Fantasy football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: 50 players to start or sit in Week 7

Just two teams are on a bye in Week 7 of the NFL season: the Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears. The two teams have plenty of fantasy football stars and starters with the likes of Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, Jake Ferguson, Caleb Williams, D'Andre Swift, DJ Moore, Cole Kmet, and the Chicago Bears D/ST.

There's also tough matchups across the league with a Super Bowl rematch and a battle between two of the top teams in the NFC North. If you're facing some crucial choices for your fantasy football team, we're here to help. Here are 50 players to start or sit in Week 7.

Week 7 Fantasy football start 'em and sit 'em: QBs

START: Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (vs. Baltimore Ravens)

Mayfield leads the NFL with 15 passing touchdowns and has been a must-start on a weekly basis in fantasy football. Baltimore's allowed at least 250 passing yards and two touchdowns to opposing quarterbacks in three of their last four games. Mayfield can take advantage of the Ravens' secondary with one of the best wide receiver tandems in the league.

START: Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons (vs. Seattle Seahawks)

It's unrealistic to expect Cousins to put up 500 yards and four touchdowns every week like he did in Week 5. But he can be trusted in favorable matchups, like this week against Seattle. The Seahawks have allowed 257.7 yards per game and eight passing touchdowns over their last three games. This could be a high-scoring game to Cousins' benefit.

START: Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks (at Atlanta Falcons)

Smith leads the league in passing yards but has thrown exactly one touchdown in every game. He could break out this week, though. Atlanta has allowed multiple passing touchdowns in three of the last four games. They're also a subpar pass rush again with a league-low five sacks and a 14% pressure rate, 31st in the NFL. At the very least, Smith is a great stand-in for a starter facing a tough matchup.

START: Drake Maye, New England Patriots (vs. Jacksonville Jaguars)

Maye threw three touchdowns in his first start against a tough Houston defense. His reward? A matchup in London against the Jaguars, who allow the most points to opposing quarterbacks in fantasy football. They've allowed 14 passing touchdowns through six weeks. Maye could have a great outing in London as a fill-in at quarterback or in SuperFlex leagues.

SIT: Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals (at Cleveland Browns)

Burrow followed his QB2 performance in Week 5 with a down week against the Giants. New York's pass rush had a big impact and Cleveland could pose similar issues. Myles Garrett is one of the top edge rushers in the league and will likely be lining up against rookie tackle Amarius Mims. Burrow's also historically struggled against Cleveland with four touchdowns and four interceptions in his last four matchups against the Browns.

SIT: Jared Goff, Detroit Lions (at Minnesota Vikings)

Goff has been excellent in his last two games with 607 yards and five touchdowns in that span. He isn't a top-15 play this week, though, against a Vikings pass defense that bends but doesn't break. Minnesota's allowing the third-most passing yards per game in the NFL - likely a product of playing with a lead more often thatn not - but have given up just eight total touchdowns to quarterbacks in five games. Detroit may elect to lean on the running game in this one, especially in the red zone.

SIT: Russell Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. New York Jets)

The Jets' defense is dealing with injuries but still ranks second in the league in passing yards allowed per game. The Steelers also have the sixth-highest sack percentage in the league. Neither are great for a 35-year-old quarterback making his first start in nearly a calendar year. Unless you're really in a pinch, this is a quartebrack situation to avoid.

SIT: Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts (vs. Miami Dolphins)

Richardson should make his first appearance on the field since Week 4 but it's against one of the top pass defenses in the league. Miami's allowing just 159.6 passing yards per game, third in the NFL. The Dolphins are 18th in rushing yards allowed per game but Richardson may not have many designed runs in his first game back from injury.

Week 7 Fantasy football start 'em and sit 'em: RBs

START: Austin Ekeler, Washington Commanders (vs. Carolina Panthers)

Carolina ranks 32nd in the NFL in yards (803) and touchdowns (12) allowed to running backs in 2024. Ekeler may be the Commanders' No. 2 back with Brian Robinson Jr. back from a knee injury but he'll still have a lot of value. Last week, both Atlanta Falcons running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier finished in the top six of standard scoring leagues. Ekeler's a great choice even if Robinson Jr. is fully back as the starter.

START: Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. New England Patriots)

With starter Travis Etienne Jr. dealing with a hamstring injury, that moves Bigsby into a lead-back role against a Patriots defense that's struggled against the run lately. That unit's allowed at least one rushing touchdown every week and average 130.3 rushing yards allowed this season. Bigsby should have another good week in London.

START: Antonio Gibson, New England Patriots (vs. Jacksonville Jaguars)

Gibson's in a similar spot to Bigsby. Jacksonville's allowed at least one rushing touchdown in every game this season and are giving up 113 rushing yards per game. They're also allowing the second-most receiving yards to running backs in the league which plays to Gibson's strengths. He's a good play this week regardless of Rhamondre Stevenson's status.

START: Ty Chandler, Minnesota Vikings (vs. Detroit Lions)

Vikings starting running back Aaron Jones is questionable this week. If he can't go, Chandler will likely handle most of the workload. Detroit just lost Aidan Hutchinson for the season and that should benefit opposing running games, especially on the edge. Chandler could easily reach double-digit points if he gets around a dozen touches.

SIT: Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns (vs. Cincinnati Bengals)

Chubb is set to take the field for the first time since Week 2 of last season. Because of that, it's hard to trust him immediately, especially considering the offensive line injuries in Cleveland and Cincinnati's performance last week against the run versus the Giants. The Bengals held New York to 63 yards on 20 carries. This isn't a good matchup for Chubb.

SIT: Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (vs. Baltimore Ravens)

Irving's breakout performance against the Saints precedes a tough test against Baltimore this week. The Ravens are allowing a league-low 59 rushing yards per game in 2024. For context, the NFL average is more than double that at 122.1 yards per game. The Buccaneers will likely lean on the passing game in this one.

SIT: Zack Moss, Cincinnati Bengals (at Cleveland Browns)

Moss' second-half fumble last week effectively ended his night against the Giants. Chase Brown took over for the rest of the game. Cincinnati may give Moss another chance but he'll still likely remain behind Brown on the RB hierarchy going forward.

SIT: Jordan Mason and Isaac Guerendo, San Francisco 49ers (vs. Kansas City Chiefs)

Mason may be back in the lineup after last week's injury but it's hard to trust either 49ers running back in this one. Kansas City has allowed just 52.6 rushing yards per game to opposing running backs. Both Mason and Guerendo are low-end flex plays if you're struggling for options this week, especially if San Francisco splits the workload in light of Mason's injury.

Week 7 Fantasy football start 'em and sit 'em: WRs

START: Zay Flowers, Baltimore Ravens (vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Flowers broke the Ravens' record for catches in a half with nine for 132 yards last week. He likely won't repeat that performance again on "Monday Night Football" against the Buccaneers but Tampa Bay's much better against the run than pass. That may force Baltimore to throw more to Flowers' benefit.

START: DeMario Douglas, New England Patriots (vs. Jacksonville Jaguars)

Yes, you read that correctly. A New England Patriots wide receiver is a recommended start thanks to rookie Drake Maye being under center this week. Douglas had six catches for a season-high 92 yards and a touchdown last week. The Jaguars' defense is allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season.

START: Jordan Addison, Minnesota Vikings (vs. Detroit Lions)

One of the best games of the week pits undefeated Minnesota off a bye against the surging Detroit Lions. Addison could play a significant role in this one with tight end T.J. Hockenson unlikely to be back in the lineup. Detroit's allowing the fourth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers this season.

START: Ladd McConkey, Los Angeles Chargers (at Arizona Cardinals)

After facing a top pass defense against Denver, McConkey and the Chargers get a break this week against Arizona. The Cardinals are giving up the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers in the NFL. McConkey could take advantage.

START: Diontae Johnson, Carolina Panthers (at Washington Commanders)

Johnson led the Panthers with 10 targets last week and converted that to six catches, 78 yards, and a touchdown. Washington's allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season. Johnson should benefit as the Panthers will likely play catch-up for most of the game.

SIT: Michael Wilson, Arizona Cardinals (vs. Los Angeles Chargers)

Wilson scored his second touchdown of the season last week against Green Bay but will probably have a tougher time on Monday night. Los Angeles is sixth in the NFL in fewest fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers. Marvin Harrison Jr. will play which could help take some attention but Wilson likely won't replicate his performance from last week.

SIT: Allen Lazard, New York Jets (at Pittsburgh Steelers)

The Jets' trade for Davante Adams affects the receiving hierarchy in New York and Lazard will likely see the biggest change. Almost half of his yards last week came on a Hail Mary to close the first half. Adams will likely play this week and the Steelers' defense is allowing the 10th-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers in the NFL. That makes him a tough start this week.

SIT: Calvin Ridley, Tennessee Titans (at Buffalo Bills)

Ridley had zero catches on eight targets last week, albeit most of those targets were under-thrown. Tennessee's pass offense is one of the worst in the league and face a stingy pass defense in Buffalo. The Bills are allowing the eighth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers in 2024, making Ridley a bad choice this week.

SIT: Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis Colts (vs. Miami Dolphins)

Pittman Jr. surprisingly played last week after a reported back injury and tallied five catches for 35 yards and a touchdown. But the Dolphins' pass defense could stifle him this weekend. They rank third in the NFL in fantasy points to wide receivers allowed this season. Wide receivers who have had the most success against Miami are faster players that don't fit Pittman Jr.'s profile.

Week 7 Fantasy football start 'em and sit 'em: TEs

START: Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans (at Green Bay Packers)

With Houston missing top wideout Nico Collins, Schultz saw more usage last week. He finished second in targets behind Tank Dell. This week, he faces a Packers defense allowing the fifth-most yards to tight ends and tied for the most receptions. That makes him an especially good play in PPR leagues.

START: Hunter Henry, New England Patriots (vs. Jacksonville Jaguars)

Maye's debut was a boost to the Patriots' pass offense, Henry included. He had five targets last week - second most on the team - and converted that to three catches for 41 yards and a touchdown. With a bad offensive line, Maye could lean on Henry against the worst pass defense in the league that just got torched by Cole Kmet last week.

START: Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders (at Los Angeles Rams)

Davante Adams is out and Jakobi Meyers is doubtful to play. That makes Bowers the top threat in the passing game for the Raiders. Los Angeles is allowing the second-most fantasy points per game to tight ends in the NFL this season. Bowers is averaging 11 catches and 84 yards since Adams exited the lineup. He could be a top tight end on Sunday.

START: Jonnu Smith, Miami Dolphins (at Indianapolis Colts)

Smith could be a great start in a pinch this week. He had a season-high eight targets against the Patriots last time out in Week 5. He converted that to five catches for 62 yards. This week, he faces a Colts defense giving up the fourth-most points to opposing tight ends this season.

SIT: Grant Calcaterra, Philadelphia Eagles (vs. New York Giants)

Eagles' starting tight end Dallas Goedert will be out for this one so many fantasy football managers may turn to Calcaterra as a fill in. But he's facing a Giants team allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends. With a fully healthy wide receiver corps and a solid pass-catching back in Saquon Barkley, Calcaterra's far down the list of options in the passing game for Philadelphia.

SIT: Tucker Kraft, Green Bay Packers (vs. Houston Texans)

Kraft's was one of the top tight ends in the league in Weeks 4 and 5. But with Christian Watson back in the lineup, his production dropped off to just five touches for 15 total yards. Houston's one of the toughest defenses against tight ends this season. Kraft will likely struggle again this week.

SIT: Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo Bills (vs. Tennessee Titans)

Kincaid's been a reliable tight end this season, ranking top-15 in PPR leagues in four of the last five weeks. But he faces the best defense against tight ends in fantasy football this week. The Titans have allowed just 24 yards per game to tight ends this season and have yet to allow a touchdown to the position.

SIT: Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. New York Jets)

Freiermuth's been a top-10 tight end in all formats this season but may be a tough start this week. Wilson is the new starter in Pittsburgh but he's an unknown for fantasy owners this week. That makes it hard to trust any of the Steelers pass-catchers, especially Freiermuth facing a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to tight ends in the NFL.

Week 7 Fantasy football start 'em and sit 'em: Ks

START: Chase McLaughlin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (vs. Baltimore Ravens)

McLaughlin is averaging more than 10 points per game this season and could have another strong week against Baltimore. The Ravens gave up four field goal attempts to Washington last week. McLaughlin should have a few attempts in this one unless Tampa Bay falls behind early. He can be trusted as a top-10 kicker.

START: Joshua Karty, Los Angeles Rams (vs. Las Vegas Raiders)

Karty may not be a household name, but the rookie is coming off a bye week and getting a favorable matchup against a Raiders team that allows 2.8 field goal attempts per game, tied for the second-most in the NFL. The Rams' offense should get reinforcements on offense this week and may put up more points against Las Vegas.

START: Jason Myers, Seattle Seahawks (at Atlanta Falcons)

Myers could be a great start this week against a Falcons team giving up the second-most fantasy points to opposing kickers this season. Myers will be kicking indoors in this one and opposing kickers have made all 17 field goal attempts against the Falcons this year. This one could be a shootout and may benefit Myers.

SIT: Greg Joseph, New York Giants (vs. Philadelphia Eagles)

Philadelphia leads the league in field goal attempts per game allowed this season with three. But Joseph missed two field goals inside 50 yards last week against Cincinnati and that could rattle his confidence. It'd be smart to avoid him for this week at least.

SIT: Jake Bates, Detroit Lions (at Minnesota Vikings)

Bates had a career day against Dallas last week by making all nine of his kicks: four field goals and five extra points. Detroit's offense is churning out points over the last two games but Bates may have a tough day this week. Minnesota is allowing just 1.3 field goals per game this season. Bates had a stretch in Weeks 3 and 4 with zero field goals. Detroit may be more aggressive in the red zone in this one, leaving Bates with fewer chances for field goals.

SIT: Jake Elliott, Philadelphia Eagles (at New York Giants)

It's surprising but New York has a top-10 scoring defense this season and have played well against the run. That could play to the Eagles' strengths with wideouts A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith in the passing game but at Elliott's expense. It may be a lower-scoring affair and Elliott - who is just 6 of 8 on field goals this season - doesn't inspire tons of confidence.

Week 7 Fantasy football start 'em and sit 'em: D/STs

START: Buffalo Bills (vs. Tennessee Titans)

Tennessee is the most fantasy-friendly offense to opposing D/STs. They've allowed 12.2 points per game in standard scoring leagues this season. Buffalo could use a strong day on defense and it's hard to pick a better opponent for that than Tennessee.

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START: Cincinnati Bengals (at Cleveland Browns)

Cincinnati's defense hasn't been good by fantasy points or real-world stats. But this week they're playing a Browns team that just traded away their best receiver and lead the league in sacks allowed (31) by a big margin. They could have their best game in a while this week.

START: Los Angeles Chargers (at Arizona Cardinals)

Los Angeles' first prime-time game of the season comes against a Cardinals team that just committed a season-high three turnovers last week. Even on the road, the Chargers could take advantage with one of the top pass defenses in the league.

START: New England Patriots (vs. Jacksonville Jaguars)

New England hasn't had a strong season on defense but could have a good game this week. The Jaguars are dealing with backfield injuries and allowed four sacks and two turnovers against the Bears last week. The Patriots' D/ST isn't on Chicago's level but could still put up some points.

START: Los Angeles Rams (vs. Las Vegas Raiders)

The Rams are one of the worst D/STs in fantasy football in 2024. This week could be their best matchup of the season. Las Vegas is giving up the third-most points to opposing D/STs in the NFL. Opposing defenses are averaging two turnovers and three sacks per game. The Raiders just traded Davante Adams away and could be without Meyers.

SIT: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (vs. Baltimore Ravens)

Tampa Bay's D/ST had a fantastic showing in Week 6 with five sacks, three turnovers, and a touchdown. It'd be shocking if they replicated that this week. Baltimore is the toughest team for opposing D/STs in the league, allowing fewer than two points per game.

SIT: Minnesota Vikings (vs. Detroit Lions)

The Vikings are the top D/ST in the league and outscoring any unit from the past five season. Week 7 is a rare time to sit this unit. Detroit is allowing the third-fewest points to D/STs this season. The Lions are the toughest offense Minnesota's faced all year.

SIT: Seattle Seahawks (at Atlanta Falcons)

Seattle's D/ST struggled against San Francisco with no turnovers or sacks. Atlanta will likely be another tough outing for the Seahawks. The Falcons' offense played a near-perfect game against Carolina last week and are giving up the fifth-fewest points to opposing D/STs in the NFL this seaosn.

SIT: Houston Texans (at Green Bay Packers)

Despite playing like a good defense by most metrics, Houston hasn't been a very good fantasy football D/ST in 2024. Almost three-quarters of their points came in two games: Week 2 versus Chicago and at New England last week. Green Bay's allowed just three sacks and four turnovers in the last three weeks, making it hard for opposing D/STs to put up points.

SIT: Cleveland Browns (vs. Cincinnati Bengals)

Cleveland's D/ST is playing well despite but face one of the top offenses on their schedule this week. Cincinnati has allowed just seven sacks and three turnovers in the last three weeks. The Browns' defense is talented on paper but conditions are not good this week for them to put up fantasy points.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fantasy football Week 7: 50 NFL players to start or sit