Fantasy Football Sleepers: Week 7

Jonathan Dwyer (RB)- With injuries to Rashard Mendenhall and Issac Redman, Dwyer will be pressed into duty as the starting running back this week. Baron Batch and Chris Rainey will also see action, but Dwyer is expected to take the majority of first and second down work and at 229 lbs. is the leading contender to take the goal line carries. As luck would have it, the Steelers are facing a Cincinnati Bengals defense that has already surrendered eight touchdowns to opposing running backs so far in 2012.

Felix Jones (RB)-  Overall, Jones has been a bit of a fantasy bust, but this is the reason that you kept him stashed on your bench for the past six weeks. Carolina might be coming off of a bye, but they still have the fourth-worst fantasy defense when it comes to defending the run. The Panthers are giving up 24.5 points a game to opposing RB’s  and Jones will be in-line for the vast majority of those carries in relief of the injured DeMarco Murray. All indications are that Murray will return next week, so this may be the only time that you can use Jones this season. He looked good when pressed into action last week, so if he can produce solid numbers this week, try trade him to an anxious Murray owner.

Donnie Avery (WR)- How is this guy only owned in 10% of ESPN fantasy leagues? Avery’s 47 targets rank in the top 25 of the NFL and he’s coming off a strong Week 6 performance where he caught four passes for 60 yards, but was targeted 12 times. For Week 7, the Colts will be home for a matchup with a Cleveland Browns defense that is surrendering 33.4 fantasy-points-per-game to wide receivers, including an NFL-high 12 touchdowns in six games. Avery makes an excellent flex play for those missing their regular receivers.

Mike Williams (WR)- After an impressive debut season in 2010, Big Mike Williams was a huge disappointment last year, dipping to 771 yards and three touchdowns. But it’s starting to look like Williams has returned to his rookie-season form. Through five games, Williams is the 22nd ranked receiver in the game, averaging 10.2 points per contest and has put together back to back weeks of over 113 yards receiving. In less than a third of the regular season, Williams has already matched last year’s lowly touchdown number. For Week 7, the Bucs host a New Orleans pass defense that is ranked 30th, surrendering 30.5 points-per-game.

Jacoby Jones (WR)- If you’re in a league that also includes return yardage, then Jones could be your guy. Jones isn’t making a big impact as a receiver, catching only 11 balls on the season. But he does remain an excellent returner, as he showed last week with a 108 yard return touchdown. Another reason to consider Jones is the “revenge factor”. The Texans unceremoniously dumped Jacoby this offseason and this will be his first game against his former squad. Maybe John Harbaugh and company try to get him a few extra targets to stick it to Houston. Only those is very deep leagues that do include kick and punt return yardage should probably consider playing Jones this week.

Scott Chandler (TE)- Last week was a dud for Chandler, as he dipped to one catch for four yards. But there’s a good chance Chandler bounces back this week as the Bills play host to a Tennessee secondary that is giving up 15.3 points and has already allowed seven touchdowns to tight ends so far this season. Chandler also has a tendency to play a little better at home, producing his two highest yardage totals, and three of his four touchdowns at Ralph Wilson Stadium.

Jody Smith was the leading fantasy football analyst for Week 6 and for the entire 2012 season at www.fantasypros.com. His rankings can be viewed here and be sure to follow him on twitter @JodySmith_