5 Start, 5 Sit for Week 7 of the 2023 NFL Season
It’s getting easier to know who is worth playing now. Trends are a little more visible and guys we thought might be lightning in a bottle have turned out to be a fart in a jar. What I have for you this week is a list of players that I think are worthy of your starting rosters, followed by guys that might need to start applying for day jobs.
Start:
Sam Howell vs NYG – Start
While the Commanders may not always be playing the best football, Sam Howell has quietly been putting together a really solid fantasy year. Aside from week 3 against Buffalo, he has had nothing but top 16 performances, with the most recent two weeks being top 10. With an important divisional game against the Giants this week, I think Howell will continue to be a solid QB2 option for you.
Raheem Mostert vs PHI – Start
The Eagles normally have a very solid run defense. However, I think the unique and complicated way that the Dolphins run the ball will be able to poke holes in the scheme. Mostert is seriously dangerous in space and can easily run away from every defender Philadelphia has. In only 6 weeks, he has 11 total touchdowns and he’s already almost halfway to 1000 rushing yards. This guy should be an automatic start, so don’t let this matchup dissuade you.
Christian Kirk vs NO – Start
The assumption was that Calvin Ridley was going to become the #1 target for the Jaguars, but Christian Kirk has maintained that role from last year. Kirk has outscored Ridley in 4 of 6 weeks this season and has more targets, catches, and yards. I think Ridley has a higher weekly ceiling than Kirk, but Kirk is a much more consistent option as a WR3/Flex. I think Kirk is going to get a lot of work against a Saints defense that is pretty tough against the run.
Sam LaPorta vs BAL – Start
I’ve heralded Sam LaPorta before, but I’m back again preaching his gospel. He has smashed through all rookie expectations and has been a major contributor to one of the best offenses in the league. LaPorta gets wide receiver-like volume and consequently his production matches. He is currently the TE2 behind only Travis Kelce and in tight end premium leagues is one of the top non-quarterback players. Start this guy every week!
Drake London vs TB – Start
The biggest factor in Drake London’s recent success is the fact that Desmond Ridder has had to throw the ball 50 times a game. As we get deeper into the season, I think the Falcons are realizing that you need to throw the ball to be in games and that benefits all Atlanta pass catchers. London’s volume has been increasing the past four weeks culminating in a WR6 finish last week. With a tough run defense against them this week in Tampa Bay, I think London will have another high volume game and put up more big numbers.
Sit:
Gardner Minshew vs CLE – Sit
Last week we got to see why Gardner Minshew is a backup. He threw for over 300 yards, but also put up three of the ugliest interceptions I’ve ever seen and only had one touchdown. All of that against a pretty mediocre Jaguars’ defense. This week he gets the Browns: a top three fantasy defense against every position. I think he’s going to be running for his life and won’t be able to get anything going. Stay away…
Rachaad White vs ATL – Sit
This isn’t really a surprise. Tampa hasn’t been able to run the ball well since before Brady got there. Atlanta’s run defense is stout enough to keep White boxed in and pretty much useless on the ground. White’s only saving grace might be his efficacy in the pass game, but I’m not confident that the play calls will be in his favor. I think he will end up being a moderate flex play this week, but not much beyond that.
Diontae Johnson vs LAR – Sit
Diontae Johnson’s return to the Steelers has been long awaited, but I don’t think it’s going to be all that impactful. The biggest problem they have is the play calling and one receiver can’t fix that. Even last year, when Diontae was fully healthy, he only had one top 15 game. You may feel a strong urge to have him in your lineup, but I’d wait to see how he does before you go all in.
Darren Waller vs WAS – Sit
Darren Waller has had his moments this year, but I’m certain you can probably find a better play at tight end. He really is one of two real weapons on the Giants this year, and the Commanders have the personnel to keep him in check most of the time. He isn’t an awful play, but I think you can do better this week.
D.J. Moore vs LV – Sit
This is a pretty bad time for Justin Fields to get injured, right as he was getting hot. With Tyson Bagent at the helm, I am staying very, VERY far away from Bears this week. D.J. Moore is the only one with any potential to perform well, but even then I think his ceiling is WR3. More likely than not, he’ll end up repeating his week one scoreline, which would be…not great. I’d say try to find something else.
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