Sit Em, Start Em – Week Seven

Sit Em, Start Em – Week Seven

Start Em

Nick Foles – Nick Foles has top ten upside this week against the Cowboys in what should turn into a shoot-out. The Cowboys give up the second most passing yards in the league at 329 yards. Foles has looked so far this season but has not exactly faced stiff competition. Roll with Foles in a bye week pinch or if you have Vick out.

Le’Veon Bell – Le’Veon Bell appears to have a tough match-up on paper based on the Ravens effectiveness against the run thus far this season but closer analysis of the Ravens reveals that they have been gashed in the run game twice so far this year giving up 77 yards to CJ Spiller and 87 to Fred Jackson in the same game and 120 yards to Eddie Lacy last week. The Ravens numbers are belied by the fact that the Broncos did not need to run and due to the ineffectiveness of both the Dolphins run game as a whole as well as Trent Richardson’s disappointing start to the season. Bell looks to have a plus match-up and every-down skills in what looks to a traditional AFC North smash mouth contest.

DeAngelo Williams – DeAngelo Williams has a plus match-up against a horrid Rams run defense this week and with Jonathan Stewart failing to return from the PUP list this week Williams should be a borderline RB1 play. Williams should be started in all formats and is currently our twelfth ranked running back for week seven.

Justin Blackmon – Blackmon has been on an absolute tear since returning from suspension averaging 163 yards and 9.5 receptions per game over two contests. This week against a Chargers defense that gives up 14.7 receptions per game (3rd worst in NFL) and 202 yards per game (4th worst in NFL) to opposing wide receivers I will make sure to have Blackmon in my lineup. Blackmon can run all of the routes and was targeted on 47 percent of Chad Henne’s passes with Cecil Shorts injured; Shorts is expected to miss this weeks tilt against the Chargers with a clavicle injury.

Keenan Allen – Allen has been on a tear lately and has emerged as the number one receiver for Philip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers. The Chargers face a bad Jaguars team this weekend and Allen should have another solid fantasy day. We have Allen ranked as a WR2 this week as his talent is legit and his rapport with Rivers continues to grow week to week.

Julius Thomas – Sit Julius Thomas? Are you mad? Sure the Colts have not given up a touchdown pass to the tight end position this year but anyone actually looking at the match-ups would realize they have not played any good tight ends yet with Vernon Davis missing week threes tilt. Start Julius every week especially in touchdown heavy formats.

Sit Em

Carson Palmer – Something has to change in Arizona as Palmer is getting little to no pass protection and is taking too many risky shots leading to 11 interceptions thus far on the season. Given that he threw only 14 all of last season with inferior weapons there is some cause for concern here. This week the Cardinals face the Seahawks on Thursday Night Football and it should go without saying that Palmer is a recommended sit this week. Hopefully Palmer is only a bye week option for owners anyway and if you are one of them go ahead and pick up Josh Freeman who has an easy first game as a Viking versus a porous Giants secondary.

Maurice Jones-Drew – This recommended action is not an indictment of MJD’s talent or lack thereof but is rather a statement of how poor the Jaguars have been this year. At this point in his career MoJo needs to be playing on a winning team to help keep him consistent in fantasy. We still have him ranked as an RB2 option this week albeit with a very low floor. MJD is averaging just 3 yards a pop and 46.5 yards per game. Sit him this week and evaluate your options next game.

Chris Johnson – I do not have a doubt that he still has talent but much like CJ Spiller he is very big play dependent and the coaching staff has begun to lean on other backs in the red zone further capping his fantasy upside. Johnson, much like Spiller is a candidate for RB1 numbers on any given week. The 49ers run defense is not what it used to be but with the Titans expected to be down early in this one Johnson may not have many opportunities to put up starter worthy fantasy numbers. Johnson is averaging a poor 3.1 yards per carry and 56 yards per game with no rushing touchdowns.

Stevie Johnson – If his own struggles were not enough it appears that Johnson will have to deal with a hampered Thad Lewis or an inept Matt Flynn at quarterback this week giving him a waiver wire floor this week. Robert Woods is quietly becoming the better fantasy play here to begin with and there is no evidence the Bills can support two consistent fantasy receivers with Manuel out. Expect Johnson to play decoy for the more talented Woods if he suits up this week. Sit him in any format where you have a comparable option.

Chris Givens – Givens has been a terrible disappointment this year with defenses keying on him as the Rams number one receiver. He has proved he does not have the consistency or double team beating skills to be a consistent top option and may continue to struggle. We liked Givens as a WR2 candidate after a strong pre-season but now have him ranked as a upside low end WR4 this week. The Panthers have done a decent job against opposing number ones and may continue to the trend this week against the sophomore who is averaging a mere 45.2 yards per game.

Brandon Myers – You may have drafted him as your TE1 this offseason but averaging only 34.7 yards per game we hope even you deep leaguers have found a better option by now. Myers comes in at number 27 this week and is barely a TE2 option. You can stop waiting for a breakout and just drop Myers if need be, he has talent just no opportunity.