Start ’em, Sit ’em Fantasy Football Week 7 – All Positions

NFL week 7 is upon us. Welcome to the mayhem.

As I starting to write up this week’s start ’em/sit ’em blog I was wondering how we did last week. Now if you remember two weeks ago, we nailed it. But last week there was some good but also plenty of bad. I thought we did a good job pinpointing Caleb Williams, Trevor Lawrence, Tony Pollard, and Dalton Kincaid. On the flip side I missed the boat on Alexander Mattison and really thought Jalen Tolbert and Tucker Kraft would have had better performances.

But anyways, here we are at week 7. This week sees only two teams on their bye week…the Cowboys and Bears. Let’s see how we can do.

***Disclaimer*** I give this statement every week but it’s important to remember there are players you’re basically starting or sitting each week. I tend to try and pick some of the more 50/50 players and write about them. You’ll see that trend as you go.

Quarterbacks

Start ’em – Sam Darnold

Love Sports? Get more! Join the 93.5 / 107.5 The Fan Newsletter

Subscribe

We care about your data. See our privacy policy.

Sam Darnold – I’ve seen a lot of lists consider Baker Mayfield or Jalen Hurts but, of course, you’re already starting them. But what about Darnold? Is he an automatic start every week? I don’t think so which is why he fits my criteria. First off, the Vegas over/under opened at 50 so points are expected in this matchup. And secondly, I’m expecting a bounce back from Darnold after last week’s matchup in London against the Jets. The previous three weeks before London, Darnold averaged 21.2 fantasy points. He’s worth a gamble if you’re in need.

Sit ’em – Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers – I’m guessing in the next few weeks that Rodgers will be on the “start ’em” part of this blog, but for now, I just can’t pull the trigger. I know Devante Adams is supposed to play Sunday night but I’m going to wait at least another week. Let’s face it, the addition of Adams would be the only reason to pick Rodgers up off the waiver wire. He’s averaged only 14.3 fantasy points over the first six weeks and on top of it the Steelers defense hasn’t allowed 17 points to a QB yet this season.

Running Backs

Start’ em – Tank Bigsby

Tank Bigsby – A few different lists mention Chuba Hubbard and Tony Pollard as running backs to start this week, but aren’t those guys established as RB 2 or even a really solid Flex? I think so too. But what about Bigsby? Truthfully, Bigsby wouldn’t make the list this week if not for the injury to Travis Etienne. It’s helped clear the way for the better back to get more of an opportunity. Plus, the Patriots have allowed seven rushing touchdowns this season and are bottom eight in fantasy points allowed to running backs.

Sit ’em – Tampa Bay Bucs Trio of RB

Tampa Bay Bucs – The problem with the Bucs running back situation is that someone could shine, but who? For me it’s more of a “who to start” than a talent issue. Former starter Rachaad White will probably miss Sunday with a hamstring issue so let’s focus on Sean Tucker and Bucky Irving. Tucker, whose got no run this season, exploded last week for 192 total yards and 2 TD while Irving totaled 105 total yards and a TD. But not only do you have to worry about who to start but also the matchup with the Ravens. Baltimore has allowed under 3 yards per rush this season. It’s a boom or bust proposal.

Wide Receiver 

Start ’em – Tank Dell

Tank Dell – With the emergence of Nico Collins and addition of Stefon Diggs it seemed that Dell was out of the loop in Houston. But now that Collins is on IR with a hamstring injury it’s time for Dell to get some serious run, and that’s exactly what he did last week against New England. Dell caught 7 balls for 57 yards and a TD. He also was targeted 9 times. Dell is an ideal Flex candidate for the next couple weeks.

Sit ’em – Brandon Aiyuk

Brandon Aiyuk – It’s rare that you draft a player in the first five rounds of a draft just to give up on him a month into the season, but here we are. I’m officially done with Aiyuk. And I say that knowing he has a ton of talent and that at some point he could break out. But, for now, I wouldn’t release him but would rather put him on the bench. Especially this week against a solid Chiefs defense in what could be a low-scoring affair. Plus, the numbers don’t lie. Outside of week five where Aiyuk had 22 fantasy points he’s average just 7 per week. And last week he was targeted just four times. Yuck.

Tight End

Start ’em – Cade Otton

Cade Otton – If you’re still streaming at TE and searching for a solid option Otton is rostered in just 30% of ESPN leagues. A few items to consider…Otton has scored 9 points or more in three of four games, he’s been targeted 27 times during those games, and the Ravens have allowed the fifth-most points to TE this season.

Sit ’em – Tucker Kraft

Tucker Kraft – The TE position is difficult because there are so few quality options. Plus, doesn’t it feel like it’s easy to tell who to start and who to sit? But one of the tough calls this week is Kraft. He came out of nowhere in weeks four and five with 17 and 24 fantasy points. But then last weekend happened. After pumping him up he caught just 2 passes for 13 yards. So, what does he do this week in a loaded Packers offense? Your guess is as good as mine.

Defense

Start ’em – Buffalo Bills

Bills – Let’s face it, the Bills’ defense has been spotty at best. After a more than solid first three weeks of the season they’ve totaled just 3 fantasy points the last three weeks. But this week is the ultimate slumpbuster by welcoming the Titans to Buffalo. Will Levis is the absolute bottom and his coach knows it. And so does the rest of the NFL. Combine this with Calvin Ridley openly complaining about his role and you have the makings for perhaps the worst team in the league. I’m rolling the dice and am starting Buffalo’s defense in multiple leagues.

Sit ’em – Minnesota Vikings

Vikings – This is a tough one because Minnesota’s defense has been a top fantasy option all season. My gamble here is that the Lions continue to not turn the ball over (just 4 giveaways all season) and continue to allow very few sacks (10this season).