Week 7: PPR Watch
RB Mikel Leshoure, DET
Caution - After an encouraging debut in week 3, LeShoure has really failed to take the next step as a fantasy running back. He's getting the work, but he's only produced 96 yards rushing and 61 receiving in 2 games and hasn't found the endzone. With Jahvid Best unlikely to return, I still like LeShoure's potential the rest of the way, but I'm definitely not starting him this week on the road against the Bears. Chicago has been merciless against opposing running backs, allowing only 55 yards a game on the ground and just 1 touchdown -- the fewest fantasy points allowed to running backs in the league. The Lions have been slow starters again this year, and that really makes it difficult to use the running game effectively, constantly finding themselves needing to pass to make up a deficit. Hopefully you don't need LeShoure this week.
WR Donnie Avery, KC
Sleeper - With a bunch of high end receivers out on bye this week, you might be looking for a fill in. I know I am. Avery hasn't produced much recently -- 7 catches for 82 yards in the last 2 games -- but he has been targetted 20 times and he's on the field for 95% of the Colts' offensive snaps. What I like about Avery this week is the matchup. Indy is back at home where Luck has thrown 6 touchdowns against just 2 interceptions and posted a solid 85 rating. Cleveland has been the worst secondary in football, and even with Joe Haden back, he's likely to spend most of his time busy with Reggie Wayne. Avery should see 8-10 targets minimum and is low risk with a chance for a very big day.
WR Justin Blackmon, JAX
Sleeper - Blackmon has been a disappointment. Likened to Michael Crabtree by many scouts, his performance thus far his rookie season has indeed been similar. As with Crabtree, it is difficult to tell how much of his underachieving should be blamed on Blaine Gabbert, but I'm going to wager a ton of it. Targeted 27 times in the past 4 games, connections have been few and far between -- just 10 catches for 95 yards. Still, Blackmon is an elite talent that showed promise in the pre-season. He's owned in less than 40% of leagues at the moment, and Mike Mularkey has said they are going to try to find more ways to get Blackmon involved. I'm not going to predict a big day, but the matchup is nice against a vulnerable Raiders secondary, and he might be worth a stash or even a flex start in a deep league if you're really really desperate.
Remember to read all our columns for this week and use our Who To Start Rankings
