RADIO
Jalen Royals Could See More Looks In Week 7
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Jalen Royals should continue to have a role in the passing attack against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 7. The second-year wideout caught two of his four targets for 24 yards against the Los Angeles Chargers last week. Royals was expected to step into the team's WR2 role in the absence of both Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton and that appeared to be the case from a usage standpoint. Royals was on the field for nearly as many snaps as Xavier Worthy and ran the second most routes among Kansas City wide receivers. Royals should once again be a featured part of the passing attack, but production is not guaranteed especially this week. The Seahawks defense is among the worst matchups for opposing wide receivers and given his lack of production against the Chargers, Royals could be in store for even less success this weekend. Royals is ranked WR65 in our RotoBaller Week 7 PPR rankings, making him a desperation flex option in Seattle. Fantasy managers may want to look elsewhere for flex production this Sunday.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Cade Otton is Barely on Fantasy Radar for Week 7
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton has barely been a factor lately. Over the last two games, Otton has hauled in four receptions for 29 yards. The hope is that the return of Baker Mayfield (thumb) in Week 7 will boost the overall value of Otton. Also, the absence of top wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (foot, concussion) could play a factor as well. The hope is that Otton bounces back against the Carolina Panthers this weekend, but fantasy managers still shouldn't trust him as a starting option. He'll offer a low floor even with Egbuka out and Mayfield back under center. Fantasy managers should keep Otton on the bench until he proves he can offer viable value.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Xavier Worthy Set To Reprise WR1 Role At Seattle
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy will get another opportunity to act as the team's WR1 against the Seattle Seahawks this weekend. Worthy stepped up in the absence of Rashee Rice last week, catching all seven of his targets for 73 yards against the Los Angeles Chargers. Worthy looked explosive, especially on his big crossing route that set the Chiefs up in field goal range. The third-year wideout should continue to see increased usage this week with Rashee Rice ruled out ahead of the contest. The path to fantasy success will not be easy for Worthy facing the strong Seahawks defense. The Seattle defensive unit is one of the worst matchups for opposing wide receivers, but Worthy should see his fair share of designed targets. Despite the difficult matchup, Worthy is ranked WR37 in our RotoBaller Week 7 PPR rankings meaning he should find his way into lineups. Fantasy managers struggling with injuries and bye weeks should consider starting Worthy for as long as he is the WR1 of the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Tyler Allgeier Expected to Handle Third-Down Work in Week 7
Arizona Cardinals running back Tyler Allgeier is expected to remain heavily involved on third downs against the Denver Broncos in Week 7 with Jeremiyah Love (ankle) ruled out for a second consecutive game. According to Tyler Drake of Arizona Sports, head coach Mike LaFleur cited Allgeier's physicality and reliability in pass protection as reasons to keep him on the field in passing situations. Allgeier led Arizona with 18 carries and 40 offensive snaps against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 6, but managed just 38 rushing yards and one reception for 10 yards. Bam Knight was far more productive, with 80 rushing yards on 15 attempts, and LaFleur indicated that Knight will handle substantial early-down work. Allgeier's passing-down and short-yardage responsibilities should preserve his playing time, but he is a volume-dependent flex option without a clear path to dominating the backfield.
Source: Tyler Drake
Source: Tyler Drake
Travis Kelce Should Be Busy In Week 7
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce will likely be a focal point of the offense as the team heads to Seattle this weekend. Kelce was listed on the injury report with an ankle injury that he sustained early in last week's game, but he was healthy enough to finish the contest and logged a limited practice on Friday so he should be good to go. Kelce had a serviceable game in Week 6 against the Los Angeles Chargers, catching four passes for 53 yards on five targets. The veteran tight end did not find the end zone last week but his 53 yards were the second-most on the team just behind Xavier Worthy. Kelce will now have to face the tough Seattle defense on the road in Week 7. The Seahawks are arguably the most well-rounded defense in football, but the position that most often finds success against them is tight end. With wide receiver Rashee Rice out another game with his hamstring injury, Kelce should continue to see a high volume of targets from quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Kelce is ranked TE8 in our RotoBaller Week 7 PPR rankings, making him a solid TE1 option this week. Fantasy managers should feel confident starting Kelce this Sunday, but be prepared for a potentially low-scoring affair.
Source: Chiefs.com
Source: Chiefs.com
Kenneth Walker Set For A Revenge Game
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker is set to face his former team, the Seattle Seahawks, in a battle of recent Super Bowl Champions on Sunday. Walker has been one of the most valuable backs to start the season, leading the league in rushing despite already having his bye week in Week 5. Walker rushed 19 times for 128 yards and two touchdowns in last week's win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Walker has been a feature back with the Chiefs and he will get the chance to show what he can do in that role against the Seahawks, who never seemed content to unleash him in that way. That said, the Seahawks defense is not a unit that can typically be run on. The Seattle defense is one of the stronger units, especially against opposing running backs. The home team will also have the benefit of knowing Walker and his tendencies, which could be detrimental to his production this weekend. Regardless of the matchup though, Walker has been on another level to start the year and there is no reason he should see any fantasy benches for as long as he is healthy. Walker is ranked RB3 in our RotoBaller Week 7 PPR rankings, making him a solid RB1 option yet again. Fantasy managers may need to prepare themselves for what may be Walker's lowest-scoring game of the season.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Tez Johnson a Touchdown-Dependent Option for Week 7
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Tez Johnson is expected to see a larger role against the Carolina Panthers in Week 7. Top wideout Emeka Egbuka (foot, concussion) is ruled out for this weekend. His absence should move Johnson into the No. 3 wideout role with the Bucs banged up at wideout. Johnson had a promising rookie campaign, but he hasn't been much of a factor this season. Heading into Week 7, Johnson has hauled in seven receptions for 145 yards and zero touchdowns. He offers big-play upside, but probably isn't someone who is going to see a handful of targets. The return of Baker Mayfield (thumb) should help his value with the deep ball back in play. Fantasy managers in deep leagues should consider Johnson a touchdown-dependent option for Week 7.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Patrick Mahomes Ready To Face Super Bowl Champs
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes will take on the Seattle Seahawks on the road in Week 7. The veteran QB had a relatively easy afternoon against the Los Angeles Chargers defense last week, completing 77% of his passes for 272 yards and an interception. Mahomes walked away with zero touchdowns on the day, but the Chiefs still won the game handily on the back of another impressive performance from running back Kenneth Walker. Mahomes should have a significantly tougher time finding success on the road against a stout Seattle defense. The Seahawks defense is easily a top-five unit in the league, and it's especially tough against quarterbacks. The Chiefs superstar will not only have to contend with a stellar defense but also a depleted receiver room. Mahomes is ranked QB16 in our RotoBaller Week 7 rankings, making him a lower tier option than he is most weeks. Fantasy managers should still plan on starting Mahomes this week but temper expectations against one of the better defenses in the NFL.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Ted Hurst III Could Offer Deep-League Value
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Ted Hurst III could see a larger role in the offense this weekend. Top wideout Emeka Egbuka (foot, concussion) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 7 matchup against the Carolina Panthers. His absence should mean that Hurst moves into the No. 2 role in this offense. This past weekend, Hurst hauled in three of his six targets for 40 yards in the loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The rookie wideout should also see a boost in value with quarterback Baker Mayfield (thumb) making his return to the field. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect too much, but Hurst could be a flex play in deep leagues this weekend.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
T.J. Hockenson Clears Concussion Protocol for Week 7
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (concussion) has cleared concussion protocol and carries no injury designation for Sunday's Week 7 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic. Hockenson practiced in full Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday following Minnesota's Week 6 bye. The veteran tight end has caught 23 passes for 202 yards and one touchdown through five games, although his production has varied considerably. He recorded 13 catches for 119 yards against the Miami Dolphins in Week 4 with Justin Jefferson sidelined, then managed just one reception for seven yards when Jefferson returned against the New Orleans Saints. Hockenson remains a borderline TE1 option with Minnesota's primary receivers available.
Source: Alec Lewis
Source: Alec Lewis
Chris Godwin Jr. Should Have Increased Value
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. is expected to see an increased usage during this weekend's Week 7 matchup against the Carolina Panthers. Fellow wideout Emeka Egbuka (foot, concussion) has been ruled out ahead of this contest. His absence means that Godwin will take over as the top wideout for Sunday's game. Godwin hasn't been much of a fantasy option this season, but quarterback Baker Mayfield (thumb) is making his return to the field this weekend. The expectation is that Godwin will see a higher target share and increased value with Mayfield back under center. The veteran wideout hasn't given fantasy managers much reason to trust him, but they might be able to plug him in as a flex option this weekend.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Jordan Addison Set to Return Against Colts in Week 7
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (hamstring) has no injury designation for Sunday's Week 7 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic. Addison missed Minnesota's Week 5 victory over New Orleans but practiced in full Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday following the team's bye. He has caught 11 passes for 163 yards and one touchdown through four games, with his best outing coming against Tampa Bay in Week 3 when he recorded five receptions for 90 yards and a score. Addison will return to a receiving group featuring healthy starters Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson, making him a WR4 with flex appeal in deeper fantasy leagues.
Source: Alec Lewis
Source: Alec Lewis
Kenny Gainwell is Avoidable in Week 7
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Kenny Gainwell hasn't been a viable fantasy option through the first six games of the regular season. That's unlikely to change against the Carolina Panthers in Week 7. This past weekend, Gainwell rushed the ball twice for 17 yards while hauling in his lone target for seven yards. Gainwell has seen four or fewer rushing attempts in five straight games. There hasn't been much of a role for Gainwell in this offense, and that probably won't change with Bucky Irving doing well in the lead back role. Gainwell is worth holding in certain formats, but he's not a recommended starting option ahead of this Week 7 matchup.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Justin Jefferson Carries No Injury Designation for Week 7
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (ankle) carries no injury designation for Sunday's Week 7 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic. Jefferson was limited Wednesday before practicing in full Thursday and Friday following Minnesota's Week 6 bye. He missed Week 4 with the ankle injury but returned against the New Orleans Saints in Week 5, catching six of seven targets for 79 yards and a touchdown. Jefferson has 19 receptions for 258 yards and three touchdowns in four appearances this season. With Indianapolis ruling out cornerback Sauce Gardner (calf), Jefferson remains a must-start WR1 for fantasy managers.
Source: Alec Lewis
Source: Alec Lewis
Bucky Irving Gives High-End RB2 Value for Week 7
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (illness) doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers. Irving was limited in practice on Thursday, but he will be out there for this must-win divisional contest. Irving is hopeful for better results after struggling to do much of anything during last week's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. He carried the ball 19 times for 46 yards while hauling in two receptions for three yards. The Bucs are without top wideout Emeka Egbuka (foot, concussion), which means they could lean on the run game more than normal. The Panthers' run defense is beatable, so Irving should have a better day on the ground. Fantasy managers should consider Irving a high-end RB2 for this game.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
