Fantasy football weekly with Travis Petty Jr

LAURINBURG — It’s Week 7 in the NFL, and what a weird season, am I right? At this point, we don’t know whether a team is for real or not. But one thing is for certain: You either love your fantasy team, or you wish this season could hurry and pass. As I always say, this is a weekly breakdown for fantasy owners who are looking to make a splash over the course of the NFL season.

Top three quarterbacks

Bryce Young on the road versus the New York Jets

There’s a first for everything, and for the first time this season, I’m putting my trust in Bryce Young. Young and the Panthers have quietly averaged 28.5 points per game the last two weeks. During that stretch, he has completed 36 out of 55 passes for 397 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions. This week, he faces the winless New York Jets, who are allowing 28.3 points per game. Young is a must-start this Sunday.

Baker Mayfield on the road versus the Detroit Lions

The favorite to win the MVP award, Baker Mayfield, has the Buccaneers across all NFL power rankings as the best team in the league. They’ve won several close games, with Mayfield leading clutch game-winning drives. Tampa Bay has the number seven-ranked passing offense at 244.2 yards per game, the sixth-ranked scoring offense at 27.5 points per game and leads the NFL in explosive play rate at 14.8%. If you haven’t jumped on the Buccaneers bandwagon, you should do it now. Mayfield is a must-start on Monday Night Football.

Jared Goff at home versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

We’re in for a treat on Monday Night Football between two of the most explosive offenses in the NFL. After two weeks on the road, the Lions return home and look to get back in the winning column against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Goff is a must-start on Monday Night Football.

Top three running backs

Bijan Robinson on the road versus the San Francisco 49ers

I can’t say enough about Bijan Robinson, maybe the most explosive running back in the league. Robinson leads the NFL with 822 scrimmage yards, ranks as the top running back with five plays of 20-plus yards, leads all running backs with 382 rushing yards created after contact and ranks second in receiving yards with 338 by a running back. For a Falcons passing offense that’s still progressing, his performance will be critical if they want to leave San Francisco victorious. Robinson is a must-start this Sunday.

Christian McCaffrey at home versus the Atlanta Falcons

Injuries have handicapped the 49ers, questions surround Brock Purdy and his status and star linebacker Fred Warner has been ruled out for the season. On the good side, Pro Bowl tight end George Kittle is set to make his return this week. His presence on the field should open up things for Christian McCaffrey, on the ground and through the air. McCaffrey is a must-start this Sunday.

Rico Dowdle on the road versus the New York Jets

Though Bryce Young has looked great during these two weeks, he has been aided by a strong run game. Rico Dowdle has been spectacular for the Panthers on the ground. In Week 5, he rushed for 206 yards with 234 total from scrimmage; he then followed that up with a Week 6 performance, rushing for 183 yards with 239 total from scrimmage. This week, he faces a Jets defense allowing 130 rushing yards per game. Dowdle is a must-start this Sunday.

Top three wide receivers

Amon-Ra St. Brown at home versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Amon-Ra St. Brown remains one of the NFL’s best receivers; St. Brown ranks sixth in the league in receiving yards with 452 and is tied for first in touchdowns from a wide-out with six. He has a high history of reception numbers with seven-plus catches for five straight games. St. Brown is a must-start on Monday Night Football.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba at home versus the Houston Texans

The focal point of the Seahawks’ offense and quarterback Sam Darnold’s primary option. Jaxson Smith-Njigba is one of the league’s most exciting receivers—arguably one of the best. He leads the NFL in receiving yards with 696 while averaging 16.6 yards per reception. Over his last three games, he has 20 receptions for 373 yards and two touchdowns. When the lights shine bright, stars show up—Smith-Njigba is a must-start on Monday Night Football.

Rashee Rice at home versus the Las Vegas Raiders

As Michael Jordan famously stated, “I’m back.” Kansas City has been awaiting its top receiver’s return on the outside for six weeks. Now, he is set to make his comeback against the Raiders. Before his suspension and injuries, Rice was on track to become a top-10 receiver. In the three games while healthy, he had 24 catches for 288 yards. Of his 288 receiving yards, 253 came against zone coverage and what a week to make his return against the league’s second-highest usage rate in zone defense. Rice is a must-start this Sunday.

Top three tight ends

Tyler Warren on the road versus the Los Angeles Chargers

If you’ve read my breakdowns, you know Tyler Warren is a must-have every week. Warren and the Colts have shocked the NFL landscape with their explosive offense. Going up against one of their biggest tests this season in the Chargers, I expect Warren to be a go-to guy for quarterback Daniel Jones. Warren is a must-start this Sunday.

Darren Waller on the road versus the Cleveland Browns

Since his return, Darren Waller has been money for the Dolphins. Just last week, he caught what seemed like the game-winning touchdown against the Chargers. Waller has been a lifesaver for the Dolphins’ offense, and he will continue to do so this week against a not-so-good Browns team. Waller is a must-start this Sunday.

Zach Ertz on the road versus the Dallas Cowboys

The aging veteran still has some juice left in the tank. Zach Ertz and the Commanders face a favorable matchup versus the Dallas Cowboys defense. The Cowboys’ defense allows the most receiving yards to the tight end position. Dallas has the last-ranked pass and total defense in the league. Ertz is a must-start this Sunday.

Top three defenses

Seattle Seahawks at home versus the Houston Texans

After holding the Jacksonville Jaguars to their lowest point total last week, the Seahawks’ defense faces another AFC South opponent. This time, the offense won’t be as potent as Jacksonville’s. The Houston Texans have struggled to find consistency. Their performance against Baltimore was misleading; prior to that game, they had been averaging just 16 points per game, which reflects the level of production they’ve exhibited all season. Seattle’s defense is tied for second in sacks and interceptions. The Seahawks’ defense is a must-start on Monday Night Football.

New England Patriots on the road versus the Tennessee Titans

With the firing of Titans head coach Brian Callahan, Tennessee’s organization is in shambles. Rookie quarterback Cam Ward has shown flashes, but the season has not gone the way he hoped. The Titans have the last-ranked total and are second-to-last in passing offense. Expect the Patriots’ defense to capitalize on an already dysfunctional Tennessee offense. The Patriots’ defense is a must-start this Sunday.

Denver Broncos at home versus the New York Giants

What a test Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart is in for this week. Sure, he’s been impressive with his dual-threat ability but did anyone see what Denver’s defense did to Justin Fields and his running ability last week? Sacked him nine times and limited him to just 31 rushing yards. Denver has the second-ranked total defense in the NFL and has allowed only six total touchdowns all season. The Broncos’ defense is a must-start this Sunday.