Week 7 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Cam Newton and 5 QBs You Must Start

When setting your fantasy football lineups for Week 7 of the NFL season, these five quarterbacks should be must starts:

Cam Newton, Panthers

The Redskins rush the passer as well as any team in the NFL, but Newton obviously has the athletic ability to avoid some of those would-be sacks. He's also the Panthers de-facto goal line back, which presents the opportunity for ever-valuable rushing touchdowns. The turnovers might still be there for Newton, but the potential for big games is too much to keep on your bench. 

Matt Cassel, Chiefs

After sleepwalking through the first couple of weeks, Cassel has caught fire of late. In his past three games, Cassel has thrown for seven touchdown passes and is averaging over 200 yards passing. Those aren't exactly Brady-like numbers, but they are certainly starting caliber in fantasy football. Hopefully for Cassel owners, the bye week didn't temper any of the momentum this offense had gained before the break. 

Jay Cutler, Bears

Facing two divisional opponents in back-to-back weeks, Cutler has looked like a different quarterback than the one who started the season somewhat cold. Against the Lions and Vikings, Cutler is averaging 250 yards passing and has three touchdowns against zero interceptions.

He gets a former NFC Central rival this weekend in the Buccaneers, who have been stung by opposing quarterbacks throughout the 2011 season. Look for Cutler to impress across the pond in London. 

Tony Romo, Cowboys

Romo probably isn't on the fence for many owners as a starter, but he's worth mentioning in this space. While efficient against the Pats in throwing for 317 yards and a score, Romo could put up big numbers at home against the winless Rams.

St. Louis starts 36-year-old Al Harris at one corner spot, so look for Romo to attack that matchup with Dez Bryant and Miles Austin. This game could get ugly in a hurry.

Josh Freeman, Buccaneers

Freeman has needed better protection up front, and he got it Sunday in the Bucs' win over the Saints at home. He responded with 303 yards and a pair of touchdown throws. The Bears defense has been shockingly poor stopping the pass in 2011, ranking 26th in fantasy football against opposing quarterbacks so far. Consider this one of those overlooked matchups that Freeman could really exploit.