Week 7 presents unique opportunities in fantasy football as injury situations and schedule shifts create mismatches between player perception and actual value. Smart managers can capitalize on recent performance swings that have either inflated or deflated certain players’ trade values heading into the second quarter of the season. The key is identifying which players are benefiting from temporary circumstances versus those facing upcoming challenges that the fantasy community hasn’t fully recognized yet.
Here are the running backs you should be targeting to buy low or looking to sell high before their situations change.
Trade Targets to Buy: Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals got to try out their new starting quarterback against the Green Bay Packers in Week 6. Joe Flacco performed well, throwing for 219 yards and two scores in the 27-18 defeat.
However, things didn’t improve for Chase Brown, who recorded his third-fewest fantasy points of the season. Brown only carried the ball nine times for 42 yards and was targeted just twice, with teammate Samaje Perine handling a late two-minute drill.
However, heading into Sunday’s games, the Packers had allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points per game to running backs this season. In fact, four of Brown’s six opponents so far were top-11 defenses against running backs in fantasy, heading into Sunday.
Looking forward, eight of the Bengals’ remaining 10 games (until Week 17) are against teams that were bottom-12 in that category. It didn’t work out at the first attempt, but Flacco’s arrival is great news for the Bengals in fantasy, and Brown’s schedule is about to lighten up.
Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard has become a forgotten man in fantasy, with Rico Dowdle putting up huge numbers in his absence. Hubbard has missed two games with a calf problem, and there is no guarantee he’ll be back for Week 7.
Typically, a returning starter would spell the end for his backup’s perceived fantasy value, but Dowdle’s eye-catching numbers have cast doubt over Hubbard’s future. Current owners would have been happy to hold onto Hubbard after his impressive start to the season, but they will now be worried about the value of their injured star.
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While Dowdle has earned himself more work than he had previously, Hubbard remains a valuable part of the Panthers’ offense. The Panthers signed Hubbard to a new deal last season, and he will return to a 1A-1B situation at worst when healthy.
One disappointing performance from Dowdle would see Hubbard’s value shoot back up, so it’s worth capitalizing on the panic if possible this week.
Trade Targets to Sell: Rico Dowdle, Carolina Panthers
Rico Dowdle has exploded in fantasy since Chuba Hubbard’s injury, and many now view him as the lead back in Carolina. Dowdle was impressive down the stretch last year with the Cowboys, adding weight to his recent strong performances.
In the last two weeks, Dowdle has rushed for 389 yards and a touchdown, with 84 yards and another touchdown through the air. While many would have been skeptical after one week, back-to-back performances should make Dowdle a valuable trade piece ahead of Week 7.
Rico Dowdle has more rushing yards in the last two weeks (389) than these RBs have the entire season:
– Saquon Barkley
– Bijan Robinson
– Jahmyr Gibbs
– Christian McCaffrey
– Chase Brown pic.twitter.com/FLv4VcjGH7— Underdog (@Underdog) October 13, 2025
However, while Dowdle has maintained impressive efficiency, he has feasted on a massive opportunity with Hubbard sidelined. For context, Christian McCaffrey has had 56 combined targets and rush attempts in the last two weeks, while Dowdle has had 62.
That immense usage won’t continue when Hubbard returns, while Dowdle won’t get two easier games than Miami and Dallas moving forward. The Dolphins and Cowboys are among the leakiest defenses in the NFL; another reason to move Dowdle while you can.
Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Similar to Dowdle, Rachaad White has enjoyed extended opportunities in the absence of his team’s starting running back. White has taken on the lead role for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and performed well, with three touchdowns in the past two weeks.
The Buccaneers have suffered several injuries to their wide receiver corps, and a hamstring injury to rookie Emeka Egbuka threatens to make matters worse. If Egbuka were to join Chris Godwin and Mike Evans on the sidelines, White would be in line for a significant pass-catching role in Week 7.
However, each week that passes brings them closer to Irving’s return, making it a tough decision for managers. There is always a market for running backs in fantasy, and White would be a sensible trade piece in the long term, even if his Week 7 outlook is tempting.
