With six teams on bye, fantasy teams had to stretch to make starting lineups but there were numerous players that came through with high fantasy points. Scoring was higher with seven teams breeching 30 points and only the Commanders and Lions failed to break ten points. Each week serves up a few upsets and the Lions, Bills, and Dolphins dropped in the standings.
There are no byes next week, so everyone is back to full strength. And it appears that amazingly no major fantasy players suffered an injury that impacts Week 8.
Detroit 6, Baltimore 38
The Lions were on a four-game winning streak, but the Ravens were not impressed. Jared Goff passed for 284 yards and one interception, and Amon-Ra St. Brown (13-102) was still a huge factor with 19 targets in the game. Sam LaPorta (6-52) and Josh Reynolds (2-43) pitched in, but no passing scores meant fantasy points were scarce. Jahmyr Gibbs took the primary role with David Montgomery out and ran for 68 yards and a touchdown on just 11 rushes, plus caught nine passes for 58 yards. The Lions were never in this one and trailed 35-0 before they scored. The loss drops the Lions to 5-2, and they host the Raiders this week.
It all went right for the Ravens in every facet of the game. Lamar Jackson passed for 357 yards and three touchdowns, plus ran for 36 yards and another score. Zay Flowers (4-75) and Mark Andrews (4-63, 2 TD) led the receivers and six receivers turned in at least 30 yards – that’s very rare in Baltimore. Gus Edwards ran for 64 yards and a touchdown on his 14 rushes and also caught an 80-yard pass. The Lions flopped hard against these Ravens who took advantage and posted their best game of the year. They rise to 5-2 and head to Arizona for Week 8.
Las Vegas 12, Chicago 30
The Raiders struggled to move the ball despite facing an otherwise weak Chicago defense. Brian Hoyer only threw for 129 yards and two interceptions and was replaced by Aiden O’Connell who passed for 75 yards and a meaningless touchdown with only a minute left to play. Davante Adams (7-57) and Jakobi Meyers (7-50, TD) were the only receivers with more than 26 yards. Josh Jacobs was held to only 35 yards on 11 rushes and added one catch for six yards. The Raiders couldn’t get the run game going and could not sustain drives. Daniel Carlson missed a 41-yard field goal. The Raiders were another team that just didn’t really show up and made the Bears look better than they should. The 3-4 Raiders head to Detroit this week.
The rookie Tyson Bagent was good enough. He threw for 162 yards and one score with no turnovers. DJ Moore (8-54) and Darnell Mooney (4-32) were the top receivers, but the player of the game was D’Onta Foreman, who ran for 89 yards on 16 carries with two touchdowns, plus caught three passes for 31 yards and a third touchdown. The offense didn’t throw as well with Bagent but did not need to since Foreman and Darrynton Evans (14-48) were enough to get first downs and score. The 2-5 Bears head to Los Angeles to face the Chargers in the Sunday night game.
Buffalo 25, New England 29
The Patriots had not beaten the Bills in their last four meetings. The Pats were on a three-game losing streak and benched Mac Jones in a couple of recent games. So, of course, Jones faced maybe the most formidable defense yet and threw for 272 yards and two touchdowns. Kendrick Bourne (6-63, TD) and the rookie Demario Douglas (4-54) were the top receivers, while Mike Gesicki (2-5, TD) caught the winning score with only 12 seconds left in the game. Rhamondre Stevenson (9-34) and Ezekiel Elliott (11-31, TD) struggled to much rushing though Stevenson added six catches for 51 yards. It was an offensive showing unlike anything the Pats had done this year and their first home win. They rise to 2-5 and play in Miami for Week 8.
The Bills defense lost the game, but the offense wasn’t anything special. Josh Allen threw for 265 yards and two scores, plus ran for 17 yards and a touchdown as the best fantasy play for Buffalo. Dalton Kincaid (8-75) had a breakout performance, while Stefon Diggs (6-58, TD) and James Cook (3-46, TD) were the top receivers. Cook added 56 yards on 13 runs, but the Bills couldn’t hang on to win. They took their only lead in the game, 25-22, with just 1:58 left to play but could not stop the Patriots from driving the field and then throwing a touchdown with just 12 seconds left instead of kicking a field goal to tie. The 4-3 Bills host the Buccaneers and are losing any margin of error if they want to win the AFC East again.
Washington 7, New York Giants 14
One of the least watchable games of the weekend, this point-starved matchup at least spawned a few notable fantasy scorers. Sam Howell threw for 249 yards and no scores, with Terry McLaurin (6-90) and Logan Thomas (4-51) as the top receivers. The backfield was split up with Brian Robinson (8-23, TD), Chris Rodriquez (7-31), and Antonio Gibson (2-7) all canceled each other out. The Commanders’ only score was in the third quarter, and then neither team could reach the endzone for the final 20 minutes of the game. The 3-4 Commanders host the Eagles on Sunday, so life will not improve soon for Washington.
Saquon Barkley came through with 21 runs for 77 yards and three receptions for 41 yards, including a 32-yard touchdown catch. Tyrod Taylor passed for 279 yards and two scores, with Darren Waller (7-98, 2 TD) and Jalin Hyatt (2-75) as the top receivers. Taylor connected with eight different receivers and committed no turnovers, and the offense looked sharper than it has when Daniel Jones is under center. The win only lifts the Giants to 2-5 and they host the Jets on Sunday.
Atlanta 16, Tampa Bay 13
The Falcons became the new leader in the NFC South when they beat the Bucs on a 51-yard field goal as time expired. Bijan Robinson blew up X-formerly-known-as-Twitter when he only had one late-game carry due to “illness”. Desmond Ridder passed for 250 yards and no scores while fumbling three times. Drake London (6-54) and Kyle Pitts (3-47) were only moderately successful, and Tyler Allgeier gained 59 yards on 21 rushes and caught three passes for 53 yards, taking the rare occasion to be the full-time back and experience the sort of usage that every Bijan fantasy owner only dreams about seeing. The Falcons won because Ridder ran in a touchdown in the first quarter and then they kicked three field goals. The 4-3 Falcons head to Tennessee for Week 8.
Baker Mayfield threw for 275 yards and one score to Mike Evans (6-82, TD). Chris Godwin (6-66) and Cade Otton (5-43) were the other best receivers, while Rachaad White (6-65) was better with receptions than he was rushing the ball (13-34). The Buccaneers continue to struggle without any semblance of a rushing offense. Even though the Falcons had nothing from Bijan Robinson, th
Pittsburgh 24, Los Angeles Rams 17
The Steelers nipped the Rams in Los Angeles and yet had no big performances other than George Pickens (5-107). Kenny Pickett passed for 230 yards and no scores, but ran in a short touchdown. Diontae Johnson (5-79) is back but no other receivers gained more than 23 yards. Najee Harris (14-53, TD) and Jaylen Warren (6-32, TD) both scored but did little with yardage. The Steelers trailed 17-10 but reeled off both running back touchdowns in the fourth quarter to take the win. The 4-2 Steelers host the Jaguars on Sunday.
The Rams gained more yardage than the Steelers, but only managed two touchdowns. Matt Stafford passed for 231 yards and one score to Tutu Atwell (1-31, TD). Pula Nacua (8-154) reaped the benefit of not being Cooper Kupp (2-29) while no other Rams receiver caught more than one pass. With Kyren Williams on IR, the Rams backfield became Royce Freeman (12-66) and Darrell Henderson (16-61, TD) was called up from the practice squad. The Rams rushed 31 times compared to only 29 passes. And we learned that when an opponent can shut down Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua still matters. The 3-4 Rams head to Dallas for Week 8.
Arizona 10, Seattle 20
Another low-scoring game that went light on fantasy interest. Josh Dobbs only threw for 146 yards but ran in a touchdown during his seven rushes for 43 yards. Marquise Brown (3-49) and Trey McBride (3-29) were the top receivers and this game did nothing to make the Cardinals slow down the process of bring Kyler Murray back. This week, the absence of James Conner was covered by Emari Demercado (13-58) and Ronald Moore (4-24). The Cardinals actually led 10-7 midway through the second quarter but never scored again. They drop to 1-6 and host the Ravens on Sunday.
Kenneth Walker ran for 105 yards on 26 carries but did not score. He was the only running back with a carry for the Seahawks. Geno Smith passed for 219 yards and two scores, and the absence of DK Metcalf was evident. No receivers caught more than four passes and the top receivers were Jaxon Smith-Njigba (4-63, TD) and Jake Bobo (4-61, TD) while Tyler Lockett settled for 38 yards on his four catches. The rookie Njigba-Smith caught his first NFL pass and turned in his best game to date. Losing Metcalf is not a positive, but it will benefit the rookie’s development. The 4-2 Seahawks host the Browns for Week 8.
Green Bay 17, Denver 19
The Broncos pick up a sorely needed win, while the Packers have to be concerned about their sputtering passing offense. Jordan Love ended with 180 yards and two scores but threw an interception that killed their chances on their final drive. Love only completed 10 of 13 for 47 yards in the first half while the deep ball has completely disappeared from the offense. Love used ten difference receivers and only Luke Musgrave (4-30) caught more than three passes. Romeo Doubs (2-30, TD) and Christian Watson (3-27) were the top receivers. A.J. Jones was finally active but only ran for 35 yards on eight runs and caught three passes for 22 yards. AJ Dillon ran for 61 yards on 15 carries and gained a team-high 34 receiving yards on his two catches. The Packers offense is sluggish and lacks any spark. The return of AJ Jones should help as he gets back into shape and his health improves. The 2-4 Packers look to bounce back when the Vikings visit on Sunday.
The Broncos finally managed to keep the score low enough that they could win. Russell Wilson passed for 194 yards and one score to Courtland Sutton (6-76, TD). Jerry Jeudy (5-64) was the only other receiver with more than 31 yards. Javonte Williams (15-82) ran well and Jaleel McLaughlin (5-45) just lacked volume to provide fantasy-relevant stats. The Packers were flat on offense and the Broncos had no turnovers and allowed just one sack. At home, without any errors, Denver was just good enough. They rise to 2-5 and host the Chiefs for Week 8.
Los Angeles Chargers 17, Kansas City 31
This matchup was always going to be a game that fantasy football loved. Justin Herbert disappointed a bit with only 259 passing yards and one touchdown, and his two interceptions proved costly. Joshua Palmer (5-133) is doing a credible replacement job for Mike Williams, though he lacks the scoring. Keenan Allen (4-55) and Gerald Everett (3-26, TD) were the only other receivers with more than one catch. Austin Ekeler was back but only gained 45 yards on 14 runs and, shockingly, just one catch for one yard. Joshua Kelley ran for 75 yards on seven carries, including a 49-yard touchdown dash in the second quarter. The Chargers tied the Chiefs 17-17 in the second quarter but never scored again. They drop to 2-4 and host the Bears on Sunday night.
The Chiefs offense hasn’t been as prolific this year, except for on Sunday. Patrick Mahomes passed for 424 yards and four touchdowns and already totaled 321 yards and three scores at halftime. Travis Kelce ended with 12 receptions for 179 yards and one touchdown, while Marquez Valdes-Scantling (3-84, TD), Rashee Rice (5-60, TD) and even Isiah Pacheco (4-28, TD) all scored. Pacheco also ran for 32 yards on 13 rushes. It was vintage Chiefs passing that included the obligatory monster performance by Kelce. The production could have skewed higher, but the Chiefs pulled back on the reins in the second half. Their sixth-straight win makes them 6-1 and heading to Denver for Week 8.
Miami 17, Philadelphia 31
This matchup was tied 17-17 in the third quarter but the Eagles ripped off two unanswered touchdowns to end the game. Tua Tagovailoa threw for just 216 yards and one touchdown to Tyreek Hill (11-88, TD). Jaylen Waddle caught six passes for 63 yards and Cedrick Wilson (2-48) was the only other receiver with more than one catch. Tagovailoa threw 32 passes and 15 of them went to Hill. Raheem Mostert (9-45) and Salvon Ahmed (2-3) did not play like they were part of the No. 1 fantasy backfield. The loss drops the Fins to 5-2 for a three-way tie for No. 2 behind the Chiefs. The Fins host the Patriots this week.
The Philly defense was a major reason why the Eagles won. They held the NFL’s most prolific offense to only one touchdown. Jalen Hurts passed for 279 yards and two scores plus was shoved into the endzone for a third touchdown. A.J. Brown (10-137, TD) and Dallas Goedert (5-77, TD) caught the touchdowns and DeVonta Smith (4-49) was the only other receiver with more than 13 yards. The Eagles backfield had a quiet game with D’Andre Swift running for 62 yards on 14 carries and Kenneth Gainwell given eight carries to only gain 16 yards but he ran in the final score. This was a big win for the 6-1 Eagles who head to Washington for Week 8.
GAME-O-THE-WEEK: Cleveland 39, Indianapolis 38
Go figure.
The Colts took the lead 31-30 with a field goal to start the fourth quarter. The Browns regained the lead with a 58-yard field goal with six minutes left to play but the Colts connected on a 75-yard touchdown to Michael Pittman to lead 38-33 with five minutes to go. After trading drives, the Browns drove the field and Kareem Hunt punched in the one-yard winning touchdown on fourth-and-one with only 19 seconds left.
Deshaun Watson only lasted for one completion before being examined for a concussion. He was reported to have passed the test but never returned and let P.J. Walker pass for 178 yards and one interception. Elijah Moore (4-59) and David Njoku (5-54) were the only receivers with more than 22 yards. Jerome Ford ran for a 69-yard touchdown to start the game but only ended with 11 runs for 74 yards. Kareem Hunt (10-31, TD) and Pierre Strong (8-25) also saw plenty of use. The Browns recovered a fumble for a score, and Dustin Hopkins kicked four field goals to make the winning difference. The 4-2 Browns play in Seattle in Week 8.
Gardner Minshew threw for 305 yards and two scores and ran for 29 yards and two more touchdowns. He faced the top defense in the NFL and never blinked. The Colts’ defense has to accept this loss after letting the Browns score a touchdown on their final drive. Josh Downs (5-125, TD), Michael Pittman (2-83, TD), and Alec Pierce (3-53) posted 261 pass yards on an elite secondary. Jonathan Taylor (18-75, TD) and Zack Moss (18-57) were effective rushing but lost scores to Minshew. The offense exceeded all expectations but the Colts defense couldn’t get the job done in the end. The 3-4 Colts host the Saints on Sunday.
