Your complete fantasy football guide to Week 7
The biggest game-time decision fantasy football owners face in Week 7 surrounds running back LeSean McCoy of the Buffalo Bills.
McCoy's hamstring injury was first thought to be serious enough that he's miss several games. However, he returned to practice late in the week and could play on Sunday at Miami. Mike Gillislee would get a major boost in value should McCoy be less than 100% for a significant amount of time.
Speaking of fantasy value, let’s start with the one thing most fantasy owners want to know every week ...
Who should I start?
The most basic question of them all. The best thing to do is check our updated Week 7 rankings, courtesy of FantasySharks.com.
Fantasy football rankings: Week 7
Who’s in?
– Jacquizz Rodgers. Coming out of the bye week, it looked like Doug Martin may have a chance to return as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' No. 1 back. However, his hamstring hasn't sufficiently healed, so Rodgers should get a heavy workload as he did in Week 5, when he carried 30 times for 101 yards.
– Tyler Eifert. After participating fully in Friday's practice, Eifert appears ready to make his season debut. He's had a few setbacks following offseason ankle surgery, most notably a back issue that kept him out an extra couple weeks. Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton will be very happy to get his productive red-zone target back. So will fantasy owners.
Who’s out?
– Theo Riddick. The Detroit Lions' running back rotation is a mess with Riddick dealing with an ankle injury. Dwayne Washington is expected to return after missing last week, joining Zach Zenner and Justin Forsett in the mix. Maybe it's just better to pass a lot vs. the Washington Redskins.
– Vincent Jackson. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers placed Jackson on injured reserve this week, which opens up additional targets for other receivers. But who will get the majority of them? Most likely tight end Cameron Brate, but among the wideouts Cecil Shorts is expected to start on Sunday opposite No. 1 receiver Mike Evans. Adam Humphries' stock has dropped since his 9-catch, 100-yard game in Week 3.
Who’s questionable?
– Carson Palmer. The Arizona Cardinals quarterback missed Week 5 but came back last week to post so-so numbers (23-34, 213 yards, TD). Playing Sunday night vs. Seattle makes him a poor start, especially with the game on Sunday night. Wide receiver John Brown is also doubtful with a leg injury.
-- Latavius Murray. He's missed consecutive games with a turf toe injury, but he's expected back this week against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Every week, we highlight the top injury concerns fantasy owners are facing. But remember, everything is subject to change, so be sure to make one final check before kickoff.
Week 7 injury report: Fantasy owners seeking fill-in for Carlos Hyde
The best thing to do is keep an eye on USA TODAY Sports' NFL home page and follow USA TODAY Fantasy Sports on Twitter.
Where’s the extra edge?
– Still torn over which borderline players to sit or start? Marc Caviglia of Bruno Boys Fantasy Football examines some of this week’s tough calls.
Start or sit? It's an easy call with Kenny Britt
– For The Win's Steven Ruiz has this week’s fantasy studs, duds and sleepers.
Week 7 fantasy studs, duds and sleepers: Was Jay Ajayi's monster game a fluke?
-- If you're looking for some players who could emerge unexpectedly this week and be worth starting in deep leagues ... or who could put you over the top in daily fantasy, check out these deep sleepers from TheFantasyGreek.com.
Fantasy football deep sleepers: Colin Kaepernick could pay off
-- We'll also answer your questions on Sunday morning before the games start in our weekly chat.
How's the weather?
The conditions can have a major impact on how each game unfolds, especially later in the season. Keep up-to-date in real time with NFLWeather.com.
What about the matchups?
Here are the NFL rankings in average yards gained and given up through the first six weeks of the season.
