This Week In The NFL.

[Greenbacks]

Geno Smith to start at QB for Jets vs. Ravens.

All aboard! The GenoCoaster is set to reopen in New York.
The New York Jets named Geno Smith their starting quarterback for Sunday's game against the Ravens, coach Todd Bowles announced Wednesday.
"Geno's our starter. Ryan's the No. 2," Bowles said. "I felt like it was time for a change. This was strictly my call."
ESPN first reported the switch.
It's been a daily step towards benching Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Following Sunday's 28-3 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, coach Todd Bowles called Smith merely a bullpen pitcher, noting Fitzpatrick would retain his gig. On Tuesday, Bowles cracked the door open for a QB switch. On Wednesday, Smith takes over the reins of the 1-5 club.
It's been a quick spiral for Fitzpatrick.
The veteran had a career season for the Jets in 2015, setting a franchise record with 31 touchdown passes. His Week 17 blowup -- three interceptions -- proved a harbinger for a disastrous start to 2016. Through six weeks, Fitzpatrick ranks last in the NFL in completion percentage (57.0), interceptions (11), and passer rating (63.4). His 11 turnovers are more than 26 teams have committed this season. Fitzpatrick has been particularly dreadful in the second half (1 TD, 10 INTs) and red zone -- Jets rank last in RZ TD percentage (36.4).
After an offseason of overreaction to the contractual standoff between the Jets and Fitzpatrick, the team was proven right in not wanting to attach themselves to the journeyman quarterback for the long-term.
With a 32nd-ranked scoring offense earning just 15.8 points per game, the move to Smith is understandable.
The Jets weren't going anywhere with Fitzpatrick. Smith's history, however, doesn't suggest he'll immediately turn the plane around. Even his brief appearance Monday night was a microcosm of Smith's ups and downs. The fourth-year pro made some strong, confident throws, but also had a strip sack where he lacked awareness and an interception on fourth down.
Geno has upside, but it comes with semi-regular vomit-inducing plunges.
In a season that already appears lost, the Jets will give Smith a chance to show his worth before hitting free agency. If Smith struggles and the Jets corkscrew further into the abyss, we could see Bryce Petty get a shot. The Jets planned to redshirt Christian Hackenberg for the season, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see the second-round rookie get some reps later this season as well.
Quarterback isn't the only problem for the Jets. The defense has been repeatedly toasted this season and the rushing attack has gone dormant.
Owner Woody Johnson told NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport on Wednesday there would be no changes in the coach or front office, despite the current struggles.
Johnson, however, does support the decision to move forward with Geno.
"The coach made the decision, and I back him 100 percent," Woody said at the Fall League Meeting in Houston.
There will be changes on the field as New York attempt to recalibrate its descending trajectory.
For now, Geno Smith sits at the controls. Hold onto your butts.

 

[Greenbacks]

 

[Greenbacks]

 

[Greenbacks]

Trade for Antonio Brown, move Marvin Jones in fantasy.

PLAYERS TO TRADE FOR

Antonio Brown, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers

Antonio Brown's fantasy trade value will never be lower coming off a game where he had a season-low 45 yards.
Oh, and that whole Ben Roethlisberger injury thing, that might have something to do with it too.
Big Ben is expected to miss anywhere from two to six weeks as he recovers from knee surgery, a huge blow to the Steelers potent offense that had been shredding opposing teams with the deep ball all season.
Enter Landry Jones! Erm ... or, enter Landry Jones *frown emoji*.
In Jones' only true start last season in which he actually knew he'd be the starter, got all of the first team reps in practice and finished the game, Brown piled up 124 receiving yards. Jones is obviously not Big Ben, but he should be able to keep Brown's fantasy value afloat for the time being.
Brown is arguably the best wideout in the NFL, and the Steelers offense runs through him, and Le'Veon Bell. Proof? Brown has more receptions (45) this year than Sammie Coates has targets (35), and Coates has the second-most targets on the team. Brown has a 28 percent market share of team targets (including tight ends and running backs) and owns a 47 percent market share of the team's wide receiver targets.
While Jones may not be as accurate, efficient, or poised as Big Ben, anyone trading for Brown should be confident that the backup quarterback will still funnel the majority of his pass attempts to Brown, because, quite simply, he'd be stupid not to. Plus, if Landry ends up slinging a bunch of interceptions, that opens up the game script to favor the Steelers' receiver.
Fantasy value is all about opportunities, and for wideouts, targets equal opportunities, just ask Matt Harmon. So with Roethlisberger expected back for the fantasy playoffs at worst, you just might be able to pull-off a league-winning trade while Brown's owner is sulking.

Isaiah Crowell, RB, Cleveland Browns

The Crow has had a couple of slow games in a row against tough matchups with fewer than 25 rushing yards in each of the last two contests. The Browns faced a Titans team allowing the eighth-fewest fantasy points per game to running backs in Week 5 followed by the Patriots, who are allowing the sixth-fewest fppg to running backs.
Despite the two stinkers in which he averaged just 1.7 yards per carry, Crowell is still averaging 5.2 yards per carry for the season and is touching the ball on 43 percent of his snaps (highest rate among non-quarterbacks on the Browns, compared to Duke Johnson's 29 percent touch percentage, per FantasyData.com. This means the team is leaning on Crowell more than any other player on the offense which is a positive sign going forward. Among 17 running backs with a touch percentage between 40-45 percent, Crowell ranks seventh in fantasy points with 70.3.
He is still the clear leader of the Cleveland backfield and should see an increased role against Cincinnati's 20th ranked rush defense in Week 7. The Bengals defense is not what it used to be and has surrendered 866 total yards to opposing backs so far this year. Crowell has hogged 76 percent of the Browns' red-zone rush attempts and is still on pace for over 200 carries and well over 1,200 scrimmage yards. If he has a good game against the Bengals, and you can bet Hue Jackson will look to make a statement against his former team via the ground attack, it will probably then be too late to make a move for Crowell.

PLAYERS TO TRADE AWAY

Marvin Jones, WR, Detroit Lions

Marvin Jones is currently the WR3 in standard scoring through six weeks of fantasy football. So why in the name of Tim Tebow am I suggesting you trade him away?
For starters, he hasn't dominated in terms of reception share for Detroit. His 29 receptions is tied with Anquan Boldin, is just four greater than Golden Tate, and three greater than Theo Riddick (ankle) who sat out in Week 6. He has the same amount of red-zone targets as Boldin (six). Jones is the undisputed No. 1 receiver in Detroit and leads the team with 47 targets, and while he has saved his fantasy owners with touchdowns in each of his last two games, he had a mere 10 receiving yards on two receptions in Week 6 and has collected just 121 yards combined in his last three games.
Jones' Week 3 explosion (200 yards, two touchdowns) was likely a week-winning type of game but he's been pretty average otherwise. Discounting that game against Green Bay, Jones is averaging just four receptions and about 64 receiving yards per contest.
When J.J. Zachariason (@LateRoundQB), who has been one of Jones' biggest proponents this season, is advocating that now is the time to sell, well then it's probably time to seriously consider moving him.
Jones' upcoming schedule is not very friendly either. The Lions have two games against Minnesota, one against Houston and a bye in the next six weeks, leaving you with maybe three favorable/usable matchups for the rest of the fantasy regular season.
As a mid-round steal, Jones has been nothing short of spectacular so far, but with four touchdowns in his last four games, now is the time to ship him off.

Jay Ajayi, RB, Miami Dolphins

Coming into Week 6, the Dolphins backfield had been abysmal. The team ranked 31st in the NFL with 72.4 rushing yards per game. Jay Ajayi led the team with a combined 117 rush yards for the season.
And then the Steelers rolled into Miami and got rolled over by the second-year back for 207 total yards and two touchdowns. That's over 55 percent of his fantasy points right there in a single game.
Ajayi's owners should look to take advantage of this eruption if they need depth, or a more reliable option elsewhere.
Arian Foster, who admittedly looks like a shell of his former self, is gaining his health back. While he's probably not be a feature back any more, fear of a committee in Miami is a real concern. Heck, even Damien Williams got two red-zone carries in Week 6. Yes, coach Adam Gase has said all along that he wants one back to play the role of a bell-cow, which likely means more volume for the hot hand, Ajayi, for the near future but this could be a week-to-week thing, so take advantage of the blow-up game if you see an opportunity in your league to do so.
Despite the Dolphins' Week 6 win, the team still ranks 24th in the NFL in total scoring and 20th or worse in scoring offense, rushing offense, passing offense and third down offense. That doesn't spell consistent production from the backfield going forward.

Matt Jones, RB, Washington Redskins

That's because in true "Whack-A-Mole" fashion, Jones has a good game pretty much every other week. In Weeks 2, 4 and 6 Jones has combined for 338 yards and three touchdowns. In Weeks 1, 3 and 5 Jones combined for 168 total yards and zero scores.
Following Jones' 14 carries for 31 yards in Week 5 (2.2 ypc), coach Jay Gruden said that rookie back Rob Kelley had earned himself the right to more work since he averaged 6.0 ypc in the same game. That resulted in a season-high five touches for Kelley in Week 6 along with nine offensive snaps, his highest snap count of the year thus far. It's miniscule, but it's also a sign that Washington will reward solid play and the coaching staff is not afraid to leave Jones on the sidelines if he struggles.
With Kelly earning more snaps, and Chris Thompson retaining his role as a pass-catching back, Jones' inconsistency is likely to persist in this committee backfield. Trying to predict the big games from the duds for Jones makes him an extremely frustrating fantasy player to own, so see if you can move him for more consistency following his 19-point outing.

 

[Greenbacks]

 

[Greenbacks]

 

[Greenbacks]

 

[Greenbacks]

 

[Greenbacks]

 

[Greenbacks]

Joe Flacco doesn't practice due to shoulder injury.

The Baltimore Ravens have begun preparations for the New York Jets without the services of Joe Flacco.
The team's starting quarterback was nowhere to be seen during Wednesday's practice, an absence coach John Harbaugh later addressed as a right shoulder issue for his signal caller.
Harbaugh added that Flacco "has a legitimate chance to play" against Gang Green on Sunday.
Flacco later told reporters that he is dealing with a "little soreness" in his shoulder, but reiterated that "it's nothing to worry about."
Flacco has started all six games for Baltimore after healing from the torn ACL that wiped out his 2015 campaign.

 

[Greenbacks]

Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 7: Quarterbacks.


Start 'Em



vs.
Start of the Week - Matt Ryan vs. San Diego Chargers

Outside of one road game against the Broncos, Ryan has been all aces for fantasy fans this season with 19-plus points in his five other starts. Next on the schedule is a date against the Chargers, who have allowed an average of 17.8 fantasy points to quarterbacks. Ryan has also recorded six touchdowns in two home games this season.




vs.
Philip Rivers vs. Atlanta Falcons

Rivers, listed as a sit 'em last week, posted fewer than 12 fantasy points in a win over the Broncos. He should rebound this week, however, as the Falcons have allowed an average of more than 20 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. Furthermore, Atlanta has given up a combined 54.3 points to the position in two home contests.




vs.
Matthew Stafford vs. Washington Redskins

Stafford continues to put up tremendous totals, throwing for three or more touchdowns in four of his first six games. Next up on the slate is a game with the Redskins, whose defense isn't as good as the numbers might indicate based on contests versus Eli Manning, Joe Flacco and two rookie quarterbacks in the last four weeks.




vs.
Andy Dalton vs. Cleveland Browns

Dalton has been solid in his last two starts, scoring a combined 44.02 fantasy points against the Cowboys and Patriots. Next up is a date with the Browns, who have surrendered 16 touchdown passes and an average of just under 22 fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks. Look for the Red Rifle to fire off the fantasy points.




vs.
Kirk Cousins vs. Detroit Lions

Cousins hasn't been putting up great fantasy numbers, averaging just 15.6 points in his last three games for the Redskins. Still, it's tough to ignore this week's matchup against a Lions team that surrendered almost 30 fantasy points to Case Keenum a week ago. Overall, Detroit has given up the most points to opposing quarterbacks.


Sleepers:
Marcus Mariota vs. Colts, Jameis Winston at 49ers


Sit 'Em



vs.
Sit of the Week - Drew Brees vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Go bold or go home, right? Brees is difficult to bench, so consider this a warning. In his last nine road games, he's posted 12 touchdown passes and nine interceptions. He's also scored more than 17 fantasy points once in those contests, averaging a pedestrian 14 points. Kansas City has also been very hard on quarterbacks at home.




vs.
Carson Palmer vs. Seattle Seahawks

Palmer has not been the most consistent quarterback in the league this season, so he's tough to trust in a home matchup against the Seahawks. While he did beat them for 20.3 fantasy points in a game last season, the veteran has recorded an average of 16.6 points in his four career meetings with Seattle as a member of the Cardinals.




vs.
Sam Bradford vs. Philadelphia Eagles

There is a definite revenge factor for Bradford this week, as he faces the team that traded him earlier this season. Still, I can't trust him in a matchup against an Eagles team that has held quarterbacks (including Ben Roethlisberger) to a combined 16.2 fantasy points in two home games. Bradford is too much of a risk to start.




vs.
Ryan Tannehill vs. Buffalo Bills

Tannehill has been a disappointment for fantasy fans in recent weeks, scoring an average of just 7.2 points over his last three games. Next on the schedule is a date with the Bills, who have held Tannehill to fewer than 17 fantasy points in all but one of their eight career meetings. He needs to be benched until further notice.




vs.
Carson Wentz vs. Minnesota Vikings

Wentz was a "thing" a few weeks ago, but he's averaged just 12.2 fantasy points in his last two starts and is facing a brutal matchup with the Vikings next on the schedule. Minnesota, fresh off a bye week, has allowed just 13 fantasy points a game to opposing quarterbacks this season. Wentz is almost impossible to start this week.


Busts:
Eli Manning at Rams (London), Brock Osweiler at Broncos (MNF)

 

[Greenbacks]

Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 7: Running backs.


Start 'Em



vs.
Start of the Week - Melvin Gordon vs. Atlanta Falcons

Gordon is coming off his worst stat line of the season, scoring fewer than 10 fantasy points in a win over the Broncos. Regardless, he should remain in your starting lineups when the Chargers travel to Atlanta to face the Falcons. Their defense has struggled to stop runners, allowing an average of over 21 fantasy points per game.




vs.
Tevin Coleman vs. San Diego Chargers

Coleman is coming off his worst game of the season, but don't let that keep you from starting him in this week's matchup against the Chargers. Their defense has been awful against the run, allowing an average of more than 23 fantasy points per game to opposing running backs. That's good news for both Coleman and Devonta Freeman.




vs.
Isaiah Crowell vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Crowell, listed as a sit 'em the last two weeks, has struggled to produce after a hot start. Still, I'd get him back into your starting lineups based on a matchup against the Bengals. In their first six games, Cincinnati has allowed five different running backs to score 13 or more points including four with more than 15 points.




vs.
LeGarrette Blount vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Blount has seen his snap percentage drop from 62 in the first four weeks down to 39 in the last two weeks. Still, he's produced a pair of touchdowns and a combined 22.7 fantasy points in those last two contests. I'd keep him (and James White) in your flex spot against the Steelers, who just allowed 204 rushing yards to Jay Ajayi.




vs.
Spencer Ware vs. New Orleans Saints

Ware looked dominant in last week's win over the Raiders, and an upcoming matchup against the Saints makes him a solid fantasy option once again. No team has surrendered more fantasy points to opposing running backs (28.3 PPG), so Ware and Jamaal Charles should both be considered legitimate options for your fantasy squad.


Sleepers:
Jacquizz Rodgers at 49ers, James White at Steelers


Sit 'Em



vs.
Sit of the Week - Ryan Mathews vs. Minnesota Vikings

Mathews was a bust for fantasy fans a week ago, as he was limited to nine carries and a mere six fantasy points in a loss to the Redskins. Things will get even more difficult this week against the Vikings, who have surrendered an average of fewer than 15 fantasy points per game (one rushing touchdown) to running backs this season.




vs.
Frank Gore vs. Tennessee Titans

Gore has been one of the best draft bargains in fantasy football, scoring 10-plus fantasy points in four of his last five games. He could struggle to keep up that pace this week, though, as a tough matchup against the Titans awaits. Their defense has allowed an average of fewer than seven points per game to opposing No. 1 backs.




vs.
Matt Jones vs. Detroit Lions

I was dead wrong about Jones last week, as he gashed the Eagles for 135 yards, one touchdown and 19.5 fantasy points. Such a performance makes it tough to bench him, but keep in mind that this week's game in Detroit isn't favorable. In fact, the Lions have allowed zero rushing scores and the sixth-fewest fantasy points to runners.




vs.
Jay Ajayi vs. Buffalo Bills

Raise your hand if you predicted a 204-yard, 32-point performance from Ajayi last week **crickets** ... now the question is, what can he do for an encore? Miami's backfield has been near impossible to predict, so don't be shocked if the Boise State alum takes a step back against a Buffalo defense that's been difficult on home backs.




vs.
T.J. Yeldon vs. Oakland Raiders

Yeldon has a great matchup on paper against a Raiders defense that has been brutal against running backs, but I'd still beware of the Alabama back. While he's leading Ivory in snap percentage for the season, the margin slimmed down to 13 snaps in last week's win over the Bears. Ivory also out-touched him 13 to eight in that game.


Busts:
Matt Forte vs. Ravens, Jerick McKinnon at Eagles

 

[Greenbacks]

Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 7: Wide receivers.


Start 'Em



vs.
Start of the Week - Allen Robinson vs. Oakland Raiders

Robinson ranks 30th in fantasy points among receivers after six weeks, which is a far cry from his top-five finish in 2015. I would preach patience, however, and keep him active in a plus matchup against the Raiders. Oakland has allowed the most receiving yards (1,230) and the second-most points (28.1 PPG) to opposing wideouts.




vs.
Randall Cobb vs. Chicago Bears

Cobb is back in the good graces of fantasy fans, as he's scored a combined 22.1 fantasy points in his last two games. He should remain in your active lineup against the Bears, who have surrendered six touchdowns to Cobb in their last five meetings. During those five games, Cobb has averaged 13.8 fantasy points in standard formats.




vs.
Michael Crabtree vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Crabtree scored a single fantasy point in last week's loss to the Chiefs, as Amari Cooper dominated the targets (13 to Crabtree's four). Regardless, both wideouts need to be in starting lineups ahead of a Week 7 matchup in Jacksonville. Their defense has allowed an average of more than 26 fantasy points per game to wide receivers.




vs.
Jeremy Maclin vs. New Orleans Saints

Maclin was a disappointment for fantasy owners a week ago, as he failed to exploit what was a tremendous matchup in Oakland. He's worth another roll of the dice this weekend though, as the veteran faces a Saints defense that's allowed a combined 502 receiving yards (52.2 points) to opposing wideouts in two road games this season.




vs.
DeSean Jackson vs. Detroit Lions

Listed as a sit 'em last week, Jackson scored just 5.5 fantasy points in a win over his former team, the Eagles. Next up is a date with the Lions, who are tied for third in touchdown catches allowed (nine) and fourth in fantasy points (27.4 PPG) to wide receivers. Fantasy owners should also consider Jamison Crowder a terrific sleeper.


Sleepers:
Cameron Meredith at Packers (TNF), Tyrell Williams at Falcons


Sit 'Em



vs.
Sit of the Week - DeAndre Hopkins vs. Denver Broncos

Hopkins is difficult to sit because of where you drafted him, but keep this in mind ahead of Week 7. His opponent, the Broncos, have held T.Y. Hilton (4.1), A.J. Green (7.1), Mike Evans (5.9) and Julio Jones (2.9) to fewer than eight fantasy points this season. This stat is also bad news for the prospects of rookie wide receiver Will Fuller.




vs.
Stefon Diggs vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Diggs has missed some time due to an injured groin, but he is expected to return to action this week for a matchup in Philadelphia. With that said, fantasy fans should temper expectations against an Eagles defense that has allowed just two touchdowns and the fourth-fewest fantasy points (19.56 PPG) to opposing wideouts this season.




vs.
Jordan Matthews vs. Minnesota Vikings

Matthews has struggled to produce in recent weeks, failing to score eight fantasy points in each of his last four games. This trend is unlikely to change for at least one more week, as Matthews will face a Vikings defense that has been kryptonite for even the best fantasy wideouts. There isn't an Eagles player I'd start this week.




vs.
John Brown vs. Seattle Seahawks

Brown has seen his value rise after a slow start, but he's still not what I would call a must-start wide receiver in most fantasy leagues. That's the case this week against the Seahawks, who have held him without a touchdown reception in four career meetings. Brown has also posted fewer than 65 receiving yards in each of those four contests.




vs.
Golden Tate vs. Washington Redskins

Tate put up a ridiculous 22.8 fantasy points in last week's win over the Rams, which was 7.4 more points than he had in his previous five games combined! I do fear that some fantasy fans will chase the points here, however, and the Redskins have been tough on wideouts over their last four contests. I'd keep Tate on the sidelines.


Busts:
Brandin Cooks at Chiefs, Julian Edelman at Steelers

 

[Greenbacks]

Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 7: Tight ends.


Start 'Em



vs.
Start of the Week - Delanie Walker vs. Indianapolis Colts

Walker was a bust for fantasy owners last week, but sitting him against the Colts would be a titanic mistake. He has posted at least seven catches in three straight games against them, and is averaging 6.5 catches in his last six meetings overall. The Colts have allowed over 24 points to tight ends in their last two contests, too.




vs.
Hunter Henry vs. Atlanta Falcons

Henry has done what few tight ends do in their rookie season ... make a real fantasy impact. He's seeing a far bigger snap percentage (74) than Antonio Gates (42) over the last two weeks, and he's averaged six targets per game over that time. With a favorable matchup in Atlanta next on the slate, I'd keep Henry in your lineups.




vs.
Julius Thomas vs. Oakland Raiders

This is what I call a make or break week for Thomas. He's done nothing in the stat sheets in his last two games, scoring a combined 4.1 fantasy points. Next up on the schedule is a date with a Raiders team that's allowed the third-most yards (425) and the seventh-most points (9.7 PPG) to tight ends, so give him one last chance.




vs.
Gary Barnidge vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Barnidge hasn't scored a touchdown this season, but he's been on the field for 99 percent of Cleveland's snaps and he's tied for sixth in tight end targets since Week 4. While he's a better choice in PPR leagues, the Louisville product is worth a look against a Bengals defense that's allowed the fifth-most points (10 PPG) to tight ends this season.




vs.
Zach Miller vs. Green Bay Packers

Miller has seen his fantasy points decline in each of his last four games, but he's still the third-most targeted tight end in the league during that period of time. I'd keep him active on Thursday Night Football against the Packers, who have allowed an average of more than nine fantasy points per game to tight ends this year.


Sleepers:
Cameron Brate at 49ers, Vernon Davis at Lions


Sit 'Em



vs.
Sit of the Week - Zach Ertz vs. Minnesota Vikings

Ertz is in the midst of his annual disappearing act in the stat sheets, scoring a combined 5.9 fantasy points in his first two games since coming back from injured ribs. Things aren't going to get much better this week against the Vikings, who haven't allowed a touchdown to a tight end this year. Keep Ertz on your fantasy bench.




vs.
Coby Fleener vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Fleener, listed as a start 'em last week, went off against the Panthers for two touchdowns and 19.6 fantasy points. I wouldn't chase the points here, though, as this week's matchup in Kansas City is far more difficult. The Chiefs have surrendered just one score and the sixth-fewest fantasy points (4.4 PPG) to opposing tight ends.




vs.
Kyle Rudolph vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Rudolph has found the end zone three times in his last four games, so fantasy fans might find it difficult to put him on the pine this week. Just keep in mind that he's got a tough matchup ahead, as the Eagles have surrendered one touchdown and an average of just 3.1 fantasy points per game to tight ends. Temper expectations.




vs.
C.J. Fiedorowicz vs. Denver Broncos

Fiedorowicz was a surprise superstar last week against the Colts, posting 85 yards and one touchdown in a win over the Colts. While he's now found the end zone in two of his last three games, I'd beware the young tight end in this week's matchup in Denver. Their defense has surrendered just one touchdown to tight ends in 2016.




vs.
Dennis Pitta vs. New York Jets

Fantasy fans in PPR leagues can feel confident in Pitta as a low-end option, but I'd keep him on the bench in standard formats. He hasn't scored a touchdown this season, and he's failed to score more than six fantasy points in all but one of his six games on the season. You can find better options on the waiver wire in most leagues.


Busts:
Jacob Tamme vs. Chargers, Jesse James vs. Patriots

 

[Greenbacks]

Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 7: Defenses.


Start 'Em

vs.
Start of the Week - Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins

The Steelers couldn't capitalize on a great matchup against the Dolphins last week, but that doesn't mean the Bills won't. Opposing defenses are still averaging almost nine fantasy points per game against Ryan Tannehill and the Dolphins, and Buffalo has scored more fantasy points than all but one team so far this year.


vs.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns

The Bengals defense has been far less than stellar this season, scoring five or fewer fantasy points in all but one game. Of course, that's what happens against teams like the Steelers, Broncos, Cowboys and Patriots. Up next on the schedule is a far better matchup against the Browns, who have been generous to defenses.


vs.
Baltimore Ravens vs. New York Jets

No team has been a better matchup for opposing defenses than the Jets, making the Ravens a nice option to stream this weekend. Teams have averaged a ridiculous 12.2 fantasy points per game against Ryan Fitzpatrick and crew, due in large part to his 11 interceptions. Look for a real purple and black attack in New Jersey.


vs.
New England Patriots vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

This would be a different scenario if the Patriots were up against Ben Roethlisberger's offense, but Landry Jones will get the call in his absence. That makes New England's defense far more attractive. While this unit has been inconsistent overall in fantasy leagues, I'd start the Patriots here based on turnover potential.


Sleepers:
Chiefs defense vs. Saints, Titans defense vs. Colts


Sit 'Em

vs.
Sit of the Week - Miami Dolphins vs. Buffalo Bills

The Dolphins defense scored a respectable seven fantasy points in standard scoring leagues last week, but this unit is still tough to trust with Tyrod Taylor and the Bills in town. Opposing defenses have averaged a mere four fantasy points per game against the Bills, which ranks as the fifth-fewest in the entire league after six weeks.


vs.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New England Patriots

The Steelers defense stunk worse than rotten fish in last week's loss to the Dolphins, and an upcoming matchup against Tom Brady and the Patriots makes this unit waiver-wire fodder this weekend. Over the last two weeks with Tom Brady under center, the opposition's defense has recorded a combined four fantasy points.


vs.
San Diego Chargers vs. Atlanta Falcons

You might not know it, but the Chargers rank eighth in fantasy points among defenses after the first six weeks of the season. Still, it's tough to trust the Bolts this week in a tough road matchup against Matt Ryan and the Falcons. Only the Raiders, Cowboys and Vikings have been tougher on opposing defenses so far this season.


vs.
Detroit Lions vs. Washington Redskins

Fantasy fans might think a matchup against Kirk Cousins and the Redskins is favorable, but the opposite has been true this season. In fact, defenses have averaged just six fantasy points per game when going up against them. Cousins should find success through the air this week, so beware these Motor City cats in this contest.


Busts:
Eagles defense vs. Vikings, Redskins defense at Lions

 

[Greenbacks]

Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 7: Kickers.


Start 'Em



vs.
Start of the Week - Adam Vinatieri vs. Tennessee Titans

Vinatieri has scored double digits five times this season and has more fantasy points (72) than all but 11 running backs and all but six wide receivers. That's insane. The future Hall of Famer needs to remain in your starting lineup this week against the Titans, who have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to kickers (8.8 PPG).




vs.
Mason Crosby vs. Chicago Bears

Crosby has been on fire in the stat sheets, scoring no fewer than 10 fantasy points in each of his last three games. His success should continue on Thursday night, as the veteran faces a Bears defense that's given up an average of 10.8 fantasy points a game to kickers this season. That's the second-most allowed in the entire league.




vs.
Matt Bryant vs. San Diego Chargers

Bryant has been a fantasy monster, ranking third in points among kickers. He's also been solid at home, averaging 12 points a game in Atlanta. Fantasy fans should get him active against the Chargers, who have surrendered an average of nine fantasy points per game to kickers over the last four weeks. Consider Bryant a must-start.




vs.
Brandon McManus vs. Houston Texans

McManus hasn't been what you would call consistent in the stat sheets, as he's scored fewer than eight points in three of his first six games. Still, I'd use him this week based on what is a plus matchup against the Texans. After six weeks, Houston has surrendered an average of more than eight fantasy points per game this season.


Sleepers:
Sebastian Janikowski at Jaguars, Greg Zuerlein vs. Giants (London)


Sit 'Em



vs.
Sit of the Week - Chris Boswell vs. New England Patriots

Boswell has been a massive fantasy disappointment, scoring fewer than eight points in each of his last five games. With Ben Roethlisberger out and a matchup against New England up next, his chances to rebound don't look good. The Patriots are tied with the Ravens, allowing the fewest fantasy points (4.2 PPG) to kickers.




vs.
Blair Walsh vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Walsh put up a monstrous 15 fantasy points in his first game of the season. Since then, he's scored a combined 24 points in his last four games. Next on the schedule is a date with the Eagles, who have held opposing kickers to an average of just 5.2 fantasy points per game to the position. That's enough to sit Walsh this weekend.




vs.
Chandler Catanzaro vs. Seattle Seahawks

I find that Catanzaro is a bit overrated in fantasy circles, as he's failed to score more than eight points in all but one of his first six contests. He won't be in a good spot to succeed this week, as the Seahawks have surrendered the sixth-fewest fantasy points (5.6 PPG) to opposing kickers. It's time to drag this Cat to the curb.




vs.
Caleb Sturgis vs. Minnesota Vikings

Believe it or not, but Sturgis ranks seventh in fantasy points among kickers after the first six weeks of the season. However, no member of the Eagles is safe to start against Minnesota ... not even their kicker. The Vikings' stout defensive unit has allowed the third-fewest fantasy points (4.2 PPG) to the opposing kickers this season.


Busts:
Josh Brown at Rams (London), Steven Hauschka at Cardinals

 

[Greenbacks]

Bucs RB Doug Martin (hamstring) suffers setback.

Doug Martin's return is on hiatus.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Dirk Koetter told reporters Wednesday that the running back suffered a setback on his injured hamstring last week. There is no timetable for Martin's return, via the team's official website.
The starting running back had been expected to return this week after suffering the injury in Week 2. The Bucs previously placed scatback Charles Sims on injured reserve.
Jacquizz Rodgers will once again be the Bucs starting running back. In Week 5, the 5-foot-6 back carried the ball 30 times for 101 yards, both career highs. Sunday he gets a very favorable matchup against a San Francisco 49ers defense allowing 173.4 rushing yards per game this season.
The Bucs need Martin to return at some point this season to help take the pressure off of Jameis Winston but will be cautious to ensure his hamstring is 100 percent before putting him in harm's way.

 

[Greenbacks]

QB Index: Matthew Stafford up, Aaron Rodgers down?


Every struggling quarterback is seeking the reset game. The game that stops the avalanche of negative attention and provides something to build off.
For many players near the bottom of these weekly rankings, Week 6 gave birth to hope. Ryan Tannehill, Blake Bortles, Kirk Cousins and Case Keenum all played their best games of the season. Cardinals coach Bruce Arians drew up a different, safer blueprint against the Jets and Carson Palmer responded, especially during a sharp fourth-quarter drive. Aaron Rodgers needs one of these games badly.
We've reached the part of the season where some starters begin to run out chances. (Ahem, Ryan Fitzpatrick.) But it's not too late to change most trajectories. It would be foolish to assume Rodgers will be a mid-tier quarterback all season or that Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota stay out of the top 20. That's the beauty of a 16-game schedule; salvation is always only a week away.


This is the Quarterback Index. Each week, we rank every starter based on 2016 performance alone.

Top shelf

1) Tom Brady, New England Patriots (Last week: 1)
2) Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons (LW: 2)
3) Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks (LW: 4)
4) Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions (LW: 11)
5) Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints (LW: 13)
6) Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers (LW: 12)
7) Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers (LW: 3)

This is everything I've ever wanted out of a Matthew Stafford season. He's playing under control, yet there's no one better at completing a low-percentage try when he needs to. It happened on a fourth-and-goal scoring strike under pressure last week, and then on a Bonus Play, Stafford casually ripped the ball 50-plus yards before getting hit. His performance against the Rams, complete with wacky arm angles and one regrettable heat-check throw, was one of the best by a quarterback all season. The Lions scored 31 points on only eight drives, tied for the fewest in a game all season. All this happened without the help of Theo Riddick and Eric Ebron. Offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter is one of the best play callers in football, justifying general manager Bob Quinn's decision to stick with this coaching staff in the offseason.
Brady continues to turn back time, destroying apparent weaknesses as he gets older. After a dip in pocket presence early this decade, his agility is better avoiding pass rushers now than it was five years ago. After struggling with the deep ball the last two years, he's 8 for 10 on throws over 15 yards this season.
Big Ben's performance in Miami was worse than any game delivered by any of the quarterbacks in the top tier this season. It turns out that Roethlisberger was playing through a torn meniscus for half the game, although he was struggling even before the injury.

Bookended by rookies

8) Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys (LW: 9)
9) Sam Bradford, Minnesota Vikings (LW: 10)
10) Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts (LW: 6)
11) Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers (LW: 14)
12) Derek Carr, Oakland Raiders (LW: 5)
13) Carson Wentz, Philadelphia Eagles (LW: 7)

Newton's reset game might have already happened. While the Panthers had opportunities to score even more in the Superdome, he played like his 2015 MVP self against the Saints. His season has been all over the place, but three of Newton's five starts have been excellent. He just can't afford any down weeks this year like he had in 2014 because of his disappointing defense and the vanishing margin for error.
Carr was ranked in the top five last week in large part because of metronome steady play. No quarterback's weekly "grade" in my convoluted system was more consistent week to week. That ended in an ugly performance against the Chiefs that could have looked even worse in the box score.

Middle of the pack

14) Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals (LW: 15)
15) Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers (LW: 8)
16) Carson Palmer, Arizona Cardinals (LW: 18)
17) Tyrod Taylor, Buffalo Bills (LW: 20)
18) Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens (LW: 16)
19) Alex Smith, Kansas City Chiefs (LW: 19)

Taylor's reset happened when Rex Ryan changed offensive coordinators. The second-year starter has steadily improved since, in large part because the running game has taken so much pressure off him. The coaching staff isn't forcing Taylor to pull off weekly miracles with the league's worst wideout group.
The biggest concern from Palmer's outing against the Jets, especially with Seattle coming to town, was his struggles to handle the blitz. It was telling that after a long layoff, Arians' first play call on national television was a short, confidence-building throw to tight end Darren Fells. Palmer needs to re-learn how not to lose games for the Cardinals before he starts winning them with his arm again.
The Chiefs have managed their schedule well. Smith and the offense were not right before the team's bye, yet they have found a way to get to 3-2 and are just half a game out of first. The team's passing attack resembled its 2015 form for the first time all season against Oakland.

Diverse pedigrees, comparable standing

20) Trevor Siemian, Denver Broncos (LW: 17)
21) Eli Manning, New York Giants (LW: 23)
22) Jameis Winston, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (LW: 21)
23) Marcus Mariota, Tennessee Titans (LW: 25)
24) Brian Hoyer, Chicago Bears (LW: 22)
25) Kirk Cousins, Washington Redskins (LW: 24)
26) Ryan Tannehill, Miami Dolphins (LW: 29)
27) Cody Kessler, Cleveland Browns (LW: 26)
28) Blake Bortles, Jacksonville Jaguars (LW: 30)

It's been a strange season for Tannehill. He quietly has improved at the deep ball, the one aspect of his game most picked-on in the past. His 53-yard throw rolling to his left to MarQueis Gray was one of the plays of the year by any quarterback. It's obvious that Tannehill is going to be a function of the players around him. With a healthy offensive line and dominant running game for the first time all year, he played well.
Any skeptics about Hue Jackson's "QB whisperer" bona fides need to watch Kessler's first four starts. He is limited, but is not the reason why the Browns are losing games.
Siemian is a player to watch closely this coming Monday. He's now a month removed from his last quality start and is facing his first real adversity as a starter against a tough Texans defense.

Known unknowns

29) Case Keenum, Los Angeles Rams (LW: 31)
30) Brock Osweiler, Houston Texans (LW: 27)
31) Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49ers (LW: NR)
32) Ryan Fitzpatrick, New York Jets (LW: 28)

Welp, Geno Smith is going to start the Jets' Week 7 game against the Ravens. Whether Fitzpatrick gets another start in New York or not, it's worth noting his incredible run. He hasn't just played for six teams since being taken 250th overall in 2005 -- he's started the majority of a season for all of those teams except in St. Louis, where he was briefly a fantasy football darling as a rookie in 2005. He probably will wind up starting games for a seventh team before he's done, too, but the decision to bench him in the here and now makes sense. He plays like a guy who knows too well that he's in a deep slump.
Kaepernick wasn't all bad in his first start. He made the right reads more often than not and he showed off the natural vision and cutbacks as a runner that were on display earlier in the decade. It wouldn't be a surprise if he put up passable numbers, especially for fantasy owners, with two easy matchups coming up next. His accuracy remains a problem that might never be solved, though.
Osweiler was about five minutes away from a weeklong discussion of whether he could be benched before ever facing the Broncos. The viability discussion could still happen next week. Tom Savage is real.

 

[indiana]

G/B........great thread.....appreciate the info and enjoy the pictures with info.............good luck this week........indy

 

[MrIntense]

Eddy Lacy on IR.