2011 Week 7 Fantasy Advice

Did you have a good Week 6? With big QB's on byes this week, flex options may be necessary at the QB position for you, and before we get to the actual column, I'll make sure to go over the brand new options at QB to start off the column this week:

Byes: BUF, CIN, NE, NYG, PHI, SF

The New Guys:

QB John Beck (WSH): Despite the fact that he has very good matchups against Carolina and Buffalo in the next 2 weeks, he probably isn't the best choice if you are desperate. He could play decently, or terribly, and it may be too much of a risk considering that he could get the hook just as quickly as he became the starter.

QB Christian Ponder (MIN): He is not a viable fantasy option right now. He has potential as a good value QB later, but with Adrian Peterson behind him, expect the Vikings to run the ball plenty, and the good Green Bay Packer D to eat him up.

QB Tim Tebow (DEN): He is an interesting choice. Due to his running ability, he may get more fantasy points than any of the other 3 options, and with a good matchup, it may help his stock as well. However, like Beck, he is very risky, considering how the Broncos may use him. He's not a big value this week, but if he proves himself, he may be later.

QB Carson Palmer (OAK- I know, right?): He will be starting this week for Oakland, and despite the fact that he could have good numbers pretty quickly, I'd wait to see if he really will become a viable #2 fantasy QB. He has good weapons around him to use, and familiarity with the coaching staff, but I'd wait until after the bye week next week to start him.

Now, onto the regular column:

Who to Start:

QB Tony Romo (DAL) vs. STL: The Rams defense has been very bad this year due to injuries and other causes, and Tony Romo should eat that up. He should be able to have a big stat line for the Cowboys, who didn't have quite the week that many expected against New England last Sunday.

RB Ryan Mathews (SD) vs. NYJ: Ground and pound has lost the pound of late for the Jets, and their rush D has not been very good at all this season. This bodes well for Mathews and the Chargers, who should run the ball plenty due to the problems the Chargers may have throwing the football.

WR Marques Colston (NO) vs. IND: He finally had a big game a week ago in Tampa, and he should have another one this week against a Colts defense that has been very injured and bad at the same time. The Saints should really light up the bad Indy secondary.

WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (OAK) vs. KC: The Chiefs have been very bad against the pass, and corner Brandon Flowers has been abused in coverage often this season. Even with Carson Palmer having some rust, Heyward-Bey should still have a nice stat line.

TE Ed Dickson (BAL) vs. JAX MON: With many big name Tight Ends on byes this week, Dickson is a good option for those people. The Jaguars have been downright awful in defending Tight End's this season, so Joe Flacco may look his way often on Monday Night.

DEF Pittsburgh vs. ARZ: The Cardinals have been a good opponent fantasy wise for defenses, and they give good points even to units that have struggled this season, see Pittsburgh as an example.

Who to Sit:

QB Matt Schaub (HOU) vs. TEN: Even though he's very tough to bench right now, he may be one to avoid this Sunday. Without Andre Johnson, he's been pretty pedestrian, and he is still dealing with a chest injury. Combine that with a bad matchup, and it's not a recipe for success.

RB Peyton Hillis (CLE) vs. SEA: Whether it's his lame hammy, or just a lack of faith in him from the coaching staff, Montario Hardesty is getting more and more carries for Cleveland. Because of that, Hillis is now a risky fantasy start.

WR Vincent Jackson (SD) vs. NYJ: It's tough to bench him with bye weeks taking their toll, but going up against Revis Island is surely a tough task. He was shut down by Champ Bailey 2 weeks ago, so he may have even fewer chances on Revis Island.

WR Percy Harvin (MIN) vs. GB: With Christian Ponder under center, his stock took a major hit. He will see fewer targets as the Vikings turn more to the running game this week against Green Bay,

TE Kellen Winslow (TB) vs. CHI in London: He's becoming very difficult to trust week in and week out right now with his lack of production, even going against a favorable matchup in the Bears this Sunday on the pitch at Wembley.

DEF Atlanta vs. DET: The Lions are no pushover matchup anymore, and the Falcons defense has been less than stellar all season. It's going to be very tough for the Falcons to gain a defensive foothold this week at Ford Field.

3 Super Sleepers:

QB Colt McCoy (CLE) vs. SEA: The Seahawks lost Marcus Trufant for the season recently, so this will hurt an already struggling pass defense. Cleveland isn't a passing juggernaut, but he could have a surprising game this Sunday.

RB DeMarco Murray (DAL) vs. STL: With the injury to Felix Jones, Murray may see more carries right now against the Rams, who also have a very bad rush defense. Murray may be a very good bye week option if you need one.

TE Fred Davis (WSH) vs. CAR: John Beck may need a safety blanket option this Sunday, and Fred Davis has replaced Chris Cooley who is on the shelf due to an injury. He could have a pretty decent game against Carolina.

Buyer Beware:

QB Philip Rivers (SD) vs. NYJ: I wouldn't bench him if I had him as a starter unless I had a much better option, but he may have some struggles against the Jets pass D on Sunday. He himself has struggled too, so watch out here.

Good Luck in Week 7!