Fantasy Football Week 7: 10 Under the Radar Stars You Need To Start Now

We now enter Week 7 of fantasy football, and if you're anything like me, fate has not shone kindly on your fantasy team.  With injuries and ineffective play a norm in fantasy leagues, the waiver wires are always humming.  But to my surprise, there is still some great value to be had out there. 

I delve into the stars of the NFL that may still be free in your league.  I will use the Yahoo fantasy sports model for this.  Those players that fall below the 50 percent owned in most leagues are fair game.  So, let's get started. 

10: Matt Cassel

Bob Levey/Getty Images

HOUSTON - OCTOBER 17: Matt Cassel #7 of the Kansas City Chiefs waits for the snap during game action against the Houston Texans at at Reliant Stadium on October 17, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Matt Cassel is only owned in 24 percent of Yahoo fantasy leagues.  Amazing, considering he is the classic fantasy backup.  He is consistent for 14 points all year and is fantastic when the matchups deem it.  This past weekend, he threw three touchdowns and gained 24 fantasy points. 

His Week 7 opponent is the porous defense of Jacksonville.  I'm just saying.

Week 7—20 points

9: Robert Meachem

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS - SEPTEMBER 09: Robert Meachem #17 of the New Orleans Saints warms up during pregame against the Minnesota Vikings at the Louisiana Superdome on September 9, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

With the resurgence of the airborne attack in New Orleans on Sunday, there is now enough receptions to go around.  At least there will be in Week 7 against the Cleveland defense. 

Drew Brees has favored Lance Moore heavily this season.  But this past week he connected with a possible new faithful receiver.  Meachem caught a 40-yard pass for a touchdown and gained 13 points.  Against the Browns, look for Meachem to get his fair share.  He is currently owned by 42 percent of leagues.

Week 7—14 points

8: Christopher Ivory

With Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush sidelined, the Saints have turned to rookie Chris Ivory to run the ball.  He has not disappointed.  Sunday he rushed for 158 yards and gained 16 fantasy points. 

His touches should greatly diminish in the coming weeks with the return of Thomas and Bush expected soon, but he should still be the featured back going into Week 7.  So, at least for one more week, start him against the Browns. 

Week 7—18 points

7: Louis Murphy

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GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 26: Wide receiver Louis Murphy #18 of the Oakland Raiders runs with the football after a 13 yard reception past Adrian Wilson #24 of the Arizona Cardinals during the thrid quarter of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stad

This one is a bit touchy.  If Bruce Gradkowski is healthy enough to start this weekend, pick up yourself some Louis Murphy.  He is only owned in 36 percent of leagues and with good reason.  He only seems to matter when Gradkowski is lofting him the ball.  Monitor this one closely.

Week 7—16 points

Week 7 (Gradkowski-less)—3 points

6: Benjamin Watson

Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH - OCTOBER 17: Benjamin Watson #82 of the Cleveland Browns attempts to go up and over Ryan Clark #25 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the game on October 17, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Ima

Watson has produced fairly consistently this season.  If you are in the market for a tight end, you won't find better on the waiver wire.  With just 15 percent of leagues owning him, I am sure he is free.  Last week, he caught eight passes and punched in one touchdown for 14 fantasy points. 

Week 7—12 points

5: Mike Williams

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

SEATTLE - SEPTEMBER 26: Wide receiver Mike Williams #17 of the Seattle Seahawks is introduced prior to the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qwest Field on September 26, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Mike Williams has long been forgotten.  But this week may have finally been a breakthrough for the once well thought of wide receiver.  He was good for 123 yards this weekend against the Bears. 

Next up is the Cardinals so anything is possible.  If you are in need of a wide receiver and are a gambling man, why not take a shot on Pro Bowl talent that just has not made an impact in the NFL yet.

Week 7—15 points

4: Graham Gano

Win McNamee/Getty Images

LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 17: Washington Redskins kicker Graham Gano #4 celebrates making a field goal against the Indianapolis Colts at FedEx Field on October 17, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Colts won the game 27-24. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images

Why not throw some kicker love in here for good measure.  Graham Gano is only owned in eight percent of leagues.  While no kicker is going to get you the production of a running back or receiver, they may push you over the top in a tough weekly matchup. 

Currently Gano is besting even Nate Kaeding by six fantasy points.  The reason is he plays for Washington, a team good enough to just get within field goal range. 

Week 7—10 points

3: Seattle Seahawk Defense

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DENVER - SEPTEMBER 19: Defensive tackle Kentwan Balmer #95 of the Seattle Seahawks awaits the snap against the Denver Broncos at INVESCO Field at Mile High on September 19, 2010 in Denver, Colorado The Broncos defeated the Seahawks 31-14.. (Photo by Dou

Sometimes every little point matters.  As with kickers, a successful defense may be the difference in making the playoffs and just missing them.  If you took a chance on Dallas or Minnesota like many did, you may want to trade up at least for this week.

Seattle has been consistent and are playing a soft offense in Arizona.  This may be the week to give them a whirl.

Week 7—12 points

2: Ryan Fitzpatrick

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 10: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Buffalo Bills gets ready to take the snap agaisnt the Jacksonville Jaguars at Ralph Wilson Stadium on October 10, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. Jacksonville won 36-26. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Get

For being an 0-5 team, the Buffalo Bills have a fairly consistent quarterback.  Ryan Fitzpatrick is only owned in nine percent of the leagues in Yahoo.

Since taking over for Trent Edwards in Week 3, Fitzpatrick has quietly accumulated close to 600 yards passing and seven touchdowns.  If he were somewhere other than NFL Siberia he may used a bit more.  If you need a QB who is averaging 23 fantasy points per start, he is your man.

Week 7—17 points

1: Kevin Kolb

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PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 17: Kevin Kolb #4 of the Philadelphia Eagles passes a touchdown to Jeremy Maclin #18 in the third quarteragainst the Atlanta Falcons during their game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 17, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (

I know this is not a sleeper pick.  This article is about those NFL players going underused in fantasy leagues.  Kevin Kolb is used in only 49 percent of leagues.  After a second fantastic outing that has to change.  At least for one more week, Kolb will be running the offense and you don't want to miss the numbers he puts up.

This week he gained 26 fantasy points by passing for 326 yards and three touchdowns.

Week 7 —22 points