Fantasy Football Week 7: Top 5 quarterbacks to start

Heading into Week 7 fantasy football, the quarterback situation of many teams continues to be dire. Here are the top five quarterbacks to consider starting to bounce back if your main is hurt, on a bye, or entering an unfavorable matchup.

One week from the midpoint in the season, and the quarterback landscape looks far different from what we expected. This goes to prove that ANYTHING can happen in fantasy football.

Heading into Week 7, the biggest news regarding fantasy quarterbacks is the injury to Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers owners most likely started him week in and week out, meaning they’ll need a new quarterback.

Luckily for Rodgers owners, they should be able to make due at quarterback by playing the matchups each week. Realistically, you could start a different quarterback each week and be OK, so long as its the right quarterback. Personally, I’ve started four different quarterbacks in six weeks.

In Week 7, we have some must-starts, some players bound to break out and even some deep sleepers. Although, by looking at the matchups, it was easy to find the top five starts for Week 7.

With another week of byes, another group of fantasy football owners will be seeking a quarterback. These top five quarterbacks will all be certain to propel you and your fantasy team to victory in Week 7.

Next: 5. A new face in San Francisco

5. C.J. Beathard vs. Cowboys

WHO? That’s right, C.J. Beathard. Beathard, the rookie, took over for Brian Hoyer in last week’s game against the Redskins and will start in Week 7.

Beathard gave hope to the 49ers and fans alike, last week, as he led them to a near-comeback against Washington. Although they fell short, Beathard looked impressive in his ability to drive his team down the field.

Beathard has the potential to be a huge sleeper in Week 7, as many don’t even know who he is. Although, to fantasy owners, it should hardly matter who he is. Why? Because he’s facing the Dallas Cowboys.

It’s no secret that the Cowboys biggest deficiency is in their pass defense. Through six weeks, they’ve allowed the 8th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Beathard could be a great option to Rodgers owners, as he’s available in over 97 percent of ESPN leagues. Nearly any quarterback is a good start against Dallas, so Beathard should be worth the start in Week 7.

Next: 4. The opposing defense can't stop a nosebleed

4. Marcus Mariota vs. Browns

In his third year, Marcus Mariota is still looking to assert himself as an elite quarterback in this league. That being said, earning the “elite” status is a process which takes time, though Mariota has made great progress thus far.

Mariota’s start has been shaky thus far. He’s had some good games, some not so good games and even an injury that caused him to miss time. Although considering the firepower behind the Titans’ offense, Mariota’s upside is huge.

The Titans have a plethora of talent on the offensive side of the ball. This, along with Mariota’s run-ability, gives him tremendous upside. In Week 7, the Cleveland Browns will not have an answer to all of these offensive weapons.

The Browns have allowed the 2nd most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this year. Being as the Browns defense “can’t stop a nosebleed,” Mariota will be a great start in Week 7.

Next: 3. He's leaped into the top 5 in fantasy scoring

3. Carson Wentz vs. Redskins

Anybody have Carson Wentz in top five fantasy quarterbacks before the season? Nope? Me neither.

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Wentz is following up on his impressive rookie campaign with a stellar sophomore season. While many expected Wentz to continue to make strides, nobody thought he’d be the fourth-highest fantasy scoring quarterback to this point. Somehow, he’s still available in about 14 percent of ESPN leagues, so you could get lucky and snag him.

Much credit for his success can be given to Philadelphia Eagles management. Head coach Doug Pederson has helped him further develop while free agent signings like Alshon Jeffery have proven to greatly benefit Wentz.

Wentz and the Eagles will face a Redskins defense that has defended the pass well. Although, star cornerback Josh Norman will not play due to injury, presenting Wentz with a great opportunity for a big game. The Norman injury will prove to be crucial, as Wentz will capitalize with a huge game, making him a great start for Week 7.

Next: 2. He's having a breakout year at 33

2. Alex Smith vs. Raiders

Another surprise this year has been the success of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith. Smith is currently the second highest scoring fantasy quarterback. Perhaps Smith is auditioning for his job next year, as even he said he won’t return the Kansas City next year.

The former first overall pick who was once considered a bust has finally proven himself worthy of his draft position. Smith may not be the perfect quarterback, but he has some great qualities for a starting one. He’s smart, experienced, mobile enough to extend plays and he makes all of the right throws. In fact, he leads the league in completion percentage and hasn’t turned the ball over once.

After coming off their first loss of the season, a matchup against the Oakland Raiders gives them a great opportunity to bounce back. The biggest mismatch in this game will be the coaching matchup, as the Chiefs are one of the most well-coached teams in the league.

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This entire Raiders team is struggling to find an identity at this time. While loaded with talent, poor coaching and poor execution have been the Raiders Achilles heel thus far. As per usual, the Chiefs will enter this game with an excellent game plan, allowing them to dominate. Ultimately, this makes Smith a great start for Week 7.

Next: 1. The most consistent quarterback in fantasy football

1. Dak Prescott vs. 49ers

Dak Prescott sits right outside the top five in fantasy points scored by quarterbacks at number six. Although, Prescott has been the epitome of fantasy consistency this year. His worst performance came in a tough loss to the Denver Broncos, though he still managed to score 15.9 points.

After coming off a bye week, we can expect Prescott and the Cowboys to look sharp and fresh. Additionally, Ezekiel Elliott will play on Sunday, whom can help Prescott’s stats by making big plays catching the ball out of the backfield.

Prescott will have a favorable matchup this weekend, as the 49ers have allowed the seventh most points to opposing quarterbacks. This defense has shown no signs of improvement and there is little hope that we will see any this weekend.

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Prescott is beginning to establish himself as a week-in-week-out starting quarterback in fantasy. He’s been extremely consistent and his legs have kept his floor high. One of the leagues most dynamic offenses matched up against one of its worst defenses will mean big points for Prescott, making him the best start for Week 7.