Fantasy Football Start 'Em Or Sit 'Em: Week 7 Edition
Kelley L Cox, USATSI

The fantasy football season is approaching the half way point as we break down who start and who sits in week seven.

Can you believe the middle of the season is nearly upon us? A fast moving fantasy football season has had its usual share of surprises through the first six weeks. Injuries have opened doors for no-namers to become weekly starters (Jordan Howard for example) while established veterans have already been lost for the season (sadly, we’re talking about you, Adrian Peterson).

Looking at last week’s picks, you lucked out if you went with our advice on defenses but might have had some trouble picking the right FLEX player. As week seven approaches, we analyze who starts and who sits.

Start ‘Em 

Cameron Meredith, WR, Chicago Bears

Kevin White‘s season-ending injury has opened the door for Meredith to explode onto the NFL scene. His last two weeks have seen the young wideout combine for 20 catches, 243 yards, and a score. Alshon Jeffery should still command majority of the attention from opposing defenses allowing Meredith to receive a healthy number of targets.

The Bears travel to Green Bay in week seven, whose banged-up secondary has allowed over 266 passing yards per game. Give Meredith a spot in your FLEX next week.

Sit ‘Em 

Brock Osweiler, QB, Houston Texans

The Texans prized free agent acquisition has failed to post more than 17 points in standard scoring leagues in any game thus far. He’s especially struggled against top defenses (Kansas City, New England, Minnesota).

A week seven trip to Denver to face off with the league’s best pass defense (182.3/ypg) does not spell ‘jackpot’ for fantasy owners. While his talent is undeniable, his consistency has not been established as you’d be better off looking for a different QB next week.

Start ‘Em

Spencer Ware, RB, Kansas City Chiefs

Jamaal Charles is making his way back to prominence. After 9 carries for 33 yards and a touchdown in a home victory last week, Charles could be in line for a larger role next week. However, Ware still has plenty of value.

Ware has received double-digit carries in every game this year and is coming off a season-high in rushing yards against Oakland last week. A home matchup with the Saints and their 25th ranked run defense makes Ware a valuable commodity, even with Charles returning to action.

Sit ‘Em 

Michael Floyd, WR, Arizona Cardinals

The enigmatic Floyd has not caught more than four passes in any game this season, nor has he tallied over 65 receiving yards. The talented wideout has not lived up to expectations since being drafted in the first round.

A date with the vaunted Seattle secondary on the road makes Floyd one to stash on your bench next week.

Start ‘Em

Tyrell Williams, WR, San Diego Chargers

Catching at least five passes in three of his past four games, Williams has established himself as one of the top options on the San Diego passing attack. Keenan Allen‘s season-ending injury has seen QB Philip Rivers spread the ball around for much of the season. Furthermore, the Chargers lackluster defense has forced the offense to throw often in order to remain competitive. Williams figures to benefit from such a formula again next week.

The Atlanta Falcons currently rank 25th against the pass. This bodes well for Williams and the San Diego offense in what could be a shootout down south.

Sit ‘Em

Pittsburgh Steelers D/ST

After two good showings against the Chiefs and Jets, the Steelers were pounded by a mediocre Miami team in week six. Next week they’ll host a red-hot New England offense led by a driven Tom Brady. You’re best off finding another defense to play for week seven.

Start ‘Em

Julius Thomas, TE, Jacksonville Jaguars

They say patience is a virtue, right? Well, Thomas’s last three games have all been duds, failing to total more than 28 yards. However, his statistics are due for an uptick in production.

The Jaguars are at home in week seven to Oakland who has given up the seventh-most fantasy points to tight ends in 2016. They also rank dead last against the pass, allowing over 300 yards per game. The Oakland offense also figures to put up points against a disappointing Jags defense, which could mean a high volume of targets for Thomas. Your patience may be rewarded if you start the talented tight end next week.

Sit ‘Em

Rashad Jennings, RB, New York Giants

After returning from injury against a solid Baltimore defense, Jennings mustered just 15 yards on 9 carries. The Giants have gone with a committee approach in the backfield which could also limit the amount of action Jennings receives. Big Blue has struggled to run the ball this season, ranking just 27th in the league.

Traveling across the Atlantic for a showdown in England with the Rams, Jennings is best served sitting on your bench until he can establish consistency on the ground.