As NFL Week 7 approaches, analysts are focusing on matchups, player performances, and emerging trends that could shape the outcomes of upcoming games. Our old friends, the Miami Dolphins, who are already being lambasted for allowing a league-worst 168.5 rushing yards per game. This lack creates a vacuum for major stakeholders to take advantage of their vulnerabilities. There are quite a few athletes primed to execute these breakout performances. Fantasy football fans are already hopeful with every sleeper and star in their sights.
If you can get past the Dolphins’ awful defensive struggles, individual players have stood out for their bright futures this week. Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta are both set up for monster receiving games. Their success would have huge implications on how their teams approach the offense and would upend current fantasy football lineups. NFL fans are looking forward to watching these gifted young men make plays on the professional gridiron. They demand blockbuster acts that will drive their cities competitive advantage.
Defensive Weaknesses Highlighted
The Miami Dolphins’ offense has put their defense under extreme duress in recent weeks. They’ve given up an eye-popping 168.5 rushing yards a game. If teams further learn from this kind of trend and incorporate it into their defensive game plans, this could potentially have a ripple effect league wide. Opponents would quickly take advantage of this weakness and go to a smashmouth, run-first gameplan. Whether that was in man or zone, this tactic could lead to huge yardage gains.
This adds even more of a burden on Miami’s run-stopping defensive line and linebackers to adjust on the fly and improve their overall performance stopping the run. Most have a long way to go and need to make major improvements. This is incredibly important to prevent being double-teamed by your adversary in a critical juncture of the game.
Teams opposed to the Dolphins will be met with the opposing RBs who have proven they can run all over the place. Bijan Robinson quickly became one of the league’s elite running backs. He has an important opportunity to be a major player in taking advantage of this newfound weakness. It’s time for the Dolphins to do something about this defensive disaster or otherwise be destined to keep getting buried further down in the standings.
Key Players to Watch
Besides the Dolphins’ failures, it’s the best time of the year as more exciting stars break out in Week 7. Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta are getting a lot of hype for their expected contributions to the passing game. As both players have cemented themselves as sure-handed targets, they have the ability to be key contributors to their respective team’s offensive production.
Defensive players are on analysts’ radars. Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, and Kayvon Thibodeaux will be key playmakers for their defenses this week. If they can wreak havoc on the other team’s offense, that will be key, particularly when having to line up against elite programs.
In the world of fantasy football, Tez Johnson is a name that has become a hot topic among franchise fans. Only 13.2% of fantasy rosters have the faith to start him right now. That should make him an interesting sleeper target for those seeking to bolster their competing teams. Cade Otton, tight end for the Buccaneers, would be another one to keep an eye on. He’s rostered at 22.0% and is starting to stretch his role in the offense.
High-Scoring Expectations
Looking ahead to this week’s slate of games, a few key matchups already look likely to develop into shootouts. As everyone is well aware, the Detroit Lions have been scoring at will over the past few weeks. In fact, eight of their last twelve games have gone over expected point totals! This trend should be key for fantasy owners as they look to focus on players from these high-scoring games.
Some teams, such as the Indianapolis Colts, have been impressively efficient once inside the red zone, scoring touchdowns on ten straight opportunities. That proficiency turns them into a terrifying prospect as they attempt to take advantage of each and every mistake made throughout match play. The Los Angeles Chargers are an elite defensive unit. They’re second in yielding red zone touchdowns only. Breaking down these opposing advantages will be key for teams looking to gameplan against these teams in the postseason.
Kayshon Boutte is still undoubtedly one to watch as he goes up against Tennessee. Famed for his boom-or-bust capability, Johnson’s production would either propel him to the top of fantasy rankings or fail owners in a big way. Coaches will have to adapt in much more intelligent ways to roster such boom-or-bust players to position themselves best for success.
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