We're almost at the midpoint of the NFL season, and the fantasy football trade deadline is a little more than a month away. After seven weeks, ESPN's Matt Bowen says several players and one defensive unit have performed better or worse than expected, and that fantasy managers should adjust their outlook accordingly.
Justin Jefferson is no longer a clear WR1. Bowen has called Kevin O'Connell's offense one of the more "QB friendly" systems in the league, but the Vikings' pass game has lacked identity with Kyler Murray under center. Jefferson is scoring 10.8 fantasy PPG over the three full games he has played with Murray, averaging just 5.3 targets and only two red-zone looks in that stretch. Bowen doesn't expect managers to give up on him, noting prime matchups against Detroit and Buffalo, but questions whether he can finish as a top-15 receiver unless the Minnesota passing game improves.
Blake Corum is more than a bye-week fill-in. Once viewed as a bench stash, Corum saw a team-high 17 carries in the Week 7 win over the Las Vegas Raiders and is scoring 15.8 fantasy PPG over his last three games. He has also caught six of seven targets during that stretch. With Kyren Williams still the Rams' No. 1 back, Corum's ceiling is capped, but he is startable as a flex in 10- and 12-team leagues and offers RB2 value in deeper formats. His upcoming schedule against the Chargers, Washington and Arizona adds to his appeal before the Rams' Week 11 bye.
Bowen also reverses his earlier view of the Cincinnati Bengals' defense. Previously he would not have trusted the unit outside of a very friendly matchup. This season, following significant offseason additions, the defense is scoring 8.0 fantasy PPG, fifth most in the league, making it a solid starting D/ST option.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing