Things will stay relatively stable in week seven as most games' provide relatively predictable fantasy matchups. While some owners might scramble for blockbuster trades, this week is a good time to ride your horses and see just how far they can take you. There is still time for a major overhaul if need be, but as teams turn the corner in divisional races and continue to cope with the bumps and bruises, let week seven serve as a baseline gauge of your studs' average production. Here's the lineup:
A long west-to-east plane trip could pose problems for an already sluggish defense still hurting from the loss of Shawn Merriman when the Chargers travel to Bufallo. Expect Phillip Rivers' numbers to take the biggest hit from the cooler weather and screaming Buffalo fanatics. Buffalo's Lee Evans continues to be the most underrated fantasy receiver in the game. Darren Sproles could be a bright spot for the Bolts if Buffalo is too busy salivating to concentrate on special teams.
A month ago anyone who started either Gus Ferrote or Kyle Orton would have been a complete idiot. Both of them now look like legitimate quarterbacks, and as the Bears defense continues to barely meet expectations, Ferrote and the Vikings might just give Adrian Peterson the help he needs to win at Soldier Field. But don't count on it. Orton has been downright impressive in his last couple of starts, throwing seven TDs in his last three games and with a little help from Devon Hester the Bears can put this one away.
Kerry Collins is now a legitimate pick. He still sucks, however, and is due for a letdown. The Titans are pretty solid, but 5-0 with no Vince Young? Something's got to give. It won't happen this week, however, as the Kansas City Sitting Bulls come to town.
Dallas is another team that's staring down the barrel of a mid-season letdown. The talent is there, but something tells me we haven't seen the last of Tony Turnover. Expect the illusion to continue in week seven when the Cowboys play host to the St. Louis Rams and their sham of a defense. Start Witten, Romo, TO, and anyone else who might catch a pass.
Despite Chad Pennington's reasonable success with the Dolphins, you'd be a fool to start him in week seven. Baltimore comes in ranked No. 1 against the pass, setting up Ronnie Brown to get more touches than Gentleman Chad. If the Ravens offense can keep up with the neo-wishbone, direct-snap wrinkles of the Dolphins, they have a chance. Key starts in this game are the Ravens Defense, Ronnie Brown, and maybe Anthony Fasano, if you have an opening at tight end or flex.
An early start for San Francisco at the Giants will spell doom for the visiting team. Frank Gore's been due for a less than spectacular week but Isaac Bruce has played on the big stage before and I expect him to be in the right place at the right time. Whether or not San Francisco's O-line can hold off the Giants pass rush will be the difference in his numbers. If you own him, he's a must start, but he's probably not worth acquiring if you're looking for stellar numbers this week.
Detroit and Houston leave much to be desired, but Houston's defense looked solid against the Colts, despite giving up 247 yards to Peyton Manning. With Detroit's already terrible quarterback situation in even more turmoil, they can't be counted on for anything. The Lions are ranked 30 of 32 against the run, and the Texans are a better running team than the numbers indicate. Houston's Steve Slaton doesn't look so bad as a second option in week seven.
Aaron Rodgers wants to have a big game desperately, and the weakness of the Colts' pass defense, especially if they are still without Bob Sanders, will force them to put eight or nine in the box repeatedly against the Pack. If he picks his moments, Rodgers will have ample chances to throw deep, making both he and Donald Driver must-starts in week seven. Expect Peyton to struggle again, but don't dump him just yet. As Patriots fans now know, you never count out a Manning.
I'm selling everyone in the Seattle at Tampa game. By the fourth quarter, John Gruden might be starting at quarterback for the Bucs, and I have no idea what Seatlle's real depth chart looks like. I'd rather wear John Madden's jockstrap as a respirator than have to count on this game for fantasy points.
Stick with your instincts in week seven. It's unlikely that any wild cards will have other-worldly numbers, and a holding steady this week should help you get a feel for the baseline performance of your fantasy team.
