NFL Week 7 Player Projections

00:00:00
Speaker 1: The most valuable commodity I know of is information. Wouldn't you agree? I got five dollars, this is a run to the left. How many tackles can one man break? You're saying that humans need fantasy to make life bearable? Humans need fantasy to be humans. Goodness, that was good. You guys are pros. The best. Relentless, refusing to give up.
00:00:31
Speaker 2: All right, hit that horn, babe. Let's dance.
00:00:36
Speaker 1: Welcome to the Fantasy Flex Podcast from Action Network and Fantasy Labs. I'm your host, Kevin Mosser-Region. NFL Week 7 is here, and I'm joined by one of the most accurate rankers in the game, Sean Kerner, the odds maker. Quick reminder that all of our fantasy football content is available now over on fantasylabs.com. Fantasy Labs NFL includes in-season rankings, waiver wiring, DFS tips, and much more. You should use code FLEX20 for $ 20 off at fantasylabs.com slash flex. In today's episode, we'll deep dive into the top five at each skill position and discuss the players who are especially higher or lower on this week. John, why don't you start us off at quarterback. Give us your top five.
00:01:07
Speaker 2: Yeah, so top five this week. Oh, wow.
00:01:09
Speaker 3: Yeah, a lot of good quarterbacks on by this week. So I got Brock Purdy number one, or Drake May and Brock Purdy tied for number one. Then I got Joe Burrow, Caleb Williams, and Jordan Love.
00:01:20
Speaker 1: Nice.
00:01:21
Speaker 2: Wow.
00:01:21
Speaker 1: We're a little different. I have Jordan Love number one against that Detroit, that Detroit secondary and no one game. Even if Josh Jacobs comes back, I think this is an easy shootout for him. Even lines are off by, I'm going to stick with them. Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, Drake May, Jared Goff. So Brock Purdy just misses. Losing Mike Evans does feel really tough. Really tough for the offense, given that Brandon Cooks and Jordan Watkins are now de facto wide receiver one and two. Kayla Williams is a little lower. I'm still kind of trepidatious with him not running, especially on a short week coming off the hamstring. So that rushing upside not being there. Patriots are better against the pass than the rush, and they just got Gonzo back. So I'm still not sure where to rank him exactly, but he's just outside my top five. So yeah, not too crazy. Lamar Jackson... I feel like.
00:02:13
Speaker 2: Who knows if he's playing.
00:02:14
Speaker 1: You don't think he's playing?
00:02:16
Speaker 2: No, I said who knows. I mean, it's Tuesday morning. I have him in there.
00:02:21
Speaker 3: But again, if he comes back, he's coming back from an ankle injury. I just have his rushing upside a bit lower. And we saw that last year. He was playing through injury where he had, what, three straight games where he had less than 10 rushing yards. I mean, that's a disaster when it comes to His fantasy value. So I'm not putting too much thought into it yet. I just have him as my QB six, a little bit lower rushing upside. Now, if they've been kind of like holding him out to make sure he's a hundred percent, that's different. And he'll be inside my top three easily. So we just kind of have to see like what his perceived health actually is. But for him, it always comes down to rushing upside and yeah, it's a great matchup against the Bengals.
00:03:05
Speaker 2: So, but he's a very volatile guy. projection this early in the week that's.
00:03:09
Speaker 1: For sure totally totally yeah i'm just starting it off with that we'll see the practice reports coming up in the next few days uh but for now he's he's in there just you know off the assumption that he they might have been holding about for this bangles game i mean they lost to the browns so he should have been out there but if he was available but uh it's neither here nor there if they probably want him especially at home bangles uh big game coming up for them and both burrow and lamar are in my top three assuming they're you know both good to go But who are you especially higher on this week in general?
00:03:39
Speaker 2: Yeah, so here's eight.
00:03:41
Speaker 3: Words I didn't think I'd say this season, but I'm higher on Deshaun Watson this week. He's obviously still at risk to implode at any point right now and have Shador Sanders take over. But the Browns are now four and two in solo first place, right? Like they're in first, just absolutely destroying their chances of getting a top pick in next year's draft to potentially get. They're QB of the future. But obviously right now, Watson's leash is much longer. Has a great matchup here against the Titans. They've used cover four at a ridiculous rate this year. By far the league high rate. And Watson's against cover four. Watson's 20 for 30. 261 yards. So that's an 8.7 yards per attempt. And those are non-Titans defenses, mind you. Yeah. with two touchdowns. So I think this is a great matchup for him. Also, we've seen his rushing upside pretty much match his elite Houston days. So he's got that going for him. Has 20 plus rushing yards in every game. And he has just an amazing trio of young pass catchers in KC, Concepcion, Denzel Boston, and Harold Fan Jr. So a lot to like with Watson right now. He's my QB 13. I never once thought he'd push QB1 value this year, but here we are. I think he's a decent streaming play. And again, what's a great matchup for him against the Titans?
00:05:12
Speaker 2: Definitely.
00:05:12
Speaker 1: I mean, yes, his leash is longer, but he hasn't been playing that. I mean, his last two games, they have 25 total points, Jets and Ravens. Ravens defense is pretty good. So, you know, credit to him. His sack rate is egregious right now. He's pushing a 20% rate. He has taken 13 sacks in the past two games. So let's say there's added injury risk, but it's just like, he, he can't save himself, but yeah, the rushing I'm shocked by coming off the Achilles. We know he's a talented athlete, but I didn't expect him to run as much. Daniel Jones pretty much nerfed totally with his rushing. So it's crazy how it affects one guy, but not so much the other, but yeah, Deshaun Watson pretty much, I mean, throwing wise, not so much of a freak athlete. So shout out to him for that. And it's the only shout out I'll ever give him. But, uh, He's not in my top 15, but he's definitely in streaming top 20-ish territory for me. Titans, I don't see them scoring much. I don't see them having to force the issue. I do like Denzel Boston a lot this week. This matchup is very favorable with how much the Titans run. I believe it's two man and zone, which Boston is killing. But yeah, not a great Casey Concepcion week, so I'm going to be lower on him. I, God, I never want to have to start Deshaun Watson. We discussed Baker Mayfield on the Wave Wire episode. I'd rather start Baker Mayfield, assuming Baker's playing. Jalen Daniels, even if Baker, if Jalen plays against the Panthers, I might prefer Jalen Daniels just because I don't want to ever have to start Deshaun Watson, but.
00:06:42
Speaker 2: Oh, I mean, have you seen the quarterbacks on by this week?
00:06:46
Speaker 1: Yeah, it's bad.
00:06:46
Speaker 2: Who the hell are you going to start over him? Bo Nix, please.
00:06:49
Speaker 1: Maybe the Cardinals 10 days off.
00:06:50
Speaker 2: I don't know.
00:06:53
Speaker 3: Deshaun Watson. And again, yeah, they might be able to lean on the run. They're facing the Titans, but they're one and a half point favorites. It's still the Browns. I still expect them to have to throw a normal amount. I mean, this is a great matchup for what? If you were ever going to start Deshaun Watson and be this week, hopefully you don't have to. Hopefully you have Brock Purdy and you're okay. But if there was ever a week, ever a week, you could actually consider Deshaun Watson. in single QB leagues.
00:07:24
Speaker 2: Now's the week.
00:07:25
Speaker 3: And then he'll probably be back right into my, you know, QB 20 slot going forward. Um, it'll employ them implode at some point. Um, but again, this, this is the time to start them. Yeah. I, just emergency situations, obviously.
00:07:42
Speaker 1: I'd much rather be watching cam ward for sugar Sanders in the, in a terrible quarterback off, but at least it's like, you know, there's a narrative. It's like the 2025 draft, but it just seems like Deshaun's going to still.
00:07:53
Speaker 2: Be out there.
00:07:53
Speaker 1: Uh, hopefully you don't have to pick up Deshaun. You can pick up this guy, Kyler Murray, who we discussed on the waiver wire episode. Um, Kyler is in my top 12. I, Sean, you said you, he was in your top 12 as well. All of his weapons, Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, TJ Hawkinson, all getting healthy. Um, uh coming off the buy so ideally they're all healthy they better be because they're also be really concerned with jordan addison coming off the hammy that he missed the last game with uh jordan mason might return aaron jones has looked really good uh yeah anytime team's coming off the buy you have got to be a little more optimistic and this colts defense is you know they're one of the worst in the league they're bottom eight um and they lost sauce gardner for the next few weeks so that helps their defensive line depth is terrible like we discussed and Yeah, I'm in on Kyler. Sounds like you were as well with the waiver episode. Any other comments?
00:08:41
Speaker 3: Yeah, no, I think he's the guy that you should bid on. You know, low amount because he's my QB 11. CJ Stroud, if he's available, he's also worth a bid, right? So those guys and then it's like Deshaun Watson. It's like, oh shit, I miss on both those guys. Yeah, I got to do something. Deshaun Watson's that guy. But yeah, Kyler Murray would be the priority. And yeah, I mean, he could the rushing upside could be back uh call of duty isn't out for one or two more weeks so we we got some time with kyler but i think he's he's more of just a streaming play this week than like a long-term option uh but i think this is the week where he it wouldn't shock him if he blows up with a top five.
00:09:22
Speaker 1: Week yeah definitely definitely definitely uh the upsides there even if the colts can't get their offense going it's like you know minnesota they're We saw JJ McCarthy finally have a decent game. Maybe Kyler Murray matches it with a little game of his own. So we'll see. It's nice to see him have like 51 rushing yards in the last game. That was, you know, he could still run. That was, I was like, I just got to see it because that foot injury last year concerned me. But yeah, that's good. Who are you lower on this week?
00:09:48
Speaker 2: Lower on Bo Nix.
00:09:49
Speaker 3: In case anyone was still wondering if Bo Nix was cooked or not, hopefully Thursday Night Football helped make that clear to most people. Granted, it was against the Seahawks. I still consider that to be the best defense in the league. But still, he only threw for 107 yards, no touchdowns. But the most disappointing thing is he only chipped in two rushing yards because, again, he's essentially become a mall Santa this year coming off that off-season foot Surgery, which is the biggest concern. And also, you know, Sean Payton, ever since he took over play calling, Davis Webb, he had like a plus 3% pass rate over expected. Payton's been closer to like minus 3%. So Payton's choosing to kind of take the ball out of Bonick's hands, which, you know, is saying something. So that coupled with Bo has had like a historically low ADOT the past couple of weeks with Peyton calling plays. If you saw the second half, I think his, his average depth of the target was like below the line of scrimmage.
00:10:57
Speaker 2: It was like minus 0.1. So he's just dumping it off.
00:11:00
Speaker 1: Did you see all those memes that like Bo Nix's ADOT is shorter than like some tables or like some like random things like this person, like, and they're like laying on the floor. Like those were my favorite last week, but even so, yeah, you're right.
00:11:14
Speaker 2: It's that, and he's not scrambling.
00:11:16
Speaker 3: So defenses are just able to kind of just stack the box, slow him down that way. So he's my QB 16, so he's actually in play for streaming purposes. But if you think about it, they're facing the Cardinals. There's a shit ton of top 12 quarterbacks on by or maybe not playing this week. So not great that he's only QB 16 against the Cardinals. Again, until we see some hope in the rushing upside, I'm going to be lower on him more times than not. And they're already kind of floating, like asking Sean Payton, are you going to stick with them as a starter? So, you know, his stock couldn't be any lower right now. But yeah, QB 16, good matchup against the Cardinals, but we'll see what happens this week. But I think, yeah, getting Jonah Coleman back, they just might lean on the run even more.
00:12:09
Speaker 2: I mean, why not?
00:12:11
Speaker 1: Yeah, I mean, the Cardinals are 30th against the pass, 15th against the rush. So, I mean, not that 15th is good, but I mean, they're weaker against the pass. I mean, they did well against the Rams. Devontae Adams went out mid-game, but the Rams, I don't know what the hell's going on. That was just a discombobulated game where they should have dominated. Pretty ridiculous what happened. Bo Nix has 230 passing yards in the past two games combined. But they've also been winning the past two games, whereas he had 42 attempts against the 49ers in a loss. Game by game, it depends on the game script. They're probably going to be leading against the Cardinals, but this is a bad defense. Waddle, Sutton are healthy. Losing Pat Bryant doesn't help, but I don't know. It could be 10 days off. They had the Thursday Night Football to now. They didn't really help the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football, but Who knows? Not having more than 10 rushing yards in a game this season is very concerning, but this could be kind of the press it on game for the Broncos where they actually do something in the air. They don't not have talent.
00:13:17
Speaker 2: He's cooked.
00:13:18
Speaker 1: Okay.
00:13:19
Speaker 3: I was trying to quickly find... I think Jared Goff might have more rushing yards than him or something crazy.
00:13:23
Speaker 1: I'm going to try to find some crazy stuff. Jared Goff actually has run a little bit this year. So that was.
00:13:27
Speaker 2: Yeah, which.
00:13:28
Speaker 1: Stafford?
00:13:28
Speaker 2: It's embarrassing.
00:13:30
Speaker 1: There's no way Stafford does.
00:13:31
Speaker 3: Stafford's ran a little bit. We're talking, again, we're talking true mall Santas right now in this discussion. And yeah, Stafford has 23 rushing yards the last four weeks, which is more.
00:13:41
Speaker 2: Than Bo Nix. That's crazy.
00:13:42
Speaker 1: I mean, bonus is 22. It's not too far off, but it's like, wow, that is bad. But again, maybe 10 days off facing one of the worst defenses in the NFL helps, but we'll see. I mean, it's in Arizona, so you have the dome environment. I don't know how much that impacts it, but yeah, not facing the Seahawks, Chargers, 49ers, Rams, Jaguars, Chiefs. I mean, they've had a pretty brutal defensive schedule to start the season. So this is finally, finally a soft spot. He's in my top 15. He's there.
00:14:13
Speaker 3: He's not outside my top 20 because it is a good matchup.
00:14:18
Speaker 2: He's got that. I will give him that. He's got a good matchup this week.
00:14:21
Speaker 1: Yeah, he definitely does. I'm lower on Tyler Shuck. I mean, he scored, what, four touchdowns last week? I benched Trevor Lawrence for him, so that worked out amazing somehow. They were like four points off in higher scoring quarterback scoring settings. But yeah, facing the Steelers, going into, I believe, London, just... I don't like London. The London game in week six was amazing. Texans or Jaguars, but this feels like a lower scoring one. Steelers are going to be able to tee off more against their weaker O-line. Still no Travis ETM. The run game is kind of mid. Kamara had that long touchdown, so that's nice to see. So Kamara's being utilized to looking like he has some fresh or he has some juice in those legs.
00:15:02
Speaker 2: But otherwise.
00:15:04
Speaker 1: I mean, Juwan's not been great the last few weeks. Olave, I believe he doesn't have 100 yards combined in the last two weeks. Not that I like Olave a lot this week, but even so, it's like Steelers defense is good. London game, just I don't want to be starting Shuck. Him and Bo Nix are going to be really close to my rankings. It's just based off matchup. But Shuck does run a lot, so there's that. He has that out. I just don't know how high of a scoring game this is going to be. And yeah, Pittsburgh's top 10, their eighth against the pass. So yeah, not, not in love with them for this week. How do you feel on Shuck?
00:15:46
Speaker 3: He's my QB 15 tougher matchup against the Steelers. Um, I've been worried about his lack of rushing output. Um, but last week we saw, uh, Taysom Shuck. I've been waiting for that. Nice little, what, 30-yard scamper to the goal line. And then he punched in a one-yard touchdown run. Still love his touchdown upside this year with no Taysom Hill there, you know, annoyingly taking snaps away when they get to the goal line. But he's been playing apparently with a couple of broken bones in his left hand. So maybe that's why. He hasn't been running as much the past couple of weeks. So maybe he was feeling better this week. So he's willing to take off and run. So that was a good sign. Then they got up so big that he just stopped throwing. So he could have had a really much bigger game, but yeah, tougher matchup this week against the Steelers. So yeah, he's more of a mid range QB too for me, but he'll have weeks going forward where he could definitely pop.
00:16:46
Speaker 2: Yeah.
00:16:47
Speaker 1: The buy is coming up too. So he get that hand completely right. So I'm really, I like bonus. I like Tyler Shuck a lot in the second half for fantasy purposes, but yeah, Yeah, this matchup, this is a bench. If you have him, you should still roster him. I'm not saying drop him just because of this game and the bye, but yeah, don't start. Moving on to running back. Give me your top five for the week.
00:17:04
Speaker 3: Yeah, I got Jameer Gibbs, CMC, Bijan, Kyron Williams, and Derrick Henry.
00:17:11
Speaker 1: Yeah, we're pretty close. I got Jameer Gibbs, Bijan, Kenneth Walker. A little revenge game against the Seahawks. I feel like they're going to make it. I mean, Kenneth Walker's been amazing.
00:17:21
Speaker 2: You can't.
00:17:22
Speaker 1: Okay, CMC, Derrick Henry. So we're pretty close. Kyron's at six. Where do you have Kenneth Walker? I have to ask.
00:17:28
Speaker 2: Yeah, that's the story of the week.
00:17:31
Speaker 3: I mean, this is like the ultimate revenge game.
00:17:33
Speaker 2: It's at Seattle.
00:17:35
Speaker 3: Brutal matchup. But yeah, I mean, he's my RB7. I think they're just going to just give him most of the work. So like we've been seeing Andy Reid get Emmitt Johnson out. mixed in a little bit more. I think this week it'll just be a heavy Kenneth Walker game, but brutal matchup. So that's why he's my RB seven, but I can't wait to watch this game. Uh, this is like the ultimate revenge spot for him. So yeah, I got to play him if you have him, but it's, uh, like I was saying in my tears piece, I wish I, I wish I like really went with this. Uh, but I was like, Kenneth Walker to the chiefs, uh, You know, he's been in a committee his whole career.
00:18:19
Speaker 2: He has so much upside.
00:18:20
Speaker 3: This could be a seismic impact to the level of like Derek Henry to the Ravens or Saquon Barkley to the Eagles, their first season. And that's been the case. I mean, Kenneth Walker on the Chiefs has been just a massive boost for his value and for the Chiefs too. I mean, they haven't really had a running back like him since, you know, several years ago.
00:18:45
Speaker 2: So yeah, Kareem Hunt.
00:18:47
Speaker 1: Like the early days, like the first two years before he, you know, Oh yeah.
00:18:54
Speaker 2: That's homegrown though. Yeah.
00:18:56
Speaker 1: I mean, oh yeah.
00:18:59
Speaker 2: They've had, they had, they had Larry Johnson.
00:19:02
Speaker 3: I mean, the chiefs used to be just like rush run, run through your face.
00:19:08
Speaker 1: Yeah.
00:19:09
Speaker 2: Yeah.
00:19:09
Speaker 3: So, I mean, Kenneth Walker brought that back to the chiefs. He now gets to just be a workhorse back. So it's been just fun to see again, I wish I took that little quip more to heart and just been like, oh yeah, you should draft the shit out of him at ADP. But needless to say, he's been amazing this year. Now he gets to face his former team, the best defense in the league. Can't wait to watch this. You got to star him if you have him.
00:19:33
Speaker 2: Obviously, yeah.
00:19:35
Speaker 1: It's going to be brutal. This is really a start city.
00:19:38
Speaker 2: Brutal, brutal, brutal matchup for them. Brutal matchup for him.
00:19:42
Speaker 3: But yeah, I just love these spots when we get the revenge games and we can.
00:19:47
Speaker 1: Yeah. Even if he doesn't get it going on the ground, I mean, he had 10. 10 targets in week two. He had six in week one. He hasn't, he has six total in the past three weeks. But again, if he doesn't get it going on the ground, they're going to target him. Rishi Rice might still be out with the hammy. So they might have to lean on him to, you know, get his, he's been their guy, you know, save Mahomes from getting hit. Dump it off. So it should be a big 25 or so touch week for Kenneth Walker. And yeah, I mean, again, these are the obvious. We're not talking about anything too controversial here. My top five is pretty much your top five. Just a little bit off.
00:20:23
Speaker 2: Okay.
00:20:23
Speaker 1: Who do you hire on at running back?
00:20:26
Speaker 3: Bucky Irving, just because he's been dominating in terms of usage the last few weeks. And last week was actually his highest rushing share and routes on rate to date. And the week before that, that massive game against the Cowboys, he was like on the sideline, all banged up. They took him out of the game briefly. He could have had an even bigger game back then. So they're basically just saying like, if he's healthy, he's going to be out there as a workhorse back. And Sean Tucker being out last week obviously helped, you know, his rushing upside quite a bit. So, you know, I'm factoring that in, but either way. Like he's back to that rookie season version of Bucky. We all knew and fell in love with. And I was super high on him that year. And I was like, the only knock is like, I don't think he's going to become like a workhorse back. And I've said that about him, James Cook. And luckily they proved me wrong. He could absolutely be a workhorse back. He's put in the work this off season. So he's looked great out there. Much closer to his rookie season. And this week, you know, they get the Panthers. I think getting Baker back could help because teams have been able to just kind of stack the box just because they're worried about Jalen Daniels running so much. That's kind of, you know, hurt Bucky's upside. So I think with Baker back, Bucky in this full-time role, he's in my RB1 discussion over the week.
00:21:55
Speaker 2: He's my RB12.
00:21:57
Speaker 3: Just I think there's so much upside here right now. Just loving his usage rate. uh, the past few weeks. So I think they're going to continue writing him, uh, and rightfully so. Uh, so yeah, sign me up. Uh, it's Bucky RB one season right now for me.
00:22:13
Speaker 2: Yeah.
00:22:14
Speaker 1: Bucky, you got to start. He's in my top 10 this week. Can't get well, they paid him and they're not using him. It's been okay. Kenny Gainwell has not been bad. Um, Bucky hasn't, I mean, last week was not great for him, but even so he's clearly the guy they trust. 44 touches in the past two weeks. I mean, they were coming off of the middie bye with the Thursday Night Football, so that gives them some grace. But yeah, I'm kind of shocked Kenny Gainwell's usage has been so low. Again, it's kind of weird.
00:22:43
Speaker 3: He's obviously a really good cerebral player. They're going to use him in high leverage spots, but I'm surprised how little they've been using him.
00:22:52
Speaker 2: But again, we're not the ones deciding the usage, right?
00:22:56
Speaker 3: They're the ones calling the shots, and they're calling Bucky's number at a way higher rate than You were unexpected, so we just got to assume that's the case going forward.
00:23:05
Speaker 1: Definitely, definitely. I'm going to be higher on Woody Marks for this week. I mean, Woody wasn't great last week, but at the end of the game, he had 25 yards on two catches. That was nice. That made up for a dud game on the ground. But facing the Jaguars, Jaguars defense has been Awesome this year. They're number one against the run. So going up against the Giants is a much better matchup. 21st, 24th against the pass. They are not a good defense. You're only getting worse, especially after losing Brian Burns. Love Woody Marks this week. Must start option. He's in my top 15 and pretty much going to be locked in there unless, you know, injuries hit and some guys consolidate. Saquon coming back could definitely impact it. But for the most part, Love Woody Marks for week eight because Montgomery should still be out. The bye is next week. Jordan had that long touchdown, but he's not someone they're going to give too much volume to. Woody is the workhorse back like Bucky. How are you feeling on Woody for the week?
00:24:02
Speaker 3: Yeah, I was going to go with him as my high on, but I went with Bucky. But yeah, I have Woody as my RB13 to open the week.
00:24:11
Speaker 2: I agree.
00:24:11
Speaker 3: I think, you know, Monty could return this week. So we have to monitor practice parts, all that. But yeah, they have the bye next week, so it would make complete sense to just get him right, make sure he's healthy for the second half of the season. Plus, you know, Jahar Jordan being so good, like anytime they've called him up, he's like produced. So that might lead them to keep Monty out, which helps Woody Marks in a weird, twisted way. But they, yeah, Woody was like the workhorse back. So I would expect them to ride him pretty heavily this week against the Giants. They're nine-point favorites. The Texans have trailed a ton this year.
00:24:51
Speaker 2: A ton.
00:24:53
Speaker 3: So this is a rare week. They might play with a comfortable lead, lean on the running back. So there might be enough work for both Jordan and Marks to produce. But Marks being the clear lead back. So yeah, he's right on that fringe RB1 territory for me to open the week. And I'm just assuming Monty's out.
00:25:11
Speaker 2: So yeah, great week to have Marks. Definitely.
00:25:14
Speaker 1: And Mark's 48 yards receiving on seven targets in the past two games. So that's nice to see as well. He's involved in multiple ways, 166 yards in the past two weeks total against the Titans and Jags. And again, Jags, number one rush defense. So give him some grace for a mediocre performance possibly in your lineup, but he got you double digits probably. So it's not the end of the world. It's not like the worst option ever. And this week, yeah, definitely why you have him on your bench for a week like this. So who are you lower on this week?
00:25:48
Speaker 2: Marshawn Lloyd.
00:25:49
Speaker 3: And hopefully this wraps up what has been a roller coaster ride of Lloyd's 2026 fantasy season. Just been a nightmare trying to project him and the Packers backfield weekend, week out. And yeah, last week, I think he was, I was high on him. I think I even talked about him.
00:26:07
Speaker 2: I'm high on him. Oh, my God.
00:26:10
Speaker 3: With Chris Brooks' sideline, Caleb Johnson being phased out, I knew that Pierre Strong was the other back we had to worry about. But it was just a golden opportunity for Lloyd to maybe go out with a bang, give us one RB2 week when we knew we should be playing him.
00:26:27
Speaker 2: Instead, Pierre Strong essentially took over as lead back.
00:26:31
Speaker 3: He had more design carries, more routes run than Lloyd. And this is just a very pass-heavy offense right now. So just not great news for Lloyd in general. And now Josh Jacobs, he's been taken off the commissioner list. He's going to practice this week. There's certain rules about their roster where they don't have to use him as an inactive this week if they choose not to play Josh Jacobs. So Jacobs could return this week, could return next week. Who the hell knows what's going on with that? But either way, that's kind of the final nail in the coffin for me with Lloyd. I think that's it. I am done with the Marshawn Lloyd experience. Now, obviously, that means that Jacobs is going to be ruled out this week and Lloyd's is going to rush for three touchdowns, but I don't care. I'm done with it. I'm jumping off the ride. Let somebody else deal.
00:27:24
Speaker 2: With that headache.
00:27:24
Speaker 3: But man, it's been quite a roller coaster in leagues where you've had I mean, he was a great pick at one point over the summer and he's had some opportunities, but with Josh Jacobs now kind of returning, that's it.
00:27:41
Speaker 2: We're finally off this ride.
00:27:43
Speaker 1: So hopefully, yeah, I would give it until the end of the week and see Josh Jacobs status. I wouldn't drop him quite yet. But I'm with you. It's a legal situation, so anything can happen. Anything can happen.
00:27:57
Speaker 2: Who knows?
00:27:58
Speaker 1: Who really knows at the end of the day? If Josh Jacobs is active, you're playing him. That's easy. Regardless, he's going to get his touches because they're overdue at this point, even though he might have done it and he might not have. We're not the cops, but at the end of the day, if you have him, you got to start him. Marshawn Lloyd, sadly, with this matchup, If Josh Jacobs is out, I think you still have to start him. He's probably going to be in my top 25. Again, it's a week seven. There's a bunch of buys. Would he be in your top 25 with Jacobs out?
00:28:30
Speaker 2: Haven't thought about that yet. Probably not.
00:28:31
Speaker 3: Again, Pierce Strong is kind of the back. Pierce Strong is the back to own right now. Lloyd, it wouldn't shock me if Lloyd does get back the early down work.
00:28:42
Speaker 2: So what does that get him? 10 carries for 20 yards, maybe a touchdown.
00:28:45
Speaker 1: Against the Lions defense, anything is possible.
00:28:48
Speaker 2: Yeah. It is a Lions defense. Anything's possible.
00:28:51
Speaker 3: But Pierce Strong is the guy running the routes. And the Packers are a passing offense now. Just no efficiency on the ground, no matter who's running the rock. And they could just say, fuck it. We're going to get Caleb Johnson more work. You just don't know in this situation. So it's like, I understand the upsides there. That's been the whole case for Marshawn Lloyd the entire season. But just given the situation... Count me out.
00:29:20
Speaker 2: That's it.
00:29:21
Speaker 3: And if Josh Higgins returns, that just makes it 10 times easier to just get completely out.
00:29:26
Speaker 1: Just move on.
00:29:27
Speaker 3: If you want to throw a flyer on Marshawn Lloyd at 10-1 to score a touchdown just to salvage something when he does go off, once everybody gives up.
00:29:40
Speaker 2: On him, you could do that.
00:29:40
Speaker 3: So there's multiple ways you can, uh, skin this cat, but, uh, just Marshawn Lloyd. I just can't wait until I don't have to sit there and try to figure out if he's a starter or not.
00:29:50
Speaker 2: Yep. Hate it too. Hate it too.
00:29:52
Speaker 1: Uh, I also hate the giants running backs. I was higher on cam Scadaboo last week, zero touches. I think he had six snaps, uh, effectively benched after fumbling, uh, potentially the game away. I mean, they tied in week five. So that was, that was on the commanders, but yeah, scouting was zero touches. Like that's a full dog house. Like there has to be something more than just the fumbles. It has to be like an attitude, something issue with him and Harbaugh. Harbaugh is a dinosaur. It could be, it could be anything. Maybe he looked at him the wrong way, but, uh, yeah, I'm, I'm, Najee Harris is cut, and I still don't want... I mean, it's the Texans, and they're 9-point underdogs. Scadaboo does catch passes, but Tracy does too. Singletary, who knows? This is disgusting. I don't want to start any of them. And Tracy had, what, two touchdowns last week? So that's nice, but he's been unreliable. It's still going to be a disgusting rotation, even with Najee gone. I don't want to play the game of Giants running backs this week. Let them tell me who the starter is or who the whatever is going forward and let me see a better matchup than this. Are you out on them too?
00:30:56
Speaker 3: Yeah, definitely for this week. It's impossible to project. As a joke, to open the week, I just had every running back with six carries. And then Najee being ruled out, I made it all like seven and a half carries or whatever I did. But yeah, it's impossible. And just going into that game was just a nightmare to project because, you know, the reports came out that Skadaboo was effectively benched. They're going to ride the hot hand, which I lowered him. He ended up like my RB25, which again, you talked about him. It was a great matchup. Um, he had like four fumbles in the last two weeks and yeah, he only lost one of them. And I want to say it was the game losing fumble, but it's more like the game tying fumble because you know, the commanders fucked it up, but just, there's a very good reason for him to get benched.
00:31:45
Speaker 2: Those fumbling issues were real.
00:31:47
Speaker 3: Uh, and again, I had mentioned they played three straight games in rain, soaked, muddy conditions. So there was a good baked in excuse for scataboo. And then I made a joking tweet. Obviously I was kidding, but, Um, there was some truth to it where I've been playing fancy for 30 plus years, DFS, 10 plus years, sports betting for 10, 20 plus years. You know how many times there's been a report like that where a guy's going to be benched and then he ends up having his best game of the season. I can't, I don't have enough fingers or toes to.
00:32:17
Speaker 2: Count how many times.
00:32:17
Speaker 3: So I knew there was a part of it, like right where Scataboo, he gets benched like the first drive. It's all Najee Harris or Singletary, whatever they wanted to have happen, right? And then Skadaboo comes in. He's all pissed off. He wants to prove himself. And he has his best game of the season. That's happened a million times. And there was obviously the most likely scenario. It's like, oh, shit, he's benched. He's going to get zero touches. And that's what happened. So just there was such a wide range of outcomes. So now, like, Harbaugh's been getting shit about it, you know. It would shock me if he just returns right back in a lead role.
00:32:54
Speaker 2: We don't know.
00:32:56
Speaker 3: But all these guys have to be on your bench. I mean, you're probably not rostering Singletary Tracer right now. But like you said, this is just kind of like, let's just wait and see how this week shakes out. and then use that to project them going forward. But you just can't project or trust anybody in this backfield right now. So I agree with you. We just have to count them out this week, unless we hear something concrete. But this is just a nightmare situation to be a part of.
00:33:25
Speaker 1: Totally. Their leading rushers were JJ McCarthy and Darnell Mooney. Very efficient, though. 46 yards on three carries.
00:33:31
Speaker 2: That's obviously, yeah.
00:33:34
Speaker 1: Tracy, Singletary, Harris combined for 34 total yards. It's like, if you're going to bench the guy, at least have a useful option. Yeah, that's Oh my God.
00:33:46
Speaker 3: Did you see my meme? The three people in church holding the gun to their heads.
00:33:51
Speaker 2: Oh yeah.
00:33:51
Speaker 3: I've seen where I was like, I just tried to project in that game. I was thinking like, is it going to be nausea? Scataboo is still going to be as Tracy. And then I had Darnell Mooney up in the rafters.
00:34:01
Speaker 2: Like, Oh, it's him.
00:34:03
Speaker 3: And then somebody took it one extra level. It was JJ McCarthy the whole time.
00:34:07
Speaker 2: Yep.
00:34:08
Speaker 1: Sound of a bet at the end of the day, but it happens. that's just one of the, you just got to throw your hands up. Like you said, I thought it would have been an effective, maybe first quarter max.
00:34:20
Speaker 2: Yeah.
00:34:20
Speaker 1: Scataboo in there after like the second, the third, get them in the, for the third drive, learned your lesson. Don't fumble again. If he fumbled, he would have been out. And I, I lowered him in my rankings because of that, but I lowered him from like 12 to 15. I was just like, okay, he'll probably miss like a driver too. No, he missed the whole game. And that was, yeah, it was a great matchup for him.
00:34:37
Speaker 3: Yep.
00:34:40
Speaker 1: And Tracy was the guy, so what.
00:34:42
Speaker 2: Are you going to do?
00:34:44
Speaker 3: That was a reasonable approach to project that. I mean, nobody knew what was going to happen. Again, we couldn't be shocked with zero carries either, but it just doesn't really mean anything for this week. That could have been the example, and now he's back into the workhorse role.
00:34:59
Speaker 2: We don't know.
00:35:01
Speaker 1: Now, moving on to wide receiver. Give me your top five for the week.
00:35:04
Speaker 3: Puka, number one. I was like laughing my ass off projecting him last night.
00:35:08
Speaker 2: Just insane. I have like eight catches for him this week. Absolutely insane. And then I have Amon Ra and JSN, Jamar Chase, Drake London.
00:35:18
Speaker 1: Yeah, we have the same top five. Different order. I have Puka, JSN, Jamar Chase, Amon Ra, Drake London.
00:35:23
Speaker 2: Nice.
00:35:25
Speaker 1: Not much to say. We have some of the top fantasy wide receivers in our top five. Shocking.
00:35:30
Speaker 2: Yeah, pretty straightforward.
00:35:31
Speaker 1: We're higher on. Yeah, there's not much to say.
00:35:34
Speaker 3: Yeah, I'm high on Jeremy Bernard. I'm just going to double down on what I said about him last week. But with Michael Pittman and Roman Wilson, they're both on IR. That's just a massive opportunity for the rookie. And Aaron Rodgers typically doesn't have the best chemistry with rookies. If you think about it, the Packers really never drafted high-end rookie wide receivers to begin with. So that's kind of been the theme with him. From what I was reading, they have a really good relationship. They're on the same page. And Rodgers loves him. So just right when I knew he was going to have the opportunity, I figured he would pop off.
00:36:16
Speaker 2: And that's what happened last week.
00:36:18
Speaker 3: To an extreme, though, he had 11 catches, 87 yards, and a touchdown against the Bucs last week. So hopefully you added him last week. If for some reason he's still available, you're going to have to blow– your load on him. Uh, but I think he's worth it. He's my wide receiver 25 to open the week gets to face the saints. And it's one of those situations where even if, uh, you know, Pittman and Wilson return, which they will at some point, I think Jeremy could be just the wide receiver too, going forward. So, um, he just has rest of season upside to be startable, but this week, especially he's pushing wide receiver to value for me. Um, which you don't really get off the waiver wire when it comes to wide receivers, especially rookies like this. So yeah, I'm really high on Bernard this week and going forward.
00:37:08
Speaker 2: Definitely.
00:37:08
Speaker 1: Saints play a ton of single high and zone, which Jeremy is killing both this year. Just having that relationship with Rodgers. I mean, he's a dirty work guy. He wasn't the most productive in college, but he was also in some loaded Alabama, Washington rooms. It's not like He couldn't beat out Scrubs. I look at Antonio Williams. Antonio Williams broke out as a true freshman. He wasn't really competing against anybody, but it's always nice to see a true freshman do that. With Jeremy, he's finally getting the opportunity. He's a really good wide receiver. He's in my top 24, mostly because of the buys, but that's still. He's very much in start territory. Him and DK Metcalf are pretty much neck and neck for me at this point. uh, just the volume is absolutely going to be there for Jeremy Roman Wilson, Michael Pittman, both on IR for three more weeks. I believe you're firing up Germany pretty much every week. That's it's a locked in starter. His targets per route runner. Incredible right now. And yeah, I'm with you, but I'm, I'm higher on Jordan Addison, not higher than Jeremy, but Jordan Addison's in my top 25.
00:38:11
Speaker 2: Ish, 26.
00:38:11
Speaker 1: He's in that range right now. So, um, Good matchup for him. I mean, anyone facing the Colts, any pass catcher facing the Colts, I am going to be a fan of. And yeah, Jordan Addison, I mean, he's been impressive this year. I've been liking what I've been seeing out of him this season. It has been a... I mean, he got hurt, and that sucked. He looked like he was ready to break out with Kyler. Justin Jefferson was missing some time. And then Addison gets hurt. That sucks to see. Hawkinson ended up having the massive game, but Addison is a talented wide receiver. He'd be the wide receiver one on a ton of other teams. The volume, we'll see how that looks for the game. But coming off the bye, hamstring injury should be good. He's an explosive. He's a guy who could just do more with less. Give him three, four targets. He could give you 90 yards and a touchdown. And this is the kind of matchup against a Colts defense. Again, bottom eight. Bad against the pass. 22nd against the pass. Yeah, I think... Addison will be one of the better waiver wire ads or streamers for week six. How do you feel on him?
00:39:20
Speaker 3: Yeah, I'm always high on his upside. It's tough with like Justin Jefferson. And if TJ Hawkinson's back, it's not a game. I'm expecting a ton of passing from the Vikings, especially if Kyler starts rushing more. But, you know, Jawan Jennings really hasn't factored in as much as I thought he would, so that's definitely helped Addison's long-term value, and they might even trade Jennings away, right? So this could be a very concentrated... passing offense so yeah addison's my wide receiver 41 where do you have him this week.
00:39:55
Speaker 1: Uh actually i said top 25 26 i think he's at 28 yeah he's at 28.
00:40:02
Speaker 2: Oh wow yeah you're super high on him do you have tj hawkinson.
00:40:05
Speaker 1: Back yeah i have him back i have tj hawkinson in the top 20 uh hawkinson actually has a good matchup this week he's but it really depends on the volume and hawkinson again it was because the wide receivers were hurt he had that 13 target game And it was more of a, like a two minute, four minute drill type of offense that they were running that got Hawkinson the ball, but like in the more like play action, heavy style, deep shot offense that Kyler can, you know, get in tune with, with KOC Addison could be the beneficiary. And yeah, I mean, again, sauce gardeners out, no holds, but anything could happen against this. If Addison has a two touchdown game or JJ has a two touchdown game, someone's going to go off against this terrible defense. Even if Jordan Mason's back, I mean, Aaron Jones, yes, has been good. But I feel like someone's going to go off and it might be Addison weak. And even if it's not, he can get you a bunch of yards on a few catches. So I like him a lot. And again, it's because of the buys that he's pushed up this high. Usually he would be around that wide receiver 35 to 40 range for me. But I don't see too many better options. I'm looking at guys like Romo Dunzey. don't love his match.
00:41:14
Speaker 2: Oh yeah.
00:41:15
Speaker 1: I guess.
00:41:15
Speaker 2: Uh, yeah.
00:41:16
Speaker 1: Uh, against the Patriots or Jordan Addison, I'd probably start Addison again. Just, this is one of the weeks that it's like, if he's healthy, you're starting him. So you're lower on him though. What makes you so low? Is it just the volume?
00:41:31
Speaker 2: Yeah, I just, he's a wider range of outcomes kind of guy.
00:41:34
Speaker 3: Uh, again, I only have like 200 yards projected for Kyler passing. Uh, you know, a lot of those go to Justin Jefferson, uh, Some of those go to TJ Hawkinson. And then, you know, most of the rest go to Addison. I'm thinking maybe like if Jordan Mason returns, that kind of helps because if Jordan Mason is in and they drop back to pass, it's more likely Addison gets a catch. I think he has a higher ceiling than a lot of the guys that I have, like in that wide receiver three flex range. So that's kind of the leagues I would go with him. But I just have a lot of, guys kind of pop up like Brandon cooks is elevated with Evans out. Uh, Chris Godwin gets a boost with Baker back where he's now back inside my top 40. You know, there's all those kinds of like fringe guys. So yeah, I agree with the heavy buy. You could certainly make a case that he's like a solid wide receiver three. There's just so many guys that just like a half a point moves a guy up or down and slot.
00:42:35
Speaker 2: So that's the.
00:42:36
Speaker 3: Thing with Addison is like, Yeah, he's in the sit-start mix for sure this week. And I would go with him if you're like an underdog and need like a bigger game. He probably offers a higher ceiling than a lot of the guys that I have ranked in my wide receiver 35 to 40 range.
00:42:52
Speaker 2: Totally.
00:42:52
Speaker 1: Now, who are you lower on at wide receiver?
00:42:54
Speaker 2: I'm lower on.
00:42:55
Speaker 3: Nico Collins, where he's my wide receiver 16.
00:42:59
Speaker 2: This week, which means I don't hate him.
00:43:02
Speaker 3: And I'm not saying to bench him, but he's been a staple inside my top 12 every week when healthy. this year and, you know, however long he's been a stud. But his playing time has been capped right around 80% routes run rate this season. I think that's intentional. They use, you know, heavier tight end personnel like all teams this season. They try to keep them fresh. So now that they have, all of a sudden, they have like one of the deepest wide receiver rooms in the league where, you know, they brought in Marvin Harrison Jr., Traded for Keishon Booty, so they're kind of fighting up for snaps. And now Tank Dell is expected to return this week. Tank Dell, when healthy, is a really good wide receiver. I think he'll be limited this week. But they also had a guy I'm pretty high on, Jalen Noel, just had a breakout game, four catches for 107 yards and a touchdown. Their running game came to life a little bit. We talked about Woody and even Jahar Jordan has been effective whenever they've called on him. So their nine-point favorite at home against the Giants. They could take a bit off Nico's plate here. I'm expecting a more run-heavy game plan. Again, they have six or seven wide receivers. They're rotating in and out. So, you know, Nico Collins, he's my wide receiver 16. You got to play him if you have him. I'm probably more interested in fading his reception or receiving yards, props more than anything. But again, just a little bit lower on him this week, just given all the options they have all of a sudden. In a game, they should play with a comfortable lead and lean on the run more. So kind of a rare week. where I was shocked to see just how low I was on Nico, but you know, for good reasons.
00:44:53
Speaker 2: Yeah.
00:44:53
Speaker 1: He hasn't cracked 75% of the snaps in a single game this year. So that's kind of shocking to see, but he did suffer an injury. He missed week two and three. So it's probably, you know, it's probably better for him to play 70%. He doesn't have to be there on like blocking or like downs where like, there's one where I see where it was like Jared Wayne or Xavier Hutchinson that was out there before and, Maybe it's Marvin Harrison Jr.
00:45:14
Speaker 2: Moving forward, but.
00:45:15
Speaker 1: Neither here nor there. I'm with you. Nico Collins is outside of my top 12. He's just outside, but it wouldn't shock me if he had like three receptions and two touchdowns just because he's that good. And it's like make up for last week where Jalen Noah.
00:45:30
Speaker 3: Yeah, I would say that that is exactly the line I'm going to be rooting for. I'll probably be on his under receptions. Like if they float, no way they float five and a half, but if it's four and a half, you could see him. three catches for six yards and two touchdowns. Let's say we're now, now they have a lead and they're running. That's exactly my point. But again, just a lower, a weird week where it's a little bit lower for, for Nico than normal for just being such a, you know, an alpha dominant wide receiver. Um, like again, if the Texans defense, they get a pick six off Jamison Winston on the opening drive.
00:46:08
Speaker 1: That's what I was about to say.
00:46:10
Speaker 2: That's yeah, exactly. That's, that's the kind of thing.
00:46:12
Speaker 1: That it's like, what if the defense does all the scoring?
00:46:16
Speaker 2: Yeah.
00:46:16
Speaker 1: What if it's a defense and running? And it's like, Jesus Christ, can we get like a catch? And it's like, they don't have to, you just don't. And their bite, their buys coming up too. I think it's week eight, right?
00:46:28
Speaker 2: Uh, yeah, yeah. That's, that's why I think they'll sit Monty this week. Um, get, Yeah. Get Nico. You got to keep Nico fresh.
00:46:38
Speaker 1: Yeah.
00:46:38
Speaker 2: No reason to trot him out there.
00:46:40
Speaker 3: You know, 90% of the routes run, get, get some of these guys like, uh, Marvin Harrison, Jr.
00:46:45
Speaker 2: More snaps. Tank Dell.
00:46:48
Speaker 3: Uh, Noel should probably still be a prominent role in this offense.
00:46:52
Speaker 2: I think he's going to be a key.
00:46:54
Speaker 1: He's a dude guy.
00:46:55
Speaker 2: Yeah. And so yeah, a lot.
00:46:57
Speaker 1: Of the best candidate.
00:47:00
Speaker 2: Sorry.
00:47:00
Speaker 1: I keep talking over you. Excuse me. But, uh, I would say he's probably the best candidate for the next Parker Washington, where it's like the slot guy who didn't get many slaps that like is explosive and talented and was really good in college, but just like was buried behind talented wide receiver. It's probably Jalen Noel. But the hard part of projecting that is you need like, you have all of these talented wide receivers on the perimeter right now. And like Nico Collins is going to move into the slot too, to, you know, open him up and get everything. It's just so hard to tell. You're not going to bank on four catches, four targets, 100 something yards and a touchdown every week. You're not going to get that despite his crazy yards per target right now with Jalen Noel. But I mean, if you're in a deep league, you have to have him on the bench just in case.
00:47:46
Speaker 3: Yeah, I agree. I think he's super underrated, but also Tank Dell. I mean, we'll have to see. I'm very curious because Dell, I'm surprised he's returning.
00:47:56
Speaker 2: He had such a devastating injury. Yeah, same.
00:47:59
Speaker 3: It's good to see him back, but if he's anywhere close to 100%, I mean, he was an underrated receiver.
00:48:05
Speaker 1: This team's going to win the Super Bowl if that's the case. If we're talking Tank Dell at 100%, this team is the Super Bowl favorite, easily, even at their record.
00:48:15
Speaker 3: Yeah, and their defense has been awful. It's been bizarre to see just how bad their defense has been. I still consider them to be one of the best defenses, so if they get.
00:48:23
Speaker 2: That turned around... Again, that.
00:48:25
Speaker 3: Could happen this week against Jameis Winston or Nueve. Whoever they tried out there.
00:48:33
Speaker 1: Yeah, we'll see. I'm lower on Josh Downs this week.
00:48:37
Speaker 2: Oh, okay. I thought we were cooking with this. No, no, no. We got to move on.
00:48:43
Speaker 1: We're almost at an hour already. We got to get to tight ends.
00:48:46
Speaker 2: All right, fine.
00:48:49
Speaker 1: I'm sorry, but yes, I'm lower on Josh Downs.
00:48:53
Speaker 2: Oh, sorry, Mr. Buzzkill.
00:48:54
Speaker 1: Excuse me. Yeah, people are going to hit.
00:48:56
Speaker 2: All right, Teach. All right, Teach.
00:49:00
Speaker 1: All right. Yeah, someone's got to move us on. We're doing it. But yeah, no, it's another probably Keenan Allen if Tyler Warren's back. I mean, even with Tyler Warren out, Josh Downs didn't do much last week. I'm hating what I'm seeing from Daniel Jones on a regular basis on the dropbacks. Not having Alec Pierce out there is probably hurting Josh Downs because they don't have deep space. And Josh Downs is probably their fastest guy. So he's kind of more sacrificial, allowing Allen and Warren when he's in to eat more. And yeah, this coverage matchup against, I mean, Vikings defense is one of the best in past best against the past this season. So that's already a tough matchup. So Josh Downs is like in my wide receiver three ish range, just lower there. Yeah. Vikings play zone at the second highest rate. They play too high at the third highest rate. Josh Downs is struggling against both. I, you might have to start him again with all of the bi-week issues and whatnot. And, you know, the Vikings are, I mean, the Colts are gonna be playing for behind. So volume could be there, but I don't expect an efficient game at all. How do you feel on downs?
00:50:10
Speaker 3: Uh, yeah, I mean, I'm, I'm high on him. He's my wide receiver 34. Um, a lot hinges on Tyler Warren potentially returning this week. I've been kind of disappointed in the games where, um, you know, Keenan was out and then Warren was out. I just figured those games, he should go off. Daniel Jones had mentioned that teams are like focusing on slowing down Josh down specifically. Uh, so that, you know, that helped Keenan. Keenan was drunk on targets last week. He had 12 targets. Um, I think if Keenan does get a suspension for the DUI, that's going to be the time. I think Josh Downs should be a wide receiver too. But again, we just didn't see that a few weeks ago when he was out. So it's been a disappointing stretch for him. And I just think it's defenses are just like specifically trying to slow him down. So he's going to get it going at some point. But I have wide receiver 34. He's definitely, you know, like a wide receiver three. play this week, but where'd you have him again?
00:51:14
Speaker 2: Yes.
00:51:15
Speaker 1: No, he, again, he's in my wide receiver three range. Uh, yeah, he's about white. Yeah. I have 37 actually. He's right behind Keenan Allen. So I have Keenan Allen out of them. And yeah, it's just, I mean, I look at like Xavier worthy right now. I'd rather start just with the volume and self matchup. He's looked really good. Trey Tucker balled out last week. Good matchup against the Rams. Um, Chris Godwin, assuming Baker's back. I like Godwin more than I like, um, Omar Cooper, there's just all these guys. And like Josh Downs, again, not really getting the volume. And teams are okay with letting Keenan Allen, like this is since last year. Teams will let Keenan Allen catch because he's not explosive. He's not doing anything after the catch, really. It's just he has great hands. Obviously, still, he could get open in the short area. And that's it. It's just dink and dunk with Keenan Allen is okay. Whereas Josh Downs is an explosive, talented wide receiver right now in his prime. They don't want him to eat, and it's unfortunate. But yeah, I think we're in a lockstep here. He's a start, kind of, but you don't really want to do it.
00:52:17
Speaker 3: Yeah, which you don't want. Again, Tyler Warren will decide that, but he hasn't shown the upside when both Cian Allen and Tyler Warren are out, which is not good news for his long-term value, in my opinion.
00:52:29
Speaker 1: Not great at all. But moving on to tight end, give me your top five for week six, or seven, excuse me.
00:52:34
Speaker 3: Ooh, yeah, let's see. Trey McBride, Brock Bowers, George Kittle. Uh, and then I got Sam Laporta and Tucker craft.
00:52:45
Speaker 1: Yeah, that's yeah. Brought Bowers, McBride, Kittle craft Laporta. So I have it flipped, but yeah, we have the same top five. Shout out to us. Yeah. Who are you higher on this week?
00:52:57
Speaker 2: Uh, let's see. I'm higher on Tyler Higbee.
00:53:00
Speaker 3: Um, you know, Devante is expected to miss six to 10 weeks. And, uh, When he was out of the game, again, I told you on the waiver episode, I kept getting flashbacks. I thought it was like Cooper Cup reincarnated on the Rams. Like they were giving Higby those routes because they don't have another receiver they trust. You know, they got like Mumfield, Whittington, Tutu Atwell, all these just random hodgepodge guys where Higby was effectively the number two receiver. And they were just using more single tight end sets in general. So he was out there on 72% of Stafford's dropbacks. Granted, Stafford's dumping it off to the running backs a lot more. So I think they're going to see a ton of targets with Adams out. But I think Higby is now in play as a tight end one. He's my tight end 12 this week with Ferguson out. Now, Ferguson's probably going to return next week. So Higby's probably going to be a one-week rental. I think they've got to bring in somebody like our guy Brian Thomas Jr., Juwan Jennings, Jerry Judy. I don't know who. Maybe they'll bring Odell Beckham back. I don't know what they're going to do. But they're going to have to make a splash move because I don't think they're going to trust this wide receiver room. If Devontae's out for that long, they're going to bring somebody in. So I think Higby could be like a one-week rental, but it wouldn't shock me if.
00:54:27
Speaker 2: He puts up top five numbers this week. So this is the week to plan.
00:54:32
Speaker 1: Yeah, he was a good stream. Colby Parkinson did outscore him, and Higby had the fumble last week. So, I mean, Parkinson was really good last year. He had a career year, and he had the most yards, 31, not much. He had the most targets of his season. He was dealing with an injury, I think a shoulder, in past weeks. And yeah, all hands on deck for the Rams. They need all the help they can get. As a Rams fan, go get Brian Thomas. And if you don't, go get someone explosive. Don't get a dink and dunk guy. I don't want Jawan Jennings. I'll take him, but I don't want him. We just need help. That's why Jerry Judy even, I would take. Just get me an explosive downfield wide receiver that can compliment Puka and his explosive short yardage intermediate ability. Because Devontae was amazing. He wasn't the fastest, but he was just amazing at getting open. We just need someone downfield. And Brian Thomas can get open, it's just he can't catch, but Hopefully that was just a connection thing with Lawrence. But yeah, we're running out of time here. Let's keep it moving. My tight end that I'm higher on is Travis Kelsey. The Seahawks play zone and too high at some of the highest rates in the league. Kelsey has been better against that. And if she rises still out, I mean, Kelsey got hurt early in the game, but he was pretty good last week. He had some, he was really efficient. He has looked really good overall this season. He had like, what, one or two dud games overall, but they've just been leaning on Walker so much. So if the Seahawks do manage to shut down Walker, I think this could be a big Kelsey game. Assuming that Rishi Rice is still out because that hammy could still linger, get him healthy. How do you feel on Kelsey?
00:56:02
Speaker 3: Yeah, I like him this week too. He's my tight end eight. And I'm assuming Rasheed Rice is back. So that's a pro big wow for him.
00:56:09
Speaker 1: Yeah.
00:56:10
Speaker 2: So like if Rice is out, Kelsey probably move up. Um, yeah, probably.
00:56:15
Speaker 3: I don't think I could move him over likely. So he'd probably be my tight end seven.
00:56:20
Speaker 2: Oh God.
00:56:20
Speaker 3: All that for like, you'd go up one spot, but, um, yeah, Seahawks great defense, but they can be prone, um, and allow tight ends to catch passes over the middle.
00:56:31
Speaker 2: So yeah. Um, like Kelsey this week, even with the tough, tough matchup. Definitely.
00:56:36
Speaker 1: He's a star likely. I'm actually kind of hesitant. If JJ McCarthy starts against this defense, I know he's been amazing. This is not a knock on likely he's, one of the most talented receiving tight ends in the league right now but and i know the texans defense hasn't been great to start the season but demico calling plays i mean not against jaguars necessarily but you know i am a little more optimistic on them jalen petrie was out last week that's a big loss but uh i i don't know what to make of likely if jj is starting and teams are planning for jj whereas you know they're not playing prevent defense in the fourth and you know, the team plan for Jameis to start the week. So I don't know. We'll see. Likely and Kelsey will be close for me as well, but I would probably lean with likely just because of how productive he's been. Who are you lower on?
00:57:18
Speaker 2: Darren Waller.
00:57:19
Speaker 3: I faded his receiving yards prop last week at just 29 and a half yards because I noted that I dug into it Friday and Saturday is when I actually get to dig into everybody a lot more. And I noted that his target area was 35%. without Jalen Coker. And it was just 8% with Jalen Coker this year. Jalen Coker is like one of my favorite receivers right now. He might be too good at football. He might need to find something else to do. He has figured out football. Find another hobby. He is just too good.
00:57:53
Speaker 2: Anyways.
00:57:53
Speaker 3: But yeah, Waller, to no surprise, only saw an 11% target rate. Because, I mean, you got Technic Millen and Jalen Coker out there. Just an amazing, amazing young wide receiver duo. And, you know, they brought in Waller to ball out like he's a pass catching tight end. He's not there to block. So with them playing with the lead, he only ran around on 43 percent of Bryce's dropbacks. So, again, this is a week where they're three and a half point favorites at home against the Bucs. We don't know who's starting quarterback for Tampa Bay, but it could be another one of those games where they just go a little bit more tight and heavy with Tommy Tremble and Mitchell Evans. and maybe use like Darren Waller's more of a red zone weapon. So he, he still has touch on upside. That's why he's still kind of in play as a streamer, but I just don't think he's going to have, you know, the underlying target rate we kind of need for a guy that you can, you know, play as a streamer, uh, which is a shame because Waller, anytime he's been healthy the past few seasons, you know, he's been a streaming option, but I think right now with Coker back, uh, he's kind of out of that discussion for me. Um, And again, we'll see if either Tet or Coker missed time he might be back in that discussion but right now uh he's closer to like tight end 30 for me than he is uh the streaming uh discussion so yeah he's tight in 26 for me which is the lowest rank uh for me on him all year so yeah much lower on waller.
00:59:24
Speaker 1: Right now with coker back Tommy tremble to touchdown game. We'll do that to anyone. Uh, but yeah, I I'm with you. Not, not high on Waller. Not, I don't know how low I'd be. I mean, he's in my twenties, but you know, I'll parse it out. Just figure that out exactly in the next few days.
00:59:38
Speaker 2: But yeah, yeah.
00:59:39
Speaker 1: I'm lower on a Harold fan in just Sean Watson. The volume's mediocre. This game, I don't, again, it's close. They're one and a half point favorites. It's not really crazy, but at the same time, it's like fan in has been so hit or miss. He had the two touchdown game. That was amazing. He's just so inconsistent. I don't know what to make of it. Denzel Boston, this is a great matchup for him. Casey Concepcion is the second, or he might be the first target in the target percentage, but Boston is the lead dog in fantasy points. Casey and Fannin, not too far off, but I'm just... I don't want to play the game until Shadur is starting, if Shadur is starting, because then passing volume will be more so in play. Watson didn't throw a touchdown last week. He threw one the week prior. It's just been kind of so mediocre. And I don't want to have to play the game with Fanon. He's in my top 20, but I'd rather roll out Higby, like you mentioned. Kenyon Sadiq actually is a really good matchup. I'd rather start Kenyon Sadiq. Assuming he's healthy to start throughout the week against the Dolphins, then I would fan in because this is a great matchup for him. It's a bad pass defense. And I believe the Dolphins, their defensive tendencies are very favorable for Sadiq. So yeah, I'm low on fan in. I don't know how you feel on him.
01:00:59
Speaker 3: Yeah, I still have him inside my top 12. I'm still high on him as a talent. But like I said, heading into the season, he has way better competition now with Denzel Boston and Casey Concepcion. Because think about last year, he was competing with Cedric Tillman, Jamari Thrash, Malachi Corley, Gage, LaVardian.
01:01:25
Speaker 2: I mean, give me a break.
01:01:26
Speaker 3: Now he has Boston and Casey Concepcion. So the target rate's lower, but the playing time's still there. He's still running around on like 80%. of watson's drop back so like you said maybe when sanders takes over if that happens you know sanders isn't going to scramble as much which could lead to more targets but i i think you still kind of have to stick with him is it like a low end tight end one but yeah definitely lower on him uh.
01:01:51
Speaker 1: For now fanning or hunter henry right now oh um probably henry uh i'd go fan it with uh aj brown back But it's close.
01:02:03
Speaker 2: It's close.
01:02:04
Speaker 1: I mean, they're both kind of... So it's like you get one, you lose the other.
01:02:07
Speaker 3: I think that's just going to be more Efton Chisholm snaps, though, which isn't good. But Eli Raritan mixing in more. I think they're both kind of like, you know, sit start range, which there's like 20 tight ends in that range. That's what I'm saying.
01:02:23
Speaker 1: It's like Dallas Goddard with Tanner McKee. I mean, he got a lot of volume, but it's kind of just like all the same glut. I'd rather start the guys... I think we're in better offenses. I don't know.
01:02:33
Speaker 3: Once you get outside the top three, there's 20 guys essentially tied that you could sit here and argue about.
01:02:39
Speaker 2: Pretty much. That's why I didn't want to draft a tight end. We could do this all day. That's why I didn't want to draft a tight end.
01:02:44
Speaker 3: So, yeah, I don't know. I'll still stick with my guy, likely, out.
01:02:48
Speaker 2: Of all these guys.
01:02:49
Speaker 1: There you go.
01:02:50
Speaker 2: Yeah, he's been.
01:02:52
Speaker 1: a backbreaker for the opposing teams facing him because they paid for Brock Bowers. They paid for McBride. You got likely you're scoring just as much, if not more on a weekly basis. And that'll do it for our NFL week seven player projections episode. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast. You don't miss anything this season. Like and comment review as well. Don't forget to check out the fantasy labs app for all of our projections and more. You can use code flex 20 for $ 20 off an NFL subscription at fantasy labs.com slash flex. Download the Action app and sign up for Action Pro for immediate access to Action Expert picks. Use code POD20 for $ 20 off an annual subscription. BetSync is also back, so you'll definitely want to check that out in the Action app. Thanks for listening. We'll see you next week. Action Network reminds you, please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you care about has a gambling problem, help is available 24 seven at 1-800-GAMBLER.