AFC has players to watch

MCT

Houston Texans’ running back Arian Fosters stiff arms a defender during a run against the  Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indiana, ILL., Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012.

Curtis Calhoun Evergreen columnist

Sit – Arian Foster, RB, Texans

Foster is having another successful season in 2013 and continues to produce, especially in goal-line situations for the Texans. However, with an offense that has had plenty of questions from the quarterback position and an offensive line that is flat-out beat, Foster faces a Chiefs defense in Week 7 sure to give the elite running back plenty to worry about. The Chiefs defense is statistically the best in the NFL and has forced plenty of turnovers, especially when playing at home. Foster may be the only viable option for the Texans offensively with an unstable passing attack, but the Texans will have plenty of problems moving the ball this week before giving Foster a chance to produce.

Start – Phillip Rivers, QB, Chargers

Rivers has had a decent season thus far for San Diego in a pass-heavy offense that gave fantasy owners who started Rivers great success. Facing a Jaguars secondary in Week 7 that has no experience, skill or potential of stopping an aerial assault, Rivers is set up for a prime performance in Week 7. Especially with a nonexistent running game in San Diego and an ailing Ryan Matthews, Rivers continues to be counted on for offensive production.

Sit – Tom Brady, QB, Patriots

Brady has failed to produce big numbers, with a receiving core that makes the average football fan ask “Who’s that?” when looking at the Patriots’ roster card. With injuries to Danny Amendola and Rob Gronkowski, two of Brady’s biggest toys to play with, the Patriots offense dodged plenty of bullets from opposing defenses and barely managed to win games as a result. Facing a Jets defense in Week 7 that has a vicious defensive line anchored by Muhammad Wilkerson, the Patriots offensive line will have a tough time keeping Brady upright.

Start – Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jaguars

Yes, you should start a Jacksonville Jaguars player this week. With an inconsistent passing attack in Jacksonville, relying on Jones-Drew to make big plays for the Jaguars has become a specific way of producing for the Jaguars. Facing a Chargers defense in Week 7 that has had all kinds of problems with its front 7, especially stopping downhill and physical runners, Jones-Drew is set up to have a big day against San Diego.

Sit – Josh Gordon, WR, Browns

Gordon is picking up where he left off last season and is one of the top scoring receivers so far in the fantasy football world. However, facing a Packers secondary that left Ravens WR Torrey Smith with just one reception for 12 yards in Week 6, fantasy owners should definitely sit the explosive Gordon this week. Playing in a tough environment in Green Bay, the Browns have had plenty of problems keeping up with teams offensively. Expect the Browns to commit plenty of turnovers and limit Gordon’s production this week.