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Fantasy Mad Libs: Starts and Sits for Week 7

One of the greatest criticisms of the NFL, besides anything that happened in the commissioners office in 2015, is that the Pro Bowl game is virtually meaningless. As we are in the throws of the baseball playoffs, which thankfully do not take place within a month of the game meant to honor the league's best players, I find myself thinking of the game.

It's a fun event because the fans are begged to participate in the form of voting, and nearly every healthy player voted for runs to the host city to play. NFL players? You will maybe get the sixth or seventh best quarterback representing each league, given that he is not in the playoffs, didn't just exit the playoffs, doesn't "need a break". In a season where we are encouraged to vote in a way that is more billed as a "civil duty" and not "manically clicking an internet button every day to get your 3B to a game solely because he's on your team," I think about what would an All-Star fantasy team look like. Yeah, ok, just go click the first and second guy per position. But what about factoring in bias? Does it cause us to overlook people?

Editor's Note: New users that sign up on Fantasy Aces, make a $20 deposit, and enter any game will receive our full season NFL (or NBA) Premium Pass for free, a $59.99 value. Just email [email protected] with your new FantasyAces username - and boom, that's it! We will email you with your Premium pass.

Editor's Note: The FFPC Baby Gorilla Tournament is now open, featuring a $100,000 grand prize and a $675,450 total prize pool! This 12-team, Tight End Premium contest uses a 20-round draft format, with the overall winners determined by total points scored during Weeks 15–17. Get $25 to use toward your first entry by signing up through our link. Grab your team now! Sign Up Now!

 

The Fantasy Season To Date

In 2016, we would have to remind ourselves that Matt Ryan is the best fantasy quarterback, and the top five does not actually include Cam Newton, Aaron Rodgers, or Tom Brady (...yet). We have to keep in mind that while ESPN discusses whether the Cowboys should move on from Tony Romo, his backup Dak Prescott is playing as a top ten QB that is startable in most any league. We do our best to ignore that Carlos Hyde and Christine Michael are top ten RBs, and Todd Gurley and Mark Ingram barely crack the top 20.
It's a long way of saying that as we begin to figure out trades, figure out who the best players are, anticipate rising and falling, I sometimes forget that Terrelle Pryor is a Top-10 fantasy WR as I write this column, and Jordy Nelson isn't. And I would definitely vote for a fantasy All-Star lineup that featured Pryor's name on it.

 

Running Back

Matt Jones will either be on my bench or will ruin my week.

I love Matt Jones in general, and will be forced to play him, but he doesn't have anything working in his favor this week. Jones was seeing a bit of a split in carries in the first half of Week 6, and some extra work in the second half took a bad performance to a good one. Jones may be losing a bit of time to Kelley again in Week 7, and the Detroit Lions defense has yet to allow a rushing touchdown all season.

Dear Todd Gurley, do you like like me? I like like you this week.

I've always been very anti-Gurley, as I didn't buy into the offensive line. But it's undeniable that the Rams offense runs through the young RB, and the New York Giants have allowed four RB touchdowns over the last three weeks. The London game is always one of the flukey ones, so no one enjoys any home field advantage here, but Gurley fans will be relieved that he is a virtual lock for a hundred rushing yards and hopefully a TD.

Am I going to really start Mike Davis in Week 7?

Shoutout to the reader who sent me a chat in the middle of my writing this column (whose name I am unfortunately forgetting, feel free to tweet me) asking me if he should be starting Gilislee or Mike Davis in Week 7. I like Gilislee, but as I told him, it's high-risk, high-reward play that I don't love if I'm looking for a fill-in RB2. Mike Davis is facing a running back defense that isn't as great as advertised, and the 49ers will still lean on a rushing attack as they find their feet in the passing game. I don't love the option, but if you are one of the many, many players looking for some relief, Davis is the lead back for San Francisco, and will be bailing you out whether you want to be bailed or not.

 

Wide Receiver

Don't hand me my money back, I'm going double-or-nothing on Demaryius Thomas

Hear me out; Demaryius Thomas and the Denver Broncos offense haven't been exceptional most weeks. Thomas is a double digit fantasy producer in nearly all leagues, and we have yet to see if the Texans can succeed consistently on the road. Thomas is a red zone target for Denver, after over a week to gameplan. I expect Houston to struggle this week and Denver to do work on the ground, but don't be afraid to start Thomas as a WR2.

I will be discarding my Jordan Matthews and replacing him with two cards from the deck

For anyone excited over the full-fledged injury-free return of Matthews into a bustling Eagles offense, temper your expectations. Any flame of desire is extinguished by the fact that Matthews is not factoring in for more than four receptions a game in his last three match-ups. Matthews is either falling out of favor with his QB, or his knee injury somehow limited his targets.

I am out of options, and will be swiping left on Marqise Lee (owned in less than 2% of leagues)

No one is enthusiastic about starting the wide receiver out of USC who never quite got going in Florida, but Lee has seen only eight targets less than Allen Hurns and is the solid WR3 for this team. They face a cushy home matchup vs the Raiders secondary, and a shootout is all but assured for nearly every Raiders game so far this season. Lee shouldn't be started with a ton of confidence, but if you just now realizing Eddie Lacy is injured and you need a FLEX, go forward.

 

Tight End

Parachute? I don't need no parachute, I have Tyler Eifert

I refuse to change my great caption fill-ins because I'm hilarious, but if you need a TE or aren't thrilled with your options, Eifert is available in almost 30% of leagues. The leading touchdown scorer in the position last season, and he's freely available in quite a few leagues. A cushy matchup, and a talented TE finally practicing fully and looking healthy; the Bengals offense will look different with Eifert back in the mix.

Don't cry kids! We will bury Jacob Tamme in the yard

In two of his last three games, Tamme hasn't hit double digit yards, let alone receptions. Most everyone has let Tamme go, but don't forget to let his go free.




REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Juan Soto

X-Rays Come Back Negative on Juan Soto's Ankle
MLB

Jacob Misiorowski Pulled Early With Possible Leg Injury
Juan Soto

Exits Wednesday's Game Early with Ankle Injury
Tim Patrick

Jets Agree to Terms With Veteran Receiver Tim Patrick
Malik Nabers

Undergoes Second Knee Surgery
De'Von Achane

Dolphins, De'Von Achane Agree to Four-Year Contract Extension
Kevin Huerter

is Cleared to Return for Game 5
Caris LeVert

is Available for Game 5 on Wednesday
Duncan Robinson

is Out for Game 5
Keegan Murray

Undergoes Ankle Procedure
Josh Giddey

Undergoes Ankle Surgery
Pete Fairbanks

Returns From Injured List
Christian Yelich

Out With Back Tightness on Wednesday Night
Nathan MacKinnon

Chasing History Wednesday
Ryan Poehling

Won't Be an Option for Game 6
Sam Malinski

Set to Miss Second Straight Game
Artturi Lehkonen

Unlikely to Play Wednesday
Matthew Schaefer

Wins Calder Trophy
TOR

Maple Leafs Fire Head Coach Craig Berube
Jalen Hurts

Can Jalen Hurts Bounce Back as a Rusher in 2026?
Robby Snelling

Placed on 15-Day Injured List with Elbow Sprain
Zach Charbonnet

Dynasty Value in Question Entering 2026
DeVonta Smith

Poised to Reach a New Level of Production in 2026?
Chris Olave

Facing Increased Target Competition in New Orleans Entering 2026
Chris Bell

Dynasty Stock Rising Following NFL Draft
Ted Hurst

Facing Uphill Battle for Playing Time in Tampa Bay
Francisco Alvarez

Mets Place Francisco Alvarez on Injured List With Torn Meniscus
Max Fried

Dealing With Left Elbow Posterior Soreness
CFB

NFL Veteran Tom Moore Joins Iowa Coaching Staff
CFB

Can Cam Cook Dominate in Return to Big 12?
Chris Brazzell II

Is Chris Brazzell II the Top Deep Threat in Carolina's Receiver Room?
Kaelon Black

a Threat to Win Backup RB Job in San Fran?
CFB

ACC, Big 12 Support 24-Team College Football Playoff
De'Zhaun Stribling

to be 49ers' New "F" Receiver?
CFB

Anthony Colandrea Looking to Elevate Nebraska Back to National Contention
Drew Allar

Steelers "Uninstalling" Everything Drew Allar Learned in College
CFB

Kwazi Gilmer Set for Big Impact at Nebraska
Ja'Kobi Lane

Is Ja'Kobi Lane the Pass-Catching Answer the Ravens Have Been Seeking?
Zachariah Branch

Does Zachariah Branch Have a Path to Immediate Production?
Max Klare

Can Max Klare Separate Himself in Rams' Tight End Room?
Eli Stowers

the Tight End of the Future in Philadelphia?
Justin Thomas

Trending Well Ahead of PGA Championship Despite Concerning Form
J.J. Spaun

Trending Up Ahead of PGA Championship
Adam Scott

Riding Strong Form Into PGA Championship
Patrick Reed

Looking to Make Another Run at PGA Championship
PGA

Sungjae Im Looks to Build on Strong Finish at Truist Championship
Sam Burns

Must Keep Ball in Play at PGA Championship
Jordan Spieth

Looks to Complete Career Grand Slam at Aronimink
Brandt Snedeker

Not the Best Option for the PGA Championship
Rasmus Hojgaard

a Volatile Option at PGA Championship
Germie Bernard

Already in a Tough Spot to Hold Dynasty Value
Ayo Dosunmu

Has Busy Night in Game 5
Maverick McNealy

Seeking Better Start in Philadelphia
Harry Hall

a Boom-or-Bust Option at Aronimink
Jaden McDaniels

Notches 17 Points in Game 5 Loss
Denzel Boston

a Smart Bet to Meet or Exceed Value in Dynasty Rookie Drafts
Hideki Matsuyama

Attempts to Improve Over 2025 PGA Championship
Scottie Scheffler

Looks to Defend PGA Championship at Aronimink
Julius Randle

Posts a Double-Double in Losing Effort
Matthew Stafford

a Sell Candidate with Touchdown Regression Likely on its Way
Nicolai Hojgaard

Wants to Keep Momentum Rolling in Philadelphia
Anthony Edwards

Held to 20 Points in Game 5 Loss
Ben Griffin

Attempting to Bounce Back After Truist Championship
CFB

Transfer Defensive Lineman Devarrick Woods Commits to Clemson
Keldon Johnson

Comes Alive in Game 5 Against Timberwolves
Jayden Reed

Dynasty Value Tethered to His Underwhelming Usage
Harris English

Will Need His Putter to Thrive at Aronimink
Stephon Castle

Makes All-Around Impact in Game 5
Victor Wembanyama

Leads Spurs to Big Win in Game 5
Akshay Bhatia

Creative Flair Could Show Itself in Philadelphia
Keegan Bradley

Knows the Aronimink Golf Club Well
Mason McTavish

Delivers Two Assists Tuesday Night
Pavel Dorofeyev

Pots Two Goals in Vital Game 5 Win
Josh Doan

Records Two Assists in Game 4 Victory
Evgeni Malkin

Penguins Want Evgeni Malkin Back
Sidney Crosby

Joins Team Canada for World Championship
Ryan Poehling

Suffers Upper-Body Injury in Game 5 Loss
Si Woo Kim

Struggles at Truist Championship
Gary Woodland

Can Continue Incredible 2026 Season at PGA Championship
Xander Schauffele

In Excellent Form Heading to PGA Championship
Brandon Nimmo

Leaves Game on Tuesday with Apparent Ankle Injury
Philadelphia 76ers

76ers Part Ways With Daryl Morey
Kevin Huerter

Iffy for Game 5 Against Cavaliers
Dylan Harper

Cleared for Action Tuesday
De'Aaron Fox

Available for Game 5 Against Timberwolves
Caris LeVert

Remains on Injury Report With Heel Issue
Duncan Robinson

Listed as Questionable for Game 5
Memphis Grizzlies

Brandon Clarke Dies at Age 29
Charlie McAvoy

Slapped With Six-Game Suspension
Jonas Brodin

Unavailable for Game 5 Against Avalanche
Joel Eriksson Ek

to Remain Out Wednesday
Sam Malinski

Day-to-Day With Upper-Body Injury
Jacob Wilson

A's Place Jacob Wilson on Injured List With Shoulder Subluxation
Artturi Lehkonen

Considered Day-to-Day
Charlie Coyle

Lands Six-Year Extension
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

to Start Game 4 Against Canadiens
Drew Helleson

Unavailable for Game 5
Radko Gudas

Still Out Tuesday
Christian Yelich

Brewers Reinstate Christian Yelich From Injured List
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Admits He Wasn't Close to Returning Before Season Ended
CFB

Isaac Brown Has All-American Upside in 2026
LeBron James

Uncertain About Future After Season-Ending Loss
CFB

Nyck Harbor Heading into Breakout Year?
CFB

Notre Dame, USC in Discussions to Resume Rivalry Series
CFB

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele Has Eyes on ACC Title
CFB

Ahmad Hardy's Gunshot Wound Not Viewed as Career-Threatening
A.J. Ewing

Mets to Call Up Top Prospect A.J. Ewing
Mookie Betts

is Officially Back on Monday
Nathan Eovaldi

Scratched From Monday's Start With Side Tightness
Henry Bolte

Athletics to Promote Top Outfield Prospect Henry Bolte to Major Leagues
Khamzat Chimaev

Suffers his First Loss
Sean Strickland

Recaptures Middleweight Title
Tatsuro Taira

Suffers Fifth-Round TKO Loss
Joshua Van

Defends Flyweight Title
MMA

Waldo Cortes-Acosta Drops Decision
Alexander Volkov

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Shane Van Gisbergen

Dominates Watkins Glen for First Win of 2026
Michael McDowell

Finishes Second for Best Run of the Year At Watkins Glen
Ty Gibbs

Scores New Career-Best Finish of Third at Watkins Glen
Tyler Reddick

Continues His Strong Season With Fifth-Place Run at Watkins Glen
Austin Dillon

Earns his First Top-10 Finish of 2026 at Watkins Glen
Mookie Betts

Dodgers Expect Mookie Betts to Return on Monday
CFB

Ahmad Hardy Sustains Gunshot Wound, in Stable Condition
Connor Zilisch

Will Start Fifth in his First Watkins Glen Cup Series Race
Tyler Reddick

Is A Top DFS Option for Watkins Glen Lineups
Christopher Bell

Is Likely to Bounce Back This Week at Watkins Glen
Carlos Rodón

Carlos Rodon Activated for Season Debut on Sunday
William Byron

Is William Byron Playable in DFS Lineups at Watkins Glen?
Kyle Larson

May have A Positive Day at Watkins Glen
Chase Briscoe

May Compete for A Top-10 Finish at Watkins Glen
NASCAR

A.J. Allmendinger May have Another Solid Outing at Watkins Glen
Ty Gibbs

Should Fantasy Managers Roster Ty Gibbs at Watkins Glen?
Ross Chastain

Is Ross Chastain Worth Rostering for Watkins Glen Lineups?
Austin Cindric

Could Austin Cindric be A Sneaky Tournament Play for Watkins Glen?
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen the Heavy Favorite at Watkins Glen
Chase Elliott

Is Chase Elliott a No-Brainer DFS Pick at Watkins Glen?
Chris Buescher

Qualifies 14th at Watkins Glen
Ryan Blaney

Has Upside at Watkins Glen After Signing Contract Extension
Michael McDowell

Still Searching for First Top-Five Finish at Watkins Glen
Carson Hocevar

Is Carson Hocevar Too Aggressive for Road-Course Racing?
Luis Castillo

Mariners Intend to Piggyback Luis Castillo, Bryce Miller
Logan Webb

Placed on 15-Day Injured List With Knee Bursitis
Bryce Miller

is Set to Return on Wednesday
Jeff Hoffman

Could Return to Closer Role
Sean Strickland

An Underdog At UFC 328
Khamzat Chimaev

Set For UFC 328 Main Event
Tatsuro Taira

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Joshua Van

Set For His First Title Defense
Alexander Volkov

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
MMA

Waldo Cortes-Acosta Looks To Extend His Win Streak
CFB

Walker Lyons Could be Go-To Target for Bear Bachmeier
CFB

Ty Benefield a Potential Game-Changer for LSU Defense
CFB

Hayden Lowe Set for Significant Role Following Miami's NFL Departures
CFB

Taylor Wein in Position for Big Season on Oklahoma's Defensive Line
CFB

Rasheem Biles an Instant Impact Player for Texas
RANKINGS
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