Fantasy Football Heat Index: Buy or Sell Surprise Performances

Every Monday of the NFL regular season, we look at breakout performances from the weekend and analyze their potential for sustained success. We will rank these performances from 1-5 based on whether we believe they are momentary or long-term options for your fantasy football teams.

Fantasy Football Heat Index

Quarterback

Matthew Stafford (QB – LAR)

Stats:

21-of-33 for 182 Passing Yards
5 Passing Touchdowns
2 Rushing Attempts
1 Rushing Yard

Position Rank (pre-MNF): QB4 (27.4 fantasy points)

Analysis: Matthew Stafford tossed five touchdowns in the Los Angeles Rams’ Week 7 blowout victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, completing 21-of-33 passes for 182 yards in front of a packed Wembley Stadium crowd.

It marked Stafford’s third QB1 finish in the past four games, a stretch that includes 12 touchdown passes and zero interceptions. Even without Puka Nacua, Stafford kept the offense humming by leaning on Davante Adams, who caught three of his five scores on Sunday morning.

With a Week 8 bye ahead and a favorable matchup against the New Orleans Saints on deck, Stafford is trending as a reliable QB1 option for fantasy managers seeking both floor and ceiling. The expected return of Nacua from a hamstring injury adds another layer of optimism, giving Stafford a full complement of weapons for the stretch run.

Heat Index: 4

Running Back

Rhamondre Stevenson (RB – NE)

Stats:

18 Rushing Attempts
88 Rushing Yards
1 Touchdown
2 Receptions
0 Receiving Yards

Position Rank (pre-MNF): RB11 (15.8 fantasy points)

Analysis: Rhamondre Stevenson posted his best rushing line of the season in Week 7, totaling 88 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries against the Tennessee Titans. He averaged 4.9 yards per attempt and handled the bulk of the backfield work, reaffirming his role as New England’s bell-cow back. TreVeyon Henderson, meanwhile, managed just five yards on two carries, continuing a quiet rookie campaign.

For fantasy managers, Stevenson’s performance was a much-needed rebound after scoring just 1.8 points in Week 6. He capitalized on a soft matchup against the 1-6 Titans and delivered RB2 value with solid volume and a short-yardage score. While his weekly consistency remains a concern, his usage and volume keep him in the starting conversation, especially in favorable matchups.

Heat Index: 3

Wide Receiver

Travis Hunter (WR – JAX)

Stats:

8 Receptions
101 Receiving Yards
1 Touchdown

Position Rank (pre-MNF): WR7 (20.1 fantasy points)

Analysis: Travis Hunter posted a career-best 20.1 fantasy points in Week 7, catching eight of his 14 targets for 101 yards and his first NFL touchdown against the Rams in London. His 29% target share was also a career high, stepping up as Jacksonville’s top option after Brian Thomas Jr. exited early with a shoulder injury.

Hunter is finally trending in the right direction, logging back-to-back games with seven or more targets and a growing role in the Jaguars’ offense. With a Week 8 bye on deck, his recent usage and production hint at a potential breakout down the stretch. After the week off, a favorable matchup against the struggling Las Vegas Raiders could be the perfect springboard to a post-bye breakout.

Heat Index: 4

Tight End

Oronde Gadsden II (TE – LAC)

Stats:

7 Receptions
164 Receiving Yards
1 Touchdown

Position Rank (pre-MNF): TE1 (25.9 fantasy points)

Analysis: Oronde Gadsden II delivered a breakout performance in Week 7 with seven catches for 164 yards and a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts. He lined up mostly in the slot and ripped off multiple chunk gains, including a 53-yard score in the fourth quarter. Even with the Chargers’ wide receivers back to full health, Gadsden remained a key part of the game plan.

For fantasy managers, Gadsden is blossoming into a high-upside tight end with big-play potential. His weekly output may fluctuate given the depth at wide receiver, but his athleticism and versatility should keep him involved. With 17 targets over his last two games and top-five tight end volume in Week 7, he should be rostered in every format.

Heat Index: 4