Fantasy Football Week 7 Aftermath: Gut Checks, Lineup Fun and Waiver Wire Picks

Week 7 was one of the highest scoring weekends in NFL history and fantasy owners were rewarded with some fantastic performances.

Unfortunately, many owners also had two of the highest scoring fantasy performers (Darren McFadden and Kenny Britt) squarely on the bench. With McFadden declaring himself 70 percent healthy and Britt declaring himself a moron in a bar fight, their respective performances were shocking.

Add to that the huge injury to Tony Romo and it was truly a week to remember.

---

Week 7 Fantasy MVP

Darren McFadden is finally living up to his potential. The former Razorback rushed for 165 yards, produced 31 more yards receiving, and scored four touchdowns in a demolition of the Broncos.

I wonder what he can do when he’s 100 percent?

---

Week 7 Fantasy LVP

Rashard Mendenhall was a seemingly safe pick for a No. 1 running back on lots of fantasy rosters this week. His 37 rushing yards didn’t help too many people win their games, however.

He’s still a fine option, but this just wasn’t his week.

---

Lineup Fun

You probably won if your lineup looked like this…

QB Carson Palmer = 412 passing yards, three passing touchdowns
RB Darren McFadden = 165 rushing yards, 31 receiving yards, three total touchdowns
RB Michael Turner = 121 rushing yards, 23 receiving yards, two touchdowns
RB Adrian Peterson = 131 rushing yards, 41 receiving yards, one touchdown
WR Kenny Britt = seven catches, 225 yards, three touchdowns
WR Roddy White = 11 catches, 201 yards, two touchdowns
WR Lee Evans = six catches, 105 yards, three touchdowns
TE Todd Heap = three catches, 59 yards, two touchdowns

You probably lost if your lineup looked like this…

QB Brett Favre = 212 passing yards, one touchdown, three interceptions
RB Jonathan Stewart = 29 rushing yards
RB DeAngelo Williams = 44 rushing yards, 19 receiving yards, one lost fumble
RB Ronnie Brown = 14 rushing yards, 20 receiving yards
WR Louis Murphy = two catches, 29 receiving yards
WR Larry Fitzgerald = three catches, 30 receiving yards
WR Brandon Lloyd = one catches, 46 receiving yards
TE Ben Watson = one catches, 18 receiving yards

---

Gut Checks

I’d be worried if…

I rely on Cowboys skill position players. Miles Austin, Jason Witten, Roy Williams, Dez Bryant and any other Cowboy doesn’t benefit from the loss of Tony Romo.

I’m leaning on Ray Rice to carry my team. The Ravens inconsistent running back rotation with Willis McGahee and Rice is maddening to fantasy owners.

I’m hoping for consistency from Matt Forte. His value in PPR leagues is fairly stable, but the Bears offense hasn’t been able to utilize his talent thus far.

I own Pierre Thomas. While Chris Ivory has an off week, there’s already talk that Thomas may lose some early down work to him when he returns. Regardless, Thomas’ long injury recovery is killing his chances of becoming a weekly must start player.

I’m penciling in Kenny Britt as my No. 1 receiver in a dynasty league. While his escalation has been exciting, his off-the-field behavior is something that needs to be factored heavily.

I took Ryan Mathews with my No. 1 pick in a rookie draft. While he still has a bright future, it’s not quite as clear now that he’ll be a bonafide featured back in this league.

I’m holding on to Tim Hightower and hoping he’ll be a viable flex option through the bye weeks. Beanie Wells is going to take even more carries away after his performance this week.

I expect a repeat of the 2009 season for Brent Celek. It’s just not happening.

I think I’ve got the Rams receiving corps figured out. Good luck.

---

A Look Back at our Waiver Suggestions for Week 7

1. Deion Branch, WR, NE = Four catches, 39 yards
2. Matt Moore, QB, CAR = 308 passing yards, two touchdowns, one interception
3. Ben Watson, TE, CLE = One catch, 18 yards
4. Patrick Crayton, WR, SD = Seven catches, 82 yards
5. Michael Jenkins, WR, ATL = Three catches, 25 yards
6. Danario Alexander, WR, STL = One catch, six yards
7. Kyle Boller, QB, OAK = DNP
8. Jason Avant, WR, PHI = Six catches, 60 yards
9. Nate Burleson, WR, DET = DNP
10. Andrew Quarless, TE, GB = Two catches, 16 yards, one touchdown

---

Click here for this week's waiver pickups.