Start 'Em Sit 'Em Week 7: Riskiest Fantasy Football Matchups to Look for

With bye weeks continuing to impact how one sets a fantasy football lineup, it becomes increasingly difficult to decipher the riskiest players from busts and sleepers.

To that end, look no further because despite having to start some mediocre players to fill the star's bye week slot, there are risky starts and sits in the NFL's seventh week. Jay Cutler of the Chicago Bears is who we first preview.

The guy has a cannon and numerous weapons to rely on. In addition, the Chicago Bears defense is well-versed at forcing turnovers to provide additional possessions. Still, we've also seen the bad from Cutler, such as his four picks against the Green Bay Packers earlier in 2012.

So, it's reasonable to consider Cutler a risk each week and starting him depends a whole lot on the matchup. Well, let's move ahead and check out Cutler along with some other risky players to make note of in Week 7.

Jay Cutler: QB, Bears (vs. Lions)

For as inconsistent and frustrating as Jay Cutler can be in fantasy football, he is an appealing quarterback in Week 7.

Hosting the Detroit Lions on Monday night, Cutler and the Chicago Bears desperately need a win. Mostly because a loss would drop Chicago to 0-2 within the NFC North and they still have both games against the Minnesota Vikings.

Fortunately, Cutler has enjoyed much success against the Lions throughout his time in the Windy City. Dating back to 2009, Cutler has been impressively consistent versus the Motor City. With 10 touchdowns to only one interception against the Lions over the past six games, Cutler has Detroit's number.

Include reliable talent in Brandon Marshall and arguably the NFL's best two-back tandem and the Lions won't be able to slow Chicago down. After all, Detroit has recorded only two interceptions this season.

Start/Sit: Start Jay Cutler

Steve Smith: WR, Panthers (vs. Cowboys)

This may come as a surprise to some, but Steve Smith is a risk in Week 7 because of Cam Newton and having to face the Dallas Cowboys' defense.

Still, Smith is undoubtedly the best receiver on the Carolina Panthers and his ability to make plays downfield can really force a defense on its heels. Unfortunately, Newton remains in a sophomoric funk and the Cowboys defense will create problems.

First off, Dallas will apply consistent quarterback pressure with DeMarcus Ware and Co. to force ill-advised throws. Now factor in Dallas fielding the NFL's No. 2 ranked pass defense and Smith will get double-teamed more often than not.

That simply reduces the number of playmaking opportunities, and Newton's inability to consistently read pre-snap will limit Carolina's overall offensive production. Not to mention Smith has only 21 receptions with zero touchdowns to this point in 2012.

Start/Sit: Sit Steve Smith

Chris Johnson: RB, Titans (at Bills)

Chris Johnson remains the Tennessee Titans' best chance to move the chains and control the game tempo. Squaring off against the Buffalo Bills this week, Johnson is coming off of a nice game versus the Pittsburgh Steelers where he accounted for 112 total yards.

Also presenting much appeal in this game is Buffalo's No. 32 ranked rush defense that allows an average of 173.5 yards on the ground per game and an average of 5.8 yards per carry. Therefore, it's quite reasonable to anticipate big numbers from Johnson although the Bills are coming off a key win last week.

One area of advantage comes from Tennessee's gradually improved passing attack. Matt Hasselbeck is the reliable and savvy veteran who's still capable of thwarting a defense anywhere on the field. This only prevents Buffalo from stacking the box and Johnson enjoys a solid afternoon.

Start/Sit: Start Chris Johnson

Pittsburgh Steelers Defense (at Bengals)

Who would have thought that we'd see the day where the Pittsburgh Steelers defense is a reasonable concern?

Well that is the reality as we enter Week 7, because the Steelers give up an average of 23 points per game and have recorded just 11 sacks and two interceptions on the year. Factor in Pittsburgh being 0-3 in road games and thrice times allowing above their points against average teams, and this clearly isn't the same defense we've come to expect on a weekly basis.

Playing at the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday night, the Steelers inability to consistently get quarterback pressure and blanket in coverage bodes well for Andy Dalton and A.J. Green. Although the Bengals aren't extremely explosive, the deep threat potential will force Pittsburgh on its heels which will open up running lanes as well.

Dalton's decision-making is much better than given credit and there are other dependable targets such as tight end Jermaine Gresham and receiver Andrew Hawkins to complement Green.

Start/Sit: Sit Steelers Defense

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