Fantasy Week 7 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Friends Don't Let Friends Play AP

This week there are some big names in fantasy football who you should keep on your bench.

It happens every week—the guy who you drafted in the first, second or third round (the guys you should be starting every week), disappoints you. Instead of putting up a solid double-digit score, he drops a 6-point nothing score on you. Six points is six points, but coming from your stud running back or wide receiver, it's about 10 points too few.

This week, I've identified four of these impostors.  

While all of these guys will see the real field, they should be bench in your virtual world.

All-Day Will Spend All Game on His Back

If you're an Adrian Peterson owner you've probably been staring at the likes of Jackie Battle or DeMarco Murray and wondering if you should start them over AP. 

Yes. You should.

Last week, Peterson faced the 22nd ranked run defense and basically gave his owners a goose egg. No, he didn't get zero points. He got nine. But ask any AP owner how nine points from their first round pick sits with them.

They're not happy. And if you choose to play Peterson against the Green Bay Packers, who are ranked 5th against the run, expect similar results.

The Pack is giving up roughly 84 yards a game to running backs. I see AP getting a lot less than that with brand new quarterback Christian Ponder at the helm. 

On every play, Peterson will face at least an eight-man front. At least. 

Sit him. I know it's hard. But, sit him.

Roddy Is Not so Rowdy This Year

Just like the picture to the left, Roddy White will have a choke-hold on him this Sunday against the Detroit Lions. 

While the sense around the league is that this game will be a shoot-out, opposing offenses have only scored more than 20 points against the Lions twice in the last six weeks.

The Lions' secondary is legit. After six weeks of facing offenses that have had to throw, and throw often to keep up, they have held their ground. They rank 6th against the pass.

So far this season, White has not lived up to his preseason Top Three wide receiver status, and things aren't going to change anytime soon.

And let's not forget how Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan seems to play worse on the road. When the Falcons travel to Ford Field, you should keep Roddy tucked safely on your bench.

Larry Fitzgerald Needs to Ride the Pine

I have all the respect in the world for Larry Fitzgerald. I'm actively trying to trade for him in my fantasy football league. After this week, I'm sure to get him at great value.

Fitzgerald is arguably the most talented wide receiver in the league. But on Sunday, he will line up against the top rated passing defense in the league.

Sure, Fitz can beat double teams. Just look at the picture above—he came this close to catching a touchdown pass with four Vikings' defenders mauling him. He's incredible.

What's going to shut Fitzgerald down is Pittsburgh's pass rush. Arizona quarterback Kevin Kolb will, literally, be running for his life. 

The Steelers' front seven make no bones about letting everyone know they are out to hurt quarterbacks.

If you start Fitzgerald this week, he's going to hurt your fantasy team. Prop him up on your bench.

Maurice Jones-Drew Will Come Up Short This Week

The Mighty Mini-Me Maurice Jones-Drew has drawn the Baltimore Ravens this Sunday. You know, the same Ravens that held last year's rushing leading Arian Foster to a measly 49 yards.

And keep in mind that rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert will have the controls to this offense. For those of you playing the home version of this game, what would you do if you were the defensive coordinator?

It doesn't take a genius to know that the Ravens will focus on stopping MJD.

You should too.

Stop MJD from seeing your starting lineup.