WEEK 7 START ‘EM, SIT ‘EM

Week 6 Top Performers:

 

QB:

• Deshaun Watson – 30/42 attempts – 280 yards – 1 TD – 2 INT’s / 10 carries – 42 yards – 2 TD’s
• Matt Ryan – 30/36 attempts – 356 yards – 4 TD’s / 2 carries – 7 yards
• Lamar Jackson – 21/33 attempts – 236 yards / 19 carries – 152 yards – 1 TD
• Russell Wilson – 23/33 attempts – 295 yards – 2 TD’s / 9 carries – 31 yards – 1 TD
• Kyler Murray – 27/37 attempts – 340 yards – 3 TD’s / 11 carries – 32 yards

RB:

• James Conner – 16 carries – 41 yards – 1 TD / 7 receptions – 78 yards – 1 TD
• Nick Chubb – 20 carries – 122 yards – 2 TD’s / 5 receptions – 17 yards
• Devonta Freeman – 19 carries – 88 yards / 3 receptions – 30 yards – 2 TD’s
• David Johnson – 12 carries – 34 yards – 1 TD / 6 receptions – 68 yards – 1 TD
• Chris Carson – 24 carries – 124 yards – 1 TD / 4 receptions – 35 yards

WR:

• Stefon Diggs – 7 receptions – 167 yards – 3 TD’s / 2 carries – 18 yards
• Terry McLaurin – 4 receptions – 100 yards – 2 TD’s
• Tyreek Hill – 5 receptions – 80 yards – 2 TD’s
• Curtis Samuel – 4 receptions – 70 yards – 1 TD / 1 carry – 8 yards – 1 TD
• Robby Anderson – 5 receptions – 125 yards – 1 TD

TE:

• Hunter Henry – 8 receptions – 100 yards – 2 TD’s
• Austin Hooper – 8 receptions – 117 yards – 1 TD
• George Kittle – 8 receptions – 103 yards
• Ricky Seals-Jones – 3 receptions – 47 yards – 1 TD
• Cameron Brate – 2 receptions – 47 yards – 1 TD

 

Criteria for the Start/Sit categories

Auto start players would be guys you don’t have to think twice about, guys that will be starters no matter the matchup. Starters are players that are most likely in your lineups unless you have auto start players that can be played in their spot instead. Sit players are players I’m not playing in lineups based on the matchup and other possible reasons.  I would not play these players in the sit category unless your options are limited. Don’t Sweat It are irrelevant players at the moment, they should be nowhere near your starting lineups.

CHIEFS @ BRONCOS

 Auto Start: 

• Patrick Mahomes
• Tyreek Hill
• Travis Kelce

Start:

• Phillip Lindsay
• Courtland Sutton

Sit: 

• LeSean McCoy
• Damien Williams
• Mecole Hardman
• Sammy Watkins (OUT)
• Joe Flacco
• Royce Freeman
• Emmanuel Sanders (START IF HEALTHY)
• Daesean Hamilton
• Noah Fant

Don’t Sweat It:

• Darrel Williams 
• Byron Pringle

Conclusion:

Starting with the Chiefs, boy they haven’t looked great and all of a sudden the rest of the division is closing the gap.  There’s a possibility Patrick Mahomes’s ankle could be giving him problems due to slightly less than elite play but that’s not stopping me from starting him week in week out.  Especially with Tyreek Hill who had two TD’s last week against the Texans.  I’m avoiding the running back situation in Kansas City mainly because it’s somewhat difficult to pinpoint and I’d be willing to bet you have better options to play. If I had to pick one I’m still giving the nod to LeSean McCoy who’s been playable in the past.

Here’s the deal with my beloved Denver Broncos, in an alternate universe this team could be 4-2 given that they don’t lose to the Bears and Jaguars by game-winning field goals. Unfortunately, that’s football and on the offense, there are only three guys that know how to football and that’s Phillip Lindsay, Courtland Sutton, and Emmanuel Sanders if healthy. Easy one this week for these two teams fantasy-wise and hopefully a not so easy matchup for the Chiefs.

RAMS @ FALCONS

Auto Start:

• Jared Goff
• Cooper Kupp
• Matt Ryan
• Julio Jones
• Austin Hooper

Start:

• Darrell Henderson
• Brandin Cooks
• Robert Woods
• Gerald Everett
• Calvin Ridley

Sit: 

• Todd Gurley (INJURED)
• Malcolm Brown (INJURED)
• Devonta Freeman
• Mohamed Sanu

Don’t Sweat It:

• Josh Reynolds
• Ito Smith

Conclusion:

For fantasy, this has the potential for being the best matchup of the week.  If Jared Goff can pull it together he can make Cooper Kupp, Brandin Cooks, and Robert Woods dreams come true. The real issue for gamers this week is the Rams running back situation. Personally, I’m expecting both Malcolm Brown and Todd Gurley to sit this one out.  That being said, I’ve added Darrell Henderson everywhere.  The Rams drafted him in the 3rd round and the rookie showed enough burst and production last week to sell me on his talent.  He’s starting in my lineups and against Atlanta, I’m considering Gerald Everett as well. For the Falcons, I’m expecting them to play a game of catchup and if that’s the case Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley, and Austin Hooper will all be easy plays for Week 7.  I’m leaving out Devonta Freeman on this one, he doesn’t provide enough upside if he’s only useful in the passing game and averaging 4.2 receptions per game.

DOLPHINS @ BILLS

Auto Start:

• NONE

Start:

• Josh Allen
• Frank Gore (IF STARTER)
• John Brown

Sit:

• ALL DOLPHINS
• Devin Singletary (START IF HEALTHY)
• Robert Foster
• Cole Beasley

Don’t Sweat It:

• Duke Williams
• Isaiah McKenzie
• Dawson Knox

Conclusion:

Since we can chalk the Bills up for a win against the Dolphins I’ll save us all time.  This should be a Josh Allen game and who else but John Brown to be on the receiving end of it. For the running backs, whether it’s Frank Gore or Devin Singletary, the starter should get an honest look at for your lineups given that Miami is ranked 30th against the run. That is all.

 

JAGUARS @ BENGALS

Auto Start:

• Leonard Fournette
• DJ Chark
• Joe Mixon
• Tyler Boyd

Start:

• Gardner Minshew II

Sit:

• Chris Conley
• Geoff Swaim
• Giovani Bernard
• Auden Tate

Don’t Sweat It:

• Marquise Lee

Conclusion:

I stated in this week’s Love/Hate podcast that Leonard Fournette has one of the safest floors for running backs this year as long as he keeps seeing 6 targets per game combined with the number of carries he’s getting as well.  With DJ Chark and Mustache Minshew in the mix, this offense has made them a contender in the AFC South.  Against the Bengals, all the Jags players just mentioned are must starts.  As for the Bengals, It’s only been, Joe Mixon and Tyler Boyd.  I understand that most people won’t actually bench Mixon because they really don’t have any other choice but if he pops off, it’s time to sell.  There are just too many bust weeks to justify Mixon as an auto-start week to week.

VIKINGS @ LIONS

Auto Start:

• Dalvin Cook
• Stefon Diggs
• Adam Thielen
• Kerryon Johnson
• Kenny Golladay

Start:

• Matt Stafford

Sit:

• Kirk Cousins
• Alexander Mattison
• Marvin Jones Jr.
• Danny Amendola
• T.J. Hockensen

Don’t Sweat It:

• Kyle Rudolph & Irv Smith Jr.
• Jesse James

Conclusion:

I’m a big fan of this matchup and I can’t wait to see if last week was a fluke for the Vikings pass offense.  It was great to see Stefon Diggs shatter fantasy expectations but to me, Adam Thielen is still the guy you can trust every week.  If we want to talk about the most reliable player on this offense all we have to do is say the name Dalvin Cook 3 times and he will provide us will all the proof we need.  Jamaal Williams ran all over the Lions last week with over 100 yards and I expect the same from Cook.  Speaking of the Lions, this offense is clicking, it was the defense that caught bad breaks on Monday night.  Matt Stafford, Kenny Golladay, and Kerryon Johnson have all exceeded expectations experts made in the offseason.  Not even the Bears will stop me from playing these studs.

RAIDERS @ PACKERS

Auto Start:

• Darren Waller
• Aaron Rodgers

Start:

• Josh Jacobs
• Zay Jones
• Jamaal Williams
• Allen Lazard

Sit:

• Derek Carr
• Tyrell Williams (INJURED)
• Foster Moreau
• Aaron Jones
• Davante Adams (INJURED)
• Marquez Valdes-Scantling 
• Jimmy Graham
• Marcedes Lewis

Don’t Sweat It:

• Hunter Renfroe
• Keelan Doss

Conclusion:

With injuries to the Packers, I’m really not interested in many players for this matchup.  I love Josh Jacobs, the now longer-term Raider in Darren Waller, and I’m even interested in Zay Jones given that Tyrell Williams isn’t playing.  For the Packers, it’s coming down to who is RB1 in Green Bay between Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams.  I can’t believe I’m saying this but I’m chasing last week’s points in Jamaal Williams.  After running for over 100 yards against a legitimate Lions defense it seems like a trend to believe in.  Maybe if Aaron Jones had caught that wide open touchdown against the Lions the Packers wouldn’t have put baby in the corner.

TEXANS @ COLTS

Auto Start:

• Deshaun Watson
• DeAndre Hopkins
• Marlon Mack
• TY Hilton

Start:

• Carlos Hyde
• Will Fuller V
• Jacoby Brissett

Sit:

• Duke Johnson
• Darren Fells
• Jordan Akins
• Nyheim Hines
• Zach Pascal
• Jack Doyle
• Eric Ebron

Don’t Sweat It:

• Keke Coutee
• Parris Campbell (INJURED)

Conclusion:

This divisional matchup could turn out to be a great fantasy day for DeAndre Hopkins, you know, those days when Hopkins was scoring at an unmatched level. Even his own teammate Will Fuller is outproducing him but those days should be over soon.  I mean, it’s not like you’re disappointed, you’re just greedy.  Hopkins is currently WR16 so live with it, at any moment he might pop off for 100 yards and 2 TD’s and you’ll say, “Finallyyyyy” like he isn’t giving you enough already.  For the Colts, they came off their much-needed bye week and when Marlon Mack is healthy Marlon Mack scores fantasy points. Fingers crossed for TY Hilton too, it feels like forever since Jacoby Brissett had a big week with his number one wide receiver. 

CARDINALS @ GIANTS

Auto Start:

• Kyler Murray
• David Johnson
• Saquon Barkley (START IF HEALTHY)
• Sterling Shephard (START IF HEALTHY)
• Evan Engram (START IF HEALTHY)

Start:

• Larry Fitzgerald
• Christian Kirk (START IF INJURED)
• Daniel Jones
• Golden Tate

Sit:

• Chase Edmonds
• Damiere Byrd
• Darius Slayton

Don’t Sweat It:

• KeeSean Johnson
• Pharoh Cooper
• Rhett Ellison

Conclusion:

The Cardinals have improved every week on offense despite not having Christian Kirk for the last few weeks but it’s their defense that’s struggling. Kyler Murray and David Johnson are doing their part but I want to see more from Larry Fitzgerald. It’s just unfortunate that Arizona hasn’t been great in the red zone because it’s hurting everyone in fantasy, WE NEED TOUCHDOWNS. For the Giants, we may get to see a few players back from injury, players such as Saquon Barkley, Evan Engram, and Sterling Shepard.  If they play I expect Daniel Jones to have a solid showing and deserves to be a start along with his 3 teammates just mentioned.

49ERS @ REDSKINS

Auto Start:

• George Kittle

Start:

• Jimmy Garappolo
• Tevin Coleman
• Matt Breida

Sit:

• Dante Pettis 
• Deebo Samuel
• Marquise Goodwin
• ALL REDSKINS

Don’t Sweat It:

• Raheem Mostert

Conclusion:

Personally, I love watching the 49ers succeed because it’s great for football. At the start of the year, they got no respect and despite a fairly easy 6 weeks including their bye, they look to be a top team in the NFC at the moment. I’m really not a fan of the offense though, outside of George Kittle there aren’t many players I LOVE despite how good both Tevin Coleman and Matt Breida have done as a tandem. For the Redskins, I’m telling people to bench everyone including Terry McLaurin.  Against one of the top defenses in the league, it’s hard to justify a start for him unless you’re desperate.

CHARGERS @ TITANS

Auto Start:

• Keenan Allen
• Derrick Henry

Start: 

• Hunter Henry
• Delanie Walker

Sit:

• Phillip Rivers
• Melvin Gordan
• Austin Ekeler
• Mike Williams
• Ryan Tannehill
• Dion Lewis
• A.J. Brown
• Corey Davis 
• Adam Humphries

Don’t Sweat It: 

• Marcus Mariota 
• Jonnu Smith

Conclusion:

As a Phillip River hater, it’s time to call this man out. He’s not been great and his age is finally showing. Some people will tell you it’s the offensive line and that may be partially true. The problem this year is the turnovers. I’ve watched Rivers been given excuses every season his team doesn’t make playoffs and his career should be defined by this: the numbers don’t tell the full story.  Enough slandering Rivers, let’s talk about players we actually care about.  Keenan Allen has had 3 disappointing weeks in a row but don’t worry his time will come. It’s good to see Hunter Henry back and snagging a few touchdowns but not so much for Melvin Gordon.  At the moment Austin Ekeler and Melvin Gordon are splitting touches 50-50 and until Gordon gets the bulk I’m worried about what he’s going to give owners.  For the Titans, my man Marcus Mariota is out and Ryan Tannehill is in. With this quarterback transition, I think Derrick Henry benefits most from this change along with Delanie Walker and I’m officially avoiding all other pass-catchers.

SAINTS @ BEARS

Auto Start:

• Alvin Kamara (POSSIBLY INJURED)
• Michael Thomas
• Allen Robinson II

Start:

• NONE

Sit:

• Teddy Bridgewater
• Ted Ginn Jr.
• Jared Cook
• Chase Daniel
• David Montgomery
• Tarik Cohen
• Anthony Miller
• Trey Burton

Don’t Sweat It:

• Drew Brees (INJURED)
• Taysom Hill
• Mitchell Trubisky (INJURED)
• Cordarrelle Patterson

Conclusion:

I think the Saints are going to need Drew Brees in order to compete against a tough and well-rested Bears team coming off their bye week at home.  As you can see, the Saints don’t have many things going their way but as long as you’re playing Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas you’ll have a chance.  The problem in fantasy is if there’s any week to bench both of these players, this would be the week.  Of course, you’re not going to bench either of them but if they underperform you’ll have no room to complain.  For the Bears, I’m all in on Allen Robinson II and nobody else, especially while Mitch Trubisky, is out. Normally I would tell you to play David Montgomery but he hasn’t had one fantasy worthy game this season yet.

RAVENS @ SEAHAWKS

Auto Start:

• Lamar Jackson
• Mark Andrews
• Russell Wilson
• Chris Carson
• Tyler Lockett

Start:

• Mark Ingram II
• DK Metcalf

Sit:

• Gus Edwards
• Justice Hill
• Marquise Brown (INJURED)
• Miles Boykin
• Willie Snead IV
• David Moore
• Jaron Brown
• Luke Willson

Don’t Sweat It:

• Will Dissly (INJURED)

Conclusion:

Ravens vs. The Seahawks are in contention for the top matchup of the week.  So many options to play for both teams. Marquise Brown is most likely out but Lamar Jackson and Mark Andrews are still in.  Against an average defense Mark Ingram II usually finds himself in the endzone at some point in the game even if he’s not rushing for more than 75 yards.  The Hawks look good, Russell Wilson is my front runner for MVP and you can take that to the bank.  Guess what? Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf get to catch footballs from the 2019 MVP, that’s good right?  Oh, I almost forgot about Chris Carson who is RB11 in fantasy, it’s just unreal how well this offense is clicking and it doesn’t look to slow down anytime soon.  

EAGLES @ COWBOYS

Auto Start:

• Carson Wentz
• Zach Ertz
• Dak Prescott
• Ezekiel Elliott
• Michael Gallup

Start:

• Miles Sanders
• Alshon Jeffery
• Jason Witten

Sit:

• Jordan Howard
• Nelson Agholor
• DeSean Jackson (INURED)
• Dallas Goedert
• Tony Pollard
• Tavon Austin
• Amari Cooper (INJURED)

Don’t Sweat It:

• Mack Hollins

Conclusion:

I don’t know how I feel about the Eagles.  I know I like Carson Wentz but all of a sudden it feels like he doesn’t have much talent to throw to outside of Zach Ertz. That being said, Miles Sanders is finally coming on as a solid pass-catching option after posting 86 yards through the air last week.  When Desean Jackson comes back from injury it’s possible the offense will look more dynamic but until then I don’t want to own many Eagles in fantasy.  For the Cowboys, it’s unfortunate the Cowboys have been playing poorly because it was fun to watch the first 3-4 weeks. With Amari Cooper most likely out, Michael Gallup can continue his solid 2nd season as long as Dak Prescott can get him the ball.  That being said, it feels like the Cowboys will lean on Ezekiel Elliott this game with the lack of throwing options.  Time is running out and this team needs to make a change somewhere if they want to stand a chance in the NFC East.

PATRIOTS @ JETS

Auto Start:

• Julian Edelman
• Le’Veon Bell

Start:

• Sony Michel
• James White

Sit:

• Tom Brady
• Josh Gordon
• Jakobi Meyers
• Sam Darnold
• Robby Anderson
• Jamison Crowder
• Demaryius Thomas

Don’t Sweat It:

• Brandon Bolden
• Ty Montgomery
• Ryan Griffin
• Chris Herndon (INJURED)

Conclusion:

Sorry Sony Michel owners, Tom Brady is the running back now.  All those yards on the ground with 0 TD’s, I can imagine it’s very frustrating.  I’m not a Sony Michel guy but for those who drafted him, you still have to play him.  Same with James White, at some point he’s going to find the endzone as well especially when it’s clear he’s the primary pass-catching running back. For the Jets, it’s Lev Bell based on volume and opportunity.  The Patriots defense is going to be tough for Bell but don’t be surprised if he falls into the endzone.

 

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