Fantasy football Week 7: Start and sit

Here’s a look back at Week 6’s action and fantasy advice for the week ahead:

WEEK 6 RECAP

49ers 36, Seahawks 24: Deebo Samuel’s 76-yard touchdown reception at Seattle made him the first wide receiver in NFL history to have 20 receiving TDs and 20 rushing TDs in his career.

Bears 35, Jaguars 16: Caleb Williams joined Tom Brady and Blake Bortles as the only quarterbacks to throw four TD passes in an NFL game played in London. Williams is currently on pace for 3,732 yards on 368 completions in 564 attempts (65.3%) and 26 touchdown passes against 14 interceptions in his rookie season. Chicago’s single-season passing records: 3,838 yards (Erik Kramer in 1995), 370 completions (Jay Cutler in 2014), 561 attempts (Cutler in ’14), 67.0 completion percentage (Mitch Trubisky in 2020), 29 TD passes (Kramer in ’95).

Packers 34, Cardinals 13: After serving a one-game suspension for skipping practices, Romeo Doubs returned with 49 yards and two touchdowns against Arizona. Dontayvion Wicks suffered a shoulder injury on the second drive, and over the rest of the game, Doubs and Christian Watson were the primary outside receivers while Jayden Reed played in the slot. Watson produced 68 yards, including a 44-yard TD. All the principals in this offense need to be rostered with Jordan Love healthy. Doubs has been Green Bay’s clear top wide receiver in offensive snaps and routes ran when active.

Colts 20, Titans 17: DeAndre Hopkins hadn’t played more than 46% of Tennessee’s offensive snaps in a game entering Week 6, but he was on the field for 71% against Indianapolis. Hopkins suffered an MCL tear at the end of July, which caused him to miss training camp. He was limited the first month of the season. This is a good sign for his potential value going forward, especially if he’s traded to a contender.

Texans 41, Patriots 21: Drake Maye showed promise in his first career start and he clearly has chemistry with DeMario Douglas, who had six receptions for 92 yards and a TD. Maye became the first QB to throw for at least three TDs and lead his team in rushing in his first career start since 1950.

Buccaneers 51, Saints 27: Sean Tucker finally looked like the running back I was so impressed with coming out of Syracuse in 2023. He went off for 192 total yards and two TDs in the shellacking of New Orleans. Rachaad White was inactive due to a foot injury, Bucky Irving was the main running back in most situations, but Tucker rotated in throughout. Irving remains my primary target of the trio — he had 105 total yards and a TD against the Saints — but Tucker certainly deserves our attention going forward.

Eagles 20, Browns 16: Jerome Ford is week-to-week after suffering a hamstring injury at Philadelphia and it just so happens Nick Chubb plans on returning on Sunday at home against the Bengals. There’s a good chance Chubb picks up where he left off. Returning from a major injury and thriving is old hat for the All-Pro.

Ravens 30, Commanders 23: Derrick Henry became the first player since the Chargers’ LaDainian Tomlinson in 2005 to score a rushing TD in his team’s first six games of the season.

Chargers 23, Broncos 16: With Gus Edwards on IR, Kimani Vidal is the next man up, and with J.K. Dobbins’ checkered injury history, an important insurance policy. Vidal’s first NFL touch was a 38-yard TD reception and he finished with 51 total yards on only six touches at Denver.

Steelers 32, Raiders 13: Najee Harris’ third-quarter TD was the first rushing TD by a Pittsburgh player this season not named Justin Fields. Harris surpassed 100 rushing yards for the first time this season and had at least 16 touches for the sixth straight game.

Lions 47, Cowboys 9: This was Dallas’ worst loss at home since it lost to the Vikings 43-3 in 1988, the year before Jerry Jones purchased the team.

Falcons 38, Panthers 20: Tyler Allgeier and Bijan Robinson combined for 200 rushing yards, three rushing TDs and four receptions at Carolina. Atlanta entered the game averaging only 96.8 rushing yards per game, fifth-fewest in the NFL. Moral of the story: Start all of your running backs against the Panthers.

Bengals 17, Giants 7: Devin Singletary (groin) could be back this week against the Eagles, but Tyrone Tracy Jr. looks more than capable of handling higher usage even after Singletary returns. The rookie has produced 237 total yards and a TD, while averaging 5.11 yards per carry the last two games.

Bills 23, Jets 20: Ray Davis led Buffalo in rushing (97 yards) and receiving (55 yards) at New York on Monday night with James Cook (toe) out. Cook came pretty close to playing, so it wouldn’t surprise me if he returns this week against the Titans, but if you roster him, it would be prudent to acquire his handcuff.

Feel free to hit me up @UTEddieBrown on X, formerly known as Twitter, with any specific lineup questions I don’t cover in my posts.

Here are my best bets for Week 7:

DENVER AT NEW ORLEANS

Obvious starters: Broncos D/ST, Alvin Kamara (NO).

Who to start: Javonte Williams (DEN) has flex appeal against a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to running backs, including five rushing TDs in the last four games. Courtland Sutton (DEN) is the overall WR23 in standard formats (WR28 in PPR) since Week 3 with at least 68 yards or a TD in three of the last four games. The Saints D/ST are good defense at home on a short week against a rookie QB after allowing 51 points in a loss to a division rival — sounds like a good recipe for streaming success if you’re in need. Juwan Johnson (NO) deserves streaming consideration as one of the only principals in the Saints’ pass attack left standing.

Who to sit: Jaleel McLaughlin (DEN) only has value in the deepest PPR leagues. Both Chris Olave (NO) and Rashid Shaheed (NO) are out with a concussion and knee injury, respectively. Taysom Hill (NO) remains doubtful (ribs) to play. Derek Carr (NO) is also doubtful (oblique) to play on a short week. Spencer Rattler (NO) faces a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks.

Sleeper: Bo Nix (DEN) is the overall QB6 the last two weeks with 422 passing yards, four passing TDs (one interception), 70 rushing yards on 14 attempts and one rushing TD.

JACKSONVILLE VS. NEW ENGLAND AT LONDON

Obvious starters: Evan Engram (JAC).

Who to start: Brian Thomas Jr. (JAC) maintains WR3/flex upside as the overall WR9 in standard formats (WR13 in PPR) through six weeks. Christian Kirk (JAC) maintains flex appeal as the overall WR25 in standard formats (WR22 in PPR) since Week 3. Tank Bigsby (JAC) faces a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to running backs. Trevor Lawrence (JAC) deserves streaming consideration as the overall QB12 since Week 4. The Jaguars D/ST deserve streaming consideration against an offense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. Rhamondre Stevenson (NE) maintains RB2/flex upside if he’s active (foot), but he’s not trending in the right direction. If Stevenson is out, Antonio Gibson (NE) faces a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to running backs. DeMario Douglas (NE) is the overall WR29 in standard formats (WR24 in PPR) since Week 3 with at least six receptions and nine targets in three of the last four games. Hunter Henry (NE) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed four TD receptions to tight ends in the last four games.

Who to sit: Travis Etienne (JAC) is reportedly week-to-week after injuring his hamstring against the Bears. Gabe Davis (JAC) remains a boom-or-bust option with three-or-fewer receptions in five of six games.

Sleeper(s): D’Ernest Johnson (JAC) would have flex appeal (if Etienne is out) against a defense that has allowed seven rushing TDs to running backs in six games. Drake Maye (NE) finished as the overall QB10 last week in his first career start. Ja’Lynn Polk (NE) has flex appeal in deeper leagues against a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers, including eight TD receptions in six games.

SEATTLE AT ATLANTA

Obvious starters: DK Metcalf (SEA), Kenneth Walker (SEA), Bijan Robinson (ATL), Drake London (ATL), Kyle Pitts (ATL).

Who to start: Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA) maintains WR3/flex upside as the overall WR34 in standard formats (WR21 in PPR) since Week 2. Tyler Lockett (SEA) maintains flex appeal with at least four receptions and 46 yards or a TD in five of six games. Geno Smith (SEA) is the overall QB7 through six weeks. Darnell Mooney (ATL) maintains flex appeal against a defense that has allowed five TD receptions to wide receivers in the last three games. Kirk Cousins (ATL) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed seven TD passes to quarterbacks in the last three games.

Who to sit: Zach Charbonnet (SEA) only has flex appeal in the deepest PPR leagues with Walker healthy. I’m fading the Seahawks D/ST against an offense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses. Noah Fant (SEA) is the overall TE21 in standard formats (TE15 in PPR) through six weeks. Ray-Ray McCloud (ATL) only has flex appeal in deeper PPR leagues.

Sleeper: Tyler Allgeier (ATL) is the overall RB22 in standard formats (RB20 in PPR) since Week 4, and faces a defense that has allowed four rushing TDs to running backs in the last three games.

TENNESSEE AT BUFFALO

Obvious starters: Tony Pollard (TEN), Josh Allen (BUF), Bills D/ST.

Who to start: James Cook (BUF) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (toe). Amari Cooper (BUF) maintains WR3/flex upside if he’s active (he’s barely been in the building for a few days).

Who to sit: Calvin Ridley (TEN) remains a boom-or-bust option with only nine receptions in five games this season. Tyjae Spears (TEN) is currently week-to-week with a hamstring injury. Chig Okonkwo (TEN) remains TD-dependent with three-or-fewer targets in every game this season. Tyler Boyd (TEN) remains TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in every game this season. I’m fading Dalton Kincaid (BUF) against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Khalil Shakir (BUF) faces a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Keon Coleman (BUF) remains TD-dependent with only eight receptions in the last five games. Ray Davis (BUF) would have RB2/flex upside if Cook is still sidelined. Curtis Samuel (BUF) remains a boom-or-bust option with only 12 receptions in six games.

Sleeper: DeAndre Hopkins (TEN) has flex appeal as the leading receiver on an offense that will likely be chasing points.

CINCINNATI AT CLEVELAND

Obvious starters: Joe Burrow (CIN), Ja’Marr Chase (CIN), Tee Higgins (CIN), David Njoku (CLE).

Who to start: Chase Brown (CIN) is the overall RB4 in standard formats (RB6 in PPR) since Week 4 with four total TDs in the last three games. Nick Chubb (CLE) remains an obvious starter if he’s active regardless of layoff. The Browns D/ST has scored double-digit fantasy points in three of the last five games. Jerry Jeudy (CLE) has WR3/flex upside as the Browns’ new No. 1 wide receiver after Cleveland traded Amari Cooper to Buffalo.

Who to sit: Zack Moss (CIN) is TD-dependent with only 67 total yards on 19 touches in the last two games. Mike Gesicki (CIN) remains TD-dependent with only three receptions for 22 yards in the last three games. Jerome Ford (CLE) is currently week-to-week with a hamstring injury. Deshaun Watson (CLE) has scored one-or-fewer TDs in five of six games.

Sleeper: The Bengals D/ST face an offense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses, including 31 sacks in six games.

HOUSTON AT GREEN BAY

Obvious starters: C.J. Stroud (HOU), Joe Mixon (HOU), Stefon Diggs (HOU), Jordan Love (GB), Josh Jacobs (GB), Tucker Kraft (GB).

Who to start: Tank Dell (HOU) finished as the overall WR21 in standard formats (WR16 in PPR) last week in the first game after Nico Collins was placed on IR. Dalton Schultz (HOU) faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to tight ends. Jayden Reed (GB) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (ankle). The Packers D/ST are the second-highest scoring defense in fantasy through six weeks, surpassing 10 points in four of the last five games.

Who to sit: I’m fading the Texans D/ST at Lambeau against Love. Dameon Pierce (HOU) remains TD-dependent with Mixon back in the lineup. Christian Watson (GB) remains a boom-or-bust option with only seven targets in his last three games. Dontayvion Wicks (GB) is currently week-to-week with a shoulder injury.

Sleeper: Romeo Doubs (GB) faces a defense that has allowed nine TD receptions to wide receivers in six games.

MIAMI AT INDIANAPOLIS

Obvious starters: Tyreek Hill (MIA), Michael Pittman Jr. (IND).

Who to start: De’Von Achane (MIA) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (concussion). Raheem Mostert (MIA) has flex appeal against a defense that has allowed three rushing TDs to running backs in the last two games. Jonathan Taylor (IND) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (ankle). Josh Downs (IND) is the overall WR20 in standard formats (WR11 in PPR) since he returned from injury in Week 3. The Colts D/ST face an offense allowing the third-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

Who to sit: Jaylen Waddle (MIA) only has value in deeper PPR leagues while Tua Tagovailoa is out. Jaylen Wright (MIA) only has flex appeal if Achane doesn’t make it through protocol. Anthony Richardson (IND) faces a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Trey Sermon (IND) remains TD-dependent even if Taylor is out. Alec Pierce (IND) remains a boom-or-bust option with only five receptions in the last four games.

Sleeper(s): Jonnu Smith (MIA) faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to tight ends. Tyler Goodson (IND) would have flex appeal against a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to running backs if Taylor is out.

DETROIT AT MINNESOTA

Obvious starters: Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET), Jahmyr Gibbs (DET), Sam LaPorta (DET), David Montgomery (DET), Justin Jefferson (MIN), Vikings D/ST.

Who to start: Jameson Williams (DET) faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers, including five TD receptions in the last two games. Jared Goff (DET) is a solid streaming option in a potentially high-scoring affair. Aaron Jones (MIN) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (hamstring/hip). T.J. Hockenson (MIN) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (knee). Sam Darnold (MIN) was the overall QB10 before the Vikings’ bye week, and that included a stinker across the pond against a formidable Jets defense.

Who to sit: I’m fading the Lions D/ST until we see how they play without Aidan Hutchinson.

Sleeper: Ty Chandler (MIN) would have flex appeal if Jones is out.

PHILADELPHIA AT N.Y. GIANTS

Obvious starters: Saquon Barkley (PHI), Jalen Hurts (PHI), A.J. Brown (PHI), DeVonta Smith (PHI).

Who to start: Malik Nabers (NYG) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (concussion). Devin Singletary (NYG) maintains RB2/flex upside if he’s active (groin). Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) maintains WR3/flex upside as the overall WR29 in standard formats (WR23 in PPR) through six weeks.

Who to sit: I’m fading Dallas Goedert (PHI) if he’s active (hamstring) against a defense allowing the eighth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Darius Slayton (NYG) remains TD-dependent unless Nabers can’t make it through protocol for a third straight week. Daniel Jones (NYG) only has value in Superflex formats this week.

Sleeper: Tyrone Tracy Jr. (NYG) has been the overall RB5 in standard formats (RB3 in PPR) the last two games with Singletary sidelined.

LAS VEGAS AT L.A. RAMS

Obvious starters: Brock Bowers (LV), Kyren Williams (LAR).

Who to start: With Davante Adams now a member of the Jets, Jakobi Meyers (LV) has WR3/flex upside if he’s active (ankle). Alexander Mattison (LV) faces a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to running backs. Cooper Kupp (LAR) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (ankle). Matthew Stafford (LAR) deserves streaming consideration against a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, especially if Kupp returns. The Rams D/ST are a sneaky streaming option at home against an offense allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. Tutu Atwell (LAR) has flex appeal (if Kupp remains out) with at least four receptions and 58 yards in three straight games. Jordan Whittington (LAR) has flex appeal with at least six receptions, eight targets and 62 yards in two straight games.

Who to sit: Zamir White (LV) remains TD-dependent if he’s active (groin). Demarcus Robinson (LAR) remains TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in his last four games.

Sleeper(s): Tre Tucker (LV) faces a defense that has allowed seven TD receptions to wide receivers in five games. Colby Parkinson (LAR) deserves streaming consideration with 11 receptions (20 targets) in his last two games.

CAROLINA AT WASHINGTON

Obvious starters: Chuba Hubbard (CAR), Diontae Johnson (CAR), Jayden Daniels (WAS), Terry McLaurin (WAS).

Who to start: Andy Dalton (CAR) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed 12 TD passes to quarterbacks in six games. Brian Robinson (WAS) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (knee). Austin Ekeler (WAS) maintains flex appeal against a defense that has allowed 12 rushing TDs to running backs in six games. Zach Ertz (WAS) faces a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to tight ends.

Who to sit: Miles Sanders (CAR) hasn’t see double-digit touches since Week 2. Jeremy McNichols (WAS) only has flex appeal if Robinson is out again.

Sleeper: Xavier Legette (CAR) has scored a TD in two of the last three games and faces a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to wide receivers.

KANSAS CITY AT SAN FRANCISCO

Obvious starters: Patrick Mahomes (KC), Travis Kelce (KC), Deebo Samuel (SF), George Kittle (SF).

Who to start: Kareem Hunt (KC) is averaging 22 touches in his two games with the Chiefs. JuJu Smith-Schuster (KC) has flex appeal if he’s active (hamstring) despite the difficult matchup. Jordan Mason (SF) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (shoulder). Brock Purdy (SF) is the overall QB8 through six weeks. The 49ers D/ST are the highest-scoring defense in fantasy since Week 4.

Who to sit: Xavier Worthy (KC) remains a boom-or-bust option with three-or-fewer receptions in every game this season. Brandon Aiyuk (SF) faces a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Jauan Jennings (SF) remains TD-dependent with only seven receptions in the last three games.

Sleeper: Isaac Guerendo (SF) had 10 carries for 99 yards at Seattle with Mason sidelined for most of the second half.

N.Y. JETS AT PITTSBURGH

Obvious starters: Breece Hall (NYJ), Garrett Wilson (NYJ), Davante Adams (NYJ), Jets D/ST, Najee Harris (PIT), Steelers D/ST.

Who to start: Tyler Conklin (NYJ) faces a defense that has allowed 21 receptions for 193 yards to tight ends in the last two games. Pat Freiermuth (PIT) is the overall TE5 in standard formats (TE6 in PPR) since Week 4.

Who to sit: I’m fading Aaron Rodgers (NYJ) on the road against a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. I’m fading Allen Lazard (NYJ) with the addition of Adams. Braelon Allen (NYJ) remains TD-dependent with only 18 touches in the last three games. Mike Williams (NYJ) remains TD-dependent with only nine receptions in the last four games. I’m fading George Pickens (PIT) against a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Jaylen Warren (PIT) has only seen double-digit touches in one of four games this season.

Sleeper: It looks like Russell Wilson (PIT) will make his Steelers debut in prime time, making him the ultimate flier if you’re in desperation mode already.

BALTIMORE AT TAMPA BAY

Obvious starters: Lamar Jackson (BAL), Derrick Henry (BAL), Zay Flowers (BAL), Baker Mayfield (TB), Mike Evans (TB), Chris Godwin (TB).

Who to start: Mark Andrews (BAL) is actually the overall TE5 in standard formats (TE7 in PPR) the last two weeks with seven receptions (nine targets) for 121 yards and a TD. Cade Otton (TB) faces a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to tight ends.

Who to sit: I’m fading the Ravens D/ST on the road against a red-hot offense. Isaiah Likely (BAL) remains TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in five straight games. I’m fading Rachaad White (TB) if he’s active (foot), Bucky Irving (TB) and Sean Tucker (TB) against a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to running backs.

Sleeper: Rashod Bateman (BAL) is the overall WR31 in standard formats (WR39 in PPR) since Week 3 and he’s facing a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to wide receivers.

L.A. CHARGERS AT ARIZONA

Obvious starters: J.K. Dobbins (LAC), Kyler Murray (ARI), James Conner (ARI), Trey McBride (ARI).

Who to start: Ladd McConkey (LAC) has flex appeal against a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Quentin Johnston (LAC) has flex appeal if he’s active (ankle) against a defense that has allowed eight TD receptions to wide receivers in six games. Marvin Harrison Jr. (ARI) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (concussion).

Who to sit: A really good Chargers D/ST feature a high floor, but the upside might be limited on the road against Murray. Joshua Palmer (LAC) has three-or-fewer receptions in every game he’s played this season. Trey Benson (ARI) remains TD-dependent with only 16 carries in his last three games. I’m fading Michael Wilson (ARI) and Greg Dortch (ARI) against a defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers.

Sleeper: Justin Herbert (LAC) faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks.