NFL Takeaways – Week 7 - Razzball Fantasy Football

National Running Back Day was in full effect with 19 RBs scoring digit points this week. I hope you had an RB to celebrate this week en route to a Week 7 victory! Let’s review my Week 7 takeaways as we look forward to Week 8.

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Quarterbacks

Player: Matthew Stafford
Game: vs. Jaguars (London)
Stats: 21-23, 182 passing yards, 5 TDs

The Rams QB was on point without his best WR, Puka Nacua, throwing for his fifth double-digit game in seven games. More impressive, Jacksonville has allowed only six passing TDs to QBs entering the game, and Stafford nearly doubled them. He becomes the latest QB to toss five TDs since Jared Goff and Joe Burrow in 2024. Prior to 2024, Drew Brees was the last QB to do so in 2019. Stafford has a bye in Week 8, but faces the Saints in Week 9, who allow the fourth-most points to QBs, but limited Caleb Williams to one interception and zero TDs in Week 7. The Jags’ defense gets a much-needed bye and looks to get right against Geno Smith and the Raiders in Week 9.

Notables:

Patrick Mahomes continued his TD streak in reaching 2+ TDs in six out of seven games after another three TD performance against Vegas. The fantasy QB1 gets the Commanders next week, which is his fourth matchup against a defense that ranks in the top 10 in allowing points to QBs.

Jalen Hurts compiled a season-high of 324 passing yards and three passing TDs, while rushing for his season-low -10 yards. He finished as the QB8 against Minnesota, which allows the third-fewest points to QBs. He’ll have a rematch against the Giants in Week 8, after posting two TDs in Week 5.

After a rough performance across the pond, Bo Nix combined for four TDs (two rushing, two passing) in the fourth quarter to upend the Giants. He’ll get a real opportunity to repeat his performance against the lackluster Dallas defense that allows the most points to QBs.

Jaxson Dart posted his best start of the season, scoring four TDs (three passing and one rushing). Dart’s start reminds me of Nix’s rookie season, with his ability to extend plays with his legs. Dart has tallied three rushing scores through four starts. Dart gets a rematch against Philly, where to scored two TDs.

Playing from behind the entire game, Justin Herbert threw for a season-high 55 passing attempts, throwing for 420 yards, his first 400-yard game of the season and just his second for his career. Herbie and Bolts get a tough Minnesota defense that allowed Hurts’ best passing game of the season.

Dak Prescott tossed three more TDs against Washington, who allow the seventh-most points to QBs. Prescott has a 13/0 TD to INT ratio over his last four games, the best in the NFL. He’ll travel to Mile High next week, who give up the second-fewest points to opposing QBs, but allowed Dart to have his best game of his rookie campaign.

Tua Tagovailoa threw three more picks and now has six interceptions in back-to-back games. Miami will face its third consecutive opponent in Atlanta, which ranks within the top-10 best defenses against QBs.

Bryce Young sustained ankle and back injuries that forced him to leave early in the third quarter. Something to monitor in superflex leagues.

Jayden Daniels goes down again. The Commanders have a big void to fill at QB if their WRs are inactive against Kansas City, who pitched a shutout of the Raiders in Week 7.

Caleb Williams was underwhelming with his first game without a TD with one interception and 172 yards in the air at home facing the Saints. He should bounce back as a top 10 option in Week 8 against Baltimore.

Running Backs

Player: Quinshon Judkins
Game: vs. Dolphins
Stats: 25 carries, 84 rushing yards, 3 rushing TDs

The Browns love their volume RBs. They replace Nick Chubb with Judkins, who was not overly efficient but punched in three scores against Miami, which gives up the fifth most points to RBs. He’s seen 20+ touches in four of his last five games. He’s scored five TDs over the same span. We’ll see how the volume works out against the 27th-ranked Patriots defense to opposing RBs.

Notables:

I was not kidding when I mentioned Jonathan Taylor as the overall RB1 this season. He posted his fourth game over 100 total yards and scored his league-leading eighth, ninth, and 10th rushing TD. JT will set to face the Titans, which allows the third most points to RBs. Good luck if you’re going up against him.

Christian McCaffrey was facing the 31st defense against RBs on SNF, and he delivered a gold rush for his shareholders. He was able to rush over the century mark for the first time this season while scoring two rushing scores. He’s also the best receiving option on the team, securing seven passes for 72 yards from Mac Jones. McCaffrey ranks third in the NFL with 53 receptions.

The Bears’ backfield is starting to look like the Lions under Ben Johnson as both RBs finish as top-10 RBs in Week 7. D’Andre Swift went over a buck twenty and scored a TD on 20 touches. His teammate, Kyle Monangai, rushed for 80+ yards and scored on 14 touches. The Bears’ next three opponents all rank within the top 10 in allowing the most points to RBs. Monangai has real standalone value.

Josh Jacobs battled an illness and an ankle injury en route to another two-TD performance. He tallied three consecutive games with two rushing scores. One must consider that three of those opponents ranked within the top 10 in allowing the most points to RBs. The Steelers await next for Jacobs, who has allowed only two rushing TDs to opposing RBs.

Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard returned to an RB committee at the chagrin of the fantasy community. Hubbard played more snaps (38-33), but Dowdle posted more touches (18-16). Dowdle was more efficient, but Hubbard has a role in this backfield when he’s healthy. I hope you sold high on Dowdle when you had the chance!

Isiah Pacheco scored his first TD of the season. What I find interesting is that Brashard Smith out snapped Kareem Hunt, generating 19 touches (four catches) for 81 yards. I understand Hunt was injured in the first quarter and Smith played in garbage time, but I can see a scenario where Smith is getting more opportunities over Hunt.

Jordan Mason scored a TD on 15 touches due to the game script. His days owning Viks’ backfield might be coming to an end on TNF against the Chargers, with the possibility of Aaron Jones returning after missing the last four games.

Wide Receivers

Player: Travis Hunter
Game: vs. Rams (London)
Stats: 8 receptions, 101 receiving yards, 1 touchdown on 14 targets

Hunter was finally given ample snaps on offense based on the game script against the Rams was able to put up his best game of his young career, setting career-highs along the way. My preseason bold prediction could ring true that Hunter outperforms Brian Thomas Jr. this season. BTJ rotated more than normal and left the game early due to an injury. The Jags have a bye in Week 8 and follow up with a much-needed Las Vegas opponent that allows the 10th most points to WRs.

Notables:

Davante Adams was only needed to score TDs, hauling in three against Jacksonville as Nacua was inactive. This marks the third time Adams has caught three TDs in a game. He’s recorded six TDs through his first seven games as a Ram. NOLA is next for Adams in Week 9, who allows the third most TDs to WRs.

The Eagles’ WRs found their wings as A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith combined for 304 yards and three TDs against Minnesota, which allows the fewest points to WRs at 11 points per game. This is surprising to see, considering Philly’s passing woes this season. Maybe this is the catalyst to get the offense flowing.

Chris Olave secured his first two TD game of the season after going 14 games with just two TDs. Olave and Spencer Rattler’s chemistry is growing as Olave has recorded a TD or drawn double-digit targets in his last four games. A middling matchup against Tampa Bay awaits in Week 8.

Rashee Rice was quickly reacquainted as the Chiefs’ WR1, drawing a team-high in targets and catching two TDs, while second in snaps behind Xavier Worthy. Worthy’s right shoulder appeared to flare up, so something to monitor for Chiefs pass catchers. Rice is a top-10 WR for the rest of the season.

Keenan Allen and Ladd McConkey each generated 14 targets while playing catch-up against the Colts. Allen statistically outperformed McConkey. They will face the Vikings, the stingiest defense against WRs, who allowed the pair of Eagles to have their best games this season. Who will prevail?

CeeDee Lamb’s (5-110-1) return to the lineup ended George Pickens’ scoring streak as Lamb scored the Cowboys’ lone WR TD. Pickens could outperform Lamb next week in Dever with Patrick Surtain matched up against Lamb.

Jordan Addison (9-128) bested Justin Jefferson (5-79) against the Eagles’ secondary. Addison has recorded 100+ yards or scored a TD in all three games with Carson Wentz. The Viks duo will face off against the Chargers, who rank as the fifth-toughest defense against WRs.

Michael Pittman Jr. continues to find the end zone for Daniel Jones, scoring five TDs in seven games. Josh Downs was inactive against the Chargers, and Alec Pierce led the Colts in targets and yardage. They will have a neutral matchup against the Titans in Week 8.

Elic Ayomanor led the Titans in snaps, routes, and targets, but did little with them as Chimere Dike paced Tennessee in receptions and yards, and scored the lone TD with Calvin Ridley inactive. Until Cam Ward dramatically improves, I’m losing confidence in the Titans’ skill players.

Popular waiver wire add, Luke McCaffrey, failed to record a catch against Dallas. Chris Moore and Jaylin Lane played more snaps, ran more routes, and drew more targets than McCaffrey. If Daniels misses time, having faith in the Commanders’ WR room against KC in Week 8 will be hard.

Xavier Legette produced his best game of his career with 9-92-1 on 11 targets. He’s quietly scored two TDs over his last three games. It’s hard to say if this is legit or not with Jalen Coker returning from the IR. A matchup with the Bills in Week 8 will show us more.

Tight End

Player: Oronde Gadsden
Game: vs. Indianapolis
Stats: 7 receptions, 164 yards, 1 touchdown on 9 targets

His playing time has steadily increased over the last four weeks, playing 60 of 76 snaps in Week 7. This performance has cemented Gadsden as the TE for the Chargers moving forward. He’s hauled in 14 passes in back-to-back games while catching his first career TD against the Colts. Indy has allowed Gadsden and McBride in consecutive weeks to finish as the TE1, but don’t expect the same next against the Titans. The Chargers will face Minnesota, which allows the 14th most points to TEs.

Notables:

The McRib and Brisket connection was on full display as Trey McBride scored two more TDs while securing 10 catches against the Packers defense that permits the sixth most points to TEs. It’s a shame he has a bye week next after combining for 18-146-3 with Jacoby Brissett.

Tucker Kraft enjoyed his highest target share of the season, finishing with 5-52-1 against the Cardinals, who allow the ninth most points to TEs. Kraft will look for his third consecutive TD in a plus matchup against the Steelers’ third-ranked defense to TEs.

Tyler Warren extended his TD streak to three games. He leads all TEs with the most receiving yards through seven weeks. What can’t this rookie do?

Jake Ferguson caught two more TDs, giving him six TDs over his last four games. However, with Lamb back in the fold, Ferguson was relegated to just 29 receiving yards. He ranks first among TEs and fourth overall with 51 receptions. His toughest matchup is next at Denver, which allowed the Giants TE, Theo Johnson, and Cody Bellinger to combine to finish with 6-154-2 on 11 targets.

Kyle Pitts was heavily involved with 10 targets against the 49ers on SNF. He’s a nice trade target as three of his next four matchups are against teams that allow the 10th most points to TEs.

Bye Week Update

Week 8 Byes include the Lions, Raiders, Rams, Cardinals, Seahawks, and Jaguars. Adjust your lineups accordingly!

🚨 Red Zone TD Scoring 🚨

Philadelphia leads the NFL at 88%. Rounding out the top 10 are Washington (78%), Detroit (74%), Pittsburgh (72%), Green Bay (72%), Denver (68%), Indianapolis (67%), and Kansas City/Cincinnati/Seattle/Minnesota/Dallas/Miami (66%).
The bottom five teams with Red Zone TD Scoring Percentages are the Las Vegas (38%), LA Chargers (42%), Atlanta (44%), Baltimore (44%), and New Orleans (45%).

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