Week 7: Start 'Em & Sit 'Em | Lineup Cheat Sheet
Need help dealing with an injury situation for Week 7? We're going to list the most impactful scenarios here as the injury reports pile up. In each one, we'll give you some options to consider if you'd rather play it safe and go a different direction. Keep checking back.
Status: Questionable
After aggravating his hamstring on Wednesday, McCoy skipped practice on Thursday but was back on the field on Friday. Coach Rex Ryan wouldn't rule him out for Sunday's game at Miami, adding "We'll be smart with him, but he looked pretty good."
Without question, if McCoy is active you'll start him. If he's not, Mike Gillislee is the guy to go with since he'd get the most work in place of Shady. The Dolphins have allowed at least 4.8 yards per carry to running backs in three of their past four, only containing the Bengals on a messy Thursday night game. The Bills, behind their big offensive line, should run effectively no matter who they go with.
Status: Questionable
Charles' knee experienced swelling on Thursday according to Andy Reid, limiting his practice participation on Friday. Reid seemed optimistic about Charles moving forward, though the Chiefs were already taking a cautious approach. They might be inclined to carefully monitor his reps on Sunday in what is a great home matchup versus the Saints. Charles' 13 touches through two games were just as much about game flow as it was about his health. Don't be surprised if this knee issue keeps him limited again. It makes fellow running back Spencer Ware's outlook rosy, however.
Status: Questionable
Fantasy owners should take notice anytime a receiver practices only on Friday, and only on a limited basis. That means he's probably a legitimate game-time decision, which is what Pryor looks like for Week 7. Coach Hue Jackson says his huge pass-catcher has a chance to play despite a sore hamstring, saying "we will see where we are on Sunday." If he's in, he's a boom-or-bust Fantasy receiver who should continue to land tons of targets. There isn't a go-to Browns receiver if he's out. Make sure you have a replacement option on your roster by Sunday morning.
Status: Questionable
Is he back?! Bengals coach Marvin Lewis wouldn't confirm it on Friday, saying simply he wanted to see how his big tight end felt on Sunday. For what it's worth, Eifert told the media this week he felt ready to go and was long past the ankle injury that sidelined him in July and August. You've probably already read that the matchup against the Browns is great. The concern is just how much he'll play and how effective he'll be. There is some risk. He's a low-end starter behind any regular tight end option and this week's streaming hero Jack Doyle. P.S. He's still available in 18 percent of CBS Sports leagues.
Status: Washington is questionable; Riddick is out
Riddick's ankle will keep him sidelined but Washington looks like he's on track to return from his ankle problem. The Lions really need him -- Zach Zenner and Justin Forsett aren't good enough to create a rushing presence -- so if he's active, expect him to lead the team's rushers in snaps, touches and stats. Doing that against a Redskins defense that's been especially generous to running backs makes him a worthwhile Fantasy starting option. Pencil him into lineups with a backup on the bench just in case he ends up sitting out Sunday. Zenner would be an emergency replacement.
Status: Questionable
It looks like Murray is on track to return after practicing all week, returning from what was believed to be a case of turf toe. He could have asked for a better matchup -- the Jaguars are giving up 3.8 yards per rush this season. However, Jacksonville has let up a rushing score in three of its last four. That's kind of what you're hoping for by starting Murray, though the lack of production from rookies DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard over the last two weeks could add some volume to Murray's workload. He's best served as a flex this week.
Status: Questionable
Redskins coach Jay Gruden said on Friday that D-Jax "ran around pretty good" but said it'll come down to how he looks and feels on Saturday. Jackson apparently doesn't have the full range of motion in his shoulder, so if he can't move freely or easily he'll sit out. If the Redskins are mum on Saturday and Jackson travels with the team then he should be OK for what on paper looks like a dream matchup against the Lions. Jackson, however, has just eight catches for 95 yards over his last three games. He's a risky start even with the good matchup.
Status: Questionable
Diggs is listed as questionable for the game at Philadelphia, but after practicing all week he should end up being activated after missing one game. There isn't nearly as much appeal to Diggs as there was after the first two games of the year when he averaged 10 targets, eight catches and 142.5 yards per game. Since then he's averaged seven targets, 4.5 catches and 43.5 yards per game. Is it because the Vikings lost Adrian Peterson? Or were defenses smarter in defending the quick-footed receiver? He'll take on an Eagles defense that's allowed a minimum of nine Fantasy points to a receiver over its last three games, but the conservative Vikings might wind up attacking with the run game rather than throw over and over. If you're going to use Diggs, do so as a No. 3 option behind higher-upside receivers like Golden Tate, Kenny Britt and even Sterling Shepard.
Status: Doubtful
What's been a tough season for Brown continued when coach Bruce Arians told the media that a sickle-cell trait is what's causing pain in the receiver's leg. He didn't practice on Friday and it sounds like doctors are working with Brown to try and help him feel better. Not only is Brown unlikely to play but Jaron Brown also is questionable. Michael Floyd figures to get pressed back into the lineup.
Status: Questionable
Reed practiced Wednesday but then didn't get back on the field on Thursday and Friday. He wasn't cleared by an independent doctor, so he'll continue to rest and feel better. Vernon Davis scored last week and should continue to fill in for Reed, though we like options like Jack Doyle and Charles Clay much better. Reed's absence also makes Jamison Crowder an appealing sleeper at receiver.
Status: Questionable, expected to play
The good news is that Fuller practiced all week and coach Bill O'Brien said he'll play on Sunday. The bad news is he's playing on the road at Denver where he'll see tight coverage and his quarterback will get blitzed to smithereens. Fuller's best game away from Houston saw him catch three passes for 31 yards and the Broncos held T.Y. Hilton, A.J. Green, Mike Evans, Julio Jones and speedster Travis Benjamin to less than 80 yards and no touchdowns in consecutive weeks. Starting him (and/or teammate DeAndre Hopkins) is the definition of risky.
Status: Doubtful
Woods (foot) didn't practice all week and was in a walking boot. He's not going to play, opening the door for Marquise Goodwin, Walt Powell and Justin Hunter to pick up plenty of playing time. None have more than eight receptions on the season, though Goodwin has had a minimum of four targets in each of his past five games. He's the desperation option to look for off waivers if you can't get your hands on Jamison Crowder, Brandon LaFell, Anquan Boldin, Torrey Smith or Kendall Wright.