Both the Philadelphia Eagles and Carolina Panthers come into Week 7 in first place of their respective divisions. Of course, the Panthers are undefeated as they lead the NFC South, while the Eagles are 3-3 and only in first because the rest of the NFC East has been even worse. Sunday night, though, it’s a game between two first-place teams, both needing wins to stay out in front.
Fantasy football advice, Week 7: Who to start/sit for Eagles vs. Panthers on Sunday night
The Panthers put their undefeated record on the line in a Sunday night game.
The Eagles will be without wide receiver Nelson Agholor Sunday. Receivers Josh Huff and Riley Cooper are both on the injury report as well; Huff will play, and Cooper should as well, though he’s slightly more of a question. On the Panthers side, the team should have its full complement of fantasy contributors Sunday; no one of note was on the injury report.
The Panthers host the Eagles Sunday night, with game time scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET. Let’s take a look at the fantasy names to consider:
EAGLES
Start ‘em: That’s back-to-back 17-point fantasy days for DeMarco Murray, who finally looks somewhat comfortable in the Philadelphia offense.
Start ‘em?: Maybe you’re still using Jordan Matthews, who has 16 fantasy points in his last four games, but you aren’t excited about it. ... Caleb Sturgis has been decent since taking over the Philadelphia starting job. He’s worth a look in a pinch. ... The Eagles’ defense has been mostly good, though the Panthers are a tough opponent.
Sit ‘em: There’s really no reason to use Sam Bradford in fantasy at this point; he’s been bad far more often than he’s been good. ... Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles just don’t offer much in the way of upside with Murray healthy. ... The Eagles’ pass-catchers behind Matthews -- Josh Huff, Riley Cooper, Zach Ertz and Brent Celek -- aren’t really worth a fantasy look.
PANTHERS
Start ‘em: Six weeks into the season, Cam Newton might be the MVP. ... It was nice to see Jonathan Stewart put up a big game in Week 6; he won’t often put up big numbers, but he has a high floor and it’s nice to know he can put up the big ones. ... Greg Olsen has been high-ceiling, low-floor all year. The low floor has been surprising. But he’s still a top-tier tight end. ... The Panthers’ defense has only been good, not great, but you like a defense facing Sam Bradford.
Start ‘em?: With the success of the Carolina offense, Graham Gano has been a fine fantasy kicker, though not a great one.
Sit ‘em: It’s just impossible to trust the Carolina wide receivers. Ted Ginn Jr. has been the best of the bunch, ahead of Philly Brown, Devin Funchess and Jerricho Cotchery, but all four have an easy zero-point floor.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: DeMarco Murray, Cam Newton, Jonathan Stewart, Greg Olsen, Carolina defense
Start if you’re desperate: Jordan Matthews Caleb Sturgis, Philadelphia defense, Graham Gano
Bench: Sam Bradford, Ryan Mathews, Darren Sproles, Josh Huff, Riley Cooper, Zach Ertz, Brent Celek, Ted Ginn Jr., Philly Brown, Devin Funchess, Jerricho Cotchery
