Fantasy Football Week 7: Top 5 running backs you must start

Week 7 is upon us, so here’s this week’s edition of top 5 running backs to start in fantasy football.

Last week’s edition of top five running backs to start nailed it. Four of the five players on that list finished as top 5 scorers in ESPN PPR standard scoring leagues.

For the first time, the number one player on the list actually finished as the number one scorer at their position. Saquon Barkley was that player, finishing with 37.9 fantasy points.

Todd Gurley came in second on last week’s list, and he ended up being the second-highest scoring running back with 36.5 points. Kareem Hunt came in fourth with 29.5 points and James Conner rounded out the top five with 28.9.

Joe Mixon finished one spot outside of the top 10, as he had an 18.4 performance in Week 7. Let’s see if this week’s edition does as well as Week 6 as here are the top five running backs you must start in fantasy football.

5. Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Mixon finds himself in the number five spot, as was the case on last week’s top five running backs to start. He may climb up the ranks soon if he continues to develop into a featured back.

Mixon has been an underrated value pick in fantasy leagues. While he has yet to run for over 100 yards in a game, he has become a dynamic player.

Pass catching is what separates the decent running backs and the must have backs, and Mixon’s activity through the air is making him a must start week in and week out. This week he and his Bengals play the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Chiefs have allowed six rushing touchdowns to opposing running backs, which means Mixon is a strong play. He may be in for a multi-touchdown day.

Next: 4. Melvin Gordon

4. Melvin Gordon, Los Angeles Chargers

Doesn’t it seem like the Los Angeles Chargers always fail under lofty expectations? Well, they may be for real now.

After a subpar start to the new campaign, the Chargers have won three in a row. A huge part of that success is Chargers’ running back Melvin Gordon.

Gordon has jumped into the top three RB conversation, as he has become a touchdown machine. He is coming off a 132-rushing yard, three touchdown day.

Gordon’s versatility is right up there with the likes of Gurley and Barkley. The Chargers play the Tennessee Titans in Week 7.

Next: 3. Ezekiel Elliott

3. Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys throttled the Jacksonville Jaguars at home in Week 6. Yes, the Cowboys blew out the Jags 40-7.

Dak Prescott had a better game, but it is clear that the team’s offense goes as Ezekiel Elliott goes. He ran for 100+ yards for the third time this season.

Elliott’s 18.7-point day was his second highest fantasy score of the year, but he will look to crack the 20 point mark in Week 7 against the Washington Redskins. Surprisingly, the Redskins lead the NFC East with a record of 3-2.

The Cowboys are behind the Redskins in the division, so this week’s game marks a huge game for both teams. Elliott will play a large role in whether the Cowboys win or not.

Next: 2. Todd Gurley

2. Todd Gurley, Los Angeles Rams

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There is one undefeated team left in the NFL this season, and that’s the Los Angeles Rams. They pushed their record to 6-0 with a 23-20 win over the Seattle Seahawks.

Todd Gurley led the charge for the Rams during the win, as he had a career day. He ran for 208 yards and two scores.

Gurley and his Rams travel to San Francisco to play the 49ers in Week 7. The Niners have held their own without Jimmy Garoppolo and they have been a solid team when it comes to stopping the run.

But, that’s the best part about Gurley. He doesn’t need to rush for a lot of yards in order to be effective. He is one of the best pass-catching backs in the NFL.

Next: 1. Saquon Barkley

1. Saquon Barkley, New York Giants

There has been only one bright spot for the New York Giants this season: Saquon Barkley. The Giants landed the most NFL ready player from 2018 NFL Draft.

Barkley has gone for 20+ fantasy points in every single game this season. Yes, you read that correctly.

The most compelling part about Barkley’s start? He’s only run for 100+ yards twice. Not only has he been the best Giants running back, but you could also make the argument he’s been the best Giants wide receiver.

Week 6’s loss against the Philadelphia Eagles was Barkley’s best game of his young career. He ran for 130 yards and one score, as well as nine catches and 99 receiving yards. He will be a handful for the Atlanta Falcons this week.