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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 Saints-Chiefs matchup on Sunday is just one of 15 that do.
Kansas City Chiefs
Start ‘em
The Saints’ defense always presents a fabulous opportunity for fantasy owners, as it ranks 26th against the run, 31st against the pass, and has allowed fewer than 34 points in a game just once all season.
This leaves prime matchups at hand for Spencer Ware, Jeremy Maclin and Travis Kelce, who should all be started in leagues across the spectrum.
Start ‘em?
Alex Smith presents streamer value, but Jamaal Charles’ owners may not be so eager to pen him into lineups, and rightfully so. Charles was eased into action in Week 6, and despite finding the end zone, was out-touched by Ware 26-11. Ware will continue to be an integral part of the offense, leaving Charles with only upside flex value until further notice.
Sit ‘em
Chris Conley and Albert Wilson can stay on waivers as usual.
New Orleans Saints
Start ‘em
When Drew Brees and company are on the road, it usually means fantasy value won’t spread throughout the lineup as much as it would in The Superdome. But even against a capable pass defense, Brees is a must-start, as are high-upside options Brandin Cooks and Coby Fleener. After a dismal start to the season, Fleener has three touchdowns over his last three games and offers a fantasy upside that few tight ends can match. Mark Ingram’s heavy involvement also puts him squarely in RB2 territory.
Start ‘em?
Willie Snead and Mike Thomas may get lost in the shuffle, and fantasy projections when both are on the field can get tricky. Snead out-targeted Thomas 7-5, but the rookie played one more snap, had one more catch, and most importantly, one more touchdown than Snead. There remains plenty of chances for these receivers to thrive in fantasy leagues, but in a poor matchup, they may be too far down the totem pole to make enough of a difference. They can both be considered boom-or-bust flexes.
Sit ‘em
Travaris Cadet, Brandon Coleman and Josh Hill can remain far away from fantasy lineups as usual.