The Hype Train Station - Week 7

It’s week 7 and I’m already running low on train puns. Pfffft.

Anyway, week 6 saw a few more players find a green signal and others diverted onto another route so let’s see what’s on the departure board this week.

Standing Room only - Kareem Hunt

Hunts week 1 performance was such an anomaly that anyone who panicked after it must be having severe regrets. Since then he's never dipped below 15 points and twice in the last 3 games he's topped 25. Last weeks game against the Patriots finally saw him utilised to great effect in the passing game with 5 catches for 105 yards and a Touchdown. He's gained some consistency and has always had big play ability and is in a high powered offence. He may have the odd bad week, but bad might still be 15 points and an RB1 score.

Reservations Recommended - Sony Michel

The Chiefs defence isn’t great but Sony Michel May finally be a Patriots running back you can rely upon and who can put up big numbers. This was the 3rd week in a row where Michel scores more than 17 fantasy points and this 2TD, 106 rushing yard performance was the exact thing those drafting him in a top 6 round were hoping for. With Red Burkhead out of the picture and James White dealing with the pass-catching duties, there’s not much of a committee which isn’t very New England but it’s rather handy for fantasy.

Ready to depart - Russell Wilson

After something of a slow start and despite very few experienced weapons, Russell Wilson is starting to rev up and positively regress back towards his usual high ranking position. The last 2 weeks have seen him hit the 20 point mark with 3 TDs in each game. The difference compared to previous years is that he’s not rushing for anywhere near as much as in recent years. Last year he averaged 36.5 rushing yards per game compared to 10 per game this season but this season the run game seems to be an effective weapon so he’s not really been needed. It’s meant he’s had to become a complete passer and he’s starting to adapt into that role well. The bye may have come at a bad time but the signs are there that he’s not returning to his best, but evolving to meet the requirements.

Delayed - Keelan Cole

25 receptions, 336 yards, 1TD and 1 fumble after 6 games is not the return people had hoped for when Marquise Lee went down injured in the pre-season and seemingly left the door open for Cole to build on a strong end to 2017. The improvements in Dede Westbrook’s game and the issues Bortles is having with his have left Cole without the opportunity to really excel. Apart from week 2 against the Patriots in the vengeance game, he’s not scored more than 12 fantasy points in a game. Meanwhile Westbrook (including the NE game) has managed it on 3 occasions. The reason Cole is only delayed is that I can see Bortles and the Jags finding a way to turn things around and Cole will have a key part to play in that.

Cancelled - Derrick Henry

We are 6 games into the season and Derrick Henry has only 257 yards and no Touchdowns to his name. He’s yet to have a week scoring more than 6 points and is the #57 RB so far. For someone who was meant to take over the backfield after Demarco Murray retired and would see Dion Lewis act as a support, those stats are horrific. It’s not like Lewis is doing a lot better (311yds, 1TD) but the ex-Patriot has gone over 15 points twice at least. The Titans are just not a running team right now and while people paint a positive picture for the franchise their defence is ok but not spectacular and their passing game is struggling to exist with Mariota still nursing injuries, Corey Davis still not firing consistently and no pass catching Tight End on the field. In series 1 of Thomas and Friends, Henry (The green engine) doesn’t want to go outside and get his paint wet and so stops in a tunnel; leading to the Fat Controller blocking him in and leaving him there. I feel like this is a reasonable Henry for this railway related article and this specific Henry.

The Sleeper Train - Paul Richardson

Richardson is owned in about 25% of leagues on most platforms, yet is the top-ranked receiver for the Redskins. Apart from week 1, he's not dropped below 9 points in a game. He has big-play ability but also can give you a 4 catch, 60 yard type performance to keep you ticking over. Alex Smith isn't an exciting Quarterback and Richardson isn't a flashy player, but over the course of the season he should be able to do a job. With Crowder, Doctson and now Reed struggling to make an impact, Richardson is arguably the Redskin of choice to own.