NFL Week 7 Recap

Highlights

• Talk about a statement Sunday. The Seahawks came roaring back to life, snapping their three-game skid with a dominant 34-14 demolition of the Falcons. Geno Smith, who admitted the mental and physical reset during their extended break was exactly what the doctor ordered, orchestrated a masterclass in offensive efficiency.
• In Buffalo, we witnessed the Josh Allen show in his 100th career start, though it didn't start according to script. Down 10-0 early, the Bills flipped the switch and unleashed an avalanche of 34 unanswered points. The newly acquired Amari Cooper wasted no time making his presence felt, connecting with Allen for 66 yards and a touchdown in his debut.
• The Lions continued their offensive fireworks show in Minnesota, with Jared Goff putting on a clinic that placed him in rare company - becoming just the fourth quarterback in NFL history to post a 140.0+ passer rating in three consecutive games. 
• Meanwhile, the Chiefs remained the NFL's lone unbeaten team, proving once again why they're the team to beat with a statement win over the 49ers.

Laggards and Stalwarts

Laggards:

• Gardner Minshew (QB, Raiders): Lets be honest, no one is starting the veteran QB. However, it's still worth noting he hit rock bottom in Week 7, throwing three interceptions and managing just 154 yards, resulting in an abhorrent 1.4 fantasy points.
• Travis Kelce (TE, Chiefs): The once-upon-a-time reliable tight end disappeared completely from the game plan, posting a shocking season-low 1.7 points with just 17 yards on 4 receptions.
• Alvin Kamara (RB, Saints): In what should have been a favorable matchup, Kamara managed just 24 total yards (2.4 points), his worst showing since returning from suspension.

Stalwarts:

• Lamar Jackson (QB, Ravens): Reminded everyone why he's an MVP candidate with a masterful performance, throwing for 281 yards and 5 TDs while adding 52 rushing yards (34.4 points). This was vintage Lamar at his finest.
• Jahmyr Gibbs (RB, Lions): The second year sensation continued his impressive campaign with a complete performance - 116 rushing yards, 2 TDs, and 44 receiving yards (28.0 points). He's quickly becoming a league-winner.
• Mark Andrews (TE, Ravens): Dominated the red zone with two touchdowns among his 4 catches for 41 yards (16.1 points), proving once again why he's an elite tight end option.

Waiver Wire Watchlist

• Cade Otton (TE, Buccaneers): With Chris Godwin out for the season and Mike Evans dealing with a hamstring injury, Otton's role is expanding after posting a season-high 10 targets and 100 receiving yards.
• Hunter Henry (Patriots): Emerging as rookie QB Drake Maye's favorite target, particularly in the red zone. Strong streaming option with favorable upcoming matchups.

Sunday Morning Specials: Plug and Pray Players

Incase you haven't been following us on X (formerly Twitter) you may want to do so asap. We've been on a role lately with our weekly Plug and Pray Player recommendations. Our MoneyLeaguers Plug and Pray Players is our Sunday morning special list of last minute pickups or starts for the Sunday and Monday evening games. See for yourself by giving @moneyleaguers a follow on X.

Injuries to Monitor

• Brandon Aiyuk (WR, 49ers): Suffered devastating torn ACL and MCL injuries against the Chiefs, ending his breakout 2024 season23.
• Deshaun Watson (QB, Browns): Achilles injury in the second quarter against the Bengals; Browns confirm he will miss remainder of the 2024 season2.
• Jayden Daniels (QB, Commanders): Exited early with rib injury; X-rays came back clean but status for Week 8 remains uncertain2.
• Chris Godwin (WR, Buccaneers): Season-ending dislocated ankle injury, significantly impacting Tampa Bay's passing attack4.

Player Spotlight: Russell Wilson's Steelers Debut

Can Russ still cook? Yes, apparently he can. The veteran quarterback made quite a statement in his first start for Pittsburgh in Week 7, leading the Steelers to a commanding 37-15 victory over the Jets. After sitting behind Justin Fields for the first six weeks, Wilson showed why Mike Tomlin's bold quarterback switch was the right call. Wilson's stat line was impressive:

• 16/29 passing for 264 yards
• 2 passing touchdowns
• 1 rushing touchdown
• 0 interceptions
• 66.3 QBR
• 24.9 fantasy points (standard scoring)

The former Seahawk particularly shined in the second half, helping the Steelers score 31 unanswered points after trailing 15-6. His connection with George Pickens proved especially potent, as the receiver hauled in 5 catches for 111 yards and a touchdown.What's particularly noteworthy is that Wilson led the Steelers offense to generate their highest EPA per passing play (0.296) of the 2024 season1. Tom Brady himself praised Wilson's performance, noting it was Pittsburgh's highest scoring output since 2021.With a favorable matchup against the Giants coming up in Week 8, Wilson has a prime opportunity to build on this momentum and cement his position as the Steelers' starter for the remainder of 2024. He might be worth the add if you're squad is in need of a QB.