Biggest Fantasy Football Busts Of The Week - Fantasy Outlooks For C.J. Stroud, Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, DeVonta Smith, Tank Dell, Jameson Williams

October 22, 2024

Several NFL players underwhelmed in Week 7 of the 2024 fantasy football season. Andersen Pickard identifies busts at each position and if they'll bounce back.

The seventh Sunday of the 2024 NFL season has come and gone. Hopefully, you woke up on Monday morning feeling very good about how your matchup went. However, this week's slate of games was certainly stress-inducing for many fantasy football managers.

Part of that stress was caused by a group of players who drastically underachieved in Week 7. These players simply did not meet fantasy expectations this week, and it cost their managers in a big way.

Let's take a look at the biggest busts from Week 7, as well as whether or not we can still have some trust in these players moving forward. All point totals are based on the PPR scoring system. Players who missed part of the game due to injury are exempt from being featured.

Fantasy Football Quarterback Busts

Daniel Jones, 7.0 FPTS

Jones couldn't get anything going as the Giants notched just three points against the Eagles. The overpaid quarterback threw for just 99 yards, failing to find the end zone. He's tough to trust against a strong Steelers defense next week.

Andy Dalton, 1.0 FPTS

Dalton struggled on Sunday, completing just 11 passes for 93 yards, zero touchdowns, and two interceptions. Head coach Dave Canales confirmed Dalton will remain the starter in Week 8, but fantasy managers should avoid him at all costs.

C.J. Stroud, 6.2 FPTS

Stroud had his most disappointing game of the season, completing less than 50 percent of his passes, throwing for less than 100 yards, and failing to tally a touchdown. If there's one positive from this game, it's that Stroud did not turn over the football. Still, fantasy managers were expecting a lot more from Houston's QB1.

If CJ Stroud is as good as everyone says, the Packers just had the defensive performance of the season.

— Peter Bukowski (@Peter_Bukowski) October 20, 2024

Kirk Cousins, 11.5 FPTS

Cousins did deliver a touchdown pass on Sunday, but he also committed three turnovers in the loss to Seattle. In fact, the veteran quarterback was benched before the final whistle as Michael Penix Jr. earned some late reps. Cousins' benching was a product of the blowout score and doesn't suggest his job security is in danger, but it's still worth noting he wasn't QB1 for the full 60 minutes.

Anthony Richardson, 10.0 FPTS

Richardson completed just 42 percent of his passes on Sunday and lost a fumble along the way. He (somewhat) salvaged his fantasy performance with 56 rushing yards, but fantasy managers still view it as a subpar showing from last year's first-round pick.

Matthew Stafford, 5.5 FPTS

Stafford threw for 154 yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception on Sunday. The Rams beat the Raiders, but most of the offense's success ran through Kyren Williams. Los Angeles' signal-caller is not a dependable fantasy option for Week 8, but his value could rise if Cooper Kupp (ankle) returns.

Fantasy Football Running Back Busts

Rhamondre Stevenson, 4.5 FPTS

The Patriots abandoned the rushing attack early Sunday morning, leaving Stevenson with just seven carries, two catches, and 25 total scrimmage yards. We're not sold on his ability to bounce back against the Jets next week, but his dual-threat talent allows him to rank as an RB3 for the moment.

Tyrone Tracy Jr., 6.2 FPTS

Tracy remained the Giants' top running back but still took a step backward. The rookie rushed six times for 23 yards on the ground, adding nine receiving yards on three catches. He's a matchup-based fantasy option going forward and should rank as an RB3 in Week 8 against the Steelers.

D'Onta Foreman, 0.5 FPTS

Managers who thought we would see an even split between Foreman and Nick Chubb were surely disappointed when the latter dominated the rushing attack in the first half and found the end zone. Trailing by two scores, the Browns nearly abandoned the running game entirely in the second half. Foreman touched the ball twice, totaling just five yards on the ground.

Braelon Allen, 1.6 FPTS

Allen registered just six total yards on three touches in Week 7. The Jets' backup running back returned to a clear depth role behind the dominant Breece Hall. Allen, a rookie, is coming off the quietest game of his young career and should be avoided in all fantasy leagues next week despite a favorable matchup against New England.

Trey Sermon, 5.9 FPTS

Sermon officially took a backseat to Tyler Goodson on Sunday, totaling 49 scrimmage yards on nine touches. Even if Jonathan Taylor (ankle) remains sidelined against the Texans in Week 8, Sermon isn't dependable for fantasy purposes. Fire up Goodson in your lineups, instead.

Devin Singletary, 3.1 FPTS

Singletary took a backseat to Tracy in his return to the offense on Sunday. The veteran tallied just 21 scrimmage yards and is not a dependable fantasy option for Week 8 against the Steelers.

Week 7 snap rate:
67% - Tyrone Tracy
22% - Devin Singletary

Route participation:
69% - Tracy
15% - Singletary

— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) October 20, 2024

Raheem Mostert, 3.0 FPTS

Mostert rushed for 50 yards but lost a fumble on Sunday. He was out-produced by De'Von Achane and Jaylen Wright in terms of both fantasy points and yards per carry. The 32-year-old should be benched against a strong Cardinals run defense next week.

Ty Chandler, 0.4 FPTS

Aaron Jones battled a hip injury during practice this week. While he was cleared to play on Sunday, there was some speculation that he could still be limited. That wasn't the case as the veteran running back handled all but two of the backfield's rushing attempts. Those two other carries went to Chandler, who mustered just four yards. He's off the fantasy radar.

Austin Ekeler, 4.0 FPTS

The Commanders' balanced rushing attack saw productive performances on the ground from Brian Robinson Jr., Jeremy McNichols, Jayden Daniels (rib), and Marcus Mariota. Ekeler rushed just four times and only caught two passes. He should bounce back next week against Chicago.

Jordan Mason, 8.9 FPTS

Mason had his second-worst fantasy performance of the season, rushing 14 times for 58 yards while catching just two passes. He's been held to single-digit fantasy points (PPR) in each of his last three contests and will likely enter Week 8 ranking outside the top 12 running backs.

Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Busts

Tyreek Hill, 2.3 FPTS

Hill caught just one pass for 13 yards on Sunday as the Dolphins' passing attack struggled to get anything going. Managers are itching for Tua Tagovailoa (head) to rejoin the Miami offense. That could happen as soon as next week; he's eligible to return from injured reserve within the next few days.

Tyreek Hill gets his first catch of the day on just his second target ... unacceptable, I don't care how the defense has been playing him

You have to find ways to get him the ball

— Marcel Louis-Jacques (@Marcel_LJ) October 20, 2024

Davante Adams, 6.0 FPTS

Adams caught just three of nine targets for 30 yards during his Jets debut. It's no surprise that the talented veteran is facing some growing pains just a few days after being acquired from the Raiders. He's still a solid WR2 or WR3 in fantasy football, especially next week against the Patriots.

Jaylen Waddle, 2.1 FPTS

Waddle caught just one pass for 11 yards on Sunday as the Dolphins' passing attack struggled to get anything going. It's been painful to watch Waddle try to produce while catching passes from Skylar Thomspon, Tyler Huntley, and Tim Boyle. His value will get a major boost if Tua Tagovailoa (head) returns next week.

Alec Pierce, 3.5 FPTS

Pierce is the Colts' deep threat but wasn't able to link up with Richardson for any big plays on Sunday. He caught just two of five targets for 15 yards as the Colts edged out Miami. The 24-year-old receiver is not a reliable fantasy option for Week 8 against Houston.

Malik Nabers, 8.1 FPTS

Nabers was held to just four catches for 41 yards in his return from concussion protocol. The flashy rookie has a strong chance to bounce back in Week 8 against the Steelers.

Jameson Williams, 0.6 FPTS

Williams turned his lone target into a loss of four yards on Sunday. His flashy start to the season has transitioned into a more boom-or-bust style of play. He has not had a single game between 1.3 and 14.3 fantasy points (PPR), finishing below that range in two and above in four. Fantasy managers should treat him as a low-floor, high-ceiling FLEX option against the Titans in Week 8.

Courtland Sutton, 0.0 FPTS

Sutton was non-existent during Thursday's victory. The Broncos' top wide receiver was held without a target as Bo Nix instead threw to the likes of Troy Franklin and Lucas Krull. He should bounce back in a very favorable matchup against the Panthers next week.

Tank Dell, 0.0 FPTS

Dell was targeted four times on Sunday but did not catch a single pass. This was certainly an anomaly from the 24-year-old, especially since he caught seven passes for 57 yards and a touchdown one week earlier. He should bounce back as a mid-to-low fantasy WR2 in Week 8 against the Colts.

Remember when CJ Stroud used to throw to Tank Dell and they would pick up a bunch of yards and score touchdowns and stuff? Maybe that was before your time.

— Neil Orfield (@playerqDFS) October 20, 2024

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, 5.7 FPTS

Smith-Njigba got sneaky with a 35-yard pass completion on Sunday. However, as a receiver, he wasn't nearly as impactful, catching just three of his six targets for nine yards through the air. He had his lowest receiving yardage total of the season despite DK Metcalf (ankle) missing a portion of the game. Smith-Njigba should bounce back next week in a potential shootout against Buffalo.

DeVonta Smith, 0.8 FPTS

Smith lost two yards on his lone reception this Sunday. Quite simply, the Eagles didn't need to pass the ball much in order to beat the Giants. Smith should get back on track in a more competitive game against the Bengals next week.

Jordan Whittington, 0.0 FPTS

Whittington was surprisingly not targeted on Sunday. He took a major step backward after catching 13 passes for 151 yards over his last two games. He's falling off the fantasy radar, especially if Kupp (ankle) returns next week.

Gabe Davis, 2.3 FPTS

Fresh off a two-touchdown performance, Davis came back down to earth in Week 7 against the Patriots. He caught just one pass for 13 yards and was largely out-produced by both Brian Thomas Jr. and Evan Engram. With single-digit fantasy points in all but one game this season, Davis should be benched in most leagues for Week 8 against Green Bay.

Josh Downs, 1.3 FPTS

Fears that Downs may take a step back with Richardson under center became reality on Sunday. The two linked up just once for three yards as Downs had his worst game of the season. Talent-wise, he's a fantasy WR3. However, his true value is a bit lower with Richardson under center.

Xavier Worthy, 5.4 FPTS

Worthy couldn't capitalize on injuries to Rashee Rice (knee) and JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring), totaling just 24 scrimmage yards during Sunday's Super Bowl rematch win over the 49ers. He's a boom-or-bust WR3 for Week 8 against the Raiders.

Stefon Diggs, 7.3 FPTS

Diggs was the Texans' top receiver with Nico Collins (hamstring) out. While he did operate in that role, he wasn't exactly flashy. The veteran receiver should have no trouble bouncing back as a fringe top-12 fantasy receiver next week against Indianapolis.

Jayden Reed, 3.0 FPTS

Reed caught just two passes for 10 yards on Sunday as Jordan Love primarily threw toward Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, and Tucker Kraft. The 24-year-old is still Green Bay's most talented receiver and should be treated as a WR2 moving forward.

oh no Jayden Reed pic.twitter.com/X04chxBm30

— Christian D'Andrea (@TrainIsland) October 20, 2024

Diontae Johnson, 2.7 FPTS

Johnson was held in check Sunday, catching just one pass for 17 yards despite a negative game script. He'll have trouble bouncing back against the Broncos in Week 8, especially if Patrick Surtain (concussion) returns for Denver.

Christian Kirk, 3.4 FPTS

Kirk was held in check Sunday morning, catching just one pass for 24 yards. The passing game funneled through Brian Thomas Jr. and Evan Engram once again, leaving Kirk with a disappointing fantasy finish. He'll rank outside the top 36 fantasy receivers heading into Week 8 against Green Bay.

DeAndre Hopkins, 0.8 FPTS

Hopkins caught just one pass for a loss of two yards on Sunday. The Titans' passing attack faced some adversity with Mason Rudolph under center, and Hopkins was one of the hardest-hit victims. He's not a reliable fantasy starter in Week 8 against Detroit.

Jerry Jeudy, 2.8 FPTS

Jeudy failed to capitalize on last week's Amari Cooper trade. He led the Browns' receivers in snaps, playing 80 of 84, but was significantly out-produced by both Elijah Moore and Cedric Tillman. Even as Cleveland's No. 1 receiver, Jeudy can't be trusted in fantasy football leagues going forward.

Christian Watson, 1.5 FPTS

Watson had nine receiving yards and negative four rushing yards on Sunday. He took a backseat to Doubs, Wicks, Reed, Kraft, and Bo Melton this weekend. He's not a dependable fantasy option heading into Week 8 despite a favorable matchup against Jacksonville.

Xavier Legette, 2.9 FPTS

Legette tallied just two catches for three yards, plus a six-yard rush. He remains outside the top 36 fantasy receivers heading into Week 8 against the Broncos.

Fantasy Football Tight End Busts

Sam LaPorta, 3.5 FPTS

LaPorta was held to just 25 yards on one reception this Sunday. The Lions' offense had some life, but LaPorta simply wasn't very involved. He ranks outside the top 15 fantasy tight ends this season but still has the talent needed to bounce back as a top-six option against the Titans in Week 8.

Sam LaPorta games with 2 or fewer catches

2023: 1
2024: 4

— Jared Smola (@SmolaDS) October 21, 2024

Travis Kelce, 5.7 FPTS

Kelce caught four passes for just 17 yards on Sunday as he failed to capitalize on injuries to Rashee Rice (knee) and JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring). He hasn't been his elite self lately but should still be started in most fantasy leagues against the Raiders next week.

Dalton Schultz, 3.8 FPTS

Schultz caught just one of two targets for 28 yards on Sunday. His struggles were consistent with an overall lack of dependability from the Houston passing attack in Week 7. He should bounce back as a low-end fantasy TE1 for next week's clash against Indianapolis.

Mike Gesicki, 1.2 FPTS

Gesicki was one of the hottest tight ends through the first three weeks of the season but has been nearly non-existent since then. He belongs on waivers in all fantasy leagues.

Erick All Jr., 0.0 FPTS

All was averaging 3.2 catches per game over the last five weeks and caught multiple passes in each of those five games. However, he was held without a reception on Sunday against Cleveland. He has more fantasy appeal than his teammate, Gesicki, but not by much. All can be avoided in most 12-team leagues.

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