher since returning from injury. He averaged 1.9 yards per carry last week and 3.2 this week, with no plays of more than 6 yards in this game.
  • Jalen Guyton has spent the start of the season on injured reserve. His 21-day practice window was opened, but he wasn’t active for this game. He could push Quentin Johnston for playing time once he’s back.

Miami Dolphins @ Philadelphia Eagles

 

Jeff Wilson Jr. is eased into action: Wilson missed the first six games of the season with ribs and finger injuries.

  • Wilson ended last season as the Dolphins' most-used running back, so there was a possibility that he would handle a big role right away.
  • Instead, he was mostly limited to playing in the two-minute drill to end the first half.
  • Wilson never ran the ball but caught one pass for 4 yards.
  • Salvon Ahmed remained the primary backup to Raheem Mostert on early downs.
  • Wilson will have only two more games to work his way back up the depth chart before De’Von Achane returns from injured reserve.
  • It’s fine to hold onto Wilson in the short term to see if his role expands, but this was not a promising start for his fantasy value.

Chase Claypool makes his Dolphins debut: Claypool spent the last few weeks inactive but made his debut, playing a few snaps in Week 7.

  • Robbie Chosen had spent the last few weeks as the Dolphins’ fifth wide receiver, but he was inactive instead of Claypool on Sunday night.
  • Jaylen Waddle suffered a back injury early in the second quarter, but he was able to return near the end of the third quarter. Cedrick Wilson Jr. was the main replacement for Waddle during the time he missed. 
  • Most of Claypool’s snaps occurred when Waddle was out. It’s unclear how much he would have played had Waddle stayed healthy.
  • It’s at least possible that Claypool surpasses Wilson as the top backup on the outside, where he would have fantasy value if Tyreek Hill or Waddle ever missed time.

Julio Jones makes his Eagles debut: The future Hall of Fame receiver was signed to the practice squad earlier in the week and was brought on to the active roster for this game.

  • The Eagles’ primary slot receiver, Quez Watkins, has been dealing with injury most of the season and is currently on injured reserve.
  • His replacement, Olamide Zaccheaus, generated a 5.1% target rate over the season's first six weeks, the lowest among wide receivers who had run at least 100 routes.
  • Jones was expected to play between 15 and 25 snaps heading into the game, and he fell right into that range, with all of his snaps coming in 11 personnel.
  • While Zaccheaus was primarily the slot receiver when he played in 11 personnel, Jones lined up wide more often than not, with DeVonta Smith taking more snaps from the slot.
  • Jones caught one pass for 3 yards in his limited time.
  • It’s unlikely Jones will be fantasy-relevant this season, even if he completely takes over for Zaccheaus. Stranger things have happened, though.

Miscellaneous Notes

  • D’Andre Swift averaged 6.9 yards per carry in his first two starts with the Eagles, 4.1 yards per carry in his following two games and 3.2 yards per carry in his last two.
  • Most top tight ends played well for National Tight End Day, and that included Dallas Goedert. He caught five passes for 77 yards and a touchdown. He needs only one more touchdown to match his entire 2022 total.
  • Raheem Mostert has averaged at least 5.0 yards per carry in five of his last six games.

Table Notes
  • Snaps include plays called back due to penalties, including offensive holding or defensive pass interference. The other three stats have these plays removed.
  • Targets may differ from official NFL sources. The most likely discrepancy would be from a clear thrown-away pass, where the NFL may give the target to the nearest receiver, while this data will not.
  • Carries are only on designed plays. Quarterback scrambles won’t count for the total number of carries in the game.
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