play1:10Where does Kimani Vidal stand among fantasy RBs in Week 7?Eric Moody weighs in on Kimani Vidal’s impactful Week 6, and says fantasy managers should look to utilize him as an RB2 in Week 7.
play0:59Can Kayshon Boutte build on a successful Week 6 in fantasy?Eric Karabell explains why he expects Kayshon Boutte to continue his recent fantasy success in Week 7 vs. the Titans.
play0:39Why Harold Fannin Jr. shouldn’t be overlooked in fantasyLiz Loza breaks down Harold Fannin Jr.’s upward trend in fantasy ahead of the Browns matchup against the Dolphins in Week 7.
play0:59Can Kayshon Boutte build on a successful Week 6 in fantasy?Eric Karabell explains why he expects Kayshon Boutte to continue his recent fantasy success in Week 7 vs. the Titans.
Where does Kimani Vidal stand among fantasy RBs in Week 7?Eric Moody weighs in on Kimani Vidal’s impactful Week 6, and says fantasy managers should look to utilize him as an RB2 in Week 7.
Eric Moody weighs in on Kimani Vidal’s impactful Week 6, and says fantasy managers should look to utilize him as an RB2 in Week 7.
Can Kayshon Boutte build on a successful Week 6 in fantasy?Eric Karabell explains why he expects Kayshon Boutte to continue his recent fantasy success in Week 7 vs. the Titans.
Eric Karabell explains why he expects Kayshon Boutte to continue his recent fantasy success in Week 7 vs. the Titans.
Why Harold Fannin Jr. shouldn’t be overlooked in fantasyLiz Loza breaks down Harold Fannin Jr.’s upward trend in fantasy ahead of the Browns matchup against the Dolphins in Week 7.
Liz Loza breaks down Harold Fannin Jr.’s upward trend in fantasy ahead of the Browns matchup against the Dolphins in Week 7.
Can Kayshon Boutte build on a successful Week 6 in fantasy?Eric Karabell explains why he expects Kayshon Boutte to continue his recent fantasy success in Week 7 vs. the Titans.
Eric Karabell explains why he expects Kayshon Boutte to continue his recent fantasy success in Week 7 vs. the Titans.
Early Week 6 takeaways: Is red-hot Dowdle in line to leapfrog Hubbard in Panthers’ backfield?
Everything that happens in the NFL has some additional context when viewed from a fantasy football perspective. From position battles to injuries and so much more, the news cycle will constantly affect player values in fantasy football.
Our Fantasy Football Buzz file, with contributions from our ESPN fantasy writers and our NFL Nation reporters, aims to provide fantasy managers with the intel they need as news breaks around the NFL.
Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Cardinals (concussion): In the second quarter of Sunday’s game against the Colts, Harrison’s head took a hard hit to the ground as he was tackled following a 21-yard reception. He was taken inside the blue tent for evaluation, as is common for an initial concussion screen; the results indicated further testing was warranted and Harrison was taken to the locker room. The Cardinals eventually announced he would not return because of a concussion.
Harrison is now in the concussion protocol and must not only pass the progressive phases to return to action, but also must be cleared by the team physician and an independent neurological consultant. While it is often the case that athletes miss at least one game following a concussion, it is not a time-based protocol but rather criterion-based.
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Buccaneers (hamstring): Egbuka, in his first game serving as the No. 1 wide receiver with Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin Jr. (fibula) out, exited the game against San Francisco in the second quarter with a hamstring strain. It didn’t take long for the team to rule out his return.
After the game, coach Todd Bowles told reporters Egbuka was still being evaluated. An MRI is often used to better evaluate the specific size, location and depth of the injury, which helps shape rehab timeframes and treatment. There is no prognosis yet on the timeline for Egbuka, but if the injury is truly not serious, it could range from no missed time to 1-3 weeks.
Calvin Ridley, WR, Titans (hamstring): Just when Ridley seemed to have found his groove with a strong Week 5 performance, he suffered a hamstring injury Sunday after just one catch for 18 yards. According to coach Brian Callahan, Ridley had “a hamstring that popped up early and [he] couldn’t get through, couldn’t open up and run.”
It is unclear what the severity of Ridley’s injury is, but more details will hopefully be forthcoming after he undergoes additional evaluation at the start of the week.
Where does Kimani Vidal stand among fantasy RBs in Week 7?
Can Kayshon Boutte build on a successful Week 6 in fantasy?
Why Harold Fannin Jr. shouldn’t be overlooked in fantasy
Can Kayshon Boutte build on a successful Week 6 in fantasy?
Dowdle found the end zone and rumbled his way to triple-digit yardage serving as the replacement for Chuba Hubbard for the second consecutive week. The former Dallas Cowboy touched the ball 34 times, logging 239 scrimmage yards and a receiving touchdown while facing his old team. Dowdle has now cleared 22 rushing attempts and collected at least three balls in back-to-back outings.
Carolina will travel to the Meadowlands in Week 7, taking on a Jets defense that gave up 78 rushing yards on 26 attempts versus the Broncos in London. Assuming Hubbard remains sidelined, Dowdle projects as a top-15 fantasy play at the position. He might have very well gained control of the backfield’s top spot even if Hubbard is healthy enough to suit up.
Omarion Hampton’s absence created a flurry of speculation as to which backup would take charge of the Bolts’ rushing opportunities. Vidal came away the clear winner, registering 18 carries for 124 rushing yards while converting three of four targets for 14 receiving yards. With volume on his side, the second-year RB took advantage of a plus matchup against Miami’s bottom-ranked run defense, posting 22.8 fantasy points in Week 6. He’ll take on an above-average Indianapolis Colts squad in Week 7.
Despite being stuffed at the goal line in the game’s first half, Henry rebounded Sunday. The Ravens fed the vet early and often, helping him reach 90 rushing yards before halftime. Despite the Ravens falling to the Rams 17-3, Henry averaged 5.1 YPC, clearing 100 rushing yards for the first time since Week 1. Baltimore goes on bye in Week 7, but Henry’s production should continue to pick up from there, especially if Lamar Jackson returns in Week 8.
Harrison suffered what was being reported as concussion-like symptoms in the first half of Arizona’s game at Indianapolis. Jacoby Brissett (who was starting in the stead of Kyler Murray) focused the bulk of his efforts on Trey McBride (8-72-1), Zay Jones (5-79) and Michael Wilson (4-44). Fantasy managers should brace for both Harrison and Murray sitting out next Sunday’s tilt versus Green Bay.
Puka Nacua, WR, Rams (ankle): Nacua appeared to injure his left leg on an attempted leaping catch in the end zone early in the second quarter. He landed awkwardly on his left forefoot with the majority of his weight coming down on the left side along with the weight of a defender. In obvious discomfort afterward, Nacua reached for his lower shin just above the ankle. He was eventually assisted off the field and into the tunnel by the medical staff, with his arms around them for support. After the half, Nacua returned to the sideline and eventually reentered the game but didn’t touch the ball again.
After the game, coach Sean McVay told reporters Nacua would undergo further testing when the team returned to the facility, adding that Nacua’s status for Week 7 (in London) was uncertain. With Nacua reentering the game, it might seem unusual that he would then be held out a week later. It’s not unusual, however, for injuries to declare themselves to a greater degree within 24-48 hours postgame, whether it be symptomatic (pain/stiffness), swelling/bruising or additional information that emerges via imaging or other testing.
Maye posted more than 20 fantasy points for the third time in five weeks this past Sunday. The second-year signal-caller led his team to a third straight victory, throwing for 261 yards, 3 TDs and 0 INTs while the Patriots beat the Saints 25-19. Maye also buoyed his fantasy stock on the ground, taking off nine times for 28 rushing yards. He has now managed at least 25 rushing yards and/or found the end zone in four of his past five outings. He’ll offer virtual investors top-10 positional appeal in another solid matchup at Tennessee (70.2 COMP% allowed) in Week 7.
Zach Charbonnet led the Seahawks backfield in snaps, routes, and touches (13) against the Jaguars. Charbonnet and Kenneth Walker III have both been heavily involved all season, which keeps either one difficult to trust in fantasy lineups.
Michael Carter started at running back for the Arizona Cardinals against the Colts, finishing with 11 touches and 8.4 fantasy points. Bam Knight had 12 touches and 12.4 fantasy points thanks to a rushing touchdown. Both players saw a similar number of snaps, but Carter ran more routes, giving him added involvement in the passing game.
Tyjae Spears led the Titans’ backfield in snaps and routes run, but Tony Pollard still saw more touches, finishing with 12 touches to Spears’ nine.
Rhamondre Stevenson led the Patriots backfield in snaps, routes, and rushing attempts (13) but managed just 1.8 fantasy points, marking his fourth straight game of fewer than 40 rushing yards. TreVeyon Henderson had 10 touches for 4.6 fantasy points, proving more effective. It remains to be seen if that performance will lead to increased usage for the rookie. Both backs are low-end flex plays for now.
Isiah Pacheco led the Chiefs’ backfield in snaps, routes run, touches (13), and fantasy points (6.1), while also seeing a high percentage of short-yardage and goal-line opportunities thanks to a positive game script for the Chiefs, who were ahead the entire second half.
Chris Olave led the Saints’ WR/TE room in snaps, routes, and targets (10) and finished with a season-high 98 receiving yards against the Patriots. It was his fifth game with at least six receptions and 50 yards, and he’s scored 11 or more fantasy points in five of six games. Olave has only one touchdown but elite volume, seeing 10 or more targets in five games. With an easier schedule ahead, he’s a strong hold or candidate to trade for.