Week 7 Start Sit Advice (Part 1) | MUST-Start Players & Big Names to AVOID (10/22 Fantasy Football Podcast)

Jones is ranked below Woody Marks and Jermondre Stevenson in a three-back one-start scenario.

Four straight games of 20+ fantasy points; Pittsburgh at New Orleans matchup. Saints have allowed quarterback group to score 24+ fantasy points in three of their last four games (including Giants combined last week). Rodgers is in a great spot. Source notes he had eight points in overtime last week, so actual performance was better than fantasy points indicated.

Rodgers ranked 12th by Jamie and the source, 9th by Dave; has reverted to short-area passing with 4.6 and 4.0 yards average. Saints have the second-lowest pressure rate among defenses, which should reduce his concern about getting hit, though the source notes this is not a particularly good matchup overall.

Rodgers is ranked QB 12 by the source, just ahead of Tyler Shuck and several spots ahead of Patrick Mahomes; Jamie also has him around 12th, while Dave ranks him 9th. The source notes Rodgers has reverted to short-area passing (4.6 and 4.0 yards average) but expects improvement this week as the Saints have the second-lowest pressure rate among defenses.

Rodgers ranked as a 10th–12th quarterback option for the week; the source notes he's been extremely productive over the last month and is playing at a level that gets the job done, though not a must-start. He scored eight points in overtime in a recent game and faces a defense that has given up a lot of big games to quarterbacks recently, making him a comfortable pivot option from top-tier quarterbacks like Josh Allen, Trevor Lawrence, or Jaden Daniels.

Limited in practice; source assumes he's okay for Week 7.

Kamara is a Saints running back to avoid against Pittsburgh; has scored three touchdowns (two rushing, one receiving) which has inflated his value; has been limited to 12 total touches or less in each of the last three games; Kendra Miller has 40 total touches over that span; source would like to avoid this situation against Steelers defense.

Kamara is preferred over Tracy in a start-sit comparison, though the source notes it is close, indicating Kamara remains the safer start despite Tracy's recent performance.

Amon-Ra St. Brown (Jamo) was included in a start/sit question asking to pick one among Bernard, Coker, Jamo, or Braylon Allen for PPR scoring, but no explicit preference was stated in the transcript excerpt provided.

Practiced in full this week, putting him in play for Week 7 after limited participation previously.

Allen is the start of the week for the Jets against Miami; Dolphins rank third worst in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs; Allen has scored 12.4 points or more in each of his last two games and should have another strong performance. Monitor Breece Hall's practice status as Hall's return could affect Allen's role, though the source expects Allen to retain significant touches (30-40%) even if Hall plays.

Jamie loves Braylon Allen in the Miami at Jets matchup. Source indicates he's a preferred start this week.

Braylon Allen was included in a start/sit question asking to pick one among Bernard, Coker, Jamo, or Braylon Allen for PPR scoring, but no explicit preference was stated in the transcript excerpt provided.

Missed practice this week, raising availability concerns for Week 7.

Limited with hamstring and calf issues; source views limited participation as a positive sign for his availability.

Despite a poor fantasy half without Mike Evans, Purdy is still preferred over Mahomes; the source starts him over Mahomes this week.

Stroud is a must-start quarterback against the Giants, who are missing their starting cornerback and best safety; the Giants have allowed only one QB to throw for more than 200 yards this season, but this is partly due to game script (up 30 at halftime, running clock out).

Source likes CJ Stroud quite a bit for Week 7; performing well despite crowded receiving corps with Tank Dell, Nico Collins, Dalton Schultz, and Jalen Knoll all competing for targets.

CJ Stroud is ranked as a top-8 quarterback by the source panel, ahead of Dak Prescott; rankings vary slightly (Dave has him 3rd, Jamie has him in top 8, Heath has him in top 8), reflecting strong conviction on his performance this week.

Could be on his way back this week for the Dolphins after missing time.

Could be on his way back this week for the Dolphins; source notes the team hasn't had all three top receivers (Douglas, Rasheed Rice, and another) on the field at the same time yet.

Ranked about 15th among running backs; facing Baltimore's pretty good run defense post-bye. The source notes you still start him by default with hope for a productive game coming off the bye, though the Ravens run defense has shown hit-or-miss results. Involvement in the passing game is key for Brown's fantasy value.

Source still starting him in Cincinnati at Baltimore despite Ravens' run defense variability; coming off bye week with hope for productive game; Ravens run defense has shown hit-or-miss results against opposing backs.

Chase Brown must be started despite a poor matchup against Baltimore (sixth best against RBs, 3.8 yards per carry allowed); however, workload is a concern due to Samajé Pirine getting significant work (Miami game) and historical timeshare patterns from last year when P. Ryan was healthy (60-40 split favoring Brown, 58% snaps vs. 42%). Offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher's play-calling favors Pirine on shotgun runs and Brown on under-center runs, adding uncertainty.

Brown is one of three running backs in a start-two scenario with Ashton Gentry and Woody Marks; the source sits Marks, implying Brown is a preferred start.

Olave is one of only two players the source is comfortably starting in the Saints-Steelers game, indicating strong confidence in his role and production despite the overall weakness of the matchup.

Practiced in full; source recommends considering him as a pickup for Week 7.

Limited in practice; source assumes he's fine for Week 7.

Limited in practice but source assumes he's fine for Week 7.

Kmet is preferred over Laporta in a tight end start-sit comparison.

Loveland is a player to avoid against the Patriots; Patriots have been incredible against tight ends except for Brock Bowers, who scored 91% of his fantasy points not playing as an in-line tight end; Loveland is about 50-50 in that regard; Patriots have destroyed in-line tight ends; source is not excited about Bears pass game and doesn't want to start Loveland.

In a start/sit comparison, one panelist preferred Colson Loveland over Jawan Johnson, indicating Loveland is a preferred tight end option for the week.

Missed practice; source notes this may not be just a routine Wednesday absence and warrants monitoring, though he's assumed to play.

Had 6 targets last week if he plays; competing for targets in crowded Texans offense alongside Nico Collins, Tank Dell, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Jalen Knoll; role and target share uncertain heading into Week 7.

Missed practice this week, raising availability concerns for Week 7.

Missed practice; status uncertain heading into Week 7.

Limited in practice; source assumes he's okay for Week 7.

Metcalf is one of two Steelers wide receivers the source loves against New Orleans; last game both Metcalf and Jeremy Bernard were north of 11 targets each; while the source doesn't expect that target volume to continue to the same degree, Saints secondary is weak and has allowed multiple receivers to score 13.4+ PPR points in the same game once already this season, supporting another strong performance.

Metcalf is a must-start alongside Bernard; has scored 12+ PPR points in three of his last four games, demonstrating consistent production. Still preferred over Bernard but the gap is narrowing.

Todd Monken is optimistic about Dylan Sampson playing this week, signaling likely availability for Week 7.

Wilson has been a flex option for the source in recent weeks with Charbonnet on IR, but faces potential phase-out as Jadarian Price trends toward returning in week eight; when Seattle is fully healthy, Wilson likely won't see the field.

Henry has not had more than five targets in a game this year, similar to Freiermuth's limited target volume, raising concerns about his consistency and ceiling.

Likely is a must-start tight end against the Bengals, who are so bad against tight ends; the source views the Ravens' decision to pay Mark Andrews over Likely as a bigger mistake than Seattle letting Ken Walker walk.

Not capable of replicating Trevor Lawrence's Week 6 performance against Texans defense; source credits Lawrence's success to excellent play and throws rather than defensive breakdowns, suggesting McCarthy will struggle against Texans' strong run defense and secondary.

Dobbins is ranked below Woody Marks in a direct start-sit comparison, indicating lower preference for Week 7.

Tracy is ranked below Kamara in a direct start-sit comparison, indicating lower preference for Week 7.

Chase is a top-five quarterback play (Joe Burrow), and Jamar Chase is a must-start wide receiver against Baltimore.

In a start/sit comparison in PPR, panelists preferred Jeremy Bernard over Jamison Williams, indicating Williams is not the preferred start option for the week.

In a start/sit comparison, panelists preferred Jared Goff over Tyler Shuck, indicating Goff is the preferred quarterback option for the week.

Warren is rated as a must-start running back and borderline top-12 option for Week 7, reflecting strong conviction on his performance.

Warren is one of only two players the source is comfortably starting in the Saints-Steelers game, indicating strong confidence in his role and production despite the overall weakness of the matchup.

Warren and Saquon Barkley are identified as the only two guys the source is comfortably putting in their start lineup, indicating both are must-start caliber for the week.

Warren is not a confident start in the Saints-Steelers game; the source expresses lack of confidence in Steelers receivers and running backs outside of Jalen Warren and Chris Olave.

Missed practice this week, raising availability concerns for Week 7.

Designated to return from IR, giving him 21 days to be activated; signals potential return to action in the coming weeks.

Expected to play in Week 7 after injury concerns.

Limited in practice but says he'll play in Week 7.

Practiced in full this week, clearing the way for his availability in Week 7.

Did not practice this week; team has bye next week, so limited opportunity to return before extended break.

The source expresses lack of confidence in Jawan Johnson as a starter or borderline starter, grouping him with other Steelers receivers and Shuck as players the source is not confident about for the week.

Allen is a player to avoid at Minnesota; source hates this situation; Vikings pass defense is incredible; Allen's entire game is based on receiving volume, but the Colts may not stay on the field enough to generate the volume he needs; currently ranked as WR37; has no upside in this game and floor is not very high; if forced to start as a number three receiver, it's not the end of the world but not ideal.

Missed practice but source expects him to be fine for Week 7.

Miller is a Saints running back to avoid against Pittsburgh; has 40 total touches over the last three games but has scored nine PPR points or less; source finds it tough to figure out which Saints running back is the better play and would like to avoid this situation entirely against the Steelers defense.

Cousins is a top-12 quarterback who the source ranks higher than consensus; leads NFL in passing touchdowns with 14; averaging 260 pass yards per game (including Week 1 with only 170 yards in easy win vs. Dolphins); has produced well against several good defenses; source would start him over Caleb Williams and Tyler Shuck despite Rams being a very good defense.

Murray is a player the source loves this week; last game featured 51 rushing yards with potential for more consistent rushing production (teens in first two games); this is the first game with full complement of healthy weapons (Jordan Addison, Justin Jefferson, TJ Hawkinson all available); Colts have struggled against rushing quarterbacks (Lamar Jackson and Marcus Mariota both ran for 35 yards in Week 1), creating favorable matchup conditions.

Bernard has 21 targets in two games since Roman Wilson's finger injury, making him a must-start alongside Metcalf. The source indicates both are getting the job done consistently.

In a head-to-head start/sit comparison, one panelist preferred Kyler Murray over Aaron Rodgers for the week.

Limited in practice and apparently limping; source assumes he will not play in Week 7 given the injury status and the fact that Cincinnati opened as a one-point favorite over Baltimore (down from Baltimore being a 3.5-point favorite), suggesting the market is pricing in Jackson's absence.

Moved down a couple spots in rankings following JJ McCarthy's start for the Giants; source notes he was probably too high to begin with, though McCarthy's performance against the Saints and the Giants' design of their offense around read options and run game (similar to Jackson Dart's system) may help Nabors.

Nabers is a must-start wide receiver for the Giants against Houston.

Andrews is a sit despite Baltimore's poor defense against tight ends (no receiving TDs allowed yet); the source questions if Andrews is even capable anymore and notes this is National Tight Ends Day. The Ravens' decision to pay Andrews over Isaiah Likely is viewed as a bigger travesty than Seattle letting Ken Walker walk for Rashid Shahid.

Only ran 26% of routes in recent game; source is hopeful he gets more involved in Week 7 against Texans; positioned as a player to target despite crowded Cardinals receiving corps with Tank Dell, Nico Collins, and Dalton Schultz all competing for targets.

The source recommends stashing Harrison despite not starting him this week, citing that he has the highest ceiling among Houston's returning receivers (ahead of Jalen Knoll and Tank Dell) and warrants bench roster spots for upside.

Limited in practice; source assumes he's fine for Week 7.

Limited in practice but source assumes he's fine for Week 7.

In a start/sit comparison in PPR, a panelist preferred Jawan Johnson over Michael Mayer, indicating Mayer is not the preferred tight end option for the week.

Wilson is a player to avoid against Denver; has gotten worse since Marvin Harrison left; Sertan was reported to be more likely for Week 8 return; Broncos defense is still really good and will be rested after playing last Thursday; source expects Wilson to struggle once again; must-start in three-receiver leagues but otherwise avoidable.

Not expected to play in Week 7.

Collins is a must-start wide receiver for Houston against the Giants; Travis Hunter shadowed him last week and did a very good job, but Collins remains a top target.

Collins remains the alpha receiver in Houston's offense, though the source questions whether he will maintain dominant alpha status as Marvin Harrison and Tank Dell return from injury and increase their involvement in the offense.

Still a stud and the alpha receiver in Texans offense, but role clarity uncertain with Tank Dell now added to the mix and Dalton Schultz (6 targets last week) also competing; question remains whether Collins will remain the dominant alpha or see reduced target share.

Averaging more yards per carry than Jameer Gibbs this year. Source says you've got to start him, indicating strong starter status despite the comparison.

Freiermuth ranked 8th by Heath, 13th/11th/11th by Jamie, and 22nd by Dave; low-end starter. Saints allow the sixth-most fantasy points to tight ends, which may support his appeal. However, he's had more than five targets only once this year, raising concerns about volume despite the favorable matchup.

Friermuth hasn't been getting a lot of targets recently; he scored 10–11 PPR points in two of his last three games. He was on the injury report last week, and the source expects hyper-targeted games for the other two tight ends (likely referring to Jawan Johnson and another option). The source hopes for a more equal distribution of targets going forward but does not consider him a slam dunk start.

Mahomes is a player to avoid at Seattle Sunday night; Rashee Rice did not practice on Wednesday; Kenneth Walker will get a lot of work; Mahomes doesn't have a high ceiling in this game; Seattle pass defense has been very good, with only two quarterbacks scoring over 20 fantasy points against them (Brock Purdy and Marcus Mariota); source doesn't think Mahomes will have a big game.

The source does not want to start Mahomes this week; in multiple start-sit comparisons, Mahomes is benched in favor of Geno Smith, Jacoby Brissett, Kyler Murray, and Brock Purdy, indicating a poor matchup or performance outlook.

Todd Monken is optimistic about Quinshawn Judkins playing this week, signaling likely availability for Week 7.

Missed practice; status uncertain heading into Week 7.

One of the Dolphins' top three receivers; hasn't been on the field at the same time as the other top receivers (Caleb Douglas and another) yet this season.

Limited in practice; source characterizes this as good news for his availability.

The source is not great on Bateman; secondary pieces in the Ravens passing game are not safe or fun to start until Lamar Jackson returns.

Johnson is a high-end flex play, borderline RB2 in Heath's projections; comparable to Ramondre Stevenson and Josh Jacobs; expected to receive 10-15 touches in Bears run offense; has 40% snap share, playing every other drive, similar role to Kyle Monongai; had a fantastic game last week and five catches the game before; matchup against Patriots run defense favors Chicago's run game.

Seeking contract extension; off-field situation may affect focus or role.

Pirine is viewed as a fine flex but not a good flex; the source is more confident in Roshon Johnson's role consistency and would rather speculate on Pirine than Johnson only because Kyle Menonga is expected to return soon for the Bears. Pirine is closer to Emmanuel Wilson in rankings and likely needs a touchdown to matter in fantasy.

Barkley is expected to play in Week 7, clearing him for lineup consideration.

Barkley and Jalen Warren are identified as the only two guys the source is comfortably putting in their start lineup, indicating both are must-start caliber for the week.

Practiced in full this week, clearing the way for his availability in Week 7.

Now added to Texans receiving mix; unclear whether he will get just a few shots or become a regular part of the offense; competing with Nico Collins, Marvin Harrison Jr., Dalton Schultz, and Jalen Knoll for targets.

Tank Dell is returning from IR and had huge success before injury, but the source expects him to have a limited role in his first game back, making him difficult to play despite recent stashing; owners may regret dropping him but cannot realistically start him immediately.

Higgins is a must-start despite coming into the Miami game with an adductor injury and posting only four targets in a terrible game; the source hopes he wasn't healthy last game and views him similarly to Jake Ferguson and Mark Andrews at this point.

The source expresses lack of confidence in Steelers receivers, grouping Higgins with Jawan Johnson, Rodgers, and Shuck as players the source is not confident about for the week.

Played through an ankle injury sustained in the first quarter against the Chargers last week; will be on injury report and was limited in practice, but source expects him to play in Week 7.

Source would start him in Kansas City at Seattle matchup if he's a full go; however, expresses disappointment in his recent performance. Seahawks rank third-worst against tight ends, but recent tight end performances against them have been underwhelming: Trey McBride had 8 catches for 41 yards and a TD on 10 targets; George Kittle had 5 for 24 on 6 targets. Source still ranks Kelce top 12 for the week.

Kelce is still preferred over Freiermuth in a head-to-head comparison, though the gap is narrowing; Freiermuth is getting closer to Kelce's tier.

In a start/sit comparison, panelists preferred Travis Kelce over Pat Friermuth, noting that while the matchup is close, Kelce is still the preferred tight end option for the week.

Tucker is not recommended as a start despite recent 80-yard performance; the source notes a pattern where Tucker follows 80-yard games with poor performances, with only one exception when he caught a touchdown. The Rams have allowed more than 50 yards to one wide receiver, but this does not overcome Tucker's historical regression pattern.

Missed last week's game and did not practice on Wednesday; status uncertain for Week 7.

Tracy just had his best game with two touchdowns and is being stashed in multiple leagues; the source would start Tracy over Skadaboo and leans more on Tracy if banking on hope. ESPN's Dan Graziano reported the Giants are either looking to acquire a running back or give Tracy a bigger workload, creating ambiguity but upside potential.

Touchdown odds are below 10% in Week 7 matchup against Texans due to low implied point total and unclear lead-back role; would need to be named the lead guy to crack top 35 rankings, currently outside top 40.

High-end RB2 per Sportsline; facing Houston (Giants at Houston matchup). George Orton on practice squad injured reserve means Daria Gumbawale will backup, potentially cutting into Marks' passing game work slightly, but he might have 20 carries. Giants have allowed 12.5+ PPR fantasy points to a running back in every game, including against Ja'Cory Krosky-Meritt, Tyler Algier, and Alvin Kamara. Marks had four games last year with 16-19 carries and single-digit PPR points, but this is a better offense in a great matchup. Start him.

Marks is an RB2 and must-start running back for Houston against the Giants; discussed at the top of the show as a key play.

Source expresses excitement about Woody Marks in Week 7 matchup, positioning him as a player to target despite concerns about Giants running back situation and Texans' strong run defense.

Marks is preferred over J.K. Dobbins in a start-sit comparison, and is the recommended start when choosing between Chase Brown, Ashton Gentry, and Marks (sit Marks implies he's the third choice, but he's favored over Dobbins); ranking assumes David Montgomery does not play.

Worthy was good last week and is featured in multiple start-sit comparisons; the source has him in some lineups and prefers him over Pop Douglas and Doons Day, though Keenan Allen and Boston are preferred in other matchups.

Charbonnet is a player to avoid Sunday night against Kansas City; coming back from ACL injury, likely earlier than expected; may eventually be the lead running back but will be sharing carries this week; facing a projected low-scoring game against the Chiefs; likely to have rust to shake off and won't be hyper-efficient; source would rather start Roshon Johnson.

Practiced in full this week, clearing the way for his availability in Week 7.

Flowers is a must-start wide receiver and top-15 WR for the source; with Tyler Huntley at QB, she had 14.6 and 12.7 fantasy points in two games (no touchdowns), making her a reliable target. DJ Turner shadowed her in both games but couldn't replicate her success; she had a touchdown called back on an offensive pass interference penalty in one game and dropped a touchdown in the other.