Fantasy football managers experienced a rollercoaster of emotions during Week 7 of the 2024 NFL season. From breakout performances to disappointing outings and everything in between, this week had it all. As we sift through the aftermath, let’s take a closer look at the biggest winners, losers, and top performers that shaped the fantasy landscape.
The Cream of the Crop: Week 7’s Fantasy Winners
Several players emerged as fantasy football heroes in Week 7, delivering monster performances that propelled their teams to victory. Leading the charge was Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who exploded for a season-high 32.0 fantasy points against the Minnesota Vikings. Gibbs showcased his home run ability with a 45-yard touchdown run and added another score on a red zone carry, finishing with 116 rushing yards and four receptions for 44 yards.
Not to be outdone, Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley exacted revenge on his former team, the New York Giants, to the tune of 26.7 PPR fantasy points. Barkley dominated his old squad, breaking off three runs of 30-plus yards and racking up 92 more rushing yards than expected per Next Gen Stats.
Other notable fantasy winners include:
- Joe Mixon, RB, Houston Texans (26.4 PPR points)
- Kenneth Walker III, RB, Seattle Seahawks (23.3 points, 2 TDs)
- Jared Goff, QB, Detroit Lions (18.8 points)
- Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, Detroit Lions (25.2 points, 8 receptions, 112 yards, 1 TD)
The Agony of Defeat: Week 7’s Fantasy Losers
While some players soared, others struggled mightily in Week 7. Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson continued his sophomore slump, falling short of 10 fantasy points for the fourth time in five starts. Richardson’s passing woes persist, as he completed 50% or fewer of his passes in four of those five outings.
Richardson now has four games of fewer than 10 fantasy points in his five starts, after having been selected 53rd overall on average in the preseason.
– According to fantasy football analyst Tristan H. Cockcroft
Other disappointing performances came from Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (2.3 PPR points), Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (5.34 points, 0 TDs), and New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (8.1 PPR points).
Injury Impact: Key Players to Monitor
Injuries are an unfortunate part of the game, and Week 7 was no exception. Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf suffered a knee injury in the fourth quarter against the Falcons and did not return. If Metcalf misses time, teammates Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Tyler Lockett could see an uptick in fantasy value.
In Cleveland, Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson left on a cart in the second quarter with a suspected Achilles injury. His absence could open the door for Jameis Winston to take over under center, altering the fantasy outlook for the Browns’ skill position players.
Wrapping Up: Fantasy Takeaways from Week 7
As the dust settles on another exciting week of fantasy football, managers must adapt to the ever-changing landscape. By capitalizing on breakout performances, mitigating the impact of disappointing outings, and staying attuned to injury news, fantasy enthusiasts can position themselves for success in the weeks to come. Keep a close eye on waiver wire additions, strategic trades, and lineup decisions as we navigate the rest of the 2024 NFL season.
