In an absolutely brutal week full of byes and injuries, desperate flex players and one-week fill-ins are going to be more important than ever. While they may not be the safest, here are some sneaky players that could become unsung heroes of Week 7.
AJ Dillon
There was some hope during the draft season that AJ Dillon could become more than just Aaron Jones’ handcuff this season with Jamaal Williams off the roster.
Unfortunately, he hasn’t taken that step so far this season. Dillon has scored more than six fantasy points in just two games. Don’t let that put you off of inserting Dillon in your lineup this week.
The Packers play Washington, who just got thrashed by the Chiefs with Darrel Williams leading their backfield. Williams touched the ball 24 times and totaled 89 yards and two touchdowns. Green Bay’s offense should have no problem moving the ball against Washington’s underperforming defense. There will be plenty of fantasy points to go around.
Dillon should see enough usage and touchdown opportunities in this game to make him worth a start this week. He may even get extra work in the fourth quarter if this game gets out of hand early.
Amon-Ra St. Brown
Don’t look now but Amon-Ra St. Brown has 23 targets over the last three weeks. While the former USC standout was sure to be a common waiver-wire pickup this week a lot of people may be nervous about the matchup with Jalen Ramsey and the Rams’ defense.
In reality, Los Angeles hasn’t been a very tough matchup for WRs, allowing an average of 31.3 points per game to the position. With Quintez Cephus and Tyrell Williams both out, that leaves St. Brown left to soak up all the receiver targets for the Lions in a game that they should be trailing in from the jump.
He probably won’t give you a breakout performance that changes the tide for your team but he seems safely locked in for seven-plus targets right now.
And of course, if he does have a breakout performance this week…you may have a locked-in flex option for the rest of the season.
Dante Pettis
This is my “in case of emergency break glass” player for this week. Dante Pettis is only playable if both Kenny Golladay and Kadarius Toney are out this week; even safer if Evan Engram misses as well.
Last week with Toney leaving early and no Golladay, Pettis saw eleven targets. He caught five balls for 48 yards. That certainly isn’t spectacular but if he is going to see that type of volume again this week against Carolina, he’s worth consideration.
Neither the Panthers nor the Giants have been impressive in recent weeks. This game could be close between two teams ravaged by injuries. Pettis should see a good amount of targets again in a tightly contested game if his fellow receivers don’t play.
I think he has a good chance at connecting on a deep shot or two with Daniel Jones against a beat-up Panthers secondary.
