Arguably, the most frustrating thing in fantasy football is seeing someone in your starting lineup struggle that week. Therefore, the logic behind this article is simple – identify fantasy football lineup landmines.

These are players you’re leaning towards starting this week but could end up being a landmine that blows up and destroys your starting lineup, potentially costing you your matchup.

Brace yourself and take cover. These players could blow up in your face this week.

• Pat Fitzmaurice’s Weekly Rankings
• Andrew Erickson’s Weekly Rankings
• Derek Brown’s Weekly Rankings

Fantasy Football Lineup Landmines: Week 7

Michael Pittman Jr. (WR – IND)

The former USC star was outstanding in Week 1, totaling eight receptions on 11 targets of 97 receiving yards, a touchdown, and a season-high 19.7 half-point PPR fantasy points. While his target volume has mostly remained the same, Michael Pittman Jr.’s fantasy production has decreased. From Week 2 through Week 5, the veteran averaged only 8.4 fantasy points per game, scoring fewer than 9.7 in all but one contest. He had a bounce-back performance last week, totaling nine receptions for 109 receiving yards and 15.4 fantasy points.

However, Pittman has a tough schedule over the next few weeks, starting on Sunday. He faces off against Denzel Ward and the Cleveland Browns’ shutdown defense in Week 7. The Browns have surrendered only 14.3 fantasy points per game to wide receivers, the fewest in the NFL. They have held wide receivers to under 95 receiving yards in over half their matchups this season, including against teams with superstar quarterbacks like Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson. Furthermore, Cleveland hasn’t given up more than nine receptions to the position all year.

After seeing Gardner Minshew struggle against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Colts’ passing attack will be a disaster against the Browns.

Mike Evans (WR – TB)

Many were surprised to see Mike Evans start the year on fire. The star receiver averaged 5.7 receptions on 9.3 targets for 99 receiving yards, one touchdown and 18.7 half-point PPR fantasy points per game over the first three weeks. He was the WR5 during that span, behind Tyreek Hill, Keenan Allen, Jefferson and Davante Adams. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been the same since suffering a hamstring injury in Week 4. Evans had a team-high 10 targets last week against the Detroit Lions but only scored 6.9 fantasy points despite the fantasy-friendly matchup.

Meanwhile, the veteran will face A.J. Terrell and the Atlanta Falcons defense in Week 7. The Falcons have held wide receivers to only 22.4 fantasy points per game this season, the fifth-fewest in the NFL. Furthermore, they have surrendered only two receiving touchdowns to the position over the past month. According to Fantasy Points Data, Atlanta has given up the sixth-lowest catchable target rate this season. According to PFF, Terrell has allowed only 58.6% of the targets thrown his way to be completed this year. Evans is in for a long day against the star cornerback.

George Pickens (WR – PIT)

George Pickens has played well with Diontae Johnson out of the lineup. Over the past four games, the second-year receiver has averaged 14.5 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. However, he has been inconsistent in those four contests, scoring 20 or more twice but under 9.6 fantasy points in the other two matchups. Furthermore, Pickens needed a massive target share to put up fantasy points. He had 10 targets in his two games with 20 or more fantasy points this season. By comparison, Pickens has averaged only 5.1 targets and 8.1 fantasy points per game with Johnson playing in his career.

Unfortunately for the second-year receiver, the veteran will return this week after missing four games with a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams have shut down opposing wide receivers this year despite trading away Jalen Ramsey in the offseason. The Rams have held wide receivers to only 21.4 fantasy points per game, the fourth-fewest in the NFL. They have surrendered only one receiving touchdown to wide receivers this season (back in Week 1), the fewest in the league. If Pickens doesn’t see 10 targets again this week, the former Bulldog will disappoint fantasy players.

Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.