IDP Start/Sit Week 7
In Week 6, we got five correct, two push, and three incorrect. We are getting closer to the halfway point of the NFL season, however, Week 7 marks the halfway point to our fantasy football seasons. So, lace up your boots and get ready because the second half starts this week!
*SIDE NOTE*—We consider a start as a player who will earn 10 or more points for you, while a sit scores less than 10 points.
Before we look at our Week 7 IDP Starts and Sits, let us take a look at how we did in Week 6.
|
|
6pts | FAIL |
| 11pts | PASS | |
| 19pts | PASS | |
| 10pts | PUSH | |
| 13pts | PASS |
|
|
16pts | FAIL |
| 4pts | PASS | |
| 7pts | PASS | |
| 10pts | PUSH | |
|
|
14pts | FAIL |
**Injuries happen when we least expect it! In case of an all-of-sudden injury or reason a player cannot play, be sure to check out our pivot options too!**
STARTS
Defensive Line – Los Angeles Rams – Jared Verse (@ LV) – START
Despite some recent struggles converting pressures into sacks, Verse has shown promise early in the season. During the first two weeks he had one sack and a forced fumble. He currently leads the team in pressures, tied at 20, indicating he is consistently disrupting plays and getting close to the quarterback. The Raiders’ offensive line has struggled in pass protection, giving Verse an opportunity to break his drought. With the Raiders’ offensive game plan relying heavily on their passing attack, there is a good chance Verse can finally convert pressures into sacks. His playmaking potential makes him a high-upside option this week, especially for managers needing a boost in sack-heavy formats. This matchup offers Verse the perfect chance to regain momentum and show why he is a valuable IDP asset. The Raiders’ offensive line has been inconsistent. This should create opportunities for him to capitalize on mistakes. If he can take advantage of these opportunities, it could be a breakout performance that sets the tone for the rest of his season.
Edge Rusher – Cincinnati Bengals – Trey Hendrickson (@ CLE) – START
The Cleveland Browns have allowed 11 more sacks than any other team in the NFL. Hendrickson has been the most disruptive force on the Bengals’ defense, leading the team with 25 pressures and five sacks. He has already posted multiple sacks in two different games this season. Given Cleveland’s struggles with pass protection, this matchup provides an excellent opportunity for Hendrickson to extend his success. With Cincinnati needing defensive stops to keep games manageable, Hendrickson should see plenty of snaps to rack up stats.
Hendrickson’s consistency, as both a pass-rusher and playmaker, makes him an appealing fantasy option. While fellow edge rusher Sam Hubbard has only recorded one sack so far, Hendrickson has carried the pass-rush load and should continue to be the primary threat off the edge. Cleveland’s offensive line issues and tendency to give up multiple sacks per game set the stage for Hendrickson to deliver another standout performance. If he can keep up the momentum, there is a real chance for him to register another multi-sack game and contribute valuable points to IDP managers. This game offers an opportunity for Hendrickson to build on his early-season production and establish himself as a consistent fantasy force.
Linebacker – Buffalo Bills – Terrel Bernard (vs. TEN) – START
The Buffalo Bills face the Tennessee Titans, a team that relies heavily on its running game. This means Bernard should have plenty of chances to rack up tackles. The matchup presents the perfect opportunity for him to get back into double-digit tackles, a feat he has not reached since Week 1. Even after missing two games, Bernard ranks second on the team in run stops. Tennessee’s predictable, run-heavy attack plays right into Bernard’s strengths.
With the Titans’ offense centered around the ground game, Bernard is likely to be heavily involved throughout the contest. His ability to quickly diagnose plays and take the right angles allows him to limit big gains and make consistent stops near the line of scrimmage. In a game where the Bills’ front seven will need to contain Tony Pollard, Bernard’s role will be critical, leading to a high-volume tackle day. Additionally, with fewer pass-coverage responsibilities, Bernard can focus more on making impact plays in the box. For managers in tackle-heavy formats, Bernard offers both upside and stability.
Linebacker – Jacksonville Jaguars – Devin Lloyd (vs. NE) – START
Last week, some managers (including myself) may have benched Jaguars players due to concerns about the London game. However, the Jaguars remained in Europe, giving them a valuable advantage in preparation and time-zone adjustment. Meanwhile, the Patriots are now making the long trip across the Atlantic, which could leave them fatigued and reliant on simpler offensive schemes like the run game. This plays perfectly into Lloyd’s strengths, as the Patriots are known to lean on their running backs, and rookie quarterback Drake Maye also poses a rushing threat. Lloyd’s ability to read and react to ball carriers brings opportunity to pile up tackles in this matchup.
With Maye likely relying on his legs and short passes under pressure, Lloyd will have several chances to shine both in run defense and underneath coverage. The Jaguars will depend on Lloyd’s sideline-to-sideline range to contain New England’s rushing attack. This could result in a high tackle total. As one of the primary linebackers, he is positioned to be a tackling machine this week. Lloyd provides both a high floor and upside for fantasy managers. If Lloyd can take advantage of the Patriots’ travel fatigue and neutralize Maye’s mobility, this game could be one of his most productive performances of the season.
Defensive Back – Detroit Lions – Brian Branch (@ MIN) – START
Despite playing only 79% of the snaps—his lowest share all season—Branch immediately reasserted his dominance upon returning. With the Lions now facing the Minnesota Vikings, Branch is primed for a productive outing. The Vikings may struggle to establish the run due to Aaron Jones’ injury. This shift could force them to rely heavily on the passing game, especially targeting Justin Jefferson or Jordan Addison. If this happens, it provides Branch with ample opportunities to make impact plays. Branch’s versatility in both coverage and run support makes him a high-floor, high-ceiling option for fantasy managers.
Branch’s ability for being around the ball is a key reason he has already recorded three interceptions this season. He will be looking to add more this week. With the Vikings likely airing it out, Branch will have several chances to either break up passes or generate turnovers. His aggressive style and instinctive playmaking also give him the potential for big plays beyond interceptions, such as tackles for loss and pass deflections. Even in limited snaps last week, he showed how valuable he can be, making him a strong option regardless of playing time.
Additional Players to consider starting:
Philadelphia Eagles – DL – Josh Sweat
Pittsburgh Steelers – DL – Cameron Heyward
Cincinnati Bengals – LB – Logan Wilson
New York Jets – LB – Quincy Williams
Arizona Cardinals – DB – Jalen Thompson
SIT
Edge Rusher – Houston Texans – Danielle Hunter (@ GB) – SIT
Although Hunter was a successful start last week, this week’s matchup presents a challenge. The Packers have only allowed eight sacks all season, making it difficult for opposing pass-rushers to generate production. While Hunter has been productive with 24 pressures, those pressures are creating more opportunities for his teammate Will Anderson, who has capitalized with six sacks on the season. As a result, Hunter’s disruptive presence is helping others get to the quarterback, but it may limit his own fantasy value this week.
Given Green Bay’s efficient pass protection, Hunter might struggle to convert his pressures into sacks, lowering his upside in IDP formats. Additionally, the Packers’ offensive strategy leans on quick passes and a balanced run game, further limiting opportunities for big plays off the edge. With Will Anderson thriving and benefiting from Hunter’s pressures, fantasy managers may find better options with more favorable matchups this week. While Hunter’s ability to disrupt offenses remains valuable on the field, his IDP fantasy output could be capped in this game.
Edge Rusher – Minnesota Vikings – Andrew Van Ginkel (vs. DET) – SIT
While Van Ginkel was an IDP standout early in the season by recording sacks in each of the first three games. He has cooled off recently, failing to register a sack in the last two outings. His fantasy value was salvaged last week with a rare interception and touchdown against the struggling New York Jets. He is unlikely to replicate that kind of performance against a more disciplined Lions team. Detroit’s offensive line has consistently protected their quarterback well, limiting sack opportunities for opposing pass-rushers.
The Lions’ well-balanced offense, which emphasizes a strong run game, could further reduce Van Ginkel’s chances to make splash plays. Even though he remains an important part of the Vikings’ defense, the lack of recent sacks and the difficult matchup make him a risky option this week. Unlike the Jets, the Lions are far more organized and less prone to mistakes. This means Van Ginkel’s chances of securing another interception or defensive touchdown are slim. Until he finds his way back into the sack column or faces a more favorable opponent, it may be wise to explore other edge-rushing options with higher upside.
Linebacker – New York Jets – C.J. Mosley (@ PIT) – SIT
Last week, Mosley saw the field for only 13% of the Jets’ defensive snaps, a drastic reduction from his usual workload. This limited snap share suggests that his injury may still be affecting his availability, making him a risky play for fantasy managers. Until Mosley returns to playing at least 70% of the snaps, his production will likely remain inconsistent, limiting his ability to rack up tackles and big plays. Even if active, he may be used sparingly again, reducing his IDP value. The Jets’ coaching staff could continue to rotate linebackers to protect Mosley from further injury. With fewer opportunities to be on the field, Mosley will have a tough time delivering the kind of high tackle totals and impact plays that managers have come to expect. While he is still one of the most reliable IDP options when healthy, it is wise to bench him until his snap share returns to normal.
Linebacker – Denver Broncos – Cody Barton (@ NO) – SIT
Barton’s snap count ensures he will have plenty of opportunities to rack up stats, his production has been unreliable. Two of the last three weeks dominated by assisted tackles rather than solo stops. This suggests that while he is around the ball, he is not finishing plays independently. The assistance limits his fantasy value, especially in leagues that reward solo tackles more heavily. Inconsistency in his performance raises concerns about whether he can deliver a solid outing, even with ample playing time. This week, Barton faces an opponent that may further limit his production. If the opposing team employs a quick-pass offense or spreads the ball around, it could minimize Barton’s chances to make impact plays in the run game or down the field. While Barton will likely remain on the field for most defensive snaps, his reliance on assisted tackles and lack of game-changing plays reduces his IDP upside.
Defensive Back – Kansas City Chiefs – Trent McDuffie (@ SF) – SIT
Although McDuffie has seen the most snaps on the Kansas City Chiefs’ defense, his production has been modest. On the season he only has 20 tackles, three pass deflections, and one tackle-for-loss. The 49ers’ offense is packed with elusive playmakers, all of whom are known for making defenders miss. This could limit McDuffie’s ability to accumulate tackles or make impact plays. Even with his heavy snap count, he has not been able to turn playing time into consistent fantasy production. This week’s matchup is unlikely to help McDuffie get back on track. The 49ers’ offense excels at spreading the ball around and avoiding mistakes. With San Francisco’s focus on short passes and a quick-hitting run game, McDuffie may have fewer chances to make big plays in coverage. Additionally, the 49ers’ well-schemed offense may further reduce his opportunities to be involved in tackles or disrupt plays. While McDuffie’s high snap count offers some appeal, his lack of statistical production makes him a risky start in IDP formats.
Additional Players to Consider Sitting:
Atlanta Falcons – DL – Matthew Judon
Miami Dolphins – DL – Emmanuel Ogbah
Cleveland Browns – LB – Jordan Hicks
Kansas City Chiefs – LB – Leo Chenal
Buffalo Bills – DB – Taylor Rapp
Be sure to follow us along all season long for weekly tips on who start and who to sit on the defensive side of the ball. Follow me on X @ThePPRShow for more fantasy football content and for offensive starts and sits be sure to check out @TFFGRobbie article too. Thank you for reading.
For a more detailed start/sit list, make sure you check out our Weekly IDP Rankings.