Week 7 Start 'Em / Sit 'Em

Let's take a look at some hot/cold starts this week in the NFL:

QUARTERBACKS:

Hot Start:
-Eli Manning NYG - The Cardinals are the number 1 ranked defense against the run, but they are 31st against the pass. Look for the Giants to try to establish the ground game, but Eli will have plenty of opportunities to put up very good numbers against a secondary that allows over 260 yards per game.

-Matt Cassel KC - Cassel only averages 180 passing yards a game, but his 7:2 touchdown to interception ratio shows that he is being smart with his decisions. The Chiefs are starting to move the ball better on offense, and going against a very soft San Diego defense this week should allow Cassel to put up some numbers. Add the fact that the Chiefs may be playing catch-up throughout this game, gives Cassel a lot of value this week if you need a fill-in qb.

-Tony Romo DAL - Romo is coming off the bye week amped up to make some noise on his home field and to get his team back on the right path. Romo hooked up with Miles Austin for 250 yards last game, so look for Austin to be a go-to target during this game against Atlanta. Atlanta allows 241 yards through the air per game, and they just gave up 300 last week to Jay Cutler and the receivers the Bears have (sorry, don't know their names). Williams, Austin, Crayton, and Witten should all chip in to give Romo a solid stat day.

Cold Start:
-Brett Farve MIN - Farve has been on fire this season and he is one of the main reasons that the Vikings are 6-0. However, Pittsburgh plays different when they are at home. They play the rush harder, and they play the pass better. Troy Polamalu will be playing again this week, and I believe that the Steelers will be putting a lot of pressure on Farve, as well as the Viking receivers at the line of scrimmage. Farve will put up his 200+ yards, but I do see him get sacked, hit, and hurried often during this game. If you have another option at qb this week, my advice is to use it.


RUNNING BACKS:

Hot Start:
-Jonathan Stewart CAR - Jake Delhomme is having an awful first half to this season. The Panthers need this game against the Bills to put them back at 3-3 and in the hunt for the NFC-Wild Card. Stewart broke out last week against the Bucs, and this week he is going against the Bills that are dead last in the NFL in rush-defense allowing 182 yards per game. Williams and Stewart will get 15-25 carries a piece, Stewart will get in the end zone. Start him.

-Ryan Grant GB - Grant will find the endzone this week, and I also am anticipating a few long runs out of him as he is going against the NFL's 3rd worst run defense that allows 165 yards per game. The Packers will utilize the run game against the Browns in order to open up the play action pass plays. Packers will be all over the Browns in this game, start Grant.

-Tashard Choice DAL - Choice is expected to get more touches, so this looks like a favorable matchup for him to have a decent game. The Falcons are a good team, but they have a middle-of-the-pack defense. Look for Choice to have a solid game as a 3rd RB or Flex option for your fantasy team this week.

Cold Start:
-Tim Hightower ARI - The Cardinals will have to pass a lot in this game in order to catch up with the Giants offense. After getting broken apart by the Saints last week, I would anticipate a much better outing from the Giants defense.


WIDE RECEIVERS:

Hot Start:
-Steve Smith/Hakeem Nicks/Mario Manningham NYG - Eli will have a big day against the Cardinals worst ranked passing defense, so start any of these guys if you own them. Smith has been the go-to all season, but Nicks appears to be emerging as a down field/touchdown threat, while Manningham sneaks in with 60 yards and a score each week. Love these guys this week.

-Mike Wallace PITT - Wallace is Big Ben's down field threat, and Big Ben is having a lot of success throwing the ball this season as he leads the NFL in passing yards. Wallace is averaging 17 yards per catch, and runs vertical routes numerous times during the game. With the Vikings being vulnerable against the pass, and Ward and Holmes being the main threats, look for Wallace to have a breakout game.

Cold Start:
-Steve Smith CAR - After announcing to the public that he does not feel like an asset to his team anymore, Smith should have another announcement after this week. The Bills cover the pass well, but are the worst in the NFL against the run. Jake Delhomme has 10 interceptions this season, while Stewart and Williams ran for over 200 yards combined last week. I don't see Delhomme throwing more than 20 passes this week. Smith will be a non-factor as the Bills will shut him down.