As we roll into Week 7 of the NFL season, fantasy football managers are faced with a mix of excitement and anxiety. The stakes are high, and every decision can make or break your week. Whether you’re riding high on a winning streak or desperately trying to claw your way back into contention, the start/sit decisions you make this week are crucial.
With injuries piling up and bye weeks in full swing, it’s essential to sift through the noise and make informed choices. This week, we’ll dive into the key players at each position, analyze matchups, and provide insights that can help you optimize your lineup. From quarterbacks to tight ends, every position has its own set of challenges and opportunities.
So, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of who to start and who to sit in Week 7.
Key Takeaways
- Quarterbacks: Start Patrick Mahomes, Sit Carson Wentz
- Running Backs: Start Alvin Kamara, Sit David Montgomery
- Wide Receivers: Start DeAndre Hopkins, Sit Tyler Boyd
- Tight Ends: Trust Travis Kelce, Sit Evan Engram
- Flex Options: Choose Justin Jefferson, Sit Antonio Gibson
Quarterbacks: Who to Start and Who to Sit
When it comes to quarterbacks, the landscape can shift dramatically from week to week. This week, you’ll want to keep an eye on players like Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts. Both have been consistent performers, and their matchups look favorable.
Mahomes faces a defense that’s struggled against the pass, while Hurts is up against a team that’s been vulnerable to mobile quarterbacks. Starting either of these guys could pay off handsomely. On the flip side, consider sitting players like Russell Wilson or Derek Carr.
Wilson has been inconsistent this season, and his matchup against a tough defense could spell trouble. Carr, while capable, faces a secondary that’s been surprisingly effective at shutting down opposing quarterbacks. If you have a solid backup option, it might be wise to bench these guys this week.
Running Backs: Start ‘Em or Sit ‘Em
Running backs can often be the backbone of your fantasy team, but Week 7 presents some tough calls. If you’ve got Austin Ekeler or Derrick Henry on your roster, you’re in luck—both are must-starts this week. Ekeler is not only a workhorse but also a key part of the passing game, making him a dual-threat against a defense that struggles to contain versatile backs.
Henry, on the other hand, is a beast who can take over games, especially when he’s facing a defense that’s weak against the run. However, tread carefully with players like David Montgomery or Ezekiel Elliott. Montgomery has been solid but is dealing with some injury concerns that could limit his effectiveness.
Elliott has shown flashes of his former self but is sharing carries in a crowded backfield. If you have better options available—like a rising star or a player with a favorable matchup—it might be time to sit these guys.
Wide Receivers: Making the Tough Decisions
Wide receivers can be a rollercoaster ride in fantasy football, and Week 7 is no exception. If you’ve got players like Tyreek Hill or Stefon Diggs on your roster, you’re likely feeling pretty good about your chances. Hill’s speed and ability to stretch the field make him a constant threat, while Diggs has been a reliable target for his quarterback.
Both are primed for big games this week. But then there are those tough decisions—like whether to start someone like Michael Thomas or sit him in favor of a less established player. Thomas has had his share of ups and downs this season, and if he’s facing a tough cornerback matchup, it might be wise to look elsewhere.
I often find that trusting emerging talents can pay off; players like Chris Olave or DeVonta Smith could surprise you with their production.
Tight Ends: Which Players to Trust
Tight ends can often feel like a guessing game, but there are a few players you can trust this week. Travis Kelce remains a top-tier option; he’s consistently involved in his team’s offense and has a favorable matchup against a defense that struggles to cover tight ends. Mark Andrews is another player who should be in your lineup—he’s been a favorite target for his quarterback and has the potential for big plays.
On the other hand, consider sitting players like T.J. Hockenson or Dalton Schultz if you have better options available. Hockenson has been inconsistent this season, and if he’s facing a strong defense, it might be best to look for someone with more upside.
Schultz has also been hit-or-miss; if he’s not getting enough targets in his offense, it could be time to pivot.
Flex Options: Choosing the Best Players
The flex position can often be the wild card of your lineup—sometimes it pays off big time, while other times it leaves you scratching your head. This week, look for players like Deebo Samuel or Kenneth Gainwell who have favorable matchups and can contribute in multiple ways. Samuel’s versatility makes him an exciting option; he can rack up yards both through the air and on the ground.
But then there are those tough calls—like whether to start an aging veteran or take a chance on a rookie with potential. If you’re considering someone like Allen Robinson versus a promising rookie like Puka Nacua, think about their recent performances and matchups. I often find that trusting the hot hand can lead to better results; if Nacua has been producing consistently, he might just be worth the risk.
Defense/Special Teams: Start or Sit for Week 7
Defense and special teams can often be overlooked in fantasy discussions, but they play a crucial role in your overall success. This week, consider starting defenses like the San Francisco 49ers or the Buffalo Bills—they’ve both been dominant forces this season and face offenses that struggle to score points. A strong defensive performance can swing your matchup in your favor.
Conversely, it might be wise to sit defenses like the New York Giants or Atlanta Falcons. Both have shown vulnerabilities this season and are up against offenses that can exploit those weaknesses. If you have another option available—especially one facing a struggling offense—it could be time to make that switch.
Injury Updates: How to Adjust Your Lineup
Injuries can throw a wrench into even the best-laid plans, so staying updated is key as we approach Week 7. Keep an eye on players like Joe Mixon or A.J. Brown; both have been dealing with injuries that could impact their availability this week.
If they’re listed as questionable leading up to game day, it might be wise to have backup options ready just in case. Adjusting your lineup based on injury updates isn’t just about replacing one player with another; it’s about understanding how those changes affect your entire team dynamic. For instance, if Mixon is out, his backup may see an uptick in carries—and that could make him a sneaky start in your flex position.
Matchup Analysis: Key Factors for Start/Sit Decisions
Matchup analysis is crucial when making start/sit decisions in fantasy football. Look at how opposing defenses have performed against specific positions throughout the season; some teams excel at shutting down wide receivers while others struggle against running backs. This week, pay attention to how defenses match up against your players’ strengths.
For example, if you have a running back facing a defense that’s been porous against the run all season long, that’s an opportunity you don’t want to miss out on. Conversely, if one of your wide receivers is going up against a lockdown cornerback, it might be time to reconsider that start. I often find that digging into these matchups can reveal hidden gems—or potential pitfalls—that can make all the difference.
Waiver Wire Adds: Players to Consider for Week 7
As we head into Week 7, the waiver wire can be a treasure trove of potential game-changers for your fantasy team. Keep an eye on emerging talents like Sam LaPorta at tight end or Josh Downs at wide receiver; both have shown flashes of brilliance and could provide valuable depth as we move deeper into the season. Don’t overlook running backs either—players like Tyjae Spears or Roschon Johnson could see increased roles due to injuries ahead of them on the depth chart.
Adding these players now could pay dividends later in the season when injuries strike or bye weeks hit hard.
Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choices for Your Fantasy Team
As we wrap up our Week 7 start/sit analysis, remember that every decision counts in fantasy football. It’s not just about picking the best players; it’s about understanding matchups, injuries, and trends as they unfold throughout the season. Trust your instincts but also lean on data and analysis to guide your choices.
Ultimately, fantasy football is as much about strategy as it is about luck—so stay engaged, keep an eye on those injury reports, and don’t hesitate to make bold moves when necessary. After all, every week presents new opportunities for success; embrace them!
