Week 7 Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em

Don’t worry, I know everyone was sobbing that I wasn’t able to write my Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em column last week; thus I apologize for that. However, I’m back this week  with the Week 7 Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em and ready to help you all win your Fantasy Football matchups.

Last week, we saw more disappointments, and more excitement. Antone Smith continues to be amazing, while Matthew Stafford continues to struggle. DeMarco Murray continues to anger fantasy owners who took Adrian Peterson in Round 1, while LeSean McCoy finally got back on track.

There are many new adventures to discover as we enter Week 7, and many new Fantasy performances to be either duds or studs.

This week, the Eagles and Buccaneers are the teams on bye-weeks, and just as you enter crucial fantasy matchups. So if you’re an owner of an Eagle or Buc, you may want to pay close attention. Without further ado, let’s get started.

Week 7 Start ’em Sit ’em

Quarterbacks Start ‘Em: Joe Flacco vs. Atlanta

Projected Fantasy Points: 23

As Alicia Keys would sing, “Joe Flacco is on fire!” Yes, that was corny; however, he has been. Flacco tossed an NFL record 5 TDs in the first half alone last week against Tampa, on his way to a 42-fantasy point performance. This week, Flacco gets another juicy matchup-the Falcons, who have surrendered an average of 19 PPG to opposing fantasy quarterbacks, including multiple touchdown games to Eli Manning and Jay Cutler. Flacco has also been very successful at home, as he has at least 17 fantasy points in every home game this season. Flacco should continue to roll this week, and you should roll with him as your starter.

Quarterbacks Sit ‘Em: Eli Manning at Dallas

Projected Fantasy Points: 12

I know what everyone is thinking, “The Cowboys have a horrible defense, and Eli should go off this week!” Well, everyone, you’re wrong again. The Dallas defense proved it was for real last week against Seattle, and held Russell Wilson to just 10 fantasy points last week. Dallas has been impressive all season, allowing an average of just 15 fantasy PPG to opposing quarterbacks, which ranks 3^rd in the NFL. I don’t believe Eli will be horrible this week, but there are certainly better options available to start.

Running Backs Start ‘Em: Ben Tate at Jacksonville

Projected Fantasy Points: 14

Since Ben Tate returned from injury, he has been simply awesome. Tate put up 122 rushing yards in his return Week 5, and followed that with a 19-fantasy point performance in Week 6. He gets the Jaguars this week, whom have been horrid against the run this season. The Jags’ have allowed an average of 22-fantasy PPG to opposing fantasy running backs, which is 27^th in the NFL. Tate continues to prove he is the workhorse for the Browns, and should continue to produce like wise this week.

Running Backs Start ‘Em: Reggie Bush vs. New Orleans

Projected Fantasy Points: 13

The Lions really missed Bush last week, as they lacked playmakers in their offense. He should return from injury this week, and expect him to used a ton, especially with Calvin Johnson expected to be sidelined with injury. Bush gets to face off against his former team, the Saints who rank 24^th in the NFL against the run. Bush could also be more motivated as he is playing his former team, and the Lions should definitely give him the opportunities. I see Bush as a must-start in Week 7, PPR or not.

Running Backs Sit ‘Em: Eddie Lacy vs. Carolina

Projected Fantasy Points: 6

I had the luxury of being able to attend the Packers–Dolphins game last week, and I saw James Starks get most of the snaps in the backfield for the Packers. It is no question that Green Bay has a pass-first offense, and it seems like they are leaning more towards Starks as the back in their passing game. Starks also was the running back when the Packers drove down the field during their final drive, and none of this is a good sign for Lacy. He has over 10 fantasy points in just two games this season, and although the Panthers have struggled against the run, I’m not trusting Lacy until I see more production. If you’re able to, I would sit Lacy this week.

Wide Receivers Start ‘Em: Larry Fitzgerald at Oakland

Projected Fantasy Points: 12

With Carson Palmer back quarterbacking the Cardinals, the Cardinals’ pass catchers were back to being productive, including Fitzgerald, who caught 6 balls for 98 yards and a TD Sunday against the Redskins. His success should continue this week against the Raiders, who have surrendered an average of 19-fantasy PPG to opposing receivers this season. As long as Palmer is healthy, Arizona’s passing attack should be in full force, and that comes with production from Fitz. If you own him, you’re starting him on Sunday.

Wide Receivers Start ‘Em: Percy Harvin at St. Louis

Projected Fantasy Points: 13

Harvin has struggled over the last couple of weeks, as he hasn’t scored over 4 fantasy points since Week 2. However, in Week 5 Harvin got 3 TDs called back, and his targets prove he is still a major part of the Seahawks’ offense. He has a very juicy matchup in Week 7, against the Rams. St. Louis has allowed an average of 27.8 fantasy PPG to opposing receivers this season. Harvin has struggled mainly because of bad matchups, and in Week 5 it was due to penalties. Keep trusting Harvin, and start him this Sunday.

Wide Receivers Sit ‘Em: Marques Colston at Detroit

Projected Fantasy Points: 5

Colston has been very inconsistent this year, one game putting amazing numbers; while the next putting up so-so numbers. Maybe it’s because the Saints’ offense just hasn’t produced, maybe it’s because Colston has seen less looks. Well, Colston matches up against the Lions in Week 7, who have been best in the league against opposing fantasy receivers. A major trend that the Saints have is that they usually struggle on the road for some apparent reason, and that’s where they’ll be on Sunday. Unless you’re desperate I’d look at other options than Colston to start this week.

Tight Ends Start ‘Em: Timothy Wright vs. N.Y. Jets

Projected Fantasy Points: 10

Wright scored for the second straight week last week; however, that was his only catch. But to Wrights favor, the Bills have been very good against opposing tight ends this season, which is whom Wright faced last week. On Thursday night, Wright faces off against the Jets, who unlike Buffalo have allowed the 4^th most fantasy points to opposing tight ends this season. Gronkowski should see plenty of looks as always, but if Wright is open, Brady should look his way a lot, which is what I expect. Wright shapes up to be a good play this week.

Tight Ends Sit ‘Em: Eric Ebron vs. New Orleans

I simply don’t see why people trust Eric Ebron. Ebron has been very bad this season, as he has only scored once, and that was the only time Ebron reached over 3-fantasy points in a single game. Last week, he only had 2 catches, and that was with Detroit without Calvin Johnson and Reggie Bush. This week, even if the matchup were favorable I wouldn’t start Ebron, but it’s not anyway. The Saints have allowed just 4.8 fantasy PPG to opposing tight ends this season, ranking 3^rd in the NFL. Ebron should not be started in ANY leagues this week.

Defense/Special Teams Start ‘Em: Buffalo Bills vs. Minnesota

Projected Fantasy Points: 14

The Bills’ defense has played very well over the last couple of weeks. Last was an exception, but that was against the Patriots’ high-powered offense. This week the Bills get the opposite, as they play the Vikings, who’ve been horrible on offense this season. Minnesota continues to struggle without superstar Adrian Peterson, and rookie QB Teddy Bridgewater leading the way. The Bills should feast this week, causing turnovers, sacks and more. Buffalo looks like a great play at defense on Sunday.

Defense/Special Teams Sit ‘Em: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Indianapolis

Projected Fantasy Points: 3

The Bengals’ defense got off to a fast start to the season, but have come back to earth ever since. They struggled the last two weeks, actually having negative fantasy points in many formats. They play the Colts this week, whom have the NFLs highest rated offense coming into the game. That stat alone, and the struggles over the last couple of weeks are enough to make me look at other defenses to start this week. I wouldn’t take the risk of starting the Bengals this week; there are plenty of better options.

I hope everybody enjoyed this Week 7 Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em, and I’ll be back next week! Follow me on twitter: @Nadelman99 for fantasy talk, advice, or any questions you may have. Feedback on my articles is always appreciated.