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Nick Foles' Updated 2013 Fantasy Outlook Heading into Week 7
October 16, 2013
Believe it or not, the second-highest scoring fantasy quarterback in standard leagues last week resides in Philadelphia, and it wasn't Michael Vick—it was Nick Foles in his first start of the season.
With Vick sidelined with an injury suffered the week prior, Foles took snaps from under center against Tampa Bay and exploded for 296 yards and three touchdowns. The Arizona product threw no interceptions and also scored a rushing touchdown to boot.
While much of Foles' fantasy value hinges on the quarterback decision of head coach Chip Kelly, there will be no decision this week since Vick is simply not healthy enough to give it a go against Dallas, per Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer:
Regardless of Vick's health, there's a solid argument for Foles being the starting quarterback in Philadelphia. When Vick went down in Week 5 against the New York Giants, Foles stepped in and had a strong second half with 197 yards and two touchdowns.
As noted by McLane, that prompted Kelly to hint at Foles having a serious shot of keeping the starting gig with a strong performance against Tampa Bay—which he certainly did:
Keep in mind Foles' numbers last week came against a Buccaneers defense that ranks in the top 20 against the pass thanks to big names like Darrelle Revis.
Why he is only owned in 28 percent of standard CBS leagues is quite the confusing matter.
The reviews for Foles through a game and a half this season are nothing short of ecstatic. Perhaps the most important came from the league itself, as his start versus Tampa Bay earned him NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors:
Not only that, but as NFL's Director of NFC Football Communications Randall Liu illustrates, Foles is only the eighth quarterback in NFL history to put together the type of rare performance he had against Tampa Bay:
Bleacher Report's Matt Miller even went as far as to suggest during Foles' epic performance that he should be the starter for the rest of the year:
Even Bleacher Report's Sigmund Bloom got in on the action and detailed why Foles' performance was so stellar against a very good Buccaneers defense:
In the confines of Kelly's offense, there's something to be said for Vick's rushing ability. He adds another element to the offense and has over 300 yards and two scores in that regard. But Foles can clearly be effective as well when the offense is tailored around his skill set—which translates to quality fantasy production.
By the time Foles takes the field Sunday against Dallas, he should be owned in over 80 percent of standard leagues. Not only has he proven to be an effective starter, but he also has a good shot at keeping the job and orchestrates one of the NFL's high-octane attacks.
It's not a stretch for Foles to be in the starting lineup over the majority of the NFL's quarterbacks in Week 7, either.
Foles has a date with a Dallas defense that allows 308.2 passing yards per game and an average of 24.39 fantasy points to quarterbacks—good for best in the fake football world.
Heading into Week 7, Foles is one of the best quarterback plays the NFL has to offer. Better yet, his long-term stock is equally encouraging. Grab Foles while he is available.
Follow B/R's Chris Roling on Twitter for more news and analysis @Chris_Roling