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Welcome back to the Rookie Report! Can you believe we’re already a month into the season? Time flies when you’re watching the Broncos in prime time every week. The first month of the season has been a messy one dominated by sloppy offensive football, injuries, and the Philadelphia Eagles. We’ve seen the ascension of several breakout rookies so far – Chris Olave, Breece Hall, Dameon Pierce, Romeo Doubs, Garrett Wilson – but there could be even more on the horizon. Several injured rookies are set to make their debuts in the next week or two. Bailey Zappe & Kenny Pickett will make their first starts this week. Tyquan Thornton and Brian Robinson Jr. are off IR and ready to take the field, and Greg Dulcich could be back next week.

The list of relevant rookies could be growing, and I’ll be here to break it down each week and help you sift through what to do with these players in your lineups. This week we’re talking more about the tight end position than usual as 4 rookies at the position had multiple catches last week. There’s plenty to discuss, so let’s get to it.

A couple of housekeeping notes for the players listed below – All players listed under the same header at the same position are listed in the order that I would play them this week, and all references to fantasy points and points allowed rankings are based on half-PPR scoring unless otherwise noted. Any data on route participation, air yards, and other usage rates are per Dwain McFarland’s Utilization Report on Pro Football Focus.

Let’s dive into week 5…

Rookies You Already Know You Should Start:

WR Chris Olave, NO (Wk. 5: vs. Sea.): Olave has been on an absolute roll in the last 3 weeks earning at least a 25% target share and 40% air yardage share in each week, and turned in finishes of WR33, WR6, and WR15 in those games. He wasn’t slowed down by Andy Dalton stepping in at QB in week 4, and with Michael Thomas ruled out for week 5 the rookie should keep operating as the clear WR1 for New Orleans. The Seahawks rank dead last in Football Outsiders’ pass defense DVOA, and have been especially susceptible to big pass plays, something we know the Saints look for with Olave. The Seahawks have allowed at least one completion of 30+ yards each week and have given up 2 of the five longest pass plays of the season thus far. Start Olave with confidence.

WR Drake London, ATL (Wk. 5: @TB): London had a down game in week 4, falling short of 12 PPR points for the first time last Sunday, but he topped a 30% target share for the 3^rd straight game and a 30% air yardage share for the 4^th straight game. His fantasy day fell victim to Arthur Smith deciding to “run the piss out of the ball” in the 2^nd half. Tampa Bay is a tough matchup for the rookie. The Bucs rank 3^rd in pass defense DVOA and allow the 13^th-fewest WR points per game. Negative game script should still be enough to get London back on track. Atlanta has trailed by more than 4 points in just one game this year, and London was targeted 12 times in that game. The Falcons are 8.5-point underdogs this week. Volume should give London a WR3 floor in this one, especially with Kyle Pitts ruled out.

Borderline Rookies I’d Lean Toward Starting:

RB Breece Hall, NYJ (Wk. 5: vs. Mia.): The switch to Zach Wilson at QB did nothing to derail the red-hot start to the season for Hall. Breece posted his 3^rd-straight top-15 PPR finish and continued to establish himself as the clear RB1 in this backfield. He played 66% of the offensive snaps, handled 65% of the rushing attempts, and was in a route for 61% of Wilson’s dropbacks. The Jets threw the ball less with Wilson back – Flacco averaged 51.7 attempts per game, Wilson was at 36 in his debut – but no matter how the Jets choose to attack Hall is going to be heavily involved. The Dolphins have limited opposing running back production so far. They’ve allowed the 5^th-fewest RB points per game and rank 4^th in run defense DVOA, but I expect volume to keep Breece in the RB2 range this week. His usage would make him a weekly RB1 if he played in a good offense.

RB Dameon Pierce, HOU (Wk. 5: @Jax.): I don’t know that I’d be able to convince you to sit Pierce if I tried after he put up 25.9 PPR points and finished as the RB5 for the week last weekend, especially considering that he caught 6 passes in the process. The biggest knock on Pierce has been his lack of passing game usage (he totaled 4 targets in the first 3 weeks), and it appears he may be on track to overcoming that. I’d still advise a little caution before going all-in on Pierce. Rex Burkhead was still on the field on almost all the long down & distance snaps and 2-minute offense snaps in week 4, and the Texans are going to continue to be underdogs just about every week. Pierce’s 6 receptions may be a mirage, and he wasn’t very efficient with those catches (8 receiving yards). Pierce benefitted from Houston not abandoning the run when they fell behind against the Chargers, but the Chargers are MUCH easier to attack on the ground than through the air. There will be weeks where they fall behind against teams that are tougher to run against and they abandon it. The Jaguars have allowed the 8^th-most RB points per game, so Pierce is still a solid option this week, but be aware that Jacksonville has allowed the 7^th-fewest rushing yards and ranks 12^th in run defense DVOA. I wouldn’t start Pierce over any of your true studs, but he’s certainly still a top-24 option this week.

WR Garrett Wilson, NYJ (Wk. 5: vs. Mia.): On the surface, Wilson’s week 4 stat line was pretty disappointing. Just 2 catches for 41 yards on 6 targets. Those were season lows across the board, and they coincided with the return of starting QB Zach Wilson. If you’ve been starting Garrett Wilson all year, you’re probably pretty concerned that Zach Wilson could be a problem for him, but the underlying numbers give me reasons for optimism. Week 4 was the first time all season that Wilson had a higher route participation rate than Corey Davis, and his 6 targets tied for the team lead. Week 4 was also the first time this year the Jets held a lead at any point prior to the last 30 seconds of a game. The lower passing volume wasn’t just because of the QB change. It was because the game script was more positive. Those bigger pass volume games will still happen with Zach at QB. Zach’s inefficiency last week wasn’t ideal, but I’d expect improvement there as well as he gets more comfortable. For this week’s matchup, the Dolphins rank 31^st in pass defense DVOA and have allowed the 5^th-most WR points per game, and the Jets are 3.5-point underdogs. The offense should be throwing, and Garrett Wilson has WR2 upside and has a 6-target floor.

WR Romeo Doubs, GB (Wk. 5: vs. NYG): After back-to-back weeks of a 95% route participation rate, I’m ready to declare Doubs at least the WR2 on this football team. He’s earned 8 targets and found the end zone in each of those two games as well, but he also fumbled in each game and dropped what would’ve been a game-winning TD late in regulation last weekend. The Packers still eventually won the game. I wouldn’t get too hung up on the miscues after Green Bay didn’t bench him after them. This offense still runs through the running backs, but Doubs should continue to see at least 6-8 weekly targets while Sammy Watkins is on IR, and probably beyond that. The Giants have allowed the 2^nd-fewest WR points per game, but they rank just 23^rd in pass defense DVOA. The Packers should have success throwing the ball, and Doubs is a solid WR3 option again this week.

WR George Pickens, PIT (Wk. 5: @Buf.): Pickens may be the biggest beneficiary of the Steelers QB switch from Mitch Trubisky to Kenny Pickett. Pickens has been a full-time player all year, but he and Trubisky had struggled to forge much of a connection. The targets were finally coming around in weeks 3 & 4, but the pair connected just 5 times for 70 yards on 11 targets in those 2 games, with 3 of those catches going for 5 yards or fewer. Enter Kenny Pickett in the second half Sunday. Pickett delivered the exact same target share to Pickens that Trubisky did in that game (4 targets on 13 pass attempts), but all 4 of Pickett’s attempts were connections. They totaled 71 yards, and only 1 of the 4 completions went for fewer than 10 yards. Pickett could be the QB that unlocks Pickens. Diontae Johnson is still the #1 receiver here, and the Bills allow the 5^th-fewest WR points per game, but I think there is serious upside for the rookie on Sunday. The Bills are missing safety Jordan Poyer and cornerback Christian Benford for this game, and their two perimeter CB starters will be rookie Kaiir Elam and 2^nd-year pro Dane Jackson. Neither player represents a matchup that you should be scared of. Pickens has a low floor, but his upside makes him a viable WR3/4 option for this game. At the very least, he shouldn’t be available on your league’s waiver wire.

Borderline Rookies I’d Lean Toward Sitting:

RB Tyler Allgeier, ATL (Wk. 5: @TB): Falcons’ starting RB Cordarrelle Patterson was placed on IR this week, and Allgeier is the next man up in this backfield, but this is a brutal matchup and Allgeier isn’t the only other back on this team. The Bucs have allowed the 3^rd-fewest RB points per game this season, and only CEH has scored 7+ fantasy points against them at the position on the year. Allgeier carried 10 times last week with C-Patt missing most of the 2^nd half, and Caleb Huntley matched those 10 carries in that game. Avery Williams has also had a role on passing downs, and Damien Williams could return from IR in the next couple weeks. That’s a lot of names that could be involved in this offense. This likely remains enough of a committee in Cordarrelle’s absence that Allgeier should only be trusted in plus matchups, and this week’s matchup is not a good one.

RB Rachaad White, TB (Wk. 5: vs. Atl.): White set season-highs in snap share and targets in week 4 as the Bucs played from behind all night against the Chiefs last Sunday. It’s an open question whether that’s a sign of things to come or was simply a matter of game flow. If his role is indeed growing, the Falcons represent a great matchup since they rank 26^th in run defense DVOA, but White’s easiest path to production is through receiving work, and Atlanta does a good job of limiting that. The Falcons have allowed the 8^th-fewest receptions and 5^th-fewest receiving yards to opposing running backs. For White to have a productive game in week 5, he’s going to need garbage time carries. That’s possible with the Bucs favored by 10 points, but it’s always hard to bank on that for a fantasy lineup.

RB Isiah Pacheco, KC (Wk. 5: vs. LV): Through the season’s first 4 weeks, we’ve seen Pacheco reach 11 carries and 60+ rushing yards twice now, but both of those were games where the Chiefs played from comfortably ahead all day. Only 8 of Pacheco’s 28 carries for the season have come in situations where Kansas City wasn’t ahead by double-digits. Of course, there’s a reasonable chance the Chiefs spend considerable time this week ahead by multiple scores. They’re 7-point favorites against the Raiders. Your confidence in whether Pacheco sees 10+ touches should be based on your confidence that KC plays from ahead. Even if he gets that kind of workload, 10-12 carries against a middling run defense like the Raiders (16^th in run defense DVOA) makes him just a fringe RB3 at best. If you’re in leagues that count return yardage, you may be excited by Pacheco’s 90+ kick return yards each of the last two weeks, but more than 70% of kickoffs by Raiders’ kicker Daniel Carlson this season have resulted in touchbacks.

RB Brian Robinson Jr., WAS (Wk. 5: vs. Ten.): Robinson is in line to return in week 5 after being shot twice in the preseason. He was slated to be the starter before landing on the non-football injury list, and he should immediately be part of the running back rotation, but it remains to be seen how big of a role he’ll play in his debut. It’s been reported that he’ll be on a pitch count, and the Titans are much better at defending the run than the pass. The Titans allow the 13^th-fewest RB points per game and rank 8^th in run defense DVOA. I’d wait and see how Robinson looks before getting him into lineups.

RB Kenneth Walker III (Wk. 5: @NO): Walker saw an uptick in usage last Sunday with Travis Homer on IR, but he’s still a distant second to Rashaad Penny on the depth chart. KW3 is yet to see 10+ touches in any game this year, and the Saints have allowed the 6^th-fewest running back points per game. This isn’t a matchup where you should be hoping for production on limited touches for Walker.

WR Kyle Philips, TEN (Wk. 5: @Was.): Philips returned from injury last week but was on the field for just two offensive snaps. He could have a big opportunity on Sunday with teammate Treylon Burks sidelined by a turf toe injury. Phillips led the team with 9 targets and 66 receiving yards as the primary slot receiver in week 1 before getting hurt, and the Commanders have allowed the 2^nd-most PPR points to slot receivers per Sports Info Solutions. The big question is will he go back to that same role this week with Burks out? I’m not convinced he will yet.

WR Christian Watson, GB (Wk. 5: vs. NYG): Watson made his first trip into the end zone last week on a designed run play, but his route participation rate continued to trend in the wrong direction, He was in a route for just 18% of Aaron Rodgers’ dropbacks. Green Bay has made a point to get the ball into Watson’s hands when he’s on the field, but he just isn’t getting onto the field enough to be in lineups. He hasn’t touched the ball more than 3 times in a game this season.

TE Daniel Bellinger, NYG (Wk. 5: @GB): Bellinger has some sneaky upside this week with the Giants running with a skeleton crew at wide receiver. His playing time remains too low (he’s yet to reach 50% route participation this season), but he’s seen his target per route run and overall target share increase each and every week. He’s a good bet for 5+ targets this week in London, but I wouldn’t bet on big production against a Green Bay defense that ranks 9^th in pass defense DVOA and has allowed the 4^th-fewest tight end points per game.

Rookies You Already Know You Should Sit:

QB Kenny Pickett, PIT (Wk. 5: @Buf.): The Steelers had finally seen enough of Mitch Trubisky in week 4 after the team failed to get into the red zone and scored just 6 first half points against the lowly New York Jets. They turned to Pickett for the second half, and the final stats were wild. The Rookie completed 10-of-13 passes for 120 yards and 3 interceptions, including one on his first career attempt. Every one of his passes was caught by someone, but far too many were caught by the opponent. Despite the turnovers, Pickett did have success moving the ball and tallied 2 rushing TDs and gave the Steelers a chance to win the game. Pittsburgh would be wise to let him keep playing, but the matchup could not be worse for week 5. Through 4 games the Bills have faced the following lineup of QBs - Matt Stafford, Ryan Tannehill, Tua, and Lamar Jackson – and allowed fewer fantasy points per game to them than Justin Fields & Mitch Trubisky have averaged this season. Good QBs are dicey options against this defense. A rookie making his first career start could have a nightmarish day.

QB Skylar Thompson, MIA (Wk. 5: @NYJ): Tua Tagovailoa will sit out this week with a concussion, but it’ll be Teddy Bridgewater who gets the start, not Thompson. Skylar is one injury away from getting playing time against a bad defense, but if things go as planned for Miami, Thompson won’t take a snap.

RB Trestan Ebner, CHI (Wk. 5: @Min.): Ebner continues to play a complementary role to Khalil Herbert with David Montgomery sidelined. It’s just not a big enough role for him to have fantasy relevance given how little the Bears throw the ball. Minnesota is a plus matchup for running backs, coughing up the 5^th-most points per game to the position, but Ebner has yet to reach 30 scrimmage yards in a game, and anything over that mark against the Vikings should be considered a bonus.

RB Jaylen Warren, PIT (Wk. 5: @Buf.): Different week, same story for Warren. He’s purely a handcuff to Najee and doesn’t really have standalone value for now, especially against a daunting Buffalo defense in a game where the Steelers are 2-touchdown underdogs.

RB Jordan Mason, SF (Wk. 5: @Car.): Tyrion Davis-Price remains out this week, and Mason has played just 5 offensive snaps in the last two weeks. This backfield belongs to Jeff Wilson Jr. at least until TDP returns with Deebo Samuel operating as the change-of-pace back.

WR Skyy Moore, KC (Wk. 5: vs. LV): We finally saw Kansas City start to make good on promises to get Skyy Moore involved in the offense last weekend, as the rookie had his highest route participation (25%) and target total (4) of the season. Those numbers should continue to climb as the season goes on since MVS and Mecole Hardman have predictably underwhelmed, but his playing time isn’t quite to a level where you can consider him for lineups.

WR David Bell, CLE (Wk. 5: vs. LAC): The Browns still don’t throw the ball enough to support more than a couple pass catchers, and Bell remains too far down the depth chart to be one of those. He may need an injury ahead of him to have any value before Deshaun Watson returns.

WR Velus Jones Jr., CHI (Wk. 5: @Min.): Jones was active for the first time in week 4, and he played zero offensive snaps. There’s nothing here for now.

WR Jalen Tolbert, DAL (Wk. 5: @LAR): With Michael Gallup back from IR it’s an open question when Tolbert will be active for a game again. He’s been inactive for 3 of the first 4 contests, and Gallup’s return makes it even harder for the rookie to carve out a role.

WR Wan’Dale Robinson, NYG (Wk. 5: @GB): Wan’Dale is getting closer to returning to the lineup and having some sleeper value, but he’s trending toward being inactive again in week 5. The Giants desperately need WR help right now, but Robinson doesn’t look likely to deliver that help this week. He has a chance to be a PPR maven once he’s able to get back on the field.

WR Jahan Dotson, WAS (Wk. 5: vs. Ten.): If you missed the news, Dotson is expected to be out a week or two with a hamstring injury. This would be a great matchup for the rookie if he were to play, but it’s a moot point with him ruled out.

WR Treylon Burks, TEN (Wk. 5: @Was.): Like Dotson on the other side of this matchup, Burks will be sidelined for week 5 after being carted off with a turf toe injury last weekend. He was originally listed as doubtful, and was moved to IR later in the week.  

TE Trey McBride, ARI (Wk. 5: vs. Phi.): McBride is worth monitoring in the coming weeks after he finally saw his first passing game action in week 4. He played a season-high 42% of the offensive snaps and pulled in 3 catches on 3 targets for 24 yards as the Cardinals used 2 tight end sets more often than they had in previous weeks. It’s a promising development, but I wouldn’t plug him into any lineups just yet. The Eagles are in the top-12 at limiting TE points and rank 2^nd in pass defense DVOA. If McBride’s usage this week is similar or better to what we saw in week 4, he’s going to be a sneaky option against the Seahawks in week 6. Seattle allows the most TE points per game. Things will get dicey for his usage again after week 6 when DeAndre Hopkins returns from suspension.

TE Chig Okonkwo, TEN (Wk. 5: @Was.): Okonkwo had a surprising 3-38-1 line last weekend against the Colts after seeing just 1 target in the first 3 weeks, but don’t be fooled into thinking you can plug him into lineups if you’re desperate. Okonkwo was still in a route on fewer than 20% of Ryan Tannehill’s dropbacks in that game and was on the field for just 13 offensive snaps. Maybe that role grows in the coming weeks (especially now that Treylon Burks is on IR), but you’re just praying for a TD if you plug the rookie into any lineups this week. The Commanders have allowed just 1 tight end score in the first 4 weeks.

TEs Peyton Hendershot & Jake Ferguson, DAL (Wk. 5: @LAR): With Dalton Schultz back in action Sunday, the rookie duo combined for 21 offensive snaps and just one target in week 4. Move along.

Deep League Sleepers, Stashes, and Cheap DFS Options:

QB Bailey Zappe, NE (Wk. 5: vs. Det.): Zippin’ Bailey Zappe became the first rookie QB to throw a touchdown pass this season, and he’s in line for his first career start this week with Mac Jones still battling an ankle sprain and Brian Hoyer on IR with a concussion. There is no softer landing spot he could draw for that first start than facing the Detroit Lions. The Lions have allowed the most QB fantasy points per game and rank an abysmal 28^th in pass defense DVOA. Zappe’s throws look like they have less zip on them than you see from some high school QBs, but he was highly efficient at Western Kentucky last year, throwing for nearly 6,000 yards and 62 TDs in 14 games. Zappe has the upside to be a high-end QB2 this week.

RB James Cook, BUF (Wk. 5: vs. Pit.): Cook hasn’t seen the field or the ball much in the last two weeks, but that could change against the Steelers on Sunday. The Bills are two-touchdown favorites in this game, and the last time they won in a blowout Cook led the backfield with 11 touches and 53 scrimmage yards. Most of those touches came in the 4^th quarter in garbage time, but that same kind of garbage time might exist in this game. Cook could see additional passing game work early on as well. Gabe Davis is playing through an ankle injury, and both slot receivers could be in week 5. Jamison Crowder broke his ankle and Isaiah McKenzie suffered a concussion last Sunday. Crowder is out indefinitely, and McKenzie is questionable. Tight end Dawson Knox has also been ruled out for this game. If McKenzie sits, there will be some receiving opportunities up for grabs, some of which could go to Cook. It’s impossible to rely on garbage time production in season-long leagues but Cook costs just $1,400 in DraftKings Showdown contests.

WR Khalil Shakir, BUF (Wk. 5: vs. Pit.): As I mentioned above with James Cook, the Bills could be missing both of their top-2 slot receivers and their tight end on Sunday against a Pittsburgh defense that has allowed the 4^th-most PPR points to slot receivers this year per Sports Info Solutions. Shakir would likely be the guy who steps into the slot role if McKenzie is out. Crowder and McKenzie have averaged a combined 8.5 targets per game. Shakir has a realistic shot at 5-6 targets in this one, and there is value in that in a plus matchup with Josh Allen throwing him the ball.

WR Tyquan Thornton, NE (Wk. 5: vs. Det.): In deeper leagues there’s a chance Thornton was forgotten about after he suffered a broken collarbone in the preseason. He’s worth a stash in those leagues if he’s still available. Thornton made a speedier than expected recovery from the injury and has been activated from IR ahead of week 5. It’s hard to trust a Bill Belichick drafted wide receiver, but Thornton ran a blazing 4.28-second 40-yard dash at the combine and has serious big play upside. I’d expect him to be eased in after missing so much time, but he’s worth picking up in deeper leagues. No one beyond Jakobi Meyers has proven to be irreplaceable in this WR group.

TE Isaiah Likely, BAL (Wk. 5: vs. Cin.): Likely is coming off a zero-target game in week 4, but his playing time has remained fairly steady this season (20-26 snaps played each game) and the Ravens will be without Rashod Bateman this week. With Bateman out, Likely should be the 3^rd option in the passing game behind Mark Andrews and Devin Duvernay. The Bengals are a middling TE defense (19^th-most points allowed per game to TEs), but there is an opportunity for Likely to have his best game to-date as a pro.

TE Cade Otton, TB (Wk. 5: vs. Atl.): Cam Brate has been ruled out with a concussion, and Otton is in line to start in his place against the Falcons, who allow the 3^rd-most TE points per game. Otton garnered 4 targets on Sunday night against the Chiefs with Brate banged up. Don’t get too carried away here. There are game script concerns that could limit overall passing volume. Tom Brady has averaged 47 passing attempts in Tampa’s two losses this season and 30.5 attempts in their wins. Otton could be in line for 4+ catches if this game stays competitive.

That’s all I’ve got for this week. Hopefully it helps you pick up a W in week 5. Feel free to hit me up on Twitter (@Shawn_Foss) if you have any questions or want to yell at me about anything written above. Make sure to keep a close eye on the injury report throughout the week and do a final pre-game check to make sure you don’t start any inactive players. As always: Good luck, trust your gut and have fun. It’s just a game.

Jason’s analysis:

Trevor Lawrence (QB, JAC) Wk 4 @ PHI - Lawrence is busting out in his second season - right when you want to see a QB take the next step. Lawrence has increased his fantasy output every week so far this year, with 14.4, 18.5 and then 25.18 points. His team has scored more points every week, he’s had more completions every week, and he’s increased his passing TDs every week. 

His ADP was somewhere around QB19 and he’s the QB10 on the season. Coming off a big win on the road, Lawrence must have tons of confidence with a new coach and a 2-1 team. I think this is the beginning of Lawrence’s breakout season. The Jags have outscored their opponents 62-10 over the last two weeks, and I expect Lawrence to be a low end QB1 - a definite starter in 2 QB leagues.

Dameon Pierce (RB, HOU) Wk 4 vs LAC - As a rookie, Pierce was always going to be eased into the regular rotation on the Texans offense. It seems like perhaps that process has been accelerated. He’s increased his carries each week, increased his overall yardage, and most importantly, gone from about 30% of offensive snaps in week 1 to 60% in weeks 2 and 3. He’s scored 4.4, 8.2, and 17.10 points. He’s also increased his receiving yards each week, though those are pretty minor overall. 

I think Pierce will continue to play well, though for a rookie RB, it will not be as consistent as someone like Lawrence. This week is a good matchup, though. Pierce will face the Chargers defense who have given up the 5th most points to opposing RBs, surrendering a TD every week so far. Pierce already has 65% of his team’s rushing attempts, so it looks like he is in line to be somewhere between a featured back and a bell cow back. Side note on this game, the Texans have the worst rushing D in the league through 3 games.

Brandin Cooks (WR, HOU) Wk 4 vs LAC - Cooks has had a very quiet start to the season, and was certainly expected to do better as last year’s WR20 finisher. He had 3 great games when he started in the last 4 weeks of the 2021 fantasy season. This year, he has 22.3 points over his first 3 games (11.7, 7.4, 3.2). Cooks is being held back by Davis Mills being an OK QB at best. Perhaps he can start to break out a bit if the running game in Houston can get going, as mentioned earlier. 

Cooks is the focus of all opposing defenses for now, and he needs someone else to take at least a bit of their attention. Each week Cooks has gone down in both targets, receptions, and yards - as well as going down in catch %, pointing to the fact that he’s being covered even more. It’s not like he forgot how to catch the ball. This week is a good place for that to start, with the Chargers giving up the 6th most fantasy points to opposing players. I think that Cooks is worth sticking with for this week at least, but the Texans offense is far from a juggernaut. Cooks won’t be a drop, but he may be tough to be an every week start going forward. You may just focus on good matchups unless the Texans offense can start overachieving.

Dave’s analysis:

Russell Wilson (QB, DEN) @LV - Wilson finished the 2021 season as the 16th best fantasy QB, but a lot of us still seem to remember him as the guy that finished as QB5 back-to-back in 2019 and 2020. What happened to him? 

Trending down so far since week 1, Wilson scored 17.8 points against his former Seahawks, 12.06 vs. Houston, and then 9.06 just last week against the 49ers. The Broncos ended up punting 10 times on Sunday, and had a total of 8 3-and-outs. He seems unable to find his footing and put up a decent effort scrambling, which used to be his forte, and the Broncos only have 2 passing TDs in their 3 games so far this season. Enough trash talk? Maybe.

Broncos’ rookie head coach Nathaniel Hackett has certainly not done himself any favors so far, attempting a 64-yard field goal instead of going for it on fourth-and-5 in their loss against the Seahawks in week 1. But this team needs to help Wilson by providing better targets (Sutton seems to be the only consistent receiver with Jeudy banged up and hyped tight end Albert Okwuegbunam (say that 3 times fast) only recording 45 receiving yards so far). Hackett needs to lead with an offense more grounded in rushing like Wilson was successful with in Seattle to give him more time for downfield attempts and prevent the defense from concentrating on taking away Jeudy and Sutton.

The Broncos do have the pieces there for a team that can make a run at it, but I think that without focusing on the run game with Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon first and foremost, and finding another working piece for the passing game (KJ Hamler is not working out and we’re seeing Okwuegbunam trend negatively to start the season as mentioned earlier), it will continue to be a dream just beyond the horizon. Unfortunately, the smart move is to move away from Russell Wilson and any other pieces of this offense besides Javonte Williams and Courtland Sutton. He’ll continue to underperform, though it’s not completely his fault.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire (RB, KC) @TB - CEH started the season on fire with 2 receiving TDs in the first match against Arizona, and there were a lot of high-fives out there from those that selected him at his RB27 ADP in this year’s draft. We really weren’t sure how he might be utilized by this new Chiefs offense that underwent such radical change by shaking up the WRs. It turns out that the Chiefs intend to do much of the same at the RB position as they did last year, turning to a committee that will get called upon to follow the script each individual matchup might dictate. 

Edwards-Helaire scored 20.9 points in week 1, 13.8 in week 2 against the Chargers, and 12.4 in week 3 vs the Colts. In each game he had similar rushing attempts (7/8/7) and has been heavily involved in the passing game since the beginning of the season (100% catch rate, targets trending up from 3, to 4, to 5 from weeks 1-3). He won’t be phased out of this offense, by any means, but there are two things working against him as we look at what future trajectory makes sense to predict: 1 - McKinnon leads the Chiefs’ backfield (comprised of Edwards-Helaire, McKinnon, and Pacheco) with a 28% snap share, and 2 - rookie Isaiah Pacheco is starting to get more attempts and build more confidence and rapport with Mahomes and Co. 

In other words, Edwards-Helaire is a huge sell candidate after putting up some decent numbers over the first few weeks, but this is mostly backfield catches and touchdown dependent point scoring. Both other RBs are vying for opportunities in this offense, and are getting early down, third down, and goal-line work, and CEH is only averaging around 12 touches per game (with 0 rushing yards coming from his 7 week 3 carries). This is a trap, and it’s great to celebrate getting some points from a mid round draft pick but owners are about to find out very quickly that this is smoke & mirrors, and the last opportunity to sell high is right now. Definitely don’t start CEH this week against a Tampa Bay squad allowing the least amount of points to opposing RBs, and expect a sour future ahead for the 3rd year RB.

Justin Jefferson (WR, MIN) @NO - Jefferson has really fallen from grace in the eyes of fantasy team managers so far this season - he has gone from scoring 34.9 points in week 1’s routing of the Packers, to 7.8 in week 2’s loss against Philadelphia, to finally scoring just 2.9 points last week versus Detroit. His receptions have fallen from 9, to 6, to 3 over that span. So why the downward trend, and what kind of insights can stats from the last few games give us about the rest of the season moving forward? 

Well, speaking plainly about the game vs. the Lions, Cousins spread the targets out evenly among Thielen, Osborn, and Jefferson, and a lot of that was because of the clever way that Jefferson was defended by the Lions’ secondary. Cornerback Jeff Okudah was in man coverage almost the whole game, but with a high safety over the top, a bracket safety leaning towards Jefferson’s side in the slot, and the opposite safety on top for most plays was also spying Jefferson to prevent any crossover plays from developing. 

Because of this, we saw Thielen and Osborn soak up a lot more targets than they have been this year (8 each, season highs for both), as the Vikings were forced to spread out the ball to secure a win. They did just narrowly defeat the Lions, but we will certainly see similar schemes from other secondaries, focusing on Jefferson down the stretch. The Eagles also double-teamed Jefferson, and he was limited in his success in week 2, though not by as much. Head coach Kevin O’Connell has repeatedly made clear that they will continue to change their scheme and “[give] Justin different aspects of lining up in different spots, different personnel groupings, whatever I need to do to help him”.

Things will improve for him, though,  and the Vikings were able to create a good showcase in week 3 of why teams should not concentrate their whole secondary on stopping Jefferson. There are other playmakers on this squad and ignoring them can still result in a loss. I predict that Jefferson will reverse this trend, and his fantasy points should creep back up toward last year’s 16.3 points per game average - but with the enhanced coverage he has been seeing may end the season with a finish a few spots lower than last year’s WR4 overall. 

Welcome back to the Rookie Report! We’ve made it through one bye week but getting through a second one could prove to be more of a challenge. The teams off this week contain some of the biggest names in fantasy football – the Bills, the Eagles, the Vikings, and the Rams all boast an elite wide receiver and multiple every-week fantasy starters. There is a plethora of injuries to key fantasy contributors again as well. You may have some work to do to round out your fantasy lineups this week, and you’re probably going to be considering some options that make you feel like vomiting. There’s bound to be at least one rookie you’re considering for a lineup. Luckily, I’m here as always to help break down what to expect from the rookies this week.

A couple of housekeeping notes for the players listed below – All players listed under the same header at the same position are listed in the order that I would play them this week, and all references to fantasy points and points allowed rankings are based on half-PPR scoring unless otherwise noted. Any data on route participation, air yards, and other usage rates are per Dwain McFarland’s Utilization Report on Pro Football Focus.

Let’s get into week 7…

Rookies You Already Know You Should Start:

RB Breece Hall, NYJ (Wk. 7: @Den.): Zach Wilson’s return hasn’t spelled fantasy success for the Jets’ pass catchers, but it’s been great for Hall, who has finished as a top-6 PPR RB in each of the last two weeks and has now finished top-15 at the position in 5 straight weeks. The Broncos are a tougher matchup than he’s seen in recent weeks, but at 18^th in Football Outsiders’ run-defense DVOA they aren’t exactly a frightening matchup. The Broncos are also forced to start Brett Rypien at QB this week, so game script could be favorable for Breece once again. Treat Hall as a low-end RB1 this week.

RB Kenneth Walker III, SEA (Wk. 7: vs. LAC): Walker has run for 80+ yards and a touchdown in each of the last two weeks, and he gets a juicy matchup with the Chargers this Sunday. LA ranks 22^nd in run defense DVOA.They’ve also allowed 20+ PPR points to a running back in 3 of the last 4 weeks and 15+ in 4 out of 5. Walker still sees limited passing game involvement, so that 20+ number in PPR leagues may be a lofty goal, but KW3 should be a solid RB2 against a bad run defense this week in all formats.

Borderline Rookies I’d Lean Toward Starting:

RB Dameon Pierce, HOU (Wk. 7: @LV): I still have concerns about Pierce getting usage in the passing game (Rex Burkhead has played 100% of the two-minute offense snaps and 93% of the long down & distance snaps for the season), but Pierce is handling almost all of the rushing work and is going to be a weekly RB2 in any weeks where the Texans don’t get blown out in the first half. The Raiders are 7-point favorites in this game, so there’s some risk of game script getting away from Houston, but I trust that Pierce will get enough opportunity to be useful against the Raiders’ middling run defense. Vegas ranks 15^th in run defense DVOA.

RB Brian Robinson Jr., WAS (Wk. 7: vs. GB): Robinson’s first two games have gone pretty much as expected. The Commanders have used him as an early down hammer in the run game, and he’s been an afterthought in the passing game. He managed to grind his way to 60 rushing yards last week, and a late TD pushed him up to a top-20 PPR finish for the week. The biggest takeaway for me was that Robinson handled nearly 60% of the team's rushing attempts. The team is making a point to get him the football, and this week he faces a defense that ranks 32^nd in run defense DVOA. Robinson should be more efficient running the ball this week against that unit, so there’s a lot of upside for him if the Commanders can keep this game competitive and keep feeding him the football. Be warned that Robinson’s usage is game-script dependent. He isn’t going to be used in clear passing situations, so if you think Green Bay has a bounce-back game and wins easily, you shouldn’t start Robinson. I think this game stays close enough that the Commanders’ rookie back is a top-20 RB option for me.

WR Romeo Doubs, GB (Wk. 7: @Was.): The Packers’ offense has been out of sorts in recent weeks, but that’s no reason to shy away from starting Doubs this week. Romeo has earned 8+ targets in 3 of his past 4 games, Christian Watson and Randall Cobb are out this week, and the Commanders allow the 5^th-most WR points per game. The production has been inconsistent for Doubs, but he should see solid volume in a plus matchup. I’d view him as a WR2 this week.

WR Drake London, ATL (Wk. 7: @Cin.): London’s biggest weekly concern is team passing volume. He’s had at least a 29% target share and 27% air yardage share each and every week, but the Falcons have averaged just 21 pass attempts per game in the last 5 weeks. The biggest key for London will be the Falcons playing from behind and needing to throw the ball more often. I actually think that happens here. The Bengals’ offense has been due for a breakout game for weeks, and the Falcons are the worst defense they’ve faced this season (29^th in total defense DVOA). I think the Bengals put up points, and Atlanta is forced to throw 30+ times for the first time since week 1. The matchup isn’t ideal against a decent Bengals’ defense, but with so many top WRs off this week, London is still a fringe WR2.

WR Alec Pierce, IND (Wk. 7: @Ten.): Pierce has seen his playing time jump in recent weeks, but that jump coincided with injury absences for Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines. Don’t be shocked if he’s back in the 45-50% snap range this week with both backs expected back, but Pierce was producing even before the playing time increase in the last two games. He’s caught for at least 60 yards in 4 straight contests, and the Titans rank 29^th in pass defense DVOA and have allowed the 2^nd-most WR points per game. Pierce should still have a nice floor as a low end WR3 even if his snaps get scaled back, and he’s got a nice ceiling in a great matchup if those increased snaps continue.

WR George Pickens, PIT (Wk. 7: @Mia.): Pickens has earned 6+ targets in each of the last 4 games, and he gets Kenny Pickett back at QB this week. The Dolphins allow the 8^th-most WR points per game and rank 31^st in pass defense DVOA, and their best corner Xavien Howard will match up mostly with Diontae Johnson. Everything is shaping up for a strong showing for Pickens on Sunday. He’s a solid WR3 option this week.

WR Wan’Dale Robinson, NYG (Wk. 7: @Jax.): Robinson was eased back into action in his first game since week 1, playing just 15 offensive snaps, but he was targeted on 35% of his routes run and finished the day with a 3-37-1 line. His playing time should go way up this week and the Giants are desperate for pass-catching help. Robinson should spend most of his time in the slot, matched up with Darious Williams, who has a PFF coverage grade of just 41.9 this season (100^th out of 108 qualified CBs). I expect 6+ targets this week. Robinson should be a fine floor WR3 play in PPR leagues, with upside for more if the individual matchup is as fruitful as it looks on paper.

Borderline Rookies I’d Lean Toward Sitting:

QB Kenny Pickett, PIT (Wk. 7: @Mia.): Pickett’s a fine option this week if you’re looking for a QB2, but I’d probably look elsewhere for a starter in 1-QB formats. The matchup may look enticing on paper. The Dolphins have allowed the 6^th-most QB points per game and as I mentioned with Pickens Miami ranks 31^st in pass defense DVOA, but when you look at what QBs they’ve faced those ranks look like they may be skewed by a tough QB schedule. The Phins have faced 3 QBs currently in the top-5 in fantasy points this season – Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Joe Burrow. Those 3 QBs averaged 30 fantasy points against the Dolphins. The other 3 QBs they’ve faced (Mac Jones, Kirk Cousins and Zach Wilson) have averaged just 13.5 fantasy points in those games. Pickett probably fits in better with that second group than the first one. There are 26 QBs who average more than 13.5 fantasy points per game so far this season.

QB Bailey Zappe, NE (Wk. 7: vs. Chi.): It looks like Mac Jones is going to be able to return on Monday night to face the Bears, but if he isn’t and Zappe is under center again, I’d treat him as a mid-range QB2. The Bears are much worse against the run than the pass (27^th in run defense DVOA, 14^th in pass defense DVOA), and the Pats will be happy to run it down their throats with Rhamondre and Damien Harris. Anything over 25 passing attempts for Zappe or Mac would be a bonus. Either QB would likely need to hit their ceiling efficiency to crack the top-12 QBs for the week.

RB Tyler Allgeier, ATL (Wk. 7: @Cin.): Allgeier has played an expanded role in each of the last two weeks with Cordarrelle Patterson sidelined, but he’s finished with just 4.5 and 5.1 PPR points in those two contests against tough run defenses and gets a tough matchup again this week with the Bengals. Allgeier hasn’t been involved in the passing game (just 2 total targets on the year), and the Bengals have allowed the 7^th-fewest RB points per game. Cincy has only allowed 60+ rushing yards to two backs all season, and only 1 running back rushing TD. Caleb Huntley has been more impressive than Allgeier on limited opportunities, so there’s no guarantee that Tyler keeps playing more than half the snaps. If you start Allgeier you’re crossing your fingers that he manages to fall into the end zone.

WR Garrett Wilson, NYJ (Wk. 7: @Den.): It may seem like a good thing for Wilson that the Jets will play without Elijah Moore this week, but Moore’s absence likely solidifies that it will be Wilson who operates as the Jets’ WR1 and draws the coverage of Patrick Surtain II. The Broncos have held opposing WRs to the 2^nd-fewest fantasy points per game this year, and they’ve been especially effective against the top options on those teams. Surtain helped limit Mike Williams to 2-17, Michael Pittman Jr. to 5-59, and DK Metcalf to 7-36. The Jets are already struggling to put up aerial production with Zach Wilson under center. Wilson averages just 14 completions and 191 passing yards per game through 3 games, and I wouldn’t expect a substantial change this week against a tough Broncos’ secondary. Garrett Wilson is a contrarian DFS option and dicey WR4 this week.

WR Tyquan Thornton, NE (Wk. 7: vs. Chi.): Thornton made a big impact in his second game of the season last week, scoring 2 TDs on 4 catches and 3 rushing attempts, but his playing time may have been boosted by injuries to Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne. Both players practiced in a limited capacity on Friday and are questionable for this game. The Patriots are 8-point favorites this week, and the Bears are abysmal against the run, so Thornton likely will need to make a splash play or two on limited opportunities in a run-heavy game plan. He has the wheels to score on almost any play, but he’s an upside dart throw with a low floor against a Chicago defense that allows the 4^th-fewest WR points per game.

WR Jahan Dotson, WAS (Wk. 7: vs. GB): Dotson is listed as questionable for this week, but I’d guess he’s on the wrong side of that tag after tweaking his hamstring again in practice Thursday. The Packers have been much more vulnerable on the ground than through the air. They allow just the 7^th-fewest WR points per game and rank 9^th in pass defense DVOA. If Dotson is able to play, I’d view him as a WR4 this week.

TE Daniel Bellinger, NYG (Wk. 7: @Jax.): Bellinger has been a pleasant surprise this season for the Giants, ranking as the TE13 in PPR points per game so far this year, and he played his highest snap share of the season last weekend (94%). It’s an exciting development for those who drafted Bellinger in dynasty leagues or got him late in deep redraft leagues, but this isn’t a great week to plug him in as your TE1. The Jaguars have allowed the 11^th-fewest TE points per game and only 1 TD to the position. Bellinger hasn’t topped 40 yards in any game this season, so he needs a TD to return value. I also worry that his snap share last week could be a bit of a mirage. Backup Tanner Hudson was held out of practice with an illness on Thursday and Friday last week before playing only 12% of the snaps in the game Sunday. He’d played 35%+ of the snaps in each of the 4 games prior to week 6. If his snaps come back up this week, it will likely be at Bellinger’s expense. Bellinger is still the clear TE1 here, but he’s just a high-end TE2 in a tougher matchup this week.

TE Greg Dulcich, DEN (Wk. 7: vs. NYJ): Dulcich played a full-time role in his NFL debut and ran a route on about two-thirds of the team's passing dropbacks on Monday night against the Chargers. He scored a long TD and finished as the TE9 for the week, and this week he faces a Jets’ defense that’s only a middling unit against TEs (17^th-most TE points per game allowed). Unfortunately, it’s a big question what kind of quarterback play he’ll get this week with Brett Rypien starting in place of an injured Russell Wilson. Rypien has made just 1 NFL start in his career (oddly enough, it was against the Jets). It’s not a big sample size, but in that game, he was willing to push the ball down the field to his perimeter wide receivers. He finished with 242 yards, 2 TDs, and 3 INTs. This year’s version of the Jets’ defense is much better than the one Rypien faced the first time around. There’s too much uncertainty in what we’ll see from Rypien for me to confidently start Dulcichas a TE1 this week.

TE Cade Otton, TB (Wk. 7: @Car.): Cam Brate has been ruled out for week 7 with a neck injury, so Otton should serve as the full-time tight end against the Panthers. Otton drew 7 targets the last time Brate missed a game in week 5, but I expect the Bucs to play from ahead for most of this game and don’t expect nearly the same passing volume in this one. Tom Brady threw the ball 52 times in that week 5 contest. The Panthers also have defended the TE position well, allowing just the 8^th-fewest points per game to the position. There’s upside in any game where Otton plays a full-time role with Brady under center, but I’d view him as a mid-range TE2 this week.

Rookies You Already Know You Should Sit:

QB Skylar Thompson, MIA (Wk. 7: vs. Pit.): Tua is practicing this week and is expected to make the start against the Steelers with Teddy Bridgewater back to serving as the backup. Thompson looked good early on Sunday against the Dolphins, but he suffered a nasty injury to his thumb on his throwing hand that cut his day short. Hopefully, he gets another chance to play at some point.

QB Sam Howell, WAS (Wk. 7: vs. GB): Staring QB Carson Wentz was placed on IR this week with a thumb injury, but the Commanders will turn to Taylor Heinicke to start in his absence rather than the rookie Howell. Keep tabs on this situation…if Heinicke performs poorly it could open the door for Howell to get on the field, but there’s no reason to consider him this week.

RB Jaylen Warren, PIT (Wk. 7: @Mia.): Najee Harris continued to be his usual, inefficient self last week, totaling 49 scrimmage yards on 16 touches, but Warren handled just 2 carries and zero targets in the game. He’s touched the ball more than 5 times just once this season. It’s impossible to rely on him in starting lineups until his touches start to increase or Najee gets a week off.

RB Isiah Pacheco, KC (Wk. 7: @SF): The trend has continued to look the same for Pacheco. When the Chiefs win in a romp, he gets late playing time. When the game is competitive, he only gets a few opportunities. He’s yet to handle more than 4 touches in a game where the Chiefs didn’t win by double-digits. Kansas City is just a 1-point favorite this week, and the 49ers are the best team in the NFL in run defense DVOA.

RB Tyrion Davis-Price, SF (Wk. 7: vs. KC): TDP was activated from IR last week, and there was a chance for his role to grow this week after Jeff Wilson Jr. was mostly ineffective against Atlanta, but the 49ers dumped cold water on that when they added Christian McCaffrey in a trade on Thursday. I’d expect McCaffrey to be able to play at least a part-time role this week, and that leaves nothing for Davis-Price behind CMC and Wilson. If McCaffrey somehow isn’t ready to play this week, Davis-Price is no more than an upside dart throw in DFS showdown contests.

RBs Kevin Harris & Pierre Strong, NE (Wk. 7: vs. Chi.): Rhamondre Stevenson handled 85% of the backfield touches in week 6 with Damien Harris sidelined. The two rookie backs did play a little bit, but neither recorded a single touch until the Pats were up by 3 scores in the third quarter. There isn’t enough here for either guy to be relevant unless Rhamondre gets hurt, and it also appears that Damien Harris will return this week.

RB Trestan Ebner, CHI (Wk. 7: @NE): Ebner has been an afterthought for the Bears since Khalil Herbert returned from injury in week 5. He’s played just 4 total offensive snaps in the last two weeks.

WR Skyy Moore, KC (Wk. 7: @SF): Moore’s playing time seemed to be headed in the right direction, but he’s plateaued at about 30% of the team's offensive snaps in the last few weeks. He may eventually gain more traction in this offense, but a 30% role against a defense that allows the 5^th-fewest WR points per game isn’t the profile of a player you want to start.

WR Kyle Philips, TEN (Wk. 7: vs. Ind.): Philips showed out in week 1 as the Titans’ starting slot wide receiver, but he was hurt in week 2 and has been slow to get his playing time back after returning in week 4. He played just 2 snaps in his first game back, and 18 snaps in week 5 ahead of the team bye last week. He could see those snaps take another step forward this week, but the Colts have allowed the fewest PPR points per game to WRs lined up in the slot per Sports Info Solutions. It’s worth monitoring his playing time with Treylon Burks still on IR, but don’t start Philips anywhere this week.

WR David Bell, CLE (Wk. 7: @Bal.): Bell saw a season-high in snaps and route participation rate in week 6 with the Browns playing from behind by multiple scores for much of the game, but it resulted in just 2 targets and 1 catch for 13 yards. Nothing has changed for Bell going forward.

WR Velus Jones Jr., CHI (Wk. 7: @NE): Jones is slowly getting more integrated into the offense, but he was at just 12 offensive snaps in his 3^rd game of the season, and he muffed a punt in that game. He’s playing a limited role in an offense that ranks 28^th in yards and 31^st in points in the NFL.

WR Jalen Tolbert, DAL (Wk. 7: vs. Det.): Tolbert will probably be inactive for the 6^th time in 7 games.

WR Christian Watson, GB (Wk. 7: @Was.): In case you missed the news, Watson has been ruled out for week 7 with injury.

TEs Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar, BAL (Wk. 7: vs. Cle.): I included Kolar this week because he’s been cleared for practice and may be close to returning from IR. I wouldn’t expect him to step into a significant role right away with Mark Andrews and Likely pretty deeply cemented as the TE1 and TE2 in front of him. He may eventually take some of Likely’s role, but it’s a role that hasn’t made Likely a viable fantasy option. Likely has totaled just 6 targets in the last two weeks with Rashod Bateman sidelined. Mark Andrews caught a questionable tag this week with a knee injury. If Andrews sits, Likely becomes a fringe TE1, and Kolar a DFS dart throw (assuming he’s active).

TE Jake Ferguson& Peyton Hendershot, DAL (Wk. 7: vs. Det.): The matchup here is good – Detroit allows the 8^th-most TE points per game – but it appears that Dalton Schultz will return this week after being a surprise inactive in week 6 with a knee injury. Schultz has practiced in full all week and gets back his QB in Dak Prescott as well. If Schultz plays, Ferguson and Hendershot will be afterthoughts. If Schultz were to sit again, they’d split the TE role evenly. In that scenario, I wouldn’t want to start either player.

TE Chig Okonkwo, TEN (Wk. 7: vs. Ind.): Okonkwo has yet to play more than 16 offensive snaps in any game this season. The Colts do allow the 7^th-most TE points per game, so there’s maybe some hope for the rookie as a DFS dart throw, but Okonkwo has a low ceiling and a non-existent floor.

Deep League Sleepers, Stashes, and Cheap DFS Options:

RB Rachaad White, TB (Wk. 7: @Car.): The Panthers have essentially waved the white flag on this season after trading away Robbie Anderson and Christian McCaffrey in the last week. The Bucs enter the weekend as 2-touchdown favorites against those Panthers, and that should open the door for some garbage time work for Rachaad White. Rachaad has already handled 7+ touches in each of the last 3 games, but if this game goes the way Vegas expects it to that should rise into the 12-15 range against Carolina. I think White is an upside RB3 in what should be a blowout win for the Bucs.

RB Isaiah Spiller, LAC (Wk. 7: @Sea.): It’s been reported that Spiller will be active for the first time all year on Sunday with Joshua Kelley placed on IR, and it’s possible he sees some work in his debut. Austin Ekeler is still the clear lead back here, but the Chargers have had an average of 11.5 non-Ekeler backfield touches per game this year split between Kelley and Sony Michel. Kelley is out, and Michel has been ineffective, averaging just 3.4 yards per touch. This may be Spiller’s best opportunity to carve out his role as the complement to Ekeler. Seattle is 21^st in run defense DVOA and has allowed the 9^th-most RB points per game. I mention Spiller here mostly as a stash in deeper leagues, but he costs just $200 in DraftKings showdown contests.

RB Raheem Blackshear, CAR (Wk. 7: vs. TB): I mention Blackshear here as a stash option in the deepest of PPR leagues. He’s a small receiving back who was a UDFA out of Virginia Tech. Blackshear should now be active on game days with McCaffrey traded away, but I’d expect that he’ll start out behind both D’onta Foreman and Chuba Hubbard on the depth chart. Hubbard has struggled as a receiver at the NFL level, but the Panthers have shown a continued willingness to use him in a pass-catching despite the struggles. Keep an eye on what the backfield usage looks like this week, but none of the RBs in Carolina are great options against a Tampa defense that allows the fewest RB points per game.

RB Kyren Williams, LAR (Wk. 7: Bye): The Rams are on a bye this week, so it might be your last chance to grab Kyren for free if he’s still available in deeper leagues. Cam Akers was away from the team last week due to frustration with his role/usage, and the Rams are making efforts to trade him away. That will leave just Darrell Henderson, Malcolm Brown, and Kyren as available running backs for the Rams. Henderson will be the RB1, but the Rams had plans for Williams to contribute on offense this year before his injury hit, and he should have a role as a receiving back behind Henderson after the bye. One thing to be aware of here though…the Rams have targeted a running back on just 4 of their 55 third-down pass attempts this season. Kyren isn’t a priority stash, but he’s worth consideration if you’re desperate for running back help in PPR leagues.

WR Jameson Williams, DET (Wk. 7: @Dal.): Williams isn’t going to be activated this week, but he shouldn’t be on waivers in most leagues, especially those with an IR slot available. Jameson has league-winner upside once he’s able to get on the field. He has 4.3-second speed and put up over 1,500 yards and 15 TDs at Alabama last season. He’ll immediately be a top-2 wide receiver on the Lions along with Amon-Ra St. Brown once he’s able to play. DJ Chark going on IR this week has cleared a runway to immediate playing time for Williams when he’s ready to go.

TE Jelani Woods, IND (Wk. 7: @Ten.): Woods still isn’t playing a large portion of the snaps for Indy, but he’s seen his snaps and route participation rate steadily go up as the season’s gone on, and ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that he expects the Colts to look to get him more involved going forward. Woods has been the target on 21% of the Colts’ pass attempts into the end zone this year, and the Titans gave up two tight end scores when they faced the Colts in week 4. Woods is by no means a top-10 TE option this week since he plays less than half of the offensive snaps, but he’s got upside for DFS or if you’re desperate in season-long leagues.

TE Cole Turner, WAS (Wk. 7: vs. GB):I mention Turner here because Logan Thomas is already ruled out for this week and John Bates is questionable to play after injuring his hamstring in pre-game warmups last week. Turner was targeted just twice in that game last week, but he was on the field for 93% of the Commanders’ offensive plays. He’s going to play a full-time role if Bates is out, and if you’re looking for a waiver wire TE in deeper leagues, anyone with a pulse is worth consideration. That’s pretty much all Turner is this week.

That’s all I’ve got for this week. Hopefully, it helps you pick up another big win this weekend. Feel free to hit me up on Twitter (@Shawn_Foss) if you have any questions or want to yell at me about anything written above, and always make sure to apply what’s written in the context of your own league rules and roster. Keep a close eye on the injury report throughout the week and do a final pre-game check to make sure you don’t start any inactive players. As always: Good luck, trust your gut and have fun. It’s just a game.