NFL 2018: Week 7 Talking Points

With week 7 in the books (bar MNF), week 8 is fast approaching. Before that gets underway, I’m going to list my 5 major talking points from the week 7 action.

Adam Thielen

Adam Thielen, record holder. Who would have thought it?! Thielen continued his meteoric rise with his 7th consecutive 100-yard receiving game. He now holds the record for the most 100 yard games to start the season and is now 1 game off equalling Calvin Johnson’s 8 game record at any point in the season.

You wouldn’t bet against Thielen continuing his streak as he comes up against the Saints and their struggling defense. In a game which is likely to be a shoot-out, Thielen will likely receive double-digit targets again. He has 5 TDs through 7 games, which is 1 more than he scored in the whole 2017 season. He really has cemented himself as one of the best receivers in the NFL, despite coming into the league as an undrafted free agent in 2013. Inspiring.

Kareem Hunt

Kareem Hunt’s play has improved game on game this season. His 3 TDs in week 7 added to the 6 he had already tallied this season. Pat Mahomes looks like the real deal, and is consistently providing the Chiefs with scoring opportunities. His play has really elevated Hunt’s fantasy potential.

His 34.60 return in week 7 is his highest since week 15 last season. His inclusion in the passing game is a nice surprise, as it was a cause for concern at times in 2017. Hunt has had 5 receptions in the last 2 games and that sort of usage really gives his fantasy outlook a higher floor. Hunt looks to be locked in as a top 8 back for the rest of the season.

Todd Gurley

What else can you say about Gurley? Gurley has been on a tear as of late, scoring 14 TDs through the first 7 games. That equals an NFL record set by Priest Holmes for the most TDs through the first 7 games of the season. He is the heart and soul of that offense and is always the first option in and around the goalline.

He usually adds around 4 receptions per game through the air, resulting in him being the deadliest fantasy weapon in the league, and justifying why he was the number 1 pick in the majority of fantasy drafts. Amazingly, his lowest fantasy return this season is 22.10 points. The Green Bay Packers are up next for Gurley and Co. I’m not saying that Gurley might break LaDainian Tomlinson’s record of 31 TDs in a season, but he might.

Sony Michel

Kansas City Chiefs v New England Patriots

Sony Michel has impressed for the Patriots as of late, scoring no fewer than 17 fantasy points in his last 3 appearances. In week 7 against the Chicago Bears though, the injury bug struck again as Michel was carted off after a nasty looking collision. The injury isn’t expected to be as serious as the dreaded ACL tear, but it may still cost Michel a few weeks.

This is obviously great news for James White owners, who have struck gold with his showings this season. He will be forced into a lead back role until Michel returns. I expect the Patriots will sign a free agent RB to fill the hole left by Michel. In my opinion, it’ll most likely be Mike Gillislee as he already knows the playbook after spending the previous season in New England. Fingers crossed Michel comes back sooner rather than later.

Cardinals/Mike McCoy

The Cardinals had a torrid week 7 against the Denver Broncos on Thursday night. Josh Rosen threw 3 Interceptions, including 2 pick sixes, in a night where the Broncos ran out easy winners. The Broncos defense feasted on a lacklustre Cardinals offense that lacked any creativity under Mike McCoy’s guidance.

McCoy has since been fired which can only mean good things for this offense. Maybe now they may try running David Johnson to the outside a little more, instead of straight up the gut. Byron Leftwich will take over play-calling duties for the Cards in his first role as an OC.

Don’t expect huge things from this offense though despite the changes. The Offensive Line is woeful and Josh Rosen is struggling under the pressure. It cant be any worse though…..right?

Edited by Arvind Sriram