Week 7 Fantasy Surprises And Disappointments

Week 7 was unusual, especially with wide receiver scoring way up and running back scoring way down, at least at the top.

At least before Sunday and Monday Night Football, there are only three 20+ PPR performances for RBs. For tight ends, there were four, and for quarterbacks, there were 11, including one 30+ point finish. For wide receivers, there were 13, including two 30+ PPR games.

This included that wild Thursday Night game, the “Unc Bowl” or “Icy-Hot Bowl,” where all positions had at least one from that game with 20+ from the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals.

As Week 7 wraps up, fantasy managers are either celebrating unexpected heroes or lamenting underwhelming performances. Let’s break down the biggest surprises and disappointments from this week’s action.

Surprises of Week 7

Quinshon Judkins, RB, Cleveland Browns

Fantasy Points: 26.4

Why It’s Surprising: Miami’s run defense is putrid, so many Quinshon Judkins owners knew to start him, especially with the weather in Cleveland. However, it is surprising that the Browns dominated in that way vs. the Dolphins, and Judkins was a big part of that with the game script going in his favor with 25 carries and three touchdowns with 84 yards on the ground. The rookie back is the second-highest scoring back for fantasy this week as of now (pending SNF and MNF).

Fantasy Impact: Judkins is an RB 2 weekly who will have a way higher ceiling vs. weaker run defenses, where the Browns can build a lead with their defense. He is not a true RB1 due to his lack of usage as a receiver, but his solid volume and floor keeps him as a start most weeks.

Travis Hunter, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars

Fantasy Points: 25.6

Why It’s Surprising: The breakout finally happened, but it was during a blowout in London against the Rams. The two-way rookie had 14 targets with 8 catches, 101 yards, and a touchdown for his first in the NFL.

With Brian Thomas Jr. disappointing, the Jaguars need someone to step up in this offense and find a rhythm with Trevor Lawrence. Hopefully, Jacksonville finds more ways to utilize Travis Hunter’s talents in Liam Coen’s offense that isn’t too gimmicky, making him more of a full-time receiver than a cornerback.

Fantasy Impact: Hope that Hunter gets more receiver usage coming out of the bye week and consistent target volume like this game. He is still a stash on benches or a desperation flex at best.

Bonus Surprises: Oronde Gasden, TE,; DeVonta Smith/ AJ Brown, WR,; Bo Nix, QB; Jaxson Dart, QB; D’Andre Swift, RB

Disappointments of Week 7

Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB, Washington Commanders

Fantasy Points: 4.2

Why It’s Disappointing: With the Jayden Daniels injury, that does change things for the Commanders, as Washington may have Marcus Mariota subbing in again for at least a week, depending on the status of Daniels.

Merritt had just 13 carries, while Rodriguez had three but a rushing touchdown and McNichols had two (but was involved as a pass-catcher). Still, the rookie is the lead dog in this backfield but may be more volatile.

The Commanders were chasing points, as Jacory Croskey-Merritt didn’t deliver in a smash spot against the Cowboys’ weak run defense. Dallas limited “Bill” and the other two backs in the rotation, Chris Rodriguez and Jeremy McNichols, as the whole offense was depleted due to injuries at wide receiver.

Fantasy Impact: JCM is still, but barely a startable RB as more of a flex than RB 2, and matchup dependent. This may be a three-way committee full-time, and he doesn’t see that much usage as a receiver out of the backfield.

Aston Jeanty, RB, Las Vegas Raiders

Fantasy Points: 4.4

Why It’s Disappointing: Ashton Jeanty is borderline unplayable in tough run defense matchups, as the Raiders will be down too quickly for them to establish a run game early. Against the Chiefs, the first-round rookie only saw 6 carries since they were down by so much and relatively early enough in the game.

I am surprised by his lack of work as a receiver compared to previous games. But he was likely pulled late in the game, even in garbage time.

Fantasy Impact: At worst, he is a flex that you hope falls in the endzone and does see volume to warrant a decent floor, but in the case of a blowout, that would hurt his chances at doing so. The Vegas RB might just be an RB 2, but with a lower ceiling that you can start, but your alternatives could provide more upside depending on the week.