Fantasy football start/sit advice, Week 7: Quarterbacks

The quarterback position took a major hit in fantasy football when Ben Roethlisberger tore his meniscus in Week 6. He'll be out this week and could miss additional time after the Pittsburgh Steelers' Week 8 bye. It's a massive blow to fantasy value of nearly every player on that offense. Needless to say, Landry Jones should not be considered in any league format this week.

However, we'll look at three quarterbacks who are worth a shot, whether you're a Roethlisberger owner or need to cover for Cam Newton and Dak Prescott's byes this week. We'll also look at three QBs you should probably stay away from.

Start

Kirk Cousins, Washington (@ Detroit Lions)

Cousins has settled in after his erratic start to the year, although he took a bit of a step back against the Philadelphia Eagles last week. Cousins completed just 18 of 34 passes, though he still had two touchdowns and 263 yards. He'll have solid fantasy upside against Detroit's 23rd-ranked pass defense.

Alex Smith, Kansas City Chiefs (vs. New Orleans Saints)

The Chiefs' offense is as streaky as it gets in fantasy football, but they've got a great spot this week against New Orleans' terrible defense. Nearly every Saints game resembles an Arena Football game this year, even when they're on the road, and that makes Smith one of the more attractive streaming QBs this week.

Blake Bortles, Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. Oakland Raiders)

Bortles has been a huge fantasy bust this year, and it would be forgivable if owners already dropped him. But if he's ever going to get back on track as a borderline QB1, now is as good a time as any. The Raiders are dead last in pass defense, allowing 312.7 passing yards per game. If Bortles can't put up good fantasy numbers this week, then it will probably never happen for him in 2016.

Sit

Carson Palmer, Arizona Cardinals (vs. Seattle Seahawks)

With the Cardinals turning the offense over to David Johnson, Palmer has already seen declining fantasy value. The 36-year-old is really showing his age this season, and he's also hobbled with a hamstring injury that has him listed as questionable for this week's game. Not a great situation with the Legion of Boom awaiting and the Cardinals kicking off on Sunday night. Fantasy owners should find a more reliable QB to plug into their lineups.

Brock Osweiler, Houston Texans (@ Denver Broncos)

There will be weeks where Osweiler is useful in deeper leagues. Going against the Broncos on the road, however, is not one of those times. Houston will probably try to hide Osweiler as much as possible with Lamar Miller. He's not an option outside of desperate two-QB league owners.

Sam Bradford, Minnesota Vikings (@ Philadelphia Eagles)

It feels like only a matter of time before Bradford's hot streak ends and he goes back to the middling, barely usable fantasy player we've been watching for years. He'll have a rough matchup with the Eagles' fourth-ranked pass defense, and if Stefon Diggs can't come back this week, then Minnesota's offense is in a bit of trouble. Owners should hold off on using Bradford and wait until he plays the Chicago Bears in Week 8.