Thu Oct 16 8:04am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
We actually could be getting a few key players back this week. Great news, right? We would much rather report on players returning from injury. Let’s keep this trend going.
Here is the latest. . . . .
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Bucs. Egbuka hurt his hamstring last week and early reports are he is expected to miss multiple games because of the injury. We would not expect him to play this week and plan for maybe a few more. The Bucs are all beat up at receiver, leaving Tez Johnson, Kameron Johnson and Sterling Shepard as the likely top three targets for the team this week.
Puka Nacua, WR, Rams. Nacau suffered an ankle injury last week and is out of practice to start the week. The Rams aren’t ruling him out just yet, but it seems Nacau is a pretty long shot to play this week. It is not looking good for him right now.
David Njoku, TE, Browns. Njoku was knocked from the game last week because of a knee injury. The Browns are calling him day-to-day. He is out of practice to start the week, which is a big concern for his availability this week. We would expect him to miss the Week 7 game.
Garrett Wilson, WR, Jets. Wilson has a knee injury and early reports were that he was going to miss a few weeks of action. The Jets claim he hasn’t been ruled out for this week, though. We wouldn’t count on him playing, but keep an eye on the notes for the latest. It would be a surprise if he suits up.
Terry McLaurin, WR, Commanders. McLaurin is back practicing this week on his quad injury. He remains questionable to play but is at least trending the right direction now. We should have a little better idea of his status the next few days.
Marvin Harrison, WR, Cardinals. Harrison is in the concussion protocol but already practicing on a limited basis to start the week. There is a very good sign for his status. Harrison should have a decent shot to be cleared before the week is out.
CeeDee Lamb, WR, Cowboys. Lamb is back practicing on a limited basis this week. His ankle injury is finally making some progress. There is a possibility he returns to action this week if he keeps progressing without any setbacks.
Chuba Hubbard, RB, Panthers. Hubbard returned to practice Wednesday after missing the last two games because of a calf injury. He should have a pretty good chance to play Week 7. It will be interesting to see how Hubbard is used after Rico Dowdle carried the offense in his place the last two games.
Calvin Ridley, WR, Titans. Ridley was knocked from last week’s game early because of a hamstring injury. He is out of practice to start the week. He will need to get better in a hurry if he hopes to have any chance to play Week 7. We would plan on other options.
Quentin Johnston, WR, Chargers. Johnston missed the game last week because of a hamstring injury. He is practicing to start this week and seems on track to return to the lineup Week 7. We would keep an eye on the notes to make sure, but things are looking up for Johnston.
Jalen Coker, WR, Panthers. Coker was close to playing last week but is set to return Week 7. He is practicing in full on his quad injury. Coker has a chance to play a pretty big role in the lineup upon his return.
Josh Downs, WR, Colts. Downs suffered an apparent concussion last week and is in the concussion protocol this week. It is not looking good for him to play right now. He will need to be cleared before the week is out.
Ricky Pearsall, WR, 49ers. Pearsall remains out of practice because of a knee injury. He has been slow to recover and seems likely to miss the Week 7 game, barring a huge turnaround later in the week.
Kyler Murray, QB, Cardinals. Murray had to sit out the game last week because of a foot injury. He returned to a limited practice to start this week. This is a good sign for Murray. He is making progress and has a chance to return to the starting lineup Week 7. We should know more in a day or two.
George Kittle, TE, 49ers. Kittle hasn’t been activated from Injured Reserve just yet but is practicing on a limited basis this week. There is a chance he makes his return to the lineup this week. He’ll need to be activated from Injured Reserve before that happens, though.
Brock Bowers, TE, Raiders. Bowers has been out since Week 4 because of a knee injury. He still is not practicing, so we would expect him to miss another week of action. Michael Mayer starts in his place at tight end.
DJ Moore, WR, Bears. Moore got pretty beat-up in last week’s game, suffering hip and groin injuries. He is out of practice right now. Don’t rule him out, but make sure he gets some practice in before using him. We consider him pretty iffy to play at the moment.
Jakobi Meyers, WR, Raiders. Meyers is dealing with knee and toe injuries and was not present at practice on Wednesday. This is not a good start to the week for Meyers. He is a veteran, though, so he might be resting as much as anything. This doesn’t mean he will certainly miss the Week 7 game. If he can get in some practice the next few days, look for Meyers to be healthy enough to play.
Brock Purdy, QB, 49ers. Purdy was limited in practice Wednesday. This gives him a shot to play Week 7 but it would not surprise to see him sit out another week. He has been slow to recover from this latest toe injury. Mac Jones will start if Purdy has to miss another game.
J.J. McCarthy, QB, Vikings. McCarthy has been out since Week 2 because of a high ankle sprain. He returned to practice on a limited basis to start his week. McCarthy is getting healthier but seems likely to miss another week of action. We look for Carson Wentz to start the Week 7 game.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller has made an instant impression with his new team after missing the first three weeks of the season, and he's quickly become one of Tua Tagovailoa's top targets. He and the Dolphins visit the Browns in Week 7 in a matchup of two 1-5 teams. Waller has played more snaps each week and worked up to a 69% snap share last week against the Chargers. He only had two catches for 12 yards, but had another good fantasy day since he found the end zone for the fourth time in three contests. In his three games, he has 10 catches for 117 yards to go with his four scores, and that production is enough to make him RotoBaller's TE10 this week as he faces the Browns, who rank in the middle of the pack against tight ends.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins tight end Julian Hill started the first three games of the season but had just one catch. Since the return of Darren Waller from a hip injury, Hill has actually been more involved in the last few weeks, while serving as the team's second tight end. He had four catches for 22 yards against the Panthers and three catches for 31 yards against the Chargers in the two games since the Dolphins lost Tyreek Hill (knee) for the season. This week, Hill and the Dolphins visit the Browns, who rank 18th in the NFL against tight ends this season. He's only the TE41, so he's not nearly in a starting spot in all but the deepest formats, but it is interesting that he's been able to find a little bit of a rhythm and role the last few weeks in Miami's passing game.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington has stepped up as the team's second receiver since the season-ending injury to Tyreek Hill (knee). He hasn't been able to produce much yardage, though, coming into this week's matchup with the Browns. Washington has had four catches in each of the last two weeks, but hasn't had a play go for even 10 yards yet. He had four catches for no yards in Week 5, followed by four catches for 22 receiving yards last week against the Chargers. The increase in targets and catches is a good sign, but he hasn't been able to break out for any big gains. The Dolphins offense isn't vertical enough to make him a regular starting option at receiver right now, despite some big-play potential. He comes into this week ranked as RotoBaller's WR64 well off the radar in most formats.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine has seen his snap share spike the last two weeks since the Tyreek Hill (knee) injury, but he has turned in no fantasy production as a result. As the Dolphins face the Browns this week, NWI will look to get involved in the offense after totaling just one catch over the last four weeks. Westbrook-Ikhine has become the team's third receiver over the last two weeks, playing 71% of snaps against the Panthers and 63% of the snaps against the Chargers. However, he has just one target and no catches despite being on the field for 76 plays. He has the potential to contribute since he's getting playing time, but the fact that Tua Tagovailoa doesn't throw the ball his way keeps him well off the fantasy radar this week in Cleveland, where he is the WR86 in RotoBaller's Week 7 rankings.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter could have a breakout game against the Los Angeles Rams during their visit to London. After a quiet start to the season, Liam Coen stated to the press the gameplan would be to get Hunter more involved on offense this week. That is music to the ears of fantasy managers who drafted the talented rookie high. In limited action, the two-way phenom has showed flashes of talent while getting acclimated to both sides of the ball in the NFL. On the other hand, this could just be coach speak, so fantasy managers shouldn't get too hasty. Bold managers in need of an upside play should feel good about starting Hunter in Week 7.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants kicker Jude McAtamney is an extremely low-floor option and should be avoided in all but the deepest fantasy formats for his Week 7 road contest. McAtamney has minimal history to rely on, having scored only nine total fantasy points across his three appearances with a 100% field goal rate on two attempts but missing an Extra Point against the Eagles. Unfortunately, the Denver Broncos are a difficult matchup for opposing kickers, as they rank 23rd in fantasy points allowed to the position, limiting kickers to a meager 9.5 points per game. Given the Giants' implied total of only 16.75 points and the Broncos' elite Red Zone Defense, which ranks 1st in the NFL, McAtamney is not projected to see the high-value scoring opportunities needed to be fantasy-relevant this week.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson is a risky, touchdown-dependent TE2 for Week 7 due to an extremely difficult road matchup against the stout Denver Broncos defense. Johnson has been a red-zone weapon for rookie QB Jaxson Dart, accounting for all three of Dart's career passing touchdowns, but the Broncos are the 4th-ranked fantasy defense against tight ends, allowing a paltry 4.6 Fantasy Points Per Game. Denver's overall defense ranks 2nd in the NFL, giving up only 15.8 points per game, and they are especially brutal in the red zone, ranking 1st with a 28.6% Defense Red Zone TD Rate. With an average of only 7.4 yards per reception this season and coming off a mere 27-yard performance in Week 6, Johnson needs a fourth touchdown since Dart took over just to provide value.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Lil'Jordan Humphrey is a desperate dart throw for Week 7, despite a solid performance in his Giants debut due to a brutal defensive matchup against his former team. Elevated from the practice squad last week, Humphrey immediately saw a surprising eight targets, turning them into four receptions for 55 yards, which resulted in 7.5 fantasy points and included a crucial 34-yard reception. However, the Broncos' defense is a top-two unit against the wide receiver position, ranking 2nd in the NFL by allowing an average of only 18.9 fantasy points per game to the position. Furthermore, the Broncos' pass defense is one of the league's best, allowing a mere 165.2 passing yards per game, and their overall points-against average of 15.8 points further limits the Giants' offensive ceiling and Humphrey's chances for a repeat performance.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson is establishing himself as the team's WR1 but faces a significant challenge in the Broncos' elite defense, making him a Flex play with a lower ceiling. Since Malik Nabers' injury, Robinson has commanded a steady target share, leading the team with six receptions for 84 yards and his second touchdown of the season in Week 6, maintaining his status as the 23rd-ranked fantasy WR (10.3 FPPG). However, the Broncos have one of the stingiest pass defenses in the NFL, ranking 2nd in points allowed to wide receivers (18.9 FPPG) and 3rd in the league with only 165.2 passing yards allowed per game. Their defense has been a total lockdown, sitting 2nd in the NFL by allowing an average of only 15.8 points against per game, which points to a tough day for the Giants' offense to sustain drives and maximize Robinson's volume.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo's incredible emergence makes him a must-start, albeit risky, low-end RB1/high-end RB2 for the tough road matchup in Denver. Skattebo, currently the 10th-ranked fantasy RB averaging 15.22 points per game, is coming off a massive 28 fantasy point performance where he rushed for 98 yards and three touchdowns against the Eagles. This week, his volume will be tested against the Broncos' elite defense, which ranks 4th against fantasy running backs, allowing only 17.47 fantasy points per game. Crucially, the Denver defense has been a red-zone wall, ranking 1st in the NFL by allowing a minuscule 28.6% touchdown rate and a league-low two rushing touchdowns all season, directly threatening Skattebo's primary source of his five touchdowns. Skattebo's immense workload and role near the goal line, however, keep his ceiling high despite the difficult on-paper matchup against a run defense allowing just 89 rushing yards per game.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. is a low-end flex option for Week 7, as he is firmly relegated to the backup role behind rookie Cam Skattebo. Tracy's season-long statistics are already concerning, with only 74 rushing yards on 26 carries for a meager 2.8 average yards per carry, and zero touchdowns on the year. This week presents a very challenging matchup, as the Broncos' defense ranks as the 4th-ranked fantasy defense against running backs, allowing just 17.47 fantasy points per game. Their rush defense is stifling, giving up only 89.0 rushing yards per game and having allowed a league-low two rushing touchdowns on the season. Following his return in Week 6, Tracy managed only four carries for six yards, suggesting minimal opportunity against one of the NFL's most dominant defenses.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker will face the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 7. Butker knocked through his only field goal attempt from 33 yards away towards the end of the fourth quarter of Week 6. The Chiefs kicker has been relatively productive on the backs of Kansas City's offensive resurgence, but he hasn't been impressive. Butker has missed at least one kick in five of six games this season, and his FG% this year is nearly 10% lower than his career average. Despite his struggles, Butker should be in play again with the Chiefs tied for the highest implied team total this week against the Raiders. The Chiefs are massive home favorites, and Butker should get plenty of opportunities to cash in. Butker is ranked K6 in our RotoBaller rankings, making him a good start at the position.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart will face his toughest test yet against the elite Denver Broncos defense, making him a risky QB2 for Week 7. Dart's fantasy value is propped up by his rushing, as he has posted over 50 yards and a touchdown on the ground in two of his three starts, accumulating 167 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the season. However, the Broncos' pass defense is a massive concern, as they rank second in the NFL in points allowed per game (15.8) and are the second-worst matchup for fantasy quarterbacks, allowing only 11.62 fantasy points per game. Furthermore, Dart has been sacked seven times in three starts, and he will now face a Broncos team that leads the league with an astounding 30 sacks. His mobility and willingness to run are his best hope for a decent floor, but the matchup's difficulty makes him hard to trust as a starting option.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans quarterback Cameron Ward has already faced plenty of adversity this week after his head coach was fired mid-season. Now, to make matters worse, Ward will face off against a New England Patriots team that has been terrific over the last two weeks. The Patriots have enjoyed resounding wins over the Bills and Saints, largely due to big contributions from the defensive side of the ball. That same defense will look to make life extra difficult for Ward in his first game with interim head coach Mike McCoy -- his third different head coach over the last 12 months. The rookie No. 1 pick has struggled through his first six NFL contests, completing just 55 percent of his passes for 1,101 passing yards, three touchdowns, four interceptions, and four lost fumbles. The staggeringly high turnover-to-touchdown ratio could possibly grow even larger this week; not only has New England forced four turnovers in its last two games, but it has also allowed the 13th-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks in 2025. Ward should be avoided at all costs in Week 7.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith will face the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 7. The rookie did not handle a single carry in the 30-17 victory over the Detroit Lions last week, but he did handle his normal allotment of receptions. Smith has three receptions in each of the last three games and he's averaging 8.9 yards per catch. The 22-year-old was a wide receiver at the University of Miami, but proved his ability to run between the tackles at SMU. That said, the Chiefs have not allowed him to handle many carries, likely due to his small stature. The smaller back is a speedster with 4.39 speed, and Kansas City is likely trying to maximize his efficiency by getting him in space. There is a chance that his role grows as the season goes on, but it's not likely to happen this week against the Raiders. The Raiders have been middle-of-the-pack against running backs, but with Kansas City being massive home favorites, Isiah Pacheco should be the favorite for more carries to run out the clock. Smith is ranked RB49 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him nothing more than a bench stash until he gets a larger workload.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers kicker Eddy Pineiro has been one of the NFL's top scorers lately, going 8-for-8 on field goals and 3-for-3 on extra points over his last two games. The 30-year-old has been a terrific addition for the Niners, who moved on from the plight of Jake Moody earlier this year and have gotten consistent production out of his replacement. This week, Pineiro takes on the Atlanta Falcons, who rank near the middle of the league in limiting kicker points. The Falcons have allowed the 12th-most fantasy points to kickers, giving Pineiro an opportunity to remain highly effective yet again. He should be streamed and/or started in most leagues this week.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints kicker Blake Grupe was perfect in Week 6, making all four field goal attempts and his lone extra point in the loss to the Patriots. This marks his second straight game with four field goals, and with New Orleans struggling to reach the end zone, Grupe has established himself as one of the more reliable fantasy kickers, currently ranking fifth overall. He's 14-for-19 on field goals and 9-for-9 on extra points this season. Grupe faces the Bears in Week 7, who have allowed 8.2 fantasy points per game to kickers, 10th in the league. With the Saints moving the ball but struggling to score touchdowns, Grupe offers a strong floor and high-upside production for fantasy rosters.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers running back Brian Robinson Jr. has maintained a depth role throughout the first six weeks of the 2025 NFL season, and that should remain the case this Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. Robinson is averaging just 4.5 carries and 0.8 receptions per game with his new team, failing to carve out any significant workload behind Christian McCaffrey. While there's no question that he is a top handcuff who could be a low-end RB1 if McCaffrey were to miss time, for now, he's a non-factor in fantasy football. Managers in deeper leagues should stash him on the bench, and managers in shallow leagues can leave him on waivers.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt will take on the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 7. Hunt handled six carries for 23 yards and one catch for 11 yards in Week 6 against the Detroit Lions. The veteran running back continued his run of inefficient games, averaging under 4.0 yards per carry for the fifth time in six games this season. Despite his struggles, the Chiefs put him in goal-line situations and allowed him the opportunity to score three rushing touchdowns this season. Hunt and Isiah Pacheco had split the backfield opportunities nearly 50/50 until Week 6. Pacheco handled 12 carries compared to Hunt's six, and the former was more efficient with his touches. If the Chiefs decide to feed Pacheco more each week, Hunt's usage in the offense could be trending down. Despite having a nice matchup against the Raiders, who have allowed eight rushing touchdowns this season, Hunt is ranked RB34 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings this week. Hunt should be viewed as an RB3/Flex option against the Las Vegas Raiders.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints tight end/quarterback Taysom Hill recorded just one carry for one yard in the Week 6 loss to the Patriots, but it was enough for the 35-year-old Swiss Army knife to find the end zone. This was only his second game back since tearing his ACL in Week 13 of 2024, and so far he's logged seven carries for zero yards and a touchdown while also completing his lone pass attempt for 19 yards in Week 5. Hill remains one of the most unpredictable players in football, but a favorable matchup against a Bears defense allowing 156.4 rushing yards per game could give him a spark. He ranks as a TE2 with week-winning upside if he sees enough opportunities across the board.
From RotoBaller