We're all in this together. I mean, yeah, some of us are competing against each other. But D.K. Metcalf's injury impacted a lot of us. So did Aaron Jones's "Do I start him or not?" dilemma. So Bijan Robinson . . . it was that kind of Sunday for many managers.
But we have to be eternal optimists, because that's why we play to win. So whether you won or lost this weekend -- or are still in the running heading into Monday Night Football -- here's the most impactful fantasy storyline for each Sunday team. Remember, this isn't just about who did best or worst. It's how player values might shift ahead of Week 8.
Bears -- I wrote on Saturday that D'Onta Foreman's performance yesterday could dramatically affect the roles -- for better or worse -- of Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson. Sure enough, Foreman went bonkers. Momentum is a critically important factor in fantasy, and Foreman has all of it. He won't return to the bench anytime soon, regardless of Herbert's and Johnson's health.
Raiders -- A trendy deep-league streamer, Brian Hoyer was abysmal. As a result, Josh Jacobs suffered, particularly given his limited role in the passing game. It's worth nothing Jacobs hasn't cleared 3.6 YPC in any game this season. He needs positive game scripts, and next week in Detroit probably won't help.
Colts -- Jonathan Taylor and Zach Moss each had 18 carries. Taylor looked better, and not just because he scored. If you're stashing Moss, it's an ideal time to sell relatively high to whoever has Taylor.
Browns -- Deshaun Watson was concussed, cleared, and seemingly benched. Cleveland might say something different in the coming days, but it's hard to deny that Watson's 1-for-5 passing line for five yards and an interception placed him somewhere on the "not worth a nickel" spectrum. Cleveland winning was no doubt a minor miracle. Fantasy-wise, if Watson is no better than middling the rest of the way, this will remain a largely run- and defense-heavy team with little room for more than one receiver to shine.
Patriots -- Is Demario Douglas the receiver New England has pined for all season? It could be argued that the Pats' incredible upset wouldn't have happened without the rookie WR. While Kendrick Bourne is the temporary alpha, Douglas has more upside than any other Patriots receiver.
Bills -- James Cook got back on track; it's now too late to buy low. And Dalton Kincaid has now reeled in 27 of 29 targets. He's inching toward must-start territory in 14-team leagues.
Giants -- I made the case late last season that if the Browns had stuck with Tyrod Taylor instead of handing the reins to Deshaun Watson, they probably would have reached the playoffs. Of course, that was an impossibility after Cleveland mortgaged their future for a once-great QB. But in New York, Taylor now looks better than Daniel Jones. If you're rostering Darren Waller, you're hoping the veteran QB earns more starts.
Commanders -- I urged managers not to give up on Jahan Dotson, and he managed eight targets and a 5-43 receiving line. Nothing special, but also nothing to sneeze at. The talent is there. Patience.
Buccaneers -- In the fantasy world, everything is just fine with Rachaad White. In reality, he's no lock to remain the starter all year. The 3-3 Bucs have a legitimate shot at the playoffs. But he's now averaging 3.2 YPC with no sign of breaking out. Be wary.
Falcons -- The fantasy world was on fire (not the good kind of "on fire") when Bijan Robinson didn't touch the ball on Atlanta's opening drives. Then it was reported he was under the weather. Monitor this closely, obviously. Could be true. Could be more. Tyler Allgeier looked terrific through the air, while the aged Cordarrelle Patterson somehow looked terrific on the ground. We should know more about Robinson in the next couple of days.
Ravens -- On a side note, I dropped Detroit's DST on Saturday and picked up and started the Rams DST. Then my opponent picked up and started Detroit's DST. Some weeks, that's the difference between winning and losing. Baltimore had its best offensive showing in a long time. Notably, OBJ led the Ravens with eight targets. I've been firmly off the OBJ train all year, and I remain off it. However, it's worth pointing out that Lamar Jackson tried to get him involved, and was moderately successful. We'll see if it holds up.
Lions -- Jahmyr Gibbs finally was turned loose, and while he benefited from a game script that pushed Baltimore more into prevent mode in the second half, the rookie earned every yard. Remember, it's largely about momentum. If Gibbs is dominating by the time David Montgomery returns, the latter might not be the lead back going forward.
Rams -- A big question heading into Week 7 was which Rams RB to start. I pushed Darrell Henderson, and he came through with 13.6 points, compared to only 6.6 for Royce Freeman. But . . . Henderson is not "the answer" in my opinion. He and Royce Freeman likely will remain a hot-hand duo while Kyren Williams and Ronnie Rivers are on injured reserve. The next three weeks are @Dallas, @Green Bay, and a bye. In other words, Henderson is suddenly overvalued after only one performance.
Steelers -- There's plenty to discuss about Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren -- the fact that both scored for the first time all year. But the bigger story is Dionte Johnson's triumphant return. Although it's too soon to know if Kenny Pickett can feed two receivers consistently, it was notable that George Pickens didn't lose a step even with a productive Johnson on the field.
Seahawks -- I had seriously considered picking up and starting Jake Bobo if D.K. Metcalf couldn't play. But it seemed too farfetched an idea. As it turns out, Bobo -- a 25-year-old rookie -- looks NFL-ready. Alongside ascending (and obviously higher-upside) rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle has enough fantasy-relevant players to (potentially) cap Lockett, as well as Metcalf when he returns.
Cardinals -- It was Emari Demercado's turn, one week after some fantasy managers thought he was the Arizona RB to roster. Interestingly, he collected 17 touches, and did enough damage to merit another start next week.
Broncos -- All eyes should be on Jerry Jeudy, who fared well in what might be a tune-up to an impending trade. Interestingly, Marvin Mims now has only one catch for four yards across his last two games. Mims' value will pop if Jeudy goes. Deep-leaguers could do worse than stashing him away for these next eight days.
Packers -- The early-career fragility of Christian Watson is beyond concerning. Maybe his knee injury will turn out to be nothing notable. But managers looking to the postseason have to wonder if they can rely on the young WR when it matters most. Also, it's worth pointing out that Luke Musgrave was in a walking boot after the game. I mis-read the Packers this summer as a team on the rise.
Chiefs -- Patrick Mahomes made it look easy. And while Travis Kelce's dominance merits recognition, and while Isiah Pacheco salvaged his fantasy day with a late score, it was notable that Rashee Rice led all WRs with six targets. And more importantly, he did a lot with those targets. With Mecole Hardman potentially crowding out Kadarius Toney, Rice is now the almost-unquestionable #1 WR.
Chargers -- Joshua Kelley looked great for the first time since Week 1, and Austin Ekeler clearly wasn't at 100% while briefly leaving the game. It's worrisome if you've waited all this time to get this elite RB back in your lineup. Next week versus Chicago should go differently. And if it doesn't? Well, for a team in win-now mode, even a partially healthy Ekeler is better than nothing, and that's not helpful for fantasy managers.
Eagles -- A.J. Brown became the third player in NFL history with five consecutive 125+ receiving-yard performances. This summer I pushed him, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert as bargains. Two weeks ago I urged this community to buy low on the struggling Goedert. But . . . Smith continues to lag, because my bullishness about Jalen Hurts' aerial improvements was misplaced. had thought Philly's franchise QB could feed three receivers per game. Instead, it's been no more than two.
Dolphins -- For Miami, things played out largely as expected. But I'd caution managers to remain mindful of the 31-year-old Raheem Mostert. Yes, he's insanely talented -- always has been (when healthy). He leads the NFL with nine rushing scores. But . . . last year was the first time he exceeded 160 touches. A deep playoff run would put him on a 300-touch trajectory. The Dolphins will have a pretty crowded backfield when De'Von Achane returns. In Weeks 14-17, he'll face the Titans, Jets, Cowboys, and Ravens. In other words, Mostert has a surprisingly slim chance of being a must-start RB down the stretch.