Week 7 of the fantasy football season represents many leagues half way points. Many teams are seeing exactly where you are standing and you already know if you have a solid shot at the playoffs or if you are preparing for next year. No matter which one you are, you definitely should not give up and continue to learn. For those hoping to hold on though, there are four teams on bye-week this week, the Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Jacksonville Jaguars and Philadelphia Eagles, all of which have 2 solid running backs that are out. That is a total of 8 of the normal top 50. But don't panic! You can rest assured knowing that the Bruno Boys are here 24/7/365 for your hardcore fantasy football needs!
With that being said let’s hope for a remarkable Week 7 for yourself, as well as the rest of Bruno Boys Nation. To make that happen, read through the Bruno Boys Fantasy Football Week 7 Running Back Rankings.
Key Abbreviations: YPC (Yards Per Carry), YPG (Yards Per Game)
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1. Marion Barber (Dallas Cowboys) @ St. Louis
Can this match up get any better? Marion Barber is averaging well over 100 combined yards and 1 TD a game in 2008 and the people that will be trying to contain him this week is none other than the St. Louis Rams who have allowed 4.9 YPC, 169 rushing YPG and have given up 9 rushing TD's. Oh ya, did we mention that Felix Jones is not playing this week?
Point Projection: 25 points
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2. Clinton Portis (Washington Redskins) vs. Cleveland **QUESTIONABLE**
Clinton Portis is back people! Yes, he was rated a RB1 once again this year, but a low-ender. Now, we are through six weeks and Portis is one of the top fantasy options moving forward. He has 6 TD's this year and has surpassed 120 rushing yards in each of the past three games. This week he takes on a Cleveland Browns defense that has surrendered 7 rushing TD's and 137 YPG this season. Good things are to come for Portis in Week 7.
Point Projection: 24 points
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3. Adrian Peterson (Minnesota Vikings) @ Chicago
Adrian Peterson is one of those backs who can either have an outstanding game, or a rather average game, with very few in between. He hasn't had a TD since Week 4 against Tennessee (see where we are going with this). He is just too darn streaky, yet too damn good to sit if you own him. Look for Peterson to do what he does best, go against what the people predict and dominate in Week 7 after two mediocre weeks .
Point Projection: 18 points
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4. Marshawn Lynch (Buffalo Bills) vs. San Diego
Lynch started the season off hot but has since struggled to some degree against St. Louis and Arizona. He should be able to get back on track against the San Diego Chargers, who have given up 112.2 YPG to running back position. Plus, Lynch is a just about a lock to score a short yardage touchdown each week.
Point Projection: 17 points
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5. Steven Jackson (St. Louis Rams) vs. Dallas
Nevermind the disappointment that he brought upon his owners in Week 6 against the Washington Redskins. He still put up 111 combined yards. He is once again 100% healthy, so we should continue to see solid progression from Jackson as the season moves forward. Even if the Cowboys have been a bit stingy against the rush in 2008, we still feel Jackson should total 110 yards and find pay dirt.
Point Projection: 17 points
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6. LaDainian Tomlinson (San Diego Chargers) @ Buffalo
Even though Tomlinson hasn't had a TD in the past two games, he still totaled 118 combined yards in Week 6 and touched the ball 23 total times. This trend should continue this week as they face a Buffalo Bills defense that have given up 114.2 YPG and 7 total TD's. Tomlinson could actually be a sleeper this week (did we actually call Tomlinson a sleeper) and put up a much better game than the 17 points that we are projecting for him.
Point Projection: 17 points
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7. Frank Gore (San Francisco 49ers) @ New York Giants
For the 6th straight week, Frank Gore has scored in double digits points for his fantasy football owners. Last week he went for 18 points against a stout Philadelphia Eagles defense and things won't get any easier this week as the Giants have one of the best defenses in the NFL. Still, Gore is the focal point of the 49ers offense and he should total 100 yards to go along with a touchdown in this game.
Point Projection: 16 points
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8. Chris Johnson (Tennessee Titans) @ Kansas City
Chris Johnson has been a big surprise so far in 2008, taking the cake as the best rookie running back thus far. This week he takes on the Kansas City Chiefs who allow a league worst 182.2 rushing yards per contest. It is very possible that Chris Johnson could approach 20 points if things fall his way, making him yet another must start in Week 7.
Point Projection: 16 points
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9. Brandon Jacobs (New York Giants) vs. San Francisco
Jacobs punched in another TD this past weekend to go along with 67 rushing yards. This week he takes on a San Francisco 49ers defense that has allowed 7 rushing TD's and 124.2 rushing yards per game. Even if he shares carries with Derrick Ward the match up calls for 90-100 rushing yards and a TD.
Point Projection: 16 points
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10. Dominic Rhodes (Indianapolis Colts) @ Green Bay
With Joseph Addai expected to miss two to four weeks because of a torn hamstring, Rhodes will be getting the bulk of the carries for the Colts. Against a good Ravens rush defense in Week 5, Rhodes had 73 rushing yards and a TD, so he should have no problem posting a solid yardage day against the Packers. With the Packers allowing over 5 yards per carry, you can expect 100 total yards and a TD.
Point Projection: 16 points
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11. Thomas Jones (New York Jets) @ Oakland
Thomas Jones has been fairly solid all year, but he put it all together last week against the Cincinnati Bengals punching in 3 TD's and 78 total rushing yards. He should be able to build upon that success against the Oakland Raiders and their bottom feeding defense in Week 7.
Point Projection: 15 points
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12. Steve Slaton (Houston Texans) vs. Detroit
The good, Steve Slaton is facing the Detroit Lions. The bad, Ahman Green is starting to steal some of Slaton's carries. The ugly, he put up only 6 fantasy points last week. He should be able to bounce some back some this week, but don't expect him to near his 20 point average of a few weeks ago. Plus, you can expect the Texans to throw the football in this one and Slaton (2 receptions over past two games) hasn't factored into the passing game over the past two games.
Point Projection: 14 points
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13. Ryan Grant (Green Bay Packers) vs. Indianapolis
Ryan Grant has yet to have double digit scoring in 2008, but he does have a favorable match up against the weaker Indianapolis Colts. They have given up 4.6 YPC and 5 rushing TD's this year, but will Grant be able to take advantage of this? His owners have been patient with him but if he doesn't produce this week, perhaps it's time to cut bait and move on?
Point Projection: 14 points
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14. Matt Forte (Chicago Bears) vs. Minnesota
Matt Forte has been a very pleasant surprise for fantasy football fans, having scored 5 TD's and totaled 665 yards on the season. Minnesota will be a tough challenge for him, but he should still be able to put up solid numbers and punch in a short yardage TD, making him a solid RB2 option.
Point Projection: 13 points
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15. Reggie Bush (New Orleans Saints) @ Carolina
600 yards, 5 TD's are the numbers Bush possesses to date. If only all leagues allowed kick return TD's to count towards his stats and he would be a first class stud. Since they don't, Bush is pretty solid, but for some reason we don't like his match up against a very solid rush defense in the Carolina Panthers who have given up only 2 TD's and a 3.8 YPC average. To make things worse, the Panthers have shutdown Bush in his career, holding him to just 3.2 yard per carry and 4.5 receptions per game. Still, he is good for 70-80 total yards and a TD in Week 7.
Point Projection: 13 points
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16. Earnest Graham (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) vs. Seattle
Warrick Dunn is starting to steal more and more of his carries. Graham is still putting up some solid fantasy points, but how long will that last? Hopefully at least one more week as the Seahawks defense is in shambles. Plus, we have a feeling Graham punches in yet another short yardage touchdown in this game.
Point Projection: 12 points
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17. Ronnie Brown (Miami Dolphins) vs. Baltimore
Ronnie Brown has 7 TD's on the season. Will that momentum keep rolling against the Baltimore Ravens who have given up 2.8 YPC and 1 TD on the season? Our guess is he is about to hit a bit of a wall. He may find pay dirt, but the blocking better improve if Brown is to surpass 12 points for the week.
Point Projections: 12 points
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18. Sammy Morris (New England Patriots) vs. Denver
It is looking more and more like Sammy Morris is the RB of choice in New England. Going against the Denver Broncos that should translate into a solid week as Denver has surrendered over 5 YPC and allowed 7 rushing TD's on the year. Morris has averaged 13 carries over the past two weeks and we feel he should have no problem reaching that total on Monday Night Football.
Point Projection: 12 points
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19. Kevin Smith (Detroit Lions) @ Houston
Against one of the worst rush defense in the game, Kevin Smith should be able to produce enough to grab 11 points, and possibly more as we like him as a sleeper pick this week. Keep in mind that the Texans have given up 10 rushing TD's already on the year and have allowed 4.5 YPC and 131 YPG to opponents.
Point Projection: 11 points
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20. Jamal Lewis (Cleveland Browns) @ Washington
Jamal Lewis has had 2 very solid weeks in a row and that should continue somewhat against the Washington Redskins. Look for a drop from the 16 points he had last week to 11 or so this week, but none the less, Lewis can be considered as a RB2 or Flex play in Week 7.
Point Projection: 11 points
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21. Mewelde Moore (Pittsburgh Steelers) @ Cincinnati
With Fast Willie Parker is unable to go on Sunday, you should use Moore as a RB2. Filling in for Parker in Week 5, Moore had a servicable fantasy game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and he should have no problem totaling 100 yards and perhaps finding the end zone. Especially considering the Bengals rush defense has trouble tackling and has allowed alot of big days to opposing running backs.
Point Projection: 11 points
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22. Julius Jones (Seattle Seahawks) @ Tampa Bay
The Seattle Seahawks have to score somehow, right? With Morris back in the picture and with Julius Jones going against Tampa Bay, his rushing yardage will remain down, but a TD still is a very solid possibility and call us crazy but our gut is telling us he scores the first rushing TD against Tampa Bay this year.
Point Projection: 11 points
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23. Jonathan Stewart (Carolina Panthers) vs. New Orleans
Jonathan Stewart struggled last week against Tampa Bay, which is to be expected considering the score, but at the same time he is a very solid back and should do well against the New Orleans Saints, even if their rush defense has been surprisingly stingy in 2008.
Point Projection: 10 points
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24. LenDale White (Tennessee Titans) @ Kansas City
LenDale White has not been much of a rusher this year yardage wise, but he has punched in 5 TD's. Going against the Kansas City Chiefs that should continue and he could be a sleeper back to produce even a bit more from the yardage standpoint. White is a solid play in Week 7.
Point Projection: 10 points
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25. Michael Pittman (Denver Broncos) @ New England
Michael Pittman looked like a blast from the past in Week 6, rushing the ball 20 times and catching it three others for a total of 125 combined yards. Will that happen again this week? Probably not, but he should start getting more carries than he has been and his red zone presence makes him a solid option against a struggling Patriots defense.
Point Projection:10 points
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26. Justin Fargas (Oakland Raiders) vs. New York Jets
In his first week back from injury, Justin Fargas rushed 10 times for 35 yards against the New Orleans Saints. Don't be shocked if both him and McFadden get a fair share the rest of the way, with the hotter back getting the better half of the carries from game to game. It is too close to call on who that will be this week, but both should produce similar stats none the less.
Point Projection: 8 points
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27. Darren McFadden (Oakland Raider) vs. New York Jets
Other than one very solid week where he went for 164 yards against the Kansas City Chiefs, McFadden has done nothing. That could be changing some this week as he is getting a bit healthier and he faces the New York Jets rush defense that has allowed only 2.9 YPC but has given up 7 rush TD's this season.
Point Projection: 8 points
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28. Willis McGahee (Baltimore Ravens) @ Miami **QUESTIONABLE**
Before we even get started with the Baltimore Ravens RB's, they lost a very solid OL this past week. That alone will drop all of their values. But none the less, McGahee is averaging near 8 fantasy points per game. He has a good challenge ahead of him as they face the Miami Dolphins, but he should still be able to produce what he has averaged so far. Make sure to check his injury status, as he left last weeks game with yet another injury.
Point Projection: 8 points
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29. Warrick Dunn (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) vs. Seattle
Warrick Dunn has had no less than 6 fantasy points in every single game this year. This week he is taking on a Seattle Seahawks defense that is allowing 126.2 rushing YPG and a total of 5 TD's on the year. There is plenty to go around for both, Earnest Graham and Dunn.
Point Projection: 8 points
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30. Derrick Ward (New York Giants) vs. San Francisco
Derrick Ward has gotten a very solid amount of carries each week for a backup RB and has averaged over 8 fantasy points per week. Going against the San Francisco 49ers and their less than spectacular rush defense, he should warrant serious consideration as a plug-n-play option at the RB or Flex position.
Point Projection: 7 points
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31. DeAngelo Williams (Carolina Panthers) vs. New Orleans
DeAngelo Williams came back to reality last week, once again struggling to put forward a solid game. This week they play the New Orleans Saints, a team that gives up 4.4 YPC but has only surrendered 3 TD's. Your guess is as good as ours, but we think he will be solid, but unspectacular this week.
Point Projection: 7 points
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32. Rudi Johnson (Detroit Lions) @ Houston
There is never any knowing in which way the Detroit Lions will lean with their pair of RB's. But the Lions did just trade away WR Roy Williams and put their QB Jon Kitna on IR, which leads us to believe we could see alot more from the ground game moving forward. Johnson hasn't been getting it done of late, but you can't overlook his match up against the Texans.
Point Projection: 6 points
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33. Ahman Green (Houston Texans) vs. Detroit
Ahman Green has gotten at least 8 carries in each of the last two weeks. If that happens against the Detroit Lions that will translate into some good points for a RB4 of a flex option.
Point Projection: 6 points
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34. Brandon Jackson (Green Bay Packers) vs. Indianapolis
Jackson missed Week 6 with an illness, but the Packers expect him to be healthy and ready to roll in Week 7. If the Packers played it smart. they should be running a lot this week to try and keep the Indianapolis Colts offense off of the field. If this happens, it should translate Brandon Jackson getting a solid amount of carries and as always he mains a reliable threat as a receiver out of the backfield.
Point Projection: 6 points
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35. Leon Washington (New York Jets) @ Oakland
Leon Washington hasn't done much this year, but going against the Oakland Raiders this week should change that some. Considering that they have given up 115 rushing YPG and 8 total rushing TD's, his chances are rather good.
Point Projection: 6 points
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36. Deuce McAllister (New Orleans Saints) @ Carolina
The "Deuce" has had a few very solid weeks tied in with a bunch of subpar ones and did not plays. He should be rather average this week as the Carolina Panthers rush defense has been very good so far this year.
Point Projection: 6 points
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37. Le'Ron McClain (Baltimore Ravens) @ Miami
Le'Ron McClain had a horrible game last week as the Baltimore Ravens played from behind all game. This game should be different and he has had some solid games against top rush defenses such as the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Titans. Look for a solid 6 points from McClain and if McGahee can't go his value should rise to around 8-10 fantasy points. Keep on checking back to see his ranking leading up to Sunday.
Point Projection: 6 points
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38. Selvin Young (Denver Broncos) @ New England **QUESTIONABLE**
Selvin Young has talent, but he is nothing special as he is not used enough to be considered even a RB3 most weeks. He should be able to string something together against the New England Patriots to grab him some solid points.
Point Projection: 5 points
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39. Ricky Williams (Miami Dolphins) vs. Baltimore
Ricky Williams has had a few double digit fantasy point weeks, the others he had at least 3. Going against the formidable Baltimore Ravens defense Ricky Williams should have a tough go.
Point Projection: 4 points
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40. Fred Jackson (Buffalo Bills) vs. San Diego
Fred Jackson has averaged over 6 fantasy points a week and that could continue against the San Diego Chargers who are allowing 4.4 YPC so far this year.
Point Projection: 4 points.
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41. Chris Perry (Cincinnati Bengals) vs. Pittsburgh
This is more of a hopeful guess here for Chris Perry's sake, but if he doesn't produce this week he is in major danger of either being benched or losing a lot of carries. Either way that is not good. We should see a spark under his butt. But going against a very formidable Pittsburgh Steelers rush defense this could be a stretch. Either way there has to be a RB on your bench that you can plug in instead of him.
Point Projection: 4 points
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42. Ray Rice (Baltimore Ravens) @ Miami
A large part of this ranking has to do with the health of Willis McGahee. If McGahee plays, don't expect Rice to see much action, but if he doesn't look for Rice to have another solid showing in Week 7. When McGahee went down in the third quarter of the Ravens blowout loss in Week 6, Rice totaled 87 yards on 13 touches and showed good speed and power against the Colts.
Point Projection: 4 points
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43. Maurice Morris (Seattle Seahawks) @ Tampa Bay
In his two games this year Maurice Morris has averaged 3 fantasy points. Last week he totaled six touches to go along with 27 total yards. Not great, but with his role expected to increase in Week 7 ,he should be able to produce enough for a handful of points.
Point Projection: 4 points
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44. Chester Taylor (Minnesota Vikings) @ Chicago
Chester Taylor gets enough carries and targets each week to where he always has a shot at 3-5 points. But that is about all you will get with him unless Peterson gets hurt.
Point Projection: 4 points
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45. Laurence Maroney (New England Patriots) vs. Denver **DOUBTFUL**
What a complete bust so far this year. In three games he has 28 carries but only a total 9 fantasy points. Things should get a bit better this week against the Denver Broncos, but not much. Also, check his health, as he was inactive for the Patriots Week 6 game.
Point Projection: 3 points
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46. Ahmad Bradshaw (New York Giants) vs. San Francisco
Ahmad Bradshaw has averaged over 5 points per game this season. The problem is all of those points came from just two games. If you reward for kick return yards though, his value definitely gets a nice spike in the right direction.
Point Projection: 3 points
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47. Cedric Benson (Cincinnati Bengals) vs. Pittsburgh
Cedric Benson has had 14 carries total in his first two games as a Cincinnati Bengals. If he gets his reaches his average this week against the Pittsburgh Steelers he should be able to get between 25-35 rushing yards.
Point Projection: 3 points
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48. Darren Sproles (San Diego Chargers) @ Buffalo
Darren Sproles has been rather average as far as yardage goes and he only has 1 TD on the year despite Tomlinson's health issues. Of course if your league rewards return yardage, his value gets a very solid spike up the rankings. The Buffalo Bills have given up 7 rushing TD's so you never know what he can do, even if his chances will be limited.
Point Projection: 2 points
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WEEK 7 BYE WEEK RUNNING BACKS
Edgerrin James (Arizona Cardinals) – BYE
The "Edge" Edgerrin James has had an up and down year. A few good weeks mixed in with a lot of bad weeks. If Hightower continues to improve, these players number of carries may become similar..
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Tim Hightower (Arizona Cardinals) – BYE
There is no doubt that Tim Hightower is the goal line back for the Arizona Cardinals. 5 TD's and solid yardage in limited play proves that.
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Michael Turner (Atlanta Falcons) – BYE
He has played very well in his first stint with the Atlanta Falcons. He has 6 TD's and over 600 combined yards. A definite low-end RB1.
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Jerious Norwood (Atlanta Falcons) – BYE
Jerious Norwood is who he is. He has played as a RB3 and that is what he is for the most part right now. Michael Turner's presence has been very positive.
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Maurice Jones-Drew (Jacksonville Jaguars) - BYE
Maurice Jones-Drew has not been the back that we all expected in 2008, but he still has punched in 5 TD's. Look for him to get more and more playing time as the season goes on.
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Fred Taylor (Jacksonville Jaguars) - BYE
Fred Taylor has had a very poor 2008 season so far and a lot of it has to do with his offensive line being banged up. Some has to do with age though. His value definitely is starting to dry up.
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Brian Westbrook (Philadelphia Eagles) - BYE
Brian Westbrook is a superstar RB that is very banged up and his bye-week comes at a great time! Once he comes back healthy, he returns as a RB1.
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Correll Buckhalter (Philadelphia Eagles) - BYE
Correll Buckhalter's value goes as Westbrooks game status goes. If Westbrook is out of a game, Buckhalter is a very solid play. But if Westbrook is playing, sit Buckhalter.
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WEEK 7 RANKINGS (click to view)
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
Kickers
Team Defense
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Also read: Week 7 Start 'Em & Sit 'Em (click to view)
Also read: Fantasy Football Week 6 Waiver Wire Advice (click to view)
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