Week 7 Fantasy Football Start/Sits: Trust the Match Ups, Not the Names
Week 7 is here, and between injuries, bye weeks, and unexpected breakouts, your fantasy lineup may look more like a pigpen after feeding time. With Buffalo, Jacksonville, the Chargers, and Washington on bye, managers need smart alternatives, not the same old obvious recommendations everyone already knows. (Start Josh Allen and bench Blake Grupe? Gee, thanks!)
Here are three players to start and two to leave in the trough.
Start ‘Em
QB: Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers
Rodgers won’t win any footraces, but fantasy football isn’t judged on the 40-yard dash. He threw for 253 yards and two touchdowns against Tampa Bay in Week 6, and his willingness to throw gives him a respectable fantasy floor. He has thrown 9 TD’s over the last three weeks and has finished as a top 12 QB the last four. New Orleans has allowed 19 fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks over the past month, making this a sneaky spot to roll with the veteran. He’s not flashy, but sometimes the old pig knows where the slop is.
WR: Germie Bernard, Pittsburgh Steelers
Bernard was a suggestion in this space last week (https://pigskinfantasy.com/week-6-fantasy-football-waiver-adds/) and has emerged as a legitimate target after hauling in 11 catches for 87 yards and a touchdown in Week 6. With injuries opening the door for more opportunities, his volume makes him an attractive Week 7 start against New Orleans. The above suggested Aaron Rodgers is going to throw it to someone. Don’t wait until the pig has flown the coop.
TE: Tyler Higbee, Los Angeles Rams
Higbee’s recent numbers haven’t been spectacular, but his playing time and the Raiders matchup offer reason for optimism. With Davante Adams sidelined, the Rams could spread additional targets around. Higbee is a worthwhile streaming option for managers hunting tight-end production.
Sit ‘Em
WR: Xavier Worthy, Kansas City Chiefs
Worthy can make big plays, but Seattle’s #1 pass defense presents a tougher test. With inconsistent production and Rashee Rice potentially reclaiming targets, Worthy carries more risk than reward this week.
TE: Michael Mayer, Las Vegas Raiders
Mayer just posted a career-best receiving performance, but don’t let one big Sunday turn you into a believer overnight. The Rams have been one of the toughest defenses for opposing tight ends, ranking second in the league. And Brock Bowers still commands a major share of the Raiders’ passing-game attention. Unless you’re desperate for a touchdown lottery ticket, leave Mayer on the bench.
Those are our Week 7 Fantasy Football Start/Sits. Wait, one more… bench Blake Grupe!
