Recently a former fantasy RB staple and current “Big Noon Kickoff” mouthpiece, Mark Ingram, took to social media and admitted just how dirty our little hobby truly is. In his bitter post, the Heisman trophy winner and three-time Pro Bowl selection stated:
The virtual game isn’t for the faint of heart. Many rosters — mine included — are chock full of IR designations or players who have greatly underwhelmed due to crashed-out coaches oddly committed to full-blown committee backfields.
Nearing the halfway mark of the fantasy regular season, some continue to ride the wave while others have tumbled with the tide.
If you’re the latter, don’t give up. This decades-long player once started a season 0-6 only to win out and improbably claim a title. The Raiders’ Jeff George-to-James Jett combination in 1997 will forever live joyously in my mind. That’s right, this seasoned vet has played since the Spice Girls days.
Your team may be struggling right now, but you’re only a week away from getting back on track.
Here are my deep sleepers for Week 7.
QB: Tanner McKee, PHI (vs. DAL)
4% started in Yahoo leagues
White House press secretaries will likely have more longevity than McKee on most non-Superflex rosters. However, with four teams catnapping in Week 7, the elevated backup could provide a statistical spark.
Inserted into the starting lineup last week with Jalen Hurts sidelined, the 2023 sixth-round pick was somewhat effective. Against Carolina, he posted a subpar 57.8 completion percentage and finished with 215 yards and one touchdown. Frankly, the vertical touch McKee displayed was on par with what Hurts exhibited pre-setback. Hot take? Hardly. Keep in mind, the incumbent ranks No. 36 in adjusted completion percentage among qualifying QBs this season.
With Hurts done for the year, the former Stanford standout is a brainy streamer in 12-team leagues or deeper. The Cowboys defense has routinely been torched. Entering the week rock bottom in expected points added (EPA) pass defense, Dallas has surrendered 8.02 pass yards per attempt, 239.2 passing yards per game, 12 total touchdowns and the seventh-most fantasy points to QBs.
In three career starts, McKee has generated serviceable numbers. Including last week’s showing versus the Panthers, he’s averaged 241.7 pass yards, tallied a 4:1 TD:INT split and completed 58.7% of his attempts as the starter..
McKee isn’t recommended in leagues where the likes of Michael Penix and Kyler Murray are still available, but for those individuals who play in more challenging formats, the former college Economics major could be a money-making option.
Fearless Forecast: 221 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns, 1 interception, 4 rushing yards, 18.5 fantasy points
RB: Rico Dowdle, PIT (vs. NO, in Paris)
10% started in Yahoo leagues
Despite Jaylen Warren’s scorching hot hand entering the Steelers’ Week 6 matchup at Tampa, the Steelers’ second fiddle played on an impactful 38.5% of team snaps. Notching 10 total touches, Dowdle tallied only 49 yards, but the volume was noteworthy.
Dowdle hasn’t exactly moved earth on his occasional work. Ranking No. 70 in EPA per rush, he’s posted a ghastly 2.36 yards after contact per attempt and forced only two missed tackles on 22 carries. Yuck. As a result, many managers will understandably shy away from his services.
However, with James Cook, Bhayshul Tuten and whatever the Chargers and Commanders are trotting out these days on bye, Pittsburgh’s rather dull point could sharpen against New Orleans.
This season, no team ranks lower in EPA per rush defense than the Saints. Routinely gashed in the trenches, Brandon Staley’s gracious door greeters have given up a staggering 4.83 yards per carry, 147.3 total yards per game, 12 total touchdowns and the most fantasy points to running backs.
“Maximize the matchup” is a credo gamers should fully subscribe to. Behind a Pittsburgh offensive line that ranks No. 4 in run-blocking efficiency according to PFF, Dowdle waddles to an employable Flex line in challenging formats.
Fearless Forecast: 8 carries, 45 rushing yards, 2 receptions, 10 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 12.5 fantasy points (PPR)
WR: Marvin Harrison Jr., HOU (vs. NYG)
12% started in Yahoo leagues
There’s a sucker born every minute.
Publication : The Athletic
Author : Brad Evans
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