Six teams on bye this week? Injuries piling up? No more undefeated teams? Thank goodness we’re talking fantasy football and not a Survivor Pool.
As I said last week, at least you don’t need a winning team to have a standout or sleeper fantasy player. Josh Downs was one of my top five sleepers last week, and he delivered with a touchdown and five grabs.
I also said last week that both San Francisco and Philadelphia, previously unbeaten, didn’t have that tough of a test last weekend. But…any given Sunday. Maybe as a Dolphins fan, I need to say that earlier in the season each year so I can pop the champagne earlier and earlier?
I used to write a weekly Start Em, Sit Em with Sleepers and Busts at another publication, but I have brought my talents to RSJ and am revamping the launch of that series. Let’s be honest, do you really need to be told to start Jared Goff and Lamar Jackson in a potential Baltimore shootout? Or sit K.J. Osborn, Justin Jefferson’s “replacement,” in a prime time matchup against the 49ers?
We’re looking for diamonds in the rough – and this week is no different.
To help you out in Week 7 however, this article contains my top five sleepers of the week, and why.
EZEKIEL ELLIOTT, RB NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
The Bills run defense is horrid. New England’s pass offense is horrid. I like Ezekiel Elliott (20% start) here, especially in PPR, because he’s not only a stout back, but an emergency option in the passing game. Elliott has nearly one more yard per carry than Rhamondre Stevenson, boding well if he has limited touches, even though I don’t see that being the case. New England will be searching for any formula that limits how long Josh Allen is on the field, and the best way to begin is to run the ball and eat clock. I like Elliott to find the end zone in Week 7.
CURTIS SAMUEL, WR WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
Terry McLaurin and Brian Robinson Jr. will likely be the pregame talk of this matchup against a Jekyll and Hyde Giants defense… if you’re brave enough to call it that. But it’s evident Curtis Samuel (45% start) has taken the Commanders’ WR2 role from Jahan Dotson.
Sam Howell also likes Samuel in the red zone. He has a touchdown in each of the last three weeks, and a season-high 19 targets in that span.
RASHEE RICE, WR KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
I love Chiefs/Chargers games, it truly is a division matchup in recent years where you know it’s going to come down to every little possession. That being said, Patrick Mahomes likes Rashee Rice (38% start) in high-intensity moments. Good thing, since Rice is looking like Kansas City’s No. 1 wideout.
His yards per game don’t scream “Start me!” But, diving into his tape, he moves chains, is targeted in the red zone, and gets position against defenders. He showed all this in the NFL opener against the Lions, and with the Chargers having the worst pass defense in the NFL, he can find the end zone again for the third time.
MICHAEL MAYER, TE LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
I was out-bid in FAAB to snag Michael Mayer (20% start) if that indicates his uprising. One could argue Mayer’s “breakout” game last week was because of playing a poor defense: New England. But the Bears team as a whole isn’t much better. Chicago is 25th in the NFL against tight ends and has performed poorly against T.J. Hockenson and Logan Thomas (PPR) in recent weeks. I understand the hesitation with Jimmy Garoppolo out, but Brian Hoyer is a veteran and should move the ball around fine.
KENNY PICKETT, QB PITTSBURGH STEELERS
I’d feel better if the Rams were making the cross-country road trip, but this game has the potential to be high-scoring regardless. Kenny Pickett (15% start) also has the potential to see a full load of receiving options available, with Diontae Johnson (hamstring) likely suiting up again. He’ll only be missing tight end Pat Freiermuth (hamstring) and has the likes of George Pickens, Allen Robinson, Calvin Austin, and Myles Boykin at his disposal.
The Steelers are likely also going to have to throw because they can’t figure out their run game. That, matched with Matthew Stafford on the incline with Cooper Kupp and Puca Nakua succeeding – on paper – has the looks of a high-scoring affair.
It’s not always runaway matchups that produce quality sleeper candidates on a weekly basis. Remembering to think of teams chasing points, lopsided run and rush defenses and depth chart movement are all key factors to look at when attempting to gain an edge in fantasy football.
Reach out to me on Twitter at @oldbayqueen74 if you have any sit/start questions.
