NFL Fantasy Football Week 7: Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em

This one feels fairly obvious, but Drake Maye should be an every-week starter in fantasy leagues. He ranks fifth among fantasy quarterbacks in points scored and averages 21.1 fantasy points per game.

Maye is facing off with the 1-5 Tennessee Titans on Sunday. The Patriots are on a hot streak, and Maye has played beyond expectations. If you don’t have Baker Mayfield, Josh Allen, or Dak Prescott, Drake Maye should be your weekly starter.

Sit: Jaxson Dart, New York Giants, QB

This is in no way a reflection of Jaxson Dart’s talent as a rising QB. Sitting him is more about his matchup and supporting cast. The Denver Broncos’ defense is arguably the best in the league. With 30 sacks on the season, they’ll expose any offensive line.

Denver also excels in the secondary, effectively taking away any deep threats. The Giants are sorely missing their best receiver, Malik Nabers, so deep passes are already difficult. Dart will be heavily limited in this matchup.

Start: Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Washington Commanders, RB

Jacory “Bill” Croskey-Merritt was given the reins to Washington’s backfield following the trade of Brian Robinson Jr. Similar to the Commanders as a whole, his play has been a bit up and down.

This week should see a strong performance for Croskey-Merritt as the Commanders face off with the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys’ defense ranks 29th in rushing yards allowed per game, which should yield great results for fantasy managers.

Sit: Tony Pollard, Tennessee Titans, RB

Tony Pollard’s role in the Titans’ offense may be shrinking with the return of Tyjae Spears. Spears played 59% of snaps in Week 6, and the Titans rely on him more as a receiving back.

The Titans will turn to the pass game if they’re behind, and that’s exactly what will happen. It’s best to keep the 28-year-old rusher on the bench this week.

Start: Rashee Rice, Kansas City Chiefs, WR

This should be a no-brainer if you’ve had Rashee Rice stashed since your draft. The Chiefs are heating up with Xavier Worthy healthy, and Rice will only add fuel to that fire.

Kansas City is facing the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. While division games are always weird, Vegas has allowed the fifth most fantasy PPG to receivers this year. Now is the time to show your leaguemates why you stashed Rice.

Sit: Jauan Jennings, San Francisco 49ers, WR

Jauan Jennings said he is currently dealing with broken ribs, a sprained ankle, and an injured shoulder. George Kittle is likely to return this week, taking some pressure and targets from a banged-up Jennings.

The 49ers’ offense hasn’t been bad by any means, but it’s not overly impressive. The Atlanta Falcons’ defense has emerged as one of the league’s best. Whether it’s Mac Jones or Brock Purdy under center, they’ll be facing a ton of pressure.

Start: Darren Waller, Miami Dolphins, TE

The resurgence of Darren Waller has been fun to watch over the last two weeks. He went from retired to becoming one of Tua Tagovailoa’s favorite targets.

Waller has four touchdowns in all three games he’s played, and he’s going up against the Cleveland Browns. Cleveland’s defense has allowed four tight-end touchdowns this year. Don’t leave Waller on the bench when he makes it five.

Sit: T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings, TE

T.J. Hockenson was projected as a top 10 fantasy tight end ahead of the season, but has quickly fallen. The Vikings’ offense is wildly inconsistent with both J.J. McCarthy and Carson Wentz at QB.

Hockenson has only surpassed 10 fantasy points on one occasion this year. He’s going against an angry Philadelphia Eagles defense that’s allowed the third-fewest fantasy PPG to tight ends. If he’s not already on your bench, go ahead and put him there.

End Of My Fantasy Football Rant

Sometimes it’s hard to tell who’s worth starting, and who should stay on the bench. Fantasy football is tough, and you don’t want to be left kicking yourself because you set the wrong lineup. Follow these starts and sits, and lead your team to success.