Week 7: Who To Start In Fantasy Football?

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Navigating Week 7 of the fantasy football season requires careful consideration. Injuries, bye weeks, and unpredictable matchups can make setting your lineup a real challenge. This guide will help you make informed decisions on who to start to maximize your chances of winning.

Quarterbacks

The quarterback position is always critical. Consider these factors when making your decision:

  • Matchup: Is your QB facing a tough defense or a pass-funnel defense?
  • Recent Performance: Has your QB been consistently delivering solid numbers?
  • Injury Status: Is your QB fully healthy, or are they playing through an injury?

For example, if you have a QB facing a team that struggles against the pass and your QB has been on a hot streak, starting them is a no-brainer. However, be wary of QBs facing top-tier defenses, even if they are usually reliable.

Running Backs

Running back decisions can be game-changing. Here’s what to consider:

  • Volume: Is your RB getting a high number of carries and targets?
  • Goal-Line Carries: Does your RB get the majority of carries inside the 5-yard line?
  • Opponent Run Defense: Is the opposing team weak against the run?

A running back who gets a lot of touches and has a favorable matchup is generally a safe bet. Keep an eye on injury reports, as a backup RB can become a valuable start if the starter is ruled out.

Wide Receivers

The wide receiver landscape can be volatile, but these tips can help:

  • Target Share: How many targets is your WR getting each game?
  • Matchup: Is your WR facing a susceptible cornerback?
  • QB Chemistry: Does your WR have a strong connection with their quarterback?

Consider starting receivers who are heavily targeted and have advantageous matchups. Also, consider WRs who have shown consistent chemistry with their QBs, as this can lead to more opportunities.

Tight Ends

The tight end position is often a source of frustration for fantasy managers. Here’s how to approach it:

  • Target Volume: Is your TE a primary target in the passing game?
  • Red-Zone Looks: Does your TE get targeted frequently in the red zone?
  • Matchup: Is the opposing team weak against tight ends?

If you have a tight end who sees a decent number of targets, especially in the red zone, and has a good matchup, they're likely a solid start.

Flex Considerations

The flex position (RB/WR/TE) gives you added flexibility. Here are some guidelines:

  • Upside: Prioritize players with high upside potential.
  • Floor: Balance upside with a reasonable floor to avoid a complete bust.
  • Matchup: Exploit favorable matchups.

Consider all available players and weigh their potential upside against their risk. A player with a favorable matchup and high upside should be strongly considered for your flex spot.

Key Takeaways

  • Stay Updated: Monitor injury reports and news leading up to kickoff.
  • Trust Your Gut: While data is important, trust your instincts.
  • Manage Expectations: Not every start will be a home run.

Making informed decisions based on matchups, volume, and player performance will significantly increase your chances of success in Week 7. Good luck!