Week 7 Running Back Rankings

Armando Marsal

Fantasy Writer

@Armando_fbguru on twitter

In Week 6, running backs like Storm Johnson, Ronnie Hillman, Andre Williams, and Branden Oliver all started in place of an injured back. Out of the four, one of those backs cracks the top ten this week. Oliver finished last week with 26 carries for 101 yards and one touchdown. He's expected to get the start once again this week against the Chiefs. Alfred Morris is ranked seventh despite two back-to-back poor performances. This week he faces a Titans defense that is giving up 18.3 fantasy points to opposing backs and has allowed six rushing touchdowns to running backs this season. Andre Ellington has done well for fantasy owners in the last couple of weeks, especially those in PPR leagues. In the month of October, he has 10 catches for 138 yards, 99 rushing yards, and one touchdown. This week he faces the Raiders defense which gives up 21 fantasy points to opposing backs.

Just outside the top 10 you'll see Ben Tate, Lamar Miller, and Justin Forsett. Tate has a great matchup against the Jaguars. They have allowed seven total touchdowns this season and are allowing 20.5 fantasy points per game. Tate has rushed for 202 yards and two touchdowns in his last two games since returning from injury. Miller will be the Dolphins workhorse moving forward as they lose Knowshon Moreno for the season with an ACL injury. Miller is has played well this season. He's scored three touchdowns in the last two games. Miller will face the Bears who have surrendered five total touchdowns to running backs this season. They are also allowing 103.7 rushing yards per game. Forsett has been one of those backs that came off the waivers and has helped many fantasy owners. In PPR formats, Forsett has scored in double digits in every game this season. This week he faces the worst pass defense in the NFL, the Falcons. They have allowed the most rushing touchdowns this season (11) and are allowing opposing backs 27.5 fantasy points per game.

Some of last week's first time starters such as Storm Johnson and Ronnie Hillman are right outside the top 20. Johnson could get the start again if Toby Gerhart can't play. Last week, Johnson's carries were limited, according to reports. If they give him another shot, it's possible that he can see a larger role. Keep an eye on the situation in the backfield of the Jaguars before making a decision. If Johnson doesn't get that start, his value obviously drops. Heading into Week 6, it was a bit unclear on how exactly the Broncos were going to handle the running back situation. All doubts have been cleared and Hillman is clearly the back that they will lean on during Montee Ball's absence. Hillman has another tough matchup this week against the Niners. However, he did find success against a stingy Jets defense last week. He rushed for 100 yards on 24 carries. A backfield to watch this week belongs to the Patriots. With Stevan Ridley done for the season, the Patriots are expected to roll with Brandon Bolden, but James White is also someone who fantasy owners should keep an eye on. Neither back is in the top 30 this week.