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Each week, the Noise highlights under-started names who he believes are destined to torch the competition. To qualify, each player must have started in fewer than 60 percent of Yahoo leagues. Speaking as an accountability advocate, I will post results, whether genius or moronic, the following week. Scoring thresholds (0.5 PPR) – QB: 18 fantasy points; RB: 12 fantasy points (10 for shockers); WR: 11 fantasy points; TE: 10 fantasy points.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seahawks
| Start pct. | 47% on Yahoo |
| Matchup | at Falcons |
| BetMGM line | Falcons -2.5 |
| BetMGM total | 51 points |
| BetAlytics projection | 46.4 rec yds, 0.36 TDs |
Drop a quarter in Seattle’s slot machine, pull the lever, watch the cherry bunches align and hear the jackpot sirens blare.
Based on the paper matchup, Smith-Njigba is about to have himself one bank-making ballgame.
The former Ohio State Buckeye will have Brutus spinning his head with delight. The second-year Seahawks wide receiver, who’s lined up in the slot on 80.0% of snaps played, is scheduled to match wits with arguably the most forgiving pass defender in the game — Dee Alford. Atlanta’s slot cornerback has surrendered the most receptions (28) and receiving yards (238) of any interior defensive back this season. Also, his 115.4 passer rating allowed is the fifth-worst among qualifying slot corners.
Equally damning, the Falcons rank an unexciting No. 18 in dropback EPA defense. In total, five wide receivers have scored at least 10 fantasy points against them in 0.5 PPR formats.
Given Geno Smith’s 6-6 touchdown-to-interception ratio and No. 27 standing in red-zone completion percentage, it’s understandable why Smith-Njigba has posted three Fantasy Lame worthy efforts in six games. Smith only has an 86.7 passer rating when targeting the second-year Seahawks receiver. Still, Smith-Njigba’s No. 11 slotting in total route wins (79) and No. 15 standing in total YAC (148) offer encouragement.
Only once has JSN crossed the 55-yard threshold this season. That changes in Week 7.
Stoke the box-score fire in Hotlanta, Jaxon.
Fearless Forecast: 5 receptions, 63 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 14.8 fantasy points
Week 7 Bonus Flames
Davante Adams, WR, Jets
| Start pct. | 44% on Yahoo |
| Matchup | at Steelers |
Reunited, and it feels so good. The classic Peaches and Herb tune is surely playing on repeat in Adams’ head. Sent packing from Las Vegas this week, the former No. 1 Green Bay wideout is back with main flame Aaron Rodgers. Expect the spark to re-fire immediately. Early indications are Adams, who knows the Rodgers offense (it’s really not Todd Downing’s) like the back of his hand, will log ample action Sunday in a must-win against Pittsburgh. Slated to exchange glances most often with DB Donte Jackson, a corner who’s allowed only a 32.6 passer rating to his assignments this year, Adams will be challenged. However, Rodgers is likely to promptly pepper his reacquired bro with targets. The former Raider’s No. 8 ranking in expected fantasy points clearly proves opportunities unrealized at the previous stop. That’s sure to change in Jersey. For those in 12-team leagues, consider Adams a WR3 or FLEX in Week 7.
Fearless Forecast: 4 receptions, 51 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 13.1 fantasy points
David Njoku, TE, Browns
| Start pct. | 34% on Yahoo |
| Matchup | vs. Bengals |
The void left by Amari Cooper, who was sent packing to Buffalo on Tuesday, swings open the door of opportunity in Cleveland. Deshaun Watson should never throw axes at the local bar, but sporadic connections to Njoku are at least buyable. Cooper’s vacated 8.8 targets per game have to go somewhere. The tight end, who’s earned 16.0% of the team’s target share, could receive a generous bump. In three games, Njoku’s accumulated advanced data paints an ugly picture. He’s outside the position’s top 15 in aDOT (3.9), yards per route run (1.53), yards per target (5.9) and yards per reception (8.9). Most concerning is his one lousy red-zone target over that stretch. Despite that discouragement, the matchup is fantastic. The Bengals check in at No. 24 in dropback EPA D, allowing 4.3 receptions per game, 46.2 yards per game, three TDs and the seventh-most fantasy points to TEs. First end-zone celebration stomp of the season? It’s entirely believable.
Fearless Forecast: 4 receptions, 43 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 12.9 fantasy points
Season record: 9-8