Week 7 of the fantasy season is underway and we are approaching the halfway point in a large majority of fantasy leagues.
We are also fast approaching trade deadlines and fantasy owners will be looking to wheel and deal to try to perfect their squads before they gear up for a postseason run.
However, for our Team Equality, we wouldn’t trade any of our players because their support to the LGBTQ community is priceless.
Here are our starts and sits for Week 7:
Quarterback
Start: Cam Newton @ Eagles
Cam Newton is our starter for the first time this season. With three QB’s on their bye week, Cam steps up for the first time. After over 300 yards from scrimmage last week against the Redskins, Newton is our best bet this week against an Eagles team that has looked shaky in the secondary.
Sit: Andrew Luck vs. Bills, Aaron Rodgers (BYE), Derek Carr (BYE), Russell Wilson (BYE)
The Bills have been a strong defense this season and have been tough on QBs. Don’t expect Andrew Luck to weather the storm.
Running back
Start: Frank Gore vs. Lions
Gore had another solid effort in a win against the Bears last week. He broke 100 rushing yards for the first time this season and it looks like Gore has carved himself a main spot in the Dolphins’ offense moving forward. Definitely try to put him in some offers if you’re trying to boost your running back depth with an unexpected find.
Start: Jordan Howard vs. Patriots
Howard starts in a process of elimination given our weak depth at running back. He continues to be outperformed by teammate Tarik Cohen, and once Gio Bernard comes back from injury, I would be more likely to start him over Howard. But nonetheless, Howard stays in the starting lineup.
Sit: Kyle Juszczyk vs. Rams
Juszczyk by default is our third running back. He can find himself in fantasy relevancy soon, but for now, it is not the time.
Wide receiver
Start: DeAndre Hopkins @ Jaguars
Hopkins had an “off” week last week, but it included him finding the end zone. He has a tough matchup against rival Jalen Ramsey this week, but the Jacksonville defense has looked human the last few weeks, including giving up 40 points to the Cowboys.
Start: Adam Thielen @ Jets
If Thielen records 100 yards receiving on Sunday, he will tie the record for most 100-yard receiving games to start a season with seven. Against the suspect Jets’ D, it’s very possible that we could see this record break.
Sit: Davante Adams (BYE), Marquise Goodwin vs. Rams, T.Y. Hilton vs. Bills, Kenny Stills vs. Lions, Robert Woods vs. 49ers
Are any of these guys in the Top 5 receivers category in the league? Nope. Doesn’t mean you shouldn’t start them, but Team Outsports Equality is fortunate enough to have the league’s two best receivers.
Tight end/Flex
Start: Rob Gronkowski @ Bears, Travis Kelce vs. Bengals (SNF)
Gronk and Kelce remain the top two tight ends in the game and will continue to be in the starting lineup week in and week out. It’s a given at this point.
Defense
Start: Los Angeles Chargers vs. Titans
The Titans scored zero points last week. And now they have to tackle the rough travel environment of playing in London and face a Chargers team on a three-game winning streak. I like Casey Hayward and the Chargers’ chances this week.
Kicker
Start: Brandon McManus @ Cardinals (TNF)
McManus is on a team that struggles to find the end zone. Check.
McManus is facing a team with a bad defense. Check.
McManus is in an indoor stadium. Check.
Three checks looks good to me. Start McManus.
Sit: Matt Prater @ Dolphins
The Dolphins are hit or miss, as are the Lions. Prater has more boom potential than McManus, but he also has more bust potential. I’m taking the bust this week over the boom.
LGBT Focus
Read more on these players’ LGBT views:
- These eight players would support a gay teammate (from 2018)
- These New England Patriots linemen would support a gay teammate (from 2018)
- 14 NFL Pro Bowlers say they would welcome a gay teammate (from 2017)
- NFL players react to Michael Sam coming out (from 2014)
- 62 active NFL players who have made statements in support of gays (from 2013)
- Carson Palmer, 12 Indianapolis Colts would embrace openly gay teammate (from 2013)
Jeremy Brener is a student at the University of Central Florida who writes for Outsports. He can be reached via email ([email protected]) and followed on Twitter.