Fantasy football trade analyzer: RBs I should trade for or trade away now

It’s Week 7 of the fantasy football season and it brings about one of the most devastating bye weeks in recent memory. The Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Vikings, Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers and Los Angeles Chargers are all off this week, meaning fantasy-heavy offenses are off the table for managers at a potentially critical time.

Running back remains one of the biggest positions of need this season, with injuries heavily affecting the position. David Montgomery, Chris Carson, Kareem Hunt and Latavius Murray are just some of the key names at the position tending to injuries. This also creates opportunities for managers to improve the rest of their roster by dealing a running back away.

As always, know your team, opponent’s teams and your league. Don’t expect to get a player for cheap just because a manager is 0-6. Don’t expect a manager who is 6-0 to part with significant assets. Even though fantasy football is a weekly game, making short-term decisions in an effort to win one week could be detrimental in the long run.

Here’s a list of running backs that you should trade for in your fantasy football leagues.

RBs to trade for in fantasy football

Alvin Kamara: RB14 (Current rank in FF leagues)

Kamara wraps up his bye week and enters a crucial stretch for the Saints. New Orleans gets the Seahawks, Buccaneers, Falcons, Titans and Eagles over the next five games. That’s four soft defenses against the run, and Kamara has 850 total yards and nine total touchdowns against the Bucs in eight career contests. Don’t expect him to be a cheap acquisition but he’s set up well for a big stretch.

Damien Harris: RB23

Harris was reportedly dealing with an injury heading into Week 6 but popped for 101 rushing yards and a touchdown against a surprisingly competent Cowboys defense. The Patriots backfield can be challenging to manage and monitor, so there’s an element of risk here. Harris appears to be the lead back going forward and should continue to get consistent touches as the Patriots keep easing Mac Jones into the offense.

Chase Edmonds: RB29

Edmonds is getting most of the work for the Cardinals between the 20s but Conner is taking away enough redzone work to make this a frustrating situation for managers. However, it does feel like Edmonds will eventually get more of a role in scoring situations. Touchdown variance will eventually regress to the mean, and Edmonds’ role as a receiver still makes him the running back to want in this backfield.

RBs to trade away in fantasy football

Aaron Jones: RB5

Jones had a big day against the Bears, and he’s entering a favorable stretch for a running back. The Packers don’t have a bye until Week 13, so availability won’t be a problem. However, A.J. Dillon is getting a lot of work as the season goes on and is carving out a role in the offense. Jones’ receiving load has not been as high as expected. If managers who have Jones need help elsewhere, now is the time to cash in and get back multiple starters for the running back.

James Conner: RB17

Conner has emerged as a useful flex play in Arizona’s high-powered offense. He’s got five rushing touchdowns and is handling most of the redzone work over Chase Edmonds. However, Conner has minimal work as a receiver and will eventually see the touchdowns dry up. Now might be the best time for fantasy managers to get good value for Conner in the trade market, especially with several other teams likely hurting at running back.

Melvin Gordon: RB18

Gordon has been productive, even with rookie Javonte Williams essentially splitting carries with him. The Broncos are going to continue giving Williams carries, as they have high hopes for the rookie. That means Gordon might eventually see his role fade, especially if Denver loses more games and has nothing to play for late. The veteran is unlikely to gain value as the season goes on, so dealing him now might provide the best return on investment.