The New York Giants will travel to Houston to take on the Texans in Week 7, and fantasy football managers will have some difficult lineup decisions to make ahead of Sunday's matchup.
Houston is coming off a thrilling 34-31 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, while the Giants are looking to rebound from a disappointing loss to the New Orleans Saints. The Texans will enter the contest as significant favorites, creating some interesting fantasy opportunities on both sides of the ball.
In terms of players to start without much hesitation, those players include: wide receiver Malik Nabers, tight end Isaiah Likely and wide receiver Nico Collins.
With the Giants making a quarterback change and Houston navigating its own backfield questions, here are five players to consider starting or sitting in Week 7.
Start: C.J. Stroud, QB, Houston Texans
Stroud is an easy start this week, especially after delivering one of his best performances of the season against Jacksonville.
The Texans quarterback completed 24 of 34 passes for 312 yards and three touchdowns in Week 6, helping Houston secure its second consecutive victory. He's beginning to find his rhythm, and another favorable matchup could keep his momentum going.
The Giants' defense has had difficulty consistently limiting opposing quarterbacks, and Stroud has the weapons to exploit that weakness. With Nico Collins leading the way and Houston's passing game finding its footing, Stroud should remain firmly in the starting conversation for fantasy managers.
The Giants could make things competitive early, but Stroud's passing volume and touchdown potential make him an appealing option in Week 7.
Start: Woody Marks, RB, Houston Texans
Marks is worth starting in Week 7, particularly for fantasy managers looking for a running back with an opportunity to handle a meaningful workload.
Marks recorded 15 carries for 56 yards and added two receptions for 25 yards against Jacksonville. While those numbers weren't spectacular, his involvement in both the rushing and passing games provides a useful fantasy floor.
Houston's backfield situation also creates an opportunity for Marks. Jawhar Jordan has been placed on injured reserve, while David Montgomery's availability and workload remain important factors to monitor. Marks should have a chance to capitalize on the opportunity, particularly if Houston establishes an early lead and leans on its running game.
He's a reasonable RB2 or flex option in deeper leagues, although fantasy managers should monitor Montgomery's status before locking in their lineups.
Sit: Cam Skattebo, RB, New York Giants
Skattebo is a difficult fantasy start heading into Sunday's matchup.
The second-year running back has struggled with ball security, recording four fumbles through his first five games. Those issues resulted in a significant reduction in playing time against New Orleans, where Skattebo played just six snaps and failed to record a rushing attempt.
Although the Giants' backfield situation could change following their roster moves, there's little reason to trust Skattebo in fantasy lineups until his role becomes more consistent.
The matchup doesn't help, either. Houston's defense has been effective against opposing running games, making it difficult for a back with uncertain touches to deliver meaningful production.
Skattebo remains a player worth monitoring, but fantasy managers should keep him on the bench until he demonstrates that he's regained the coaching staff's confidence.
Sit: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Houston Texans
Harrison Jr. is another player fantasy managers should approach cautiously this week.
Although Harrison possesses significant talent and big-play potential, his situation in Houston makes him a difficult player to trust from a fantasy perspective.
The Texans have several capable receiving options, including Nico Collins, Jaylin Noel and other contributors competing for targets. With Houston's receiving rotation becoming increasingly crowded, Harrison's weekly volume is difficult to predict.
That uncertainty makes it challenging to trust him in standard 10- or 12-team leagues, particularly when there are more established options available.
Sit: J.J. McCarthy, QB, New York Giants
McCarthy is an intriguing addition to the Giants' offense, but fantasy managers should temper expectations heading into his first start for New York.
McCarthy provided a spark in relief against the Saints, completing 11 of 21 passes for 243 yards and a touchdown while adding 26 rushing yards. His ability to extend plays and push the ball downfield could help revive the Giants' offense.
However, that performance came in a comeback situation, and translating those numbers into a full game against Houston presents a different challenge.
The Texans are coming off a victory in which their defense will look to capitalize on a Giants offense still adjusting to a new quarterback. McCarthy's rushing ability gives him some fantasy appeal, but the combination of uncertainty, potential turnovers and matchup concerns makes him a risky play.
He could emerge as a streaming option later in the season, but there are safer quarterback choices for Week 7.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: New York Giants vs. Houston Texans: 5 players to start/sit in fantasy football for Week 7