4 Elite Squad Up Players to Avoid - Week 7
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Here are four elite players you should fade in Week 7 Squad Up contests:
RB Todd Gurley (78K), Rams (vs. Giants)
Even though this may seem like piling on the hate train against Gurley after our own James Bisson wrote at length as to why Gurley shouldn't be rostered in fantasy, it's warranted. Gurley is priced among the most expensive RB options despite coming nowhere close to his expected numbers this season. It's more based on old hype and sustained hope.
While his Week 7 opponent, the New York Giants, are middle-of-the-pack in terms of rushing defense, Gurley has struggled against otherwise horrible defenses. If it weren't for Gurley, the San Francisco 49ers would have an even more disastrous average than the 174.3 YPG they've allowed on the ground.
But Gurley's still being priced like a star. He's more expensive than Buffalo Bills RB LeSean McCoy, who should cruise through the Miami Dolphins' front four with ease. Gurley ran for 120 yards in four straight weeks in 2015. He has eclipsed 100 yards only once more since, and not yet in 2016.
QB Aaron Rodgers (101K), Packers (vs. Bears)
Yes, the Packers backfield is a veritable mess with the loss of RB Eddie Lacy and acquisition of RB Knile Davis. No, this does not mean Rodgers is a must-play option by default or by any metric. While Rodgers is averaging 19.9 points per game in Squad Up, that doesn't warrant the highest price tag imaginable, especially since it's likely weighted by one outstanding week.
Take away Rodgers' four-TD performance in Week 3 and he has boasted a middling 6:4 TD/INT ratio in his other four games. Even in his "big" game against the Lions in Week 3, he only completed 15 passes for 205 yards. He hasn't thrown for 300 yards in a game this season, and the last time he did was Week 10 of 2015.
Rodgers is still good, but he's not getting great results. At his Squad Up asking price, he has to deliver elite numbers and Chicago, on Thursday, is not the right matchup for this to happen. His attempts may be up again in Week 7 by necessity, but he's too risky to trust right now.
WR T.Y. Hilton (64K), Colts (at Titans)
After allowing 100-plus yards to individual receivers in three weeks to open the season, the Titans have shored up their pass defense. This could be a mirage, as the Texans, Dolphins, and Browns don't exactly feature the strongest passing attacks.
But the Titans have only surrendered six passing touchdowns through six games and are allowing just 236 passing yards per game. The Titans own a fairly weak offense, which makes it easier for opposing teams to rest on the laurels of their own running games.
Hilton is one of the most heavily-targeted receivers in the NFL, averaging close to 11 targets per game. The nine looks he had in Week 6 actually represented his low on the season. As one of the pricier options, though, he doesn't have that same surefire performance locked in. Save him for Week 8, especially if his hip issue limits his usage.
TE Travis Kelce (54K), Chiefs (vs. Saints)
The second-most expensive option at tight end, Kelce has been fine all season, though has not showcased a high ceiling. His last two games have seen him make eight catches for 55 yards and a touchdown. He should see more targets than the season-low three he had in Week 6, but if you're spending this much at TE, you might as well grab Rob Gronkowski.
Yes, Gronkowski is more expensive, but he has a much higher ceiling and a more reliable floor now that he has moved past his hamstring issues. Otherwise, it's a better idea to go cheap at TE and spend up at WR or RB.
Kelce remains a good if unspectacular option in season-long. He had borderline identical seasons in 2014 and 2015, and should finish with something comparable to 800-plus yards and five TDs. For Squad Up, his salary needs to drop before he becomes a solid recommendation.