Let’s be truthful. There sure was a lot of ugly football played out there on Sunday.
From London to Cleveland to Kansas City, fantasy football managers had to slog through several blowouts — desperately hoping for some garbage-time points for their players. (Thank you, Matthew Stafford and Davante Adams.)
The day was notable for the return of several players coming back from multiple-week absences. Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb showed he’s fully recovered from an ankle injury in Week 3 by catching a 74-yard touchdown bomb against the Commanders.
On the other hand, Panthers RB Chuba Hubbard’s first appearance since Week 4 (14 carries, 31 yards) put an end to Rico Dowdle’s amazing two-week run as the starter.
Fantasy football winners for Week 7
WR Rashee Rice, Kansas City Chiefs
QB Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense already were operating at a high level through the first six weeks, but add in their most explosive playmaker and a date with the Las Vegas Raiders and you have a definite possibility of spontaneous combustion. As his six-game suspension came to an end, Rice made his presence felt immediately with seven catches for 42 yards and two touchdowns as K.C. called off the dogs after three quarters.
RB Quinshon Judkins, Cleveland Browns
The rookie became the latest running back to torch the Miami Dolphins defense (the most recent being Dowdle and the Chargers’ Kimai Vidal). Judkins sloshed through the rain and wind for 84 yards and three touchdowns on 25 carries as the Dolphins looked like fish out of water. Even more encouraging for fantasy managers, two of Judkins’ TDs came on plays where he took direct snaps from center in the Browns’ goal-line offense.
WR Travis Hunter, Jacksonville Jaguars
In a blowout loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Hunter saw his most extensive work on offense all season. After going without a catch in the first half, he finished with eight receptions on 14 targets for 101 yards and his first NFL touchdown. That’s not a sustainable model for success, but the Jags could certainly use their Week 8 bye to find more ways to get Hunter involved in the passing game.
WR Jordan Addison, Minnesota Vikings
VIkings QB Carson Wentz didn’t look great early, but still threw for 313 yards. Addison was his favorite receiver as the Eagles secondary rolled its coverage scheme toward star wideout Justin Jefferson. The third-year wideout caught nine of his 12 targets for 128 yards. The performance could have been even more fantasy-friendly if he’d just been able to find the end zone.
TE Oronde Gadsden II, Los Angeles Chargers
In an offensive shootout, Gadsden emerged as yet another potent receiver for Chargers QB Justin Herbert, who threw for 386 yards against the Indianapolis Colts. While WRs Keenan Allen and Quentin Johnston had touchdown catches, Gadsden seemed to come up with big play after big play. He finished with six receptions for a career-high 156 yards and a TD.
Fantasy football losers for Week 7
QB Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins
Things have gone from bad to worse in Miami. After tossing three interceptions a week ago, Tagovailoa was overly cautious in the wind and rain at Cleveland. After losing tight end Darren Waller to injury early, Tua hit on 12-of-23 passes for 100 yards and no touchdowns. He also threw a pick-six among his three interceptions — and was two yards away from a second one.
QB Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders
Going up against the NFL’s worst pass defense in Dallas, Daniels had the best possible matchup. Unfortunately, he had perhaps the worst possible set of weapons to take advantage. The team’s top three wide receivers — Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel and Noah Brown — were all inactive due to injuries. You can now add Daniels to the injury report after he exited early with a hamstring issue. He did run for a touchdown, but Daniels only completed 12-of-22 passes for 156 yards and a TD.
RB Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints
Trade rumors have surrounded Kamara for the past few weeks, but the Saints don’t seem inclined to accept any of the offers. Too bad for Kamara’s fantasy value because he would probably benefit from a change of scenery. The veteran carried 11 times for 28 yards (2.5 per carry) and caught three passes for 1 yard in a drubbing by the Chicago Bears.
RB Breece Hall, New York Jets
Hall’s situation is similar to Kamara’s as he toils away on the NFL’s only winless team. The Jets benched starting QB Justin Fields, but it didn’t provide a spark — or help the offense reach the end zone. Hall was marginalized by the Carolina Panthers, gaining just 36 yards on 11 rushes and catching two passes for 14 yards.
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