Fantasy football advice, Week 7: who to start/sit for San Diego Chargers vs. Atlanta Falcons

Fantasy owners have much to consider after a week of carnage knocked out a few mainstays in leagues of all formats. Additionally, with the Panthers and Cowboys on byes, setting lineups for Week 7 gets even more tricky.

But before hitting the “submit lineup” button, there are fantasy implications in each game that have to be carefully considered. The Chargers-Falcons matchup on Sunday is just one of 15 that do.

Atlanta Falcons

Start ‘em

After lighting up the Seattle Seahawks on the road in Week 6, Matt Ryan further proved he is matchup-proof and an every-week QB1. A middling matchup against the Jason Verrett-less San Diego Chargers proves no different, and he, Julio Jones and Devonta Freeman can be penned into lineups as usual.

Start ‘em?

Freeman out-touched Tevin Coleman 17-7, largely due to the Falcons falling behind 17-3 and needing Freeman’s skills in the passing game to catch up. A more positive game script should be in store for Coleman on Sunday, but Week 6’s loss is a reminder that negative game scripts can impact the second-year back. Coleman is an upside flex play.

Sit ‘em

Mohamed Sanu caught a touchdown in a tough matchup, but still isn’t getting enough targets to warrant starting status. Jacob Tamme has just 48 yards over the past four weeks and isn’t a streaming option.

San Diego Chargers

Start ‘em

Philip Rivers still has it, as he gutted out a tough win on the road against an elite Broncos defense with perhaps the Chargers’ season on the line. He should have a much easier time throwing against the Falcons, a team that ranks 26th in pass defense and has allowed 13 touchdowns through the air. Rivers is a solid QB1, and his top receiver Travis Benjamin can be considered a flex option even after being held in check in Week 6.

Lost in all the touchdowns Melvin Gordon has scored is that he is averaging just 3.4 yards per carry this season. His fantasy numbers can overcome that poor efficiency with a high volume, which he can certainly boast after getting another 27 touches in Week 6. The Chargers don’t have many playmakers on offense anymore due to injuries, and Gordon should continue to see a heavy workload. He’s an RB1.

Hunter Henry didn’t get the memo that rookie tight ends aren’t supposed to produce, and he is on pace for a 50-826-8 line. Even with Antonio Gates in the lineup, Henry is a low-end TE1 with touchdown potential.

Sit ‘em

The volatile committee of pass catchers comprising Dontrelle Inman, Tyrell Williams and Antonio Gates can remain on benches.