Fantasy Football Focus: Week 7 WR Standouts and Matchup Analysis

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20/10/2024 18h06

**Week 7 Fantasy Football WR Analysis: Standout Performers and Key Matchups**

In the fast-paced world of fantasy football, wide receivers (WRs) often make the difference between winning and losing a matchup. As we head into Week 7, some WRs have distinguished themselves through impressive stats and favorable upcoming matchups. Here's a breakdown of several notable WRs and what to expect.

First up is Smith-Njigba, who has been the WR34 in fantasy points per game. With four red zone targets and four deep targets under his belt this season, Smith-Njigba has earned a 19.1% target share, a 22.8% air-yard share, and a 20.5% first-read share, posting 1.32 yards per route run (YPRR). Notably, since Week 4, Atlanta's defense has been heavily using two-high safety looks, benefiting Smith-Njigba. Against this scheme, he has increased his numbers to a 20% target share and 1.59 YPRR, leading the team with four end-zone targets. He will face Dee Alford, who has allowed an 82.4% catch rate and a 115.4 passer rating.

Darnell Mooney has proven to be a valuable draft pick, ranking as the WR26 in fantasy points per game. He stands seventh among wideouts with nine deep targets and has garnered a 20.7% target share, a substantial 34% air-yard share, and a 26.8% first-read share with 1.86 YPRR. Seattle’s defense has employed single-high coverage on 57.6% of snaps since Week 4, against which Mooney’s numbers have seen a slight dip. Nevertheless, his field-stretching abilities might be crucial this week, as Seattle has given up the 13th-highest passer rating and the tenth-highest completion percentage over expected (CPOE) to deep passes.

Jameson Williams is in the midst of a breakout season as the WR18 in fantasy points per game. Leading the league in separation and ranking fifth in route win rate, Williams has achieved a 19% target share, a 39.2% air-yard share, and a 27.1% first-read share with an impressive 2.59 YPRR. Detroit could lean on Williams more if Minnesota continues its aggressive blitzing, as Williams has excelled with a 25% target share and 4.77 YPRR against the blitz. He will face defenders like Stephon Gilmore and Shaquill Griffin, who present relatively favorable matchups.

Smith, also known as the "Slim Reaper," has shone as the WR11 in fantasy points per game. With a commanding 25.2% target share, a 38.2% air-yard share, and a 32.9% first-read share, Smith has been highly efficient, producing 2.44 YPRR and 75.8 receiving yards per game. Facing New York this week, he will likely benefit from the attention paid to A.J. Brown, giving him opportunities against Andru Phillips and Cor'Dale Flott.

Other WRs to watch include Robinson (WR29), who will face a Philadelphia secondary susceptible to slot receivers, and Kirk (WR49), who despite a slow start could see increased usage against New England’s two-high safety look.

As the fantasy football season rolls on, keeping track of these WRs' performances and their matchups against specific defensive schemes can provide an edge in lineup decisions. Whether it's capitalizing on favorable matchups or banking on consistent performers, Week 7 promises excitement for fantasy managers.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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