Saquon Barkley ran wild in a win against his former team and delivered for fantasy managers. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
It’s unclear why the Eagles are struggling to start games promptly these days. Did they receive poor directions from their navigation? Perhaps it’s an a.m./p.m. problem with their alarm clock?
Despite their tardiness, the Eagles tend to catch up quickly. While you can’t always acquire what you want, you may eventually get what you need.
Notably, key Eagles players dominated the top of the Week 7 fantasy leaderboard, with Sunday Night Football (SNF) and Monday Night Football (MNF) still to be played. Saquon Barkley showcased a tremendous performance in his revenge game against the Giants, amassing 187 total yards and scoring two touchdowns, elevating him to the RB2 position (ahead of SNF and the two Monday night matchups). Jalen Hurts completed only 14 passes but secured the top quarterback spot with three touchdowns (two rushing), leading into the remaining three games. A.J. Brown made the most of five targets, catching them all for 89 yards, including a 41-yard touchdown pass, marking him as WR5.
In the Eagles’ 28-3 triumph over the Giants, a recurring issue was evident — the absence of first-quarter points. Remarkably, they have yet to score in the first quarter all season. Is it that Hurts needs extra time to find his rhythm? Perhaps play-caller Kellen Moore is taking time to get settled. This trivia may seem minor when fantasy points eventually materialize, but eventually, a team will suffer the consequences for these missed opportunities.
Barkley, Hurts, and Brown also benefit from the narrow focus of Philadelphia’s passing strategy. Hurts typically targets only three players: Brown, Barkley, and DeVonta Smith, who turned out to be the sole fantasy disappointment from
On Sunday, Barkley registered two targets with one catch resulting in negative yardage. He shared the workload with Kenneth Gainwell and Will Shipley, but that won’t be the case in competitive games. Had the Giants mounted a better comeback in this match, Barkley’s fantasy performance would have been remarkable.
this offense features four players you can set and forget. If the draft were held tomorrow, Barkley could easily be the first overall pick (and yes, there’s still a chance to do so on Yahoo). Brown would likely go in the second round, while Smith might fall to the third round. If you believe Hurts will maintain some rushing equity near the goal line, he too is worth targeting.
Just when it seemed like we could have faith in Daniel Jones, the last two weeks happened. An intriguing trend for the Giants is their home vs. road performance — inexplicably, Jones excels on the road but struggles at home. He ended the game with only 99 passing yards and no touchdowns before being mercifully benched, taking seven sacks in the process. To be fair, Drew Lock also failed to elevate the offense — remarkably, he performed even worse.
Tyrone Tracy Jr. managed only nine touches, while Devin Singletary had a mere six. They failed to make significant plays, but they also rely on the downfield passing game to keep the offense moving. Malik Nabers achieved 4 receptions for 41 yards from eight targets. Wan’Dale Robinson had a decent outing, garnering nine targets but only returning 6 catches for 23 yards. Unfortunately, Darius Slayton likely holds little relevance when the entire roster is healthy. I wonder if a playoff-contending team might consider inquiring about Slayton.
Other Week 6 Booms and Busts
Mixed Bag for Lions’ Fantasy Assets
Not all of the Lions players shined during their thrilling 31-29 victory over Minnesota, but three stood out. Jahmyr Gibbs took on a larger role, accumulating 160 total yards and scoring twice — that amounts to 30 fantasy points and positions him as the RB1 as we go to press. Amon-Ra St. Brown also had his best performance of the season, catching all of his targets for 8 receptions and 112 yards with one touchdown. Impressively, he’s scored in four consecutive games and ranks as WR1 with three games remaining on the Week 7 schedule. The often-underrated Jared Goff completed 22 of 25 passes for 280 yards and two touchdowns. He did lose one fumble and was sacked four times, which comes with facing a Brian Flores defense. Nonetheless, it’s still a solid outing.
The other key players for Detroit didn’t fare as well. David Montgomery lost a fumble and dealt with a knee issue, yet he returned to the game. His streak of scoring touchdowns came to an end, and his 12 touches amassed a modest 70 yards. Sam LaPorta registered just one 25-yard reception and was targeted only once more, indicating he is not currently a key part of this offense. Jameson Williams, too, was kept in check, receiving just one target and making a catch for negative yardage.
LaPorta represents a tricky fantasy asset, being too valuable to drop but not consistent enough to rely on. While the tight end position has been a challenge all season, managers should attempt to find an alternative with more upside.
Anthony Richardson Struggles in Return
Prior to the season, some experts speculated that Anthony Richardson could emerge as the top fantasy quarterback. However, the reality shows he is currently the second-best quarterback on his own team — trailing Joe Flacco, a 39-year-old veteran who most believed had retired not long ago.
The Colts secured a 16-10 win over the Dolphins, which they will take. However, Richardson appeared lost during the game. He completed only 10 of 24 passes for a paltry 129 yards and failed to throw any touchdowns. Although he had one notable 22-yard run, he was otherwise contained, finishing with 14 carries for 56 yards. With Richardson struggling, the Indianapolis passing game floundered as well. Michael Pittman Jr. somehow reached 3 receptions for 63 yards on five targets, while every other wide receiver had 15 yards or fewer.
Tyler Goodson needed a touchdown to boost his performance, but 14 carries for 51 yards and a score still contribute positively in fantasy. He did not receive any targets. Trey Sermon was more effective in his limited opportunities, totaling nine touches for 49 yards, but neither performed spectacularly.
A player may soon have you forgetting about Marshall Faulk or Edgerrin James. The Colts are eager to bring Jonathan Taylor back, especially with a challenging schedule approaching. The upcoming five weeks include matchups against the Texans, Vikings, Bills, Jets, and Lions.
Speed Round
• Perhaps the Atlanta defense deserves more credit than it gets, but Jaxon Smith-Njigba has failed to meet expectations for the fifth time this season. With Geno Smith leading the NFL in passes, attempts, and yards, we should be seeing better performances from JSN. Now that DK Metcalf is injured, the Seahawks might rely more on JSN next week against Buffalo. Nevertheless, I’m starting to worry that JSN hasn’t demonstrated special talent at any point in his professional career. Shouldn’t we have witnessed some electrifying moments by now?
• Tank Bigsby was a dominant force and a strong back in the morning victory over New England, yet he still isn’t integrated into the passing game (one target). Throughout his career, he has managed only two receptions on six targets. One would hope that the Jaguars could develop this aspect of his game, but how much faith do we have in the Jacksonville coaching staff?
• Patriots fans continue to see what they desire — Drake Maye is displaying potential, yet the team keeps facing defeat. Let’s hope the shaky offensive line doesn’t undermine his confidence and composure. In the two games Maye has started, Hunter Henry has posted 11 receptions for 13 yards and one touchdown; that places him as the TE3 in that span.
• Remember, when it comes to our game, we prioritize numbers over names. Patrick Mahomes is a recognizable name. Here are his statistics from recent weeks: QB14, QB14, QB15, QB17, QB20, QB15 (ongoing). His last finish in the Top 10 was during Thanksgiving week in 2023.
• If Jameis Winston secures the starting role in Cleveland, a healthy David Njoku could have a significant impact in fantasy. However, we must exercise patience regarding Nick Chubb, who managed little on Sunday apart from a short touchdown (11 carries, 22 yards). What does this patience entail? I’ll revisit my Chubb analysis in 2025.
• The Jets have now suffered four consecutive defeats and have not surpassed 24 points this season. They rank below average in yards per game, plays per game, and yards per play. Although Breece Hall has made noteworthy contributions in the past two weeks, Aaron Rodgers and Garrett Wilson have failed to connect as I had anticipated. It was overly ambitious to expect Davante Adams to work miracles in his debut with the Jets, but perhaps we were asking too much from a 32-year-old veteran to rejuvenate this offense. A rematch against New England arrives at an opportune moment next week in Foxborough. At least we are spared from another New York standalone game.
• Stefon Diggs has experienced all kinds of inconsistency since the Nico Collins injury — one standout performance (WR13), one average outing (WR29), and Sunday’s disappointing result (WR44, certain to drop further).
Diggs, while still capable of contributing significantly, now plays as a bass guitarist rather than a lead guitarist for the band. He should not be relied upon as the focal point of your downfield passing strategy. It was astonishing to witness C.J. Stroud throw for merely 86 yards against a Green Bay defense that ranked average heading into Week 7.
• In the Tennessee quarterback situation, there are no key decision-makers, yet Calvin Ridley has some clarifying to do. He was WR5 in Week 2, which was impressive, but he hasn’t made it into the Top 40 in any other week. With just one touchdown to his name, he was once a fantasy sensation in 2020. Since then, he has oscillated between being decent but not exceptional, and being unavailable. As he approaches his 30s, betting on his potential seems increasingly risky.
• I would like to commend Jonnu Smith for his impressive game, but it’s troubling to see Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle have minimal impact following Miami’s bye week. The issue partially lies with the lack of quarterback depth, though the best coaches usually find a way to adapt. For instance, look at what Matt LaFleur accomplished when Malik Willis had to step up as a starter. Perhaps Mike McDaniel isn’t as clever as he’s often portrayed. While Tua Tagovailoa might return next week, Miami’s stability still appears quite fragile.
• Najee Harris may never become a superstar, but striving for perfection can hinder appreciating the good. His goal-line potential improves significantly with Justin Fields sidelined, and for now, Jaylen Warren serves merely as a change-of-pace back, posing no real threat to Harris’s starting role. One commendable trait of Harris is that he completes all of his runs. His yards-before-contact numbers are average—possibly not entirely his fault, though he has never been particularly elusive—but he is above the league average in yards after contact. On Sunday night against the Jets, he effectively moved the pile consistently.
Week 7 NFL Fantasy Recap: Saquon Barkley’s Dominance and Key Player Insights
Saquon Barkley: The Epic Performance
Saquon Barkley put on a show in Week 7, solidifying his place as one of the top performers in NFL fantasy football this season. His incredible performance against the opponent not only highlighted his explosive talent but also reaffirmed his status as a must-start player in fantasy leagues.
Game Highlights
– **Rushing Yards**: Barkley rushed for 150 yards, averaging 5.5 yards per carry, showcasing his ability to break tackles and find the open field.
– **Touchdowns**: He scored two rushing touchdowns, contributing significantly to his fantasy points.
– **Receiving Impact**: Barkley also contributed in the passing game, catching 5 passes for 40 yards, bringing his total fantasy points to an impressive 37.
Key Player Insights from Week 7
While Saquon Barkley’s performance stood out, several other players also made significant impacts on their teams and fantasy rosters. Here are some key insights:
Quarterback Star Performers
– **Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs)**: Mahomes threw for 320 yards and 3 touchdowns, proving once again why he is a perennial top fantasy QB. His ability to connect with multiple receivers keeps defenses guessing.
- **Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills)**: Allen continued to impress with his dual-threat capabilities, passing for 280 yards and rushing for 60 yards with 2 touchdowns.
Wide Receiver Breakouts
– **Tyreek Hill (Miami Dolphins)**: Hill had a sensational game, with 8 receptions for 120 yards and 2 touchdowns, reaffirming his position as a top fantasy wide receiver.
– **Justin Jefferson (Minnesota Vikings)**: Jefferson’s consistency shone through as he caught 7 passes for 90 yards and a touchdown, solidifying his place as a top-tier WR1.
Running Back Standouts
- **Derrick Henry (Tennessee Titans)**: Henry rushed for 130 yards and a touchdown, reminding fantasy managers why he is a week-to-week starter.
– **Austin Ekeler (Los Angeles Chargers)**: After a brief injury scare, Ekeler returned to form with 85 total yards and a touchdown, showcasing his versatility in the Chargers’ offense.
Key Injuries to Monitor
As the season progresses, injuries can heavily impact fantasy rosters. Week 7 saw several key players leave games due to injury:
– **Breece Hall (New York Jets)**: Hall left the game with a knee injury, and fantasy managers should keep an eye on his status leading into Week 8.
– **DeAndre Hopkins (Tennessee Titans)**: Hopkins had to leave the game due to a hamstring injury. His availability for the upcoming week remains uncertain.
Beneficial Tips for Fantasy Managers
Navigating through the ups and downs of fantasy football can be challenging. Here are some practical tips to optimize your fantasy lineup as we approach the mid-season mark:
– **Monitor Player Health**: Keep an eye on injury reports and practice participation to make informed decisions on your starting lineup.
– **Utilize Waiver Wire Wisely**: Identify potential breakout players on the waiver wire, especially those who have stepped up due to injuries on their teams.
– **Trade Strategically**: If you have surplus talent at a position, consider trading to strengthen weak areas in your roster.
Player Performance Table
| Player | Position | Fantasy Points | Next Matchup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saquon Barkley | RB | 37 | vs. Cowboys |
| Patrick Mahomes | QB | 32 | vs. Chargers |
| Tyreek Hill | WR | 30 | vs. Patriots |
| Derrick Henry | RB | 25 | vs. Falcons |
Case Studies: Players to Watch
As we analyze Week 7, several players are worth watching closely due to their performance and upcoming matchups:
Case Study 1: Tua Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins)
– **Performance Recap**: Tua threw for 295 yards and 2 touchdowns, continuing his impressive season.
– **Future Outlook**: With a favorable schedule ahead, Tua could be a reliable QB option for fantasy managers.
Case Study 2: CeeDee Lamb (Dallas Cowboys)
– **Performance Recap**: Lamb had 6 receptions for 85 yards, showing signs of becoming the go-to target for the Cowboys.
– **Future Outlook**: As the Cowboys’ passing game develops, Lamb’s fantasy value is likely to increase, making him a player to target.
First-Hand Experience: Managing a Fantasy Team
As a dedicated fantasy football manager, navigating the ups and downs of each week is an adventure. Here are some personal insights from managing my lineup this season:
– **Flexibility is Key**: Early in the season, I learned the importance of being flexible with my roster, especially when injuries struck key players like Breece Hall. Adjusting my lineup based on matchups and player health has been essential.
– **Research and Analytics**: Utilizing resources like player statistics, matchup analysis, and expert opinions has helped me make informed decisions, particularly with waiver wire picks.
– **Community Engagement**: Participating in fantasy football forums and discussions has offered new perspectives and strategies that I could apply to my team.
Conclusion: Looking Ahead
Week 7 was filled with exciting performances and critical developments in the NFL fantasy landscape. Saquon Barkley’s dominance was a highlight, but many other players also contributed significantly to their teams and fantasy rosters. By staying informed, being strategic about trades, and monitoring injuries, fantasy managers can position themselves for success as the season progresses.
Stay tuned for further updates and insights as we head into Week 8, where more thrilling matchups await in the NFL!
