What are we supposed to do in fantasy football this week with Christian McCaffrey having a bye week? Should we include him in the start 'em sit 'em debate this week leave him in our lineups, just out respect for what he has done this season?
Currently, McCaffrey has 181.3 fantasy points this season, which is 44.5 points ahead of the next running back on the list. It is safe to say that the Carolina Panthers' do-it-all back will remain the leading running back in fantasy after Week 7.
Even during the bye week, McCaffrey might mess around and put up another 20-point performance. Luckily, for you, if you're one of the sad owners who have to go without McCaffrey for a week, this article can help you find other running backs to start.
All of the picks in this article are based on PPR (points per reception) scoring and can be used in season-long or DFS (daily fantasy sports) leagues. With that in mind, here are the running backs to start and the ones that should sit on your bench in Week 7.
RBs to Start in Week 7
Jaguars' Leonard Fournette (vs. Bengals): Leonard Fournette has seen his usage increase this season and has become a reliable option in fantasy football. The Jacksonville Jaguars running back now has four straight weeks of scoring over 15 fantasy points.
As good as he has been this season, he may be in for his best game of the season in Week 7 versus the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals defense has allowed 35.5 fantasy points per game to RBs this season (most in the NFL).
Seahawks' Chris Carson (vs. Ravens): There is no doubt that the Seattle Seahawks love to run the ball as often as possible. As a result, Chris Carson has one of the highest floors for running backs in fantasy football.
However, in Week 7 against the Baltimore Ravens, Carson could have a decent ceiling as well. The Ravens defense has surprisingly given up seven rushing touchdowns to RBs this season (tied for the most in the NFL).
Broncos' Phillip Lindsay (vs. Chiefs): The Denver Broncos have strung off two straight wins with Phillip Lindsay becoming the focal point of the offense. The second-year running back has a combined 40.2 fantasy points in the past two weeks. At the same time, the Kansas City Chiefs run defense has been suspect to begin the season.
Fortunately for Lindsay, he will get a chance to face Kansas City's abysmal run defense in Week 7. The Chiefs defense has allowed 818 rushing yards (most in the NFL) and a whopping 5.2 yards per attempt (second-most in the NFL) this season.
Other RBs to Start: Raiders' Josh Jacobs (vs. Packers), 49ers' Tevin Coleman (vs. Redskins), Eagles' Jordan Howard (vs. Cowboys)
RBs to Sit in Week 7
Redskins' Adrian Peterson (vs. 49ers): In Week 6, we were finally able to start Adrian Peterson in our lineups with confidence as he took on the hapless Miami Dolphins. As a result, the veteran running back for the Washington Redskins rushed for 118 yards and had 15.6 fantasy points.
It was a solid outing for Peterson on Sunday, but don't expect more of the same from him in Week 7. This week, Peterson will have trouble facing a San Francisco 49ers defense that is one of two teams in the NFL who hasn't given up a rushing touchdown to a running back this season. The other team is the New England Patriots.
Bears' David Montgomery (vs. Saints): The Chicago Bears are coming off of their bye week, and David Montgomery appears to be one of the only players on their offense that is worth rostering in fantasy this season. Montgomery seems to be getting the bulk of the carries, but he still isn't receiving a workload that you would like to see.
Sadly, without a high volume of the offense going to him, the rookie rusher has a less-than-favorable matchup this week. The New Orleans Saints defense just held Leonard Fournette to only 76 yards on 20 rushing attempts. Fournette was still able to garner 17.8 fantasy points but Montgomery doesn't see the same amount of touches as him.
Jets' Le'Veon Bell (vs. Patriots): Hear me out, Le'Veon Bell is a must-start option in fantasy football. But, placing him on this list is more so a warning to proceed with caution with him this week. Bell is the most dangerous weapon in the New York Jets offense.
However, the dual-threat running back has scored just 38.4 fantasy points in the past three weeks. To make matters worse, Bell will draw the New England Patriots historic defense in Week 7. The Patriots defense has yet to allow a touchdown to a RB, and they have only given up 320 rushing yards this season (second-lowest in the NFL).
In reality, you likely need to start Bell in your lineups this week, but if you have a viable replacement, it should be considered.
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