Fantasy Football Forecast: Waiver Wire & Trade Advice for Week 8 (2023)

Fantasy Football Forecast: Waiver Wire & Trade Advice for Week 8 (2023)

Welcome back, everybody! We’ve got NFL Week 7 wrapped up and a lot to recap from ALL the action! Hopefully, you have enjoyed the new version of the 2023 usage report. While slightly altered from previous installments, I think it packs a punch that is exactly what fantasy managers want and NEED as they make transactions heading into the next week.

Again, we live in the year 2023, where bite-size and easy-to-digest content is the way, the masses consume content. My goal with this weekly piece is to provide you with the KEY ACTION items – waiver wire pickups, trade, add, drop, stash, buy, sell, start, sit, etc. – for your fantasy football team based on what happened the previous week. Let me do the work of scouring through the data, so you can just follow my lead. As my college marketing professor always said, “Keep it simple, stupid.” The KISS mantra is at its finest.

As always, I’ll be citing data and what I watched on film from the weekend’s past matchups highlighting what matters most and what’s potentially just noise. I will make a strong effort to feature players who are coming off polarizing performances, as they are sure to be the ones fantasy managers have the most question marks about. Note that If I omit a certain player(s), it’s likely because their role/usage did not change from the week prior. Want to save valuable space for players whose stock is rising/falling, as this is where we can take advantage as savvy fantasy gamers.

And for those tuning into the usage report for the first time; the idea behind the usage report has always been about identifying which players are running routes, seeing high snap shares, and earning high-value targets as these tend to be precursors for future fantasy production. And sometimes they don’t always show up in the normal box score.

So, without further ado…let’s roll out the red carpet for the 2023 Usage Report for Week 7, to prepare for success in Week 8. The Fantasy Football Week 8 Rankings Forecast features Waiver Wire Pickups and Buy Low/Sell High Trade Targets.

Let’s ride. Because the forecast calls for more action in the upcoming Week 8 slate where we have all 32 teams in action.

For some overarching data points, check out my Twitter/X thread that covers some important nuggets from Week 7’s action…

Snap counts:

Week 7 bye weeks:

  • Carolina Panthers
  • Cincinnati Bengals
  • Dallas Cowboys
  • Houston Texans
  • New York Jets
  • Tennessee Titans

Lookahead Week 9 bye weeks (No Week 8 bye weeks)

  • Denver Broncos
  • Detroit Lions
  • Jacksonville Jaguars
  • San Francisco 49ers

Fantasy Football Forecast

Jacksonville Jaguars

Buy Evan Engram, Calvin Ridley, Sell/Hold Christian Kirk

The Jaguars put up big offensive numbers on Thursday night versus the Saints, going into a hostile environment and emerging with a victory. A “hobbled” Trevor Lawrence was hardly that, as he rushed for a team-high 59 yards with 204 passing yards and 1 passing touchdown to boot.

Travis Etienne Jr. scored twice and played 88% of the snaps (17 touches). Told you he was going to be a league winner. YLTSI. $7,200 on DraftKings for arguably the best RB in fantasy football is way too cheap.

Now for the pass-catchers WRs. Calvin Ridley managers look away. If you have been following the fantasy football forecast this season, I’ve tried to be as transparent as possible when it comes to addressing this WR room.

Last week I fully embraced and admitted to the idea that Christian Kirk is the team’s WR1. Because that’s been the exact case since Week 2 (24% Target share). And nothing on Thursday night suggests that will change anytime soon. Kirk posted a 20% Target share catching all 6 of his targets for 90 yards including a 44-yard TD.

Team-leading 23% Target share this season.

Evan Engram actually led the team in total targets (7), catching five for 45 yards. He is second on the Jaguars in targets this season (22%). He’s been one of the most consistent tight ends in fantasy this season despite the fact that he has scored zero TDs.

Jamal Agnew was the biggest surprise also seeing a season-high 6 targets while playing 52% of the snaps.

But now to the bad news. Ridley was held to just 1 catch on four targets for 5 yards. Woof.

He had zero targets in the first half. Double woof. In yet he played 88% of the snaps and ran a route on a team-high 94% of dropbacks. Led the offense with 75 air yards.

Since Week 2, Ridley has just a 17% Target share. 50th among WRs. Woof.

If you have Ridley, you are obviously concerned. I recommended selling him last week, but after a prime time stinker I doubt you will get any fair offers for the Jaguars No. 1 WR in terms of usage.

So, what’s the move? Buy low. That’s where the value is.

Because as bad as Ridley has been, he’s still displayed the spike week potential you want from a fantasy WR2 attached to an above-average QB.

It was just two weeks ago he caught 7 balls for 122 yards. He’s still the team’s leader in air yards share (36%) and I really doubt this game is indicative of Agnew’s future breakout.

The upcoming schedule features favorable matchups against teams like the Steelers/Titans.

And most importantly, the team will likely be getting Zay Jones back in the fold. And that’s GOOD for Ridley because having Jones opposite him has presented him with softer looks from the defense. Case in point, Ridley’s two games with 100-plus yards were games that Jones was active in.

Ridley is $5,800 on DraftKings this week.

At the same time, I think selling high on Kirk is a sharp move. It’s so crowded – even on Thursday night where Kirk made up A LOT of production on a 44-yard TD scamper – that makes it tough to trust one guy. And Kirk’s production has been boosted by the Jones injury.

All in all, if you can cash out for a strong return for Kirk – especially based on the positive narrative for him opposite Ridley – I think you’re avoiding potential headaches down the road. But in full transparency, if you can’t get any worthwhile returns, he remains a hold.

Upcoming Jaguars Schedule: Steelers, Bye Week, 49ers, Titans, Texans

New Orleans Saints

Sell Chris Olave, Hold Alvin Kamara, Add Taysom Hill

I think Thursday night finally showed the fantasy football world what Derek Carr is doing to the offense. He’s a check-down savant who either wants to throw an absolute bomb or dump it off immediately to Alvin Kamara. Kamara caught 12 passes in this game for 91 yards on 14 targets. He also added 17 carries for 62 yards. The efficiency for Kamara remains underwhelming, but his usage – specifically on the receiving side – is out of control elite.

The return of Jamaal Williams has little impact on Kamara, as the former Lion played just 22% of the snaps and earned 5 carries.

Kamara’s a locked-and-loaded RB1 for the rest of the season, but I do worry about how long an older RB can keep up this kind of workload. Again, he leads the NFL in touches per game (26/game). The Saints’ offense has plenty of issues which were on display Thursday night.

If you can move Kamara for a younger elite RB or an elite WR, I’d make the move. But also, fine holding him while the getting is good, because the schedule suggests his production should stay strong.

Upcoming Saints Schedule: Colts, Bears, Vikings, Bye Week

Chris Olave had 15 targets on Thursday night (28% Target share). He caught 7 passes for 57 yards.

Through 7 games, Olave has a 26% Target share. But as you ALL saw on Thursday night it’s just rinse and repeat about how many times Carr misses Olave on his throws. He was stuck on 2 for 17 in the first half.

Therefore, Olave remains a sell for me. He had 4 red-zone targets through the first 6 games. 1 TD. He had more red-zone targets in Week 7 (2), but Carr also attempted 55 passes. And the playcalling actually kept dialing up red-zone targets and fade routes for Michael Thomas (3 red-zone targets).

MT leads the team in red-zone targets this season (9) to Olave’s 6. Thomas has more targets inside the 10-yard line (8) than Olave (6) since the start of last season…

At this point, unless there is a QB change I don’t envision the full-fledged breakout happening for Olave.

Taysom Hill reprised a super tight end role on Thursday night. In addition to rushing the ball 5 times for 18 yards (including 3 red-zone attempts and 1 TD), Hill caught 4 of 5 passes for 50 yards (5 targets). He ran a route on 75% of dropbacks

That’s very good tight end usage for a normal tight end. But with the route participation layered with rushing attempts and red-zone usage, Hill is a viable tight end option as long as Juwan Johnson remains sidelined.

Atlanta Falcons

Buy Bijan Robinson, Drake London, Avoid Cordarrelle Patterson

Bijan Robinson finished with 1 touch in the game. With 33 seconds remaining in the game. Arthur Smith made it known that it was because Robinson was feeling “ill” after halftime, which is why he wasn’t getting the ball, even though he was still on the field seeing snaps. More reports came out later that he was dealing with a headache/migraine that limited his ability to contribute on offense.

Buy. Low. Value has hit rock bottom. The playoff schedule is juicy: Panthers, Colts and Bears.

In relief, Tyler Allgeier carried the ball 21 times for 59 yards with an average of 2.8 yards per carry. He didn’t find the end zone despite 6 red-zone carries. Caught 3 passes on 3 targets for 53 yards, with an impressive average of 17.7 yards per catch. But still ran the same number of routes as Bijan.

Cordarrelle Patterson had 10 rushing attempts, gaining 56 yards at an impressive 5.6 yards per carry. However, he didn’t score a touchdown. He saw the biggest bump with Bijan sidelined. Worth an add on from waivers if this Robinson “injury” prolongs, but C-Patt is most likely fool’s gold ahead of Week 8. Has had no role on offense until this game. All he did was just take on Robinson’s role across most facets.

Desmond Ridder scored one rushing TD and should have scored another but he fumbled into the end zone out-of-bounds resulting in a touchback.

Drake London led the team in targets with 7, catching 6 passes for 54 yards (32% Target share).

Kyle Pitts saw 4 targets, catching 3 passes for 47 yards at an average of 15.7 yards per reception. Jonnu Smith caught all 3 of his targets, gaining 27 yards, averaging 9 yards per reception.

In terms of targets, Drake London led the way with 7 targets, followed by Allgeier with 3, and both Pitts and Smith with 4 targets each. Worth noting that Van Jefferson has taken over as the WR2, as Mack Hollins snaps/routes have dropped dramatically.

The Titans, Vikings and Cardinals over the next 3 matchups for Atlanta. Good matchups for the receiving game make London a strong target candidate after a so-so game, even though he was inches away from scoring a TD. Totaled 3 red-zone targets in Week 7. Still clearly the alpha in the passing game. 26th in Target share (23%) since Week 2.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Buy/Hold Rachaad White

Rachaad White carried the ball 13 times for 34 yards, averaging 2.6 yards per carry. He didn’t score a touchdown. Ke’Shawn Vaughn carried the ball 4 times but only managed to gain 7 yards at an average of 1.8 yards per carry. White isn’t great but nobody is threatening his touches (75% snap share). Also had 6 receptions on 6 targets for 65 yards, averaging 10.8 yards per reception. Season-best in terms of receiving yards and receptions.

Because he’s been so underwhelming fantasy managers are trying to move him. Don’t sell. Instead, buy. The Bills are an elite matchup for RBs on Thursday night. Then the move will be to sell following a BOOM Thursday night performance.

Mike Evans had 8 targets, catching 6 passes for 82 yards and a touchdown, averaging 13.7 yards per reception. Chris Godwin saw 12 targets (29% Target share) and caught 6 passes for 66 yards. Also led the team in air yards and earned two red-zone targets. The TD game is COMING for Godwin, as no player has more receiving yards/red-zone targets with a TD score yet this season.

Cade Otton saw 6 targets, catching 5 passes for 43 yards at an average of 8.6 yards per reception.

We hit the overs on both Otton/Godwin receptions props – as the Falcons’ weakness on defense remains the middle of their defense.

In terms of targets, Godwin led the team with 12, followed by Evans with 8, and both White and Otton with 6 targets each. Trey Palmer operated as the WR3, but Deven Thompkins ended up seeing more air yards on just 13 routes (3 targets).

The Bills (TNF), Texans, and Titans over the next 3 games for Tampa Bay.

Washington Commanders

Sell Brian Robinson, Terry McLaurin Add Curtis Samuel

Chris Rodriguez carried the ball 7 times for 31 yards, averaging 4.4 yards per carry. 2 carries in the first half, and three at the start of the 3rd quarter. Not nothing, especially with two carries coming in the red zone. He came close to vulturing a TD as the team inched to scoring.

Meanwhile, starter Brian Robinson had 8 rushing attempts, gaining just 23 yards at an average of 2.9 yards per carry, and he scored one touchdown. Antonio Gibson carried the ball twice for 7 yards with 2 targets.

This backfield is starting to morph into a three-headed monster, which is not good for fantasy football purposes. With extremely tough run defenses coming up, you have to sell Robinson after he has scored TDs in back-to-back weeks. He has totaled 24 carries for 64 yards in the last 3 games.

In terms of targets, Terry McLaurin led the team with 9 (25% Target share, 109 air yards), followed by Jahan Dotson and Curtis Samuel with 8 targets each (22% Target share). McLaurin led the team in targets with 9, catching 6 passes for 90 yards, averaging 15 yards per reception. He was targeted 4 times in the red zone catching 3 but no TDs. He also only saw 1 target in the entire first half.

I am always looking to sell high on McLaurin, just because I don’t feel great hitching my wagon to anybody in this Commanders’ offense for the long haul. The schedule isn’t ideal either.

Thomas saw 6 targets and caught 4 passes for 51 yards, averaging 12.8 yards per catch.

Dotson had 8 targets, catching 5 passes for 43 yards at an average of 8.6 yards per reception. Had a massive (drop) for the second straight week. Woof.

Samuel was targeted 8 times (two red-zone targets) and caught 4 passes for 25 yards, averaging 6.3 yards per reception. He has completely supplanted Dotson as the No. 2 WR. Add him. At least 3-plus catches in all but one game this season, with 4-plus catches in his last four games.

The Eagles, Patriots, Seahawks and Giants are over next month.

New York Giants

Add Jalin Hyatt, Buy Saquon Barkley, Hold Wan’Dale Robinson

Saquon Barkley carried the ball 21 times for 77 yards, averaging 3.7 yards per carry. He didn’t score a rushing touchdown but was a full-blown bell cow with an 84% snap share. In terms of targets, Darren Waller led the team with 8 (30% Target share), followed by rookie Jalin Hyatt with 5 targets (19% Target share) and Barkley with 4 targets. Barkley had 4 receptions for 41 yards and scored 1 touchdown.

After another strong outing – despite operating behind a patchwork OL – Barkley remains a sharp buy-high target. Has a full workload and strong matchups coming up between the Jets/Raiders.

Waller caught 7 passes for 98 yards, averaging 14 yards per reception, and scored 1 touchdown. The first on National TE day!

Hyatt was targeted 5 times and caught 2 passes for 75 yards, averaging an impressive 37.5 yards per reception. His role continues to grow. Might be the Giants WR to own. 168 air yards and 58% air yard share in Week 7. 71% snap share and 66% route participation. Stock up for the rookie. Add him.

Wan’Dale Robinson was targeted just 2 times, catching 1 pass for 22 yards. Shockingly little involvement. Darius Slayton also saw 2 targets and caught 1 pass for 22 yards. He can’t run any more routes and seems like he is maxed out in terms of getting volume. He’s fine to drop ahead of a matchup versus the Jets. Note that I would hold onto Robinson for at least one more week if Daniel Jones returns to the lineup.

The Jets, Raiders and Dallas over the next 3 weeks.

Buffalo Bills

Add Dalton Kincaid, Buy/Hold James Cook

James Cook carried the ball 13 times for 56 yards (52% snap share), averaging 4.3 yards per carry, while Latavius Murray carried the ball just 4 times for 8 yards, averaging 2.0 yards per carry.

Stefon Diggs led the team with 12 targets, followed by Dalton Kincaid with 8 targets (21% Target share) and James Cook with 3 targets.

Cook caught all 3 passes for 46 yards, averaging an impressive 15.3 yards per reception, and scored 1 touchdown (3 red-zone carries). He worked best for the Bills offense that struggled for most of Sunday’s game.

It was a solid RB2 fantasy outing for Cook, which I think is the best way to view him moving forward. The fact that he is continuing to see some red-zone work as opposed to zero is super encouraging as the team shows more trust him in. There’s always going to be some other RB involved but the fact that Cook out-touched Murray 16 to 6 is a very positive development. 10 touches in the first half and most touches overall since Week 3. He’s a hold/buy for me.

Dalton Kincaid caught all 8 passes for 75 yards, averaging 9.4 yards per reception. Ran a route on 63% of the dropbacks while playing 61% of the snaps. Primarily operated as a short-to-intermediate option for Josh Allen.

The Patriots were much more concerned about Diggs, which led to softer looks for the rookie. Still super encouraging for him to step up and be efficient.

Diggs only caught 6 passes for 58 yards after being neutralized by the Patriots’ defense that has been strong versus opposing No. 1s all season. Still, Diggs got the last laugh – for fantasy managers – with a late TD score on a nice catch and run play.

Khalil Shakir had 4 targets and caught all 4 passes for 35 yards, averaging 8.8 yards per reception.

Murray was targeted 2 times and caught both passes for 20 yards. Also carried the ball twice in the red zone (1 red-zone target). All his red-zone touches came from inside the 11-yard line.

Dawson Knox only saw 3 targets and caught 1 pass for 10 yards. Had a TD removed due to an offensive PI. He also requires wrist surgery that will sideline him for an extended period of time.

Gabe Davis had 5 targets (two red-zone) and caught 1 pass for 6 yards. Woof. Classic Davis down game.

The Buccaneers (TNF), Bengals and Broncos are the Bills’ next three games.

New England Patriots

Buy Rhamondre Stevenson, Drop Hunter Henry, Add Kendrick Bourne/Demario Douglas

Rhamondre Stevenson carried the ball 9 times for 34 yards, averaging 3.8 yards per carry with three red zone touches to boot (65% snap share). Ezekiel Elliott had 11 rushing attempts (5 in the fourth quarter), gaining 31 yards at an average of 2.8 yards per carry and scored 1 touchdown on a red-zone plunge. More than half of his carries came in the red zone (6).

Stevenson saved the day with a strong receiving output. Was targeted 6 times (20% Target share) and caught 6 passes for 51 yards, averaging 8.5 yards per reception. Elliott was targeted once but didn’t record a reception.

Buy Stevenson. The schedule is lightening up in terms of defensive matchups and Stevenson’s overall role seeing 15-plus touches per game has not faltered. And the receiving usage has been extremely strong for Stevenson after he ran a route on 60% of Mac Jones‘ dropbacks in Week 7. Back-to-back weeks with a 19% plus Target share.

Rookie Demario Douglas carried the ball once for 20 yards. Highly involved after missing last week with a concussion.

Kendrick Bourne saw 7 targets (23% Target share) and caught 6 passes for 63 yards, averaging 10.5 yards per reception, and scored 1 touchdown. Bourne led the team with 7 targets, followed by D. Douglas with 6 targets and Stevenson with 6 targets. Douglas caught 4 passes for 54 yards, averaging 13.5 yards per reception.

In games where Douglas has played more than 40% of the snaps, he has totaled at least 4 catches and 40-plus receiving yards on 6.5 targets.

DeVante Parker and Tyquan Thornton both played fewer snaps than in previous weeks, which resulted in a boosted effort in the overall passing game.

No. 3 tight end Pharoah Brown had 2 targets and caught 2 passes for 51 yards, averaging an impressive 25.5 yards per reception. This dude has JUICE. The Patriots might want to get him the ball more.

Hunter Henry saw 3 targets and caught 2 passes for 27 yards. Mike Gesicki had 2 targets and caught 2 passes for 5 yards, averaging 2.5 yards per reception, and scored 1 touchdown that sealed victory for the Patriots.

It’s turning into a three-headed tight end monster in New England. Avoid the headache and avoid them all.

The Pats got at Miami, Commanders and Indy (Germany) over the next 3 games.

With them chasing points versus Miami on the road, I love the idea of adding a Patriots WR like Douglas as one of the few playmakers on New England’s offense.

Las Vegas Raiders

Sell Josh Jacobs, Add/Hold Michael Mayer, Buy Davante Adams

Why the Raiders started Brian Hoyer is beyond me. Spoiler – it didn’t work.

Josh Jacobs carried the ball 11 times for 35 yards, averaging 3.2 yards per carry. He didn’t score a touchdown. Jacobs was targeted 4 times and caught 1 pass for 6 yards. Woof. He’s a bell cow that can’t score fantasy points. Eventually, he will have his week, but that likely won’t be against a pissed-off Lions team that boasts one of the league’s best run defenses.

Davante Adams had 12 targets (27% Target share), behind Jakobi Meyers with 13 targets (11 with Brian Hoyer) and Zamir White with 3 targets.

Adams caught 7 passes for 57 yards, averaging 8.1 yards per reception. Hoyer missed him on a wide-open TD in a game where they went to him immediately on the 1st drive.

Meyers had 13 targets and caught 7 passes for 50 yards, averaging 7.1 yards per reception, and scored 1 touchdown in garbage time (two red-zone targets).

If you can buy low on Adams or Meyers you do so. Jimmy Garoppolo should be back in a perfect get-right spot versus a poor Lions’ secondary.

Michael Mayer saw 4 targets and caught 2 passes for 13 yards, averaging 6.5 yards per reception. Route participation decreased from the week prior to 54%. But I would still add/hold Meyer with a good matchup on deck versus the Lions.

I think what was overlooked at least in my analysis this week was that if Adams’ targets were going to increase due to a squeaky wheel, Mayer would likely be the odd man out.

The Lions (MNF), Giants, and Jets are up next.

Chicago Bears

Sell D’Onta Foreman, Cole Kmet, Add Roschon Johnson

D’Onta Foreman carried the ball 16 times for 89 yards, averaging 5.6 yards per carry, and scored 2 touchdowns. Was targeted 5 times (2nd on the team) and caught 3 passes for 31 yards and scored 1 touchdown. A monster with the football. 5 total red-zone touches.

Darrynton Evans carried the ball 14 times for 48 yards, averaging 3.4 yards per carry. Also saw 3 targets. 6 of his carries came late right after Foreman was forced to the sideline with an injury.

Hence the snaps favoring Evans. Like last week, Evans also saw the first carry of the game despite Foreman starting.

I have to imagine that Foreman will be a highly debated RB to trade this week and for good reason. The process is clearly to sell high for a RB coming off a 3 TD game when his role has been boosted by injuries around him in a supremely soft matchup. One would think that Khalil Herbert and/or Roschon Johnson will eventually return and push Foreman for touches, which has been the case when he has split work with Evans the last two games.

I’d like to think that Foreman has “shown enough” to be the RB1 moving forward, but he’s down this same old song and dance for the last two seasons.

2022 Week 8 versus Atlanta: 31.8 points and 3 TDs. 2022 Week 9 versus Cincinnati: 4 points.

And although the Chargers “appear” soft versus the run, they have been stout since returning from the bye week. Fewer than 35 yards allowed to both Isiah Pacheco and Tony Pollard in back-to-back weeks.

The Bears are also massive road dogs (+8.5), which doesn’t foreshadow Foreman’s continuing his hot streak in Week 8. The Saints are no cakewalk versus the run either in Week 9.

Foreman for Bijan Robinson…who says no?

D.J. Moore saw 9 targets (two red-zone targets) and caught 8 passes for 54 yards (32% Target share, 54% air yards share). Because he is so clearly the No. 1, he will continue to provide fantasy value even with Tyson Bagent at quarterback. Good matchups and Justin Fields coming back make him an interesting buy-low candidate.

Darnell Mooney had 4 targets and caught 4 passes for 32 yards, averaging 8.0 yards per reception. Evans was targeted 3 times and caught 1 pass for 6 yards, averaging 6.0 yards per reception.

But yet again, we saw a connection between Bagent and Tyler Scott for the second straight game. Scott saw 29 air yards (52%) as the Bears operated very close to the LOS to protect their inexperienced QB. What a novel idea. Scott had 2 carries and three targets (2 for 19).

Bagent under center has been HURTING Cole Kmet though. Kmet was barely used when Bagent took over at QB in Week 6. In Week 7, Kmet saw zero targets from Bagent despite running a route on 79% of dropbacks. Makes him very risky to play even a good on-paper matchup versus the Chargers.

LA (SNF), Saints and Panthers are the next 3 matchups for Chicago.

Detroit Lions

Sell Jahmyr Gibbs, Drop Jameson Williams

Big Test for the Lions on the road against a worthy opponent. They failed.

Jahmyr Gibbs carried the ball 11 times for 68 yards, averaging 6.2 yards per carry, and scored 1 touchdown. Usage was strong with 10 targets (20% Target share) and catching 9 passes for 58 yards. 87% snap share. Locked-and-loaded fantasy RB1 as long as David Montgomery is sidelined.

But that being said…this team LOVES Montgomery. And it’s not like Gibbs’ usage translated into a real-life win for the Lions. In the first half alone, Gibbs had 3 carries for 9 yards and two catches for 5 yards.

Craig Reynolds carried the ball just 3 times for 16 yards (1 target).

Obviously, Gibbs is a risky sell with an awesome matchup versus the Raiders in Week 8, which we don’t anticipate Montgomery returning for as the Lions have a Week 9 bye week. Again, they played Monty on a short week after he missed time so never say never.

Still, if you need a W in Week 8, think you have to keep Gibbs. But if you can afford a longer outlook on your team, selling Gibbs high is the move to make for a team that needs to win now.

Amon-Ra St. Brown led the team with 19 targets (39% Target share). Gibbs with 10 targets and Sam LaPorta with 7 targets. St. Brown caught 13 passes for 102 yards, averaging 7.8 yards per reception. LaPorta was targeted 7 times and caught 6 passes for 52 yards. Josh Reynolds saw 3 targets and caught 2 passes for 43 yards, averaging 21.5 yards per reception.

Jameson Williams was targeted 6 times but did not record a reception. Yikes. 1 target in the first half. Might be more of a buy low than anything. 143 air yards, but a lot of it came in the second half which is obviously concerning. Not sure he’s worth holding through the bye week. He is still splitting routes as the No. 3 WR with Kalif Raymond, even though his routes/snaps did increase from the week before.

LV (MNF), Bye Week, Chargers and Bears (oh my) are following up.

Baltimore Ravens

Hold Gus Edwards, Add Odell Beckham Jr.

Gus Edwards carried the ball 14 times for 64 yards, averaging 4.6 yards per carry, and scored 1 touchdown on 3 red zone carries. He remains the “banger” and preferred goal-line back for Baltimore in a 50/50 split. Great setup for him versus the Cardinals in Week 8.

Justice Hill carried the ball 4 times for 46 yards, averaging an impressive 11.5 yards per carry. Did lose a fumble and ran more routes.

Edwards also caught an 80-yard pass – completing nuking all yards per route run metrics this season with Edwards our new KING.

Lamar Jackson carried the ball 9 times for 36 yards, averaging 4.0 yards per carry, and scored 1 touchdown. Jackson was ELITE, completing 21 out of 27 pass attempts for a total of 357 passing yards. He was not sacked, threw 3 touchdown passes, and had no interceptions, ending with an exceptional passer rating of 155.8.

In terms of targets, Odell Beckham led the team with 7 targets (25% Target share), followed by Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews with 6 targets each.

Flowers caught 4 passes for 75 yards, averaging 18.8 yards per reception. Andrews had 6 targets and caught 4 passes for 63 yards and scored 2 touchdowns.

Flowers has been the model of consistency throughout his entire rookie campaign and remains a buy candidate. 14th in Target share (28%) 7 games into his rookie year.

Beckham caught 5 passes for 49 yards. Nelson Agholor saw 1 target and caught 1 pass for 12 yards, and it resulted in a touchdown.

After it appeared that Agholor was the No. 2 on the Ravens, OBJ’s usage bounced back. Finished second in routes/snaps and was highly involved. We are quietly entering the “want pieces of this offense” with Baltimore, so scoop him up now after his most productive game of the season. $3,800 on DraftKings in Week 8.

Still clearly behind Flowers but working ahead of Agholor/Bateman. Was targeted on 33% of his routes.

Keaton Mitchell had 1 target and caught 1 pass for 9 yards. Looked like he had juice. Stash in deeper formats.

Arizona (gulp), Seattle and Browns are next 3 games for the Ravens. The Lamar Jackson revenge tour continues…

Indianapolis Colts

Buy/Hold Jonathan Taylor

Absolute wild game. An ongoing theme for those following the Colts this season.

Jonathan Taylor carried the ball 18 times for 75 yards, averaging 4.2 yards per carry, and scored 1 touchdown. A total of 5 red zone carries to zero for Zack Moss.

Zack Moss also carried the ball 18 times for 57 yards, but just 3.2 yards per carry. Gardner Minshew scored two rushing TDs.

Taylor was targeted 4 times (18% Target share) and caught 3 passes for 45 yards, averaging 15.0 yards per reception.

Moss saw 2 targets and caught 1 pass for 5 yards. The first-half touches were 11 to 9 in favor of Moss.

The total snaps were an exact 50/50 split as it was last week.

It’s still a committee but Taylor’s combination of high-value touches through the air and red zone in a surprisingly fun offense has done well for fantasy managers. Considering what they were able to do against the league’s best defense, I’m not overly concerned about JT.

Probably a smart trade-for target at this point, depending on the price.

Josh Downs led the team with 6 targets (27% Target share), followed by Michael Pittman with 5 targets (23% Target share).

Downs caught 5 passes for 125 yards and scored 1 touchdown. 59 score early in the contest.

Pittman had 5 targets and caught 2 passes for 83 yards. Caught a 75-yarder late in the game.

The targets remained extremely concentrated between these two WRs. And although they won’t rip off massive plays every week, the Colts’ lack of defense suggests that they can produce most weeks in pass-heavy game scripts.

Alec Pierce had 3 targets and caught 3 passes for 53 yards, averaging 17.7 yards per reception.

Andrew Ogletree – 42 snaps, 60% – played the most with Kylen Granson sidelined.

Indianapolis takes on New Orleans, Carolina and New England (Germany) in their next three games.

Cleveland Browns

Buy Amari Cooper, Add Pierre Strong Jr., Add David Njoku

Jerome Ford carried the ball 11 times for 74 yards. He had 77 total yards after his first two carries including a 69-yard TD.

Kareem Hunt carried the ball 10 times for 31 yards, averaging 3.1 yards per carry, and scored 2 goal-line touchdowns. Hunt was used more in the red zone last week and that was the case again here in Week 7 with three red-zone carries. Pierre Strong carried the ball 8 times for 25 yards, averaging 3.1 yards per carry. Didn’t touch ball till the 3rd quarter. Ran more routes than Hunt.

Ford also had 4 targets and caught 2 passes for 20 yards. Hunt with just one target.

First-half touches were 11 to 5 in favor of Ford.

Ford did get hurt toward the end of the game with an ankle injury which boosted the usage for Strong later in the contest. Add Strong off waivers. Ford is expected to miss 1-2 weeks with a high ankle sprain.

Deshaun Watson attempted 5 passes, completed 1 for 5 yards, and threw 1 interception. Checked for concussions and was cleared to return, but the team did not put him back in the game. Watson will start next week for the Browns.

In terms of targets, David Njoku led the team with 9 targets (two red-zone targets, 26% Target share), followed by Amari Cooper with 8 targets (23% Target share) and Elijah Moore with 7 targets.

Njoku ran a route on 95% of dropbacks. Five straight games with at least 3 catches. You could do worse.

Moore caught 4 passes for 59 yards, averaging 14.8 yards per reception. Njoku had 9 targets and caught 5 passes for 54 yards.

Cooper caught 2 passes for 22 yards. WOOF. But it’s not like we haven’t seen this story before. Cooper is going to be super boom-or-bust as the Browns continue to rotate QBs. But what’s for certain is that he is always going to be given chances to produce suggested by his whopping 123 air yards (45%) in Week 7. Still ran a route on all but one of the Browns’ dropbacks.

Buy low on Cooper as it’s also the norm after a down game. Still ranks 7th overall in air yards share. $6,200 on DraftKings in Week 8.

Schedule: SEA, ARI and BAL

Kansas City Chiefs

Avoid Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Buy Isiah Pacheco, Buy Rashee Rice

Same as last week and every week folks. Buy Rashee Rice, Isiah Pacheco.

Isiah Pacheco rushed 13 times for just 32 yards, averaging 2.5 yards per carry. 53% snap share.

Other KC RBs combined for 4 carries.

Still, Pacheco’s receiving usage stays solid. Had 4 targets and caught 4 passes for 28 yards, averaging 7.0 yards per reception, and scoring 1 touchdown. After tying Jerick McKinnon in routes run last week, he ran more routes (20 vs. 15).

Buy.

Travis Kelce led the team with 13 targets, while Marquez Valdes-Scantling had 5 targets and Rashee Rice was targeted 6 times (15% Target share).

Kelce caught 12 passes for 179 yards and scored 1 TD.

MVS caught 3 passes for 84 yards and also scored. Leader in routes. Don’t fall for it.

Rice caught 5 passes for 60 yards and hit paydirt yet again. But this time the usage ALSO increased. Ran a route on 65% of dropbacks. Season-high in snap share (59%). YLTSI. Buy this MAN.

Nobody else saw more than 3 targets (Mecole Hardman/Skyy Moore).

Kadarius Toney was targeted once and caught 1 pass for 13 yards. Drop.

Hardman didn’t play much, but he was used around the red zone with 2 red-zone targets. Expect his role to grow…

Next 4: DEN, MIA, PHI, LV

Los Angeles Chargers

Buy Austin Ekeler, Drop Quentin Johnston, Add Donald Parham Jr., Add/Buy Josh Palmer, Keenan Allen

Joshua Kelley rushed 7 times for 75 yards and scored 1 touchdown with a long run of 49 yards (37% snap share).

Austin Ekeler totaled 14 rushes for 45 yards, averaging 3.2 yards per clip. Too make matters worse, just two targets (both in the first quarter). Woof. 1 catch for 1 yard. Two red-zone carries.

But his total workload volume was strong for a second straight game – 14 carries – and he posted a 63% snap share. And had he gotten the carry that Kelley scored on instead, fantasy managers would have been much less frustrated. He was also dealing with an injury in the game and may have not been 100%.

The Bears are good against running backs in the run game, but they are by FAR the worst defense on the planet against RBs in the passing game. After facing two strong defensive units between the Cowboys/Chiefs, we should expect to see the Chargers offense get back on track to some extent.

Buy Austin Ekeler. And has a spoiler for those that will keep reading…you are going to want to buy all Chargers right now.

In terms of other pass-catchers, Joshua Palmer saw 7 targets, behind Keenan Allen with 9 targets (30% Target share).

Palmer hauled in 5 balls for 133 yards while Allen snagged just 4 passes for 55 yards.

Both guys ran a route on 100% of the dropbacks.

Palmer was extremely productive for a 3rd straight game.

Palmer is the Chargers WR not named Keenan Allen that needs to be on fantasy rosters. Last four games he has 7-plus targets and at least 60 receiving yards.

I’d like to say he’s a sell-high, but nobody is trading anything for Josh Palmer. Therefore, he’s a buy with another great matchup on deck versus the Bears in Week 8.

Allen is a buy as well, after a down game where he was plagued with drops. Usage metrics are all still there and he’s a stud.

Gerald Everett was targeted 4 times and caught 3 passes for 26 yards, averaging 8.7 yards per reception, and scored 1 touchdown. Got hurt though and that would put Donald Parham Jr. in the TE1 chair potentially. However, after further review into the routes/snaps it was Stone Smartt that led the Chargers TE room in routes run. But just one target. DPJ did have three targets on just 12 routes run.

Quentin Johnston saw just 2 targets and caught 1 pass for 20 yards. Drop. I know his snaps/routes increased slightly, but the targets are still not there for him. He has played 50% of the snaps over the last three games. Grand total of 2 catches for 38 yards on 7 targets.

CHI, NYJ and DET are the next 3 games for the Bolts.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Sell Najee Harris, Hold George Pickens, Buy Diontae Johnson

Najee Harris rushed 14 times for 53 yards, averaging 3.8 yards per carry, and scored 1 touchdown, his first of the year. 3-yard TD run on one of his 3 red-zone touches.

Had 3 targets and caught 3 passes for 15 yards. Also only ran a route on 36% of the dropbacks.

Was stuck on 6 carries for 23 yards in the 1st half. The Steelers’ ground game came alive in the second half specifically in the fourth quarter.

Jaylen Warren rushed 6 times for 32 yards, averaging 5.3 yards per carry, and scored 1 touchdown (2 targets). Scored a 13-yd TD run on 1 of 2 red-zone carries.

The split has not gone away between Harris/Warren with the only noticeable difference being the team wanted to get Harris more involved as a receiver. Ran more routes than Warren (5 vs 10) and saw the first target in the game.

Still, I am very skeptical that the role sticks. The sell-high window for Harris comes only so often, so I’d take advantage. The next two matchups with be tough for him as a rusher.

George Pickens led the team with 8 targets (35% Target share), followed by Diontae Johnson with 6 targets (26%). Pickens caught 5 passes for 107 yards on the back of 131 air yards (64% air yards share).

Johnson caught 5 passes for 79 yards, averaging 15.8 yards per reception.

A very concentrated Target share between the two WRs as long as Pat Freiermuth misses time. Two good upcoming matchups for WRs make Johnson a buy for any WR-needy teams. He has a 26% target rate per route run this season. $5K on DraftKings in Week 8 versus the Jaguars.

Also, worth mentioning that Connor Heyward took over starting TE duties, running a route on all but one of Kenny Pickett‘s dropbacks. 3 targets (1 red-zone target). Potential punt tight end play on DraftKings at $2,600 with an elite role in hand.

Steelers schedule: Jaguars, Titans, Packers and Browns.

Los Angeles Rams

Add/Sell Darrell Henderson Jr.

Darrell Henderson Jr. started and ran the ball 18 times for 61 yards, averaging 3.4 yards per carry, and scored 1 touchdown in the red zone (2 targets). Logged 3 total red-zone opportunities and 57% of the snaps.

Royce Freeman carried the ball 12 times for 66 yards, averaging 5.5 yards per carry and did not score a touchdown. 43% snap share.

Zach Evans was nowhere to be found. Did not log an offensive snap (played on special teams). At least we got the report Sunday morning that Evans would not be the featured guy behind Freeman/Hendo, but the extent to which those two were used was up in the air.

Those two RBs switched off the drives. Henderson had 9 carries in the first half to Freeman’s 7. It likely will be a split backfield till Kyren Williams returns.

But until that time comes, I’d be sure to make sure Henderson is not available on waivers. However, as I have preached with all Rams RBs this season…none of these guys are made for the long haul. Sean McVay churns through RBs like fantasy managers on the waiver wire. So, what’s the move if you already have Henderson or acquire him off waivers this week?

Sell high and do not overbid. Remember, the Steelers were a favorable matchup for RBs. Dallas will present a MUCH tougher challenge in Week 8. And also need to consider that Myles Gaskin might be added to the mix next week after being a healthy scratch.

Cash out now. Considerable me very skeptical that an RB off the couch can be a true difference-maker. He’s never been able to stay healthy and recall that the Rams outright cut him last November despite him leading the team in rushing yards. I went down the retread RB rode with Cam Akers this year and I will not be fooled again by McVay.

Puka Nacua led the team in targets with 12, catching 8 passes for 154 yards (44% Target share).

Tutu Atwell had just 2 targets and caught 1 pass for 31 yards, scoring a touchdown. The TD was probably intended for Kupp which would have helped his statistical output greatly. Kupp saw just 7 targets (26% Target share) and caught 2 passes for 29 yards. Had two drops on the opening drive. Also caught a 2-point conversion.

Practically the worst run out for Kupp managers. Wouldn’t bet he has a repeat dud two weeks in a row.

Kupp still ranks first in the NFL in Target share (35%). Second? Puka Nacua (34%).

Tyler Higbee was targeted 3 times and caught 1 pass for 7 yards. The top two guys and nobody else.

The Rams get DAL, GB and Seattle up next.

Arizona Cardinals

Drop Keontay Ingram, Add Emeri Demercado, Hold/Buy Marquise Brown.

Emeri Demercado rushed 13 times for 58 yards. Had 5 targets and caught 4 passes for 17 yards, averaging 4.3 yards per reception. Keontay Ingram did not record any offensive snaps.

I preached patience with Demercado as a hold last week citing his snaps and role as third-down back as reasons to believe his role would increase in Week 7. His role exploded as he played 80% of the snaps versus Seattle.

He is clearly the Cardinals back to own until James Conner returns. The team saw enough of Ingram last week to go right back to Demercado.

Rondale Moore chipped in 4 rushes for 24 yards, while also hauling in 2 passes for 2 yards (4 targets).

Damien Williams carried the ball once for 2 yards, while Ingram did not record a touch. Go figure.

Marquise Brown led the team in targets with 7, catching 3 passes for 49 yards. He remains the alpha in the offense and can only increase his production with the return of Kyler Murray. Sharp buy-low target/hold. 27% Target share and 44% air yards share this season.

Trey McBride: 6 targets and caught 3 passes for 29 yards (18% Target share). 4 targets in the first half including the second of the game.

Michael Wilson saw 5 targets and caught 3 passes for 26 yards.

Zach Ertz was targeted 4 times and caught 3 passes for 19 yards. Split routes with McBride near 50/50.

They face Baltimore, Cleveland, Atlanta and Houston in the next four games.

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Seattle Seahawks

Hold Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Buy DK Metcalf, Sell Tyler Lockett

Kenneth Walker ran the ball 26 times for 105 yards, averaging 4.0 yards per carry, but got stuffed at the goal line preventing a massive blow-up game. Had 3 targets and caught 2 passes for 6 yards. Elite role with Zach Charbonnet sidelined.

No DK Metcalf who was ruled shortly before kickoff.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba led the team in targets with 7 (29% Target share) catching 4 passes for 63 yards, averaging 15.8 yards per reception, and scoring 1 touchdown. But more importantly, JSN’s 85% route participation represented a career high.

Jake Bobo earned 5 targets and caught 4 passes for 61 yards and scored 1 touchdown. He essentially took over the Metcalf role picking up the snaps/routes. I’d avoid Bobo with Metcalf presumably returning next week.

Tyler Lockett finished with 5 targets and caught just 4 passes for 38 yards. Another disappointing effort from Lockett. If you can package him in a deal, I’d move off the veteran. Be looking to acquire Metcalf off his injury.

Through 6 healthy games this year, Metcalf still leads the Seahawks in receiving yards. Also was saw 8-plus targets in two of his last 3 games.

Seattle will face the Browns, Ravens and Commanders over their next three games.

Denver Broncos

Sell Javonte Williams, Add Jaleel MacLaughlin, Sell Courtland Sutton

Javonte Williams reclaimed RB1 duties carrying the ball 15 times for 82 yards, averaging 5.5 yards per carry, with a long run of 21 yards (53% snap share, season-high). Targeted 4 times (17% Target share), with 3 receptions for 14 yards. Led team in routes run. Also had a TD wiped off the board due to a holding penalty.

Jaleel McLaughlin carried the ball 5 times for 45 yards, averaging 9.0 yards per carry, with a long run of 23 yards (2 targets). He’s a handcuff but has been SUPER efficient all year long which will continue to earn him touches. And the Broncos just LOVE using him near the goal line, with him posting 3 red-zone touches on very limited work.

Samaje Perine with just 2 carries. Targeted 3 times, with 3 receptions for 31 yards.

Williams’ usage is on the upswing, but a dreaded three-way committee with high-value touches coming at a premium makes Juggernaut Javonte a must-sell RB.

Courtland Sutton was targeted 6 times, with 6 receptions for 76 yards and 1 touchdown. Sutton has caught a TD in 5 of 7 games this season. Where were these scores last year!? I think it’s a pretty obvious sell high, but not sure the market will be head over heels looking to acquire Sutton.

Jerry Jeudy targeted 5 times, with 5 receptions for 64 yards. Let’s get this man traded. The only reason to hold him at this point.

Marvin Mims ran a route with 45% of dropbacks but remains in an awful WR committee with the likes of Brandon Johnson and Lil’Jordan Humphrey.

Denver draws KC, Bye Week, BUF and MIN in the next three games.

Green Bay Packers

Buy Aaron Jones, Hold Christian Watson, Add Jayden Reed/Romeo Doubs

A.J. Dillon rushed 15 times for 61 yards, averaging 4.1 yards per carry, with a long run of 15 yards. 2 catches for 34 yards and 2 red-zone rushes. Dominated the snaps with 56% snap share.

Aaron Jones rushed 8 times for 35 yards, averaging 4.4 yards per carry (1 red-zone carry). Only played 36% of the snaps.

Jones took a backseat to Dillon as a rusher, while Jones owned the targets (5 vs 2) catching 3 for 22 (two red-zone targets).

At this point, the entire Packers offense is a concern. And Jones’ lack of snaps and red-zone usage makes him extremely big-play dependent. Throw in the injury he is returning from, and I want no part of Jones now.

Still, that likely means the fantasy manager that has him currently feels the same, so it’s prime time to strike a low-ball deal in an RB market that is extremely void of decent guys.

Note that although Dillon out-carried Jones overall, in the first half Jones led with 5 carries for 17 yards.

As for the receiving usage overall, it was extremely flat. Four guys saw 5 targets (16% Target share). Typical of a Jordan Love outing.

Luke Musgrave: Targeted 5 times, with 4 receptions for 30 yards.

Romeo Doubs: Targeted 5 times, with 2 receptions for 30 yards and 1 touchdown (2 red-zone targets).

Christian Watson: Targeted 5 times, with 3 receptions for 27 yards. Leader in routes run.

Jayden Reed: Targeted 4 times, with 3 receptions for 21 yards and 1 touchdown (off a ricochet no less).

I was worried about this even with Christian Watson back in the lineup. Luckily the Vikings are another extremely bad secondary that the big-play threat in Watson should be able to take advantage of.

Hold him another week, and then ship him off to the highest bidder. Note that Watson did suffer a knee injury late, so be sure to add Doubs and/or Reed if they are available on waivers.

The Vikings, Rams and Steelers are next for the GB Packers.

Philadelphia Eagles

Buy D’Andre Swift, DeVonta Smith

Kenneth Gainwell played more in this spot – 8 carries for 16 yards – scoring a rushing TD late to seal victory for the Eagles. He has been used at different times throughout the year at the goal line – 3 red-zone carries in Week 7 – but it’s not a sustainable role for consistent fantasy production. Especially because many of those carries go to Jalen Hurts. Gainwell’s role around the red zone just hurts the RB1 upside of D’Andre Swift, who gets the short end of the stick in red-zone usage based on the personnel in the Eagles’ offense.

Still, it’s Swift’s backfield. 15 carries for 62 yards and 3 catches for 13 yards on 3 targets. Buy the Eagles RB1.

A.J. Brown is on another LEVEL right now. 50% Target share on Sunday Night Football. Meanwhile, DeVonta Smith has fallen to the wayside as a result. I’d like to say that AJB WR1 szn’s targets will regress at some point – but he’s just SUCH an alpha.

However, the Commanders pass defense is so bad that I think Smith can still feast. Still running 100% of the routes. Also caught 7 balls for 78 yards on 8 targets the last time he played Washington earlier this season.

Philly faces Washington, Dallas, Bye Week and KC in their next three games.

Miami Dolphins

Buy Jaylen Waddle, Sell Raheem Mostert, Buy De’Von Achane

Tyreek Hill posted a 47% Target share versus the Eagles. Jaylen Waddle played second fiddle with just a 19% Target share as he was dealing with a back injury during the game.

Still salvaged his outing with 6 catches for 63 yards on 6 targets. He only ran 16 routes – 38% target rate per route run.

Nobody else saw more than 3 targets on the offense. Waddle can only be kept in check for so long before a full-featured breakout. Note that Waddle has been WR16 and WR7 his first two years in the NFL. Currently, he is WR35. That will not last.

As for the backfield, I have been heavy on selling Raheem Mostert. In this game, Mostert split routes/targets 50/50 with Salvon Ahmed. Same as last week.

18 snaps for Ahmed and 4 touches. Mostert saw his lowest touch output since the Buffalo game. Give him a lot of credit though as he turned a first half that was 3 carries for -8 yards into 9 for 45 with 2 rushes of 15-plus yards.

When Miami can impose their will, Mostert crushes.

Jeff Wilson Jr. made his season debut but did not have any caries. Just 7 snaps on offense.

Only a few more weeks till De’Von Achane returns. He’s the RB I want the most in this backfield. Worth noting that Cedrick Wilson operated with a larger role with Waddle dealing with injuries. Earned 3 targets, catching 2 for 48 yards. In his games played with at least 50% of the snaps, Wilson has at least 48 yards. Caught four balls for 52 yards back in Week 5 versus the Giants.

Miami plays New England, Kansas City, Las Vegas and New York (Jets) in the next four games.

Minnesota Vikings

Sell Alexander Mattison, Add Cam Akers

The backfield was different on Monday night football. Alexander Mattison had 8 rushing attempts for 39 yards, averaging 4.9 yards per carry with no touchdowns. His longest run was 19 yards. Cam Akers had a team-high 10 rushing attempts for 31 yards, averaging 3.1 yards per carry with no touchdowns. His longest run was 13 yards. Akers played a season-high 39% snap share to Mattison’s 53% snap share.

Akers was targeted 3 times and caught 2 passes for 30 yards. His longest reception was 30 yards. Mattison was targeted 3 times and caught 2 passes for 3 yards. His longest reception was 4 yards. Mattison ran more routes than Akers (21 vs 12) and saw the lone goal-line carry (stuffed). However, Akers out-touched Mattison 12 to 10 overall. Been preaching all season that Mattison’s grip on the RB1 role with the Vikings was loose and that Akers would eventually carve out a larger role in the backfield. It’s happening right before our eyes. Get out while you still can.

Jordan Addison was targeted 10 times (23% Target share, 2 red-zone targets) and caught 7 passes for 123 yards (99 air yards). He averaged 17.6 yards per reception and scored 2 receiving touchdowns, with a long reception of 60 yards. His 6 receiving TDs trail only Tyreek Hill this season.

T.J. Hockenson was targeted 12 times (28% Target share) and caught 11 passes for 86 yards, averaging 7.8 yards per reception with no touchdowns. His longest reception was 22 yards. Brandon Powell was targeted 5 times and caught 4 passes for 64 yards. K. J. Osborn was targeted 6 times and caught 5 passes for 47 yards. He led the Vikings in routes run.

Minnesota takes on Green Bay, Atlanta and New Orleans in their next three games.

San Francisco 49ers

Buy Brandon Aiyuk

Christian McCaffrey was active after suffering an oblique injury and had 15 rushing attempts for 45 yards, averaging 3.0 yards per carry, and scored 1 rushing touchdown. His longest run was 9 yards. Elijah Mitchell had 1 rushing attempt for -1 yard. CMC played 100% of the snaps. Mitchell played 4 total snaps on offense. McCaffrey was targeted 3 times and caught 3 passes for 51 yards, averaging 17 yards per reception. He scored 1 receiving touchdown, and his longest reception was 35 yards.

George Kittle was targeted 7 times (24% Target share) and caught 5 passes for 78 yards. Brandon Aiyuk was targeted 6 times and caught 5 passes for 57 yards. He ran a route on 100% of the dropbacks but was targeted just once in the second half. Buy low after a “meh” prime-time outing. 6th overall in weighted opportunity and 9th in receiving EPA this season.

Jauan Jennings was targeted a team-high 9 times (31% Target share) and caught 5 passes for 54 yards. Filled in admirably for Deebo Samuel.

Ray-Ray McCloud was targeted 3 times and caught 2 passes for 20 yards, averaging 10 yards per reception with no touchdowns. His longest reception was 11 yards.

Bengals, Jaguars, Buccaneers and Seahawks round out the next four matchups for the 49ers.

Bye Week Teams:

Carolina Panthers

Sell Adam Thielen, Hold Chuba Hubbard, Drop Jonathan Mingo, Hayden Hurst, D.J. Chark

Chuba Hubbard led the charge in the backfield (77% snap share) with 19 carries for 88 yards and a touchdown in Week 6. Hubbard showcased his rushing skills, averaging 4.6 yards per carry. However, just one catch on one target despite dominating the backfield route share. Raheem Blackshear (17% snap share) and Laviska Shenault also contributed, adding 18 yards on 5 carries to the total rushing output.

Trust Hubbard as the Panthers RB1, but acknowledge that Miles Sanders will likely be back after the bye week.

Quarterback Bryce Young‘s primary target was Adam Thielen, who was targeted an impressive 13 times. Thielen hauled in 11 receptions for 115 yards and found the end zone once, confirming his role as the Panthers’ top receiver (37% Target share).

I’d cash out now.

The passing game also featured D.J. Chark, who had 6 targets and caught 3 passes for 26 yards. Chark actually ran fewer routes than normal (67% snap share) as he split more time with Terrace Marshall Jr. (32% snap share).

Tommy Tremble made the most of his two targets, securing both for 25 yards. Jonathan Mingo and Hayden Hurst also contributed, displaying Young’s ability to spread the ball to various receivers.

However, Tremble and Hurst split routes and snaps played 55/45. Drop Hurst. And don’t entertain the idea he can be a weekly streamer.

Mingo ran a route on all but two dropbacks but was a colossal bust. Super frustrating that the rookie can’t convert his high-end usage into production. 2 catches for 21 yards on 3 targets. Two targets in the second quarter and then nothing else till the game was already out of reach.

Houston, Indy and Chicago. Schedule easing up.

Cincinnati Bengals

Buy Tee Higgins, Hold Joe Mixon

Joe Mixon led the charge with 12 carries, gaining 38 yards in Week 6. 4 targets and 3 catches. Didn’t score so he was bad for fantasy football managers. But nobody else is any good in this backfield so his job is secure. You just got to hold and wait for the massive TD regression game. He has 18 red zone carries but just one TD. In Week 6, he failed to convert either of his red zone touches into TDs.

Just stay tight till the Bills in Week 9. Swallow your pride versus the 49ers in Week 8.

The Bengals’ receiving corps was highlighted by Ja’Marr Chase, who received 13 targets and caught 6 passes for 80 yards in Week 6. Chase’s contributions were significant in moving the ball downfield. Additionally, Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd, and Joe Mixon were also essential receiving options, collectively contributing to the Bengals’ passing attack. Boyd scored while catching all 7 targets for 38 yards. Higgins was a major bust – again – with 2 for 20 on 4 targets. He has had one good game this season…

Worth noting that he did not play a full-time role – 56% route participation – as he continues to deal with the rib injury. But coming off the bye week, I think he will be healthier making him a screaming BUY LOW. Again, I say this because his production is going to regress positively. Higgins has always been a fantasy WR2 throughout his entire three-year career. Currently, he is WR69 through his games played. But it’s justified based on the injury and slow start for the offense.

He won’t finish that poorly over the rest of the season. The definition of a buy-low WR, with the most fantasy points scored UNDER expectation. Higgins is WR21 in expected points per game. WR58 in actual points per game.

49ers, Bills, Texans and Ravens after the bye week.

He is priced at $5,900 on DraftKings this week.

Dallas Cowboys

Sell/Hold CeeDee Lamb, Buy Tony Pollard

The Cowboys got back on the winning track on Monday night football during Week 6 defeating the LA Chargers. CeeDee Lamb had a major bounce-back performance with 7 catches for 117 yards on 7 targets. Although he did not lead the team in Target share (23%). He tied RB Tony Pollard – caught 6 balls for 80 yards – but trailed Michael Gallup who saw a whopping 10 targets for just 24 yards (32%, 114 air yards). Brandin Cooks scored the TD on one of his 4 targets.

Gallup has steadily taken on the No. 2 WR role but has done little to nothing with his opportunities.

As for Lamb, I’d use this game as a way to ship him off. The dude just isn’t a true fantasy WR1 alpha. Just a 21% Target share for the year. That ranks 40th. Just two games with more than four catches.

The schedule post Week 7 bye week is favorable: Rams, Eagles, Giants, Panthers, Commanders, Seahawks, so I’d be happy to hold Lamb if I cannot get any worthwhile return.

If anything, I want to continue to buy low on Pollard. 80% snap share and 21 more touches in Week 6, but no TDs. The TD drought won’t last in favorable matchups.

Houston Texans

Buy Dameon Pierce, Nico Collins, Add Devin Singletary, Hold Tank Dell

Devin Singletary took the lead in Week 6, carrying the ball 12 times for 58 yards, averaging 4.8 yards per carry. Led the backfield with a 54% snap share. Ran a route on 56% of the dropbacks which boosted his total snap numbers.

Dameon Pierce contributed 13 carries for 34 yards. It was bizarre to see Singletary play so much after not tallying any carries last week. Led the team in carries in the first half (9 vs. 8). Pierce was held to just a 33% snap share. Woof.

Pierce also had the chance for a massive run blown dead by the whistle. Also, his poor ypc is somewhat contributed to getting stuffed at the goal line thrice. With Carolina coming right after the bye week and the Texans offensive line getting healthy, I’d be looking at Pierce as a sharp buy low target. He still started in Week 6.

He is still a zero in the passing game, but he should have more productive games with Houston playing more competitively.

In the passing game, the Texans’ target distribution was well-balanced, with wide receiver Nico Collins leading the way. Collins was targeted 6 times (25% Target share), securing 4 receptions for 80 yards, averaging an impressive 20 yards per catch. Tight end Dalton Schultz played a significant role, with 7 targets leading to 4 receptions for 61 yards and a touchdown (Team-high 29% Target share).

Noah Brown and Robert Woods also contributed with receptions, with Woods hauling in a touchdown pass. With no Tank Dell, it was Brown who played a full-time role, not John Metchie III.

Carolina, Tampa Bay, Cincinnati and Arizona over the next month.

Pierce is cheap on DraftKings at just $5,300 as are the majority of Texans WRs.

New York Jets

Buy Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson

Breece Hall had a decent outing with 12 carries for 39 yards and a touchdown back in Week 6. But the usage is salivating. Hall got there for fantasy with 5 catches for 54 yards on 5 targets. The three down role and usage has returned. YLTSI. 66% snap share. 60% route participation. Bell. Cow.

$5,900 on DraftKings is BEYOND too cheap in a plus-spot versus the New York Giants in a NY Showdown in East Rutherford New Jersey.

Dalvin Cook had just 3 carries for 12 yards. Michael Carter with just two RB opportunities. Dust.

Garrett Wilson contributed 8 receptions for 90 yards on a whopping 12 targets (36% Target share, 48% air yard share). He continues to amaze and deliver with a horrible QB.

Wilson ranks 5th in the NFL in Target share (32%) and air yards share (45%).

If the Jets can just focus on everything around Hall and Wilson, we should be okay for fantasy purposes.

The schedule over the second half of the season is JUICY. After the bye week: Giants, Chargers, Raiders, Bills and Dolphins up next.

Can’t believe I am saying this but….buy Jets fresh off the bye week. With Buffalo and Miami both losing, there’s hope that New York can still win their division – at least in their minds.

Tennessee Titans

Hold Tyjae Spears, Sell Derrick Henry, Add Malik Willis, Add Chigoziem Okonkwo

Derrick Henry was the standout player in the rushing attack for the Titans back in Week 6, amassing 97 yards on just 12 carries, averaging an impressive 8.1 yards per attempt with a massive 63-yard run on a direct snap. He also found the end zone. Henry also chipped in with 2 receptions, gaining 16 yards.

Tyjae Spears, with 15 yards on 4 carries, added depth to the rushing game. He also caught one pass for 48 yards.

And yet again, he out-snapped Henry (56% vs 53%). His role is not going away, and he needs to be held on through the bye weeks. Elite upside if Henry were to suffer an injury/get traded.

Ryan Tannehill, the Titans’ quarterback, struggled in Week 6. He completed 8 of 16 passes for 76 yards but was intercepted once. Left with an injury. Seen on crutches after the game. Not likely to play in Week 8 in the Arthur Smith bowl. Woof.

Malik Willis, who stepped in for Tannehill, completed 4 of 5 passes for 74 yards. 15 rushing yards. Should be added in Super Flex formats with the rushing part of his game. Think it’s a sneaky spot for he could be unlocked for a huge rushing totals. Current Falcons defensive coordinator, Ryan Nielsen, heralds from the New Orleans Saints defense. And that defense traditionally has been cooked by QBs in the running game.

He’s also priced pretty egregiously on DraftKings at $4,700. Falcons DST also looks like a strong play at $2,900 considering Willis is a very well-known sack artist.

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine contributed with 3 receptions for 25 yards. DeAndre Hopkins recorded only one reception for 20 yards despite a 25% Target share. Marlon Humphrey is BACK.

Chigoziem Okonkwo had 2 receptions for 18 yards (4 targets). Not the tight end streamer you are looking for. Except this week would be the lone exception. Atlanta cannot stop tight end production.

Falcons, Steelers, Buccaneers, Jaguars and Panthers over the next 5 games.

They play better at home, but I’d be looking to get out of most Titans. Hopkins will likely have to be held coming off a dud game fresh off a bye week. He’s $5,500 on DraftKings.

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Andrew Erickson

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Andrew Erickson is a fantasy football analyst at FantasyPros.

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Dynasty Rookie Draft Targets: Jalen McMillan, Kimani Vidal, Jordan Travis (2024)

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