Fantasy Football Week 7: Everything You Need to Know for Sunday's Action

Crafting fantasy football lineups is like planning to attack the Death Star—you find a weakness and exploit it.

The first few weeks of the season are like the space battle before hitting the mammoth battle station. You roll with what you have and dodge where you can. Once injuries and byes start piling up, though, you are in the trench.

The Force is strong with you. Trust your instincts. And maybe a little advice from yours truly.

Week 7 Rankings

Norm Hall/Getty Images

Check out my fantasy football rankings for Week 7.

The 100

Rank	Player	Opponent
1	Devonta Freeman, RB, ATL	at Ten
2	Todd Gurley, RB, STL	vs. Cle
3	Le'Veon Bell, RB, PIT	at KC
4	DeAndre Hopkins, WR, HOU	at Mia
5	Arian Foster, RB, HOU	at Mia
6	Larry Fitzgerald, WR, ARI	vs. Bal
7	Julio Jones, WR, ATL	at Ten
8	Keenan Allen, WR, SD	vs. Oak
9	Adrian Peterson, RB, MIN	at Det
10	Latavius Murray, RB, OAK	at SD
11	Travis Kelce, TE, KC	vs. Pit
12	Chris Ivory, RB, NYJ	at NE
13	Mark Ingram, RB, NO	at Ind
14	LeSean McCoy, RB, BUF	at Jac
15	Lamar Miller, RB, MIA	vs. Hou
16	Odell Beckham, WR, NYG	vs. Dal
17	Frank Gore, RB, IND	vs. NO
18	Brandon Marshall, WR, NYJ	at NE
19	T.Y. Hilton, WR, IND	vs. NO
20	Carson Palmer, QB, ARI	vs. Bal
21	Julian Edelman, WR, NE	vs. NYJ
22	Antonio Gates, TE, SD	vs. Oak
23	Justin Forsett, RB, BAL	at Ari
24	Doug Martin, RB, TB	at Was
25	Andrew Luck, QB, IND	vs. NO
26	Calvin Johnson, WR, DET	vs. Min
27	Allen Robinson, WR, JAC	vs. Buf
28	Mike Evans, WR, TB	at Was
29	Rob Gronkowski, TE, NE	vs. NYJ
30	Jeremy Maclin, WR, KC	vs. Pit
31	Charcandrick West, RB, KC	vs. Pit
32	Jonathan Stewart, RB, CAR	vs. Phi
33	Antonio Brown, WR, PIT	at KC
34	Cam Newton, QB, CAR	vs. Phi
35	Donte Moncrief, WR, IND	vs. NO
36	Jarvis Landry, WR, MIA	vs. Hou
37	John Brown, WR, ARI	vs. Bal
38	Philip Rivers, QB, SD	vs. Oak
39	DeMarco Murray, RB, PHI	at Car
40	Eric Decker, WR, NYJ	at NE
41	Dion Lewis, RB, NE	vs. NYJ
42	Melvin Gordon, RB, SD	vs. Oak
43	Willie Snead, WR, NO	at Ind
44	Alfred Morris, RB, WAS	vs. TB
45	Martavis Bryant, WR, PIT	at KC
46	Drew Brees, QB, NO	at Ind
47	Tom Brady, QB, NE	vs. NYJ
48	Pierre Garcon, WR, WAS	vs. TB
49	Vincent Jackson, WR, TB	at Was
50	Danny Woodhead, RB, SD	vs. Oak
51	Greg Olsen, TE, CAR	vs. Phi
52	Gary Barnidge, TE, CLE	at StL
53	Michael Crabtree, WR, OAK	at SD
54	Matt Ryan, QB, ATL	at Ten
55	Rishard Matthews, WR, MIA	vs. Hou
56	Amari Cooper, WR, OAK	at SD
57	Joseph Randle, RB, DAL	at NYG
58	Steve Smith Sr., WR, BAL	at Ari
59	T.J. Yeldon, RB, JAC	vs. Buf
60	LeGarrette Blount, RB, NE	vs. NYJ
61	Kamar Aiken, WR, BAL	at Ari
62	Allen Hurns, WR, JAC	vs. Buf
63	Travis Benjamin, WR, CLE	at StL
64	Golden Tate, WR, DET	vs. Min
65	Andre Ellington, RB, ARI	vs. Bal
66	Jordan Matthews, WR, PHI	at Car
67	Duke Johnson, RB, CLE	at StL
68	Delanie Walker, TE, TEN	vs. Atl
69	Brandin Cooks, WR, NO	at Ind
70	Christine Michael, RB, DAL	at NYG
71	Eli Manning, QB, NYG	vs. Dal
72	Stefon Diggs, WR, MIN	at Det
73	Chris Johnson, RB, ARI	vs. Bal
74	Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, NYJ	at NE
75	Julius Thomas, TE, JAC	vs. Buf
76	Rashad Jennings, RB, NYG	vs. Dal
77	Kendall Wright, WR, TEN	vs. Atl
78	Michael Floyd, WR, ARI	vs. Bal
79	Steve Johnson, WR, SD	vs. Oak
80	Jason Witten, TE, DAL	at NYG
81	Ryan Tannehill, QB, MIA	vs. Hou
82	Ameer Abdullah, RB, DET	vs. Min
83	Shane Vereen, RB, NYG	vs. Dal
84	Mike Wallace, WR, MIN	at Det
85	Matthew Stafford, QB, DET	vs. Min
86	Antonio Andrews, RB, TEN	vs. Atl
87	Robert Woods, WR, BUF	at Jac
88	Jameis Winston, QB, TB	at Was
89	Ted Ginn, WR, CAR	vs. Phi
90	Ryan Mathews, RB, PHI	at Car
91	Blake Bortles, QB, JAC	vs. Buf
92	Charles Clay, TE, BUF	at Jac
93	Isaiah Crowell, RB, CLE	at StL
94	Rueben Randle, WR, NYG	vs. Dal
95	Leonard Hankerson, WR, ATL	at Ten
96	Kyle Rudolph, TE, MIN	at Det
97	Knile Davis, RB, KC	vs. Pit
98	Josh McCown, QB, CLE	at StL
99	Brian Hoyer, QB, HOU	at Mia
100	Derek Carr, QB, OAK	at SD

Injury Report

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

Probables

Quarterbacks

• Alex Smith, Kansas City Chiefs (thumb): Considering some have casually questioned whether Chase Daniel might be a better option in Kansas City, this isn't a huge positive.
• Blake Bortles, Jacksonville Jaguars (shoulder): What a difference a year makes. Blake Bortles is playing well and is coming off the best performance of his career. Too bad J.J. Watt looms.
• Ryan Fitzpatrick, New York Jets (elbow): Hopefully, we'll catch some Fitzmagic this week. 

Running Backs

• Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings (finger): Considering Adrian Peterson came back from a devastating knee injury to rush for 2,000 yards, methinks a finger won't do much to slow him down.

Wide Receivers

• Allen Robinson, Jacksonville Jaguars (leg) and Allen Hurns, Jacksonville Jaguars (ankle): The Allen Bros. are good to go in London, where they square off against cornerback Stephon Gilmore and a tough Buffalo defense.
• Brandon Marshall, New York Jets (calf): A balky calf could be a killer for Brandon Marshall, whose superior skills could be nullified if he is hampered while running routes.
• Charles Johnson, Minnesota Vikings (ribs): Minnesota will finally get Charles Johnson back. Does this endanger nascent wideout Stefon Diggs?
• Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions (ankle): Hopefully, this is minor and doesn't snowball into something worse for Johnson, who has been hampered by injuries in recent years.

Tight Ends

• Julius Thomas, Jacksonville Jaguars (ribs): Thomas finally emerged as a fantasy option last week after his injury-marred start to 2015. He has a pretty good matchup this week—the Bills haven't covered tight ends well thus far.
• Gary Barnidge, Cleveland Browns (ankle): Gary Barnidge eats nails for breakfast. Gary Barnidge doesn't swim with the sharks—the sharks swim with him. All Gary Barnidge does is score touchdowns. 

Risks

Jeremy Maclin, WR, Kansas City Chiefs

Earlier this week it looked like Jeremy Maclin would sit out Week 7 with a concussion. The latest news says he is expected to play, however, as tweeted by ESPN's Ed Werder.

The Chiefs need him on the field, and he has a great matchup. But concussions are tricky—keep an eye on his situation through Sunday morning to make sure he is actually on the field.

Dion Lewis, RB, New England Patriots (abdomen)

Dion Lewis popped up unexpectedly on the injury report last week, though the Patriots insisted he would play. The fact he only got a handful of touches against the Indianapolis Colts pointed to an injury that was worse than we thought, though.

He is still on the injury report with the same abdomen issue, which gives pause to those thinking about starting him against the top-ranked Jets run defense. Tread lightly.

Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers (knee)

It's no big surprise to see Ben Roethlisberger possibly coming back soon from what looked like a devastating knee injury. The question is whether he and the Steelers want to risk it or wait one more week.

It's best to err on the side of caution and expect him to be out, but his return would be a boon for the offense, particularly receiver Antonio Brown.

Stevie Johnson, WR, San Diego Chargers (hamstring)

Antonio Gates, TE, San Diego Chargers (knee)

It's a bit disconcerting to see your 35-year-old tight end sitting out multiple practices with a balky knee. If anyone can go without practicing, though, it's Antonio Gates.

His rapport with quarterback Philip Rivers is second-to-none, and we already saw him explode for two touchdowns after missing the first four weeks of practice due to suspension. But a game-time decision in an afternoon game makes him a huge risk—you'd better have Ladarius Green ready to roll if Gates can't go.

Stevie Johnson's return would be welcome news for the Chargers, who would have yet another weapon for Rivers to utilize.

John Brown, WR, Arizona Cardinals (hamstring)

Another unfortunate hamstring issue hits a productive player. 

This time, nascent Cardinals receiver John Brown looks like he could miss this Sunday's game with an injury that popped up in the middle of the week. It would be too bad considering the fantastic matchup he has against the Baltimore Ravens secondary.

Apparently, he said on Sirius XM radio that he's good to go on Monday night, however. 

Doubtful or Out

Dez Bryant, WR, Dallas Cowboys (foot)

In case you harbored any hope that Dez Bryant might come back early from his broken foot, it looks like we'll have to wait at least one more week to get there. 

Tyrod Taylor, QB, Buffalo Bills (knee)

Sammy Watkins, WR, Buffalo Bills (ankle)

Percy Harvin, WR, Buffalo Bills (hip)

Londoners won't be treated to a Tygod viewing this week as he tends to his injured knee. EJ Manuel has a tall task ahead of him, given receivers Sammy Watkins and Percy Harvin are also out.

Either the Bills are going to ride running back LeSean McCoy and that defense to victory, or we should prepare for an unmitigated disaster this Sunday.

Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (shoulder)

It's too bad Austin Seferian-Jenkins won't likely make it back for such a nice matchup this week. He had a nice connection with rookie quarterback Jameis Winston early in the year, and his return would boost that passing offense all around.

Cecil Shorts, WR, Houston Texans (hamstring)

Cecil Shorts' absence will open things up for Nate Washington and possibly Jaelen Strong to put up some fantasy points alongside elite starter DeAndre Hopkins.

Injury updates courtesy of Rotoworld unless otherwise noted. 

Sleepers and Busts

Sleepers

Tevin Coleman, RB, Atlanta Falcons

Devonta Freeman is on a tear, and there is no reason to believe he will have a letdown this week against the Tennessee Titans. But what about his rookie teammate?

Tevin Coleman has looked great in spurts this season. An injury paved the way for Freeman to flourish, but Coleman came back from that injury last week. He immediately ripped off an 18-yard run. He would hit the bench after a fumble, but that offensive line is clearly working for him, too.

The Falcons could be up big against the Titans this week, which would likely mean more than 17 combined carries for their running backs. More touches means more potential to score fantasy points, and Coleman could easily steal a goal-line carry or two to make it a great day.

Albert Wilson, WR, Kansas City Chiefs

Aberration or augur? 

That is the question after Albert Wilson's 42-yard touchdown catch last week against the Minnesota Vikings. It came after Jeremy Maclin's injury exit, and the veteran wideout might miss this week's matchup with a concussion.

If he does, Wilson's window of fantasy opportunity will be shunted open against a Pittsburgh Steelers pass defense that has been gashed by receivers all year long.

Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee Titans

All it will take is one play for Justin Hunter to have a good game, right? Of course, that play will have to be the big one we have hoped to see from the big wideout for years now, the one that is tantalizingly close and frustratingly far away all at once.

Zach Mettenberger has a big arm, and Hunter can get open deep. This is as boom-or-bust as they come.

Michael Floyd, WR, Arizona Cardinals

Quarterback Carson Palmer and the Arizona offense has a tasty matchup against the Baltimore Ravens this week, and all eyes will be on Larry Fitzgerald at wideout. But Michael Floyd scored the lone touchdown last week, and Palmer targeted him in the red zone multiple times.

Floyd is still a starter, and more targets against that bad pass defense could lead to another big game.

Busts

Blake Bortles, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars

Quietly, Blake Bortles has risen to become the fourth-best fantasy quarterback this season. That is about to change.

True, Buffalo's defense has allowed a good number of fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season, but the Bills have faced the likes of Tom Brady, Andrew Luck, Eli Manning and Andy Dalton. Bortles has improved this year, to be sure, but he is not on that level.

That defensive line is going to get to Bortles early and often in London, and he is going to fall outside the top 12 in scoring for Week 7.

Start 'Em

Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Every week we'll take a look at one player from each position who you should be starting, looking beyond the obvious guys of course. Except kickers. They don't belong in fantasy football.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, New York Jets

Unless you somehow faced him or had him on your bench, Ryan Fitzpatrick likely flew under the fantasy radar last week despite being a top-five quarterback.

This week, Fitzpatrick faces a New England defense that is giving up the sixth-most fantasy points per game to the position, per FantasyPros. Granted, many of those points have come in garbage time, but they don't discriminate—points are points!

Charcandrick West, RB, Kansas City Chiefs

Anyone who picked up Charcandrick West and started him last week suffered a pitiable fate. The Chiefs and Vikings played a low-scoring affair that saw West post just nine carries for 33 yards, and his fantasy owners probably suffered the same fate as his team.

There is plenty of reason to hope for his production, however. 

West was actually denied a touchdown when he was marked down short of the first-down marker on a fourth-down play. That must have been infuriating for his fantasy owners. 

Even better, though, was the fact West was in on 69 percent of Kansas City's offensive snaps, with Knile Davis getting the other 31 percent, according to Football Outsiders. Carrying two-thirds of the load is a great sign for future production if the offense can get going around him.

Antonio Brown, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers

It might seem silly to include a guy who is normally a must-start here, but Antonio Brown's recent production has his fantasy owners on edge. While there isn't anything to love about Landry Jones, Brown is still starting and getting a ton of targets.

Delanie Walker, TE, Tennessee Titans

You would think Marcus Mariota's injury would be bad for everyone on the Tennessee offense. At the very least, everyone becomes a risk, right?

Not so with Delanie Walker, who has actually fared better in the fantasy realm with Mettenberger under center than with all other quarterback comers over the past couple of seasons. He should see a healthy target count against a Falcons defense that has allowed double-digit fantasy points per game to tight ends this season and just got torched by 34-year-old Benjamin Watson.

St. Louis Rams D/ST

Josh McCown has been on a tear in recent weeks, but the Browns quarterback hasn't faced a defensive line like St. Louis'. Don't be shy to start the Rams defense this week just because Gary Barnidge has been the second coming of Jimmy Graham this year.

Sit 'Em

Rich Schultz/Getty Images

Sam Bradford, QB, Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia offense reverted to early-season form last week against the New York Giants. It's unlikely Sam Bradford and Co. will get things rolling against that tough Carolina defense on the road, though.

LeGarrette Blount, RB, New England Patriots

The Colts simply cannot contain LeGarrette Blount. Unfortunately for him and his fantasy owners, Blount does not play the Colts every week.

New England travels to New York this week to take on a much tougher Jets defense, which does not bode well for Blount's production. That run defense is tops in the league, and it has only allowed one rushing touchdown this season to boot. 

Kendall Wright, WR, Tennessee Titans

Whereas Zach Mettenberger has helped tight end Delanie Walker in the past, Kendall Wright has seen no discernible difference in production from quarterback to quarterback. A tougher matchup against Atlanta cornerback Desmond Trufant this week could be trouble for Wright's fantasy owners.

Ben Watson, TE, New Orleans Saints

Maybe we are in a Gary Barnidge event horizon situation and Ben Watson is about to turn into a black hole of targets. It's likelier that last week's supernova was a one-time event, however.

Brees does have a history with tight ends—see Jimmy Graham—but he also has a history of spreading the ball around. The Colts have also been one of the stingier teams when it comes to allowing fantasy points to tight ends, having given up 6.6 standard fantasy points per game on average, according to Fantasy Pros.

New York Jets D/ST

Yes, the Jets have a great defense. No, you shouldn't risk a possible Tom Brady evisceration in your lineup. Yes, that was a double negative.

The DraftKings Scoop

Here is the Week 7 rundown for DraftKings, if you are of that persuasion. 

The Chalk

chalk (n.)—a player considered to be a consensus pick or a “must-start” option for a given DFS contest, especially in cash games.

Todd Gurley, RB, St. Louis Rams ($5,000)

Simply put, there is no better value this week than Todd Gurley.

The talented rookie has burst onto the scene after missing the first few weeks at the tail end of his recovery from a torn ACL. He's averaging 6.2 yards per carry and 152.5 yards per game over his last two. He hasn't gotten into the end zone yet, but it's a good bet he will against that porous Browns defense.

Cleveland has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to running backs this year, per FantasyPros. If we see another heavy dose of Gurley—and there is little reason to believe we won't—he could wind up at the top of the fantasy leaderboard for Week 7.

Antonio Gates, TE, San Diego Chargers ($5,000)

Why Antonio Gates' price hasn't skyrocketed is a mystery. Nonetheless, here we are, basking in the promising glow of another great week at a discount from the 35-year-old wunderkind.

Of course, at issue is his balky knee. Hopefully, his rest has been more gamesmanship and maintenance than actual concern, but his being a game-time decision could actually be trouble.

The good news is that you can easily pivot to Ladarius Green ($2,900) if Gates is ruled out before the afternoon game.

Devonta Freeman, RB, Atlanta Falcons ($7,900)

Devonta Freeman is the new LaDainian Tomlinson, at least when it comes to fantasy football. The Atlanta Falcons offensive line is opening up gaping holes through which Freeman is exploding for big plays all day long. His pass-catching ability only adds to his appeal in points-per-reception formats. 

The Cash Plays

cash game (n.)—a contest in which at least 40 percent of the entrants earn a prize. High-floor players are desirable in cash games.

Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers ($6,600)

It's amazing what a difference being healthy means for production, right?

Cam Newton is the fourth-best fantasy quarterback on a per-game basis, and he is mounting a NFL MVP campaign with his heroics. His rushing ability gives him a nice floor—he is good for over 40 rushing yards per game, the equivalent of an extra touchdown pass—and he has been able to overcome a woeful wide receiver corps.

At just $6,600, Newton makes for one of the best values this week.

Philip Rivers, QB, San Diego Chargers ($6,500)

Speaking of values, Rivers might be the best of the bunch at quarterback. He threw the ball a record 65 times last week—though we probably shouldn't count on a repeat of that anytime soon—and he has a great arsenal of pass-catchers.

At home against the Raiders, Rivers is due for another big week at a nice price.

Travis Kelce, TE, Kansas City Chiefs ($4,900)

The Kansas City offense isn't good right now. Perhaps a date with the Pittsburgh Steelers will lighten the mood.

Pittsburgh has been playing better as of late, but that defense is still giving up a ton of fantasy points to the tight end position on the year. Kelce is far superior to Darren Fells, who had the first real dud at his position when Arizona came to town and scored 13 points.

Eric Decker, WR, New York Jets ($5,300)

Brandon Marshall is playing out of his mind right now, but Eric Decker is quietly putting up great numbers, too. 

New York's No. 2 receiver has scored a touchdown in each of his games this season. While that won't hold up for too much longer, he well could extend his streak against the Patriots this week. The Jets have utilized him well in the slot—where New England is vulnerable—and might have to throw a bunch in the second half this week.

The Stacks

stack (v.)—rostering two to three players from the same NFL team with the hope that if one player performs extremely well, then the other one to two players will also benefit.

Devonta Freeman, RB ($7,900) and Atlanta Falcons D/ST ($3,300)

Not only is Devonta Freeman a chalk play, but pairing him with the Atlanta Falcons defense might be the Chardonnay and pork chop pairing of Week 7.

Philip Rivers, QB ($6,500) and Keenan Allen, WR ($7,700) or Antonio Gates, TE, San Diego Chargers ($5,000)

The San Diego passing game is humming behind strong play by quarterback Philip Rivers and his pass-catchers. This week should be no different against the Oakland Raiders—barring injury, of course—and stacking a couple or even all three of these guys could be profitable.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB ($5,200) and Brandon Marshall, WR ($7,800) or Eric Decker, WR, New York Jets ($5,300)

The beautiful thing about stacking Ryan Fitzpatrick with one of his receivers is the inherent money savings. Despite a huge week and another one looming, Fitzpatrick is a screaming deal at $5,200. Of course, there are no guarantees with the Harvard graduate—did you know he went to Harvard?—which is why the risk is baked into his price.

Against the Patriots, though, Fitzpatrick is liable to put up another top-five fantasy output. Not only is New England giving up a bunch of fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, but garbage time is a weekly factor against the Patriots.

Marshall, meanwhile, is playing as well as ever these days, and Decker is quietly putting up solid numbers as well.

Carson Palmer, QB ($6,600) and Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Arizona Cardinals ($7,000)

This one didn't quite work out as planned last week, as somehow Carson Palmer threw for 414 yards with just 13 points to show for it. Maybe the fact it was an early game on the East Coast messed with the circadian rhythms of the team.

This week, however, the Cardinals are at home against a woeful Baltimore pass defense.  

The GPP Plays

GPP (n.)—stands for “Guaranteed Prize Pool.” It is a type of tournament for which the daily fantasy sports site promises a specific prize pool amount to be divided among the winners regardless of entry count.

Tevin Coleman, RB, Atlanta Falcons ($3,600)

Devonta Freeman is a chalk play, but what about his running mate? Tevin Coleman made his return from a rib injury last week and amassed 40 yards on just four carries before being yanked after a fumble. 

That Atlanta offensive line is playing so well that Coleman makes for an intriguing contrarian play—nobody will be on him because of Freeman. If the Falcons get out to a big lead, Coleman could see extended run in garbage time to boot.

Michael Floyd, WR, Arizona Cardinals ($3,200)

Michael Floyd was listed here last week and delivered with a nice performance, nabbing five passes for 50 yards and a touchdown to well-exceed value. 

His price only went up $200, though, and he has an even better matchup against the Ravens this week. Back to the well?

Latavius Murray, RB, Oakland Raiders ($6,100)

The only reason Latavius Murray isn't a cash game play is because of the threat of San Diego marching out to a huge lead and neutralizing Murray in the second half.

Really, though, this is presents a nice confluence of price, matchup and opportunity—Murray is the only Raiders running back to even crack double-digit carries on the year, and the Chargers are giving up the most fantasy points to the position to date, per FantasyPros.

Ladarius Green, TE, San Diego Chargers ($2,900)

Even if Antonio Gates is a full go, Ladarius Green makes for an interesting GPP option for all the reasons we outlined to make a case for his elder colleague. The Raiders are bad at covering tight ends, and it's likely Gates would actually help Green get loose by way of diversion.

Daily fantasy definitions courtesy of Cracking DraftKings over at FootballGuys.com.

Last-Minute Waiver-Wire Options

Focus On Sport/Getty Images

Albert Wilson, WR, Kansas City Chiefs

We've discussed Wilson as a sleeper, but the best part about it is his likely availability in your league.

Cleveland Browns D/ST

The Browns might be headed for a Todd Gurley evisceration, but that doesn't mean they won't be able to score some fantasy points on the defensive side. Rams quarterback Nick Foles has shown a propensity to turn the ball over, and that offense isn't liable to score too many points.

If you are desperate for a replacement defense, Cleveland could be a decent fill-in for Week 7.

Brandon LaFell, WR, New England Patriots

If you eschewed the advice to jump on Brandon LaFell a week ago, you probably still have a chance to snag him. The Patriots wideout makes his return from the PUP list this week, and he could well make an impact right away.

What the Other Experts Are Saying

Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

ESPN's Matthew Berry bolsters my No. 1 ranking for Carson Palmer this week in his weekly Love/Hate piece:

"

No, you can't have Popsicles for dinner. Start your quarterbacks against the Ravens. Don't fart on your sister. These are just some of the declarations I have made in the past 24 hours. In giving up the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, the Ravens have made fantasy studs out of the likes of Derek Carr, Josh McCown and Colin Kaepernick, among others. Those three, plus Andy Dalton, averaged 397 yards and three touchdowns versus the Ravens this season. Baltimore has struggled to get pressure on the QB, and Palmer averages a completion rate of more than 70 percent when not under pressure. At home on Monday Night Football, Palmer is an obvious name, but I'm putting him here because he's my No. 1 QB for the week and I love his price in daily as well.

"

Latavius Murray is not without risk, as Nick Mensio points out for Rotoworld, but his upside is undeniable:

"

Latavius Murray at Chargers: Murray has been benched in the second half of back-to-back games whether it’s been due to a shoulder issue he’s been battling, ball-security issues, missed blocking assignments, or a combination of a number of things. But he’s all the Raiders have; Roy Helu is a third-down back at best and the Raiders can’t be serious with fullback-type Jamize Olawale getting carries. Murray said during the Raiders’ bye week that Oakland planned to focus on fixing its running game. And right out of the gate, he gets a tasty matchup with the Chargers. Only the Falcons and Cowboys have allowed more fantasy points to running backs. And only the Browns have surrendered more rushing yards. San Diego is yielding 5.43 YPC. As mentioned above, the Chargers play elite pass defense, so Murray should have to provide the offense Sunday. When the Raiders were playing well at the start of the season, Murray was setting the tone, and Derek Carr was working off him. Look for OC Bill Musgrave to get back to that philosophy.

"