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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.
Drake Maye, Patriots
| Start pct. | 3% on Yahoo |
| Matchup | vs. Jaguars in London |
| BetMGM line | Jaguars -5.5 |
| BetMGM total | 42.5 points |
| BetAlytics projection | 212.4 pass yds, 0.99 pass TDs |
The Smith and Wesson attached to the Patriots rookie quarterback’s 6-foot-4 and 225-pound frame has a malfunctioning safety. As witnessed last Sunday in his NFL starting debut — a fairly impressive showing against a plus Houston defense he diced for 243 yards and three touchdowns — the 2024 No. 3 overall pick has fired passes somewhat recklessly.
Some believe amnesia is a positive trait. It’s a viable argument. However, misremembering prior education can lead any signal caller to commit unwanted turnovers and mistakes. For Maye, it’s an obvious problem.
Still, this riverboat gambler is more than willing to back any risk taker who’s scheduled to face the toothless Jaguars.
Gumming its food, Jacksonville ranks No. 32 in pass EPA defense. On the season, Florida’s cuddly cats have surrendered a disastrous 8.0 passing yards per attempt, 286.7 passing yards per game, 15 touchdowns and the most fantasy points to QBs. Head coach Doug Pederson’s continued employment is nothing short of baffling.
Questions about the arsenal around Maye are warranted. Demario Douglas, Kendrick Bourne, Ja'Lynn Polk, Hunter Henry and others don’t exactly invigorate the senses. Long gone are the days of Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Julian Edelman and some insurance guy named Rob Gronkowski.
Mix in Maye’s propensity for running, and the result of the recipe should be a delicious fantasy outcome. It wouldn’t be remotely surprising if he outperformed the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Jared Goff and/or Kyler Murray. And no, this scribe hasn’t been sniffing Elmer’s.
In jolly old England, view Maye as a borderline top-10 passer in 12-team leagues.
Fearless Forecast: 255 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns, 2 interceptions, 24 rushing yards, 21.2 fantasy points
Week 7 Bonus Flame
Matthew Stafford, Rams
| Start pct. | 37% on Yahoo |
| Matchup | vs. Raiders |
There’s nothing better than a little midseason recharge. With the battery juice entering red prior to the siesta, the one-week R&R could do the veteran QB wonders. Puka Nacua’s reactivation is still likely weeks away, but Cooper Kupp is aiming to return from a multi-week injury. Getting back the NFL’s premier possession receiver would be a major jolt. So is a matchup with Vegas. This season, the Raiders rank a mediocre No. 17 in pass EPA D, yielding 6.87 passing yards per attempt, 206.2 passing yards per game, an 8-2 TD/INT ratio and the 12th-most fantasy points to QBs. Stafford, who ranks No. 7 in total air yards and No. 3 in deep-ball completion percentage, should uncork. Bank on the Silver and Black surrendering 20 or more fantasy points for the fourth time in five games.
Fearless Forecast: 258 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 20.9 fantasy points
Season record: 9-3