What to do with Royce Freeman, Phillip Lindsay in Week 7 fantasy football

The Denver Broncos are on a roll of late, winning two straight games to improve to 2-4 on the season. They face a huge test in Week 7 as they host the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday Night Football. The Chiefs are stumbling of late, having lost two straight to drop to 4-2. And yet, their offense remains potent enough to make life very difficult for the Broncos.

Denver will likely look to control the clock on Thursday behind their run game. Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman are working out of a time share in the backfield. Lindsay leads the pair with 84 rushing attempts, while Freeman is right behind him with 66. Both have been targeted 26 times in the passing game. Lindsay has been the more effective of the two, averaging 4.7 yards per carry to Freeman’s 4.3, and 7.7 yards per reception to Freeman’s 6.9. Lindsay has also found the end zone four times to Freeman’s one.

Fantasy football analysis, Broncos RBs Phillip Lindsay, Royce Freeman

This is an enticing matchup due to the Chiefs defensive struggles. They rank eighth in fantasy points allowed to running backs, and 31st in run defense efficiency. The question is which of the two running backs to play. Lindsay has the slight edge in touches, but it’s been relatively close. Last week, he had 17 touches to Freeman’s 16, and the week before had 19 to Freeman’s 15. Lindsay has been slightly more effective, but the fantasy difference is Lindsay’s ability to find the end zone.

On Thursday, both are useful plays. If you have both, Lindsay is the guy to start, but if you have Freeman, he is still a worthwhile flex play in what should be a busy day for all Broncos skill position plays.

Start/Sit Recommendation

Phillip Lindsay: Start as RB2
Royce Freeman: Flex