8 Big-Name Players You May Want to Avoid in Week 7

Matt Ryan, QB, Atlanta Falcons

I wouldn't call Matt Ryan or the Falcons' passing attack a joke by any means, but in a week where they go up against the Baltimore Ravens, it might be better to laugh him off instead of starting him. Ryan currently sits as our seventh-ranked quarterback in Total Net Expected Points (NEP), as well as our sixth-ranked by Passing NEP alone. Much of that value, however, has been produced by the massive volume of Atlanta's passing game (Ryan is currently tied for second in quarterback drop backs), as he is just our ninth-ranked passer in terms of Passing NEP on a per drop back basis. Still, top 10 in total value, top 10 in passing value, and top 10 in efficiency...I must be crazy telling you that you should consider sitting him!

Or, perhaps it's because Ryan hasn't performed well under pressure this season. Perhaps he's also going up against a Baltimore Ravens' defensive unit that currently ranks fifth defensively in 2014, and perhaps Ryan himself has thrown an average of two interceptions per week this season when on the road. In fact, while playing away this season (three games), he has had only one multiple touchdown week, and no weeks with more than 20 fantasy points.

For a usual top-tier option, this is a bad week to start Matt Ryan. Turn elsewhere if you can.