Fantasy Football Week Seven: Start ’em, Sit ’em

We are now a third of the way through the NFL season, and week 6 did not disappoint. Allen vs. Mahomes round three was a thriller that ended in Buffalo’s favor after a game-sealing interception, the Giants were able to fend off the Ravens and now sit at 5-1, and the Eagles ended Cooper Rush’s undefeated streak to stay undefeated themselves.

Here we are now at week 7, and it carries a fresh handful of exciting matchups. Tua Tagovailoa makes his return on Sunday Night Football against the Steelers and his former head coach, the Colts and Titans duel for command of the AFC South, and Dak Prescott returns against the Lions in what I think should be a high-scoring affair.

Here are my starts and sits for this week. I’m striving to do better than going 50-50 like I did last week.

I also can’t believe that my strategy last week with George Kittle worked.

Ian’s Record: 30-16

Start ’em

Michael Pittman Jr. (WR, Colts) vs. Titans

After fighting a quad strain early on in the season, Pittman brought in 13 receptions and 134 yards in the Colts’ win against the Jaguars last week. A healthy Pittman has seemed to be Matt Ryan’s intended target as he continues to acclimate himself in Indianapolis.

Headed to Tennessee this week, I’m expecting Pittman to have another busy day. The Titans so far are tied for allowing the most fantasy points per game to wideouts. Look for another double-digit reception performance from Pittman as the Colts continue to open up their offense.

Josh Jacobs (RB, Raiders) vs. Texans

Similar to Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Jacobs has been red hot since starting off slow along with the Raiders. In the past two weeks, Jacobs has 49 carries for 298 yards and three touchdowns against the Broncos Chiefs defenses.

As the Raiders continue to get their season back on track by hosting the Texans this week, expect his hot streak to continue. The Texans, as expected heading into the season, stink. They’ll have little to no answer for what should be another 20+ carry game for Jacobs.

David Njoku (TE, Browns) vs. Ravens

While the Browns have been up-and-down so far this season, Njoku has emerged as the number two option behind only Amari Cooper. He’s scored at least 8.8 fantasy points in each of the Browns’ last four contests, and is overdue for a touchdown.

Look for that to come against a Ravens defense that has been playing better, but is still vulnerable to tight ends. They’ve allowed four touchdowns to tight ends in six games so far, and Njoku should see more targets as they attempt to handle Cooper.

Tua Tagovailoa (QB, Dolphins) vs. Steelers

After a gut-wrenching injury that placed Tagovailoa in concussion protocol these past two weeks, Tua is cleared to return in primetime this week as the Dolphins host ex-head coach Brian Flores and the Steelers on Sunday night.

His absence was clearly visible against the Jets and the Vikings, as they dropped both those games and were outscored 64-33. Look for him to return locked in as he and the Dolphins work to bring what started as a strong season back to life.

Sit ’em

Darnell Mooney (WR, Bears) vs. Patriots

Mooney saw a season-high seven receptions last week, but whatever Matt Eberflus is doing with Justin Fields and the Bears passing offense just hasn’t been enough to make Mooney fantasy relevant.

Don’t expect anything to change as the Bears head to New England this week. While the Patriots rank a mediocre 14th in passing yards allowed, they should find it pretty easy to eliminate Chicago’s only deep threat.

Zach Wilson (QB, Jets) vs. Broncos

The Jets are searing hot, and I’m not saying they’ll lose this game, but I’m predicting a low ceiling outcome for Wilson against the Broncos.

While the Broncos’ offense has been abysmal with Russell Wilson, they’re defense has been stellar; especially in the passing game. They have yet to allow anywhere close to 300 yards through the air, have given up only three passing touchdowns, and have picked off the opposing QB four times.

Patrick Surtain II has allowed 165 yards and 0 touchdowns through six weeks. Expect a low-scoring game.

James Robinson (RB, Jaguars) vs. Giants

After dominating touches through the first few weeks, Robinson has seen a bigger share handed to Travis Etienne Jr. recently. While Etienne had 10 last week to Robinson’s 12, Etienne has been the one catching passes out of the backfield and leads the league in yards per touch.

Both running backs may shed light on what’s been a weak Giants rushing defense, but the matchup leans more in favor of Etienne as he continues to heat up.

Zach Ertz (TE, Cardinals) vs. Saints

During DeAndre Hopkins’ absence, Ertz has managed a 21.6% target share, sixth among tight ends, while ranking second in route participation and fourth in air yard share.

Expect that to be silenced this week however, as not only Hopkins finally returns from his suspension, but the Saints have shut down tight ends this season. Don’t bench him permanently quite yet, but definitely this week.