Fantasy: Start, Sit, Stash, Quit - Week 7
SSSQ is a weekly look at under-the-radar fantasy players you should consider starting and potential busts you should leave on your bench. We also identify breakout candidates to stash on your roster and players you can safely cut.
For the rest of your lineup decisions, consult our Week 7 rankings. You can also listen to the Week 7 preview episode of theScore Fantasy Football Podcast.
Start
Andy Dalton, QB, Bengals
at Chiefs
The Bengals and Chiefs have the highest projected point total of the week, which isn't surprising given how their defenses have performed. Kansas City has allowed three different quarterbacks to throw for over 400 yards against them this year. Dalton, who has multiple passing touchdowns in five of his six outings, will be the latest beneficiary.
Boone's projection: 317 passing yards, 3 TDs
Other QBs to start
- Matthew Stafford at Dolphins
- Baker Mayfield at Buccaneers
- Eli Manning at Falcons
Corey Clement, RB, Eagles
vs. Panthers
Clement returned to the lineup last Thursday and made a strong case to be the Eagles' lead back the rest of the way. Though Wendell Smallwood saw more work, Clement outproduced him with 69 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown. With Philly's offense clicking, Clement is primed for another quality performance versus the Panthers, who have given up 86 yards or more to a single running back in every game this season.
Boone's projection: 79 rushing yards, 19 receiving yards, TD
Other RBs to start
- Marlon Mack vs. Bills
- Kerryon Johnson at Dolphins
- Tarik Cohen vs. Patriots
Taylor Gabriel, WR, Bears
vs. Patriots
While Gabriel might not reach the 100-yard mark for a third straight game, he's in position to put up WR2 numbers with his touchdown upside. The Patriots have conceded nine touchdowns to receivers this year, including three to fellow speedster Tyreek Hill last week. Allen Robinson's groin injury could also lead to more targets for Gabriel in a game with sneaky shootout potential.
Boone's projection: 83 receiving yards, TD
Other WRs to start
- Sterling Shepard at Falcons
- Corey Davis at Chargers
- Jermaine Kearse vs. Vikings
David Njoku, TE, Browns
at Buccaneers
The time has come for Njoku to emerge as a top-end TE1. The sophomore has at least 50 yards in each of his last three contests and is averaging 10 targets a game during that stretch. It's also worth mentioning that his opponent this week, the Bucs, have permitted more fantasy points to tight ends than any other team this year. Let the breakout season continue.
Boone's projection: 67 receiving yards, TD
Other TEs to start
- Austin Hooper vs. Giants
- C.J. Uzomah at Chiefs
- Charles Clay at Colts
Sit
Deshaun Watson, QB, Texans
at Jaguars
Watson is coming off his worst game of the season against the Bills, leading us to wonder how much his chest injury is affecting him. He's practicing in full this week, but a matchup on the road with the Jaguars doesn't leave much room for error. Once he gets past this game, Watson has a nice schedule in the second half of the season, so hopefully you can find a streamer to go with in Week 7.
Boone's projection: 214 passing yards, TD, 2 INTs, 36 rushing yards
Other QBs to sit
- Blake Bortles vs. Texans
- Dak Prescott at Redskins
- Alex Smith vs. Cowboys
Matt Breida, RB, 49ers
vs. Rams
We were all impressed with Breida’s toughness while playing through injury Monday night, but the Rams present a much more difficult test. It's unlikely San Francisco will be able to jump out to an early lead like they did against the Packers, which will force them into a more pass-heavy game script, limiting scoring opportunities. Only three running backs have rushed for touchdowns against the Rams this year. On a short week, consider him an RB3 with a lowered ceiling.
Boone's projection: 52 rushing yards, 15 receiving yards
Other RBs to sit
- Alex Collins vs. Saints
- Isaiah Crowell/Bilal Powell vs. Vikings
- Lamar Miller at Jaguars
Will Fuller, WR, Texans
at Jaguars
Fuller has been banged up with hamstring and hip injuries the last few weeks. He's also had to contend with the arrival of rookie Keke Coutee in the Texans' receiving corps. That's led to a couple of disappointing outings, including just 48 total yards over the last two games. Until we see Fuller back to full speed, he can't be trusted against a Jaguars defense that's allowing the fewest fantasy points to receivers in 2018.
Boone's projection: 46 receiving yards
Other WRs to sit
- Robby Anderson vs. Vikings
- Keelan Cole vs. Texans
- Tyrell Williams vs. Titans
Ben Watson, TE, Saints
at Ravens
It's impressive that Watson is still producing at 37 years old, but time may be catching up to him. Since Week 3, Watson is playing fewer snaps than teammate Josh Hill, and the latter has produced better fantasy days in each of the Saints' last two outings. There's always an opportunity for Watson to score a touchdown, especially against his former team, but he's yet to find the end zone this season. You should be looking elsewhere for a tight end streamer.
Boone's projection: 31 receiving yards
Other TEs to sit
- Geoff Swaim at Redskins
- Antonio Gates vs. Titans
- Mike Gesicki vs. Lions
Stash
Anthony Miller, WR, Bears
Even though he has yet to crack 35 yards in a game this season, Miller remains one of my favorite rookie receivers. In his first game back after dislocating his shoulder, Miller hauled in a 29-yard touchdown, his second of the year. With the Bears' offense making major strides, it's time to get Miller on your bench before his numbers begin to rise.
Malcolm Brown, RB, Rams
Brown has emerged as Todd Gurley’s handcuff and would be the top waiver wire add if the Rams' offensive centerpiece was sidelined for any amount of time. Brown is averaging over five yards per carry, and in one of the league's best offenses, he'd be an instant RB2 if thrust into a starting role.
Quit
Jordan Wilkins, RB, Colts
With Marlon Mack back in the lineup and Nyheim Hines locked into the pass-catching role, Wilkins' window of opportunity to seize the backfield has closed.
Alfred Morris, RB, 49ers
Despite Kyle Shanahan's assertion that Raheem Mostert hasn't permanently moved ahead of Morris on the 49ers' depth chart, it'll be hard to trust the latter in your lineup again this season. Both Breida and Mostert offer more as runners and receivers, making Morris a candidate to be cut in fantasy.