As we do every week, let’s take a look at the players who performed well in fantasy despite being mostly unowned.
In order to be eligible for this list, the player must have been owned in less than 25 percent of ESPN fantasy football leagues. Each week, one quarterback, two running backs, two wide receivers, and one tight end will be highlighted.
QB - Mac Jones, Patriots (13.7%) - 307 yards passing, 2 passing touchdowns, 19 rushing yards
It was the first career 300+ yard passing day for the rookie Jones, who helped lead New England to a dominant 54-13 win over the Jets in Week 7. The game also ended a four-game streak of him throwing at least one interception.
Among the rookie QBs (updated) Mac Jones is:
— HOOPS EMPIRE (@HoopsEmpire_) October 25, 2021
➼ 1st in Pass yards
➼ 1st in Pass TDs
➼ 1st in Completions
➼ 1st in Cmp%
➼ 1st in TD%
➼ T-1st INTs
➼ 1st in Y/A
➼ 1st in QBR
➼ 1st in On-target%
➼ Least Bad throws
➼ Most blitzed
➼ Most hit
➼ Least time to throw pic.twitter.com/3WP2424XLv
RB - Brandon Bolden, Patriots (5.5%) - 6 receptions, 79 receiving yards, 1 receiving touchdown
Now in his ninth NFL season, Bolden is already just one shy this year of his career-best in receptions (21) and 18 away from his career-best in receiving yards (180). Although he finished with zero rushing yards on two carries in Week 7, he has been targeted in the passing game at least four times in four different games this season.
Brandon Bolden: “We all needed that one -- everyone in Pats nation, including us.” pic.twitter.com/L3oMNWXBmu
— Henry McKenna (@McKennAnalysis) October 24, 2021
RB - J.J. Taylor, Patriots (0.4%) - 21 yards rushing, 2 rushing touchdowns, 1 receptions, 5 receiving yards
The Patriots own half the players on this week’s list after going off for 54 points in Week 7. According to Pro Football Reference, Taylor saw more offensive snaps in Week 7 (20) than the rest of the season combined (19).
JJ Taylor scores his second touchdown of the game and the Patriots have 54 points today.
— Mark Daniels (@MarkDanielsPJ) October 24, 2021
That's the most points scored since 2013 when the Pats scored 55 against Pittsburgh
WR - Kalif Raymond, Lions (5.3%) - 6 receptions, 115 receiving yards, 1 rushing yard
The Lions may still be winless on the year, but look for many fantasy owners to add Raymond going into Week 8. He has six catches in three of his last five games, and he scored twice in one of those games he didn’t reach six receptions.
A stat that seems to have gone unnoticed:
— John Whiticar (@Whiticar) October 25, 2021
Kalif Raymond: 6 catches, 115 yards
Every other WR: 1 catch, 3 yards
That's honestly incredible.
WR - Allen Lazard, Packers (4.6%) - 5 receptions, 60 receiving yards, 1 receiving touchdown
In Week 7, Lazard posted season-highs in targets (6), receptions (5), and receiving yards (60). It was the second straight game that he was able to find the end zone.
I don't think I've laughed this hard in a ZOOM presser in awhile.@ByRyanWood's connection was being really shaky on the ZOOM and @AllenLazard hit him with the "my boy got an Android" and then finished him with the "digital COVID" 😂💀 pic.twitter.com/nQN2wfV0GM
— Kyle Malzhan (@KyleMalzhan) October 24, 2021
TE - C.J. Uzomah, Bengals (9.4%) - 3 receptions, 91 receiving yards, 2 receiving touchdowns
For the second time in the last four weeks, Uzomah is the tight end to make this list. Now in his seventh season, his five touchdowns already have surpassed his previous high of three.
CJ UZOMAH. 55-YARD TD.
— NFL (@NFL) October 24, 2021
The biggest TE play of #NationalTightEndsDay so far! #RuleTheJungle @cj_uzomah
📺: #CINvsBAL on CBS
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/fEDQ3fJK4U
