Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 7: Reviewing Fantasy Football's Top Fringe Starters

Through six weeks of the 2021 NFL season, there have been plenty of surprises. Some names have emerged as breakout stars, while others haven't met initial expectations. And both types of players have had impacts on the fantasy football landscape.

Still, it's always possible that an underperforming star could get back on track or an apparent breakout has been a fluke due to easy matchups and a bit of luck. That's why it can be difficult to decide who to put into your fantasy lineup, even heading into late-October.

Another factor fantasy managers will have to deal with in Week 7 is the number of teams on bye weeks. Six clubs will be out of action, meaning players who normally aren't in starting consideration will need to be called on to fill lineup spots.

With that in mind, here's some start/sit advice for the upcoming week.

Start 'Em: AJ Dillon, RB, Green Bay Packers

AJ Mast/Associated Press

Although AJ Dillon is the No. 2 running back in the Packers' offense, he's proved he can be worthy of flex consideration with the right matchup. And Week 7 should provide the second-year back plenty of opportunities to have a strong performance.

Washington is allowing 423 total yards per game, the second most in the NFL, so it should be a big day for the Green Bay offense. If the Packers can build a big lead at home, then Aaron Jones might have less of a workload in the second half, giving Dillon some chances to work as the primary back.

The 23-year-old has gotten at least 11 touches in each of the past three weeks, and he may get way more than that against Washington.

With so many key running backs on byes this week, Dillon could be a solid fill-in option, especially if he can score a touchdown for the second time in three games.

Sit 'Em: Elijah Mitchell, RB, San Francisco 49ers

Darryl Webb/Associated Press

It's always difficult to predict how the San Francisco 49ers will utilize their running backs, and it's hard to know what their backfield mix will look like coming out of their bye week.

So it's going to be risky to play a San Francisco RB this week, especially because of the team's fairly challenging matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.

Elijah Mitchell hasn't provided much fantasy value since his surprise showing in Week 1. He returned from injury in Week 5 and had only nine carries for 43 yards against the Arizona Cardinals. If he has a similar workload on Sunday, it won't be enough for him to have a standout fantasy performance.

It's possible the 23-year-old could emerge as the lead back for the 49ers again, but it's too risky to start him in Week 7 and hope that it happens. So, try to find a better option for your RB/flex spots.

Start 'Em: Jakobi Meyers, WR, New England Patriots

Matt Patterson/Associated Press

Jakobi Meyers got into the end zone in Week 6, but it was on a two-point conversion.

Somehow, the New England Patriots wide receiver still hasn't scored a touchdown in 35 games over his first three seasons. But he is going to break through eventually, and it could be this week.

The Pats are hosting the New York Jets, who they beat 25-6 in Week 2. Meyers had four catches for 38 yards in that contest, but he's had more yards in every other game this season. So, there's a good chance he'll put up better numbers this time, especially considering this is a matchup that New England should win.

There's a slight chance the 24-year-old could still be on your league's waiver wire. If not and you're the manager who's had him on the bench, this week is the perfect time to give him a start with so many teams on byes and against a weaker opponent.

Sit 'Em: Tyler Boyd, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

Paul Sancya/Associated Press

Once among the top fantasy performers on Cincinnati's offense, Tyler Boyd has been much less impactful this season, particularly of late. And that may not be changing anytime soon, with other playmakers stepping up and assuming bigger roles for the Bengals.

Boyd had only one reception (a seven-yard catch) in Week 6 against the Detroit Lions and was targeted just three times. He's been held to 36 or fewer yards in four of Cincinnati's first six games. And he's scored only one touchdown, which came in Week 3 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

With rookie Ja'Marr Chase serving as the clear top receiving target and Tee Higgins also trying to work his way back into the mix, the 26-year-old is no longer a must-start fantasy receiver.

The Bengals are taking on the Baltimore Ravens, who rank sixth best in the league in fantasy points allowed to wide receivers (per NFL.com), so leave Boyd on the bench this week.