Week 7 start/sit

START

The New York Giants defense is full of sack machines, and the Niners have allowed 18 of those this year. Oh, and Trent Dilfer is starting at QB.

Carson Palmer apologized to his team for his disappointing play. He's still one of the top fantasy options out there, a guy you use every week no matter when - especially when he's playing the Jets.

Speaking of the Jets, Thomas Jones finally showed a pulse last week against the Eagles, and the Bengals D can be run on.

Larry Johnson is an obvious start against the Raiders. He's averaged over 100 yards in six career games against Oakland with nine TDs. Gotta be feeling good about LJ right now.

Patrick Crayton has four TDs in his past three games. He'll get another one against the Vikings, who have some difficulty against the pass (see Brian Griese last week).

SIT

On the other hand, Minnesota hasn't allowed a rushing TD all season. Not great news for Marion Barber or Julius Jones.

Jay Cutler hasn't lived up to the fantasy hype this season. Pittsburgh's D is no joke, the Broncos' O-line is banged up, and Cutler will be without the services of Javon Walker again.

Granted, Lee Evans did somehow torch the Ravens last year (145 yards, TD). But this is 2007, Evans has done nothing this year to give you any confidence in him, and Trent Edwards is in at QB for the Bills. And it's still the Ravens D.

There's a slim chance Rudi Johnson might play against the Jets, but I try to avoid those game-time decisions whenever I can. Even if Rudi suits up, he only got eight carries (for six yards) last week, so it's hard to expect much out of him. If you're really in a pinch, try Kenny Watson (55 yards and 68 yards the past two weeks).

LJ Smith has been maddening this year. He finally played last week after missing two games, caught one pass for eight yards, and is hurt again and doubtful this week. I wasn't very high on him to begin with this season but figured he was at least worth owning. Not anymore.