Week 7 of the NFL season has arrived! Injuries have thrown a wrench into multiple backfields around the league, so it’s time to take a deep dive into the position.
Let’s break down my Week 7 start ’em, sit ’em fantasy football running back picks.
Start ‘Em: Tank Bigsby (Jaguars) vs. Patriots
A lot of fantasy managers fired Bigsby up last week with confidence after his monstrous performance against the Colts.
He scored 2.4 points.
Naturally, I’m going right back to the 23-year-old. This time around, however, I expect the result to be different. Travis Etienne is week-to-week after suffering a hamstring injury early in Jacksonville’s last game. In reality, he’s just been holding Bigsby back from taking on a bell cow’s workload.
In relatively limited touches this season, Tank is averaging 7.2 yards per carry. Expecting that type of production in an expanded role is unreasonable, but Bigsby should feast as the lead back against a vulnerable Patriots run defense.
Sit ‘Em: The Starting Vikings RB (Aaron Jones or Ty Chandler) vs. Lions
I’m taking no chances with this one. It doesn’t matter who gets the start for Minnesota this week, they should not be in your fantasy lineup.
Jones exited in the first half of Minnesota’s Week 5 matchup with the Jets due to a hip injury and Chandler handled the bulk of the workload in his absence. We’re still awaiting clarity on Jones’ health, but even if the veteran is able to suit up, I’m concerned for his fantasy prospects against the Lions.
Detroit has been very effective against the run this year, allowing both the third-fewest rushing yards and fantasy points to opposing backs. I expect that to continue, even after losing Aidan Hutchinson for the season. The Lions’ potent offense has a tendency to create game script issues for their opposition’s running game. While the Vikings are undefeated, I can’t rule out the possibility of them facing similar problems this Sunday.
Check out my full Week 7 start/sit article with picks at each position here!
Start ‘Em: Tony Pollard (Titans) at Bills
Pollard doesn’t pop off the page as a huge name, but he’s quietly racked up at least 15 PPR points in four of his five outings. Heading into the season, most were concerned about game script taking him out of the equation early, but Tennessee’s surprisingly stout defense has kept them in enough games to effectively run the ball.
Pollard is averaging an efficient 4.3 yards per carry, coming off back-to-back games in which he’s scored at least 17 points. The 27-year-old consistently carves out a sizable role on the ground, but he’s also provided value catching passes out of the backfield. With Tyjae Spears likely sidelined for the next couple games with a hamstring strain, that receiving upside should persist.
This week, Pollard should be featured against a Bills defense that allows the second-most fantasy points to opposing backs.
Sit ‘Em: Zack Moss (Bengals) at Browns
After back-to-back outings of at least 17 PPR points, Moss has come back down to earth over his last two contests. Cincinnati’s starter has been stymied on the ground, racking up just 37 rushing yards over that stretch.
Last Sunday night against the Giants, the 26-year-old finished with just 0.5 points, receiving a 45% snap share. Meanwhile, it was Chase Brown who assumed a bulk of the workload, taking his 12 touches for 55 yards and a touchdown. Brown has been significantly more efficient than his backfield mate so far this season, and it feels like a matter of time before he assumes that clear RB1 role in Cincinnati.
It’s time to bench Moss until he starts making the most of his touches.
Start ‘Em: Chuba Hubbard (Panthers) at Commanders
The narrative surrounding Chuba has shifted from him being a placeholder for Jonathon Brooks to the 25-year-old establishing himself as a highly-talented player.
Hubbard has been extremely efficient rushing behind a subpar offensive line, averaging 5.6 yards per carry. He ranks as PPR RB5 through six weeks, scoring at least 15 points in four straight matchups. This week, Hubbard and the Panthers draw the Commanders, who have allowed 153.7 rushing yards per game over their last three contests.
Chuba should remain a focal point of Carolina’s offense, providing a high fantasy floor.
Those are my start ’em, sit ’em Week 7 fantasy football running back picks! Stay tuned for more fantasy advice next week.
All views expressed are my own. I am an employee of DraftKings and am ineligible to play in public DFS or DKSB contests.
