The Who To Start And Who To Sit column will not include star players who are easy starters, or players who are 5th string Wide Recievers who aren’t even on most rosters. This is for the players in the middle of the pack who could make or break your fantasy week. Any personal questions about your fantasy team you have, can be sent to my twitter @samshipley5 and I will get back to you as soon as I see your question.
Week 6 was a very weird one when it comes to fantasy football. Four of the top 10 scoring QB’s went by the names of Nick Foles, Andy Dalton, Thad Lewis, and Mike Glennon; while Peyton Manning finished 17th. Also was names like Riley Cooper, Anthony Fauria, and Dallas Clark finished in the top five of their positions.
This week is a new week however, and I really don’t expect this one to be as crazy as last week, at least I hope not. So with that lets get started with our “Who To Start and Who to Sit” for week 7.
BYES: Oakland and New Orleans
WHO TO START: QUARTERBACKS
Phillip Rivers at Jacksonville: Rivers is next up in Quarterbacks who get their turn against the Jaguars. Even though the Jags surprisingly kept Peyton Manning in check last week, that does not change my mind about their defense. I expect Rivers to put up very solid numbers against the Jaguars this week as they look to get to 4-3 on the season.
Nick Foles vs. Dallas: NOTE: Keep an eye on who will get the start, but it will most likely be Foles this week. Foles looked great against a good Tampa Bay defense last week. He ended up throwing for 3 touchdowns, and even running in another. Foles currently is second in the NFL this season in passer rating (minimum of 60 snaps), with a passer rating of 127.9. Including the end of the Denver game when Foles came in, he is 41-61 with 6 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. He has a hot hand right now, and against a Dallas defense who is on the road and really depleted with injuries, I expect Foles to put up good numbers in this one.
Jay Cutler at Washington: Cutler has thrown at least two touchdowns in 5 of his 6 games this season, and has put up at least 16 points in 5 of his 6 games this season. This week Cutler plays a Redskins defense who have allowed at least 27 points in 4 of their 5 games this season, while their only quality game came against an Oakland team with out Terrelle Pryor. Cutler is a good bye week fill in this week for sure if you can grab him.
*SLEEPER* Josh Freeman at Giants: This is more so if you are in a deep league (12 teams and up) or a two quarterback league where one of your starters is on a bye. Freeman will start on Monday Night against the Giants, and if there was ever a matchup for Freeman to put up a decent game it is this one. The Giants allow the third most points to opposing QB’s, and with Adrian Peterson in the backfield the Giants will have to respect the run game a little more than Freeman. He has the ability to put up a solid game this week against the Giants for sure who have allowed 14 passing touchdowns in 6 games this season.
WHO TO SIT: QUARTERBACKS
Joe Flacco at Pittsburgh: Flacco is coming off a great game against the Packers last week where he threw for 342 yards and two touchdowns. However, the Packers defense isn’t quite as good as the Steelers defense. The Steelers are allowing the second fewest passing yards in the league, and they are coming off of a dominating performance against the Jets last week. I would stay away from Flacco this week if you own him.
Colin Kaepernick at Tennessee: Kaepernick had his best game since week one last week against the Cardinals, where he broke the 200 yard mark for the first time since week one. He also threw for a pair of touchdowns as well. However, this week on the road against the Titans I wouldn’t count on him producing a good week again. The Titans defense has been surprisingly solid this year, and they are especially good when it comes to fantasy points allowed against opposing Quarterbacks (4th). Unless you have a Quarterback who is on the bye this week other than Kaepernick, I wouldn’t put him in my lineup.
Eli Manning vs. Minnesota: Even though Eli is playing a defense that is almost as bad as his own this week, I still wouldn’t go near him. Even if he does throw multiple touchdowns, it is just almost impossible to rely on him to have a clean game at this point. Eli has just four touchdowns to nine turnovers in his last 3 games, (7 interceptions and 2 fumbles). Until we see a good performance, or two, out of Eli it isn’t worth the risk of putting him in your lineup no matter who he plays.
WHO TO START: RUNNING BACKS
Alfred Morris vs. Chicago: Morris has had a disappointing start to the season after such a promising rookie campaign, but I think he could show a glimpse of his old self this week against the Bears. The Bears defense gave up 123 yards on the ground against a beyond depleted Giants Running Back group last week, and let’s face it Morris is significantly better than Brandon Jacobs. Along with the Bears losing DJ Williams for the season, I think Morris could be in for a big day on Sunday.
Frank Gore at Tennessee: While I don’t recommend starting his Quarterback, I can’t say the same for Gore. In the last three weeks Gore has received at least 17 carries a game, and receiving his season high in carries at 25 last week against Arizona. He currently is averaging 79.5 yards per game on the ground, which is good for 6th in the NFL. In a tough road game against the Titans, look for the Niners to lean on Gore for a heavy workload again this week.
Eddie Lacy vs. Cleveland: Lacy started off the year with a concussion that sidelined him, but ever since recovering and coming off a bye week Lacy looks like the running back some had predicted coming out of Alabama. He has had 23 carries in each of the past two games, and has put up 99 and 123 rushing yards in those games. Unfortunately for Lacy the touchdowns haven’t come except for week 1, but as long as Lacy is getting that many carries I am confident that the touchdowns will come.
*SLEEPER*- Ryan Matthews at Jacksonville: Let me start off by saying that I do not think last weeks breakout performance is what we can expect from Matthews from now on, because it is not. However, an encouraging performance liked that followed by a game against the Jaguars gives reason to make Matthews a possible flex play this week. If the Chargers get ahead on Jacksonville early or late, they will look to run the ball and kill the clock (just like they did against the Colts on Monday). Along with the possibility of a touchdown this week, I think Matthews could produce a respectable fantasy day this week.
WHO TO SIT: RUNNING BACKS
Chris Johnson vs. San Francisco: In the past three weeks Chris Johnson has faced very good run defenses (Jets, KC, Seattle), and has produced absolutely dismal results putting up just 71 yards on 37 carries…COMBINED! This week it doesn’t get any easier for Johnson as he faces another very good defense in San Francisco. Unless you are forced to, leave Johnson out of your lineup.
Le’Veon Bell vs. Baltimore: Bell is your new Trent Richardson in the NFL where it is a TD or bust case. Perfect example: He has had 16 carries in each of his two games this season, he scored 19 points one game but just 5 in the other. Why? Well the 16 carries resulted in just 57 yards and 34 yards in the two games, but Bell scored two touchdowns in one of those games against Minnesota which allowed him to put up a good week. I don’t expect Bell to get many yards against a stingy Ravens defense, and while a touchdown is certainly a possibility, is it a risk you want to take?
Joseph Randle at Philadelphia: While I understand how bad the Eagles defense as whole is, I am not one of those believers in backup running backs getting spot starts who become fantasy God’s. If Randle had the talent even close to Demarco Murray, don’t you think he would have been drafted a little higher in the 5th round in this years draft? Also, the only reason Randle had a “good” game last week is because he scored a goal-line touchdown. Other than that he had 17 yards on just 11 carries against the Redskins who really aren’t known for their defense as well. Randle could be a worthy flex play in deep leagues, however I am expecting more of a shootout in Philly this Sunday, which will most likely leave Randle out of the fold a bit more than some people might think.
WHO TO START: WIDE RECIEVERS
Jordy Nelson vs. Cleveland: The phrase “Next Man Up” is a the complete opposite of Jordy Nelsons case as he is the “Only Man Left” on this Packers once deadly receiving core. I understand that James Jones could suit up this Sunday but he is not fully healthy, so it is up to Jordy to step up as Aaron Rodgers main “go-to guy” this week. He has a tough matchup against Joe Haden, but Rodgers will give Jordy enough opportunities to have a good game.
Vincent Jackson at Atlanta: I will be the first one to admit, I was wrong about Jackson last week and for anyone who sat him because of what I said I apologize. However, lets look ahead to this week where the Bucs will be traveling to Atlanta who are in a absolutely must win situation this Sunday. The Bucs likely as an offense won’t score enough to pull out a victory, but I expect them to be playing from behind and throwing the ball a lot which could allow Jackson to have another big day.
Justin Blackmon vs. San Diego: Blackmon has been simply unstoppable since he came back this season. In two games he has 19 catches (14 last week) for 326 yards and a touchdown. This week the Jaguars play a shaky San Diego pass defense, and with the Jaguars most likely playing from behind in every game that opens up more possible targets for Blackmon.
*SLEEPER*- Greg Jennings at Giants: With a new quarterback in Josh Freeman this week, Jennings value takes a step in the right direction. Along with playing the lowly Giants this Monday, Jennings could be in for a solid week which makes him a worthy flex play in deeper leagues.
WHO TO SIT: WIDE RECIEVERS
Dwayne Bowe vs. Houston: While the Texans defense hasn’t put up very good fantasy numbers, they also haven’t allowed opposing Wide Receivers to do the same. They have only allowed one touchdown to Wide Receivers in the last four games, and currently lead the NFL in fantasy points allowed versus WR’s. Unless we see a improvement in targets/catches, it is safe to leave Bowe on the bench.
Larry Fitzgerald vs. Seattle: Fitzgerald put up a good stat line last week, but those numbers are boosted by a long 75 yard touchdown catch. To put it in perspective, if you take away that long catch Fitz has a reasonable day of 5 catches for 42 yards. Now of course someone who has Fitzgerald’s talent is more than capable of having a play like that every single week he takes the field, but this week you can make a case to sit him against Richard Sherman and Seattles defense.
Kenbrell Thompkins at Jets: Thompkins fantasy week was saved by a game winning touchdown grab last week against the Saints, and in reality is a receiver who needs a touchdown to have a good fantasy week. He hasn’t had more than 50 yards in every game but one, so unless you have a player on the bye or you are in a deep league if you have a better option go with him over Thompkins this week.
WHO TO START: TIGHT ENDS
Jordan Cameron at Green Bay: Cameron has came back to earth, but even last week still had a good fantasy week catching 5 balls for 64 yards. This week the Browns travel to Green Bay. where they will more than likely be forced to throw the ball a lot which boosts Cameron’s value a bit here. Also not to mention the Packers aren’t that good when it comes to holding opposing Tight Ends in check. They have allowed either a touchdown or at least 80 yards receiving to opposing Tight Ends in 4 of their 5 games this season.
Antonio Gates at Jacksonville: Gates was held in check last week for the first time since week one, racking up just 28 yards on four catches. This week however he is facing the Jaguars defense who not only struggle against Tight Ends but also struggle as a whole. Start Gates if you own him.
Jason Witten at Philadelphia: Witten has been nothing more than average this season, and a few times has looked a little below average. This week he plays an Eagles defense who he has simply killed time and time again over his career and there is no reason to think that this time will be any different. Perfect Example: Timothy Wright, most people couldn’t tell you who he was, caught 7 balls for 91 yards against this defense last week.
*SLEEPER*- Kyle Rudolph at Giants: With Josh Freeman at Quarterback, I don’t think that hurts Rudolph’s value at all for this week. He had 9 catches for 97 yards last week, and with a new QB and playing a awful defense I expect Adrian Peterson to get a lot of touches which could open up the play action pass or some throws over the middle for Rudolph this week.
WHO TO SIT: TIGHT END
Joseph Fauria vs. Cincinnati: Please don’t be one of those fantasy owners who see’s a guy have a three touchdown game and picks him up and starts him the next week. If it was a slot receiver or someone like that I could make a case for understanding the move, but not for Joseph Fauria. He had 3 catches last week that happened to be touchdowns in the red zone. He has caught just 7 passes all season, and according to ESPN he has ran just 29 routes all season. With a healthy Calvin Johnson back this week, I expect most red zone targets will be his way.
Jordan Reed vs. Chicago: Even though Reed has surpassed Fred Davis as the primary Tight End for the Redskins passing attack he is still not a start in a average 10 team league. If you are in a deeper league or have a Tight End on a bye, you could start Reed this week but if not he isn’t quite ready to be named a solid starter just yet.
Garrett Graham at Kansas City: Graham was given the starting Tight End spot in Houston once Owen Daniels went down with an injury. As I expected he did not put up good numbers just because he was given the starting job. Graham caught 2 balls for 25 yards against the Rams last week, and this week plays one of the best defenses in football. Along with a brand new Quarterback in Case Keenum this week, you are safer not rolling with Graham this week if you can afford not to.
WHO TO START: KICKERS
Nick Novak at Jacksonville: Novak should get a good amount of scoring opportunities from the San Diego offense this week against the Jaguars. If you have Novak or he is available in your league, feel free to grab him and start him.
Alex Henery vs. Cowboys: This game on Sunday should be a high scoring one, as both defenses aren’t the best around and both offenses are pretty good. I expect Henery to get a good amount of extra points and field goals combined this Sunday.
Dan Bailey vs. Eagles: Same as Henery.
*SLEEPER*- Mason Crosby vs. Cleveland: While the Packers score their fair share of touchdowns, the Cleveland defense is good and with a depleted receiving core now the Packers might not get in the end zone as often. Which makes Crosby more valuable because of the opportunity for more field goal attempts, plus his strong leg gives him the capability to hit a 50 plus yard field goal as well.
WHO TO SIT: KICKERS
Robbie Gould at Washington: Gould had a good week last week, but this week I expect the Bears to score more touchdowns than field goals. So while he could be a solid play, I wouldn’t count on many field goal opportunities this week against a bad Redskins defense.
Nick Folk vs. Patriots: Folk has been a solid kicker all year, but the Jets have a tough task this week against the Patriots. I am not sure how many scoring opportunities they will have as a team, which limits Folk a little bit. In week 2 against the Patriots, Folk had just one field goal and one extra point.
Greg Zuerlein at Carolina: Zuerlein is basically in the same position as these two guys above him. He is a good kicker, hasn’t missed a field goal all year, but the Rams have just kicked 3 field goals in the last two weeks compared to 9 touchdowns, limiting Zuerleins scoring opportunities. This week on the road against Carolina, it will either be the same result, or the opposite of not many scoring opportunities period.
WHO TO START: DEFENSE
Green Bay vs. Cleveland: The Browns offense with Brandon Weeden just simply doesn’t look as good as it did with Brian Hoyer at Quarterback. Also Weeden is a good bet for at least one turnover per game, so I would start the Packers this week, even with the injuries at linebacker, as they could be in for a big week sack wise and turnover wise.
San Diego Chargers at Jacksonville: I don’t expect the Chargers to be more than a top 10 defense this week, and what I mean by that is I don’t believe they will be completely dominant. However, if you have the Chargers you should start them against the Jaguars who could be playing with out starting Wide Receiver Cecil Shorts.
New England Patriots at Jets: The Patriots defense suffered a huge blow this week with losing Jerod Mayo for the season. However, I don’t think that will have a big effect on the Patriots against Geno Smith and the Jets. In week 2, the Patriots allowed just 10 points and had 4 turnovers (3 interceptions, 1 fumble). Start the Patriots this week.
WHO TO SIT: DEFENSE
New York Jets vs. Patriots: While the Jets have been a solid defense this year, anytime you line up against Tom Brady you have the chance to be in for a very long day.
Colts and Denver: As if Peyton Manning needed more fuel to the fire making his return to Indy this week, the comments made by Colts owner Jim Irsay may have put Peyton over the top. And if I am the Colts defense I really don’t like my owner right now, considering the Broncos are already the most deadly offense in football. Also on the other side of this matchup is the Broncos defense. I would stay away from them as well, Andrew Luck is the real deal. The kid could be the next Peyton Manning one day, and this is the biggest game of his career so far. I think Luck will put up big numbers whether it is by playing from behind or getting in a shootout with the same Quarterback who won many of those same shootouts in that building.
If you have any personal questions about your fantasy team, whether they are start or sit questions of your own, or add/drops just tweet me @samshipley5 and I will get back to you right away.
Tags: fantasy football, Fantasy Football week 7, NFL Week 6, Philly Sports Talk, Sam Shipley, Talk Sports Philly
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