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Fantasy Football Week 7: Start ’em/Sit ’em

By Leo Howell

Oct 13, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles (9) throws the ball to wide receiver DeSean Jackson (10) during the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 13, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles (9) throws the ball to wide receiver DeSean Jackson (10) during the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Players to Sit

Oct 13, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford (8) reacts after a play during the third quarter against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. The Rams defeated the Texans 38-13. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 13, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford (8) reacts after a play during the third quarter against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. The Rams defeated the Texans 38-13. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Sam Bradford, St. Louis Rams

Bradford has been surprisingly good this season, as the Rams have attempted to get the ball out of his hands to a variety of receivers. But this weekend’s matchup against the Panthers will not be his best game of the season.

Carolina has an impressive front seven led by Luke Kuechly, which will be in Bradford’s face and will keep the defense one-dimensional. The Panther defense has yet to allow more than 24 points this year, so don’t expect Bradford to go wild against Carolina.

Joseph Randle, Dallas Cowboys

Randle might seem like a good start thanks to his opportunity against the Philadelphia Eagles, but opportunity does not always equal production.

Against a not-so-great Washington defense, Randle was only able to post 17 yards on 11 carries. The former fifth round pick for the Cowboys was a backup for a reason, and he’s no guarantee to light up the scoreboard. Consider that DeMarco Murray, the usual starter, was inconsistent behind the Dallas offensive line, and you have enough reason to keep Randle on the bench until he proves he’s capable of posting a decent performance.

DeAndre Hopkins, Houston Texans

Case Keenum will start at quarterback for Houston this week, meaning you should take a serious look at every  Houston offensive player and consider if they’re worth starting. Arian Foster is still a must-start, but any other Texan is a gamble, especially the rookie DeAndre Hopkins.

Hopkins will face a defense that’s stingy against the best of offenses, and he’ll do so with an unproven signal caller under center. It’s just not a good week to put this seemingly promising receiver in your lineup.

Houston Texans Defense and Special Teams

The Houston Texans take on the Kansas City Chiefs this weekend, and that seems like a decent play for the usually strong Houston defense. But the Chiefs have exactly what is required to score on Houston.

Kansas City’s running game and smart, efficient passing game will keep the defense honest, as they take on a defense among the 10 worst in the NFL in rushing yards allowed and points allowed. Houston may pick up a sack or two, but they could also give up 31 points and 350+ total yards and kill their fantasy production.

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