Fantasy football is a cruel, beautiful mess. One week you're a genius because you started a backup tight end who caught two touchdowns, and the next, you're staring at a goose egg from your first-round pick. Honestly, Week 7 is usually where the wheels start to come off for most managers. We’ve got the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills on bye, which basically means you’re already hunting for replacements for Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen.
It sucks. You've spent weeks building this roster, and now you're staring at the waiver wire like it’s a bargain bin at a thrift store. But look, winning in October isn't about having the best players; it's about having the right ones for this specific Sunday. Let’s figure out who is actually worth the headache in this nfl start em sit em week 7 breakdown.
The Quarterback Quagmire: Dak is Back
If you own Dak Prescott, you’re probably feeling pretty good. The Cowboys are hosting the Washington Commanders in a game that Vegas has pegged with a 54.5-point total. That is massive. Washington’s secondary has been a sieve all year, giving up the sixth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Plus, CeeDee Lamb is back in the mix, which turns this offense from a "maybe" to a "must-watch."
On the flip side, I am begging you to think twice about C.J. Stroud.
I know, he’s a superstar. But the Texans are heading to Seattle to face Mike Macdonald’s defense. The Seahawks are weird. They don't blitz much, yet they rank 12th in pressure rate. Stroud has been struggling when the pocket collapses—PFF actually has him graded as the No. 29 passer under pressure this season. With a team total sitting under 20 points, this feels like a game where you’re going to be disappointed by a 230-yard, zero-touchdown performance.
Running Backs: Volume vs. Reality
J.K. Dobbins had a miserable Week 6. Four points? That hurts. But don't tilt.
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He still handled 64% of the Denver Broncos' carries. The Giants are coming to town, and while they aren't the worst team in the league, they rank 27th in EPA allowed on the ground. It’s a classic "get-right" game. Start him with confidence.
Then there’s the New York Jets situation. It is honestly a disaster. With Braelon Allen sidelined, Breece Hall is getting all the work, but the offense is so stagnant he’s barely producing. If Tyrod Taylor ends up under center for the struggling Justin Fields, maybe there’s hope, but right now Hall is more of a volume-based RB2 than the elite RB1 you drafted.
- Start: Rhamondre Stevenson (Patriots) - Tennessee gives up nearly 25 RB carries per game.
- Sit: Zach Charbonnet (Seahawks) - He’s averaging a brutal 2.6 yards per carry.
- Start: Jacory Croskey-Merritt (Commanders) - He's taken over the lead role and Dallas can't stop the run.
Why the Weather Matters in Cleveland
If you haven't checked the forecast for the Dolphins and Browns game, go do it now. We are looking at 50-60 mph wind gusts. That isn't just "breezy"; that is "the ball might fly backward" weather.
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Tua Tagovailoa is a sit. Period.
Even in Superflex leagues, you’re better off finding a backup who plays in a dome. The total for this game has cratered from 43.5 down to 37.5. Expect a lot of check-downs to De’Von Achane and maybe some sloppy rushing yards, but the passing game is going to be nonexistent.
Tight Ends and Defense: The Streamer's Paradise
Tight end is a wasteland, as per usual. But Zach Ertz is surprisingly viable this week. Dallas has been terrible against the position, and in a high-scoring shootout, Ertz is the primary safety valve for Marcus Mariota (who might be stepping in for a hobbled Jayden Daniels).
For defenses, look at the New England Patriots. They play the Titans, who lead the league in giveaways and sacks allowed. Tennessee is basically a fantasy goldmine for opposing D/ST units right now.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Roster
- Check the 49ers Inactives: Brock Purdy is dealing with a toe issue and Mac Jones might get the nod again. If Purdy is out, George Kittle becomes a target monster, but the overall ceiling of the offense drops.
- Monitor Josh Jacobs: He’s a true game-time decision with a calf strain and illness. If he’s out, Emanuel Wilson is a desperation flex play against Arizona.
- Vegas Totals: Always check the "implied team totals" on Friday. If a team is projected for fewer than 18 points (like Houston or Miami this week), you need a very good reason to start their players.
Week 7 is a grind. You've got injuries, you've got byes, and you've got the weather. Stick to the volume and the high-total games, and you'll survive to see Week 8.