As the NFL enters the midseason, picking out the best matchups and the ones to avoid is becoming a little less chaotic. Still, there are 15 games this week to consider as no game or matchup should be overlooked. Here are the best starts and players you should avoid for Week 7 of the NFL season.
Start of the Week Quarterback – Dak Prescott vs San Francisco 49ers
With the loss of Ezekiel Elliott for six weeks, now it the time for Dak Prescott to shine. The Cowboys are lucky to face a mediocre passing defense this week, as they travel to San Francisco. The 49ers have given up at least 17.38 fantasy points to quarterbacks in the last four weeks and have given up a rushing touchdown in each of the previous two games. Look for Prescott to carry the Cowboys’ offense in Week 7.
Sit of the Week Quarterback – Cam Newton vs Chicago Bears
Cam Newton gets a harder than expected game in Week 7 against the Chicago Bears. The Bears defense has limited quarterbacks to one or fewer touchdowns in five of their six games this season. Newton has struggled with the pressure this season and the Bears rank seventh in the NFL with 16 sacks. Newton had decent fantasy production last week but tossed three interceptions giving him eight on the season. With all his ups-and-downs, it may be best to avoid starting Newton against unfavorable matchups.
Start of the Week Running Back – Devonta Freeman vs New England Patriots
Although this game will likely go much differently than Super Bowl LI did, Devonta Freeman is still a great start against the New England Patriots. Freeman had three touchdowns against the Patriots in the Super Bowl. This year’s Patriots defense is considerably worse than one he faced in Super Bowl LI, giving up the second most points to running backs in standard leagues.
Sit of the Week Running Back – Ty Montgomery vs New Orleans Saints
With the loss of Aaron Rodgers, teams will now be stacking the box against the Green Bay backs, which does not bode well for Ty Montgomery going into Week 7. The Saints defense is has allowed the 13th most points to running backs this season, but have looked better against the run in the last three weeks. Overall, until the Packers get life without Rodgers figured out, it may be best to stay away from most of their players.
Start of the Week Wide Receiver – Terrelle Pryor Sr. vs Philadelphia Eagles
Pryor gets a great matchup in Week 7 against a Philadelphia Eagles team giving up the third most fantasy points to wide receiver this season. Pryor faced the Eagles in Week 1 of the season, catching for 66 yards on six receptions. Since that game, the Eagles secondary has been affected by injuries. Now the unit has given up at least 80 yards to a receiver in every game since Week 3. Look for Cousins to target Pryor often in Week 7.
Sit of the Week Wide Receiver – Alshon Jeffrey vs Washington Redskins
In the same game as the start of the week, fantasy players will find the sit of the week at wide receiver. Alshon Jeffrey gets a tough matchup on Monday, against a Redskins team currently giving up the second-fewest points to wide receivers. Jeffrey caught just three passes on seven targets for 38 yards in their Week 1 showdown. Jeffrey will be in for another tough game as Josh Norman will likely shadow Jeffrey all over the field. Do not expect too much from Jeffrey in Week 7.
Start of the Week Tight End – Jimmy Graham vs New York Giants
Coming out of his bye, Jimmy Graham is due to have a great game against the New York Giants. The Giants give up the most fantasy points to tight ends in standard leagues. Last season, coming off his bye, Graham caught six passes for 89 yards. Graham has historically been at his best in October, catching for six of eight highest yardage totals in the month.
Sit of the Week Tight End – Coby Fleener vs Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers have done quite well this season in limiting tight ends, giving up the second-fewest fantasy points to the position. With how good the Packers have been at stopping tight ends, Drew Brees will likely look elsewhere when throwing, limiting Fleener’s potential in Week 7.
Start of the Week Defense – Tennessee Titans vs Cleveland Browns
As is the case most weeks of the NFL season, starting whichever defense is playing the Cleveland Browns is a smart play. The Browns are giving up the second most points to opposing defenses this season, having turned the ball over 16 times in their first six games. Tennessee may not have the sexiest defense, but they do have enough to torment whatever quarterback the Browns throw out there in Week 7.
Sit of the Week Defense – Los Angeles Rams vs Arizona Cardinals
Although Arizona gives up many sacks, their offense looked so much better in Week 6, that anyone should be wary starting the Rams defense in Week 7. The Rams defense has been overly reliant on special teams and defensive touchdowns this season. In the four games, they have not scored a touchdown, the Rams have averaged just 4.75 fantasy points per game.
Start of the Week Kicker – Justin Tucker vs Minnesota Vikings
After two big weeks, Justin Tucker is officially back and is a great option to start in Week 7. Tucker gets to kick in a dome this weekend, as the Baltimore Ravens travel to Minnesota. Tucker has never missed a field goal or extra point in his career when kicking in a dome. Make sure you start Tucker this week.
Sit of the Week Kicker – Cody Parkey vs New York Jets
The New York Jets, out of all teams in the NFL, have given up the least points to kickers in fantasy football. The Jets have allowed just four field goals this season, none of which came from the leg of Cody Parkey when these two teams played in Week 3. Leave Parkey out of the starting lineup this week.
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