Fantasy football advice, Week 7: who to start/sit for Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals

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 Browns-Bengals matchup on Sunday is just one of 15 that do.

Gary Barnidge hasn’t been the boon to fantasy lineups like he was in 2015 with Josh McCown under center. However, he could be once again in Week 7 with Terrelle Pryor ailing, and could be peppered with targets in a game the Browns could find themselves trailing throughout. Duke Johnson, Jr. figures to be involved as well and deserves RB2 consideration in PPR leagues.

There’s only “a chance” Terrelle Pryor suits up against the Bengals on Sunday, after the breakout receiver sat out every practice session during the week of preparation. If he plays, fantasy owners have to be aware of him serving as a mere decoy. Since just two teams are on a bye, other options can be considered to insert into lineups instead of Pryor. Cody Kessler and the struggling Isaiah Crowell can be relegated to bench spots as well against a capable defense.

Joe Haden is doubtful to suit up, and A.J. Green needs to be fired up in every lineup that has him. Few can boast Green’s upside in Week 7, and Andy Dalton could be propelled to new fantasy heights because of this great matchup at hand. The past four quarterbacks who have faced the Browns have thrown for three touchdowns apiece.

Though Jeremy Hill has been outplayed by Giovani Bernard in recent weeks, a positive game script against a hapless Browns defense could get Hill’s wheels going once again. Hill’s low floor remains a concern, but with it being higher in Week 7 than in past weeks, he is worth a flier in standard formats. Bernard can be penned in as a flex option due to his expanded workload, but the Browns’ allowing just 22 catches to opposing running backs lowers Bernard’s ceiling considerably.

Brandon LaFell, Tyler Boyd and C.J. Uzomah have the benefit of facing a poor defense, but could get lost in the numbers game. Tyler Eifert is slated to return, but is expected to be limited.