"What the hell is going on out here?" I have never felt more like Vince Lombardi at the time of this famous quote than I do this week. Eddie Lacy isn't the guy? Joseph Randle has fumbled his way out of the lead role? C.J. Anderson continues to stink and Devonta Freeman is the best running back in the league? Again, what the hell is going on out here?

Each week, this article will aim to highlight running backs that you should consider targeting on your league's waiver wire. I've split these players up into three tiers from most desirable to most desperate.

Additionally, I've included players at the bottom of this list that I would be comfortable cutting as I don't see them contributing in a major way this season.

 

Cream of the Crop Running Backs for Week 7 Waiver Wire

These are running backs that I would add no matter what if they are available on your waiver wire. These players have a chance to be starters and weekly contributors to their NFL teams:

James Starks (RB, GB) - 20% owned on Fleaflicker

Can't say I saw this one coming. While Starks was certainly an ownable commodity as a pure handcuff to Eddie Lacy, I never saw Starks as a threat to steal playing time from Lacy without a major injury. However, here we are on the Monday after week 6 and Starks just went off for 117 total yards and 2 touchdowns. That's strange enough on it's own, but then Packers head coach Mike McCarthy came out on Monday and said that he will ride the hot hand between his two running backs, suggesting that Starks' uptick in touches and production was more than just a one week thing. I'm not only picking up Starks, but I am selling Lacy if I can get anything near full value for him.

Christine Michael (RB, DAL) - 34% owned on Fleaflicker

I think Michael could end up being the pickup of the week. We haven't seen him in much game action, but he's a physical freak, running his 40 yard dash in the 4.5 range and registering a 43 inch vertical jump. Many fantasy owners ran to the waiver wire to add Michael after he was traded to Dallas from Seattle, but most of those owners have since dropped him. Now, coming off of a bye, reports out of Dallas are that Michael is handling the majority of first team reps. This on the back of Joseph Randle frustrating coaches with a fumbling issue. Anyone is going to be dangerous behind this offensive line, but a physical stud like Michael has the potential to put up special numbers.

Honorable Mentions: Ahmad Bradshaw (RB, IND) - 16% owned

 

Wait and See Running Backs for Week 7 Waiver Wire

These are running backs highly available on the waiver wire who you should consider stashing if you have room:

Theo Riddick (RB, DET) - 25% owned on Fleaflicker

Theo Riddick has quietly been a quality bye week fill in option so far this year. He's averaging a usable 7.2 fantasy points per game and he gets most of those points through the air game where he is a solid pass catcher and elusive in the open field. He has 278 receiving yards which is third in the league amongst running backs trailing only Danny Woodhead and Devonta Freeman. With teammates Joique Bell (inactive and ineffective), Ameer Abdullah (fumble issues), and Zach Zenner (injured), all having issues, Riddick could be the lead back when all is said and done.

Honorable Mentions: Antonio Andrews (RB, TEN) - 27% owned

 

Hail Mary Running Backs for Week 7 Waiver Wire

These are desperation plays who shouldn't be starting for you. The injury bug, bye week troubles, or something else needs to be affecting your team to add these players:

Zac Stacy/Bilal Powell (RB, NYJ) - 9% and 23% owned on Fleaflicker

I mention both Jets backups here because I think they both have some "hail mary" value in different situations. Stacy got 13 touches in a week 6 blowout win over the Redskins and I believe solidified himself as the clear early down back if Chris Ivory were to go down. Powell, on the other hand, has some week 7 value as the pass catching back because I expect the Jets to be down to the Patriots and needing to throw for a majority of the game.

Honorable Mentions: Branden Oliver (RB, SD) - 8% owned, Chris Thompson (RB, WAS) - 13% owned, Denard Robinson (RB, JAC) - 33% owned

 

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