Week 7 Fantasy Football: Key Players to Watch for Increased Targets

Week 6 of the NFL season revealed intriguing patterns that could influence fantasy football strategies as teams head into Week 7. Key players demonstrated notable target shares, suggesting potential shifts in performance for the upcoming matches. This analysis utilizes advanced metrics from Pro Football Focus (PFF) to highlight players who might experience increased targets based on their recent performances.

Week 6 Highlights: Notable Target Shares

In Week 6, several players stood out due to their high target counts. Travis Kelce received 7 targets, achieving a 25% target share, while George Pickens garnered 11 targets and led all wide receivers with a remarkable 34.38% target share. Other significant contributors included Jerry Jeudy with 13 targets (25.49% target share) and Jameson Williams, who tied his career high with 7 targets and also scored a touchdown.

Looking at lower target shares, Tucker Kraft and Dontayvion Wicks received only 2 targets each, representing 7.69% of their respective offenses. This disparity highlights the potential for both underutilized and high-performing players to shift in the coming weeks.

Potential Breakouts for Week 7

As teams prepare for Week 7, certain players are primed for increased opportunities. Isaiah Bond has consistently demonstrated an ability to secure targets, maintaining over a 10% share of predicted targets since Week 2. Similarly, Tucker Kraft has emerged as a leader in predicted target share for the Green Bay Packers.

Another player to watch is Cooper Kupp, who is currently attaining about half the share of predicted targets compared to teammate Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Kupp’s ability to convert targets into production will be crucial for fantasy lineups moving forward.

Identifying players with explosive potential can also provide an edge. Alec Pierce has been exceptional this season, averaging 19.9 yards per reception and showing strong potential to exceed 100 receiving yards in favorable matchups. Notably, Jaxon Smith-Njigba leads the league in explosive route potential, making him a valuable asset for any fantasy team.

Key Plays and Their Impact

A closer examination of Week 6 highlights several critical plays that influenced expected points added (EPA). One standout moment occurred during a Monday Night Football matchup. With 10:35 remaining, the Chicago Bears were down by eight points. On a crucial third-and-4, running back D’Andre Swift managed to break free from coverage to catch a pass, which he turned into a touchdown, contributing 5.68 EPA—the highest for the week.

Conversely, a significant play in the Seattle Seahawks versus Jacksonville Jaguars game highlighted the effectiveness of Jaxon Smith-Njigba. On a first-and-10 in the second quarter, Sam Darnold executed a deep play action pass that resulted in a touchdown for Smith-Njigba, contributing 5.2 expected points. This play was pivotal in securing the Seahawks’ victory.

As fantasy managers evaluate their options for Week 7, understanding target shares and potential breakouts will be essential. The insights derived from PFF’s predictive models can guide decision-making and enhance overall performance in fantasy leagues.