Week 7 of the NFL season has just two teams on a bye: the Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys . Both teams are rostered D/STs in more than half of all fantasy football leagues, per FantasyPros data . That means many fantasy football managers will be looking for a D/ST to plug in this week.
If you're one of those managers, we've got you covered. It continues to be a great year for fantasy football D/STs, with five teams averaging 10 points or more. Here are five to start and five to sit in Week 7.
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Fantasy football start 'em: Week 7 D/STs
The Titans are by far the most fantasy-friendly offense to opposing defenses. D/STs facing Tennessee are averaging 12.2 points per game this season - roughly how much Bijan Robinson is scoring on average in standard leagues. Buffalo could use a solid performance on defense after two three-point games in the last two weeks. Luckily, Tennessee's the best offense to do that against.
Cincinnati has not been a good defense this season by counting stats or fantasy points. They're in the bottom third in most metrics and are 29th in fantasy points per game. However, this week, they're playing a Browns team that just traded away their best receiver and led the league in sacks allowed (31) by a wide margin. If there's a team the defense can play well against, it's Cleveland.
The Chargers' first prime-time game of the season is against the Cardinals on "Monday Night Football." Arizona could be without top wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr ., fresh off a tough loss to Green Bay. The Cardinals' offense also had a season-high three turnovers in the loss. The Chargers could take advantage of that even on the road.
The Patriots' defense hasn't been a top unit this season, but it could be in a good spot this week. Jacksonville is dealing with injuries in the backfield and just gave up four sacks and two turnovers to the Bears' D/ST. The Patriots' defense isn't at Chicago's level, but this could be a good matchup for them this week.
The Rams have been one of the worst D/STs in fantasy football this season but have a fantastic matchup this week. Las Vegas is allowing the third-most points to opposing D/STs. Teams are averaging three sacks and two turnovers per game against the Raiders. They also may be without top remaining wide receiver Jakobi Meyers. Los Angeles could be a good choice if you're in a pinch.
Fantasy football sit 'em: Week 7 D/STs
Tampa Bay's D/ST had a standout performance in Week 6 with five sacks, three turnovers, and a touchdown. However, they face a much tougher challenge in Week 7. Baltimore is the toughest team for D/STs in the league through six weeks, giving up less than two points per game. The Buccaneers have been a solid defense all year, but this week is a tough matchup against the reigning MVP, Lamar Jackson .
Minnesota's been one of the best fantasy football D/STs in recent history through six weeks. However, Week 7 may be the time to sit in this unit. Detroit is giving up the third-fewest points to opposing D/STs this season and will be the toughest offense Minnesota has faced all year.
Seattle had a tough game in Week 6 against San Francisco with zero sacks or turnovers. Things likely won't get much better in Week 7. The Falcons are the fifth-toughest offense against opposing D/STs this season and had a near-perfect game on offense against Carolina in Week 6. They're rolling and will be a tough out for Seattle this Sunday.
Houston hasn't been a very good fantasy football D/ST this season. Nearly three-quarters of their points this season came against Chicago in Week 2 and New England last week. This week, they face a very good Green Bay offense that's allowed just three sacks and four turnovers total over the last three weeks.
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Cleveland Browns (vs. Cincinnati Bengals)
Cleveland's defense has been consistent despite the offense struggling. Now that the Browns are down their best wide receiver, there's little reason for the defense to put on in what will likely be a rebuilding year. Cincinnati is one of the best offenses they'll play all year, and they have allowed seven sacks and three turnovers in the last three weeks. The Browns are a talented defense, but the conditions are not good for a strong performance this week.
Fantasy football start 'em, sit 'ems, Week 7
Looking for more fantasy football advice? USA TODAY Sports has you covered:
→ A good running back makes all the difference. A bad running back can cost you a lot of points. Here's who to start and who to sit in Week 7 .
→ Need an edge under center? Here are the best quarterback options to start and to sit in Week 7.
→ The wide receiver position has been decimated this season. Protect yourself in Week 7 with start 'em, sit 'em advice for wideouts .
→ Tight ends can be the perfect X-factor for any fantasy team. Here's who you should start and sit in Week 7 .
→ Kickers are people, too: Here are some of the most clutch kickers to have on your fantasy team in Week 7.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Start 'Em, Sit 'Em D/STs: Week 7 fantasy football
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