Guest of the League
RTS Top Dogs Est. 2011
FFL: Week 7 | NFL: Week 7

Patriots coach Mike Vrabel tuning out drama of return to Music City

Wed Oct 15 12:10pm ET
Field Level Media

Six years stand between the Patriots and their last start better than the current 4-2 record New England carries into leaf-peeping season.

Last season when the Patriots rolled into Nashville to play the Tennessee Titans, their former head coach Mike Vrabel was working as a consultant for the Cleveland Browns, and New England lost 20-17 in overtime.

Vrabel, back in the picture in a big way these days, will stand on the visitor's sideline Sunday when the AFC-leading Patriots -- with a coaching staff and front office with 13 former Tennessee staffers and a roster that includes six former Titans -- take on his former employer in Nashville.

"There is going to be, probably, a lot to be said about this," Vrabel said. "I think it would file under the category of, is it interesting or important? I would probably say this would be very interesting.

"But in the end, not very important to our preparation or what we need to continue to try to do to improve as a team. But having spent six years there or seven years there, I think it'll be nice to see some people that I haven't seen in a few years that helped us win, players and staff. But we've got a huge job here to do as we prepare for them."

While he might not want the attention or spotlight sure to follow his return to the Music City, credit Vrabel for a dramatic turnaround of the passing offense and run defense. New England hasn't allowed 50 rushing yards to any ballcarrier this season and is fourth in the NFL against the run (83.5 rushing yards per game).

Second-year quarterback Drake Maye is second in the NFL with a 73.2 completion percentage and the Patriots are sixth in the NFL in passing.

Vrabel was 54-45 as Titans head coach, winning back-to-back AFC South titles in 2020 and 2021. They're 4-19 since firing Vrabel in January 2024. They're again in the midst of a transition after Vrabel's replacement, Brian Callahan, was fired earlier this week. Mike McCoy is the interim coach running the team this week.

Tom Brady was still the Patriots' quarterback in 2019 when New England last had a start this successful. They opened with eight consecutive wins and went 12-4 that season before Brady left to Tampa Bay after being eliminated from the playoffs -- by Vrabel and the Titans.

Brady's highest completion percentage in a full season -- 68.9 in 2007 -- is the standing team record.

New England was 1-5 after six games each of the past two seasons.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 7

Player Notes
Jakobi Meyers Oct 15 1:40pm ET
Jakobi Meyers

NFL teams that ESPN's Jeremy Fowler has spoken to think the Las Vegas Raiders are "open to trading" wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, but they "are not actively trying to move him." The sense is that the Raiders "would prefer to play out the season" before making any major determinations about its roster. Meyers requested a trade in the preseason and is having a disappointing season in what has been a bad Raiders offense through six weeks. The 28-year-old pass-catcher hasn't shown much chemistry with quarterback Geno Smith in 2025. He caught four passes for 39 yards in the Week 6 win over the Tennessee Titans and has not gone over 40 yards in any of the last three games. What has made things even more disappointing is the fact that the Raiders have been without star tight end Brock Bowers (knee) the last two games, and Meyers still hasn't done much. A Meyers trade would elevate Tre Tucker to WR1 status in the desert.

From RotoBaller

Marvin Harrison Jr. Oct 15 1:20pm ET
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (concussion) remains in the league's concussion protocol, according to Dani Sureck of AZCardinals.com. It means that Harrison will almost certainly miss Wednesday's practice, which will be a closed walk-through session. The 23-year-old second-year wideout suffered a concussion on Sunday in the Week 6 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, putting his status up in the air for this weekend's tilt against the visiting Green Bay Packers. Harrison will need to get back on the practice field first, but then he'll need clearance from an independent neurologist later in the week in order to be able to play on Sunday. We'll continue to monitor his status closely throughout the week. With quarterback Kyler Murray (foot) potentially missing a second straight game, Arizona's offense would lose their best receiver if Harrison cannot play. Harrison's head injury makes Zay Jones intriguing as a waiver-wire pickup this week for WR depth. Michael Wilson and Greg Dortch would also be upgraded if Harrison cannot play in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Terry McLaurin Oct 15 1:10pm ET
Terry McLaurin

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said that wide receiver Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) will practice this week, but "he's not yet sure what to expect for Sunday" in the Week 7 contest against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys, according to John Keim of ESPN. The Commanders are holding more of a jog-through practice on Wednesday, so we'll have a better assessment of McLaurin's status after Thursday and Friday. We'll update you later on the 30-year-old's participation status on Wednesday, but it's a good sign that McLaurin could return to action after missing the last three games. Washington just placed Noah Brown (groin, knee) on Injured Reserve, so they could use reinforcements at the WR position for a solid matchup this weekend against Dallas. As long as McLaurin isn't limited if he returns this Sunday, he should be tossed back into starting fantasy lineups if he gets the green light later this week.

From RotoBaller

MarShawn Lloyd Oct 15 1:00pm ET
MarShawn Lloyd

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said that running back MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) is "getting closer" to returning to practice, but it won't come this week, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN. Lloyd has been on Injured Reserve since Week 1. The 24-year-old is eligible to be activated after already missing four games, but he's not quite ready to get back on the practice field. Once the Packers designate him to return from IR, they will have 21 days to officially bring him back to the 53-man active roster. Lloyd will not return in Week 7 against the Arizona Cardinals, and it's probably unlikely that he'll make his 2025 debut in Week 8 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, either. The Packers had high hopes for Lloyd when they drafted him in the third round in 2024, but injuries have been the story so far, and he managed to play in only one game last year. When he's ready to return, there's no guarantee he'll leapfrog Emanuel Wilson or Chris Brooks on the RB depth chart behind starter Josh Jacobs.

From RotoBaller

Josh Reynolds Oct 15 12:50pm ET
Josh Reynolds

New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn said that wide receiver Josh Reynolds (hip) will not take the practice field on Wednesday. Top wideout Garrett Wilson (knee) also won't practice after hyperextending his knee in the loss to the Denver Broncos in London on Sunday, and he's expected to miss multiple weeks. It means that Reynolds could operate as New York's top pass-catcher in Week 7 against the Carolina Panthers, although now the 30-year-old's status is up in the air with a DNP coming on Wednesday. If the Jets are without both Wilson and Reynolds this weekend, rookie tight end Mason Taylor could be the Jets' top receiver in what has been an ugly passing game so far through six weeks. Receivers Allen Lazard (personal), Arian Smith and Tyler Johnson would start in three-wide sets for the Jets if both Wilson and Reynolds are sidelined.

From RotoBaller

Noah Brown Oct 15 12:50pm ET
Noah Brown

The Washington Commanders announced on Wednesday that they placed wide receiver Noah Brown (groin, knee) on Injured Reserve. After already missing the team's last four games with groin and knee injuries, Brown will now be forced to miss at least four more games and will not be eligible to return until the Week 11 game on Sunday, Nov. 11, against the Miami Dolphins. Washington has also been without top wideout Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) for the last several games, leading to Deebo Samuel Sr. getting more work in the offense. With Brown now out for at least another four contests, it means that Luke McCaffrey and rookie Jaylin Lane should have a clear path to more playing time for the foreseeable future, at least until McLaurin is able to return. Brown, 29, caught three of seven targets for 36 yards and no touchdowns in the first two games of 2025 before getting hurt.

From RotoBaller

Kendrick Bourne Oct 15 12:40pm ET
Kendrick Bourne

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Kendrick Bourne has stepped up in a major way with the team dealing with multiple injuries to their skill position group, and could be in line for more work again in Week 7. Kendrick Bourne has posted exactly 142 receiving yards in back-to-back weeks, catching 10 of 11 targets against the Rams in Week 5 and hauling in 5 of 9 targets against the Buccaneers in Week 6. With WR Ricky Pearsall (knee) and TE George Kittle (hamstring) both expected to be back relatively soon, but WR Jauan Jennings is dealing with multiple broken ribs, Bourne could be relied on again in the short term. More news should come out on the statues of the Pearsall, Kittle, and Jennings throughout the week.

From RotoBaller

Garrett Wilson Oct 15 12:40pm ET
Garrett Wilson

New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn isn't ruling wide receiver Garrett Wilson (knee) out for the Week 7 game on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, but he will not practice on Wednesday, according to ESPN's Rich Cimini. When asked about Wilson's chances of playing this weekend, Glenn said, "We'll see how he progresses" during the week. The 25-year-old suffered a hyperextended knee in the Week 6 loss to the Denver Broncos in London and is expected to miss a couple of weeks, so it's probably only a matter of time this week before he's ruled out for Sunday's game against Carolina. With Wilson expected to miss time, Josh Reynolds, Allen Lazard (personal), Arian Smith and Tyler Johnson will all have bigger roles, as well as rookie tight end Mason Taylor. However, fantasy managers may not want to expect much, as the Jets have had one of the worst passing attacks through six weeks.

From RotoBaller

Harold Fannin Jr. Oct 15 12:30pm ET
Harold Fannin Jr.

Cleveland Browns rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. is coming off the best game of his young career in Week 6 at Pittsburgh, catching seven of 10 targets for 81 yards. Fannin could be set up for even more targets with David Njoku (knee) leaving Sunday's game early and missing Wednesday's practice. The rookie trailed only wideout Jerry Jeudy for the team lead in targets and looks to be building a rapport with fellow rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel on some of these underneath routes. Fannin's three highest games by snap share have come in the past three weeks, and he could be a focal point of their passing attack in Week 7 against Miami. He would rank as an upside TE1 if Njoku is unable to play.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Oct 15 12:20pm ET
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said that there is no timetable on quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr.'s (eye) return, according to FOX 59's Mike Chappell. After landing on Injured Reserve earlier this week, Richardson will miss at least four games after suffering a fractured orbital bone before Sunday's win over the Arizona Cardinals when a resistance band snapped and hit him in the face. He will be in and out of the team's facilities getting treatment and will remain engaged in meetings. With Richardson on IR, Riley Leonard has been elevated to the backup QB role behind starter Daniel Jones. The Colts brought in Brett Rypien to join their practice squad to give them depth behind Jones and Leonard. After losing out on the starting gig to Jones in training camp, Richardson's stock is as low as it's ever been after he was taken fourth overall in 2023.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Whittington Oct 15 12:20pm ET
Jordan Whittington

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Jordan Whittington is primed for a bump in playing time with superstar wideout Puka Nacua (ankle) expected to miss some time. Whittington hasn't played a big role on offense through six games with 10 catches (13 targets) for 112 yards, but played a season high 92.5% of snaps in Week 6 against Baltimore and caught three of four targets for 23 yards. In six games without Nacua last season, Whittington racked up 21 catches for 287 yards on 27 targets. If Puka Nacua is ruled out for Week 7 against the Jaguars, Jordan Whittington would be in flex territory and a worthwhile waiver wire target.

From RotoBaller

Juwan Johnson Oct 15 12:20pm ET
Juwan Johnson

New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson recorded season lows across the board against the Patriots, catching just two passes on two targets for 15 yards. He also lost a fumble in the fourth quarter during the Week 6 loss. This marked his second straight game with only two catches, and his snap share fell to a season-low 71%. Johnson's decline coincides with the returns of fellow tight ends Taysom Hill and Foster Moreau, which will continue to eat into his opportunities. While he's worth holding onto if production increases, he can be left on the bench for now.

From RotoBaller

Alvin Kamara Oct 15 12:10pm ET
Alvin Kamara

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara turned 10 carries into just 31 yards, but had a season-best receiving game with five receptions for 45 yards in the loss to the Patriots. He continues to struggle establishing the run behind a Saints offensive line still developing chemistry, though he salvaged some value through the passing game. He has still only found the end zone once this season, which came back in Week 1 against the Cardinals. His 3.8 yards per carry is his second-lowest of his career, and his 72.6 total yards per game is also a career low. He remains a volume-based RB2 and will face a Bears defense in Week 7 that has allowed five rushing touchdowns through five games.

From RotoBaller

Michael Mayer Oct 15 12:10pm ET
Michael Mayer

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer could see a starter's workload once again in Week 7 if fellow tight end Brock Bowers (knee) remains sidelined due to a knee injury. With Bowers out in Week 6, Mayer recorded five catches for 50 yards and a touchdown on seven targets against the Tennessee Titans. The Raiders have a more difficult matchup in Week 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs. Still, Mayer profiles as a low-end starting option at the tight end position for fantasy managers while Bowers is out.

From RotoBaller

Deshaun Watson Oct 15 12:10pm ET
Deshaun Watson

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) has been sidelined since Week 7 of last season, but is reportedly doing "great" in his rehab, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski. Stefanski didn't have an update on whether Watson was any closer to having his practice window opened, but he's made progress in his recovery. Watson's road to recovery was delayed when he re-tore his Achilles tendon later on and still doesn't seem that close to playing anytime soon. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Watson is still "a good month away" from being cleared to participate in any football activities. For the time being, rookie Dillion Gabriel will continue starting for Cleveland, with rookie Shedeur Sanders as his backup.

From RotoBaller

Chuba Hubbard Oct 15 12:00pm ET
Chuba Hubbard

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (calf) has missed the team's last two games due to a calf injury. In that stretch, Panthers back Rico Dowdle has been dominant, recording 473 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns. Despite Dowdle's breakout, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that Hubbard will "remain a focal point" in Carolina's offense. Fowler also notes that the team is "taking the approach that both players will get their touches regardless of who gets the first snap." Fantasy managers may have to take the approach that both Panthers running backs will see a relatively equal workload once Hubbard returns to the field. If Hubbard remains out in Week 7, Dowdle profiles as a clear must-start running back in a favorable matchup against the New York Jets.

From RotoBaller

Rashee Rice Oct 15 11:50am ET
Rashee Rice

The Kansas City Chiefs are getting wide receiver Rashee Rice back from suspension in Week 7, and the team "will be allocating a heavy workload for him as soon as possible," according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Rice joins a talented group of pass catchers in Kansas City that also includes wide receivers Xavier Worthy and Marquise Brown, as well as tight end Travis Kelce. Still, Rice should be expected to take over as the number one option in the passing game for quarterback Patrick Mahomes sooner rather than later. In four games before suffering a season-ending knee injury in 2024, Rice recorded 24 catches for 288 yards and two touchdowns on 29 targets. He profiles as a must-start fantasy wide receiver heading into a Week 7 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Oct 15 11:50am ET
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) is not expected to practice on Wednesday, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. David Njoku left early in Cleveland's Week 6 loss to the Steelers after injuring his knee. Before leaving, the veteran tight end secured three of six targets for 28 yards. His status for Week 7 against the Dolphins is up in the air as he missed practice to begin the week, but he'll have two more opportunities to practice on Thursday and Friday. If Njoku were to miss the upcoming game, rookie Harold Fannin Jr. would see a big boost and upgrade to clear TE1 territory for Week 7 against Miami.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Walker III Oct 15 11:40am ET
Kenneth Walker III

The Seattle Seahawks believe running backs Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet "complement each other well" and will "continue to vary their usage according to their weekly game plan and opponent," according to ESPN's Dan Graziano. Through six weeks, Walker III has recorded 425 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns on 86 total touches, while Charbonnet has logged 186 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns on 64 total touches. As long as both backs are healthy, it appears it will remain difficult for fantasy managers to fully trust either one for high-end fantasy production. In Week 7 against the Houston Texans, Walker III profiles as a low-end RB2 while Charbonnet profiles as a low-end flex option.

From RotoBaller

Puka Nacua Oct 15 11:40am ET
Puka Nacua

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (ankle) is a "long shot" to play in Week 7 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. The Rams have a bye in Week 8, so the team could prefer to get him two full weeks of rest before a potential return in Week 9. Nacua has recorded 54 catches for 616 yards and two touchdowns on 65 targets so far this season. Rams wide receiver Davante Adams should dominate from a target share perspective in Week 7 if Nacua is sidelined. Los Angeles could also get wideout Tutu Atwell (hamstring) back from a hamstring injury. Atwell and Jordan Whittington would both likely see an uptick in targets and playing time against the Jaguars if Nacua is out.

From RotoBaller