Scott Engel of RotoExperts.com has more than 20 years of experience in the Fantasy industry and is an inaugural member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association's Hall of Fame. This is his seventh season providing Fantasy Football coverage and advice on Seahawks.com.
The Seahawks are one of four NFL teams on a bye this week, which means we will be without the Fantasy services of key performers such as Doug Baldwin, Tyler Lockett and the Seahawks' defensive unit, which ranks sixth on NFL.com and is coming off a 17-point performance in last week's win over the Raiders. Yes, NFC Defensive Player of the Week Frank Clark certainly made his presence felt in Fantasy leagues. You will also not be able to utilize the multitude of weapons from Pittsburgh, members of the Packers passing game, or Oakland TE Jared Cook. Over the next five weeks, at least four teams will have byes in every week. So now your roster and lineup management really gets tested, and it seems you have to make an extra effort to earn your Fantasy victories.
Notable Fantasy Players To Start In Week 7
Running Backs
Kerryon Johnson, Detroit: The rookie has run with impressive authority and burst, and he has made the most of his touches even while operating as part of a committee. Johnson is averaging 5.7 yards per carry. Miami allows 24.02 Fantasy Points Per Game to opposing Running Backs, second among AFC teams on NFL.com.
LeSean McCoy, Buffalo: The veteran has started to pick up his production recently, with 202 yards from scrimmage in his past two games. The Bills are also turning to an experienced QB this week with Derek Anderson at the controls, so we could see the team move the ball more efficiently. The Colts have allowed 554 rushing yards so far to RBs, and their 41 receptions surrendered to the position rank third among AFC teams.
Tarik Cohen, Chicago: The explosive sparkplug has really started to come on over his past two games, with 295 scrimmage yards, 14 receptions and two TDs. The emerging Bears offense should be able to put up a good amount of points in what could be a high-scoring game with the Patriots. New England has allowed 349 receiving yards to RBs, fourth-most among AFC teams.
Ito Smith, Atlanta: The rookie has rushed for TDs in three consecutive games, and look for him to get chances to finish off more scoring drives against the Giants in what should be a higher-scoring game. New York's run defense also ranks 25th in the league, so there may be some yardage opportunities for Smith as well.
Wide Receivers
John Brown/Michael Crabtree, Baltimore: Brown has resurfaced as a downfield and red zone target in Baltimore, and Crabtree is an obvious possession receiver for the Ravens. Both are fine plays against New Orleans, which has allowed 36.26 FFPG to opposing WRs, most on NFL.com. Also consider former Saint Willie Snead as a deep PPR play.
Antonio Callaway, Cleveland: The rookie has displayed some big-play potential, with catches of 59 and 47 yards. The Buccaneers have allowed 32.76 FFPG to opposing WRs, second-most in the NFL. They have also allowed 10 TD passes, second-most in the league.
Marquise Goodwin, San Francisco: A healthy Goodwin signaled his return to form in a major way on Monday night, with five catches for 126 yards and two TDs against Green Bay. Look for more heroics in what could be a scoreboard-lighter with the Rams, who have allowed 10 TD passes to the WR position, tied for second-highest in the league.
Devin Funchess, Carolina: The Panthers-Eagles game may be higher-scoring than some might expect. Philadelphia has yielded 96 catches to opposing WRs, second-most in the NFL. Cam Newton can rely on Funchess on key passing downs, and also in red zone situations.
Tight Ends
David Njoku, Cleveland: The second-year TE showed signs of promise in the preseason, and has recently started to show true indicators of progress since Baker Mayfield was inserted as the starting QB for the Browns. Njoku has caught 13 passes in his past two games and scored his first TD of the season last week. Tampa Bay has allowed 13.32 FFPG to the TE position, easily the highest on NFL.com.
C.J. Uzomah, Cincinnati: The tight end plays an important role in the Bengals offense, and Uzomah was promoted into the starting spot two weeks ago. We may have not seen the best of him quite yet, and he could have an eyebrow-raising outing against Kansas City, which has allowed an NFL-high 550 receiving yards to the position.
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