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Fantasy Football Flyers: DeMario Douglas and Xavier Legette are the frontrunners for Week 7

Fantasy Football Flyers: DeMario Douglas and Xavier Legette are the frontrunners for Week 7

Each week I provide advice to help you fill holes in fantasy lineups that remain after the first waiver run of the week. As the weekend approaches, the players featured here may still be available in free agency and ready to start Week 7 if you have a last-minute roster need.

Players are ranked in order of potential performance for the week (PPR Rating), and percentages listed are from CBS Sports.

DeMario Douglas, WR, NE (51% on roster): In his debut in Week 6, Drake Maye revitalized New England’s passing game, and Douglas finished with 92 receiving yards, a career-high. Maye and Douglas have openly praised each other to the media this week, and a matchup against Jacksonville makes Douglas a viable fantasy starter in Week 7.
Jacksonville allows the second-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers. Additionally, Pro Football Focus rates Douglas’ individual matchup against slot cornerback Darnell Savage at 86.5, which is considered “excellent.”

Xavier Legette, WR, CAR (40%): The rookie from Carolina caught two touchdown passes in the last three games. Wide receivers facing the Commanders are particularly attractive because Washington ranks near the bottom of the league in fantasy points allowed. The Panthers-Commanders duel should be a fantasy bonanza. In Week 4, Legette tied a season-high 10 receptions with six receptions, and each week the rookie seems more comfortable with the pace of the NFL.

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Romeo Doubs, WR, GB (64%): When Green Bay’s top four wide receivers are healthy, fantasy unpredictability is certain. Jayden Reed is a must-have starting option, but Doubs has been a frequent touchdown target for QB Jordan Love over the past two seasons and caught two scoring passes in Week 6. Doubs has promising touchdown passes in a potentially higher-scoring matchup with the Texans, so check his availability.

Tyler Lockett, WR, SEA (60%): For two years, fantasy analysts predicted that Lockett would fade into obscurity. But the longtime fixture in fantasy lineups remains an integral part of a busy Seattle passing game. He has been targeted 31 times in the last four games. Atlanta ranks 26th in receptions allowed for wide receivers, so he could be added and started in leagues where Lockett is available.

Ty Chandler, RB, MIN (64%): Initial reports suggested Aaron Jones was struggling with a hip injury and the latest information suggests his hamstring is bothering him. Friday’s practice report should provide insight into his availability for Sunday’s game against the Lions. If Jones can’t play, Chandler will take the lead against the third-ranked Detroit run defense. While Chandler will have to fight for yardage, the touchdown opportunities could be enough to start him as an RB2/flex option.

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Despite the Vikings’ newfound defensive reputation, the matchup with Detroit could be a higher-scoring affair. Minnesota’s pass defense ranks 30th overall. If you’re starting Jones and haven’t found room for Chandler on the bench, this situation is a reminder to always keep the handcuffs in reserve.

Tyler Goodson, RB, IND (14%): He could play an important role against the Dolphins with Jonathan Taylor potentially missing another game and Trey Sermon dealing with a knee injury. Goodson totaled 65 scrimmage yards on a dozen touches last week, and Miami ranks 30th in fantasy points per game allowed to RBs. Goodson is a viable plug-and-play option for Week 7 and is widely available via free agency.

Jaylen Warren, RB, PIT (52%): In his return from a knee injury in Week 6, Warren had just 18 yards from scrimmage. However, his role could expand, and the Steelers desperately need another respectable playmaker. Even with Russell Wilson in the starting lineup, he doesn’t think about challenging the Jets’ defense through the air, so the Steelers could use Warren enough to help him put up a decent stat line.

Sean Tucker, RB, TB (34%): One of the top waiver picks of Week 7, Tucker’s fantasy ceiling will depend on the availability of Rachaad White. After a career performance in Week 6 (172 scrimmage yards, two touchdowns), Tucker will likely share touches with Bucky Irving if White is unavailable. In this scenario, Tucker is a viable RB2/flex position player. If White plays, a three-person committee will take Tucker’s word, as Todd Bowles said he would opt for a “hot hand” approach. Baltimore has been stingy against opposing RBs and ranks fourth in fantasy points per game allowed at the position. But if White is out, Tucker’s potential for carries and receptions could be more important than the pitfalls in the matchup.

Hunter Henry, TE, NE (53%): Henry always has some touchdown potential and Maye could perform well against the Jaguars and find his tight ends in the end zone.

Tutu Atwell, WR, LAR (31%): Even if Cooper Kupp returns, Puka Nacua will still be out, and both Atwell and Jordan Whittington (17% on the roster) will be able to put up respectable fantasy points against the Raiders. Las Vegas’ offense looks so weak that the defense will certainly be overloaded.

Rashod Bateman, WR, BAL (12%): This may be the most complete offense we’ve seen from the Ravens during the Lamar Jackson era, and Bateman has found a niche. He may never live up to his first-round expectations, but the fourth-year pro has posted double-digit PPR totals in the last two games. In the match between Baltimore and Tampa Bay, attack shots will be defended and Bateman will be part of the game.

Alec Pierce, WR, IND (47%): Pierce is on the injury report with a possible minor shoulder issue, and the return of Anthony Richardson dampens the passing game, but Pierce caught two TD passes and recorded long receptions of 60 and 44 plus yards in two games. Richardson was under for the first three weeks of the season the middle. While the Colts may face Miami’s vulnerable rush defense a lot, Pierce has the edge as the Dolphins defense will spend a lot of time on the field until Tua Tagovailoa returns.

D’Onta Foreman, RB, CLE (9%): Nick Chubb appears ready to play for the first time this season, and Foreman is trying to work through a groin injury. But Jerome Ford may be out, and an opportunity to split work with Chubb is possible. Foreman totaled 47 scrimmage yards on 12 touches last week, which isn’t exactly inspiring. The Bengals rank 19th in fantasy points per game allowed to RBs, so there’s hope here for a shared role in Cleveland’s backfield. Foreman is a deeper option in an obviously poor offense.

Kimani Vidal, RB, LAC (37%): JK Dobbins dominates the Chargers backfield. But Vidal caught a 38-yard TD pass in his NFL debut last week. Arizona ranks 23rd in fantasy points per game allowed to running backs, so the rookie has some acceptable fantasy totals.

Noah Fant, TE, SEA (9%): If you’re looking for a tight end, consider Fant for potentially decent statistical production. He finished with six catches for more than 60 yards in two of his last four games.

(Photo by DeMario Douglas: Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)

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