Fantasy Football Starts & Sits for Week 7 (2023)

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Welcome to our seventh Start & Sit article at Fantasy In Frames for the 2023 fantasy football season!

The klaxon is going off again – it’s bye-maggedon.  Fantasy rosters remain depleted as bye weeks, on top of the barrage of injuries which have transpired in recent weeks, cause havoc. Start and sit decisions, therefore, will be vital to ensuring we take home another win this weekend – here are my Fantasy Football Starts & Sits for Week 7 (2023).

Start  

1. Jared Goff (@ Baltimore Ravens)

• Outside the top-12 in FantasyPros’ ECR, the choices are few and far between with typical streamers such as Geno Smith, Purdy, and Love all sitting in the top-10 (all of whom are good starts this week). One player who we should continue to have faith in is Jared Goff. He stands as the QB5 in points per game, per FantasyData, after throwing for over 1,600 yards and 11 touchdowns already this year. 
• It is a tough matchup on the road against the Ravens, a team allowing the second-fewest points to quarterbacks. It should be noted, however, that the run of quarterbacks Baltimore has faced has certainly been lacking in quality. After an impressive performance on the road last week against the Buccaneers, I’m keeping my trust in Goff again – despite the matchup on paper.

2.  Sam Howell (@ New York Giants)

• Second-year quarterback Sam Howell continues to provide fantasy managers with solid production, following a three touchdown performance against the Falcons last week. This came on just 23 attempts, a surprising number given his average over the previous five weeks equated to 38 attempts.
• Facing division rivals the New York Giants this week, he has a good opportunity to continue this good form. Despite last week’s impressive performance against Josh Allen and the Bills, it is worth remembering that the Giants have also allowed the like of Purdy and Dobbs to produce good fantasy output.

Sit

1. Russell Wilson (vs Green Bay Packers)

• Wilson has had an up and down start to 2023, producing several multi-touchdown games before last week’s tough outing. The veteran produced his worst performance of the season, throwing just 95 yards and a touchdown, with two interceptions. He has now failed to reach 200 passing yards in three of his six games.
• This week’s opponent presents Wilson with a tough matchup in the Green Bay Packers. The Packers have allowed the tenth-fewest points on average to quarterbacks this season, allowing just under 200 passing yards per game. With the Packers much more susceptible on the ground, it may be a quiet outing for Wilson. 

2. Kirk Cousins (vs SF)

• Cousins’ performances have faltered in recent weeks, with two performances in which he recorded under 200 passing yards. Last week against the Bears he threw for just 181 yards and a single touchdown. Without superstar Justin Jefferson, his ceiling going forwards appears to be capped significantly.
• After playing the Bears last week he faces the small task of going up against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football. The Niners have allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks on average this season, allowing just five touchdowns so far this year. In single quarterback leagues, there should be higher upside options available.

Start

1. Jaleel McLaughlin (@ Green Bay Packers)

• The undrafted rookie has demonstrated impressive efficiency with his touches, ranking third in breakaway percentage amongst backs with at least 20 rushing attempts, according to PFF. The rookie has hit an impressive 6.6 yards per carry on his 29 attempts.
• This coming week the Broncos welcome the Packers, who remain one of the most advantageous matchups for running backs. Green Bay has allowed the sixth-most points to running backs this season, per FantasyData, and the fifth-most rushing yards per game. While Javonte Williams remains the clear lead-back, McLaughlin has carved out a clear role in this offense. With a good matchup ahead, he represents a solid flex option.

2. Latavius Murray (@ New England Patriots)

• Prior to last week Murray had only seen a handful of touches. Last week, however, he saw 12 rushing attempts, which he turn into 45 yards. With Damien Harris looking likely to miss this week, Murray looks set to be given a bigger workload this coming week against New England.
• The Patriots have been middle of the pack against running backs this year, but the game script may see Murray command a solid number of touches. The Bills currently stand as nine-point favorites for the game, and given the likely split backfield and potential goal line work, Murray may provide some flex value for those in desperate need of a start.

Sit

1. Zack Moss (vs Cleveland Browns)

• Moss still produced solid fantasy numbers last week, solely due to usage in the passing game and a rushing touchdown. His rushing numbers, however, dropped dramatically against the Jaguars, recording just 21 yards on seven attempts. After an explosive stretch of games, it remains a difficult backfield to figure out.
• This week he faces one of the toughest opponents for running backs in the Cleveland Browns. The fearsome Browns defense have allowed the seventh-fewest points to the position in PPR scoring, according to FantasyData. Given how this backfield is being split, plus the matchup, it’s tough to have much confidence in Moss this coming week.

2. Najee Harris (vs LA Rams)

• Former first round pick Najee Harris continues to disappoint fantasy managers this year with falling usage, efficiency lacking, combined with the emergence of Jaylen Warren. Harris has only reached double-digit PPR points once so far this year, failing to hit 50 rushing yards in three of his five games. 
• He faces another tough opponent this coming Sunday when they face the Rams. LA have allowed the eighth-fewest average points to running backs this season, per FantasyData. Upside has disappeared as Harris fails to see much work in the passing game, and yet to score a touchdown this season. He is ranked as RB22 in FantasyPros’ ECR, likely due to the amount of absences, but it may be another bleak week.

Start

1. Christian Watson (@ Denver Broncos)

• Watson struggled with injuries to start the season, but has demonstrated his big-play ability over the last two games – with back-to-back double-digit PPR performances. Following the Packers bye week Watson is now off the injury report entirely, hopefully indicating a further uptick in his usage.
• This week’s opponent in the Denver Broncos provide a perfect opportunity for one of Watson’s characteristic monster performances. This year the Broncos have allowed the third-most passing yards per game and 14 passing touchdowns –  the most in the NFL. Not only does he have a great chance at a big game this week, but his schedule opens up nicely facing the Vikings, Steelers, and Chargers over the coming weeks.

2. Drake London (@ Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

• He may have been difficult to trust throughout this season, but we may be turning a corner with London. After failing to hit more than 35 receiving yards in three of his first four games, the second-year receiver has now recorded 203 yards over the last two games. Usage has remained strong in recent weeks, averaging 8.4 targets per game over the last five games.
• He will look to continue his recent good form with a favorable matchup against the Buccaneers this coming Sunday. Tampa Bay have allowed the seventh-most passing yards per game so far this year, at an average of just under 250 yards per game. London is currently ranked as WR27 in FantasyPros’ ECR on the week, but maybe it’s time to start having a little more faith.

Sit

1. Michael Pittman Jr. (vs Cleveland Browns)

• Facing the toughest matchup for wide receivers this week, this may be a game to sit Pittman, if possible. The Browns have allowed the fewest points on average to receivers, allowing just 121 passing yards per game – also the lowest in the NFL.
• Pittman has performed well this season, seeing double-digit targets in four of his six games. Quarterback Gardner Minshew will likely provide Pittman with a solid floor and continued high usage, but this week his upside is in question. With the amount of absences fantasy teams will be facing this week, sitting Pittman may not be possible – but expectations should be tempered.

2. DJ Moore (vs Las Vegas Raiders)

• Another player who has seen a dramatic turnaround is DJ Moore. After a quiet first game, the former first-round pick has hit at least 100 receiving yards in three of his following five games – including the monster 230 yard performance in week 5. It is unclear, however, whether this can continue with the quarterback conundrum unfolding in Chicago. 
• With Justin Fields doubtful at the time of writing, Moore’s outlook lies at the hands of former D-II quarterback and undrafted rookie Tyson Bagent. As the clear number 1 target in the passing game his floor *should* be safe, but his ceiling this week, therefore, gives us significant doubts. Similarly to Pittman, alternatives may not be possible given constraints this week, but my expectations for Moore are, unfortunately, quite low.

Start

1. Pat Freiermuth (@ LA Rams)

• Prior to an untimely injury, Freiermuth had had an up and down start to the year, mirroring the offensive struggles the team has faced. The third-year tight end saw at least four targets in three of his four games, yet this only resulted in a total of 53 receiving yards.
• Coming off his bye week, he may have the chance to bounce back with a favorable matchup. The Steelers face a Rams team which has allowed the third-most points on average to tight ends this year, per FantasyData. With Freiermuth returning to practice this week, he remains an intriguing option, outside the top-12. If he’s out there, he’s a good streaming option this week.

2. Michael Mayer (@ Chicago Bears)

• Rookie Michael Mayer recorded just two targets, one reception, and two receiving yards over his first four games, yet has seen his usage and production increase significantly over the last two weeks. He produced his best performance to date last week against the Patriots with five receptions from six targets for 75 yards. 
• In addition, his snap share continues to rise week on week, hitting the 80% mark in his last game. Even with a backup quarterback at the helm, given the recent usage he remains a solid streaming option this Sunday at TE18.

Sit

1. Cole Kmet (vs Las Vegas Raiders)

• The arguments around why Kmet may be better served on your bench are the same as DJ Moore. Kmet has produced a handful of solid performances, scoring three touchdowns on the year. Last week’s outing should give us some cause for concern, however, with just nine yards from his two receptions.
• With Tyson Bagent at quarterback against a Raiders team which is middle of the pack against tight ends, his upside is questionable and options such as Luke Musgrave who faces the Broncos, may be available. 

2. Logan Thomas (@ New York Giants)

• This Commanders passing attack is becoming impossible to predict. After seeing an impressive 11 targets in week 5, resulting in nine receptions for 77 receiving yards and a touchdown, he saw just one reception for two yards last week. He has now had three games in which he has recorded three or fewer receptions.
• Admittedly, the tight end position is a difficult one at the best of times, and Thomas’ ceiling has been seen. But ranked as the TE10 in FantasyPros’ ECR this week, he remains a difficult player to trust.

Start

1. LA Rams (vs Pittsburgh Steelers)

• This young Rams defense is coming off its best performance of the year, holding the Cardinals to just nine points, turning the ball over twice with an additional two sacks.
• This week is another good matchup on paper in the Pittsburgh Steelers. Against a struggling Kenny Pickett who has failed to throw for more than 250 yards in a single game this year, the Rams present fantasy managers with a good streaming option at defense this week.

       2. Indianapolis Colts (vs Cleveland Browns)

• As mentioned in this week’s waiver wire article, the Colts may provide a good option this week. As stated, Indianapolis have been fairly successful up front, with 18 sacks recorded so far this year.
• This week they face the Browns, and it is anyone’s guess as to what that offense will look like on a week to week basis. At the time of writing Deshaun Watson looks likely to play, but either way, the Colts are another good streaming candidate.

Sit

  1. Baltimore Ravens (vs Detroit Lions)

• The Ravens defense has provided solid fantasy production this year with 24 sacks and five interceptions across the first six weeks of the year. As mentioned earlier, however, it is worth noting that the team has not faced many tough quarterbacks so far.
• This week they face a Lions team which boasts an impressive offensive line, while Jared Goff currently possesses a touchdown to interception ratio of 11:3 after his first six games. 

        2. Philadelphia Eagles (vs Miami Dolphins)

• The Eagles have had a good start to the year, with an impressive 20 sacks so far this year. This ranks fifth in the league, just four behind the leaders, the Buffalo Bills. 
• Tua, however, has been sacked just six times this season, the joint-lowest sacks per game in the NFL, alongside the Chiefs and Buccaneers. Against an explosive offense in the Miami Dolphins, which has already thrown for over 1900 yards and 15 touchdowns, it may be worth pivoting to higher upside options.