Six players whose improved play should continue

• Matt BowenOct 22, 2026, 06:22 AM ET

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  Matt Bowen is a fantasy football and NFL writer for ESPN. He joined ESPN in 2015, writes regularly for ESPN+ and spent multiple years on "NFL Matchup." After graduating from the University of Iowa, Matt played safety in the NFL for St. Louis, Green Bay, Washington and Buffalo over seven seasons.

With a third of the NFL season in the books, now is a good time to examine players who are surging in usage and production. You can see it on the tape and in the elevated numbers. There are signs of really good football here, and we need to discuss why it will continue.

Today, let's look at six players climbing my rankings heading into Week 7. I have a quarterback on a three-game heater, a tight end who could finally be emerging after a disappointing start, and multiple wide receivers with defined roles in their respective offenses. These players need to be in lineups this week, or at least added to rosters (before someone else scoops them up).

Let's get into it.

C.J. Stroud, QB, Houston Texans

Since the return of receiver Nico Collins in Week 4, Stroud has played high-level football, scoring 22.3 fantasy points per game with multiple touchdowns throws in two. He has been extremely accurate, completing 71.7% of his throws during this stretch while averaging 306.7 passing yards. Plus, is there a better QB in the league right now versus pressure? Stroud has completed a league-best 78.6% against the blitz over his past three games.

Yes, Collins is the difference-maker for Stroud in the Houston passing game. But Jaylin Noel is also emerging (three straight games of double-digit production), and the trade for Marvin Harrison Jr. (three receptions in Week 6) could prove to be a critical factor. Plus, Tank Dell is expected to return this week. If healthy, he's a dynamic target with big-play ability.

Looking at Stroud's recent tape/numbers and a wide receivers room that has both versatility and matchup traits to exploit, managers can feel comfortable playing the Texans quarterback as a matchup-based starter. And Stroud should be in the lineup as a QB1 for the Week 7 game versus the New York Giants.

Jalen Coker, WR, Carolina Panthers

Coker scored 15.7 points in the Panthers' Week 6 win over the Philadelphia Eagles, catching six of a season-high 13 targets for 97 yards. In the three full games Coker has played this season, he has scored at least 14 points and seen nine-plus targets in each. Plus, Coker showed in Week 1 that he has breakout-game ability, as he dropped 33.8 points on the Chicago Bears' defense.

The route tree in Carolina also works in Coker's favor. He's a three-level guy at 6-foot-3, 213 pounds who can press the seams and run deep corner routes, posts and comebacks. He can catch and run on crossers, too. And the Panthers created an explosive play for Coker in Week 6 on an option route from a backfield alignment. They find ways to get him the ball.

As the No. 2 receiver opposite Tetairoa McMillan, Coker is seeing consistent volume, and his big-play ability increases his upside. With his upcoming schedule (TB, @GB, DEN, NO), I would lock in Coker as a fantasy stater. This is a good football team in Carolina.

Germie Bernard, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers

Daniel Dopp implores fantasy managers to pay attention to Germie Bernard

Bernard isn't a secret anymore, right? The rookie, who is rostered in 69.5% of ESPN leagues, scored 25.7 points against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6, operating as one of the outlets for Aaron Rodgers versus a pressure-heavy Buccaneers defense. Bernard caught 11 of 12 targets for 87 yards and added his first touchdown grab as a pro. In Week 5, Bernard posted 14.4 points against the Indianapolis Colts, securing six of nine targets for 80 yards, and he added a rushing attempt for 4 yards.

With Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson on IR, Bernard will stay in the No. 2 role opposite DK Metcalf, and the volume he is seeing -- 21 targets over the past two games -- speaks to a level of trust with Rodgers. Plus, Bernard can uncover, and he is willing to work the heavy-traffic areas of the field.

There is opportunity and rising production here with the New Orleans Saints and Cleveland Browns up next. Bernard should be in the lineup as a Flex/WR3.

Colston Loveland, TE, Chicago Bears

When I put together my tight end tiers back in August, I had Loveland as a Tier 1 player, just behind the elite group of Brock Bowers and Trey McBride.

After six weeks, with Loveland scoring 7.2 points per game on the season, I can admit that I overvalued his fantasy ceiling based on his late-season/playoff numbers in 2025. However, Loveland's recent usage (and route tree) points to an increased role, which includes red zone volume.

In Week 6 with Caleb Williams back under center, Loveland scored a season-high 18.5 points in a win over the Atlanta Falcons, catching six of seven targets for 65 yards and a touchdown (on an end zone throw). Loveland has scored at least 11 points while seeing at least two red zone targets in two of his past three games. And head coach Ben Johnson is scheming for his tight end on play-action, boot and middle-of-the-field throws while using the screen package to get Loveland the ball with space to attack after the catch.

Now, there are some tough upcoming matchups (NE, @SEA, TB) before a Week 10 bye. But the Bears return in Week 11 with a more manageable slate (NO, @DET, JAX). And with Williams back in the mix, plus the throws designed for Loveland, Loveland can provide TE1 value in 10- and 12-team leagues.

Keenan Allen, WR, Indianapolis Colts

If you play in a deeper format or need to add a WR3 because of bye weeks, take a look at Allen. In a Colts offense that is devoid of vertical playmaking ability with Alec Pierce (heel) still out, it has been Allen -- not Josh Downs -- who has carved out a defined role as a reliable target for quarterback Daniel Jones.

Allen has averaged 14.7 points over his past three games, with at least nine targets in each. And he saw a team-high 12 targets (catching eight) in the Week 6 loss to the Tennessee Titans. Sure, Allen's ceiling is limited by his lack of touchdown production (only one this season), and his play speed has declined. But let's remember that Allen is still a savvy route runner with the coverage awareness to find open turf, which leads to opportunities as a short-to-intermediate target.

The Week 7 matchup versus the blitz-heavy Minnesota Vikings isn't ideal, but again, where does the ball go when the QB reads pressure? Underneath. And it's quick. Allen could still see looks here, and he gets two positive matchups next (@JAX, DAL). He's a quality veteran add.

Omar Cooper Jr., WR, New York Jets

I don't want to overhype one football game. That can lead to trouble in fantasy, especially when talking about rookies. However, Cooper played his first full game in Week 6 versus the New England Patriots, and I really like what I saw on the tape. Why? This is exactly how I thought Cooper would be deployed based on what he did at Indiana last season.

Cooper scored 22.3 points in that loss to New England, catching six of seven targets for 103 yards and a touchdown. The crossers, hitches and screen underneath will lead to more catch-and-run opportunities. Plus, Cooper caught a deep in-breaker and scored on a max-protect, schemed shot play. That's the third-level double-move to attack two-deep coverage. Remember, Cooper is an explosive power strider. And the Jets showed us a route tree that caters to his traits.

With an upcoming schedule that is a mix of tough/positive matchups (MIA, LV, @KC, BUF), we should manage our expectations. But Cooper is available in over 70% of ESPN leagues, so this is the time to add him. The arrow is pointing up on the former Hoosier.