Start-sit decisions can be vexing for even the best of fantasy football managers. If you need help setting your fantasy football lineups, Scott Pianowski offers some assistance with his Week 7 traffic report.
Green Light ✅
QB Jordan Love at Lions: You might have drafted him as a backup but he’s in the starting seat now, tied to a Green Bay offense that’s been forced to rely on the pass. Detroit’s offense and defensive secondary almost guarantees a shootout, and the indoor fast track doesn’t hurt, either. First team to 30 points wins.
RB Bucky Irving at Panthers: He’s survived a poor start by the team and challenges from teammates, and the offensive buoyancy should improve with Baker Mayfield expected to return. The Carolina rushing defense has been gettable, allowing 5.1 yards per carry.
WR Omar Cooper Jr. vs. Dolphins: He’s played just two NFL games but the Patriots had no answers for Cooper last week. Now, he’s up against a Miami back end that’s allowed a juicy 115.0 passer rating to opposing QBs. Giddy up.
WR Germie Bernard vs. Saints (France): It can sometimes take years for receivers to enter the Aaron Rodgers Circle of Trust, but Bernard has done it in a matter of two months. Rodgers prefers quickly-defined routes and getting the ball out of his hands fast, and that’s a perfect fit for Bernard’s game. The music will keep playing in Week 7.
QB C.J. Stroud vs. Giants: He’s having a terrific comeback season, despite a poor offensive line and some injuries in the WR room. As wonderful as Nico Collins is, the Houston offense seems to function better when the ball is spread around. The Giants haven’t allowed a ton of passing yardage, but they’ve already given out 12 passing touchdowns. With the Houston rushing game stuck in neutral, Stroud will steer the ship Sunday.
Yellow Light 😕
RB Jaylen Warren vs. Saints (France): Warren’s been too efficient to bench, though it was frustrating to see Rico Dowdle get so much work last week. We also have to recognize the Steelers are doing most of their scoring through the air — they have just one rushing touchdown all season.
RB Jordan Mason vs. Colts: It sounds like Mason is ready to return from his thumb injury and the Colts front seven is a tasty matchup. But Aaron Jones Sr. has been steady all season, so the best Mason managers can realistically hope for is something of a time-share, at least right away. Mason could be in the flex conversation for Week 7.
RB Chase Brown at Ravens: He had to share more than usual with Samaje Perine back in Week 5, but oppressive heat in Miami probably played into that. The Baltimore run defense has been steady, but Brown is playable as a starting back likely to see 15-20 touches.
TE Tyler Higbee at Raiders: The Rams love to roll out various tight ends and Higbee also has a holiday to celebrate — it’s National Tight Ends Day on Sunday. But Colby Parkinson also figures to be involved as Los Angeles tries to find answers without Davante Adams. Higbee is more of a reasonable substitute than he is a proactive play.
QB Brock Purdy at Falcons: It’s a short turnaround week and the Niners might not have veteran WR Mike Evans. At some point, the endless parade of receiver injuries has to affect the octane of this offense. San Francisco figures to work the phones aggressively as teams navigate through trade season.
QB Patrick Mahomes at Seahawks: The offense officially runs through Kenneth Walker III now, and the Seahawks have the nastiest defense in the NFL — and a legitimate home-field advantage. Mahomes probably won’t have Rashee Rice (hamstring) this week, either.
Red Light 🚨
WR Devaughn Vele vs. Steelers (France): He’s been under 60 yards for four straight weeks and the sledding could be tough in this spot, as Pittsburgh is outstanding against slot receivers.
RB Cam Skattebo at Texans: At least Najee Harris is out of the mix, but the Giants still have three backs they can throw at the problem in Week 7. And while Houston’s defense has taken a step back this year, it’s still parceling out a mere 3.4 yards per rush. Hopefully you don’t have to play NYG backfield roulette on Sunday.
WR Josh Downs at Vikings: Downs is always going to have trouble scoring touchdowns given his physical specs, and QB Daniel Jones has been in a funk all season. It’s hard to see how things turn around this weekend against a rested and nasty Minnesota defense.
WR Denzel Boston at Titans: He’s popping on film just about every week, but the Browns haven’t gotten him past seven targets in any game and Deshaun Watson caps everyone’s upside in this passing game. Boston is a talent, but he’s jostling for position along with Harold Fannin Jr. and KC Concepcion in the Cleveland huddle.