Fantasy football start/sit, Week 7: Jets at Patriots

It is Week 7 in the NFL and for 13-week fantasy leagues, it is more than halfway through the season. This is a big week for byes with six teams taking the week off — Atlanta, Denver, Kansas City, Miami, Philadelphia and San Diego — so owners need to go deeper into their benches.

Here is who to start and who to sit among the New York Jets for Week 7 at New England.

Quarterback
Mark Sanchez threw two touchdown passes in last week's win over Indy but had only 82 yards passing. The Jets cannot beat New England with such a low passing game from Sanchez, but the Pats improved defense and the Jets overall offensive inconsistencies mean Sanchez remains on the bench.

Sit him.

Running Backs
Last week, after not being able to establish a running game all season, Gang Green exploded for more than 250 yards on the ground, including 161 and three scores from Shonn Greene. The trouble is, that was probably his best game of the season and he was probably on most fantasy benches. But with Michael Turner, Jamal Charles, Willis McGahee, Reggie Bush and LeSean McCoy all on byes, Greene is a viable option. Bilal Powell should be kept reserved.

Start him, but keep expectations low.

Receivers
After missing two games with a hamstring injury, rookie Stephen Hill returned to the lineup last week and caught two touchdowns, but do not expect that again. Jeremy Kerley is the Jets' leading receiver, but he still is not on most fantasy rosters. If you need a bye-week replacement, with Julio Jones and Roddy White and DeSean Jackson and Brian Hartline and Dwayne Bowe all off, go with Hill. Dustin Keller is back from his injury and still trying to find a rhythm with Sanchez, and until he does, keep him on the bench.

Start Hill (if you need a fill-in), but sit the rest

Kicker
Nick Folk is a perfect 16-of-16 on extra points and 7-for-7 in field goals, but he is only the No. 24 ranked kicker in CBS fantasy leagues because the Jets do not score enough. That is not likely to change this week in Foxboro, so scour the waiver wire and you are sure to find somewhere more likely to produce than Folk.

Sit him.

Defense/Special Teams
Gang Green had a big game defensively last week against Colts rookie quarterback Andrew Luck, sacking him four times, intercepting two passes and recovering two fumbles — Antonio Cromartie had two pick-6's negated by penalty. But Tom Brady and the Pats will not be as careless with the ball as Indianapolis was. Still, the Jets have enough playmakers to be worth a start, especially with six teams on bye.

Start them.

For more on the Jets, visit Gang Green Nation and SB Nation New York. And do not forget to play SB Nation Pick 6 Football.