Week 7 Fantasy Football: Start 'Em Or Sit 'Em?

Alright, fantasy football fanatics, week 7 is knocking on the door, and that means it's time to make some tough calls. Are you ready to dominate your league? It’s crucial to make the right choices for your lineup. Remember, every decision can make or break your week. This guide is designed to help you navigate the tricky waters of week 7, and determine who to start and who to sit. We'll break down the matchups, analyze player performances, and give you the insights you need to make informed decisions. Let's dive in and get your starting lineup locked and loaded. So, let’s get started with our start 'em sit 'em week 7 analysis, shall we?

Quarterbacks: Making the Right Call

Choosing the right quarterback can significantly impact your fantasy points. This week, we have several intriguing matchups. Let's consider some key quarterbacks and their prospects in Week 7. Let's kick things off with a deep dive into some key quarterback decisions you might be wrestling with. This is your go-to guide to help you decide who to start and who to sit. We'll weigh the pros and cons, considering matchups, recent performances, and player health.

First up, let's talk about the potential studs. If you have a quarterback like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, or Jalen Hurts, chances are you’re starting them, unless they are playing against a top-tier defense. Their consistency and high ceilings make them near-automatic starts. However, even these top-tier quarterbacks can have challenging matchups. For instance, if Mahomes is facing a tough defense known for shutting down passing attacks, you might have to think twice. Always check the defensive rankings and how the opposing team has performed against quarterbacks in recent weeks. Remember, guys, fantasy football is all about those small advantages.

Now, let's get into the trickier situations. Suppose you have a quarterback who’s been inconsistent or has a difficult matchup. Quarterbacks like Geno Smith or Kirk Cousins, who have shown flashes of brilliance but also have games where they struggle, require more consideration. Before starting or sitting them, consider the matchup. Are they playing a team that gives up a lot of passing yards or touchdowns? If yes, it's a green light. Also, look at their recent performance. Have they been on a hot streak? If so, they are more likely to perform well, even against a tougher defense.

Let's not forget the sleepers. There are always quarterbacks who can surprise us. Maybe there's a quarterback who's facing a weak defense or has a favorable game script. Maybe a quarterback who's been quietly putting up solid numbers. Identifying these sleepers can give you a significant advantage. This week, keep an eye on players like Brock Purdy or C.J. Stroud they could be sneaky starts, especially if their matchup looks promising. Consider their offensive weapons and their ability to extend plays with their legs. These extra dimensions can boost their fantasy scores. Remember to always evaluate the health of the player and the weather conditions of the game. A rainy or windy game could affect a quarterback's performance.

Finally, when deciding who to start or sit, consider your team's overall situation. If you need a high-scoring week to win, you might want to lean towards a quarterback with a higher ceiling, even if the matchup is tougher. If you're in a more comfortable position, you might choose a quarterback with a safer floor, even if the upside is limited. Always trust your gut, and don't be afraid to make a bold move. After all, isn't that what fantasy football is all about?

Running Backs: Finding the Right Balance

Running back decisions can be some of the most challenging in fantasy football. The position is often subject to injuries, changing game scripts, and inconsistent touches. In week 7, you'll need to weigh several factors. Are you ready to make the right calls to get those precious points? This is the core of your fantasy football team.

Firstly, consider the workload. Which running backs are getting the most carries and targets? The more touches a running back gets, the higher their potential for fantasy points. Check the previous weeks' snap counts and carries. Is there a clear bell-cow back, or is it a running back-by-committee situation? Running backs who receive goal-line carries are also golden, as they have a higher chance of scoring touchdowns. Consider this when deciding to start or sit a running back.

Secondly, the matchup is crucial. Some defenses are much weaker against the run than others. Look at how the opposing team has performed against running backs in previous games. Are they giving up a lot of rushing yards or touchdowns? If so, it's a good sign for your running back. Also, consider the defensive fronts. Some defenses have strong defensive lines that can shut down the run game. Others have weaker lines, which can allow your running back to have a big day. Always check the defensive rankings and the specific strengths and weaknesses of the opposing team.

Thirdly, look at player health and injury reports. Running backs are especially prone to injuries. If your running back is injured or has a nagging injury, think twice before starting him. Even if a running back is cleared to play, he might not be at 100%, and his performance could be limited. Check the injury reports carefully and consider the risk.

Fourthly, consider the game script. If your team is expected to be leading, your running back is more likely to get more carries in the second half. If your team is expected to be trailing, your running back might be used more in the passing game. Anticipate the flow of the game, and adjust your starting lineup accordingly. If you think your running back will get plenty of touches, start them. If not, consider other options.

Now, let's look at some specific situations. If you have an elite running back like Christian McCaffrey, you're likely starting them, regardless of the matchup. However, even these players can have off days. If McCaffrey is facing a top-ranked run defense, you might adjust your expectations. If you have a running back in a committee situation, things become more complicated. Evaluate their recent performance and the workload split. Does one running back get more touches than the others? Also, consider their receiving ability. Running backs who catch passes have a higher floor.

Finally, remember to stay flexible. Fantasy football is unpredictable, and things can change quickly. A last-minute injury, a change in game script, or a surprising performance can all impact your decisions. Always stay updated with the latest news, and be ready to make adjustments if necessary. Good luck in your fantasy football journey!

Wide Receivers: Making the Cut

Wide receivers can be the difference between winning and losing in fantasy football. Choosing the right ones to start in week 7 requires careful consideration of matchups, targets, and recent performance. Are you ready to make the tough decisions? This is all about getting those points.

First, let's talk about matchups. Some defenses are better at defending against the pass than others. Look for favorable matchups where your wide receiver is going up against a weaker secondary. Consider the cornerback matchups. Does your wide receiver have a favorable matchup against a cornerback who struggles in coverage? Look at the defensive rankings and how the opposing team has performed against wide receivers in recent games. Matchups are very important.

Next, consider target share. Which wide receivers are getting the most targets from their quarterbacks? Wide receivers who are heavily targeted have a higher chance of accumulating fantasy points. Look at the previous weeks' target numbers. Is your wide receiver the primary target in his team's passing attack? Or is the target distribution more spread out? This will help you decide who to start or who to sit.

Also, consider recent performance. Is your wide receiver on a hot streak? Are they coming off a game where they had a lot of receptions, yards, and touchdowns? Players who are playing well are more likely to continue performing at a high level. Look at their last few games and see if there are any trends. Are they building momentum? Has the quarterback been connecting with them consistently? Are they healthy and ready to go? Make sure to consider recent performance when making your decision.

Now, let's talk about some specific situations. If you have an elite wide receiver like Justin Jefferson or Tyreek Hill, you are probably starting them. However, even these players can have tough matchups. Consider the defense they are facing, and adjust your expectations accordingly. If you have a wide receiver who is the clear number one option in their team's passing attack, you should start them, unless the matchup is terrible. Players like Stefon Diggs or Davante Adams are usually safe bets. For less consistent wide receivers, things get trickier. Consider their matchup, target share, and recent performance. If they have a favorable matchup and have been getting a lot of targets, it's worth starting them. If the matchup is tough or they haven't been getting many targets, you might want to consider other options.

Finally, consider the offensive scheme of the team. Does the team pass the ball a lot? Are they known for high-scoring games? Wide receivers in high-volume passing offenses have a higher chance of accumulating fantasy points. Know the team's offensive philosophy. Some teams are pass-heavy, while others focus more on the run. If the team passes the ball a lot, it is a good idea to start their wide receivers. Remember, fantasy football is all about getting those points.

Tight Ends: Finding Value

The tight end position can be tricky in fantasy football. It often lacks depth, and finding consistent performers can be a challenge. In week 7, you need to make the right choices to get some points. This section will guide you to find the right ones to start and ones to sit.

First, consider the matchup. Are you sensing a theme here, guys? Some defenses are tougher against tight ends than others. Look at how the opposing team has performed against tight ends in recent games. Are they giving up a lot of receptions, yards, or touchdowns to tight ends? If so, your tight end has a good chance of producing. Look at the defensive rankings and the specific strengths and weaknesses of the opposing team. Also, consider the individual matchups. Does your tight end have a favorable matchup against a linebacker or safety who struggles in coverage?

Next, consider the target share. Which tight ends are getting the most targets from their quarterbacks? Tight ends who are heavily targeted have a higher chance of accumulating fantasy points. Look at the previous weeks' target numbers. Is your tight end a primary target in his team's passing attack? Or is the target distribution more spread out? Also, consider the red-zone opportunities. Tight ends who are often targeted in the red zone have a higher chance of scoring touchdowns.

Also, consider the recent performance. Is your tight end on a hot streak? Are they coming off a game where they had a lot of receptions, yards, and touchdowns? Players who are playing well are more likely to continue performing at a high level. Look at their last few games and see if there are any trends. Are they building momentum? Has the quarterback been connecting with them consistently? Are they healthy and ready to go? Consider their consistency. Does your tight end have a history of producing consistently or are they volatile?

Now, let's look at some specific situations. If you have an elite tight end like Travis Kelce or George Kittle, you are probably starting them. However, even these players can have tough matchups. Consider the defense they are facing, and adjust your expectations accordingly. If you have a tight end who is the clear number one option in their team's passing attack, you should start them, unless the matchup is terrible. Players like Mark Andrews or T.J. Hockenson are usually safe bets. For less consistent tight ends, things get trickier. Consider their matchup, target share, and recent performance. If they have a favorable matchup and have been getting a lot of targets, it's worth starting them. If the matchup is tough or they haven't been getting many targets, you might want to consider other options.

Finally, consider the offensive scheme of the team. Does the team frequently use tight ends in their passing attack? Are they known for using tight ends in the red zone? Tight ends in offenses that feature them heavily have a higher chance of accumulating fantasy points. Think about this as you make your fantasy football decisions this week. Do some research.

Defense/Special Teams & Kickers: The Underrated Gems

While not as flashy as quarterbacks and wide receivers, Defense/Special Teams (DST) and kickers can still make a significant impact on your fantasy football score. Knowing who to start and who to sit in these positions can give you an edge. In week 7, let's look at some crucial factors to help you make informed decisions.

For DST, consider the matchup. Is your DST facing an offense that is prone to turnovers, sacks, or points allowed? Look at the opposing team's recent performance. Do they have a high turnover rate? Do they struggle to protect their quarterback? Do they give up a lot of points? Matchups are critical in DST. Consider the opposing team's offensive line. If they are weak, your DST has a higher chance of getting sacks and pressures. Always look at how the opposing team has performed against DST in previous games. Consider all of these factors when you are deciding to start or sit a defense.

Also, consider the talent and recent performance of the DST. Does your DST have a strong pass rush? Do they have good coverage in the secondary? Look at their recent games. Are they consistently generating turnovers and sacks? A DST that is playing well is more likely to continue performing at a high level. Check the injury reports. Are there any key players injured who could affect the team's performance? Choose a DST with a high ceiling, but also a good floor.

Now, let's talk about kickers. Consider the matchup and the weather. Is your kicker facing a team that gives up a lot of field goal attempts? Is the game being played in good weather conditions? Kickers in favorable matchups have a higher chance of scoring points. If the weather conditions are poor (rain, wind), it can affect a kicker's performance. Also, consider the offense of the team. Does the team often reach the red zone? Does the team's offense have a history of stalling in the red zone, leading to field goal attempts? Kickers on high-scoring offenses have a higher chance of scoring points. Always stay up-to-date with the latest news. Injury reports, weather changes, and last-minute lineup changes can all affect your decisions. Make the right calls and hopefully, you will win.

Conclusion: Week 7 is Coming

Week 7 is just around the corner, and now you have the tools you need to make informed decisions for your fantasy football lineups. Remember to analyze the matchups, consider player performance, and stay updated with the latest news. Good luck this week, and may your team bring you victories!