Did anyone see what the Saints running game did to the Detroit Lions last week? Trading Adrian Peterson seemed to have unleashed the pair of Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara and I don’t see any sign of them stopping.
This weeks list features a few guys who may be second on the depth chart, but are destined to go off in week 7. While these second tier guys may be on the path to go off, some starters should be aptly kept on the bench.
Without further ado:
Start Em/Sit Em Week 7
Start ‘Em
Alvin Kamara/Mark Ingram, RB
Typically, the top two running backs on an NFL team are not both on a start/sit list. However, the New Orleans Saints’ backfield has become a major fantasy backfield. The expectations were for both of these players to have an increase with Adrian Peterson gone but these players are coming off an insane fantasy week. There should be no reason these guys should stay on the bench against a Packers defense that has been average and is now missing their superstar offensive weapon. Both of these running backs should have RB2 values with Ingram having an RB1 ceiling.
Vikings D/ST
The Vikings have a good opportunity to be a defense that scores double-digit points this week. The Ravens offense has had an opposing defense score over 10 points three times already this season. It also helps that the last four weeks the Vikings D/ST has scored 9 points twice, 8 points, and 15 from a huge game last week against the Packers. Joe Flacco also has eight interceptions on the season, tied for second behind rookie DeShone Kizer.
Devin Funchess, WR
I would have put Kelvin Benjamin in this spot, but he has been battling a knee injury and did not practice Wednesday. If Benjamin is out, or maybe even out there as a decoy, Funchess should have a good fantasy week. Funchess matched Kelvin Benjamin’s snap count against the Eagles last week and should see the same amount of game action. If Benjamin is out there, Funchess will most likely line up on 5’11’ corner Kendall Fuller. I’ll take the 6’4’ man in this matchup.
Cooper Kupp, WR
Kupp has only had two fantasy relevant weeks but sees good outlook in week 7. If Patrick Peterson is covering number one receiver Sammy Watkins, Kupp could see a huge bump in his weekly numbers running the Cardinals safeties and linebackers crazy.
Matt Ryan, QB
Matty Ice has been average this year and a Super Bowl rematch could spell trouble for the dirty birds. But this game is a lot different from the beginning of the year. The Patriots defense has been one of if not the worst in the league this year. I know I mentioned Ryan had struggled but the Patriots have had every quarterback they play score over 20 points except for one, Jameis Winston (18.5). Look for the Falcons to pull out the win in the rematch.
Sit ‘Em
Jameis Winston, QB
This is not a good two weeks for Jameis Winston. An embarrassing loss to the Cardinals could be followed up by a shutout in Buffalo. The Bills’ defense has been one of the best against opposing quarterbacks with the highest amount of points going against them being from Andy Dalton in week 5. Winston is also facing an injury this week so he could be inactive this game. But if he does play, leave him on the bench anyway.
Eli Manning, QB
Oh, don’t be shocked to see Eli here. He managed to beat the Broncos but I think this season has taught us that anything can happen at any time in the NFL. Even so, this matchup against the Seahawks will prove to be too much for the younger Manning brother. If for some reason Manning is still on your team, consider the Bronco’s game a miracle and put him back on waivers.
Joe Mixon, RB
The Bengals fan in me hates to put this here. Especially it being against the Steelers. But I cannot deny the improvement the Steelers have made. They have been a top-five fantasy defense and one of the best defenses in total yards this season. As much as I hope to be wrong, Mixon should remain on the bench.
Alshon Jeffery, WR
In week one, Jeffrey only scored 8.8 points against the Redskins. There’s not really much else that you should need to bench this guy. His ceiling appears to be about 10-11 points and you could have much more potential and more of a fun time throwing in a sleeper like Devin Funchess.
T.Y Hilton, WR
Hilton is going up against the best cornerback duo in the NFL. A.J Bouye and Jalen Ramsey have been monsters so far this season and a big reason the Jaguars can say they have the best total defense. Even if there is a return of Andrew Luck (which we know is not happening this week), there’s no reason to start Hilton. He only has more than 4 receptions and 60 yards in two of his games this season.