In fantasy, players who carry high expectations can sometimes have surprisingly underwhelming performances. Let’s take a look at some players who disappointed in Week 6, but are bounce-back candidates in Week 7 of fantasy football.
Week 7 Fantasy Football – Bounce-Back Candidates
D.K Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks
Metcalf has had two down weeks in a row, totaling 4.5 and 6.3 fantasy points in Weeks 5 and 6 respectively. Metcalf only recorded three receptions for 48 yards last week but also had two potential touchdowns called back due to an illegal shift penalty and his toe being just out of bounds. Having been targeted 11 times in Week 7, Metcalf will continue to see sufficient volume that should translate into fantasy production. Expect Metcalf to play with a vengeance this week against the Falcons.
Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles
Barkley had an underwhelming Week 6 coming off the bye. He rushed only 20 times for 54 yards and was unable to get into the end-zone. The overall RB3 this season should get back on track in Week 7 against the Giants in a revenge game script. Having left the Giants for the Eagles this past off-season, expect a big bounceback this week from Barkley against his former team.
Devon Achane*, Miami Dolphins
Achane has had a rough few weeks, as the Dolphins offense has struggled mightily in Tua Tagovailoa’s absence. However, if Achane plays in Week 7, he faces a Colts defense that is allowing nearly 120 rushing yards per game to RBs. His strength of schedule following Week 7 is also phenomenal, as the Dolphins will face bottom-12 run defenses for six straight weeks. A Week 7 bounce-back from Achane hinges on a lot of if’s, but he should continue to be the Dolphins lead RB once he returns to action. Additionally, once Tua returns (estimated as Week 8 or 9), Achane’s fantasy value should skyrocket once again.
*Achane suffered a concussion in Week 5 and is questionable for Week 7.
Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings
Darnold has exceeded all expectations this season but put up less than 5 fantasy points in his last outing in Week 5. Coming off the bye, the Vikings will face the Lions in a divisional matchup in Week 7. The Lions’ defense is top-10 against quarterbacks this season but is bottom-five against opposing wide receivers. Expect Darnold to get the ball out early and often to talented wideouts Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison in what should be a closely contested game. Managers should view Darnold as a top-10 fantasy quarterback in Week 7.
Tucker Kraft, Green Bay Packers
Kraft had an underwhelming performance in Week 6, catching only 2 passes for 13 yards. However, the Packers ran away with their matchup against the Cardinals, leading to fewer opportunities for the tight end. The Packers face the Texans in Week 7 in what should be a must-watch quarterback battle, where Kraft should see more targets. Kraft also has minimal competition at the tight-end position with Luke Musgrave landing on injured reserve. While there are a lot of mouths to feed on the Packers, wide receivers Jayden Reed and Dontavyion Wicks are also battling ailments this week, which could lead to more volume for Kraft in this high-scoring passing offense.
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