Fantasy football advice, Week 7: who to start/sit for New England Patriots vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Fantasy owners have much to consider after a week of carnage knocked out a few mainstays in leagues of all formats. Additionally, with the Panthers and Cowboys on byes, setting lineups for Week 7 gets even more tricky.

But before hitting the “submit lineup” button, there are fantasy implications in each game that have to be carefully considered. The Patriots-Steelers matchup on Sunday is just one of 15 that do.

The Steelers’ “big three” will have to make do as a “big two” with Ben Roethlisberger sidelined with a torn meniscus. Unfortunately, the Steelers’ offense isn’t unfamiliar with Roethlisberger being sidelined, and fantasy owners can use history to help determine who should be in fantasy lineups or on benches.

Antonio Brown eclipsed 100 yards just once in the four previous games, and was held out of the end zone entirely last week. While his talent still renders him playable in leagues of all formats, Brown has to be considered a WR2/WR3 option with a lower floor than usual.

Le’Veon Bell, meanwhile, did not total fewer than 88 yards in a game during Big Ben’s absence. Even against a capable Patriots defense, he is a consensus RB1 as the elite focal point of his offense.

Landry Jones can’t be expected to distribute the same fantasy wealth that the man ahead of him on the depth chart could, and the Steelers’ complementary pass catchers can safely remain out of lineups. Eli Rodgers remains an afterthought, Sammie Coates is dependent on a deep ball that may never arrive from Jones, and Jesse James doesn’t offer streamer appeal with just two teams on bye.

Game script could be the biggest boon to fantasy value for owners with stock in a potent Patriots offense. With the Steelers shorthanded on offense, moving the ball could prove difficult, giving Tom Brady and company plenty of chances to find the end zone. He, Rob Gronkowski and Martellus Bennett need to be in lineups in all formats.

Julian Edelman, who has been surprisingly quiet with Brady reinserted in the lineup, has a premier matchup with Steelers rookie cornerback Sean Davis on Sunday. With so many weapons, Edelman remains a high-ceiling WR2, even if his floor isn’t what it was in 2015.

The Steelers have allowed 37 receptions to opposing running backs, a total only two teams have eclipsed so far in 2016. It suggests that already heavily-involved James White could be in line for a big game. However, if the Patriots do get out to an early lead, White could expect to lose snaps to clock chewer LeGarrette Blount. Either can be considered upside flex plays, but downsides certainly exist for both.

Chris Hogan, Danny Amendola and Malcolm Mitchell are capable receivers, but fantasy wealth can trickle down only so far, even in great offenses.