Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III (9) rushes the ball against the Denver Broncos in the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Fantasy football can be cruel. One week, your star players carry you to victory; the next, they deliver frustrating stat lines. Now, a disappointing performance does not automatically signal a decline in fantasy value. As managers prepare for Week 8, there are several big names worth keeping in their starting lineups despite their recent struggles. These guys all have reasons to bounce back, though. That makes patience more valuable than panic on the waiver wire.
Kenneth Walker III endured a difficult afternoon in the Chiefs’ 20-3 loss to Seattle. He rushed 14 times for just 36 yards while adding four catches for 21 yards on five targets. It was an ugly result for fantasy football managers who expected another productive outing from their lead running back. However, Walker’s disappointing day should not overshadow his broader body of work. He has scored eight all-purpose touchdowns this season and established himself as one of fantasy football’s top running backs.
The Chiefs’ offensive struggles were a major factor in his limited production. One poor outing does not erase his value. Walker remains central to Kansas City’s backfield plans. A Week 8 matchup against Denver presents a chance to rebound. Managers should keep Walker locked into their lineups as an RB1 rather than overreacting.
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (12) makes a catch against Buffalo Bills cornerback Christian Benford (47) during the first quarter at Reliant Stadium.
Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Nico Collins delivered one of Week 7’s most frustrating performances. He caught just two of five targets for six yards in Houston’s 27-21 loss to the New York Giants. His near-disappearance was difficult to stomach.
Still, fantasy football managers should resist the urge to panic. Collins remains the primary focal point of Houston’s passing attack. The Texans have an opportunity to regroup during their bye week before returning to action.
There are some changes worth monitoring, though. The recent acquisition of Marvin Harrison Jr. via trade and Tank Dell’s return give CJ Stroud additional options. That could affect how targets are distributed. Still, it does not automatically mean Collins will lose his prominent role. His Week 7 stat line should be treated as an outlier rather than definitive evidence of a decline.
RB Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons
Bijan Robinson has gone two consecutive weeks without producing a major rushing performance. His latest outing against San Francisco was more of ‘not bad but not good.' He rushed for 63 yards on 20 carries in Atlanta’s 29-20 win over the 49ers. Robinson also faile to score a touchdown. His last touchdown came in Week 4. That leaves managers eager for a return to the end zone.
Atlanta faces Tampa Bay in Week 8. That gives Robinson another opportunity to break his scoring drought. He remains an elite fantasy football running back. Managers should not mistake a temporary dip in rushing production for a reason to bench him.
RB Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens
Derrick Henry had his worst performance of the season in Baltimore’s 35-13 loss to Cincinnati. He rushed for 45 yards on 17 carries and added just four receiving yards on one catch. The Bengals consistently limited his effectiveness. The game script did Henry few favors. Baltimore fell behind and was forced into more pass-heavy situations. Henry’s limited receiving role also meant there was little opportunity to compensate for his struggles on the ground.
There is reason for optimism heading into Week 8. Baltimore hopes to have Lamar Jackson back. His presence could force defenses to account for another major rushing threat. Also, Henry remains a volume-dependent fantasy football star. Keep him in the lineup and trust his established role to provide better results.
WR Garrett Wilson, New York Jets
New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (5) looks on during warmups before a game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium.
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Garrett Wilson had his quietest outing of the season in Week 7. He caught just two of three targets for 26 yards. Even more concerning was his lack of involvement in the first half. He went without a target as Geno Smith directed passes elsewhere. That sudden disappearance was frustrating. Yet a single game with minimal targets is not enough to erase his established value.
There is currently no evidence of a lasting shift in his role. As such, managers should avoid making drastic decisions based on one disappointing outing. Wilson will look to bounce back against Las Vegas in Week 8. His talent and potential for a larger target share make him a strong rebound candidate.
Final Takeaway
Bad beats are part of fantasy football. That said, they do not have to derail a season. Walker, Collins, Robinson, Henry, and Wilson all have reasons to rebound, whether through improved game scripts, renewed offensive rhythm, or a return to their usual workloads. Resist the temptation to overreact. Evaluate the underlying opportunities and give your proven starters a chance to make things right in Week 8.