There are two teams on bye (Panthers and Cowboys) this week, and plenty of matchups to exploit for the starts and sits article for Week 7. Let's get right to it.
Starts:
QB: Kirk Cousins, Redskins
Every quarterback who has faced the Lions this season has completed at least two touchdown passes per game. Last week, Case Keenum threw for 321 yards and three TDs. Cousins had a three-game stretch of 290 passing yards, or more, to start the season. He'll break the 300-mark this week in Detroit. Another added bonus is that Cousins played his college ball at Michigan State. There might be a "homecoming" factor that works positively in his favor.
Others to start: Andy Dalton (Bengals), Blake Bortles (Jaguars), and Alex Smith (Chiefs)
RB: Tevin Coleman, Falcons
It was a quiet couple of weeks for the Coleman/Freeman tandem. Denver and Seattle can have that affect on their opponents. For Week 7, I'm expecting a big game from both backs. In PPR formats, the Chargers are allowing the second-most points to opposing RBs. Coleman is second on the Falcons with 320 receiving yards. Mark Ingram, Jalen Richard (and DeAndre Washington), and C.J. Anderson all caught at least five passes against the Chargers in the past three games.
Others to start: Jay Ajayi (Dolphins), James White (Patriots), and Ryan Mathews (Eagles)
WR: Cameron Meredith, Bears
Wow, what a start for the young wide receiver filling in for the injured Kevin White. In the past two weeks, Meredith has registered 20 catches on 27 targets for 243 yards and one TD. That's eight more targets than Alshon Jeffery during that span. Meredith is a strong WR3 and potentially a WR2 in 12-team leagues. Without Dez Bryant, Dallas was still able to score three TDs with their wide receivers against Green Bay. Chicago will face the Packers on Thursday night.
Others to start: Tyrell Williams (Chargers), Ty Montgomery (Packers), and Golden Tate (Lions)
TE: Jack Doyle, Colts
Teammate Dwayne Allen left last week's game with an ankle injury. In his absence, Doyle caught four balls for 53 yards and a touchdown. This week, if Allen sits, Doyle becomes a strong TE addition. Greg Olsen and Jason Witten are both on bye, so I know fantasy teams will be looking for a solid replacement for Week 7.
Others to start: Tyler Eifert (Bengals), Antonio Gates (Chargers), and Kyle Rudolph (Vikings)
Sits:
QB: Carson Wentz, Eagles
Philadelphia's rookie quarterback is having a tremendous start to his career. However, he has a tough task for Week 7. Mike Zimmer's defense hasn't allowed more than 16 points in a game this season. The Vikings have done most of their damage off of turnovers. They've scored 26 points from takeaways, which is fifth-most in the NFL. Minnesota has also recorded at least one INT per game.
Others to bench: Carson Palmer (Cardinals), Eli Manning (Giants), and Joe Flacco (Ravens)
RB: Knile Davis, Packers
With Eddie Lacy projected to miss multiple weeks, Davis will become a popular waiver wire claim in all fantasy leagues. However, I would hold off from starting the new Cheesehead this week. Not only was he just signed on Tuesday, but Green Bay plays on Thursday. This week could be a game where Aaron Rodgers throws the whole time and they use Ty Montgomery in the backfield, along with Don Jackson.
Others to bench: T.J. Yeldon (Jaguars), Devontae Booker (Broncos), and Bilal Powell (Jets)
WR: Will Fuller, Texans
Last week, Fuller missed his game with a hamstring injury. With this Monday's game against the Broncos, I'd highly consider benching him even if Fuller says he's ready to go. The Denver defense has allowed the fewest points to opposing wide receivers and only Kelvin Benjamin has scored a TD against them (Week 1).
Others to bench: Tajae Sharpe (Titans), Tavon Austin (Rams), and Sammie Coates (Steelers)
TE: Zach Ertz, Eagles
I was quick to add Ertz to my starting lineups, but now I'm back-peddling. He hasn't received more than three targets in a game since his return and hasn't notched more than 40 receiving yards, either. Minnesota is a stingy defense and they haven't allowed the opposing TE to score this season.
Others to bench: Clive Walford (Raiders), Vance McDonald (49ers), and Jesse James (Steelers)
