Football is in full swing, and you can feel it in the air and see it on the field. Some teams have really found their stride offensively, as a total of nine teams scored 30 or more points on Sunday. Additionally, rookies are showcasing themselves while proving they belong, and veterans are showing why they are not washed up quite yet. Let’s set those lineups and enjoy this season while it lasts.

Starts

QB- Trevor Lawrence,  Jacksonville Jaguars (NE)

Since receiving that massive contract, Jags QB Trevor Lawrence has underwhelmed in fantasy and faced plenty of criticism from fans. However, he's my top streaming option this week. Lawrence has strung together two solid games against tough defenses, throwing for a season-high 371 yards in Week 5, followed by 234 yards and 2 TDs against a Chicago defense that allows the fewest fantasy points to QBs. Over his last two games, he has 605 yards, 4 TDs, and 2 INTs—solid starting numbers for someone owned in just 30% of leagues. This week, he faces the Patriots, whose secondary is no longer elite and has allowed the 9th most passing yards this season. If you need a QB, Trevor is your guy.

RB- Alexander Mattison, Las Vegas Raiders (LAR)

I didn’t expect to discuss the Raiders this year outside of their rookie TE Brock Bowers, but RB Alexander Mattison deserves some recognition. Owned in just 35% of leagues, he’s having a solid season with 4 TDs through six games. Additionally, after starting the year as part of a split backfield, Mattison has received over 16 touches in back-to-back contests. While his rushing yardage isn't flashy, his value comes in the passing game (14 catches for 135 yards and a TD). The value Mattison brings along with his consistent usage, give him a high floor, as he's been able to rack up at least 6 fantasy points in every matchup this year. This week, he faces a Rams defense that allows a league-high 157 rushing yards per game, making him a top 20 RB.

WR- Courtland Sutton, Denver Broncos (@NO)

I didn’t expect to discuss another AFC West team this season, especially with rookie QB Bo Nix leading the offense. However, WR Courtland Sutton deserves some love and should be in your lineup this week. Over his last four games, Sutton has 16 catches on 31 targets for 213 yards and 2 TDs—solid numbers that make him at the very least a flex play. The key factor this week is the Saints' struggling secondary, which has allowed the 4th most passing yards of any team on the year.

TE- Zach Ertz, Washington Commanders (Car)

Despite the early struggles of tight ends this year, many are finally stepping up. This week, I'm targeting veteran TE Zach Ertz, who is owned in just over 50% of leagues. Ertz has been reliable, creeping into the top 10 TEs in fantasy. He’s been a consistent outlet for his rookie QB Jayden Daniels, with at least four targets in every game except one. Although he hasn’t scored yet, his high target share gives him a solid floor—valuable in today’s football landscape. While not flashy, Ertz is a safe option if you're in need of a tight end for Week 7.

Defense - Detroit Lions (@Min)

When choosing a defense, you can either go for a stifling unit or one that generates turnovers. The Lions have allowed a lot of points this year, but excel at pressuring the QB and forcing these mistakes. For example, last week they limited the Cowboys to just 9 points and 5 turnovers. Additionally, in five games they’ve recorded 10 takeaways and 15 sacks, allowing more than 20 points only once! Heading into Week 7, they take on the Vikings in Minnesota, who have a solid offense. While the matchup will be challenging, their hot start more than justifies starting the Lions D.

Sits

QB- Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams (LV)

Coming off his bye week and owned in about 25% of leagues, veteran Matthew Stafford should not be in any lineups. While some QBs excel in real life, Stafford exemplifies this disconnect in fantasy. He hasn’t exceeded 14 fantasy points this season and has recorded fewer than 8 points twice. Although he averages 247 passing yards per game, Stafford's production is lacking, with only 3 passing TDs and 5 turnovers. Compounding matters, he faces a Raiders defense that has allowed just 186 passing yards per game over six contests. There are better streaming options available—avoid Stafford.

RB- James Connor, Arizona Cardinals (LAC)

I considered several RBs for this spot but ultimately chose James Conner, who will be starting for many teams. He’s had a solid season, scoring double-digit fantasy points in 4 of 6 games. However, his two other games raise concerns: last week, he managed only 7 carries for 24 yards, and in Week 2, had just 9 carries for 17 yards. I worry he might struggle again this week against the Chargers, who allow the 6th fewest rushing yards and the league's lowest average of 13.2 points per game. Additionally, Conner isn't heavily involved in the passing game, with just 12 catches so far on the year. He’ll need yards or TDs to be effective, and the Chargers have excelled at limiting both. If possible, bench Conner this week.

WR- Jauan Jennings, San Francisco 49ers (KC)

Every fantasy league has that one manager who picks up a player after a big game and rides the wave until it crashes. San Fran WR Jauan Jennings had a standout Week 3 with 11 catches for 175 yards and 3 TDs, but in his other 5 games has managed just 229 yards on 14 catches with no scores. As other WRs on the team find their rhythm, Jennings has become an afterthought, catching only 4 passes for 40 yards in the last two weeks. With many mouths to feed in the 49er offense, including TE George Kittle (who just had a 2 TD game), it's time to move on. Keep Jennings on the bench.

TE- David Njoku, Cleveland Browns (Cin)

I struggled to find a bench tight end this week until I noticed Browns TE David Njoku is owned in nearly 75% of leagues. While he was a Pro Bowler last year, in fantasy dwelling on the past is the equivalent of a death sentence and not a wise move. Njoku has been banged up this year, and in the 3 games he’s played, has managed only 89 yards on 10 catches with no TDs. While that production isn't bad, it’s not enough to warrant a starting spot. His QB play is also a concern; Deshaun Watson has yet to throw for over 200 yards in any of his 6 games. That alone is reason enough to avoid Njoku for the time being.

Defense- Philadelphia Eagles (Giants) 

The Eagles are projected to perform well this week, especially going up against QB Daniel Jones & the Giants. However, this could be a trap game. While it’s tempting to favor Philadelphia, a more in-depth look reveals their defense has been just mediocre. While they sacked Browns QB Deshaun Watson five times in Week 6 they were unable to force any turnovers. Additionally, with just two takeaways this year and only one game with more than 2 sacks, their defense isn't living up to the hype. Their current fantasy defense rating is 26th, as they've allowed an average of 340 total yards and 22 points per game. As a result, this isn’t the same Eagles defense we’re used to. Avoid them and don’t fall for the trap.