America’s favorite game is back and The Sports Bank has you covered with the best and worst of what was Fantasy Football Week Seven.
Welcome back Arian Foster and who knew DeMarco Murray was such a beast. Those were just a couple of really nice fantasy performances from running backs this week.
Follow the jump to receive up-to-date fantasy analysis and the best waiver wire pick-ups for week eight!
* Points and line-up statistics adapted from ESPN standard scoring leagues
Fantasy MVP: RB Arian Foster (234 Total YDS and 3 TD = 40 points)
So much for those who called Foster a one-year wonder, the guy is simply the best dual-threat running back in the game these days. With teammate Andre Johnson out, Foster has shouldered the load in the receiving game with 287 yards in his last three games. Against the Titans, Foster also got it done on the ground with 115 yards. Next up is the Jacksonville Jaguars who actually have a decent defense despite their ugly record. Even with the stout defense, I wouldn’t bet against Foster, the guy is hot and is running behind one of the best offensive lines in the NFL.
Honorable Mention: Chiefs D/ST (35 points), QB Drew Brees (33 points) and RB DeMarco Murray (31 points)
Disappointing Performance of the Week: QB Jay Cutler (226 YDS, 1 TD and 2 INT = 9 points)
Yes, the Bears won their over-seas adventure against Tampa Bay, but I wouldn’t credit the win to Jay Cutler. Cutler reverted back to the guy everyone loves to hate while throwing two interceptions and ultimately giving the Bucs a chance in a game they had no business being in. It really was a shame to see Cutler play so bad after putting forth respectable performances against the Vikings and Lions. I’m guessing Cutler will attempt to rest up over the bye week and prepare for a long weekend against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Wasting Away (Best Bench Player): DeMarco Murray (25 ATT, 253 YDS and 1 TD = 31 points)
Only 34.0 of fantasy leagues have Murray owned, but even more surprising is that he was started in only 24.5 percent of leagues, especially after knowing that Felix Jones would be out. The rookie out of Oklahoma looked like he was playing college at times, including an electric 91 yard touchdown. His 253 yards were the most in franchise history (more than the great Emmitt Smith and Tony Dorsett). Some soft match-ups in the near future (Philly, Seattle and Buffalo) makes for an intriguing fantasy play, even with Jones back in the line-up.
Somebody Pick Me Up (Best Free Agent): QB John Beck (22/37, 279 YDS, 1 INT and 2 Total TD = 18 points)
He may not be Tim Tebow or Cam Newton, but Beck now has rushing touchdowns in two straight games. He wasn’t able to lead the Redskins to a win, but probably is the best option they have at QB right now. If you have Matt Ryan, Jay Cutler, Aaron Rodgers, Josh Freeman or Mark Sanchez, Beck (vs. Buffalo) just might be your guy to be the temporary fill-in during their week eight bye week.
Chiefs D/ST (35 points, 26.4 %), Vikings WR Michael Jenkins (17 points, 2.5 %), Vikings QB Christian Ponder (15 points, 2.4 %) and Bucs WR Dezmon Briscoe (13 points, 0.0 %) should also be considered for roster spots in the upcoming week.
Hurts So Bad (Worst Injury): Buccaneers RB Earnest Graham (Torn Achilles)
The Bucs have an upcoming bye week and Head Coach Raheem Morris must be crossing his fingers that LeGarrette Blount will be back from his knee injury. If not, Tampa Bay could be in a lot of trouble in regards to their running game. As of now, Kregg Lumpkin is the starter, which is not a good thing. Lumpkin managed only 15 yards on eight carriers versus the Bears. Let’s say Blount does come back, as a fantasy owner, I wouldn’t be confident that his knee injury won’t flare up again, it seems to be a pretty serious injury.
What surprised you the most in Fantasy Week Seven? Let me know by commenting below!
Nick Grays is a senior writer at the Sports Bank where he covers the Wisconsin Badgers, Green Bay Packers, and Milwaukee Brewers. He also enjoys to share Fantasy Advice from time-to-time. Follow him on Twitter by clicking here or visit his blog Nick Knows Best.
2011 Fantasy Football Awards Archive
Week One
Week Two
Week Three
Week Four
Week Five
Week Six
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