Fantasy Football Sunday Morning Start 'Em or Sit 'Em Decisions: Week 7

Eric Stashin

Oct 23, 2011

Just hours before the start of Week 7, I know many people have questions running through their heads. Who should I start? Who should I sit?

Let’s take a look at how some of the recent news changes things:

Brandon Marshall – Miami Dolphins – Wide Receiver

TOP NEWS

There has been a lot of talk about his drops of late, especially since they were on full display against the Jets on Monday night. It’s also easy to call him a disappointment, considering he has managed just one TD on the season.

However, he draws a Denver defense that has allowed some fairly lofty numbers in their past four games:

Week 2 – Jerome Simpson/A.J. Green – combined for 14 receptions, 260 yards, one TD
Week 3 – Nate Washington – eight receptions, 92 yards, 1 TD
Week 4 – Greg Jennings/Jordy Nelson – combined for 12 receptions, 194 yards, two TDs
Week 5 – Malcom Floyd – three receptions, 100 yards, one TD

In other words, there’s a good chance that Marshall silences his critics this week. That is, assuming he can hold onto the ball in the red zone. That’s the one thing hanging over him, but keep him in your starting lineup with confidence.

Joseph Addai – Indianapolis Colts – Running Back

Originally expected not to play in Week 7, Addai fully participated in Friday’s practice. That suddenly puts him in line to play, at least one would think, but that doesn’t mean that fantasy owners should trust him.

For one, he takes on the New Orleans Saints, which could result in being down early and a pass-heavy attack. Secondly, the game is Sunday night, meaning that if he is scratched you would be left with little other options.

He’s not recommended and, while Delone Carter was a low-end option to start with, the potential presence of Addai basically takes him out of the conversation as well.

Torrey Smith – Baltimore Ravens – Wide Receiver

According to Jason La Canfora (via Twitter), “Ravens list rookie CB Jimmy Smith, injured early in Week 1, as probable for Mon nite. Ben Grubbs and Lee Evans are out.” That means Torrey Smith should grab the start on Monday night in Jacksonville.

Jacksonville has been pretty good against the pass this season, allowing 210.3 yards/game. They’ve also allowed just 14 passes of at least 20 yards, tying them for 26th, and three passes of at least 40 yards, tying them for 20th.

With Smith being the Ravens' big-play receiver, averaging 26.3 yards per receptions (on just nine receptions), I wouldn’t move him up the rankings too far based on this news. He remains more of a WR3/FLEX option, at best, and that could be a stretch depending on your other options.

A.J. Feeley – St. Louis Rams – Quarterback

Jim Thomas (via Twitter) is reporting that, “Rams downgrade qb sam bradford to out for dallas. A. J. Feeley to start.” It’s a tough break for Bradford and Brandon Lloyd owners, as we will have to wait at least another week until we see how the two perform together.

As for Feeley, not only does he draw a Cowboys defense that has been pretty good defending the pass (238.0 passing yards/game), but this will be his first NFL start since 2007 (he threw for 220 yards, one TD and four INTs against the Seahawks that day).

In fact, he threw eight INTs on 103 attempts in ’07. Is that a line that encourages anyone? He should be considered a last resort option and nothing more.

Jackie Battle – Kansas City Chiefs – Running Back

According to the Kansas City Star (click here for the article), “Chiefs offensive coordinator Bill Muir said Friday that the rushing duties will, for now, fall primarily to Jackie Battle, but he didn’t rule out a back-by-committee approach if one rusher shows he’s particularly effective.”

He is coming off a game where he rushed for 119 yards on 19 carries, while also adding two receptions for 21 yards.

He draws an Oakland defense that has been middle-of-the-pack against the run, allowing 113.2 rushing yards per game. They also have allowed five rushing touchdowns. Battle should be a solid play as a RB2 in all formats.

Make sure to check out the rest of Rotoprofessor’s Week 7 information: