NFL Fantasy Football Week 7: Five Players to Keep on the Bench

Fantasy Football is in the heart of its season, and many owners are scrambling to adjust lineups because of byes, matchups and the quickly approaching playoff season.

Players can go hot and cold in an instant. We saw Hakeem Nicks go from a three-touchdown day against Houston to a three-catch, eight-yard day against the Lions. Deion Branch went from a non-factor in Seattle in Week 6 to being a catalyst in the Patriots comeback against Baltimore with nine receptions, 98 yards and a touchdown.

But with key fantasy players such as Peyton Manning, Calvin Johnson and Andre Johnson all having bye weeks this week, there are many players who will be starting this week who normally to go along with the usual starting crop.

Here are five players that you should stay away from in Week 7.

Ronnie Brown vs. Pittsburgh

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GREEN BAY, WI - OCTOBER 17: Ronnie Brown #23 of the Miami Dolphins runs against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on October 17, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)

Ronnie Brown has been invisible in his last two games for the most part. In those games, Brown has 30 carries for only 100 yards and no touchdowns. In fact, Brown has yet to break 90 yards rushing or amass more than 20 carries in a game this season while splitting carries with Ricky Williams.

This week Brown and the Dolphins have the luxury of hosting the NFL's top rushing defense in the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers have allowed only an average of 63.8 yards per game on the ground, and an astonishing 2.7 yards per carry.

Brown has struggled as of late and don't expect his fortune to change this week. Keep Ronnie Brown on the bench.

Mike-Sims Walker vs. Kansas City

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ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 10: Mike Sims-Walker #11 of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs after a catch against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium on October 10, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. Jacksonville won 36-26. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images

If somebody told you that Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Mike Sims-Walker had eight catches for 96 yards and a touchdown, you would obviously be impressed and probably start him the next week in your fantasy league.

But if you were then told it was over the course of four games? Ehh, not so much.

Sims-Walker was expected to be the go-to guy in Jacksonville after leading the team in receiving in 2009. Outside of his 10-catch, 105 yards and touchdown game against San Diego, Sims-Walker has been non-existent. He has been held to zero receptions twice this season, and only has two touchdowns total.

With the injury to David Garrard, backup Trent Edwards is an uncertainty at the quarterback position. Add that among the struggles of Sims-Walker, it's an easy call to bench him this week and possibly beyond.

Vince Young/Kerry Collins vs. Philadelphia

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 16: Quarterbacks Kerry Collins #5 and Vince Young #10 of the Tennessee Titans talk on the sidelines in the second half while taking on the Jacksonville Jaguars at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium on November 16, 2008 in Jacksonv

After what looked like legitimate injuries to Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young Monday night, head coach Jeff Fisher announced he was day-to-day and the team would evaluate Young throughout the week.

Regardless if Vince Young can make the start or Kerry Collins will get the call, you should avoid starting these two this week against Philadelphia.

The Eagles are regarded as one of the most aggressive defenses in the league, and with a slowed Young or Collins in the pocket, they should look to blitz often over the course of the game. Expect the Titans game plan to feature Chris Johnson getting the ball as much as possible.

So while you should see Johnson's involvement increase, watch for Young/Collins to be game managers in Week 7.

Fred Jackson vs. Baltimore

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ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 10: Fred Jackson #22 of the Buffalo Bills lines up against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Ralph Wilson Stadium on October 10, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. Jacksonville won 36-26. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Running back Fred Jackson was lost in the running back shuffle with Marshawn Lynch and C.J. Spiller earlier in the season, but with Lynch's trade to Seattle, Jackson has emerged as the starter in Buffalo.

Jackson's stats have been impressive for an inept Bills offense, with 160 yards on just 32 carries for a 5.0 yard per carry average. But the fact remains he still plays for the Buffalo Bills.

They take on a Baltimore Ravens team who will be looking for retribution after blowing last week's game against New England. The Ravens have been prone to the run at points this season, but with the inconsistencies on offense for Buffalo watch for the Ravens defense to shut down Jackson.

Buffalo will be trailing in all likelihood and look to pass more often as the game progresses. Expect Jackson to get some carries early and see them decrease over the course of the game.

Percy Harvin vs. Green Bay

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MINNEAPOLIS - OCTOBER 17: Wide receiver Percy Harvin #12 of the Minnesota Vikings runs after a reception during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Mall of America Field on October 17, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the

There is no denying Percy Harvin's role as a dynamic playmaker for the Minnesota Vikings. Harvin is a threat to return a kick every time, plus his speed makes him a threat running or catching the football. But the only thing fantasy owners are striving for is production.

While Harvin had a kickoff return for a touchdown last week, he only amassed 21 yards on three receptions against the Cowboys.

Harvin was expected to be one of Brett Favre's go-to targets with the injury to Sidney Rice but has had some health issues of his own. Also, with the recent acquisition of Randy Moss, passes thrown his way would be expected to drop.

Outside of his 97-yard, two-touchdown game against the New York Jets, Harvin has been quiet most of the season statistically. He plays Sunday night at Lambeau Field against a Packers defense that is among the league leaders in sacks.

If the Packers can get to Favre often enough, watch for Harvin's production on the offense to be minimal.