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Between bye weeks, injuries and unforeseen performance issues, it sometimes takes some digging to find players that you will be able to add to your lineups for instant offense, or those which you should avoid playing if you have better options.
Below are my Week 7 lineup picks for players that can be booms and busts for fantasy football owners. Hopefully I can help you shape your optimal lineups to win this weekend.
Onto the picks!
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Week Seven Booms
Carson Palmer (QB,ARI) vs. BAL
Despite throwing for over 400 yards against the Steelers last week, Palmer left fantasy owners wanting more after tossing only one touchdown while getting picked off twice. Luckily the Ravens (32nd in fantasy points allowed to QBs) head to Arizona for a Monday night tilt.
Latavius Murray (RB, OAK) at SD
Just like Palmer, Latavius Murray and the Raiders welcome in a team that is dead last in fantasy points against. This time it's the Chargers, who are 32nd in points allowed to RBs. While the Raiders' back has yet to truly break out, he has had to face some decent defenses to start the season. San Diego was carved up by James Starks for 112 yards on 10 carries last week as he filled in for the dinged-up Eddie Lacy. Murray should be licking his chops for this matchup.
John Brown (WR, ARI) vs. BAL
After being a preseason darling to fantasy writers everywhere, Brown finally broke out last week with 10 receptions and 196 yards against the Steelers. And just like I mentioned earlier with Palmer, the Baltimore pass defense has struggled immensely this year. Michael Floyd contributed positively last week as well, but he is clearly way behind Brown and Larry Fitzgerald in the pecking order. I see Brown eclipsing 100 yards for the Cardinals, and he could hit pay dirt on Monday Night Football.
Week Seven Busts
Joe Flacco (QB, BAL) at ARI
For all the reasons I am buying the Cardinals this week, I am selling the Ravens. The Cardinals have allowed the fifth-least amount of fantasy points against QBs, and Flacco is dealing with a tattered receiving corps in a game that could get out of hand quickly. If you are starting Flacco this week, you are likely in a larger league or have injury/bye week issues. Regardless of the reason, I would not recommend going with the Ravens signal caller this week.
Joseph Randle (RB, DAL) at NYG
The Cowboys exit the bye week with a potential change in running back, as whispers of Christine Michael being ready to seize the lion's share of carries for Dallas everywhere. Despite rushing behind what is considered to be the best offensive line in football, Randle has yet to break 100 yards rushing on the season. His three touchdowns against the Falcons remain the highlights of what has been an otherwise average season for the young back. I would look for an option other than Randle, as he is going up against a Giants defense that has been good against the run and won't have to worry about Tony Romo or Dez Bryant hurting them.
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