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.
Fantasy Football Lineup Landmines: Week 7
Kirk Cousins (QB – MIN)
Kirk Cousins has played well this season. He is the QB8, averaging 18.1 fantasy points per game. However, the veteran has struggled over the past few weeks. Cousins averaged three passing touchdowns and 23.6 fantasy points per game over the first three weeks this year. Unfortunately, those numbers have dropped to 1.7 passing touchdowns and 12.7 fantasy points per game the past three weeks, scoring under 10 fantasy points twice. Furthermore, Cousins had only 181 passing yards, one touchdown and 8.7 fantasy points in his first game without Justin Jefferson, despite an appealing matchup against the Chicago Bears.
The San Francisco 49ers are coming off their first loss of the year and will be determined to get back on track with a statement win this week. The 49ers have held quarterbacks to only 9.9 fantasy points per game, the third-fewest in the NFL. Quarterbacks have thrown one or fewer touchdowns in all but one game against San Francisco this season. Cousins has struggled in prime-time games in his career. He faces the 49ers on Monday night without his top weapon. The veteran won’t be a top-15 quarterback in Week 7.
Zack Moss (RB – IND) & Jonathan Taylor (RB – IND)
Indianapolis might have the best one-two punch at running back in the NFL this season. Zack Moss is the RB6, averaging 19.3 half-point PPR fantasy points per game despite missing Week 1. Meanwhile, Jonathan Taylor has only played two games this year but has been a superstar his entire career when healthy.
However, the Colts offense struggled last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars. They averaged only 2.6 rushing yards per attempt in the loss, despite the Jaguars surrendering 3.9 yards per rushing attempt over the first four weeks.
Unfortunately, this week’s matchup couldn’t be worse for Moss and Taylor. While the Cleveland Browns have struggled offensively this year, their defense has been outstanding. The Browns have held running backs to only 14 fantasy points per game, the sixth-fewest in the NFL. Last week, they held Christian McCaffrey to 3.9 yards per rushing attempt and 12.7 fantasy points. While he left the game early with an injury, McCaffrey averaged only 0.39 fantasy points per rushing attempt. By comparison, the superstar averaged 0.94 fantasy points per rushing attempt before the matchup against Cleveland.
It’s going to be a long day for the Colts’ backfield.
Rachaad White (RB – TB)
Fantasy managers had high hopes for Rachaad White this season. The second-year player had 73 rushing yards, a touchdown and 18.8 half-point PPR fantasy points in Week 2. However, he has only 120 rushing yards, 20.3 fantasy points and zero touchdowns since that performance. Unfortunately, White hasn’t played a meaningful role in the passing game. The former Arizona State star has averaged 19.6 receiving yards per game this season, totaling 30 or fewer yards in every contest. He struggled against a talented run defense last week and will again in Week 7.
The Atlanta Falcons had a below-average run defense last year. However, they have been much better in 2023. The Falcons have held running backs to 83.2 rushing yards and 13 fantasy points per game this season, the fourth-fewest in the NFL. Furthermore, they have been outstanding over the past three weeks, holding running backs to only 66 rushing yards per game and 3.3 yards per rushing attempt. Last week, Antonio Gibson and Brian Robinson Jr. both lucked out with a receiving touchdown against the Falcons. White won’t be anywhere near as lucky against the division rivals.
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Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.