What to do with Phillip Lindsay, Melvin Gordon in Week 7 fantasy football

Game day update: ESPN projects Melvin Gordon at 11.7 points and Phillip Lindsay at 7.6 points in PPR leagues. The game script is what’s important in this one. The Broncos likely want to control the clock given the Chiefs explosive offense, but if the game gets out of hand, PPR managers could benefit with the short passing game.

The Denver backfield has had a tumultuous year thus far, full of injuries, arrests, and illnesses. Gordon and Lindsay have not been available at the same time since Week 1 and the timeshare between the two remains a giant question mark in the fantasy community. With each running back siphoning value from the other, are either of them worth starting in your Week 7 lineup? We break down the fantasy analysis below.

Fantasy Football analysis: Broncos RBs Phillip Lindsay, Melvin Gordon

Phillip Lindsay didn’t see any action for the majority of this season after suffering an injury in Week 1. He returned in Week 6 and performed admirably, as he turned 23 carries into 101 yards. Lindsay’s inability to find the endzone and lack of usage in the passing game did not provide a robust fantasy total, but his effectiveness on the ground was promising. The Kansas City rushing defense must be respected, but they are an easier match-up than the Patriots were in Week 6. More important than the match-up, however, is the return of Melvin Gordon, who is very likely to cut Lindsay’s volume in half. It remains to be seen how the timeshare will shake out going forward, but the competition for carries renders Lindsay only a flex consideration in Week 7.

Melvin Gordon was performing well in Lindsay’s absence, as he averaged 16.4 points per game in the first four weeks of the season. The wheels fell off a bit for Gordon after that, as the Broncos were forced into a Week 5 Bye due to COVID. Gordon was subsequently arrested for a DUI, and then fell ill, eventually ruled out for the Week 6 matchup with the Patriots. It appears that Gordon will not be punished by the Broncos, but it remains to be seen if the NFL will impose any fines or suspensions. DUI and illness aside, Gordon must now share carries with Phillip Lindsay, as mentioned above. Gordon’s value takes a big hit with the return of Lindsay and his recent transgressions add an extra hint of uncertainty. Gordon should be considered no more than a flex in Week 7.

Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation

Start Phillip Lindsay as a flex

Start Melvin Gordon as a flex