Fantasy Football: Top 10 Start ‘Em Picks for Week 7

When it comes to Fantasy Football Week 7 action, make sure to start these top 10 players that are entering favorable matchups.

Oct 16, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Kenny Britt (18) scores a touchdown while being pressured by Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay (23)during the first quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

I can’t believe how fast the season is flying by; it’s already Week 7 of fantasy football. Before we know it, it’ll be Week 14 and you’ll be trying to clinch a playoff spot.

But, before I get ahead of myself, let’s talk about this week. The Carolina Panthers and Dallas Cowboys are on a bye week; the Panthers could use it.

Just when we thought Ben Roethlisberger never goes down, we saw him exit and re-enter Sunday’s Week 6 loss to the Miami Dolphins. Roethlisberger is expected to miss a substantial amount of time as he has to undergo knee surgery.

We also can’t forget the booms, busts, and Week 7 ideal matchups . With these factors taken into consideration, I have identified 10 players to start in your Week 7 fantasy football lineup.

Whether you need a Week 7 filler, have an injured player or just want to switch things up, these players have great fantasy value heading into Week 7.

Next: 10. A tight end on the rise

Sep 15, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills tight end Charles Clay (85) runs after a catch during the first quarter against the New York Jets at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

10. Charles Clay, TE, Buffalo Bills

If you don’t know who Charles Clay is, you’re probably among the majority of fantasy football owners, unless you’re a Buffalo Bills fan. He has been invaluable in most leagues this season however, he does offer some points at the tight end position.

Last week, Clay completed 5-of-7 targets for a little over 50 yards. Although that doesn’t seem like much, he led the team in targets, receptions and receiving yards.

This week the Bills take on the Miami Dolphins for a divisional showdown. The Dolphins are allowing opponents 237 passing yards per game. Clay is a TE2 option for Week 7 and should find a spot on your roster.

Next: 9. He earns points for rushing and passing yards

Oct 9, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Sean Lee (50) tackles Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard (25) in the first quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

9. Giovani Bernard, RB, Cincinnati Bengals

Giovani Bernard is the player you tell yourself you must start every week. That was until he earned less than 10 fantasy points in Weeks 3 and 4.

However, he has been consistent in his last two matchups earning over 15 fantasy points each week. Last week, he carried the ball 15 times for 49; he added 45 passing yards on four completed targets.

This week the Cincinnati Bengals take on the Cleveland Browns who rank 14^th against the run. Although it will be a tough matchup, Bernard has proven himself to be the Bengals main workhorse.

Bernard not only earns rushing yards but, he adds fantasy points through passing yards as well. With Jeremy Hill banged up, Bernard is a must-start heading into Week 7.

Next: 8. This quarterback plays the worst pass defense in the NFL

Oct 2, 2016; London, ENG; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports

8. Blake Bortles, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars

In three of his last five matchups, Blake Bortles has earned over 25 fantasy football points per game. Not to mention, last week, he earned almost 20 points.

In Week 6, Bortles completed 20-of-33 passes for 271 yards. He also had one touchdown, an interception and lost a fumble.

This week, Bortles takes on the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders are last in the league at defending the pass which, will increase his Week 7 fantasy football value.

Bortles is projected to finish with over 300 yards and two touchdowns. He is a starter on any lineup this week.

Next: 7. This receiver was a Week 6 sleeper

7. Cameron Meredith, WR, Chicago Bears

If you didn’t listen to me last week, you must have been upset after seeing Cameron Meredith’s fantasy football points. After two consecutive fantasy outbursts, last week’s sleeper earns a spot on this week’s start ‘em list.

Meredith has two back-to-back 100 yard games after completing 20-of-25 passes. Last week alone he had 113 yards on 11 targets.

Last week was the first week Alshon Jeffrey was relevant in the fantasy football world however, Meredith still saw more production and had more fantasy football points. He has also become a favorite target for Brian Hoyer, which is ideal for fantasy owners.

Last week, he earned over 30 points against the third-ranked pass defense and this week he takes on the sixth. Look to start Meredith for the third consecutive week.

Next: 6. This tight end consistently earns double-digits

Oct 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers tight end Hunter Henry (86) is defended by Denver Broncos free safety Bradley Roby (29) during the first quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

6. Hunter Henry, TE, San Diego Chargers

Just like Meredith, if you haven’t hopped on the Hunter Henry train your fantasy football lineup is falling short. Since his fantasy football emergence in Week 3, Henry has efficiently earned at least 15 points per game if not more.

Last week, Henry completed 6-of-8 targets for a little over 80 yards and a touchdown. This was the third straight week Henry scored.

Not only does he lead his team in targets, completions, and yards but, this week he takes on the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons have offered tight ends the second most receiving yards this season.

Even with Antonio Gates in the mix-up, Henry will still have a productive week. He’s a great TE1 option with Greg Olsen on a bye.

Next: 5. This quarterback had three touchdowns last week

Oct 16, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) hands the ball off to running back DeMarco Murray (29) against the Cleveland Browns at Nissan Stadium. The Titans won 28-26. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

5. Marcus Mariota, QB, Tennessee Titans

Marcus Mariota hasn’t been the most consistent quarterback this season. However, in five of his last six games, he earned double-digit fantasy football points.

In Mariota’s Week 4 bust he barely earned 10 points but made up for it in Weeks 5 and 6. Those two games combined brought home about 60 points.

Last week, Mariota completed 17-of-24 passes for a little over 280 yards and three touchdowns. This week’s game against the Indianapolis Colts seems as though it will offer the same results.

The Colts rank 29^th against the pass which should offer Mariota at least 250 passing yards and two touchdowns. He is a must-start in all fantasy leagues.

Next: 4. Expect this back to have a little more work

Oct 16, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) carries the ball against the Oakland Raiders during the second quarter at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

4. Jamaal Charles, RB, Kansas City Chiefs

Last week, Jamaal Charles appeared on my sit ‘em list because he was fresh off an injury. I hope you took my advice because he barely earned 10 points in most fantasy football leagues.

Charles rushed nine times for just 33 yards and had his first touchdown of the season. Although the Kansas City Chiefs are still not using him as heavily as they’d like, this week’s matchup looks to have great results for Charles.

The Chiefs take on the New Orleans Saints that ranks last in rushing touchdowns allowed. So far this season, the Saints have given opposing backs 11 touchdowns.

Even with Spencer Ware in the mix, Charles should have an easy matchup. He’s a must-start, especially with his workload increasing every week.

Next: 3. Last week he had over 100 yards and two touchdowns

3. Kenny Britt, WR, Los Angeles Rams

Kenny Britt has been anything but valuable in the fantasy football world. It’s no surprise he’s only owned in less than 50 percent of leagues.

However, last week Britt had a breakout game. He completed 7-of-8 for a little over 135 yards and two touchdowns. He earned at least 40 fantasy football points in most leagues.

This week, Britt takes on the New York Giants in London. The Giants secondary has seen better days as they offer opponents 267 passing yards per game.

Britt is the main receiver for the Los Angeles Rams and should start in any league. If you don’t have him, draft him while you still can.

Next: 2. This quarterback plays the 23rd ranked pass defense

Oct 16, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) attempts a pass as Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox (91) rushes during the second half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

2. Kirk Cousins, QB, Washington Redskins

Kirk Cousins has had a decent start this season. He earned over 20 fantasy football points in his first three games.

Although his last three games weren’t as impressive as his first three, on average Cousins has consistently maintained at least 15 fantasy points per game. But, there was that one week against the Baltimore Ravens he was a bust.

Last week, Cousins completed 18-of-34 passes for 263 yards. He also had two touchdowns and an interception.

This week Cousins comes face-to-face with the Detroit Lions whose secondary ranks 23^rd. Expect to see Cousins have a 300-yard game and a pair of touchdowns in his Week 7 matchup.

Next: 1. This tight end is coming off his worst week

Aug 27, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) catches a pass for a first down against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports

1. Travis Kelce, TE, Kansas City Chiefs

Last week was a quiet week for Travis Kelce. Actually, it was his worst fantasy football performance of the season earning only about five points.

Although he completed all of his passes, Kelce was only targeted three times in Week 7. Kelce didn’t even finish the game with 40 yards.

This week, look for Kelce to bounce back against the New Orleans Saints. The Saints defense has offered opponents over 300 passing yards per game.

Must Read: Demotion of Ryan Fitzpatrick will improve offense of Jets

With statistics like that and Olsen on a bye week, Kelce is a must start this week in any fantasy football league.