NFL Fantasy Week 7: Starts and sits

Week 7 starts tonight, and the fantasy season almost half over. That should be some good news to teams struggling and a warning for players who have been coasting throughout this season. There is still a long way to go, but let this week’s starts and sits help you get through it.

Must start

Leonard Fournette, RB, Jaguars: The Bengals and the Dolphins have each given up 28.8 points per game to opposing running backs in fantasy, according to Fantasy Pros. That is the most in the NFL. A lot of people are suggesting to start Bills’ running backs (which you should), but the fact that Frank Gore and Devin Singletary could limit each other is risky.

What isn’t risky is Fournette against the Bengals. He has been on a tear the past three weeks where he has topped 100 total yards each week. He has also caught at least four passes in all but one game this season, so he even has added value in PPR leagues. Fournette is the must start running back of the week.

Brandin Cooks, WR, Rams: Cooks has had a rough couple of weeks where he has only caught a total of four passes for under 50 yards. This week he is going up against the Falcons, who are the second easiest matchup for wide receivers in fantasy. They allow almost 30 points per game to receivers, and have been one heck of a get right game for opposing wide receivers.

Even Engram, TE, Giants: Engram is on the injury report with a knee injury, but he practiced in full on Wednesday, so just monitor his status just to be sure. Either way, he is facing the Cardinals who give up 17 points per game to opposing tight ends. That is almost six more points than the next team on the list. It doesn’t get better than this.

Josh Allen, QB, Bills: Allen has been solid most of the season, but he hasn’t had that huge fantasy game yet this season. Against the Dolphins, who give up the most points to opposing quarterbacks, Allen should finally have that game. If you are looking for a waiver wire pickup to play at quarterback, Gardner Minshew should be available.

Defenses to stream

• Bills defense against Dolphins
• 49ers defense against Washington
• Cardinals defense against Giants

Just sit them

Sam Darnold, QB, Jets: You may be tempted to chase the points with Darnold following his upset against the Cowboys, but it is best to leave him on the bench or waiver wire this week. The Patriots have only allowed 7.8 points per game to opposing quarterbacks. That just isn’t something you want to try and go against in fantasy when better options are out there.

Le’Veon Bell, RB, Jets: Guess who also gives up the fewest points to opposing running backs in fantasy (the Patriots). Bell hasn’t had a great game this season. His only saving grace has been a few games where he has caught six, seven and ten passes in PPR leagues. Other than that he hasn’t done much this season. There is almost no chance he corrects that against New England who loves to take away a team’s best player each week.

Robby Anderson, WR, Jets: I hate to pile on one team, but Anderson is coming off his best game of the season with Darnold’s return last week. Do not chase the points. The Patriots allow only 14.8 points per game to opposing wide receivers. I get the temptation to play him after picking him up off waivers, but maybe just wait a week.