Week 7 Fantasy Football Update
As we dive into Week 7 of the fantasy football season, it’s worth reflecting on the wide receiver landscape over the past six weeks. Puka Nacua has had a standout performance, topping all wide receivers in PPR scoring. Even after dealing with an ankle injury last week, he still managed to catch two passes for 28 yards. His ability to bounce back next week will be interesting to see, but it’s hard to ignore that Jackson Smith-Njigba is closing in on his scoring. Over the last two weeks, Smith-Njigba has had impressive outings, posting lines of 8 catches for 132 yards and 1 touchdown, followed by 8 catches for 162 yards and 1 touchdown. His target share is a remarkable 36%, the highest in the league.
Most receivers haven’t really shocked us yet this season. George Pickens has emerged as WR4, benefiting from increased opportunities due to CeeDee Lamb’s injury. Rookie Emeka Egbuka, who ranks sixth among wide receivers, was also expected to do well, especially with the injuries surrounding him, although he’s now facing a possible absence due to a hamstring issue.
This season has seen quite a few injuries at the receiver position. Key players like Malik Nabors, Tyreek Hill, CeeDee Lamb, Puka Nacua, Mike Evans, Jaden Reed, Ricky Pearsall, Quentin Johnston, Chris Godwin, Garrett Wilson, Marvin Harrison Jr., Terry McLaurin, and Calvin Ridley are all currently dealing with injuries. It’s a challenging time for the zero-RB strategy.
Looking at various teams, the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills continue to vie for attention.
Players such as Zai Flowers, Rashod Bateman, Khalil Shakir, and Keon Coleman are also making their presence felt.
Nacua has been toughing it out through multiple injuries this season and was able to keep contributing as a top fantasy WR1. However, during Week 6, with that nagging ankle injury, he was largely a decoy on the field, managing just two catches on three targets. That’s not ideal. There’s hope he might be ready for this week’s game in Jacksonville, especially since the team has a bye next week. Perhaps it’s best to let him rest a bit more.
Garrett Wilson’s hyperextended knee in Week 6 will sideline him for “several weeks,” as reported. The Jets really need him back in play, but Wilson himself is in a tough spot. If Mason Taylor, Breece Hall, and Justin Fields continue their streak, they might be the only fantasy players to watch against a struggling Panthers defense.
Ricky Pearsall suffered a knee injury against the Jaguars in Week 4. Initially, he thought he’d be back soon, but two games later, he’s still out. With Jauan Jennings returning but nursing a broken rib, Pearsall hasn’t practiced since getting hurt and is hopeful for a return during this week’s Sunday Night Football against the Falcons.
CeeDee Lamb sprained his ankle in Week 3 against the Bears, causing him to miss three consecutive weeks. He hasn’t practiced yet, but there are indications he could play this week against the Commanders. In the meantime, George Pickens steps up as WR1 while Lamb recuperates.
Quentin Johnston, Chargers
Johnston faced a hamstring injury and missed the game against the Dolphins in Week 6. Still, he participated in limited practice this week, so fingers crossed he’ll be back for the upcoming matchup against the Colts.
Terry McLaurin, Commander
McLaurin has been dealing with a quadriceps injury sustained in Week 3 against the Raiders, but he hasn’t been placed on IR. He might have a shot at returning this week, especially with a significant game lined up against the Cowboys. Keep an eye on his practice reports.
Emeka Egbuka, on the other hand, incurred a hamstring injury in Week 6 that prevented him from returning. While he’s anticipated to miss this week, specifics around his recovery timeline have yet to be determined, pending further examination.
With Egbuka and Chris Godwin likely out this week, the team really needs Mike Evans back from his own hamstring injury. He picked it up in Week 3, and the expected recovery was around 3-4 weeks. This marks Week 4, and the coach seems optimistic about his chances to participate in practice ahead of Monday’s game against the Lions.
Marvin Harrison Jr., Cardinals
Harrison Jr. suffered a concussion in Week 6 and will need to clear concussion protocol before the Week 7 game against the Packers. In his absence last week, Zay Jones filled in well against the Colts.
Calvin Ridley faced a hamstring injury in Week 6 and looks to be sidelined for at least a week or possibly longer. Van Jefferson stepped up effectively in his place, although his fantasy value moving forward seems limited.
Among game matchups, the Cowboys are projected at 54.5, the Buccaneers vs. Lions at 52.5, Colts at Chargers at 48.5, and Falcons vs. 49ers at 47.5.
Dolphins at Browns sits at 40.5, Texans vs. Seahawks at 40.5, Giants vs. Broncos at 40.5, and Patriots vs. Titans at 41.5.
Maximum Implied Individual Team Totals
Lions (29), Chiefs (28.5), Commanders (28), Cowboys (26.5), Bears (26).
Minimum Implied Individual Team Totals
Giants (16.8), Raiders (17), Titans (17.3), Texans (18.5), Bengals (18.5).
Next up, Raiders vs. Chiefs (-11.5), Giants vs. Broncos (-7), Patriots (-7) vs. Titans, and Packers (-6.5) vs. Cardinals.
