Before we get started, I would like to humbly apologize for recommending Washington running back Ryan Torain for duty last week. Torain was considered a hot play among many fantasy analysts, but Washington fell behind 20-0 in the second quarter and abandoned the run -- airing it out 37 times.
I also erred in picking Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz, who barely showed up in Week 6 after being one of the league’s hottest wideouts. My forecasts were so bad last week, I couldn’t have predicted rain in a monsoon. However, I do have a prediction I can guarantee: the Bills, Giants, Bengals, Eagles, Patriots and 49ers are all on a bye this week. Trust me; I double-checked.
Let’s take a look at Week 7.
While many observers point to Dallas running back Tashard Choice to replace injured starter Felix Jones, count me among those who consider rookie DeMarco Murray the favorite for the job. Murray has a solid combination of size and speed that should be productive, particularly this week versus a mega-awful Rams defense allowing an off-the-charts 163 rushing yards per game (32nd) in the NFL. Let everyone else make the wrong “Choice” while you grab Murray as a RB2 in Week 7.
Seattle wide receiver Doug Baldwin is coming off a bye after a solid performance in Week 4 followed by a monster outing in Week 5. This week he has a tough matchup on paper versus a Cleveland defense ranked fourth versus the pass (192 yards per game). However, a closer look reveals that the Browns pass defense has faced only one NFL offense in the upper echelon of the league in 2011, tangling with such pass-weak offenses as Miami (14th), Cincinnati (22nd), Oakland (24th) and Indianapolis (28th). Baldwin was really warming up before last week’s bye, so don’t let this week’s matchup intimidate you. Baldwin should be a solid start as a WR3 with upside.
Since blowing up in Week 5 for 119 rushing yards, Chiefs running back Jackie Battle has been one of the fantasy world’s most coveted free agent acquisitions. While I’d love to see Battle do well, I just don’t expect a lot in Week 7. The Chiefs will face a Raiders defense allowing 284 passing yards per game (28th in the league). It’s tough to commit to the run when facing such a favorable matchup for one’s passing game.
Furthermore, while Battle had a great outing in Week 5 it was at the expense of an Indy run defense hemorrhaging running yards to the tune of 137 yards per game. Finally, Battle will still be part of a committee with Thomas Jones and Dexter McCluster. I think Battle could be a RB3 or maybe a flex player, but little more.
With four touchdowns in his last three games, Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe should be considered a must-start versus the afore-mentioned Raiders pass defense.
Tampa Bay tight end Kellen Winslow has yet to cross the goal line this season, but has a solid matchup this week versus a Bears defense that has allowed five touchdowns to the tight end position. Give him a look.
Minnesota tight end Visanthe Shiancoe could benefit the most from rookie Christian Ponder’s ascension to the Vikings starting quarterback gig. You know the scenario: young quarterbacks often check off to the tight end as a safety-valve receiver. Shiancoe could make a decent bye week replacement this week.
The Buffalo Bills are on a bye this week, but don’t let that stop you from snagging one of their guys and stashing him on your bench. With starting receiver Donald Jones sidelined with a dreaded high ankle sprain, second year wideout Naaman Roosevelt could make for a decent bye week replacement. In Week 5 Roosevelt looked like the new deal for the Bills, snagging a 60-yard touchdown pass. Look at your Week 8 matchups and then look at Roosevelt. Naaman could be THE man for your squad next week.
Washington running back Ryan Torain recorded 33 combined yards.
Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz managed two receptions for 12 yards.
Tampa Bay running back Ernest Graham rushed for 109 yards.
Terry Blount can be reached at askthefreak@hotmail.com.
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