TST NFL Fantasy Football Week 7 Start 'Em & Sit 'Em

Week 7 of the NFL season is here, and it's already shaping up to be another prime week for fantasy managers. From breakout stars to disappointing dud performances, making the right start or sit calls can make or break your lineup. In this column, I will break down which players you can rely on and which players you can fade from this week's slate of games.  

While looking to help fantasy managers make difficult decisions to their lineup, we won’t be mentioning the players that are obviously no-brainers (ex. Ja’Marr Chase, Josh Allen, Saquon Barkley, CeeDee Lamb, etc.). So instead, we will explore more debatable scenarios. 

Quick note: I know not every player made the cut in this week’s column; I had to draw the line somewhere. This week, I included an additional section of players titled: "Honorable mentions" and "Lowlights". Keep an eye out for expanded coverage in future weeks where I hope to create a full rankings list for every player at their position.

Quarterbacks

Start 'Em 

Caleb Williams (CHI) vs. New Orleans Saints; Proj. FPTS - 19.0: If you own Williams in your league, kudos to you. Why do I say that? In Week 7, Williams takes on the Saints, who have allowed the second-most touchdowns and the fourth-most rushing yards and fantasy points to quarterbacks. The following three weeks don’t look bad either, the Bears face the Ravens, Bengals, and Giants, all of whom have struggled to contain opposing QBs in fantasy.On Monday against the Commanders, Williams fell just shy of recording his third 20-point performance of the season, but you can bank on him to hit that mark this week. Start Williams.

Dak Prescott (DAL) vs. Washington Commanders; Proj. FPTS - 21.9: If he can keep up this level of play, don’t be surprised if Prescott ends the season in the MVP conversation. Through the first six weeks, he’s scored at least 22 fantasy points four times, including performances of 30.96, 28.28, and 22.34 over the last three weeks. He currently sits as the QB6, throwing for over 1,600 yards with a 13–3 TD-to-INT ratio. Prescott enters Week 7 against the Commanders, who have allowed opposing quarterbacks to average 235 passing yards per game, along with the sixth-most fantasy points and eighth-most passing yards to the position. At this point, you should feel confident starting Prescott every week.

Jared Goff (DET) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers; Proj. FPTS - 16.8: Goff and the Lions disappointed many in their loss to the Chiefs. He finished Sunday night with 16.82 fantasy points but left several opportunities for more on the table. He’ll look to bounce back in Week 7 against the Buccaneers, who have allowed the ninth-most passing yards and tenth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Last week against San Francisco, the Bucs’ defense gave up 347 passing yards to Mac Jones. With the weapons Detroit has, this matchup has the makings of a shootout.

Honorable mentions: Aaron Rodgers (PIT) vs. Cincinnati Bengals, Bryce Young (CAR) @ New York Jets, Baker Mayfield (TB) @ Detroit Lions, Jordan Love (GB) @ Arizona Cardinals, Sam Darnold (SEA) vs. Houston Texans. 

Sit 'Em

Jaxson Dart (NYG) @ Denver Broncos; Proj. FPTS - 13.9: Since being named the starter in the Big Apple, Dart has knocked off two juggernaut teams in the Chargers and Eagles, proving he’s fully capable of leading at the NFL level. In fantasy, his lowest point total is 15.58 and his highest is 23.6. In Week 7, the rookie faces his toughest test yet against Denver, who have allowed the second-fewest fantasy points and fourth-fewest rushing yards to opposing quarterbacks. The Broncos’ defense is averaging just 165.2 passing yards allowed per game and has recorded 30 sacks — 10 more than the next closest team. As much as I’ve enjoyed watching Dart and Cam Skattebo, this feels like the week they get humbled. Try to avoid starting Dart in Week 7.

Jalen Hurts (PHI) @ Minnesota Vikings; Proj. FPTS - 19.8: Man, what has happened to the Eagles? I know they’re 4–2 and still hold first place in the NFC East, but if you only paid attention to the media and other analysts, you’d think they were having a Chernobyl-level meltdown. Setting the team aside, Hurts continues to deliver for fantasy managers, producing top-five numbers at the position and entering Week 7 as the QB4. However, he faces a tough test this week against the Vikings, a defense that’s been downright daunting for opposing quarterbacks. Minnesota has allowed the second-fewest passing yards, third-fewest touchdowns, and third-fewest fantasy points to QBs. They’ve also surrendered the ninth-fewest rushing yards to the position, though Hurts could get some relief if the Eagles decide to run the tush push four times in a row again. With all the issues Philadelphia has had in its passing game (and on defense), I’m predicting Hurts finishes below his projection this week.

Kyler Murray (ARI) vs. Green Bay Packers; Proj. FPTS - 18.2: Is it a coincidence that Murray gets hurt just as Battlefield 6 drops? All jokes aside, he’s disappointed many fantasy managers who took a chance on him in the draft. Despite his arm talent and fearsome mobility, Murray hasn’t topped 20 fantasy points once this season. He missed last week’s game against the Colts with a foot injury and could also miss Week 7 against Green Bay. If he suits up, I’d avoid starting him — the injury will likely limit his effectiveness on the ground, and the Packers have allowed the sixth-fewest passing yards to quarterbacks. If possible, sit Murray this week and look for a more reliable option.

Lowlights: Daniel Jones @ Los Angeles Chargers, Tua Tagovailoa @ Cleveland Browns, Trevor Lawrence (JAX) vs. Los Angeles Rams, Justin Fields (NYJ) vs. Carolina Panthers, Mac Jones (SF) vs. Atlanta Falcons.

Running Backs

Start 'Em

Jaylen Warren (PIT) @ Cincinnati Bengals; Proj. FPTS - 16.5: Warren returned to action last week against the Browns, rushing for 52 yards on 11 attempts and catching a pair of passes for 11 yards. It wasn’t the most productive stat line, but as he gets back into form, he’s still showing the shifty, bruiser qualities that make him dangerous. Kenneth Gainwell is taking a share of the touches, but Warren still holds the higher snap percentage (58% to 46%). He has an excellent chance to explode on Thursday against the Bengals, who struggle mightily against the run. Cincinnati has allowed the most fantasy points, the second-most rushing yards, and the fourth-most rushing touchdowns to running backs. They’ve also given up the most receiving touchdowns and the fifth-most receiving yards at the position. Plain and simple: start Warren.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt @ Dallas Cowboys; Proj. FPTS - 15.8: After an exciting 27-fantasy-point outing against the Chargers, Croskey-Merritt had an underwhelming Monday night against the Bears, finishing with just 5.8 fantasy points. On paper, the Bears game should have been another big performance for the rookie, but in fantasy, this happens to the best. He has another opportunity to shine against the Cowboys, who have allowed the third-most fantasy points to running backs. Dallas has also given up the sixth-most rushing yards and the most receiving yards to RBs this season. I expect Croskey-Merritt to bounce back, making him a must-start play this week.

Quinshon Judkins vs. Miami Dolphins; Proj. FPTS - 15.7: I wrote in my column last week to avoid starting Judkins against the Steelers, and I hope you listened. The rookie had his worst outing yet, rushing for just 36 yards on 12 attempts and not seeing a single target in the passing game. The game script made the Browns one-dimensional, but this Sunday should be a different story against the Dolphins, who’ve allowed the most rushing yards to running backs. Over the last two weeks, the Dolphins have allowed Rico Dowdle and Kimani Vidal to look like prime LaDainian Tomlinson. I know Judkins isn’t typically a receiving back, but Miami has given up the sixth-most receiving yards to the position. Judkins is in must-start territory this week.

Honorable mentions: TreVeyon Henderson/Rhamondre Stevenson (NE) @ Tennessee Titans, Alvin Kamara (NO) @ Chicago Bears, Jordan Mason (MIN) vs. Philadelphia Eagles, J.K. Dobbins (DEN) vs. New York Giants, Kenneth Walker (SEA) vs. Houston Texans. 

Sit 'Em

Travis Etienne Jr. (JAX) vs. Los Angeles Rams; Proj. FPTS - 13.4: Just for the record, I’ve been a big supporter of Etienne this offseason, and seeing him succeed this year has been gratifying. He’s currently the RB14 and has reached double-digit fantasy points in four of six games. However, Etienne has scored fewer than 10 fantasy points in back-to-back weeks. He faces a tough test this Sunday against the Rams, who have allowed the third-fewest fantasy points and are the only defense yet to surrender a rushing touchdown. Los Angeles is also stingy against receiving backs, giving up just one touchdown and 185 receiving yards. While it’s possible Etienne finishes with more than 10 points, I wouldn’t count on it this week.

Cam Skattebo (NYG) @ Denver Broncos; Proj. FPTS - 14.0: Skattebo has taken the football world by storm with his playstyle and personality off the field. Since Tyrone Tracy’s Week 3 injury, he’s seen a larger role, logging 75, 68, and 71 percent of the snaps. Aside from Week 1, Skattebo has finished with double-digit fantasy points, including a career-best 31-point outing against the Eagles. In Week 7, he faces a tough matchup against the Broncos, who’ve allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to running backs but only one rushing touchdown, though they’ve given up the ninth-most receiving yards at the position. I wouldn’t blame you for starting the rookie, but I don’t see him hitting his projection this week.

Tony Pollard (TEN) vs. New England Patriots; Proj. FPTS - 10.0: I expect the Titans to continue splitting the workload between Pollard and Tyjae Spears, who returned in Week 5. Last week against the Raiders, Pollard saw just 43 percent of the snaps while Spears logged 59 percent, and being in game scripts where the Titans are often trailing, Spears benefits as the third-down, pass-catching back. Pollard’s floor is shrinking, making him increasingly touchdown-dependent; while he’s still capable of breaking off a long run, his longest of the season is just 21 yards. With a Week 7 matchup against the Patriots, who’ve allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points to running backs, it’s worth finding a replacement for Pollard this week.

Lowlights: Chase Brown (CIN) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, Rachaad White (TB) @ Detroit Lions, Michael Carter/Zonovan ‘Bam’ Knight (ARI) vs. Green Bay Packers, Nick Chubb (HOU) @ Seattle Seahawks, Kimani Vidal (LAC) vs. Indianapolis Colts.

Wide Receivers 

Start 'Em

Deebo Samuel/Terry McLaurin (WSH) @ Dallas Cowboys; Proj. FPTS - 16.3 (Samuel) & 13.7 (McLaurin): Samuel surprised most fantasy owners Monday night with just 5.4 fantasy points against the Bears, but the WR8 on the season has a chance to bounce back this week against the Cowboys, who have struggled mightily on defense. Dallas has allowed the most fantasy points and touchdowns, and the second-most receiving yards to wideouts this season. I called it last week that Tetairoa McMillan would score his first career touchdown, he ended up finding the end zone twice, and I expect Samuel to have a big outing. If McLaurin, who hasn’t played since Week 3, is available, he should provide a serviceable performance; in 11 career games against Dallas, he has a 50-643-5 stat line, including 13 catches for 164 yards with two touchdowns in their two most recent matchups.

Courtland Sutton (DEN) vs. New York Giants; Proj. FPTS - 12.8: Regardless of his 2.7 fantasy-point finish in Week 6 against the Jets in London, Sutton has been one of the most reliable receivers this season. He’s Bo Nix’s go-to target, leading the team in targets, receiving yards, and touchdowns. Currently the WR15, Sutton has finished in the top 12 three times this season, including a WR2 performance in Week 3. He’s in line for a big game in Week 7 against the Giants, who’ve allowed the most receiving yards and the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers. If you have Sutton, he’s a must-start this week.

DK Metcalf (PIT) @ Cincinnati Bengals; Proj. FPTS - 15.0: Metcalf has quietly been a solid fantasy wideout this season. Acquired in an offseason trade, he’s posted double-digit points in every game and put together back-to-back strong performances, finishing as the WR5 and WR7 in Weeks 4 and 6. Last week against a tough Browns defense, Metcalf caught 4 passes for 95 yards and a touchdown. He and QB Aaron Rodgers have been in sync all season, and their connection seems to be producing even more lately. On a short week, Metcalf faces another divisional matchup in Week 7 against the Bengals, who’ve allowed the sixth-most receiving yards to wideouts this season. Start the big fella this week.

Honorable mentions: Xavier Worthy & Rashee Rice (KC) vs. Las Vegas Raiders, Mike Evans (TB) @ Detroit Lions, Chris Olave (NO) @ Chicago Bears, Rome Odunze (CHI) vs. New Orleans Saints, Quentin Johnston/Ladd McConkey/Keenan Allen (LAC) vs. Indianapolis Colts. 

Sit 'Em

Jauan Jennings (SF) vs. Atlanta Falcons; Proj. FPTS - 9.3: Jennings revealed last week that he’s dealing with five broken ribs, multiple ankle sprains, and a shoulder injury, yikes. On top of that, he faces a strong Falcons defense this week, which has allowed the second-fewest receiving yards and sixth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. There are better options to start at the position than Jennings this week.

Josh Downs (IND) @ Los Angeles Chargers; Proj. FPTS - 9.8: Downs is coming off a solid week against the Cardinals, finishing with six catches for 42 yards and a touchdown. Known for his solid floor, he still sits behind Michael Pittman Jr. and Tyler Warren in targets. This week, he faces the Chargers, who have allowed the second-fewest yards and just one touchdown to slot receivers, while giving up the third-fewest fantasy points to wideouts overall. If possible, look for a better option this week.

A.J. Brown/DeVonta Smith (PHI) @ Minnesota Vikings; Proj. FPTS - 14.9 (Brown) & 12.4 (Smith): I’m not a fan of starting either player this week. The Vikings present a tough challenge, allowing the fewest fantasy points and receiving yards to wideouts, and the team is also struggling with a lack of passing success and defensive issues. Both Brown and Smith are big names that are tough to leave on the bench, but they’ve been inconsistent and hard to rely on. If I had to choose one, I’d lean toward Brown, who is getting the “squeaky wheel” treatment, while I’d more likely bench Smith, who is reliant on big plays, and the Vikings have allowed just two completions of 20-plus yards. If you have another option, I’d go with it.

Lowlights: DJ Moore (CHI) vs. New Orleans Saints, Travis Hunter (JAX) vs. Los Angeles Rams, Jakobi Meyers (LV) @ Kansas City Chiefs, Jerry Jeudy (CLE) vs. Miami Dolphins.

Tight Ends

Start 'Em

Mason Taylor (NYJ) vs. Carolina Panthers; Proj. FPTS - 8.6: Taylor, like everyone else, fell victim to a lackluster performance in last week’s Broncos-Jets game overseas. The Jets’ offense, including QB Justin Fields and the O-line, didn’t do him any favors, limiting his opportunities. He should still be viewed as an exciting young talent with high fantasy upside. This week, he looks to rebound against the Panthers, who have allowed the most yards and the second-most fantasy points and touchdowns to tight ends. With Garrett Wilson likely out, Taylor should see an expanded role as a top target.

Tucker Kraft (GB) @ Arizona Cardinals; Proj. FPTS - 9.3: Six weeks in, the Packers’ leading receiver is Kraft, with 268 yards on 18 receptions and three touchdowns. Last week, he scored a touchdown to salvage his fantasy value. He has a great opportunity this week against the Cardinals, who’ve allowed the second-most receiving yards and the sixth-most fantasy points to tight ends, while giving up the most receptions and targets at the position. Kraft is flirting with lineup-lock status this week.

Harold Fannin Jr. (CLE) vs. Miami Dolphins; Proj. FPTS - 11.0: Fannin Jr. saw a jump in usage in Week 6 when David Njoku left with a knee injury, playing 80 percent of the Browns’ offensive snaps and leading the team with seven catches for 81 yards. With Cleveland using him all over the field, it’s no surprise he’s outproduced Njoku four times this season. This week, he faces the Dolphins, who’ve allowed the seventh-most fantasy points and third-most yards to tight ends. If Njoku doesn’t play, Fannin is a must-start option.

Honorable mentions: Jonnu Smith (PIT) @ Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Goedert (PHI) @ Minnesota Vikings, Darren Waller (MIA) @ Cleveland Browns, Jake Ferguson (DAL) vs. Washington Commanders, Tyler Warren (IND) @ Los Angeles Chargers.

Sit 'Em 

T.J. Hockenson (MIN) vs. Philadelphia Eagles; Proj. FPTS - 9.5: Hockenson hasn’t had the season he likely envisioned, finishing with more than 10 fantasy points just once on a touchdown and failing to surpass 50 receiving yards. With Jordan Addison back in the lineup, he’ll be competing for targets just to maintain his floor. This week, he faces the Eagles, who have allowed the third-fewest yards and fantasy points to tight ends, making him a risky start.

Juwan Johnson (NO) @ Chicago Bears; Proj. FPTS - 7.5: Johnson’s fantasy value has plummeted after a hot start to the season. After being the TE1 through the first three weeks, he hasn’t caught more than three passes and has finished under 30 yards in each of his last three games. Part of the reason is Taysom Hill doing what he does best—snaking production away from others. Johnson’s floor has hit bedrock, and it’s officially time to move on.

Theo Johnson (NYG) @ Denver Broncos; Proj. FPTS - 8.5: Most expected Jaxson Dart to make Johnson a relevant tight end as his go-to red-zone target, and while that’s somewhat true, Johnson is touchdown-dependent and hasn’t surpassed 40 yards in a single game this season. He’s also recorded more than five targets only once. This week, he faces the Broncos, who have allowed the sixth-fewest yards and fourth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends while giving up just one touchdown. You can find a better option to start in your lineup.

Lowlights: Michael Mayer (LV) @ Kansas City Chiefs, AJ Barner (SEA) vs. Houston Texans, Hunter Henry (NE) @ Tennessee Titan.  

Defense/Special teams

Start ‘Em 

Pittsburgh Steelers Defense @ Cincinnati Bengals; Proj. FPTS - 7.8: It took a couple of weeks, but the Steelers defense has rediscovered its identity, scoring 10-plus fantasy points in each of the last three games. During that span, they’ve recorded 17 sacks and forced seven turnovers. With Joe Flacco under center, the Bengals look slightly better, but Flacco remains a statue in the pocket, a major problem against a defense generating sacks at the second-highest rate. With a struggling offensive line, the Bengals will have a long night protecting him. Start Pittsburgh.

New England Patriots Defense @ Tennessee Titans; Proj. FPTS - 6.6: This is strictly a matchup play, and the Patriots have one this week. The Titans have given up the most sacks and committed 10 turnovers this season. Through six weeks, Tennessee has allowed the most fantasy points to opposing defenses. Starting the Patriots defense is a no-brainer this week.

Kansas City Chiefs Defense vs. Las Vegas Raiders; Proj. FPTS - 7.7: The Chiefs have a golden opportunity to feast on their AFC West opponent this week, not necessarily because of their own dominance, but because the Raiders are starting Geno Smith. I was ready to leave Spencer Rattler alone (still think he’s terrible), but now my focus is on Smith, who has disappointed greatly. Kansas City will take advantage of him and his league-high 10 interceptions, while the Raiders’ offensive line has also allowed the fourth-most sacks.

Honorable mentions: Carolina Panthers Defense @ New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles Defense @ Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns Defense vs. Miami Dolphins, Green Bay Packers Defense @ Arizona Cardinals. 

Sit 'Em

Los Angeles Chargers Defense vs. Indianapolis Colts; Proj. FPTS - 3.8: The Colts’ offensive line has done a fantastic job protecting Daniel Jones, allowing sacks at the lowest rate in the NFL. Another positive for the Colts is their low turnover rate. This season, Indianapolis has allowed the fewest points to opposing defenses, and the Chargers have reached double-digit fantasy points only once. Don’t be suckered into starting the Chargers defense this week.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Defense @ Detroit Lions; Proj. FPTS - 3.1: Tampa Bay’s defense has had a decent fantasy season with two double-digit finishes, including an 11-point outing against the 49ers last week. However, they face a buzzsaw in the Detroit Lions, who have allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses and excel at keeping Jared Goff upright. Simple rule: don’t start a defense against the Lions. EVER.

Los Angeles Rams Defense vs. Jacksonville Jaguars; Proj. FPTS - 6.7: While reviewing the projections, I had to double-check the Rams’ number because it seemed too high. I’m not discounting their defensive efforts, but I don’t see them reaching that mark against the Jaguars, who have shown some offensive progress. Jacksonville allows sacks at an average rate, and the Rams will largely be relying on forcing Trevor Lawrence into mistakes, which isn’t unusual, but opposing defenses are only averaging five fantasy points per game against Jacksonville. If you need a reliable defensive option, do not select the Rams.

Kickers

Start 'Em

Chris Boswell (PIT) @ Cincinnati Bengals; Proj. FPTS - 9.0 

Brandon Aubrey (DAL) vs. Washington Commanders; Proj. FPTS - 9.2

Chase McLaughlin (TB) @ Detroit Lions; Proj. FPTS - 8.6

Jake Bates (DET) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers; Proj. FPTS - 8.8

Cameron Dicker (LAC) vs. Indianapolis Colts; Proj. FPTS - 8.2

Eddy Pineiro (SF) vs. Atlanta Falcons; Proj. FPTS - 8.1

Matt Gay (WSH) @ Dallas Cowboys; Proj. FPTS - 8.7

Sit 'Em

Joshua Karty (LAR) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars; Proj. FPTS - 7.8

Harrison Butker (KC) vs. Las Vegas Raiders; Proj. FPTS - 8.7

Jake Elliott (PHI) @ Minnesota Vikings; Proj. FPTS - 8.0

Daniel Carlson (LV) @ Kansas City Chiefs; Proj. FPTS - 7.1

Ryan Fitzgerald (CAR) @ New York Jets; Proj. FPTS - 8.1

Evan McPherson (CIN) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers; Proj. FPTS - 7.1

Cam Little (JAX) vs. Los Angeles Rams; Proj. FPTS - 7.5