NFP Week Seven Starts and Sits

Week Seven action kicks off in just two days. Are your lineups set for victory? Don't worry, the National Football Post has your back.

Get 'Em in the Lineup

Jonathan Stewart, RB, Carolina Panthers

Running back DeAngelo Williams is an obvious start, but J-Stew is a great play this weekend as well. Few teams in the NFL are as bad against the run as the Buffalo Bills, who are giving up 181.8 rushing yards per game (32nd) and 5.3 yards per carry (32nd).

In addition, the Bills have allowed eight rushing touchdowns (28th), and no team in the NFL has given up more net rushing yards (1,091).

Still not enough? Opposing offenses know they can run the ball on coach Dick Jauron’s defense. Buffalo’s opponents are averaging 34.3 rushing attempts per game; only one team in the NFL (Tampa Bay) is being run on more.

Also start: DeAngelo Williams.

Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers

If you’re a Roethlisberger owner, did you take a look at the schedule this week, see that the 6-0 Minnesota Vikings are coming to town and consider sitting your Pro Bowl quarterback? If so, I’ve got some statistics you’re going to love (Note: Vikings' defensive ranks are in parentheses).

Quarterbacks who have played the Vikings this season have combined for an average QB rating of 91.0 (23rd), are completing 64.9 percent of their passes (26th) and have tossed nine touchdowns (22nd).

Overall, Minnesota ranks 24th against the pass (248.3 yards per game). Those are all great numbers for Big Ben, who is currently rocking a QB rating of 104.5 and has thrown for more than 275 yards in five of six games this season.

Also start: Hines Ward, Heath Miller, and Santonio Holmes.

Johnny Knox, WR, Chicago Bears

Let me start by saying there are better options on the board this week, and Knox is more of a sleeper WR option for owners in deeper leagues. However, that doesn’t mean the kid won’t produce.

The rookie from Abilene-Christian has found the end zone in three of his past four outings and is averaging 7.8 fantasy points per game. Not outstanding, but great, consistent WR3 numbers. Additionally, Knox is being targeted 6.2 times per game.

The Bengals’ defense has given up nine passing touchdowns (22nd), 1,627 gross passing yards (29th), and is ranked 28th against the pass, allowing 254.8 yards per game. Expect the Bears to establish their passing game early in this one.

Also start: Jay “captain comeback” Cutler.

Donald Brown, RB, Indianapolis Colts

Another rookie cracks the Week Seven start list as Donald Brown gets a shot at the league’s 26th-ranked rushing defense known as the St. Louis Rams (132.5 yards per game).

The Rams have been terrible on defense (and on offense and special teams) and have been getting lit up against the run. St. Louis has already given up nine rushing touchdowns (tied for 30th) and has been run on 195 times, the fifth-highest number of carries a defense has faced in 2009.

Once Peyton Manning and the offense put this thing to bed (early third quarter at the latest), look for the Colts to put the ball on the ground and give their first-round draft pick a chance to stretch his legs.

Also start: Joseph Addai, Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garcon.

New England Patriots D/ST

Congratulations to every owner who didn’t dump the Pats’ defense after its less-than-stellar start to the season. You were rewarded with a 59-0 shutout Sunday and have another favorable matchup on the horizon.

New England heads to London (“Do you have anything to declare?” “Yeah, don’t go to England.” What movie is that from?) this week to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Tampa’s offense has been horrible this season, scoring only 14.8 points per game (27th). However, you can’t expect many points to hit the scoreboard when your offense ranks 28th in total yards (277.7 per game) and 22nd in passing yards (178.2 per game).

In addition, the Buccaneers rank 15th in the NFL in negative plays (14). While that stat may not say much, I just stumbled across it this morning and needed to find a place to put it.

Also start: Tom Brady, Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Laurence Maroney.

Put 'Em on the Bench

Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers