Fantasy Football: Week 7 Target Report
We are already more than halfway through the fantasy football season! It’s a bitter-sweet feeling as most of you know how much of a grind the commitment to fantasy football leagues is, but it brings us all so much joy… at least those with playoff hopes at this moment in time. Let’s see whose target volume (or lack thereof) was worth a mention for Week 7 of the NFL season.
Stats listed are based on 1/2 PPR scoring.
Jermaine Kearse: 2 targets, 0 rec
After the injury news for Quincy Enunwa came to light, Jermaine Kearse appeared to be the main benefactor, especially after a 10 target performance in Week 6. Anyone that picked him up or spent FAAB on Kearse was rewarded with a 2 target, 0 reception game. For those counting, that’s ZERO fantasy points. The New York Jets are a volatile offense to own pieces of and this stat line for Kearse supports that.
Robby Anderson: 10 targets, 3 rec
Instead of Jermaine Kearse gobbling up targets, it was Robby Anderson. The target count did not matter as he was only able to secure 3 of the 10 targets for 44 yards. Whenever an injury occurs to the top player in an offense, it’s easy to get excited for the “next man up”. That could not be further from the truth for the Jets, however. With Rishard Matthews now added to this WR group, it’s unclear as to who will get the most looks from rookie QB, Sam Darnold. Stay away from the Jets WRs. If you are stuck with Anderson, sell him if/when he has another big game.
John Brown: 7 targets, 7 rec
John Brown had his best game as a Baltimore Raven in Week 7. He converted all 7 of his targets in 134 yards and a touchdown. Brown has boom potential with a safe floor, earning double-digit fantasy points in 5 of his 7 games with the Ravens. Touchdowns have helped as he has scored in 4 of 7 games. Although Brown has been Flacco’s most effective weapon, Michael Crabtree still leads the Ravens in targets. Still, Brown is a must-own in all formats and is a weekly start as he is the WR14 through the first 7 weeks.
Danny Amendola: 7 targets, 6 rec
Danny Amendola totaled 20 targets in his first 5 games. Since Brock Osweiler took over in Week 6, Amendola has nearly doubled his season target count with 18 additional targets in the last 2 weeks. Both Kenny Stills and Albert Wilson will be out at least Week 8 making Amendola the defacto #1 WR in the offense. The Dolphins may not be in a rush to get Ryan Tannehill back on the field as Brock Osweiler has been very effective in his 2 starts this season.
T.Y. Hilton: 4 targets, 4 rec
T.Y. Hilton played his first game since Week 4 and was only targeted 4 times. The good news for fantasy owners is that he caught 2 of his targets for touchdowns. Don’t be too concerned with the lack of volume in his return game. The Colts were likely easing him back in this game. Hilton is Andrew Luck‘s best deep ball target and its clear Luck trusts him in the red zone. Hilton began the season with 3 consecutive games with double-digit targets. He will be just fine as long as he doesn’t experience any setbacks from his hamstring injury.
Bobby Ellis/Getty Images
Kenny Golladay: 2 targets, 2 rec
This was the worst target number of the season for Kenny Golladay. He did catch both of his targets but it was an abysmal fantasy week for Golladay owners. QB Matthew Stafford only threw the ball 22 times in Week 7. The game script of running with Kerryon Johnson played a big factor in the lack of production for most other offensive weapons for the Lions. Do not irrationally react and bench him this week. He has a decent matchup Week 8 against a middle of the road Seattle defense at home.
Tarik Cohen: 12 targets, 8 rec
Tarik Cohen’s role in the Bears offense has increased each week this season. He’s involved in the run game but his true effectiveness shines through the air. Cohen has been the RB5, RB8, and RB9 in the last 3 weeks. Target volume will not slow down for this pass-catching back as he has the 9th most targets and receptions among running backs. He is a must-own in all formats.
Duke Johnson: 4 targets, 4 rec
The Cleveland Browns have moved on from running back Carlos Hyde, leaving shares to the rookie, Nick Chubb, and veteran, Duke Johnson. Although Johnson had a disappointing game in Week 7, expect his role to increase moving forward. The Browns were able to keep the game significantly close against the Buccaneers and drove it into yet another overtime game. This led to the Browns keeping their new, early-down back, Chubb on the field. The Browns will face enough negative game script that should keep Johnson on the field giving him more opportunity to produce for fantasy owners.
Alvin Kamara: 2 targets, 2 rec
Kamara had a very uncharacteristic week in Week 7. He had just 2 targets, his lowest target number in a game in his young career. He did not disappoint fantasy owners as he gained 64 yards and a touchdown on the ground. He is still the better pass-catching option between himself and Mark Ingram. His target numbers will regulate Week 8 and beyond.
Eric Ebron: 7 targets, 3 rec
Eric Ebron is the #3 TE in fantasy football. He did have a very quiet game vs the Bills, racking up 3 receptions on 7 targets for 31 yards. It wasn’t the best week to underwhelm as there are talks of Jack Doyle returning Week 8. The Colts do have their bye the following week so it may not make sense to rush Doyle back, especially with how great Ebron has been. Ebron has earned the trust of Andrew Luck but there is cause for concern of his fantasy value moving forward with Doyle on the field. Either sell Ebron high now or risk keeping him on your roster. Just temper your expectations on his target volume when Doyle is back.