Fantasy Football Week 7: Projecting This Weekend's Breakout Stars

Fantasy football sleepers are key factors each week. These are guys who have yet to really put on a show whether it's due to a lack of opportunities, tough matchups, or the overall talent around them.

One guy we'll look at is Matt Hasselbeck of the Tennessee Titans.

The savvy veteran didn't start the season for Tennessee, but he has played a key role in staying prepared because his services became a necessity. Hasselbeck then came up huge for the Titans in their Week 6 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers where he tossed for 290 yards— his third-highest total dating back to September of 2011.

This week, Hasselbeck and Co. take on the Buffalo Bills who are suspect against the pass.

To that end, Tennessee's signal-caller isn't the only under-the-radar player with breakout potential on Sunday. Fortunately, Week 7 of the NFL provides additional options also deserving strong fantasy football consideration.

Vick Ballard: RB, Colts (vs. Browns)

Last week Vick Ballard and the Indianapolis Colts were simply dominated at the point of attack.

The ground game managed just 43 yards between Ballard, Mewelde Moore and Delone Carter and it significantly cost Indy's balance. On the flip side, the New York Jets punished the Colts with their own rushing offense.

This week against the Cleveland Browns, the Colts can't afford to lose the physical battle up front.

Cleveland has improved its passing offense to set up off the run, therefore, expect Ballard to get more feeds so Indianapolis can control the game tempo and keep the Browns' offense sidelined.

Plus, Cleveland allows an average of 4.6 yards per carry. Andrew Luck and the passing game alone will prevent the Browns from stacking the box as well. In turn, Ballard produces better per attempt in Week 7 than Week 6.

LeGarrette Blount: RB, Buccaneers (vs. Saints)

LeGarrette Blount has scored twice in the past two games with 75 rushing yards on 13 attempts.

By no means is this indicative of fantasy football dominance, although his continued involvement with the offense has certainly helped.Week 7 will need more of Blount, because the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are hosting the New Orleans Saints.

It's clearly a must-win game for each team and neither defense is well-versed against the pass.

That said, the Bucs must keep their offense on the field for much longer than New Orleans. Everyone knows how Drew Brees and the Saints can slice up the defense to rack up points, but they can't do that on the sidelines.

Paired with Doug Martin in Tampa's backfield, and despite New Orleans being weak against the run and pass, it's easier for any defense to key in on one ball-carrier. Provided Blount keeps receiving more opportunities this Sunday, the Bucs can get an important division victory.

Fred Davis: TE, Redskins (at Giants)

Tight end Fred Davis must be Robert Griffin III's favorite target against the New York Giants.

For one, Davis has also enjoyed some stronger performances against Big Blue. At least once in the past three seasons Davis has been a solid factor against the Giants for the Washington Redskins.

In 2009 he caught five passes for 65 yards and a score while catching two for 20 yards and another score in 2010. Despite Washington not winning either of those contests, his 105 yards on five receptions to open the 2011 season resulted in a Redskins victory.

So the odds are certainly in favor of Davis scoring, his overall impact is the next question.

Well, the potential impact increases with Robert Griffin III. RG3 is so mobile and accurate when dropping back and getting outside the pocket, that Davis' experience will find the widened zones between the line backers.

After all, if there's still a weakness in Big Blue's defense it's defending against the intermediate passing game.

Matt Hasselbeck: QB, Titans (at Bills)

Matt Hasselbeck is more than a game-managing quarterback, but he has yet to have a big performance in 2012.

Interestingly, perhaps his best numbers game came on a short week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, when the signal-caller put up 290 passing yards and one score with one pick.

What was most impressive was how Hasselbeck spread the field.

Six different players had more than two catches, while four had over four.

No matter what defense is across the line, that kind of field and level utilization will consistently move the chains. Going on the road against the Buffalo Bills in Week 7, Hasselbeck faces the No. 20-ranked pass defense. The Bills are allowing 12.2 yards per completion and a 93.5 rating to opposing quarterbacks.

Considering Buffalo has the No. 32-ranked rush defense in the league, Chris Johnson's impact on the ground will be of immense assistance in setting up the play-action pass. Furthermore, it should minimize any sort of pass rush.

Kevin Walter: WR, Texans (vs. Ravens)

The Houston Texans haven't seen much from Kevin Walter in 2012.

Nevertheless, the veteran receiver remains a sound No. 2 after Andre Johnson because of his run-blocking ability. With only 205 yards on 15 receptions and one score to this point, he's obviously not the most appealing fantasy football option.

Hosting the Baltimore Ravens in Week 7, though, Walter is a stronger option than at first glance. That is, mostly due to Baltimore's defensive injuries.

Per ESPN.com:

"

Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis will miss the remainder of the season with an arm injury, an enormous blow to an already depleted defense that has uncharacteristically struggled this year.

Baltimore also lost corner back Lardarius Webb for the season after he tore the ACL in his left knee Sunday.

"

Courtesy of Arian Foster and the ground attack, as well as Johnson and tight end Owen Daniels, single coverage is all Walter will face against Baltimore. Now incorporate his size and strength and Walter is a viable option inside the red zone or against any Cover 1 or 3 over the middle.

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