Analyze Harold Fannin Jr's matchup for week 7
Rookie Harold Fannin Jr. draws a dream matchup against a Miami defense hemorrhaging 5.4-64.8-0.6 per game to tight ends, and with David Njoku’s knee in doubt, Fannin is a locked-in TE1 stream who should see 8-plus targets and has a great shot at his first career TD.
Miami has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to TEs, coughing up three scores in six weeks and constant 10-plus-point weeks to athletic pass-catchers. With Cleveland likely in catch-up mode and the Dolphins generating almost no pass-rush (12 sacks), Dillon Gabriel will work the middle of the field where Fannin has run 71% of his routes. Add in Njoku’s questionable knee and the potential for a 90-plus-percent snap share, and this shapes up as a smash spot for the rookie.
After a quiet start Fannin has averaged 4.3 catches and 39.3 yards the last three weeks and exploded for 7-81 on 10 targets in Week 6, usurping Njoku as Gabriel’s go-to outlet.
The arrow is pointing straight up for Harold Fannin Jr., whose usage has climbed every week since Week 3. His 10-target eruption in Week 6 was no fluke—he led the team in routes, dominated snaps after Njoku’s knee bent the wrong way, and displayed the YAC juice that made him a preseason sleeper. Miami’s linebackers have struggled all year against athletic tight ends, allowing the sixth-most receptions and second-most yards after catch to the position. With Cleveland’s tackles banged up, expect quick, high-percentage throws to the middle of the field, the exact area where Fannin has done 60% of his damage this season. Even if Njoku dresses, the Browns will likely use two-TE sets to protect their quarterback, keeping Fannin on the field for red-zone work. Finally, the 40.5-point total keeps the game script neutral to positive for passing volume, giving Fannin both a safe 5-6 catch floor and legitimate touchdown upside—exactly the profile you want when streaming tight end has been a weekly nightmare.