I am just distraught over Jimmy Graham’s injury….. Not only did I draft him in one league, but I just traded for him in another. Even though he practiced on a limited basis this past Thursday he is still a long shot to suit up for week seven. Like most of you, I did not draft a worthy backup for him. Fortunately I was able to find Dwayne Allen on the waiver wire. Along with Jimmy Graham, it is likely that many peoples first round pick Calvin Johnson will sit again this week. These two injuries have people freaking out and scavenging their benches to find replacements. Below, I will go over some viable replacements for these two studs, as well as some guys that I have decided to avoid this week. I recommend you avoid them as well.
Fantasy Football Week Seven Likes and Dislikes
Like #1: Dwayne Allen – TE
Dwayne Allen isn’t going to catch eight or ten balls this Sunday. He’s more than likely not going to catch for 100 yards either. What I do like about Dwayne Allen is his four touchdowns in the Colts six games this season. Already with seven red zone targets this season, he is proving to be one of Andrew Lucks favorite looks inside the 20. It should also be noted that the Cincinnati Bengals are allowing a little over 13 points a game to opposing tight ends; tied for worst in the league.
Like #2: Cam Newton – QB
He’s baaaaaaack! The league’s best dual-threat quarterback is finally healthy enough to run the football, and it couldn’t have happened at a better time. The Packers have allowed the third-most rushing yards to quarterbacks this season. Though I don’t expect Cam to light up the Packers underrated secondary, I do expect him to have a similar game to the one he had last week against the Bengals. I’m predicting somewhere between 200 and 250 yards passing to go along with a trifecta of touchdowns; One through the air and two on the ground.
Like #3: Rueben Randle – WR
Only four receivers in the NFL have received more targets per game since week three than Rueben Randle, and with Victor Cruz now out for the season that workload is only going to increase. The Cowboys do pose a tough matchup, as they have surrendered just two touchdowns to receivers this year. That being said, I like Randle’s chances to make that number a three this Sunday. Eli Manning has looked Randles way inside the 20 a whopping 12 times. After being embarrassed on Sunday Night Football at the hands of another division rival, I expect the Giants to come out swinging this week, particularly through the air.
Dislike #1: Drew Brees – QB
Drew Brees has not been what many drafted him to be this season, and a matchup against the league’s best defense isn’t going to help. The Lions have surrendered a league low 14.8 fantasy points a game to opposing arms as well as just five touchdowns through the air. Drew is likely to be without his most reliable option with Jimmy Graham as well. And on top of all of that, the Saints are on the road this week. As a Brees owner, I am benching him in favor of Cam Newton this week.
Dislike #2: Alshon Jeffery – WR
Alshon Jeffery has had himself a couple of great weeks recently but, a matchup against a stingy Miami Dolphins defense could pose some trouble for a pair of the league’s best hands. They’ve surrendered just four touchdowns to receivers all year, as well as a stout 21 fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers. I see this as a game where Brandon Marshall dominates the targets column, and Jeffery is held to just a handful or less of targets. Obviously if you have Alshon Jeffery you’re starting him but, hinder your expectations for the South Carolina product.
Dislike #3: Frank Gore – RB
The ageless Miami alum just won’t quit, as he plows his way to another 1,000 yard rushing season. With that being said, I don’t like his chances on the road, against the Denver Broncos. Denver has been good at stopping the run, as they’re allowing just 76 yards a game on the ground. The other thing I hate about this matchup is, Peyton Manning is chasing a touchdown pass record. The Broncos are going to do what they do best, and come out chucking the football. The 49ers will be down in this game early and they’re going to have no choice but to abandon their running game. I like Ronnie Hillman (despite the tough matchup), Branden Oliver and Ben Tate this week a lot more than Frank Gore this week.
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