Four teams will be on a bye in Week 7, which will result in several key fantasy options being on the sidelines. Normal starters that you won’t be able to have in your lineup include Lamar Jackson, Mark Andrews, Adam Thielen and Jonathan Taylor. That could result in some difficult start ‘em/sit ‘em decisions, so let’s try and make that task a little easier by highlighting the outlooks for a couple of players at each position.
Start ’em, Sit ’em – NFL Week 7 Fantasy Football Lineup Picks
Quarterback: Start ‘Em
Joe Burrow, CIN (vs. CLE)
The good news is that Burrow threw for 313 yards against a tough Colts defense last week. The bad news is that he did not record a passing touchdown for the second straight week. Still, he did somewhat salvage his line with a rushing score, which was his second of the season. This is a great matchup for him to be productive through the air with the Browns allowing the sixth-most passing yards per game in the league. When he faced them earlier this season, Burrow threw for 316 yards and three scores.
Quarterback: Sit ‘Em
Jared Goff, LAR (vs. CHI)
Goff was a disappointment in the touchdown department last year, throwing only 22 of them across 16 games. That number looked even worse when you factor in his career-high 16 interceptions. He has been more productive this season, recording at least two touchdown passes in four of six games. However, offense might be hard to come by for the Rams this week with the Bears allowing an average of only 19.3 points per game. They have also allowed a league-low four passing touchdowns all season, meaning Goff could be in line for an underwhelming stat line.
Running Back: Start ‘Em
Justin Jackson, LAC (vs. JAC)
The Chargers’ first game without Austin Ekeler (hamstring) sure looked promising for Jackson’s production moving forward. He was significantly better than Joshua Kelley, finishing with 15 carries for 71 yards and five receptions for 23 yards. Just as encouraging is that he was on the field for 59.2% of the team’s offense snaps compared to 35.2% for Kelley. The Jaguars have allowed the fifth-most rushing yards per game, so the expanded workload for Jackson leaves him with significant upside.
Running Back: Sit ‘Em
Darrell Henderson, LAR (vs. CHI)
It’s difficult to have much confidence in any of the Rams’ running backs. Henderson continues to split carries with Malcolm Brown, which has resulted in him playing no more than 53.3% of the team’s offensive snaps in any game this season. Cam Akers is also now back from injury, which could further complicate matters. Given how well the Bears have performed defensively, the risk might not be worth the potential reward with Henderson.
Wide Receiver: Start ‘Em
Mike Williams, LAC (vs. JAC)
The Jaguars don’t just struggle to slow down the run. They have also been lit up through the air, allowing the seventh-most passing yards per game. They are also tied for the eighth-most passing touchdowns allowed. With Justin Herbert opening up the Chargers’ offense, Williams could be in line for a big week. He was excellent in their last game versus the Saints in Week 5, catching five of eight targets for 109 yards and two touchdowns.
Wide Receiver: Sit ‘Em
Henry Ruggs, LV (vs. TB)
Ruggs is very much a boom-or-bust option. Last week was a boom performance for him against the Chiefs when he finished with 118 yards and a touchdown. However, that came on only two receptions. He hasn’t received more than five targets in a game this season, so target share is definitely a concern. Add in the Bucs allowing the sixth-fewest passing yards per game and Ruggs could be in trouble in this matchup.
Tight End: Start ‘Em
Logan Thomas, WAS (vs. DAL)
Targeting the Cowboys’ defense is usually not a bad idea. They can’t seem to stop anyone, which has resulted in them allowing a league-high 36.3 points per game. Now, it would be a surprise to see the struggling Washington offense approach that total. Still, they could be in line for one of their better offensive performances of the season. They don’t have many viable receiving threats outside of Terry McLaurin, which has helped Thomas garner 36 targets through six games. If you’re looking for someone to start in place of Andrews, Thomas might be your man based on this matchup.
Tight End: Sit ‘Em
Jimmy Graham, CHI (at LAR)
This has the makings of a low-scoring game. The Rams have also been excellent on the defensive side, allowing just 19 points per game. That could be a problem for Graham, who’s main appeal is his touchdown upside. Outside of that, there isn’t a lot to like about his production considering he’s finished with 34 yards or fewer in five of six games.
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