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Eddie Brown

Fantasy football Week 7: Start and sit

Here's a look back at Week 6's action, and fantasy advice for the week ahead:

WEEK 6 RECAP

Commanders 12, Bears 7: It feels like Chicago has set the passing game back a half-century this season — and it has in many ways — but Justin Fields is actually the overall QB10 the last two games, mostly on the strength of his legs. He has 135 yards on 20 carries since Week 5. If the offensive coaching staff can rediscover the forward pass at some point, Fields could be a major asset in fantasy down the stretch.

Falcons 28, 49ers 14: Drake London was the overall WR11 in standard formats (WR14 in PPR) through the first three games this season. The last three games, London has been the overall WR73 in standard (WR66 in PPR).

Patriots 38, Browns 15: Rhamondre Stevenson was exactly what we thought he'd be with Damien Harris sidelined with a hamstring injury. Stevenson had 91 total yards on 23 touches with two TDs. He's a top-five option with Harris out and will maintain RB2/flex upside even after he returns.

Jets 27, Packers 10: Corey Davis is the overall WR26 in standard formats (WR36 in PPR) since Zach Wilson returned Week 4. Braxton Berrios has been the WR36 (WR55 in PPR), while Garrett Wilson has been the WR78 (WR76 in PPR) and Elijah Moore has been the WR83 (WR85 in PPR).

Colts 34, Jaguars 27: Alec Pierce is the overall WR24 in standard and PPR formats since Week 3 — teammate Michael Pittman Jr. is actually ranked lower in standard (WR29).

Vikings 24, Dolphins 16: Mike Gesicki has turned into a boom-or-bust option at tight end. Gesicki's weekly finishes in PPR so far: TE55, TE5, TE56, TE38, TE29 and TE1.

Bengals 30, Saints 26: The downside of Taysom Hill: five carries for 39 yards with 16 passing yards and zero targets. This is a baseline for what to expect most weeks.

Giants 24, Ravens 20: Through the first three games of the season, Lamar Jackson was fantasy's overall QB1. The last three games — almost entirely without Rashod Bateman — Jackson has been fantasy's overall QB12.

Steelers 20, Buccaneers 18: Najee Harris wasn't overly impressive (with 49 total yards on 16 touches and a receiving TD), but consider the matchup. The most important thing is his foot injury is finally 100 percent healthy and he isn't wearing a steel plate in his cleat anymore.

Rams 24, Panthers 10: Cam Akers was inactive Week 6 and it appears will likely be traded. Darrell Henderson is the clear starter now and has RB2 upside in fantasy. Things could evolve once Kyren Williams is healthy.

Seahawks 19, Cardinals 9: Rondale Moore is the overall WR25 in PPR formats the last two games with 13 receptions on 18 targets and Marquise Brown will miss at least six weeks with a broken foot. DeAndre Hopkins will return this week from suspension and Arizona just traded for Robbie Anderson, but Moore will likely be the leader in usage on a short week against the Saints. He could produce WR3/flex value the rest of this season.

Bills 24, Chiefs 20: Anytime Buffalo is facing a competitive matchup, Devin Singletary will have a bell-cow role in the NFL's best offense. Singletary finished with 107 total yards on 21 touches while Zack Moss was inactive and James Cook only had two carries.

Eagles 26, Cowboys 17: Ezekiel Elliott ran strong all game and finished with 81 yards and a TD on 13 carries. This could provide a sell-high opportunity for Elliott investors as I expect Tony Pollard to surpass the former All-Pro as the season wears on.

Chargers 19, Broncos 16 (OT): Albert Okwuegbunam was inactive (coach's decision). Greg Dulcich tied for second in receptions (two) and yards (44) for Denver in his NFL debut and scored the Broncos' only TD of the game. This performance made him the overall TE5 in standard formats (TE11 in PPR). The rookie will have streaming value going forward with the upside of becoming a weekly starter (assuming the real Russell Wilson ever decides to join us).

Follow me on Twitter @UTEddieBrown if you have questions throughout the week.

Here's my best bets for Week 7:

NEW ORLEANS AT ARIZONA

Obvious starters: Alvin Kamara (NO), Chris Olave (NO), Kyler Murray (ARI), DeAndre Hopkins (ARI), Zach Ertz (ARI).

Who to start: Rondale Moore (ARI) faces a defense that has allowed five TDs to wide receivers in the last two games. Eno Benjamin (ARI) will have flex value if James Conner is inactive or limited — Benjamin received 18 touches as Conner's replacement Week 6. The Cardinals D/ST deserve streaming consideration against an injury-ravaged offense at home.

Who to sit: Michael Thomas (NO)has been ruled out with a foot injury. Jarvis Landry (NO) has been ruled out with an ankle injury. I'm fading Andy Dalton (NO) against a defense that has only allowed one TD to quarterbacks in the last four games. Mark Ingram (NO) remains touchdown-dependent with fewer than double-digit touches in half his games this season. Injuries and underwhelming play so far have me fading the Saints D/ST. James Conner (ARI) hasn't practiced since suffering a rib injury Week 5 against the Eagles. I don't expect much from Robbie Anderson (ARI) if he plays after being acquired in a trade with the Panthers on Monday.

Sleeper(s): Taysom Hill (NO) continues to be the ultimate boom-or-bust option and faces a defense that has struggled mightily with opposing tight ends this season — obviously Hill isn't a tight end in the traditional sense. Juwan Johnson (NO) is and could take advantage of a defense that has allowed at least five receptions, 68 yards or a TD to the position in five of six games.

ATLANTA AT CINCINNATI

Obvious starters:Kyle Pitts (ATL), Drake London (ATL), Joe Burrow (CIN), Ja'Marr Chase (CIN), Tee Higgins (CIN), Joe Mixon (CIN).

Who to start: Marcus Mariota (ATL) deserves streaming consideration as the overall QB12 through six games despite a difficult matchup on the road. Tyler Boyd (CIN) has flex value against a defense that has allowed eight TDs to wide receivers in six games. Hayden Hurst (CIN) is a borderline TE1 against a defense that has allowed at least six receptions to the position in five straight games. The Bengals D/ST is one of the better streaming candidates at home this week — the unit has played better than most of the numbers suggest.

Who to sit: Caleb Huntley (ATL) only has flex value in the deepest standard leagues.

Sleeper: Tyler Allgeier (ATL) warrants flex consideration with double-digit carries in four of five games.

DETROIT AT DALLAS

Obvious starters: D'Andre Swift (DET), Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET), TJ Hockenson (DET), Dak Prescott (DAL), CeeDee Lamb (DAL), Ezekiel Elliott (DAL), Cowboys D/ST.

Who to start: Jamaal Williams (DET) maintains flex value even if Swift returns this week. Tony Pollard (DAL) is the overall RB24 in standard formats (RB27 in PPR) through six games. Dalton Schultz (DAL) gets Prescott back and faces a defense that has allowed three TDs to tight ends in the last four games.

Who to sit: I'm fading Jared Goff (DET) against a very good defense on the road. I'm also fading DJ Chark (DET) and Josh Reynolds (DET), who are both hobbled by injuries.

Sleeper: Michael Gallup (DAL)faces a defense that has allowed five TDs to wide receivers in the last four games.

INDIANAPOLIS AT TENNESSEE

Obvious starters: Jonathan Taylor (IND), Michael Pittman Jr. (IND), Derrick Henry (TEN).

Who to start: Alec Pierce (IND) has WR3/flex upside against a defense that has allowed eight TDs to wide receivers in five games. The Colts D/ST is a streaming candidate during bye weeks. Robert Woods (TEN)deserves flex consideration with four receptions or a TD in four straight games. The Titans D/ST is a streaming candidate against an offense that has allowed 21 sacks and produced 11 turnovers in six games.

Who to sit: Nyheim Hines (IND) will only have flex value in deeper PPR formats if he makes it through the NFL's concussion protocol. Deon Jackson (IND) can be dropped if Taylor is active. Ryan Tannehill (TEN) has had 181-or-fewer passing yards in three of four games.

Sleeper: Matt Ryan (IND) faces a defense that has allowed 12 TDs to quarterbacks in five games this season.

GREEN BAY AT WASHINGTON

Obvious starters: Aaron Rodgers (GB), Aaron Jones (GB), Allen Lazard (GB), Packers D/ST.

Who to start: AJ Dillon (GB) maintains flex value with 14-or-more touches in five of six games. Romeo Doubs (GB) faces a defense that has allowed eight TDs to wide receivers in the last five games. Terry McLaurin (WAS) has 75 yards or a TD in four of six games this season. Curtis Samuel (WAS) has at least six receptions or a TD in four of six games.

Who to sit:I'm fading Robert Tonyan (GB) against a defense that has only allowed 34 yards on four receptions to tight ends the last three games. I'm fading Jahan Dotson (WAS) while he's still dealing with a hamstring injury. JD McKissic (WAS) only has flex value in deeper PPR leagues — McKissic is the overall RB38 in that format. Taylor Heinicke (WAS) only has value in superflex leagues. The Commanders D/ST doesn't inspire much confidence despite facing a struggling offense.

Sleeper: Brian Robinson (WAS) faces a defense that has allowed four TDs to running backs the last three games.

TAMPA BAY AT CAROLINA

Obvious starters: Leonard Fournette (TB), Mike Evans (TB), Chris Godwin (TB), Tom Brady (TB), Buccaneers D/ST, Christian McCaffrey (CAR).

Who to start: DJ Moore (CAR) maintains flex value against a defense that has allowed five TDs to wide receivers in the last five games — Moore and McCaffrey are the only viable options for the Panthers in fantasy at this point.

Who to sit: Russell Gage (TB) only has six receptions on 14 targets the last three games. Cade Otton (TB) is a touchdown-dependent option against a defense that has been pretty good against tight ends this season.

Sleeper: Rachaad White (TB) has flex value in PPR as the overall RB30 in the format since Week 4.

N.Y. GIANTS AT JACKSONVILLE

Obvious starters: Saquon Barkley (NYG), Christian Kirk (JAC), James Robinson (JAC).

Who to start: Daniel Jones (NYG) is currently fifth in rushing yards (236) for quarterbacks — only Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts, Justin Fields and Josh Allen have more. Daniel Bellinger (NYG) is the overall TE9 in standard formats (TE11 in PPR) since Week 2. An improving Giants D/ST is a streaming candidate during bye weeks. Trevor Lawrence (JAC) has accounted for multiple TDs in four of the last five games. Travis Etienne Jr. (JAC) maintains flex value with RB2 upside as the overall RB29 in standard formats (RB28 in PPR) through six games. The Jaguars D/ST remains a streaming candidate as the eighth-best scoring defense in fantasy through six games.

Who to sit: I'm fading Kadarius Toney (NYG) with a hamstring injury that has lingered for weeks. Marvin Jones (JAC) and Zay Jones (JAC) remain boom-or-bust options with inconsistent usage.

Sleeper(s): Wan'Dale Robinson (NYG) faces a defense that just got torched by Colts' wide receivers for 23 receptions, 240 yards and two TDs. Evan Engram (JAC) faces a defense that has allowed 19 receptions for 198 yards and two TDs to tight ends the last two games.

CLEVELAND AT BALTIMORE

Obvious starters: Nick Chubb (CLE), Amari Cooper (CLE), David Njoku (CLE), Lamar Jackson (BAL), Mark Andrews (BAL), Ravens D/ST.

Who to start: Kareem Hunt (CLE) maintains universal flex value as the overall RB22 in standard formats (RB21 in PPR) through six games. Rashod Bateman (BAL) deserves flex consideration if he's active. Kenyan Drake (BAL) faces a defense that has allowed multiple touchdowns to running backs in three straight games.

Who to sit: Jacoby Brissett (CLE) has one-or-fewer TDs in five of six games. JK Dobbins (BAL) is hard to trust with his "tightening" knee despite the premium matchup. Devin Duvernay (BAL) only has flex value if Bateman is inactive.

Sleeper: Donovan Peoples-Jones (CLE) has at least four receptions and 50 yards in four of six games this season and faces a defense that has allowed seven TDs to wide receivers in the last five games.

N.Y. JETS AT DENVER

Obvious starters: Breece Hall (NYJ), Courtland Sutton (DEN), Broncos D/ST.

Who to start: The Jets D/ST is a solid streaming option against a struggling offense dealing with injuries. Jerry Jeudy (DEN) deserves flex consideration with at least 53 yards or a TD in four of six games. Latavius Murray (DEN) has played two games this season (one each for the Saints and Broncos) and finished with double-digit carries, at least 66 yards or a TD in both.

Who to sit: I'm fading Garrett Wilson (NYJ), Elijah Moore (NYJ) and Corey Davis (NYJ) with a difficult matchup on the road. Michael Carter (NYJ) only has flex value in deeper PPR formats. Tyler Conklin (NYJ) is the overall TE35 in standard formats (TE37 in PPR) since Zach Wilson returned in Week 4. It's hard to trust Russell Wilson (DEN) at this point (and that was before the hamstring injury). Melvin Gordon (DEN) will start on Sunday, but he started on Monday night and ended up with only three carries.

Sleeper: Greg Dulcich (DEN) has streaming value going forward with the upside of becoming a weekly starter (assuming the real Russell Wilson ever decides to join us).

HOUSTON AT LAS VEGAS

Obvious starters: Dameon Pierce (HOU), Brandin Cooks (HOU), Davante Adams (LV), Josh Jacobs (LV).

Who to start: Davis Mills (HOU) is a streaming candidate against a defense that has allowed 11 TDs to quarterbacks in five games. Derek Carr (LV)has multiple TDs in four of five games (but I'm a little weary of the matchup).

Who to sit: Rex Burkhead (HOU)only has flex value in the deepest PPR formats. Darren Waller (LV)hadn't practiced as of Wednesday with a hamstring injury that knocked him out of a game against the Chiefs in Week 5 and kept him off the practice field during the Raiders bye week. I'm fading Hunter Renfrow (LV)in a game the Vegas should try and control on the ground. Mack Hollins (LV) hasn't been a factor in any game where Renfrow was active.

Sleeper: Nico Collins (HOU) has at least three receptions and 58 yards in three of the last four games.

SEATTLE AT L.A. CHARGERS

Obvious starters: DK Metcalf (SEA), Kenneth Walker (SEA), Austin Ekeler (LAC), Justin Herbert (LAC), Mike Williams (LAC).

Who to start: Gerald Everett (LAC) faces a defense that has allowed 24 receptions for 403 yards and three TDs to tight ends the last four games. Joshua Palmer (LAC) will maintain flex value if Keenan Allen is inactive.

Who to sit: I'm monitoring a nagging hamstring injury that affected Tyler Lockett (SEA) against the Cardinals — I'd give him another week if he's active this week if you have other options available to you. I'm fading Geno Smith (SEA) against a defense that should be attacked with a heavy dose of the run game. Will Dissly (SEA) remains touchdown-dependent with only four targets the last two games. I doubt Keenan Allen (LAC) plays with the Chargers on a bye next week.

Sleeper: Noah Fant (SEA) deserves streaming consideration with a solid matchup and at least five targets and 45 yards in two straight games.

KANSAS CITY AT SAN FRANCISCO

Obvious starters: Patrick Mahomes (KC), Travis Kelce (KC), Deebo Samuel (SF), George Kittle (SF), 49ers D/ST.

Who to start: JuJu Smith-Schuster (KC) has at least five receptions or a TD in four of six games. Jeff Wilson (SF) has at least 75 yards or a TD in four of the last five games. Brandon Aiyuk (SF) faces a defense that has allowed multiple TDs to wide receivers in four of the last five games.

Who to sit: Clyde Edwards-Helaire (KC) and Jerick McKinnon (KC) are touchdown-dependent with such a difficult matchup. Marquez Valdes-Scantling (KC) and Mecole Hardman (KC) remain boom-or-bust options with inconsistent usage.

Sleeper: Jimmy Garoppolo (SF) faces a defense that has allowed 15 TDs to quarterbacks in six games this season.

PITTSBURGH AT MIAMI

Obvious starters: Najee Harris (PIT), Diontae Johnson (PIT), Pat Freiermuth (PIT), Tyreek Hill (MIA), Jaylen Waddle (MIA).

Who to start: Chase Claypool (PIT) and George Pickens (PIT) maintain flex value against a defense that has allowed five TDs to wide receivers in the last five games. Raheem Mostert (MIA) maintains flex value with RB2 upside with at least 15 touches in three straight games. Tua Tagovailoa (MIA) faces a defense that has allowed eight TDs to quarterbacks in the last four games.

Who to sit: I'm fading the Steelers D/ST while TJ Watt is out. Despite the matchup, you're not starting either Kenny Pickett (PIT) or Mitchell Trubisky (PIT). Chase Edmonds (MIA) remains touchdown-dependent with double-digit touches in only one of six games this season. Mike Gesicki (MIA)remains a boom-or-bust option with two-or-fewer receptions in four of six games.

Sleeper: The Dolphins D/ST deserves streaming consideration at home against an unsettled quarterback situation.

CHICAGO AT NEW ENGLAND

Obvious starters: David Montgomery (CHI), Rhamondre Stevenson (NE), Patriots D/ST.

Who to start: Khalil Herbert (CHI) deserves flex consideration as the overall RB17 in standard formats (RB20 in PPR) through six games. Damien Harris (NE) has flex value if he's active. Jakobi Meyers (NE) has at least four receptions, 55 yards or a TD in all four games he's played this season.

Who to sit: Cole Kmet (CHI) remains touchdown-dependent with only 10 receptions (15 targets) in six games. I'm fading Justin Fields (CHI) against Bill Belichick. I'm fading Hunter Henry (NE) against a defense that has only allowed a single TD to tight ends this season. DeVante Parker (NE) remains a boom-or-bust option with inconsistent usage. There are better options than Mac Jones (NE) if he returns this week.

Sleeper: Darnell Mooney (CHI) deserves flex consideration with 13 receptions (22 targets) for 214 yards the last three games.

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