NFL Fantasy 2023 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Defenses for Week 7

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  • Defenses

You have lineup questions, we have lineup answers — at least we hope so. Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em is here to help fantasy managers make difficult roster decisions. And you know what is a good move? Starting Patrick Mahomes. But that’s too obvious, so you won’t see the reigning MVP here. Instead, we’re exploring more debatable situations. And if you can’t find a player you are looking for, please check out the latest NFL Fantasy lineup rankings.

Start ‘Em

Washington Commanders
3-3

New York Giants
1-5

This game showcases the two NFL teams with the highest number of sacks this season. The Giants have been sacked 33 times compared to the Commanders’ 34. Additionally, the Giants struggle with turnovers and have conceded the highest fantasy PPG to rival defenses. They’ve allowed over 30 fantasy points to an opposing defense twice, which can be a game-changing performance for a fantasy D/ST. Keep streaming against New York. The Giants’ defense, though risky, is also a potential streaming option in this matchup.

Cleveland Browns
3-2

Indianapolis Colts
3-3

The Browns have an elite defense, even if it hasn’t translated to huge fantasy production. So far this season, the unit has reached double-digit fantasy points just once. But Cleveland did just shut down the 49ers’ high-powered offense. Now the Browns face the Colts and Gardner Minshew, who just threw three picks and took three sacks last week against the Jaguars. Jacksonville scored 12 fantasy points and was a top-five fantasy defense. And Cleveland’s D is a far superior unit.

Las Vegas Raiders
3-3

Chicago Bears
1-5

I had the Raiders as a start in this matchup even before Justin Fields dislocated his thumb. The Bears have taken the third-most sacks this season. They have turnover issues, too. Now, with Fields doubtful, undrafted rookie Tyson Bagent is in line to start for Chicago. Consequently, Las Vegas’ defense is a must-start option. Just last week, the Bears allowed the Vikings to score 21 fantasy points and finish as the top-scoring defense of the week. The upside is too high not to stream Vegas. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
3-2

Atlanta Falcons
3-3

The Falcons recently conceded three sacks and threw three interceptions, resulting in the Commanders gaining 10 fantasy points. So far this year, Atlanta has endured the sixth-highest number of sacks and thrown the seventh-highest number of interceptions. While you can still select your Falcons receivers, it doesn’t rule out the possibility of also choosing defenses to play against them. The Bucs D/ST, which has obtained a minimum of nine fantasy points in three out of five games, is a viable streaming choice for this week.

Sit ‘Em

Philadelphia Eagles
5-1

Miami Dolphins
5-1

Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins have taken just six sacks this season. Tagovailoa has thrown five interceptions compared to a league-high 15 touchdown passes. Oh, and Miami has a league-high 15 rushing touchdowns. Look, I get it: If you’ve been rolling with the Eagles and don’t want to drop them, you may just have to roll the dice despite the tough matchup. But if you can get away, it’s a good week to do so. 

Miami Dolphins
5-1

Philadelphia Eagles
5-1

The Jets’ defense was able to force Jalen Hurts into three turnovers and largely shut him down last week. The Dolphins’ defense is not the Jets’ defense (even if the former unit has been better as of late). On the year, Miami’s D has reached double figures just once. Plus, the Eagles remain one of the top offenses in the league. This should be a high-scoring battle. Get away from Miami in Week 7.  

New England Patriots
1-5

Buffalo Bills
4-2

For a while, the Patriots just routed the Bills on a yearly basis and you could play their defense in the rivalry without thinking. That is no longer the case. In their last four meetings (playoffs included), the Bills have scored at least 24 points every game — topping 30 three times. In a role reversal, Josh Allen has Bill Belichick figured out.

Atlanta Falcons
3-3

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
3-2

The Falcons’ defense started off hot, scoring 12 fantasy points in Week 1. Since then, the unit has scored five or fewer fantasy points in every game. In fact, in Atlanta’s last five games combined, the D has scored just 13 fantasy points. That’s a pretty good single week output … spread across more than a month. Plus, the Bucs have taken a league-low five sacks this season, and Baker Mayfield has thrown just three picks. Get away from the Dirty Birds in this one.