Sports
Fantasy Football Matchup Insights: Players to Start and Avoid

Determining the best players to start in fantasy football can be a daunting task, particularly when faced with similar options. As fantasy leagues approach Week 7, matchup rankings serve as a crucial tool for evaluating positional strengths against opposing defenses. These rankings assess all 32 teams, ranking them from most to least favorable for key player positions: quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and tight end.
Matchup rankings utilize adjusted fantasy points allowed (Adj. FPA), which reflect how many points a defense allows compared to the average performance of players at each position. A positive Adj. FPA indicates a favorable matchup, while a negative value suggests an unfavorable one. This method provides a more accurate assessment than seasonal totals, as it considers the strength of the opponents each defense has faced.
Key Players to Start
One player standing out this week is Justin Herbert, quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers. He has become a central figure in the Chargers’ offense, attempting passes on 57% of his snaps this season. With a game projected to be one of the highest-scoring of the week against the Indianapolis Colts, Herbert is expected to perform well. The Colts have struggled against strong quarterbacks, with previous opponents like Bo Nix and Matthew Stafford scoring over 20 fantasy points against them.
Another noteworthy player is Quinshon Judkins of the Cleveland Browns. Judkins has demonstrated impressive productivity despite his team often trailing in games. With his strong performance metrics, including over 100 rushing yards more than expected, he is positioned well as the Browns take on the Miami Dolphins. This matchup is promising, as the Dolphins have allowed multiple running backs to achieve 20-point performances in recent weeks.
Additional players to consider this week include Caleb Williams from the Chicago Bears and Baker Mayfield of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Players to Avoid
On the flip side, Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles faces a tough matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Despite being a top fantasy quarterback, the Vikings’ defense has proven challenging, allowing the seventh-fewest yards per pass attempt. Given Hurts’ reliance on rushing plays, particularly near the goal line, fantasy managers should manage expectations for his performance this week.
Another player to be cautious with is Breece Hall from the New York Jets. After a difficult outing in London, where he scored only 5.9 fantasy points, Hall faces the Carolina Panthers, a defense that has performed better than expected. The Panthers rank significantly higher against running backs compared to the Jets’ previous opponent, suggesting a challenging game for Hall.
Overall, as fantasy football continues to evolve, utilizing matchup rankings can provide valuable insight for managers making crucial lineup decisions. This week, leveraging favorable matchups while being mindful of tougher opponents can significantly impact fantasy outcomes. For comprehensive weekly rankings and analysis, fantasy managers are encouraged to consult the latest updates from reputable sources like ESPN.
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