Welcome back, readers! I am happy to return for a second year as The Sporting Tribune's fantasy football analyst. If you are new here, my mission is to help fantasy managers with any dilemmas or questions they may have through the course of the season to ultimately win their leagues. For the next 17 weeks, I will produce weekly fantasy content that will go over the waiver wire, rankings, and Start 'Em, Sit 'Em columns.
Being a fantasy manager often means having to make difficult roster decisions, but I aim to take some of the guesswork out of it with my Start 'Em and Sit 'Em column for every position. It goes without saying that I won't include obvious calls like "start Trey McBride" or "sit Tommy DeVito." Instead, I search for players that could be perceived as fringe that could propel your lineups for weekly wins.
As always, if you have any questions or don't see your players here, feel free to follow me on Twitter (X) – @JamesNewell96 and send me a message, where I typically respond in a timely manner.
Start ’Em
Minnesota Vikings Defense vs. IND (Projected FPTS – 10.0): The Vikings are the most feared defensive unit in the league” for a smoother read. Fresh off the bye, they take on the Colts, who are struggling with consistent play and have 11 giveaways (sixth-most) this season. Daniel Jones has also been sacked 15 times this season. Minnesota’s defense is a must-start.
New York Jets Defense vs. MIA (Projected FPTS – 8.4): The Jets’ defense has been solid in fantasy this season. Before their game against the Patriots, New York scored 11 fantasy points against the Titans and 18 against the Browns. They’re primed for another double-digit day against the Dolphins, who are tied for the fewest points scored per game and have turned the ball over at the third-highest rate.
Houston Texans Defense vs. NYG (Projected FPTS – 10.0): The Texans’ defense has not lived up to its standards this season. It was their backbone last season, and so far it has been their weak spot this year. However, the opportunity for a top-notch finish is very high against the Giants at home. New York has allowed 18 sacks and has 11 giveaways, the sixth-most this season.
Honorable Mentions: San Francisco 49ers Defense @ ATL; Pittsburgh Steelers Defense @ NO; Cleveland Browns Defense @ TEN; Tennessee Titans Defense vs. CLE; Carolina Panthers Defense vs. TB.
Sit ’Em
New England Patriots Defense @ CHI (Projected FPTS – 7.2): The Patriots’ defense has looked strong this season. However, I wouldn’t want to start any defense against Caleb Williams and the Bears’ offense. In the two full games Williams has played, opposing defenses have scored a combined negative-four fantasy points. There are likely better streaming options available for Week Seven.
Baltimore Ravens Defense vs. CIN (Projected FPTS – 6.3): The Ravens’ defense is coming off an encouraging five-sack performance against Deshaun Watson and the Browns. This week is a different story, taking on Joe Burrow and the Bengals’ high-powered offense. Burrow is one of the toughest quarterbacks to get on the ground, and the Bengals’ offense has allowed opposing defenses to score the 13th-fewest fantasy points per game.
Green Bay Packers Defense @ DET (Projected FPTS – 5.7): Don’t let the Packers’ three most recent performances fool you. They’re strictly matchup-based, and now they get a tough NFC North bout against the Lions. Opposing defenses have averaged the fewest fantasy points per-game against the Lions. Look to the waiver wire to find a better streaming option.
Lowlights: Seattle Seahawks Defense vs. KC; Philadelphia Eagles Defense vs. DAL; Detroit Lions Defense vs. GB; Los Angeles Rams Defense @ LV; Cincinnati Bengals Defense @ BAL.
KICKERS
Start ‘Em
Spencer Shrader @ MIN - Projected FPTS: 8.2
Will Reichard vs. IND - Projected FPTS: 10.5
Chase McLaughlin @ CAR - Projected FPTS: 7.9
Evan McPherson @ BAL - Projected FPTS: 8.6
Ka’imi Fairbairn vs. NYG - Projected FPTS: 10.3
Matt Gay vs. LAR - Projected FPTS: 8.0
Ryan Fitzgerald vs. TB - Projected FPTS: 8.5
Chris Boswell @ NO - Projected FPTS: 8.8
Sit ‘Em
Daniel Carlson vs. PIT - Projected FPTS: 7.1
Jake Elliot vs. DAL - Projected FPTS: 6.7
Wil Lutz @ ARI - Projected FPTS: 6.9
Eddy Pineiro @ ATL - Projected FPTS: 7.9
Jake Bates vs. GB - Projected FPTS: 8.0
Cairo Santos vs. NE - Projected FPTS: 8.4
Trey Smack @ DET - Projected FPTS: 7.7
Any Borregales @ CHI - Projected FPTS: 7.5