Fantasy football advice, Week 7: Who to start/sit for Saints vs. Lions

The New Orleans Saints have been one of the league's disappointments so far, starting 1-3 before a Week 5 win. The Detroit Lions, meanwhile, have been impressive, sitting at 4-2 with the fewest points allowed in the league. The teams play each other Sunday in a game that could cement early impressions or overturn them.

There are some huge names on the injury report for Sunday's game. The Saints should get running back Mark Ingram back on the field after missing three games with a hand injury, and tight end Jimmy Graham, who was first assumed out for a few weeks with a shoulder injury, now looks like he might be at least partially active. The Lions, meanwhile, will have running back Reggie Bush back on the field as he recovers from an ankle injury, but will be without tight end Joseph Fauria, and there's a good chance running back Theo Riddick (hamstring) and tight end Eric Ebron (hamstring) join him. And of course there's wide receiver Calvin Johnson, who appears very unlikely to play with an ankle injury.

Start 'em: Six weeks into the season, and we're still waiting for that first huge game from Drew Brees. I still think he slots in as a back-end starting quarterback, but he's right on the edge.

Start 'em?: Even with Ingram's return, Khiry Robinson makes sense as a flex play. Low-end, but there's still potential. ... After a great debut game, receiver Brandin Cooks has tailed off a fair amount. He's a flex play. ... The Jimmy Graham situation is very confusing. If he does play, it'll be as a red-zone target, and that is one heck of a red-zone target; even hampered, he might be worthwhile. And if Graham doesn't play, Josh Hill could be the beneficiary, and might be a nice replacement. ... Shayne Graham has two reasonably big kicking games, sandwiched around three underwhelming ones. Against a strong defense, this might go to the bad side.

Sit 'em: Robinson is the only New Orleans running back you want right now. Pierre Thomas hasn't been getting enough consistent touches to be strong against a good Detroit defense, and Mark Ingram is likely to be phased back into the offenses lowly. ... Still no double-digit fantasy days for Marques Colston yet. Until he shows he can put up big games, he's off the starting radar. ... The Saints' defense has been truly awful so far, with a net of zero fantasy points.

Start 'em: The most trustworthy offensive option in Detroit is easily Joique Bell right now, and he's a low-end RB2 as a result. ... With Johnson doubtful, Golden Tate has another week as Detroit's top receiving option, and while that didn't work out really well in Week 6, he's still a fine WR2. ... The Lions' defense has been the league's best unit this season.

Start 'em?: Two really good games, four disappointing ones. That's Matthew Stafford's resume so far, and with so many weapons either out or hindered, it's hard to put too much faith in him. ... Reggie Bush seems geared up to face his former team, and he appears healthy as well. He's a strong flex play this week.

Sit 'em: With Fauria out and Ebron doubtful, the primary tight-end role in Detroit goes back to Brandon Pettigrew, and I think we've all been burned by that particular setup a few times. ... Not even Matt Prater has been able to solve the Lions' kicking woes, going 1-for-3 in his first game. I think he'll be fine as he gets back to speed, but for now he's not helpful.

Start in every league: Drew Brees, Joique Bell, Golden Tate, Detroit defense
Start if you're desperate: Khiry Robinson, Brandin Cooks, Jimmy Graham, Josh Hill, Shayne Graham, Matthew Stafford, Reggie Bush
Bench: Pierre Thomas, Mark Ingram, Marques Colston, New Orleans defense, Brandon Pettigrew, Matt Prater