We’ll help you navigate the trade waters of your fantasy football leagues all season. Not only is there the ‘Who Should I Trade?’ tool where you can get instant feedback, but you can also sync your league for free using My Playbook in order to get trade advice specific to your team through our Trade Analyzer and Trade Finder tools. Let’s take a look at players to buy and sell this week.
- Waiver Wire Advice
- Weekly Fantasy Football Expert Rankings
- Fantasy Football Start/Sit Advice
- Fantasy Football Trade Tools
Fantasy Football Trade Advice
Players to Buy
If anything, I want to continue to buy low on Tony Pollard. 80% snap share and 21 more touches in Week 6, but no TDs. The TD drought won’t last in favorable matchups.
The schedule post Week 7 bye week is favorable: Rams, Eagles, Giants, Panthers, Commanders, Seahawks.
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 be much less frustrated.
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.
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.
Bijan Robinson finished with 1 touch in Week 7. 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.
Buy. Low. Value has hit rock bottom. The playoff schedule is juicy: Panthers, Colts and Bears.
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.
Saquon Barkley carried the ball 21 times for 77 yards, averaging 3.7 yards per carry. He didn’t score a 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.
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.
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.
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.
Zay 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Calvin Ridley knows Halloween is still weeks away right? 👻 pic.twitter.com/4Ls6KZN6A9
— Andrew Erickson™ (@AndrewErickson_) October 20, 2023
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 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 softer looks from the defense. Case in point, Ridley’s two games with 100-plus yards were games that Jones was active in.
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 from 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
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.
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 the 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.
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. The Pats got at Miami, Commanders and Indy (Germany) over the next 3 games.
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.
Mike Evans had 8 targets, catching 6 passes for 82 yards and a touchdown, averaging 13.7 yards per reception in Week 7. 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.
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 was worked best for the Bills offense that struggled for a lot 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 makes Johnson a buy for any WR-needy teams.
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.
Players to Sell
I think Thursday night finally showed the fantasy football world what Derek Carr is doing to the offense. He’s a check-down savant that 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.
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.
I think selling high on Christian 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 from 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
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.
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.
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.
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, that 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.
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. Schedule isn’t ideal either. The Eagles, Patriots, Seahawks and Giants over next month.
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.
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.
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.
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).
He is the WR3 in PPR (pending MNF). I’d cash out now. Rememeber, the Panthers have been very vocal about adding another WR before the trade deadline.
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?
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.
Jaylen Warren rushed 6 times for 32 yards, averaging 5.3 yards per carry, and scored 1 touchdown (2 targets). 13-yard 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.
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.
David Njoku (TE) – 72 snaps, 96%
Amari Cooper (WR) – 66 snaps, 88%
Elijah Moore (WR) – 59 snaps, 79%
D. Peoples-Jones (WR) – 46 snaps, 61%
J. Ford (RB) – 32 snaps, 43%
Pierre Strong (RB) – 23 snaps, 31%
K. Hunt (RB) – 19 snaps, 25%
Deshaun Watson (QB) – 12 snaps, 16% 🥶— Andrew Erickson™ (@AndrewErickson_) October 23, 2023
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.
Darrell Henderson Jr. (RB – LAR)
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 to the extent that 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. 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 over bid. 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 a 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.
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | SoundCloud | iHeartRadio
