We are now five weeks into the 2022 fantasy football season and starting to get a better idea of what these teams are. Fantasy decisions will only get more difficult from here on out, so let’s take a look at our RB start/sit Week 7 plays. Before you set your lineups, be sure to check out our complete Week 7 fantasy football rankings.
Week 7 Fantasy Football RB Start ’ems
Tony Pollard, Dallas Cowboys (vs. DET)
I could put Ezekiel Elliott here, too, but I’m assuming he’s still an auto-start for most fantasy managers. Tony Pollard, on the other hand, has been wildly inconsistent this season. Figuring out when to start him has been a weekly nightmare. This week is shaping up to be a Pollard smash week.
The Dallas Cowboys get the Detroit Lions in Dallas with likely a returning Dak Prescott. That, alone, will provide the offense with a much-needed boost. Don’t have Pollard on your roster or want another share of the Cowboys running back? Check out Underdog Fantasy, where you can draft year-round and unlock a $100 bonus if you’re a new user.
The Lions have been awful against the run; they’ve allowed 10 rushing touchdowns on the season and a ridiculous 5.5 yards per carry. The 28.8 PPR fantasy points per game they allow to running backs trails only the Houston Texans for most in the league.
While Prescott’s return is welcome, I imagine head coach Mike McCarthy would prefer to ease his quarterback back into action, if possible. Heavily relying on the ground game, and perhaps short passes as well, would serve to help protect Prescott.
This game feels ripe for a patented Pollard splash play, and I think he finds the end zone in this one. With bye weeks wiping out a medley of elite fantasy players, Pollard is a quality start this week.
Raheem Mostert, Miami Dolphins (vs. PIT)
Coming off a week in which he scored 5.8 fantasy points, fantasy managers might be feeling trepidation about putting Raheem Mostert in their lineups. I caution against overreacting to last week’s dud.
The Steelers are not a scary opponent. They allow the 12th-most fantasy points to running backs. This is despite having allowed just four rushing touchdowns all season.
MORE: Fantasy Football Sleepers Week 7
Most importantly, this is still Mostert’s backfield. The veteran played 64% of the offensive snaps last week, and he ran over 20 routes for the third consecutive game. Although he totaled just 48 scoreless yards, he still saw 16 opportunities. He’s now averaging 18.3 opportunities over the past three weeks.
The Dolphins are home favorites over the Steelers and are expected to get Tua Tagovailoa back, increasing this offense’s scoring potential. Start Mostert on Sunday night.
Week 7 Fantasy Football RB Sit ’ems
Brian Robinson, Washington Commanders (vs. GB)
Brian Robinson’s story has been awesome to follow. His return from getting shot before the season is nothing short of inspiring. Unfortunately, he’s not in a great situation in Washington.
Let’s start with the matchup. The Packers allow 22.8 ppg to the running back position. They’re about an average opponent — nothing to necessarily fear, but not a favorable matchup. They’re also allowing 4.9 yards per carry to opposing rushers.
Now that I’ve given you reasons to start Robinson, here’s why I think he’s a sit. Last week, Robinson played a team-high 47% of the snaps. He carried the ball 17 times for 60 yards and a touchdown. Through two games, Robinson is averaging just 3.2 ypc and has yet to see a target.
Following last week’s game, head coach Ron Rivera said they need to get Antonio Gibson more touches, so we could very well see Robinson’s carries reduced this week. He lacks pass-catching upside and is essentially in a three-man timeshare.
Robinson will need to score to return fantasy value. I just don’t think that’s a good bet to make with the Commanders being underdogs against an angry Green Bay Packers team while starting a backup quarterback in Taylor Heinicke. Fade BRob in Week 7.
Denver Broncos Running Backs (vs. NYJ)
Just one week after signing Latavius Murray away from the Saints’ practice squad, the Broncos thrust him into their starting role. Well, technically, Melvin Gordon started. But he carried the ball just three times before getting benched.
Why was he benched? No reason was given, and Gordon was visibly frustrated on the sidelines and quite vocal about it after the game.
Murray played 47% of the snaps. Mike Boone played 36%. Gordon played just 16%. It’s easy to assume this backfield will be Murray and Boone going forward. It very well might be, but we just don’t know right now. Would it really be a shock if Gordon played about 50% of the snaps this week?
MORE: Week 7 PPR Fantasy Football Rankings
Simply put, we have no idea how this backfield is going to shake out going forward. Some fantasy managers may be inclined to chase Murray. Others may want to go back to the well with Gordon.
Bye weeks and injuries may force some managers’ hands, but for those of you with options, avoid this entire backfield against the Jets.