It's week seven, and it's hump week. In most leagues you're officially over half way done when Tuesday comes. For some, it's the last chance to get back into the playoff hunt. For others, it's time to go for the kill. Either way, our game-by-game rundown of fantasy studs and duds with Saturday injury updates will arm you with the knowledge to start the best team possible.
It's been a total flip-flop in fantasy football this season. Who would have thought that the overall top five players would be Reggie Bush, Phillip Rivers, Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, and Tony Romo at the half-way point? Definitely not us. If you're winning this year, then consider yourself lucky. You likely had a terrible draft.
The following teams are on bye this week so make sure you remove their players from your lineup:
Arizona, Atlanta, Jacksonville, Philadelphia
Sunday, October 26
Baltimore at Miami 
Start- If you're looking for a lot of fantasy points from this game then you're in deep trouble. This should wind up a kicker's duel, and the only players we recommend starting are Ronnie Brown and Derrick Mason. It was surprising that last week Ricky Williams got nearly as many Carries as Ronnie after the huge game he had the week before. Don't count on lots of points from him, but he's still a decent flex start. Mason is a much more compelling start in point-per-reception leagues, but he's a dependable 10 points if you need them.
Sit- This will likely be a defensive struggle because the Ravens D is bad-assed and the Ravens offense is completely inept. You can't run on the Ravens, but the Colts proved that you can pass. Unfortunately, Chad Pennington doesn't have the arm to stretch the field that Peyton Manning does. Willis McGahee is completely off the injury report for the first time this season, but he hasn't looked like himself. Miami has been especially stout against the run, so keep him reserved until he can get back on track. Just when you think Anthony Fasano is for real, he tanks. One of Miami's receivers will have a decent game, but good luck guessing which one.
San Diego at Buffalo 
Start- Chris Chambers is out again with a busted ankle, so get Vincent Jackson in your lineup again. He had the game of his life last week with Chambers out, though against Buffalo's 8th-ranked pass D, don't expect the same production. You should play Phillip Rivers, obviously, but he will also have an average game. With Chambers on the mend, Antonio Gates is suddenly emerging. LaDanian Tomlinson is slowly getting healthy, but he's still not earning his draft pick. Might be a good time to make his owner an offer. San Diego is next to last against the pass. That means good things for Trent Edwards and Lee Evans. Truth be told, the San Diego isn't all that great against the run, either. Marshawn Lynch should have a solid game.
Sit- It's hard to think of too many players to sit in this game. It should offer up bountiful fantasy points. Well, both defenses should probably be benched.
New Orleans at Carolina 
Start- Jeremy Shockey is listed as probable for Sunday, and it looks like he'll finally be back. Get him back in your lineup immediately. All week last week the reports were that Marques Colston would return, but at the last minute the Saints pulled the plug. He's a definite start this week. Whew. Hopefully he can re-establish his report with Drew Brees and return to fantasy royalty. Reggie Bush was limited in practice all week, but he's expected to play. Steve Smith is no longer a top shelf fantasy WR, but your team would have to be pretty stacked to sit him against the 21st-ranked pass defense. Jake Delhomme should have an average game if you need him and count on a handful of catches and 70 yards from Muhsin Muhammad.
Sit- The Saints can shut down the rush, so expect DeAngelo Williams to sink back to obscurity. Oh, he did that already. Jonathan Stewart has a stomach ailment and he's questionable, but it looks like he's still going to play. Be sure to check the injury report on Sunday, but don't expect a whole lot from him if he does suit up. With the return of Colston and Shockey, Devery Henderson's value sags.
Pittsburgh at Cincinnati 
Start- TJ Houshmandzadeh always has huge games against the Steelers, and he caught six balls from Ryan Fitzpatrick last week, so he's still worth a start. It's confirmed that Willie Parker is out. He'll be replaced by Mewelde Moore, who's a sneaky play against the terrible Bengals run defense. The Bengals pass D is rated very high, but that's only because you don't have to pass on them to win. Ben Roethlisberger should have his typical 200 yards and two touchdowns. Hines Ward has terrorized the Bengals for years. Expect him to get the bulk of the catches.
Sit- Carson Palmer is out again and rumors are beginning to swirl that he may be done for the season. If you're counting on him to return, it might be time to start working on a trade. Chad Ocho Cinco had five snags for 50 yards last week. Expect the same here. We can't recommend Chris Perry under any circumstances against the Steelers D.
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