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We already gave you our week 7 running back waiver wire pickups for standard leagues. But in this space we will highlight some more NFL running backs that need to be considered on the week 7 waiver wire for deeper leagues, or running backs that are still just being overlooked in fantasy leagues. For those who play in 12-14 team leagues (or more), have deep benches, or are really hurting at running back - look no further.
Week 7 Waiver Wire - Running Backs (Deep Leagues)
Zac Stacy (RB, STL) - Waiver Wire Pickup
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Baller Move: Add in All Leagues
Analysis: Zac Stacy isn't necessarily a deep league pickup, because he should simply be owned in ALL leagues including shallow ones. How is this guy only owned in 40% of Yahoo leagues? That's just crazy. Although he hasn't really been tearing up the stat sheets, Stacy has emerged as the lead running back for the Rams and has been running well. Last week he played on 81% of the total snaps, and racked up 20 touches for the day. The former Rams #1 running back Daryl Richardson only played 5 snaps, so he's safely out of the picture. In week 6, we recommended Stacy as a pickup, and he put up a respectable 5.57 YPC for his owners. Fantasy football is often a game of opportunity, and the Rams are certainly giving Stacy the opportunities now. In a year where fantasy running backs are so thin, Stacy needs to be added immediately in all leagues and started as a FLEX/RB2 option.
Jacquizz Rodgers (RB, ATL) - Waiver Wire Pickup
Baller Move: Add in All PPR Leagues
Analysis: While Rodgers may not be the best long term solution for you at running back, he may be a solid week 7 option. Steven Jackson has been sidelined with an injury since week 2, and it looks like he still won't be ready for week 7 action even though the Falcons just had a BYE week to rest up. Quizz has been surprisingly solid for Atlanta and fantasy owners, leading to his week 5 game where he hauled in 4 catches, rushed for 43 yards, and added in 2 nice TD runs. Rodgers won't carry your team to a fantasy title, but he will continue to get rushing attempts and pass targets - which is especially useful for those in PPR leagues. With the Falcons receivers battling injuries, and Jason Snelling being rather ineffective, Matt Ryan and the Atlanta coaches will need to lean more heavily on Rodgers in week 7 if Jackson can't return. Still only owned in 47% of Yahoo leagues, Quizz should be added in deep leagues and started as a solid FLEX play in week 7.
Roy Helu, Jr. (RB, WAS) - Waiver Wire Pickup
Baller Move: Add in Deeper Leagues
Analysis: Helu is currently only owned in 18% of Yahoo leagues, which makes some sense as he's not the lead running back for the Redskins. But he is still getting some playing time behind Alfred Morris, and is taking advantage of his limited opportunities. Helu is also the third-down back for the Skins, so he is going to get passes thrown his way no matter what. In week 6, Helu hauled in 4 catches (on 6 targets) - and also added in 6 rushes for 42 yards (7.0 YPC). For those in PPR leagues, that's not too shabby. Couple that with the fact that the Redskins aren't a great team, will most likely be playing from behind often, and will need to throw the ball. Let's not forget the monster numbers Helu put up at the end of the 2011 season, when he became the featured running back (including a 14 catch performance, and three 100-yard rushing games). This guy has loads of talent, and if Alf ever went down with an injury Helu would easily accelerate to RB2/RB1 status. If Joique Bell is owned in 75% of Yahoo leagues, then Helu is severely under owned.
Brandon Bolden (RB, NE) - Waiver Wire Pickup
Baller Move: Stash in Deeper Leagues
Analysis: When looking for deep league running backs to add to your fantasy football team, it's always a good idea to scout the third-down backs, especially if you're in a PPR league. The Patriots don't have a dominant offense this year, and are looking for production from just about anyone. Enter Brandon Bolden, who has been a decent option for Tom Brady and the Pats so far in 2013. Stevan Ridley broke out in week 6 with a big game, but Bolden was still playing as the third-down running back and getting some pass targets. With Amendola possibly going down again last week, the Pats will be even shorter on skill players this week. The Jets have a stout rush defense, so Brady may be looking to get Bolden more involved than usual with dump-off passes to get him in open space. While we wouldn't expect a huge game from Bolden, he could provide solid production for fantasy owners on a good day, as evidenced by his 15 point performance in week 3 and 12.4 points in week 5 (PPR leagues). Oh, and it never hurts when Tom Brady is your quarterback.
Shane Vereen (RB, NE) - Waiver Wire Pickup
Baller Move: Stash in All Deep Leagues
Analysis: Vereen still has a cast on, as he continues his recovery from a broken wrist, but he may be back by week 12. Vereen has only played in one game this year, but it was quite a game. After a lot of pre-season hype, Vereen didn't disappoint in his 2013 debut. In case you forgot, he rushed for 101 yards on 14 carries (7.2 YPC) and caught 7 passes on 10 targets for 58 yards. In PPR leagues, that's a spectacular 22.90 points. There are no guarantees about Vereen's health, or his role in the offense once he returns, but the reports have been positive so far and we already caught a glimpse of how the Patriots were planning to utilize him this year. As mentioned above, the Patriots are looking for play makers in their new 2013 offense, and will be ecstatic to have Vereen back in the mix. Owned in only 32% of Yahoo leagues, this is the time to start thinking about stashing him. If you have the bench space to spare, add him now. He can be a difference maker down the stretch for fantasy football owners, and the worst case scenario is you end up dropping him if things don't work out. It's a very low-risk, very high-upside move.
In case you missed them, here are some other RotoBaller week 7 articles. Let's win some leagues!
- Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 7 Running Backs (RB)
- Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 7 Quarterbacks (QB)
- Waiver Wire Rankings: Who Should You Pick Up In Week 7? (featured on FantasyPros.com)
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