Week 7 in the NFL presents several interesting fantasy football scenarios. Here’s who to add, drop, start, or sit in week 7.
By Gregg Cambareri
With plenty of action sure to go down in week 7, here’s a positional breakdown to help grab your team a “W” this week.
QB Stud: Jaguars Blake Bortles has posted several surprising stat lines since a rough opening game
A Jaguars player, relevant in fantasy? You read that right. Outside of week 1, Bortles has thrown for at least 242 yards and possesses a 12:5 TD-to-INT ratio. Look, the Jaguars as a team are going to find themselves losing more times than not, but this gives Bortles great value. They’ll be throwing often to get back in the game, and garbage time stats count all the same in fantasy. Bortles is a great backup option, just be wary of the tough Bills and Jets defenses he faces over the next few weeks.
QB dud: Peyton Manning just simply isn’t what he used to be
After throwing 3 more picks against Cleveland, Manning now leads the league with 10 INT’s. His age is showing, as he’s struggling to throw the ball down the field. If you have another QB on your bench, play the better match-up. Peyton is no longer an automatic start.
Honorable mention: The Bears Jay Cutler, who has thrown for at least 250 yards, 5 touchdowns and committed just 3 turnovers over the last 3 weeks.
RB Stud: Ronnie Hillman headlines several hot commodities at the running back position
If you haven’t grabbed CJ Anderson’s handcuff yet, Hillman offers good reason for investment. His 20 carries for 111 yards last week were his second hundred yard game in 3 weeks. Granted, it came against a porous Brown’s defense that ranks last in the league in rushing yards per game allowed. Nonetheless, Hillman has gone from clear backup, to splitting carries, to earning more work than fellow tailback and fantasy bust CJ Anderson.
Anderson was hyped to be the primary bell cow back in Denver’s offense before the season started, but has disappointed thus far. He hasn’t carried the ball more than 13 times, and remains without a touchdown. So, if you drafted Hillman late and stashed him on your bench, kudos to you. If not, get on the waiver wire and add Hillman to your roster.
The Broncos are off next week, and face a difficult test hosting Green Bay in week 8. However, we must look at the big picture here. If your team needs help at the running back position, stash Hillman on the bench during his bye, and then give him a look as a FLEX option going forward.
RB Dud: Carlos Hyde has disappointed since a huge opening night
Hyde ran 21 times for just 55 yards against a mediocre Baltimore defense on Sunday. After his monstrous 168 yard performance in week 1, Hyde has had only one productive game since, in week 5 at the Giants.
He has been bothered by a foot injury, which could be limiting his ability. Considering the 49ers are finding themselves down often against opponents, the run has been abandoned at times. With a short week against a tough opponent in Seattle, followed by two stout run defenses in St. Louis and Atlanta, tough days could be ahead for Hyde. His talent is promising enough to still warrant starts, but demoting him to the flex isn’t a bad idea, especially if you have depth at running back.
Honorable mentions: James Starks, who has impressed given Eddy Lacy’s injury and effectiveness issues, and Thomas Rawls, who remains a great handcuff to Marshawn Lynch should his hamstring hamper him again this season.
WR Stud: Stefon Diggs has exploded onto the scene over the past two weeks
Who are you and where did you come from? After going the first three games without a catch, Stefon Diggs has emerged as a top target in the Minnesota passing attack. The rookie fifth round draft pick posted a 6 catch 87 yard outing against a tough Denver secondary in week 4. After a bye in week 5, he erupted for 7 catches and 129 in week 6 vs. Kansas City.
Charles Johnson and Mike Wallace were expected to produce the majority of wide receiver yardage, but both have underperformed, opening the door for Diggs. If these past two performances are anything indicative of what’s next to come, claim Diggs for your team and give the impressive a rookie a shot until he proves otherwise.
WR Dud: Don’t be fooled by Cardinal’s wideout Michael Floyd
You may be thinking woah, Floyd’s 5 catch, 50 yards, and touchdown performance aren’t dud worthy, are they? Obviously they were not. However, heed this warning: Floyd has been one of the most enigmatic fantasy receivers over the past few years. Originally a top draft pick of Arizona in 2012, Floyd’s talent has never translated to consistent production. Prior to this solid stat line (against an average Pittsburgh defense, mind you) Floyd only produced one game where he recorded more than 1 catch and 20 yards. He’s a feast or famine player, and should only be relied upon if your better receivers are injured. Don’t fall in the Michael Floyd trap.
Honorable mention: Texans wide receiver Cecil Shorts, who has caught at least 4 balls in 5 of 6 games this season, giving him decent value in PPR leagues. Someone other than DeAndre Hopkins has to get targets, right?
TE Stud: New Orlean’s Benjamin Watson has proven there’s still something left in the tank at age 34
After the Saints traded Jimmy Graham in the offseason, many expected Josh Hill to step up as the Saints’ top tight end. Well, that hasn’t worked out, as he’s been outproduced by Ben Watson in every game this season. Before Watson’s breakout performance last week (10-127-1TD), he hadn’t amassed more than 42 years in any game. While his last game could be a one week wonder, it proves that Drew Brees still loves to throw to his tight ends, giving Watson good value for those in need of depth. The Saints next game is also against an average Indianapolis defense.
Tight end dud: Minnesota’s Kyle Rudolph continues to disappoint
Rudolph did catch a touchdown in a home win against Kansas City this week, but don’t let that excite you. Over his last three games, he has combined for 6 catches and 30 yards. Remember, combined.
A once promising tight end, Rudolph has lacked in production, and doesn’t figure to be more than an occasional red zone threat.
Honorable mention: San Diego’s Ladarius Green. Even with Antonio Gates returning to action, Green figures to be a factor in the Chargers pass heavy offense, recording 35 yards and a score last week.