NFL Running Back Rankings: Week 7 Fantasy Football

October 16, 2014

Zach Wilkens analyzes fantasy football running back rankings for Week 7 of the NFL season in both PPR and standard leagues. Check his RB ranks and rankings analysis before setting your Week 7 lineups.

RotoBaller brings you our Week 7 fantasy football running back rankings by authors Zach Wilkens (@LopsidedTrades) and Ryan Rufe (@RyanRufe), along with running back rankings analysis by Zach Wilkens. For even more Week 7 rankings and analysis, be sure to check out our positional rankings for all other positions.

Editor's Note: In case you missed it, Zach Wilkens and Ryan Rufe nailed their rankings last week. They were both ranked in the top 10 overall accuracy scores on FantasyPros for last week's fantasy football rankings, going up against some of the biggest and baddest fantasy gurus in the industry. Zach came in at 4th overall (out of 133 experts), and Ryan cam in at 7th overall. Congrats guys, let's show them some love!

Week 7 Running Back Rankings Analysis

I loved what I saw from Jamaal Charles in his last two games. If Andy Reid will just let him get to 20 touches (which should be mandatory if they want to win), he'll put up a fantastic game. He's fresh off the bye and averaging 5.2 YPC over his last two games (33 attempts).

It's obvious, but I love Ben Tate's matchup. The Browns will look to run a ton even if it's not a blowout. As a result, I actually think Isaiah Crowell is startable in some instances, as well. Alfred Morris should bounce back in a big way. He's arguably past his two toughest opponents of the season. He will rarely wow with a huge game, but he has an excellent floor going forward; start him with confidence.

Justin Forsett and Branden Oliver should continue to deliver strong performances here. Forsett has locked down the starting role. Oliver is still in trouble when Ryan Mathews returns, but another huge game and they'll have to find ways to keep him involved. The Panthers have been dreadful against the run this year, but they were actually very good last week. Giovanni Bernard's 89-yard run was more yardage than Bernard and Jeremy Hill's 25 other carries combined (70 yards). It's safe to say you won't find Eddie Lacy with an 80+ yard run.

Ronnie Hillman looked good last week, and there's no reason he won't continue in the role of lead back this week. I felt the 49ers showed some vulnerability against the run last week, especially considering the fact that Austin Davis wasn't doing anything to help his backs. Joique Bell has been disappointing this year, but I think that changes this week with a top-20 performance. Even if Reggie Bush returns, I like Joique better for Week 7. I'm high on Antone Smith at RB30, but he's still far from a guarantee-- I just have to believe he has earned more carries. I continue to be amazed, but I still believe he'll fade back into obscurity unless they increase his weekly touches.

Good luck in Week 7 RotoBallers!

Week 7 Running Back Fantasy Football Rankings