Fantasy Football: Seven Lessons We Learned in Week 7

Eric StashinOct 26, 2010

There certainly were a lot of story lines coming out of NFL's Week 7, so let’s take a look at seven things I learned:

Darren McFadden is a RB1 for fantasy owners in 2011. Injuries are the only reason he was on fantasy benches in Week 7, which just put the cherry on top of his resurgence (he had 196 total yards and 4 TD). It’s not like he had been running the ball poorly prior to the injury, with 392 yards on 85 carries in the four games prior. The only game he had with under 95 yards was Week 4, when he had just 12 carries. Now however, there’s little doubt. The Raiders have proven that they can run the ball well and McFadden needs to be active in all formats moving forward as he clearly is the top back over Michael Bush.
Brett Favre is a borderline starting option, unless the matchup dictates otherwise. He is a 41-year old quarterback who has a TD-to-interception ratio of 7-to-10. Only one-time this season has he thrown for more then 225 yards while he has three games of 201 yards or fewer. He has only one game with more than one touchdown. Randy Moss or not, it’s impossible to trust him at this point. Week 8 may be an exception, as he faces a weak Patriots pass defense with Moss, who has a lot to prove against his former teammates. However, if you were looking for him to be an every week starter, you would be better served to look elsewhere.
Roddy White is the best fantasy receiver in 2010. If there was a question about it prior to Week 7, he extinguished all doubt by picking up 11 receptions for 201 yards and two touchdowns. He has at least five catches in all seven games he’s played, as well as four 100+ yard games. He leads the NFL in receptions (54), receiving yards (747) and is tied for sixth in receiving touchdowns (5).
Kenny Britt has emerged as a must use fantasy option. Granted, you still never know who the leading receiver in Tennessee is going to be so he may be a low-end option, but the show he put on in just two-and-a-half quarters was remarkable (7 catches for 225 yards and 3 TD). If that was all he had done it may be enough. However, he’s now scored in five consecutive games, with 434 yards and 7 TD on the season.
Thomas Jones isn’t going anywhere in the Kansas City backfield. While both Jones and Jamaal Charles are currently producing, it’s hard to expect both of them to continue to pick up yards and touchdowns on a weekly basis. Over the past two weeks, Jones has led the team in carries, with 39 to Charles’ 31. It doesn’t seem like a lot, but with Jones producing it’s impossible to see Charles developing into the RB1 many had envisioned prior to the season. Plus, with both backs getting equal touches, neither is going to be elite options on a weekly basis. Usable for sure, but tough to depend on.
Davone Bess may be the next Wes Welker. With Brandon Marshall garnering all of the attention, Bess has been a steady receiver for Chad Henne and the Dolphins offense. After picking up six catches for 66 yards and a touchdown, he has now scored in three straight games. He only has one game with less then five receptions on the season. Is he an elite fantasy option? Not yet, as he doesn’t have Tom Brady throwing him the ball, but if he keeps this up he’s going to be viable in all formats. If you are in need of some depth, he’s worth stashing.
Kevin Kolb may not be the answer in Philadelphia. With Michael Vick out of action he had a chance to cause a true quarterback controversy. Unfortunately, he failed to step up and deliver, going 26-48 for 231 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. If you want to blame the absence of DeSean Jackson, fine, but with that many opportunities he needs to deliver significantly better numbers. Those holding onto Vick needn’t worry.