Caleb Williams returned to the field Sunday and immediately lifted Chicago’s offense in their 31-23 victory over Atlanta. Williams completed 30 of 36 passes for 305 yards with an average of 8.5 yards per attempt. Though he only added three rushing yards and threw a single touchdown pass, his command revitalized the team’s playmakers.
Colston Loveland emerged from a quiet start to deliver a 6-catch, 65-yard, one-touchdown performance on seven targets. His lone incompletion came on an open chance at the left pylon. Loveland’s touchdown came on a broken play, sparked by a Williams scramble and a confident throw into coverage. Loveland’s return gives Chicago a reliable target after a slow start to the season.
Luther Burden III was flawless in catching all his targets for 95 yards, while Rome Odunze was limited to four targets and 39 yards. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson’s play-calling earned praise for effective use of play action and designed quarterback movement, creating many opportunities for wide-open receivers. Johnson’s creative approach helped Williams connect consistently throughout the game.
The running backs carried the scoring load with D’Andre Swift rushing for 70 yards and two touchdowns. Roschon Johnson contributed 85 total yards on 15 touches, including a touchdown, providing a solid complement to the passing game. The offensive balance Chicago showed Sunday suggests multiple fantasy options if Williams stays healthy and Johnson continues his play-calling.
Chicago’s defense held Atlanta to 257 total yards but allowed 16 points in the fourth quarter, making the final score more respectable. Kyle Pitts Sr. scored twice on a 5-catch, 60-yard day while Drake London was muted with 4 catches for 62 yards on 10 targets. Bijan Robinson, usually a threat, was limited to 53 total yards. The Falcons remain an easier matchup for fantasy players compared to other teams.
Next week, Chicago faces the Patriots at home, while Atlanta hosts the 49ers. Both games promise intriguing fantasy implications.
The Patriots saw A.J. Brown start for the first time since Week 1 but he delivered a disappointing 3 catches for 27 yards on 10 targets, dropping multiple passes. TreVeyon Henderson also struggled, limited to 40 yards on eight touches and losing a fumble. Meanwhile, rookie quarterback Drake Maye spread the ball efficiently, with touchdown passes to DeMario Douglas, Hunter Henry, and Romeo Doubs, though Doubs suffered a shoulder injury on his scoring play.
Rhamondre Stevenson failed to capitalize on a favorable matchup, rushing 14 times for only 36 yards. Corey Kiner contributed 11 carries for 57 yards, helping the Patriots run down the clock.
Houston’s defense disappointed as C.J. Stroud threw for 312 yards and three touchdowns in a victory over Jacksonville in London. Stroud targeted 10 different players, showing a wide distribution despite the team’s offseason moves. Jaylin Noel stood out with 4 catches for 107 yards and a touchdown, marking his third straight game of fantasy relevance.
Texans running back Woody Marks ran 15 times for 56 yards, an underwhelming performance. Houston now faces the Giants before a Week 8 bye.
Jaylen Warren improved in overtime for Pittsburgh, finishing with 78 total yards on 16 touches alongside Rico Dowdle, who had 10 touches for 49 yards. Warren’s late-game plays helped him overcome a shared workload situation.
Germie Bernard led the passing attack with 11 catches for 87 yards and a touchdown, while DK Metcalf caught 11 passes for 93 yards. Aaron Rodgers focused on these two receivers, accounting for 27 of his 44 pass attempts. Bernard is emerging as a contender for Rookie of the Year.
Chuba Hubbard impressed with 28 rushes for 120 yards and a touchdown against Philadelphia. Carolina’s improved offensive line and Hubbard’s ability to gain yards beyond blocks have made him a fantasy asset. He faces a tougher Tampa Bay defense next week before more favorable matchups against Green Bay, Denver, and New Orleans.
Jameis Winston was benched again for New Orleans against the Saints, but J.J. McCarthy stepped in to lead the Giants with 243 yards passing and 11.6 yards per attempt. Malik Nabers and Isaiah Likely caught 12 and 11 targets respectively, continuing to generate fantasy production despite the Giants’ struggles.
According to Yahoo Sports.
