FantasyPros Articles

Despite poor season-long metrics, Brown faces a dreamy setup this week against Tennessee. The Titans rank tied for 25th in pass rate over expected (-1.4%) and traded stud defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. Tennessee has allowed the 12th-most half-PPR points per game to running backs this season (20.4). Since last season, the Titans ran 39.9% of the time with Simmons on the field but that jumps to 49.9% without him. The Bengals are also 12.5-point favorites, creating positive game script for Brown. The source states: "As underwhelming as Brown has been, this is a dreamy setup." If he flops this week, it will be hard to trust him again as more than a bye-week fill-in.

Among 39 running backs with at least 50 rush attempts, Brown has 13.7 rush attempts per game (T-21st), 47.5 rushing yards per game (27th), 3.48 yards per carry (32nd), 7.9% explosive run rate (27th), -12.0 rush yards over expectation per game (35th), 45.1% stuff rate (19th), and 51.2% success rate (17th). Brown adds 4.7 receptions and 23.8 receiving yards per game but has scored only one touchdown, resulting in RB26 ranking in half-PPR points per game (10.1) through Week 7. The source acknowledges gamers are justifiably annoyed but advises against benching him this week due to favorable matchup.

Jeudy is mentioned as a potential stash candidate in the context of trade rumors and forward-thinking roster management. The source notes that gamers with dead roster spots could do worse than stashing Jeudy in some circumstances, suggesting he has trade-rumor upside worth monitoring.

McGowan is mentioned as a player who would benefit if the starter is traded. The source recommends that running back-needy gamers should proactively grab McGowan, indicating he is a priority stash for teams with RB depth concerns in leagues with large benches.

Downs is mentioned in the context of trade rumors. The source states: "I'm most inclined to hold Downs from that trio," indicating preference for stashing Downs over Brian Thomas Jr. and Seth McGowan among the trade-rumor players. The source recommends holding Downs in leagues with large benches, especially if alternatives are mediocre QB2s or low-ceiling roster clogs.

Thomas is mentioned in the context of trade rumors. The source argues against stashing him, stating it would be ill-advised for the Jaguars to trade him to the Chiefs given Jacksonville's win-now window. While the Rams or 49ers would be appealing landing spots, the Commanders would be less exciting even accounting for his rapport with Jayden Daniels. The source also notes Thomas is coming off a dreadful sophomore campaign, and given his start to this season, last year looks more legitimate than his rookie season. Thomas is ranked as the least enticing option to stash among the trade-rumor players discussed.

ECR ranks Bernard WR24. The source ranks him fourth among the four wideouts (Cooper, Burden, Concepcion, Bernard), citing unfavorable coverage matchups. The Browns lead the NFL in man coverage rate (45.5% vs. 22.1% league average) and single-high coverage rate (75.2% vs. 49.4% league average). Bernard has produced 0.22 targets per route run and 1.13 yards per route run on 76 routes against man coverage, and 0.19 targets per route run and 1.51 yards per route run on 108 routes against single-high coverage. While Bernard will get opportunities against zone, the source prefers Concepcion due to coverage tendencies and draft capital (second-round pick).

ECR ranks Concepcion WR25. The source ranks her third among the four wideouts (Cooper, Burden, Concepcion, Bernard). Concepcion benefits from favorable coverage matchups: the Steelers play zone 80.9% of the time (vs. 73.5% league average) and two-high coverage 55% of the time (vs. 50.6% league average). Concepcion has produced 0.22 targets per route run and 1.52 yards per route run on 132 routes against zone, and 0.20 targets per route run and 1.56 yards per route run on 80 routes against two-high coverage. The source ranks her ahead of Bernard due to draft capital (first-round pick) and these favorable coverage tendencies.

ECR has Burden ranked WR18 in half-PPR. In Caleb Williams' four starts, Burden has logged 60.0% route participation rate, 18.0% target share, 0.25 targets per route run, 27.4% first-read rate, 26.2% air yard share, 5.0 receptions per game, 80.0 receiving yards per game, 3.33 yards per route run, and 1 receiving touchdown. The source notes Burden has been efficient but flags his route participation rate as concerning and cites a tough matchup this week. Despite talent level earning him a ranking above Concepcion and Bernard, the matchup bumps him behind Cooper in the source's contrarian ranking.

The source ranks Cooper ahead of consensus ECR (WR26) and calls him "sensational." Among 129 wide receivers with at least 50 routes, Cooper ranks tied for 18th in targets per route run (0.26), first in yards per target (19.08), fifth in yards per reception (20.67), and first in yards per route run (4.96). The source's contrarian ranking places Cooper first among the four wideouts discussed (Cooper, Burden, Concepcion, Bernard), citing his elite efficiency metrics as justification for the ADP/ranking upgrade.

With A.J. Brown likely to miss time and Romeo Doubs remaining on injured reserve, Kyle Williams is more appealing than Efton Chism because he can win downfield. Facing a vulnerable Dolphins defense that just got torched by Omar Cooper Jr., Williams has some upside worth stashing.

Ayomanor posted a season-high seven targets against the Browns last week. With Carnell Tate sidelined by injury, Ayomanor has a chance to put up his best game of the year against the Bengals. Described as more of a one-week play in deeper leagues, but still worth stashing if in a tough spot.

Mitchell looked terrific early in the season but missed time with injury and was quiet in his first game back while Omar Cooper Jr. popped off. There have been whispers about a potential Garrett Wilson trade; if that happens, Mitchell would be in line for more targets, making him worth stashing.

Perine has demonstrated he can produce when given a lead role. If Chase Brown's inefficiency continues, Perine could earn more touches, making him a valuable handcuff in one of the NFL's most high-powered offenses (the Bengals). Worth stashing as a contingency play.

The Colts have begun a fire sale, trading Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner, and could trade Jonathan Taylor as well. If Taylor is dealt, McGowan would assume the lead role in the backfield. While the Colts are a bad team making the position undesirable, volume is king in fantasy football, making McGowan worth a stash ahead of the waiver wire rush.

Malik Willis is prone to turnovers, which creates a favorable defensive matchup scenario for the Patriots against Miami; the Patriots can stay strong defensively and avoid bleeding yardage that would cap their fantasy upside.

Hunter Henry is priced at DraftKings $4,300/FanDuel $5,200 for the Miami matchup; becomes a consideration if A.J. Brown is out, potentially increasing his target share and fantasy upside.

T.J. Hockenson is priced at DraftKings $4,600/FanDuel $5,200 for Week 8 matchup at Detroit; listed as a consideration for GPP lineup construction.

Davis Allen faces LAC in a favorable matchup where he shouldn't encounter coverage issues; listed at DraftKings $2,800/FanDuel $4,400 if Colby Parkinson is out, making him a potential value play in GPP lineups.

McBride doesn't have a great matchup on paper against Dallas, but points will fly in this game. He is the unquestioned first look and only reliable play in the Arizona offense. Double-digit targets are the baseline, and McBride shouldn't face any coverage issues in this matchup.

Bowers has underperformed in back-to-back weeks, but this is a sneaky game that could easily exceed the expected 45.5-point total. While the Jets haven't been a good matchup for tight ends this season, Las Vegas needs a win and re-engaging their top look is the best path forward. Tre Tucker has thrived with nearly 200 yards and three touchdowns, suggesting the offense can produce.

Target share should be heavily on Jakobi Meyers and Parker Washington with Brian Thomas Jr. on the trade block. Despite the excellent matchup against Indianapolis, rostership won't be high on either player given the potential for a blowout with limited usage in the second half. The lower rostership is a great opportunity in GPPs if Jonathan Taylor can keep it mildly competitive.

Target share should be heavily on Parker Washington and Jakobi Meyers with Brian Thomas Jr. on the trade block. Despite the excellent matchup against Indianapolis, rostership won't be high on either player given the potential for a blowout with limited usage in the second half. The lower rostership is a great opportunity in GPPs if Jonathan Taylor can keep it mildly competitive.

Bernard was on fire in the two games prior to Week 7 because Roman Wilson and Michael Pittman were injured. While they remain out, Bernard is a high-upside play at sub-$5,000 on DraftKings. This week's matchup often means shadow coverage on No. 1 WRs, and Bernard can benefit from tougher coverage on DK Metcalf.

Cooper can be a budget-friendly option with low rostership against Las Vegas. His salary hasn't risen dramatically at $4,800 on DraftKings, offering contrarian value as a pass-catcher in the Jets' offense.

Wilson is a popular play this week because of the matchup and a bounce-back opportunity after expressing frustration last week. However, his production has dropped sharply since Omar Cooper Jr. returned, suggesting target share may be diluted despite the favorable Vegas matchup.

Lane has seen 10 targets since his return in Week 6 and serves as an interesting salary-saver outside of Ravens stacks. Jackson's return should open up more yardage and touchdown opportunities for Lane, making him a budget-friendly option with upside against Buffalo's weak pass defense.

Flowers finally saw the much-needed uptick in pass volume in Week 7, resulting in a ceiling performance. His targets remain extremely consistent, and he faces a Buffalo defense that allows the most fantasy points to wide receivers, with eight touchdowns allowed in the past three games to receivers including Romeo Doubs, Efton Chism, and Tre Tucker. Jackson's return should further enhance his yardage and touchdown opportunities.

Walker's low rostership after a subpar Week 7 performance against Seattle's tough defense creates opportunity in an excellent matchup against Denver. The Broncos are far easier to attack on the ground than Seattle; Walker had 173 rushing yards and two total touchdowns against Denver in the season opener, demonstrating the matchup advantage.

Tuten can capitalize on a potential blowout scenario against the Colts, who are falling apart. Even if volume tilts toward the pass, Tuten has touchdown upside, especially through the air. Travis Etienne Jr. benefited similarly in the back half of 2025 with Jacksonville, seeing a massive increase in rushing and receiving touchdowns from Weeks 9 through season's end. Tuten is coming off two receiving touchdowns before the bye and could follow the same path.

Williams will be popular this week but offers contrarian value as a counter to aggressive Dak Prescott rostership. He's coming off an excellent Week 7 performance with 155 yards against Philadelphia. Arizona is a better matchup than Philadelphia against the pass, meaning Dallas will move the ball better and create more goal-line opportunities for Williams despite Arizona not struggling in fantasy points allowed to running backs overall.

Two consecutive poor performances will keep Henry's rostership low despite an excellent matchup against Buffalo's defense, which allows the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs. Henry's struggles without Jackson are well-documented from 2025, but Jackson's return combined with Buffalo's weak run defense could lead to a ceiling game for Henry.

Jackson's first game back from injury may see limited ground usage similar to Caleb Williams' return, but he can win through the air against Buffalo's defense, which has allowed the second-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. No quarterback outside Justin Herbert has scored fewer than 23 fantasy points against the Bills this season, supporting elite ceiling potential. Rostership may be lower than deserved in his return game.

Murray has been mediocre all season but represents a breakthrough opportunity in GPPs this week. Detroit should put up volume against Minnesota's defense, which hasn't been tested since allowing over 25 points to Jordan Love in Week 1 and has faced mostly mediocre opponents and shaky quarterbacks. Murray will need to increase pass volume to keep pace, making this a shot in GPPs despite Detroit's improved secondary.

Smith is coming off a strong fantasy showing with three touchdowns in the loss to Miami and faces a Vegas defense that allows the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Malik Willis and Tyler Shough also had 20+ fantasy points against the Raiders, supporting the matchup appeal despite some variance from elite quarterback performances.

Mark Andrews is super cheap, especially at DraftKings ($3,400), making him an attractive salary-cap play in a Ravens stack. While his yardage totals haven't been there this season, the likely shootout against the Bills that comes down to the wire increases his chances of finding the end zone.

T.J. Hockenson showed what he can do earlier this season, catching 13 passes for 119 yards against the Dolphins. The Lions have been vulnerable to tight ends all year, giving Hockenson a chance at a spike week in a salary-cap-efficient build.

Zay Flowers has been one of the NFL's most efficient wideouts this season. The projected shootout between the Ravens and Bills could come down to the wire, providing an ideal game environment for a spike week when paired with Lamar Jackson.

CeeDee Lamb has become the alpha No. 1 WR in the Cowboys offense; what was once projected as a 1A/1B situation with George Pickens has become the CeeDee Lamb show. He pairs well with Dak Prescott in a Cowboys stack against the Cardinals' abysmal defense.

Bhayshul Tuten comes off the bye and faces a great home matchup against the Colts. The Jaguars are 10-point favorites, projecting more rushing volume as Jacksonville plays with a lead. The Colts just traded key offensive line piece DeForest Buckner, giving Tuten a chance at a spike week.