JD's sit em/start em week 7 — Going The Distance Sports

Week 7. Can you actually believe it? It’s kind of a love/hate feeling to be honest, I love that we are in the thick of the NFL season, but I hate that we are already at this point. But, the main reason why I hate this week so much? It’s the damn “Byepocalypse” in the Fantasy Football world. There are 6 teams on “Bye” that have multiple fantasy relevant players that are sitting out this week.

Dallas, Minnesota, Pittsburgh, Jacksonville, Buffalo, and the Los Angeles Chargers watch from home this weekend. If you look at those teams you already know they all have plenty of fantasy relevance, which makes this week very hard for fantasy managers as far as start and sit options go. You probably are extremely limited, and most likely had to hop on the waiver wire and spend a bunch of FAAB to acquire your emergency fill in target. If you were lucky enough to win the bid on D’Ernest Johnson, then congrats, he is going to end up a Top 15 RB this week, and may help you win as well. So this week, it is a challenge, and I’m here to help you survive, get you your starts/sits/sleepers, and hopefully point out some lesser known names that could potentially help you win your “Byepocalypse” week. Let’s get it.

*Image via Patrick McDermott Getty Images*

Must Starts:

QB:

Ryan Tannehill (TEN) VS KC – First off, the main piece of information here you need is the projected 57.5 over/under. That’s right, 57.5! Pieces of this game are a must in your lineup, especially main slate DFS. The Chiefs have the 7th worst passing defense in the league, and I don’t care if Julio is out, and if A.J. Brown ate bad Chipotle. Brown will play, him and Tannehill may blow up against this bad Chiefs defense. It’s a shootout in the making, and could be one of the most exciting games so far this season. Tannehill currently sits at $6,400 on Draft Kings, the 8th most expensive.

Matt Ryan (ATL) @ MIA – I know, the Falcons have looked awful this year, and Calvin Ridley has been an absentee for most of it. I’m here to tell you that changes this Sunday. The Ryan/Ridley connection will come back to life this weekend, and I’m all in on it. The Dolphins have been getting TORCHED by the passing game, and it shows, they have the 4th worst passing defense in the league allowing 1,755 yards and 13 TD’s so far. Just to entice you a bit more, the over/under is 47.5, solid. This is my favorite stack too in DFS this weekend, and I think the Ridley and Ryan owners finally hit pay dirt in Miami. Matty “Ice” Ryan currently sits at a cool $5,700 on Draft Kings.

Derek Carr (LV) VS PHI – Derek Carr has been underappreciated all season long in the fantasy football world. He’s been solid, and is a very fair and usable replacement if you have one of the QB’s sidelined from the “Byepocalypse.” Besides the Chicago game, he’s had this weekly point total; 21, 14, 21, 24, 24. You can’t argue with it. The Eagles have given up 12 TD’s through the air so far, and I honestly think the way Carr is playing right now, he and the newly head coached Raiders pummel the Eagles. Derek Carr is currently $6,000 on Draft Kings.

RB:

Chase Edmonds (ARI) VS HOU – Arizona is favored by 17 in this game, 17! I honestly think the Cardinals get up quickly on the Texans through the air, and they ride on Edmonds’ coat tails the rest of the way. He is also involved in the passing game which is great. The Texans have the 2nd worst rushing defense in the league right now, only behind the Chargers. I don’t see a way he ends up disappointing, because he has been the last 2 weeks, I’m almost certain that doesn’t happen at all. The Cardinals have been a blast to watch through the air, and if Edmonds doesn’t get it done on the ground, he will without a doubt make up for it in the screen game. He currently sits at $5,600 on Draft Kings.

Darrell Henderson (LAR) VS DET – Boy this is going to be another fun one to watch, with what could be a tornado of fantasy football points. A 50.5 over under, and the Rams are favored by 15. The ole Stafford revenge game might just be a blowout against the Lions, who currently have the 7th worst rushing defense in the league. The only disappointing game Henderson has had was against Tampa, and that’s because he didn’t even play. Other than that, he hasn’t scored less than 15.7 fantasy points in a game in PPR formats. Look for him to possibly have the best game of the season. He is a bit pricey, but it might be the time to pay up for a running back, $6,600 on Draft Kings.

Leonard Fournette (TB) VS CHI – Listen up, Lombardi Lenny has been a surprise Fantasy stud so far this year, and it’s mainly due to his involvement in the passing game, not to mention Ronald Jones has been in the doghouse. But it doesn’t matter, this week that should continue. In a game where Tampa is favored by 11.5 at home, Lenny could end up seeing the ball a lot if they get out in front. The Bears rushing defense isn’t bad at all, but with his involvement in the passing game, Fournette looks to be a smash play. In PPR formats, the last two weeks he scored 30.5 and 21 points. Rock. Solid. Fournette is currently $6,400 on Draft Kings.

WR:

Calvin Ridley (ATL) @ MIA – This should come as no surprise here with Matt Ryan being in my must starts for quarterback. I know you’re nervous, maybe for a few reasons. I’m here to explain that it’ll all be ok and you shouldn’t worry about starting Ridley. He is beyond due for a big game, and it should without a doubt be this weekend. Look for him to go back to his high flying, consistent, week winning ways. Yeah, he has had targets and catches, and only 1 touchdown to show for it. Against Miami, I’m looking for a multiple touchdown game and over 100 yards. Speak it into existence. Ridley sits at $6,600 on Draft Kings.

Davante Adams (GB) VS WAS – The Washington Football Team is dead friggin’ last in the NFL against pass catchers. So far they’ve allowed 1,904 yards and 16 touchdowns, and this week they get to go up against arguably the best wide receiver in the league. Adams is going to go off, hell, he will probably eclipse 100 yards by the end of the 1st quarter. All signs point to a monster game, and he should be in your DFS lineup if you want a chance at big money. Of course he is expensive, as he should be, which is $8,900 on Draft Kings.

Tyreek Hill (KC) @ TEN – Let me tell you something, Tyreek left the game last week for almost a full quarter and still managed to come away with 24 PPR points. My point? It doesn’t matter if he is 100% on the field come Sunday, because he still does Tyreek things. Throw in the fact that the Titans are the 8th worst in the league against pass catchers and the 57.5 over under, and you have the makings for a big day for Cheetah. Take your pick on Adams or Hill on who you want to pay up for, he is $8,600 on Draft Kings.

TE:

The Big 3 should all have great games this week considering their match ups. Kelce, Waller, and Andrews will be just fine. So I’m leaving my Tight End discussion for the sleeper and dart throw portion.

Sit ‘Em Down:

QB:

Mac Jones (NE) VS NYJ – If there is one thing that the Jets have going for them right now it is their passing defense. The Jets have only allowed 1,247 yards and 4 touchdowns through the air so far, and from what I’ve seen from Mac Jones and the Patriots I don’t think the Jets should have an issue shutting them down. It’s not that Mac has played bad, he hasn’t, but the Jets know their assignments week in and week out on defense, and this week it’ll be shutting the “Mac Attack” down and forcing the Patriots to beat them on the ground.

Daniel Jones (NYG) VS CAR – I’m aware, Kirk Cousins and my Vikings made the Panthers pretty solid passing defense look like garbage last week, and I’m proud of it. But the situation in New York is no where near the same as Minnesota. The Giants are going to be playing without basically their entire starting wide receiver room, and Daniel Jones has been turnover prone. The Panthers still have the 3rd best passing defense in the league, and I think after their debacle last week they go back to form against Daniel Jones and he continues his turnover issue. Avoid at all costs.

Davis Mills (HOU) @ ARI – With nearly no weapons to throw to besides Brandin Cooks, Davis Mills is in a real tough situation in Houston. They head to Arizona on Sunday, where the Cardinals have 9th best passing defense in the league along with 17 sacks. The only way I see Mills doing anything at all is in the second half, and after the Cardinals get out to that huge lead that is imminent. Sit General Mills down, and leave him there for the remainder of the season if he wasn’t there already.

RB:

Damien Williams/Khalil Herbert (CHI) @ TB – Let’s face it, its week 7 and by now you should know better than the start a running back in fantasy football against the Bucs. They’re the number 1 rushing defense in the league still, only allowing 329 yards and 3 touchdowns so far. We all know options are limited this week, but if you can, you absolutely do everything you can to avoid the Bears backfield today.

Myles Gaskin (MIA) VS ATL – The over under here is kind of inviting, but that is because the passing defenses on both squads is gross. Atlanta’s rush defense however has been pretty solid. They’ve allowed the 6th least amount of yards to the position so far, and have only given up 5 touchdowns on the ground. Then throw in that Gaskin has been less than ideal as a fantasy star (RB21 in PPR), and you are in for another game of disappointment. Leave the Dolphin in the bay today.

Alex Collins (SEA) VS NO – As of now Collins holds a questionable tag to his name, but it sounds like they’re going to give him a go tomorrow night anyways, and I expect him to play having an extra day of rest. But truth be told it’s not going to matter. The Seahawks run game won’t have an answer for the Saints rushing defense, its the 2nd best in the league, and they’ll most likely ride Russ if they want a chance at winning. Leave Collins on the bench, and throw a better option in your lineup for today’s games instead of waiting for disappointment tomorrow night.

WR:

Jakobi Meyers (NE) VS NYJ – It’s crazy to see the Jets defense doing so well against fantasy players and yet they suck in real football, but that’s what’s happening. The Jets have allowed the 6th least amount of yards to the wide receiver position so far. With Mac Jones sitting on my bench list too, I don’t see how you can start Meyers with confidence, especially a wide out who still hasn’t found the end zone. You’re better off avoiding the Patriots almost at all costs today.

Robby Anderson (CAR) @ NYG – Robby Anderson is one of the biggest busts this year all around in fantasy football, but it isn’t all his fault, but some of it definitely is. For example, last week he had 11 targets, 3 drops, 3 catches, but for only 11 yards. He did sneak a touchdown in there, but only ended up with 10 PPR points. Games before that, his point totals; 5, 9, 1, 6, and 12 in the opener. At this point he’s almost drop-able in leagues, but you may have to wait until this week is done if you need to start him. But if you don’t have to, push him out the door.

Tyler Lockett (SEA) VS NO – The hatred for Seattle players this week continues. New Orleans defense against the pass and catch isn’t elite by any means, but it isn’t bottom of the barrel either. Lockett has been quite all year long, he is currently the WR24, not what you drafted him to do. If it wasn’t for his first 2 games of the season (26 pts, 31 pts) he wouldn’t even be in the top 30 wide outs right now. It’s been putrid for Lockett owners, and I think the looks for Metcalf will continue and the cold shoulder stays with Lockett.

Sleepers:

Justin Fields (CHI) @ TB – While the Tampa rush defense continues to dominate the league this year, the passing defense continues to struggle mightily. This could be the game you get to see what Justin Fields brings to the table. You know TB is going to bottle up the running backs, and Tom Brady is going to do his thing, so it will come down to Fields hucking the ball to make a comeback. They’re going to have to pass to make themselves relevant today, and Fields could be in for a really fun fantasy football game. Just a friendly reminder, garbage points still very much count as fantasy points. Fields currently sits at a dirt cheap $5,300 on Draft Kings.

Michael Pittman (IND) @ SF – The Niners defense is good, no question about it, and they will be all season. But, the truth of the matter is if the Colts want to compete tonight, they’re going to have to get the ball to their best players, and one of those is Pittman. With the rest of the wide receiver room down and out for the game, it should end up being the Michael Pittman show. If Wentz can avoid the pass rush, Michael Pittman should see a significant amount of targets in tonight’s game. Pittman is $5,400 tonight on Draft Kings.

Miles Sanders (PHI) @ LV – If you’re a Miles Sanders owner you have been nothing but disappointed this season, but it isn’t his fault at all. I don’t know what Sanders did, but Head Coach Nick Sirianni doesn’t use him. I think that changes this week, and I think it’ll have to if the Eagles want to keep pace with the red hot Raiders. The Raiders have allowed the 8th most yards to rushing backs so far this season, and the Eagles should see that as an easy out for Sanders to dominate. I think you can start him with confidence today, and you should see paydirt. Miles Sanders sits at a cheap $5,100 on Draft Kings.

Dallas Goedert (PHI) @ LV – That pesky Zach Ertz has left the building, and it’s finally time to see what Dallas Goedert can do for the Eagles. Jalen Hurts is playing great fantasy football this year, not real football, and I think Goedert benefits from it big time today. The Raiders are tough against the pass, and I think Hurts is going to have to find some quick outs to Goedert. He’s a great sleeper this week and DFS play, and currently sits at $4,600 on Draft Kings.

Unknown Dart Throws (DFS):

Before we start, this is a real tough section this week, and may be more important than ever with the “Byepocalypse.” There is a ton of big names not playing this week, and you are going to want to find those dart throw players that have potential to explode this week as well as being in a small roster percentage for the DFS field. So here are some names your should consider today to potentially win the big pot.

Tua Tagovailoa (MIA) – James, you’re friggin’ kidding me right? No, I’m not. In fact, I love starting Tua this week in DFS if you’re not willing to pay up at the QB position. Atlanta is going to give up points through the air, and even if Tua has looked rough, he is going to have to make something happen today. Also throw in the fact that a very small percentage of people will draft him in DFS today, and if he goes off against the Falcons, which he could, you’ll look like a genius if the rest of your lineup hits as well. ($5,500 on DK)

J.D. McKissic (WFT) – Looking at what should be a negative game script today against GB, the WFT will be forced to throw the ball, and we all know that McKissic is the guy in the backfield that catches the ball. Factor in that Antonio Gibson isn’t 100% healthy, and J.D. Smooches may be in store for a solid work load today. ($5,000 on DK)

James Conner (ARI) – As I said earlier, I see the Cardinals blowing up the Houston Texans today and not holding back. If that’s the case, James Conner is going to see the ball a lot in the second half of the game. He is also the goal line back in Arizona, and has cashed in 5 touchdowns the last 4 games. ($5,600 on DK).

Christian Kirk (ARI) – Obviously I want pieces of this game. This could be the game where Kirk catches 7 balls for 150 and 2 touchdowns. Now I know, that’s a crazy stat line to look at, but I just don’t see a scenario where Houston slows Murray and company down. It could be a pretty exciting game from a Cardinal fan’s perspective, and I think you’re going to want in on these players. ($5,300 on DK).

Darnell Mooney (CHI) – You know the drill, Tampa’s pass defense sucks, Fields will need to toss the ball, and why not to the potential breakout player of Darnell Mooney. The kid can fly, and I think there are multiple times he gets behind the secondary this afternoon. This is another player that could absolutely explode today. ($4,600 on DK).

Mecole Hardman (KC) – The Chiefs have looked rough, not going to lie. But, the Chiefs should get back to form this week, and I think Hardman might be a beneficiary. Even though Hill is going to play, he is still banged up a bit, and could miss a quarter like last week. Hardman also carries the potential to blow up at any moment, and all it takes is one deep ball. Oh yeah, and Tennessee’s secondary 100% sucks. ($4,300 DK).

Rashod Bateman (BAL) – It’s time. Bateman is healthy, Lamar has looked good, and he goes up against a defense that can be thrown on. I absolutely love Bateman this week, and besides Mark Andrews and Hollywood Brown, Lamar hasn’t had this amount of weapons. I think he has great potential to show everyone up this week, and I’ll be throwing him in almost every lineup I do. ($3,400 on DK).

Zach Ertz (ARI) – It’s hard to go all in on Ertz today solely on the fact it’s his first full week with the Cardinals. But, the truth is they’re going to try to run up the score, and Houston is awful against tight ends, dead last to be exact. There is a chance Ertz has a great game, and like I said, you want pieces of this match up. ($3,900 on DK).

Ricky Seals-Jones (WFT) – Ricky has stepped in nicely as of late, the last two games he’s has 15 targets with 9 catches, for 99 yards and a touchdown. I like his chances of scoring today against the Packers, and in what should be a negative rushing game script for WFT, Heinicke is going to be throwing the ball. ($3,700 on DK).

Good luck today and tomorrow night ladies and gents, you’re almost through the “Byepocalypse.” Go with your gut, throw a decent dart at the board, and maybe say a prayer that no one gooses for you. It might end up being the most interesting week of the season.

Here’s to high scores and floors!

SKOL

- JD