Fantasy Football Week 7 Start 'Em & Sit 'Em: Tarik Cohen set to keep on rolling

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Welcome to Week 7, which is the first week of more than two teams on a bye. We have Green Bay, Pittsburgh, Seattle and Oakland off this week.

While you likely won't miss many (any?) of the Raiders, we are down multiple stars, especially at quarterback, including Aaron Rodgers, Ben Roethlisberger and Russell Wilson. Oh yeah, and Derek Carr as well.

At running back, there's no James Conner, Chris Carson or Marshawn Lynch. Thankfully, you don't have to guess the right Packers running back for this week -- or find out if Le'Veon Bell is playing.

And at receiver, we're without headliners in Antonio Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Davante Adams and Doug Baldwin, as well as Tyler Lockett, Amari Cooper, Jordy Nelson, Geronimo Allison, Randall Cobb and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. The tight ends missing are Jimmy Graham, Vance McDonald and Jared Cook.

When you look at those names, as well as the usual allotment of injuries – Dalvin Cook (hamstring), Leonard Fournette (hamstring), Devonta Freeman (groin) and Cooper Kupp (knee) are the big names, among others – it makes you realize how important quality depth is for your Fantasy roster. Hopefully, you're ready to handle this week.

And from now until Week 11, there are at least four teams on a bye each week, so get ready to really manage your Fantasy roster. But that's the fun of playing this game, right?

We know you'll do just fine. And, as always, we're here to help if needed. So good luck in Week 7, and let's start making that playoff push now.

Editor's Note: Projections are provided by SportsLine.com. Projected points are for PPR leagues.

Start of the Week

The best Bears running back this season has been Tarik Cohen and not Jordan Howard. And lately, it hasn't exactly been close.

In the past two games against Tampa Bay and Miami, Cohen has 18 carries for 84 yards and a touchdown, as well as 14 catches for 211 yards and a touchdown on 17 targets. He's scored 53 PPR points over that span.

Howard, meanwhile, has 25 carries for 94 yards and no touchdowns, as well as no catches on just two targets against the Buccaneers and Dolphins. He's scored six PPR points combined in those two games.

While this isn't really about Cohen and Howard -- who I still consider a buy-low candidate, by the way -- it does show that Bears are leaning on Cohen as their No. 1 running back. And this is a good matchup to feature him in Week 7 against New England.

The Patriots have struggled with pass-catching running backs in the past two games. Nyheim Hines had seven catches for 45 yards on nine targets in Week 5, and Kareem Hunt had five catches for 105 yards and a touchdown on six targets in Week 6.

For the season, six running backs have either scored or gained at least 90 total yards against New England. And Cohen should add to that total this week. I like him as a No. 2 running back in non-PPR leagues, but he's a No. 1 option in PPR.

In PPR leagues, I'm starting Cohen over: Sony Michel (at CHI), Mark Ingram (at BAL), Adrian Peterson (vs. DAL), LeSean McCoy (at IND) and Jordan Howard (vs. NE)

Quarterbacks

Sleepers

• Eli Manning (at ATL): Manning was clearly terrible in Week 6 against Philadelphia when he managed just nine Fantasy points, but this is good rebound spot against the Falcons. The past five opposing quarterbacks against Atlanta all scored at least 27 Fantasy points, and the Falcons allow an average of 30.0 Fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks for the season. Hopefully, Manning can take advantage of this defense on the road.
  
• Joe Flacco (vs. NO): Flacco comes home after three consecutive games on the road, and he could be in a potential shootout with Drew Brees. In two road games for New Orleans, Matt Ryan and Manning combined for 629 passing yards and six touchdowns, and Flacco has 44 Fantasy points in his two lone games in Baltimore this season against Buffalo and Denver. In his past five home games going back to last year, he's averaging 244 passing yards with 10 total touchdowns and one interception.
  
• Baker Mayfield (at TB): We'll see if firing defensive coordinator Mike Smith does anything for Tampa Bay's defense this week, but Mayfield should have the chance for his best game so far in his rookie campaign. The Buccaneers have allowed 12 passing touchdowns in their past three games against Ben Roethlisberger, Trubisky and Ryan, and every opposing quarterback against Tampa Bay has passed for at least 334 yards. Mayfield, who is expected to be fine with his ankle, is a great streaming option given the matchup.
  

Bust Alert

Rivers had his streak of five games in a row with at least 21 Fantasy points come to an end in Week 4 at Cleveland when he scored just 18 points, and he could have similar production this week against the Titans in London. It's not that Rivers is expected to play poorly, but he hasn't had to throw much of late with the way Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler are running the ball. Rivers only attempted 20 passes against the Browns, and he could post minimal production again this week. Tennessee also has allowed just two quarterbacks to score more than 17 Fantasy points this season, and the Titans allow an average of just 17.0 points to opposing quarterbacks on the year. Rivers is a low-end starting option at best this week.

Running backs

Sleepers

• Corey Clement (vs. CAR): In the first game without Jay Ajayi (ACL) in Week 6 at the Giants, Clement showed he's the best running back for the Eagles now ahead of Wendell Smallwood with 11 carries for 43 yards and a touchdown, as well as three catches for 26 yards. He was on a snap count in that game coming off two missed outings with a quad injury, but he should be ready for more work this week against the Panthers. And Carolina has allowed a running back to score or gain at least 90 total yards in every game this season.
  
• Marlon Mack (vs. BUF): Mack played in Week 6 at the Jets after missing the three previous games with a hamstring injury, and he looked explosive with 12 carries for 89 yards, as well as one catch for 4 yards. He will continue to share playing time, especially with Nyheim Hines on passing downs, but the Colts should lean on Mack for at least 15 touches this week against the Bills. It's not an easy matchup against Buffalo, but the Bills have allowed four rushing touchdowns in four road games this year.
  
• Frank Gore (vs. DET): Gore has led the Dolphins in carries in each of the past four games, and he's gotten more carries each week, with 15 for 101 yards in Week 6 against Chicago. He's scored at least 12 PPR points in two of his past three games, and he gets a great matchup in Week 7 against Detroit. The Lions have allowed four running backs to score five total touchdowns in just five games, and Gore, as well as Kenyan Drake, are worth using as flex options this week.
  
• Peyton Barber (vs. CLE): Coming off their bye in Week 6 at Atlanta, the Buccaneers leaned on Barber -- and not rookie Ronald Jones -- with his best game of the season. Barber had 13 carries for 82 yards, as well as four catches for 24 yards and a touchdown, and hopefully he can build on that performance this week. He's facing a Browns defense down linebacker Joe Schobert (hamstring), and Cleveland has already allowed five running backs to either score or gain at least 90 total yards this season. Barber is a flex option in Week 7.
  
• Latavius Murray (at NYJ): I'm hopeful the Vikings let Dalvin Cook (hamstring) rest to make sure he's 100 percent healthy without a setback. That way, you can have Cook for the stretch run of the Fantasy season without an issue, but we can also use Murray this week without fear of a committee. In Week 6 against Arizona, Murray was dominant with 24 carries for 155 yards and a touchdown, as well as one catch for 3 yards. It was the best performance for a Minnesota running back this season, and I like his chances for a strong encore this week at the Jets. If Cook is out, use Murray as a starter in all leagues.
  

Bust Alert

Touchdowns saved Collins in Week 6 at Tennessee, and he will likely need to score again this week against the Saints to make him a viable Fantasy option. He only managed 2.8 yards per carry against the Titans on 19 carries, and he had no catches. He's also combined for just two catches for 10 yards and a touchdown on five targets in the past three games, and hopefully that's not a sign of things to come. Javorius Allen will continue to share touches with Collins, and this isn't an easy matchup against New Orleans. The Saints are top five in fewest Fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs, and Peyton Barber in Week 1 has the most rushing yards against New Orleans this season with 69, including matchups against Hyde, Coleman and Saquon Barkley. Collins is still worth a look as a low-end starting running back or flex option, but don't be so quick to start him in all leagues again just because he scored twice against Tennessee. If he doesn't score this week, his Fantasy production could be minimal.

Wide receivers

Sleepers

• Taylor Gabriel (vs. NE): Gabriel has been awesome the past two games with 12 catches for 214 yards and two touchdowns on 12 targets, and he should have the chance for another quality outing this week against the Patriots. He's worth using as at least a No. 3 Fantasy receiver in what should be a high-scoring affair, with the Bears potentially chasing points, even at home.
  
• Christian Kirk (vs. DEN): Even if you don't want to start Kirk this week, he should be added in most leagues. He has scored at least 13 PPR points in three of his past four games, and he should be able to avoid Broncos cornerback Chris Harris this week since Harris will likely spend time on Larry Fitzgerald. Josh Rosen and Kirk seem to have a strong rapport, and he's a No. 3 Fantasy receiver with upside in Week 7.
  
• Willie Snead (vs. NO): I don't like Snead as much as Michael Crabtree or John Brown this week, and both can be considered starting Fantasy options against the Saints. But Snead can be a No. 3 Fantasy receiver in PPR with the revenge-game factor of facing his former team. He also had at least 10 PPR points in five of six games, and he has 24 targets in his past three outings.
  
• Jermaine Kearse (vs. MIN): With Quincy Enunwa (ankle) and Terrelle Pryor (groin) banged up, we could see the Jets have to rely on Kearse and Robby Anderson. And I like Kearse better for this week against the Vikings. He's coming off a big game in Week 6 against the Colts with nine catches for 94 yards on 10 targets, and he should be heavily involved again this week. Anderson will likely see more of Xavier Rhodes than Kearse, and he's worth trusting as a No. 3 receiver in PPR if Enunwa and Pryor are out as expected.
  
• Antonio Callaway (at TB): Callaway is due for a big game, and he'll get it this week if he continues to see a significant amount of targets. He has at least nine targets in three of his past five games, but he's scored eight PPR points or less in each game over that span. This week, he gets a great matchup against the Buccaneers, and it's worth trusting Callaway again as at least a No. 3 Fantasy receiver in most formats.
  

Bust Alert

After a slow start, Thomas has come alive the past two weeks with eight catches for 162 yards and two touchdowns on 10 targets. Hopefully, he can continue to be productive for the rest of the season, but he has a tough matchup in Week 7 at Arizona. He will most likely see a lot of Cardinals' cornerback Patrick Peterson this week, and that will make it hard for him to be productive. I like Emmanuel Sanders better than Thomas this week, and Sanders is worth starting in most leagues. Thomas, however, should be considered a flex option at best.

Tight ends

Sleepers

• C.J. Uzomah (at KC): Uzomah is coming off a solid game in Week 6 against Pittsburgh with six catches for 54 yards on seven targets, and he should play well again this week at Kansas City. The Chiefs have allowed at least 12 PPR points to four tight ends this season, and Uzomah has staying power as a low-end starter until Tyler Kroft (foot) returns.
  
• Ricky Seals-Jones (vs. DEN): Seals-Jones has scored at least seven PPR points in three of his past four games, and he just set season highs in receptions (five) and receiving yards (69), while matching his season best in targets (six) in Week 6 at Minnesota. We'll see if he can keep it up this week against the Broncos, but Seals-Jones is worth a flier given his role in this offense as a primary weapon for Josh Rosen.
  
• Gerald Everett (at SF): With Cooper Kupp (knee) out this week, we could see Everett take on a bigger role in the passing game. He has seven targets in his past two games for five catches and 48 yards, and he has a good matchup against the 49ers. San Francisco has allowed a tight end to score or gain 100 receiving yards in five of six games, and Everett is worth a flier in deeper leagues.
  

Bust Alert

It was great to see Olsen return in Week 6 at Washington after missing the previous three games with a foot injury, and he had four catches for 48 yards on seven targets. He should have similar production this week, but you might be cautious starting him against the Eagles. Philadelphia is top five in fewest Fantasy points allowed to tight ends, and Howard in Week 2 is the lone tight end to score against the Eagles, including matchups with Hooper, Eric Ebron and Kyle Rudolph. Olsen is low-end starting option at best in Week 7.

Defense/Special teams

Start 'Em

Chargers (vs. TEN) – 11.9 projected points

The Chargers defense has been great the past two games against Oakland and Cleveland. They have two interceptions, eight sacks, one fumble recovery and have allowed just 24 total points over that span. This week, the Chargers face a Titans offense that allowed 11 sacks to Marcus Mariota, and Tennessee didn't score against Baltimore. In fact, the Titans have scored just 12 points combined in their past two games against the Bills and Ravens.

Sleepers

• Colts (vs. BUF): Derek Anderson will start for the injured Josh Allen (elbow) this week, and the Colts defense should be a good play at home. Buffalo has allowed 24 sacks on the season, and the Bills have an interception in all but one game. Buffalo has scored 13 points or less in four games as well. It's worth trusting the Colts DST in this matchup.
  
• Cardinals (vs. DEN): The Cardinals DST has a touchdown in each of the past two games, with three interceptions, eight sacks and four fumbles over that span. The Cardinals DST is also facing a quarterback in Case Keenum who has been sacked 10 times in the past three games and has an interception in every game this year.
  
• Lions (at MIA): Brock Osweiler is starting again for the injured Ryan Tannehill (shoulder), and I'm expecting him to struggle despite his solid performance against Chicago last week. He still had two interceptions against the Bears, and the Lions defense has 17 sacks in five games. Coming off a bye, I'm confident in the Lions DST as a top 10 Fantasy option this week.
  

Sit 'Em

Bears (vs. NE) – 7.7 projected points

The Bears DST had one of the biggest letdown games of any position in Week 6 at Miami. Osweiler picked the Chicago defense apart for 31 points, and the Bears had no sacks. This week, they return home for a tough matchup against the Patriots, and standout pass rusher Khalil Mack (ankle) is banged up. If Mack is out, there's no chance you can play the Bears DST, but even with Mack, the unit is a low-end starting option at best against Tom Brady and Co.

Kicker

Start 'Em

Vinatieri has played two home games so far this season, and he's scored at least 10 Fantasy points in both. In fact, he has at least 10 Fantasy points in all but two games this season, with just one game with fewer than eight points. In a game that's projected to be low-scoring against the Bills, look for Vinatieri to be a valuable weapon. He's a potential top-five kicker in Week 7.

Sleepers

• Giorgio Tavecchio (vs. NYG): With Matt Bryant (hamstring) out, Tavecchio will start for the Falcons, and he's in a great spot against the Giants at home. The Giants allow the second-most Fantasy points to opposing kickers, and four kickers in a row have scored at least 10 points against the Giants.
  
• Brett Maher (at WAS): Maher has been great over the past three games for the Cowboys, and he should be used as a streaming option this week at Washington. He has made 11 field goals and seven extra points in his past three outings against Detroit, Houston and Jacksonville, and he's scored at least 12 Fantasy points in each game over that span.
  
• Jason Myers (vs. MIN): Myers was quietly one of the Fantasy MVPs in Week 6 with his performance against the Colts. He made seven field goals and three extra points for 27 Fantasy points, and he's scored at least 11 points in each of the past two games. The Vikings are No. 4 in Fantasy points allowed to opposing kickers, and Myers appears to like kicking at home. He's worth using this week based on his recent level of play.
  

Sit 'Em

Succop didn't get the chance to score in Week 6 against Baltimore since the Ravens shut out the Titans, and it's hard to trust Tennessee's offense in a tough matchup against the Chargers. Now, prior to Week 6, Succop had scored at least nine Fantasy points in every game this year, so hopefully he'll rebound with his Fantasy production. But the Chargers have yet to allow a kicker to score double digits in Fantasy points this year. It could be another rough game for Succop in London.

Who should you sit and start? And what shocking QB could win you Week 7? Visit SportsLine now to get Fantasy football rankings for every single position, and see which shocking QB finishes in the top 5 this week, all from the model that out-performed experts big time last season.