Every thing that occurs within the NFL has some further context when considered from a fantasy soccer perspective. From place battles to accidents and a lot extra, the information cycle will continually have an effect on participant values in fantasy soccer.
Our Fantasy Soccer Buzz file, with contributions from our ESPN fantasy writers and our NFL Nation reporters, goals to supply fantasy managers with the intel they want as information breaks across the league.
Key hyperlinks: Fantasy depth charts | Weekly rankingsScoring leaders | Projections | The Playbook
Mike Evans’ return to motion ends abruptly with damaged collarbone
By Eric Moody
Mike Evans suffered a concussion and damaged collarbone towards the Lions, probably sidelining him for the remainder of the season. With Evans out, rookie Emeka Egbuka ought to take over as Tampa Bay’s major X receiver, whereas Tez Johnson might see elevated snaps ifChris Godwin Jr. (fibula) stays out by means of Week 8. Cade Otton, who completed with 9 targets and 13.5 fantasy factors, additionally will get a lift as a dependable choice in a thinned Buccaneers receiving corps. Count on Egbuka to see the largest fantasy bump shifting ahead.
Different notes from Monday Evening Soccer doubleheader
Jahmyr Gibbs discovered success each on the bottom and thru the air towards the Buccaneers, surpassing 200 offensive yards for the primary time in his profession. He turned the primary participant with at the very least 135 speeding yards, 80 receiving yards, and two speeding touchdowns in a recreation since Chris Johnson achieved the feat with Tennessee in 2009. Gibbs led the Lions’ backfield with 20 touches and 36.8 fantasy factors. It is value noting that Gibbs and David Montgomery weren’t far aside in snaps and routes run, as Montgomery nonetheless had 15 touches however solely 5.9 fantasy factors. It is turning into more and more troublesome to belief Montgomery in fantasy lineups, regardless that the Lions’ rest-of-season schedule is among the many best for operating backs based mostly on Mike Clay’s information.
The Seahawks’ backfield stays unpredictable. Kenneth Walker III dealt with most early-down work however struggled to supply with simply 6.6 fantasy factors, whereas Zach Charbonnet as soon as once more proved simpler for fantasy managers 19.5 factors. Charbonnet performed key snaps on third downs, quick yardage and goal-line conditions, scoring two speeding touchdowns regardless of fewer carries. Walker’s lack of receiving involvement continues to cap his upside, and if Charbonnet maintains his red-zone position, he might outscore Walker over the remainder of the season regardless of a smaller workload.
Oct. 20: Week 8 harm updates
1:10
What would Brian Thomas Jr. lacking time imply for Travis Hunter in fantasy?
Eric Moody reacts to Travis Hunter’s good fantasy recreation vs. the Rams and breaks down how he might probably be firmly on the WR2 radar.
By Stephania Bell
Jayden Daniels, QB, Washington Commanders (hamstring): Daniels suffered a proper hamstring harm in Sunday’s recreation towards the Dallas Cowboys early within the third quarter when he was sacked. He was escorted off the sphere by the medical employees to the blue tent, however later jogged to the locker room. He didn’t return to the sport.
This isn’t the identical leg Daniels injured earlier this 12 months; in Week 2 he suffered a left knee harm that resulted in two missed video games.
Given the recency of his knee harm, there’s maybe extra inclination to be conservative in managing this newest hamstring harm. Not solely is Daniels a real dual-threat quarterback whose performance can be restricted if he’s at lower than full well being, his potential to guard himself can be compromised.
Coach Dan Quinn instructed reporters Monday afternoon that Daniels’ MRI confirmed no long-term situation. His standing for subsequent Monday’s recreation towards the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs stays unsure.
Darren Waller, TE, Miami Dolphins (pec): Waller has supplied some hope for the Dolphins offense this season however his time away from the sport could also be exhibiting up in harm kind. Earlier than recording any receptions in Week 7, Waller exited the sport with a pectoral harm. In response to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Waller sustained a pectoral (chest) muscle pressure that won’t require surgical procedure however his standing stays week to week.
Brian Thomas Jr., WR, Jacksonville Jaguars (shoulder): Thomas exited the Jaguars’ Sunday morning recreation in London with an obvious proper shoulder harm. The mechanism was not fully clear however Thomas’s response urged he was in important discomfort. He appeared to interact briefly with Rams cornerback Cobie Durant however the contact was nothing out of the atypical but Thomas grabbed his proper arm, visibly in ache. Maybe there was a pre-existing situation together with his proper shoulder that predisposed his arm to being weak to contact in sure positions.
Thomas had an harm scare in June minicamp after touchdown exhausting on his proper shoulder and needed to be tended to by the medical employees. He was capable of return to observe the following day with what the workforce referred to as a bruised shoulder however this newest episode hints at one thing underlying that may be aggravated with sure positions or contact. The Jaguars have a bye in Week 8 so the updates is probably not forthcoming till the workforce returns to observe subsequent week.
Moody’s Sunday Pocket book: The stats and information behind the fantasy field scores
By Eric Moody
1:06
Why Eric Karabell says Rhamondre Stevenson is a robust flex choice
Eric Karabell particulars why Rhamondre Stevenson is the Patriots’ most well-liked operating again and a robust fantasy flex choice.
Alvin Kamara completed with 14 touches and simply 5.9 fantasy factors towards the Bears, regardless of Kendre Miller exiting in the course of the primary quarter with a knee harm and being dominated out shortly earlier than halftime. Kamara led the Saints’ backfield in snaps, routes run and touches. It is value noting that sixth-round rookie Devin Neal didn’t rotate in after Miller’s departure. If Miller misses further time, Kamara’s fantasy worth ought to see a lift.
Jordan Mason’s snap rely has elevated each week, culminating in a season-high 77% towards the Eagles. He is recorded at the very least 15 touches in 5 of six video games this 12 months and has scored 10 or extra fantasy factors in 4 straight. Mason’s manufacturing has come behind a Vikings offensive line that ranks fourth in run block win price. With Aaron Jones Sr. anticipated to return in Week 8, Mason’s workload could dip, however he has performed effectively sufficient to pressure a close to 50-50 break up shifting ahead. In response to Mike Clay’s energy of schedule information, the Vikings have one of many best remaining slates for operating backs.
Tyjae Spears led the workforce with 22 speeding yards, however Tony Pollard dominated the backfield in snaps, together with many of the third-down work. Pollard completed with 12.1 fantasy factors in comparison with Spears’ 7.0. The Titans’ offensive line ranks twenty eighth in run block win price, and their schedule for operating backs will get solely more durable from right here. Each Spears and Pollard are robust to belief in fantasy lineups proper now.
Tyrone Tracy Jr. was extra concerned within the Giants’ backfield on Sunday towards the Broncos. Cam Skattebo nonetheless led New York in snaps, routes run, touches (19) and fantasy factors (18.4), however Tracy completed with 9 touches and 10.6 fantasy factors due to a speeding landing. He could proceed to chop into Skattebo’s workload and convey this backfield nearer to a 50-50 break up. One thing to observe shifting ahead.
The break up between Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins in Week 7 towards the Colts was eerily just like final week, with Vidal taking part in roughly twice as many snaps as Haskins. He dominated touches with 13 however wasn’t very efficient. The Chargers might commerce for a operating again earlier than the deadline, however as I discussed on Fantasy Soccer Now, I count on rookie Omarion Hampton to steer the backfield as soon as he returns from injured reserve.
Bam Knight led the Cardinals’ backfield in snaps, touches (17) and fantasy factors (9.4). Michael Carter remained concerned with 9 touches and 5.6 fantasy factors. Each Knight and Carter are on the Flex radar in deeper leagues popping out of their Week 8 bye, as they’re going to face the Cowboys in Week 9, a protection permitting the third-most fantasy factors per recreation to operating backs.
Large Receivers
1:04
How Olave proved to be a top-20 fantasy WR in Week 7
Tristan H. Cockcroft breaks down Chris Olave’s fantasy manufacturing within the Saints’ Week 7 loss.
DJ Moore entered Sunday’s recreation coping with hip and groin accidents, but the one Bears receiver to log extra snaps, routes and targets was Rome Odunze. Even so, Moore (8.2) outscored Odunze (5.1) in fantasy factors. As for Luther Burden III, regardless of the thrill, he is nonetheless not seeing sufficient snaps or routes to be fantasy-relevant.
The Raiders ran simply 30 offensive performs, their fewest in a recreation since 1999. Tre Tucker led the workforce with six targets and eight.3 fantasy factors, persevering with a development of regular involvement with six or extra targets in 4 of seven video games. He has additionally had at the very least 10 fantasy factors in 4 video games, together with a 40.9-point explosion towards the Commanders again in Week 3. Jakobi Meyers, who requested a commerce earlier than the season and has since been the topic of ongoing rumors, could possibly be on the transfer, a state of affairs that will additional enhance Tucker’s outlook.
Xavier Legette delivered a breakout efficiency in Week 7, catching 9 of 11 targets for 92 yards and a landing within the Panthers’ win over the Jets. The second-year receiver led Carolina in targets, receptions and yards whereas operating a route on almost each dropback. With Bryce Younger sidelined by an ankle harm late within the third quarter, Andy Dalton incessantly seemed Legette’s method, highlighting his rising position within the offense as he completed with a season-high 24.2 fantasy factors. As Carolina’s rising No. 2 receiver and a probably dependable crimson zone choice, Legette’s roster share ought to climb this week.
The Jets offense sputtered with out Garrett Wilson, who missed Week 7 with a knee harm. Josh Reynolds operated as the highest receiver, main the workforce with 9 targets however managing solely three catches for 29 yards. Justin Fields left early with an harm and briefly returned earlier than being benched. Tyrod Taylor took over within the second half however did not fare a lot better and threw two interceptions. With the offense struggling, New York could flip again to Fields in Week 8.
Marvin Mims Jr. completed with a season-high seven targets and 15.8 fantasy factors. This was his first time taking part in over 50% of the offensive snaps since Week 1. Denver was taking part in from behind, which led them to lean extra closely on 11 personnel. Whereas Mims would possibly appear to be an interesting waiver wire pickup wanting on the field rating after ending with six receptions for 85 yards and a 13-yard carry, his taking part in time will probably dip once more shifting ahead.
Tight ends
The excellent news for his managers is that George Kittle led all 49ers tight ends in snaps and routes run. The unhealthy information is that he didn’t haul in both of his two targets, probably as a consequence of restricted chemistry with Mac Jones. As soon as Brock Purdy returns beneath heart, Kittle needs to be higher positioned to ship the type of manufacturing fantasy managers have come to count on.
Cole Kmet suffered a again harm late within the third quarter towards the Saints, was initially dominated uncertain, and didn’t return. Colston Loveland caught three of 4 targets for twenty-four yards, however the greater takeaway is that it was the rookie who stepped in as Chicago’s full-time tight finish, not Durham Smythe, and performed 91% of the workforce’s closing 23 snaps.
Harold Fannin Jr. completed with simply 7.6 fantasy factors, however his 5 targets have been encouraging, particularly in a recreation the place Dillon Gabriel tried solely 18 passes. Fannin was on the sphere for 82% of Cleveland’s offensive snaps, a constructive signal contemplating the Browns have been with out David Njoku, whose title continues to floor in commerce rumors. In response to Mike Clay’s energy of schedule projections, Cleveland’s rest-of-season outlook for tight ends will get a lot simpler.
T.J. Hockenson has performed 80% or extra of the Vikings’ offensive snaps in 4 straight video games. That is an encouraging signal, as he is seen at the very least 5 targets in every recreation, together with a season-high 9 on Sunday towards the Eagles. Hockenson has additionally topped 10 fantasy factors in three of these 4 video games.
Chimere Dike made probably the most of his alternative in Week 7, catching 4 passes for 70 yards and his first profession landing with Calvin Ridley sidelined. The rookie has now performed over 50% of the Titans 11-personnel snaps in three straight video games, progressively taking time from Tyler Lockett within the slot. If Lockett is traded within the coming weeks, Dike’s position might increase additional, making him a worthwhile pickup in deeper leagues. Nonetheless, Elic Ayomanor has persistently run extra routes per recreation than Dike this season.
Oronde Gadsden II exploded in Week 7, catching seven of 9 targets for 164 yards and a landing within the Chargers’ loss to the Colts, probably the most receiving yards by any tight finish in a recreation this season. The rookie performed almost 79% of offensive snaps and has now produced 41.2 fantasy factors over the previous two weeks.
Extra: Fantasy soccer Week 7 risers and fallers
Sunday’s Early-Sport Week 7 takeaways: Rice jumps proper into the fray, seems to be like Chiefs’ WR1
1:04
How Olave proved to be a top-20 fantasy WR in Week 7
Tristan H. Cockcroft breaks down Chris Olave’s fantasy manufacturing within the Saints’ Week 7 loss.
Tristan H. Cockcroft
Rust, schmust.
Rashee Rice confirmed no semblance of rust in his 2025 debut, successfully scoffing at the concept that he would possibly have to work again to full pace after lacking the season’s first six video games whereas serving a suspension. He scored 23.2 PPR fantasy factors, his fourth most in a single recreation, catching a pair of quick touchdowns as his Kansas Metropolis Chiefs rolled to a 31-0 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.
Rice’s return led to a definite shift in focusing on technique by quarterback Patrick Mahomes. After the Chiefs noticed 4 totally different receivers lead the workforce in targets by means of their first six video games, Rice simply led the best way Sunday with 10, together with a team-high 4 within the crimson zone. That got here regardless of Rice operating solely 16 routes, which trailed the team-leading 26 by Travis Kelce and Xavier Worthy. There’s each purpose to consider that Rice ought to see a bigger share of time on the sphere — he had a 39% snap rely on offense Sunday — which means he’ll have loads of alternative to match or exceed his variety of seems to be as Mahomes’ clear No. 1 receiver going ahead.
Think about Rice’s probabilities of a top-10 fantasy level whole amongst extensive receivers from this level ahead glorious, and one other huge day would possibly effectively be in retailer for him in a positive Week 8 matchup towards the Washington Commanders.
Different takeaways
Chuba Hubbard’s first recreation again following a pair of absences (Weeks 5-6) as a consequence of a calf harm noticed him soak up a large backfield position, however his modest outcomes will proceed to gasoline questions on who’s the extra deserving operating again to start out for the Carolina Panthers. Hubbard performed 54% of the snaps Sunday and totaled 16 touches, whereas Weeks 5-6 star Rico Dowdle performed 46% with 18 touches, however Hubbard’s fantasy manufacturing left rather a lot to be desired (7.5 PPR fantasy factors). Dowdle noticed extra of the workload later within the recreation because the Panthers performed clock management, which might additional lean issues again in his path within the coming weeks. The Panthers have an especially difficult Week 8 matchup towards the Buffalo Payments, so neither is a reliable choice as greater than a flex whereas they break up the speeding chores.
Was Sunday’s recreation the sign that Rhamondre Stevenson has retaken the position because the New England Patriots’ clear No. 1 operating again? The veteran performed a season-high 77% of the offensive snaps, his second consecutive recreation over 70%, and totaled 20 touches, turning them into 16.8 PPR fantasy factors. Rookie TreVeyon Henderson, in the meantime, posted season lows in snaps (14%) and touches (2). Terrell Jennings (13% and 5) had almost as huge a job as Henderson. Stevenson had 30 extra speeding yards than anticipated and three performs of 10-plus yards, and though the matchup towards the Tennessee Titans was fairly favorable, keep in mind that his Patriots are buzzing as an offense, which might solely assist the operating again. Stevenson has fantasy RB2 potential for Week 8 even towards the Cleveland Browns.
For the second consecutive week, D’Andre Swift scored 20-plus PPR fantasy factors and averaged higher than 6 yards per carry. 5 of his 19 carries went for double-digit yards, as he has seemed decidedly faster in his two video games because the Chicago Bears’ bye. Credit score Ben Johnson and the teaching employees for the speeding recreation’s enchancment. Rookie backup Kyle Monangai’s 17.4 factors, largely accrued because the workforce labored to expire the clock, underscore how a lot this unit has improved. Swift could possibly be in for a significant scorching streak with favorable matchups towards the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals and New York Giants upcoming.
Should you thought the 1 p.m. ET recreation block was a tough one for quarterbacks, you are not mistaken. Sure, we had Mahomes (26.24 PPR factors), Jalen Hurts (24.04) and Drake Maye (23.02), however past them, not a single quarterback scored as many as 12 factors. Actually, all the place mixed for 140 factors and averaged 11.7 per recreation (from a teamwide perspective) throughout the slate, simply beneath the earlier season lows of 214.02 (Week 5) and 14.1 (Week 3). It is the place’s worst per-game common from the 1 p.m. ET video games since Week 15 of the 2018 season (11.5).
Huge video games from Stafford, Adams and Hunter in London: One other week, one other poor efficiency from a workforce in a London recreation. Coming off a Week 6 that noticed the New York Jets rating 11 factors whereas totaling 82 yards of offense, the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday have been dominated by the Los Angeles Rams 35-7. The Jaguars started the sport with a trio of punts and a missed discipline objective, totaling 58 yards over their first 4 possessions, and have been down by three scores 19 minutes into the sport.
In contrast to final week’s recreation, nevertheless, this London contest had extra fantasy goodness in it than the ultimate rating indicated:
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford scored 27.38 fantasy factors, simply shy of his season greatest (27.40, Week 4), and matched his profession greatest with 5 passing touchdowns regardless of the absence of No. 1 goal Puka Nacua. Stafford was glorious working with Davante Adams within the quick recreation (the place all three of Adams’ TDs got here) and on play-action (146.8 passer ranking on 15 makes an attempt), alerts that he could be a top-end superflex/2QB starter even with out his prime man.
Adams’ three landing catches got here on finish zone throws, doubling his whole in that division and giving him his most landing receptions since 2021 (seven). He is a helpful fantasy WR2 with top-10 matchup upside as soon as the workforce returns from its Week 8 bye.
Travis Hunter loved his first huge day within the NFL, as his 24.1 PPR fantasy factors exceeded his whole from the previous three weeks mixed. The trouble got here with a mixture of good and unhealthy, nevertheless. The nice: his team-leading 49 routes, 14 targets and eight catches that remind us of his potential to be a big-play goal for Trevor Lawrence. The unhealthy: All of Hunter’s numbers got here in clear rubbish time, past that aforementioned three-score deficit and throughout the recreation’s second half, and a few of it was the product of a nagging shoulder harm to Brian Thomas Jr. That mentioned, if it is a sign of what is to come back after coach Liam Coen hinted that the rookie would see a bigger position, then Hunter could possibly be in for a breakthrough after the Week 8 bye. He must be rostered in additional than the 72.8% of ESPN leagues during which he’s at the moment.
Lastly, as for Thomas, we’ll see whether or not the shoulder situation that bumped him from the sport briefly, then for good throughout the fourth quarter, turns into a lingering situation. He has a bye week to relaxation, but it surely additionally bears mentioning that he totaled solely 6.1 PPR fantasy factors on seven targets earlier than exiting, a major step backward from what had been an encouraging 23.0-point Week 6.
Week 7 scoring leaders by means of 1 p.m. ET video games
1. Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Bengals — 38.10 points2. DeVonta Smith, WR, Eagles — 33.303. A.J. Brown, WR, Eagles — 28.104. Pat Freiermuth, TE, Steelers — 28.105. Matthew Stafford, QB, Rams — 27.386. Chris Olave, WR, Saints — 26.807. Davante Adams, WR, Rams — 26.508. Quinshon Judkins, RB, Browns — 26.409. Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs — 26.2410. Joe Flacco, QB, Bengals — 25.98
Oct. 18: Evans, Egbuka game-time selections, however Bucs optimistic
By Stephania Bell
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers definitely have their palms full with the harm report, most notably on the extensive receiver place, however there’s some constructive information on the horizon.
Mike Evans, who has been out since Week 3 with a left hamstring harm, returned to observe this week and seems more likely to play Monday evening. Evans suffered what ESPN’s Jenna Laine reported to be a “delicate to average” hamstring pressure, often known as a Grade 1-2 harm. On condition that he suffered an identical harm final 12 months (albeit to the other facet) and was sidelined for 3 video games, Evans is accustomed to the restoration pathway and the challenges in returning to full pace.
After placing in a restricted observe Thursday (the workforce’s first session of the week as a result of the Bucs play Monday evening), Evans was held out Friday in a deliberate absence, because the workforce rigorously constructions his return to play. He was again at observe Saturday and is taken into account a game-time determination, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Emeka Egbuka suffered a hamstring pressure of his personal in Week 6, and, after sitting out Thursday and Friday practices, made a little bit of a shocking return to motion Saturday. One restricted session prematurely of a recreation is not a lot of a take a look at, and although Egbuka can be anticipated to be a game-time determination, it appears he’s much less probably than Evans to go. Think about that simply final 12 months, Evans had a gentle hamstring pressure, tried to play by means of it and suffered a setback that price him three video games. Totally different athletes, totally different ages, totally different harm histories between the 2 … however nonetheless a reminder that hamstring strains have a better price of recurrence than another delicate tissue harm, all of which makes it really feel extra probably that Egbuka is out one other week.
With Chris Godwin Jr. (fibula) already dominated out for a second consecutive week, the Buccaneers can be completely happy to get Evans again within the combine.
