National Football League

Fantasy Football Starts and Sits for Week 7 in 2014

Published Oct. 16, 2014 2:30 p.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

Fox Sports

Last week’s recap:

There are, roughly, 16 names mentioned in the start portion and 16 players in the sits side of this article. So, there will be hits and misses, both large and small, on a weekly basis.

For Week 6, our best calls to start were: Joe Flacco (five TD passes and 306 yards), Branden Oliver (101 yards and a TD), Fred Jackson (four receptions, 43 total yards, and a TD), DeSean Jackson (115 yards and a TD), and Jason Witten (24 yards and a TD).

We whiffed on Eli Manning, Odell Beckham Jr., and Owen Daniels. However, if you picked up Beckham, you are looking good for the rest of the season. Also, how does Flacco throw for that much yet only complete two passes for 34 yards to Daniels?!

As for the sits, we were correct on 11 out of 16 guys. We suggested benching Percy Harvin, Sammy Watkins, and Stevan Ridley. All were great calls. However, we incorrectly suggested Zach Ertz, James Jones, and Colin Kaepernick. The decision to sit Mike Glennon would’ve been better if the Ravens defense didn’t play prevent defense in the second half. As for Austin Davis, his numbers weren’t bad or great, so he fell into an average area. But, if you started him, Davis did about what you expected, so I considered it a bad call on my part.

Starts:

QB – Tom Brady, NE

To say he’s bouncing back would be an understatement. The first four weeks of the season, Brady didn’t throw for over 250 yards in a game. Also, he was held to only one touchdown pass per game. Then, Brady threw for 292 yards and two TDs against the Bengals. He wasn’t done. When a familiar opponent was on the schedule, Brady torched the Bills for 361 yards and four TDs. He faces another familiar opponent this week. The Jets have allowed 15 passing touchdowns this season (most in NFL) and only have one interception (fewest in NFL).

Other notables: Jake Locker (TEN), Derek Carr (OAK), and Matthew Stafford (DET)

RB – Justin Forsett, BAL

There seems to finally be a frontrunner in the replacement for Ray Rice in Baltimore. After several weeks of debate, I’m buying stock in Forsett. Last week, he finally broke the 100 yard rushing barrier and only needed 14 carries (7.9 yards per attempt). Forsett is also the second-most targeted Raven in the passing game. He gets a favorable matchup against the Falcons this week. Atlanta has allowed 11 rushing touchdowns to opposing RBs this season. Second on the list is the Colts, with seven.

Other notables: Eddie Lacy (GB), Fred Jackson (BUF), and Storm Johnson (JAC)

WR – Andre Holmes, OAK

Holmes has only recorded stats in four games this season, yet he is second in targets (29), receptions (15), yards (269), and tied for the lead with receiving touchdowns (three) on the Raiders. This week, Oakland hosts the Cardinals. In only five games, Arizona has allowed 1,060 receiving yards and seven TDs on 82 receptions to opposing wide receivers, thus far.

Other notables: Percy Harvin (SEA), Jarius Wright (MIN), and Odell Beckham Jr. (NYG)

TE – Larry Donnell, NYG

Even Donnell has probably considered dropping him from his fantasy team after the past two weeks. Don’t do it! Now that Victor Cruz is out, Donnell basically becomes the third receiver in the offense. His targets dwindled when Odell Beckham Jr. became active. Now, Donnell will be featured more in the Giants’ offense.

Other notables: Josh Hill (NO), Coby Fleener (IND), and Jared Cook (STL)

Sits:

QB – Matt Ryan, ATL

This is a dangerous decision that could easily backfire. The Ravens defense has only allowed an average of one passing touchdown per game this season. Andy Dalton, Cam Newton, and Andrew Luck were all held to one touchdown pass. Mike Glennon threw two TDs last week, but it was in garbage time of a 48-17 blowout.

Other notables: Ryan Fitzpatrick (HOU), Alex Smith (KC), and Colin Kaepernick (SF)

RB – Matt Asiata, MIN

No, it’s not just the fact that Jerick McKinnon got the start last week over Asiata. The Bills are one of two teams yet to allow the opposing running back to score a touchdown (Kansas City is the other team). No one has been able to rush for more than 82 yards against Buffalo this season. Matt Forte (82 yards), Lamar Miller (46 yards), and Stevan Ridley (23 yards) have all struggled in the running game. Forte did manage eight receptions for 87 yards in Week 1 and Arian Foster caught seven passes for 55 yards. However, Asiata is not that caliber of RB.

Other notables: Ronnie Hillman (DEN), Frank Gore (SF), and Zac Stacy (STL)

WR – Malcom Floyd, SD

This season, the Chiefs are allowing an average of one TD and 163 receiving yards to the opponent’s entire group of wide receivers. Though Floyd leads the Chargers in receiving yards, he is fourth in catches and targets. He is also third in touchdowns.

Other notables: Michael Crabtree (SF), John Brown (ARI), and Brian Quick (STL)

TE – Owen Daniels, BAL

I expected bigger and better stats last week against a weak Buccaneers defense. This Sunday, Daniels faces the Falcons. No tight end has scored a touchdown against Atlanta yet. Also, only Jimmy Graham (eight receptions for 82 yards) has recorded more than five catches and 55 yards against the Falcons this season.

Other notables: Andrew Quarless (GB), Eric Ebron (DET), and Scott Chandler (BUF)

share

Get more from National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

National Football League