Welcome to the first Fantasy Geek column. You may know me as the editor of the Wheels section in Saturday’s newspapers, and as passionate as I am about automobiles, I’m just as passionate about fantasy sports.

I’ve been doing fantasy sports since the early 1990s. In those days, we didn’t have computers or websites. We kept our weekly stats on paper. My first player drafted was Barry Sanders in 1994, and he put up huge numbers. I’ve been hooked ever since.

Now, on to Week 7.

Fantasy trend: Victor Cruz is an elite receiver. Some experts were torn on whether Cruz’s 2011 season last was a fluke, but Cruz has proven he can handle coverage from the league’s top cornerbacks and still put up huge fantasy numbers. He has six touchdowns and is a must-start regardless of the matchup. Robert Griffin III isn’t just a fantasy stud, he’s a top tier NFL quarterback. The fact that he was second in rushing last week just adds to his fantasy value. Outside of the big three quarterbacks, and maybe Matt Ryan, there is no one who should start ahead of RG3.

Fantasy mirage: Running back Shonn Greene of the New York Jets finally put up good numbers. Unfortunately, most owners had long since given up on him. And who could blame them after his paltry 2.1-yard per carry average. If Greene is on your waiver wire, grab him, but consider Greene’s 161 rushing yards and three TDs last week a fantasy mirage.

Fantasy scrap heap: Scour your waiver wire every week, and you might be able to find someone who can help through injuries and byes. Sitting atop the fantasy scrap heap is WR Mario Manningham. He saw 10 targets last week and is averaging double-digit fantasy points over the last two weeks for the 49ers. Another player to grab, if only for Week 7, is RB Felix Jones of the Dallas Cowboys. With Demarco Murray banged up, Jones ran for 92 yards and a touchdown. The Boys face the Panthers, who rank 23rd in the league versus the run.

Fantasy frustration: Few players have been as frustrating as Chris Johnson. I own CJ2K (a nickname he no longer deserves), and believe me, he’s made me upset. I have even benched him out of frustration. But I regretted that this past week when, against what looked like a tough matchup, he put up 91 yards and caught four passes against the Steelers. You drafted Johnson to be your every-week starter. He’s starting to turn the corner. In Week 7, Tennessee faces Buffalo which ranks last against the run, so things are looking up for Johnson owners.

Fantasy elation: In points per reception (PPR) leagues, few receivers have been as consistent as Percy Harvin. He is the main focus of the Vikings offense, even over Adrian Peterson. Harvin has 62 targets, runs the ball a few times a game and even has a role on special teams. He’s the type of consistent fantasy player owners can ride to a long run in the playoffs.

Final snap: I’ll close by reminding owners not to get too cute. Aaron Rodgers was benched last week in 20 percent of leagues. He threw six TD passes. Under no circumstances should elite players like Rodgers ever be benched. Impatience will kill your squad. Go to the dance with the date you brought and stop overthinking.

Follow Jimmy Dinsmore, The Fantasy Geek, on Twitter @fantasy_geek or email him at jimmy.dinsmore@coxinc.com.