Fantasy Football (NFL) 2008: Week 7 Sleepers and Keepers Running Backs (RBs)

Week 6 running back stories included Marion Barber going nuts on the Arizona defense as a receiver. Clinton Portis making everyone wish they selected him with their first round draft pick. All Day Peterson running for some serious yardage but losing the ball not once but twice. The week also saw Thomas Jones showing up with some touchdown power and Maurice Jones-Drew having a spectacular game.

Heading into Week 7 there are some pretty notable byes coming up. Michael Turner and the Brian Westbrook/Correll Buckhalter show are both out this week. The good news is that Westbrook needed this bye for his broken ribs and will hopefully be back in the action by week 8.

So without further delay here are the week 7 starters that will most likely win you your head to head match.

1)
Chris Johnson - Fresh off a bye week and heading to Kansas City I would have to guess that even splitting carries with LenDale White Johnson will have a monster game. The yardage should favor Johnson and I would guess a two touchdown performance.

2)
Steve Slaton - Coming off an emotional victory that Slaton didn't do great in I would look for a strong comeback game against a miserable Detroit defense that let Peterson run wild on them (albeit not score). Along with some decent yardage I would expect a few receptions from a reinvigorated Matt Schaub.

3)
Marion Barber - Wow the Barbarian exploded against Arizona in an OT loss. The funny thing was that Barber had 11 receptions for 128 yards and a score but only 45 yards rushing. Now Barber heads to St. Louis and the overall defense is still questionable despite a stunning win over the Washington Redskins. Keep in mind Clinton Portis ran wild against the Rams, now imagine a Dallas team that will be looking for a lopsided victory to set things straight. If aren't lucky enough to own Barber I would seriously consider trading a top receiver or QB package for him. He will win your league for you.

4)
Ryan Grant - People all across fantasy football universe are pissed because they spent a number one pick on Ryan Grant and have little to show for it. You can lump these guys in with the Tom Brady and Randy Moss draft day fiascos. However I think Grant will do good in week 7 against Indy. I expect a shootout in the first half and both teams to jump into a running game during the second half which also means...

5)
Joseph Addai - Will have a good game. I know he got hurt and was out but I expect Addai to be in the lineup against the Pack. I think this will be a low yardage game but I see Addai getting two maybe three touchdowns in this match mixed in with a few receptions. Altogether this should be a very rewarding week for the Addai owners out there.

6)
Steven Jackson - I just read Matthew Berry stating Jackson is about a 100 yards better this year than last year as far as his pace goes heading into week 7. I think the main difference between the two years is Marc Bulger getting harassed almost every down and the passing game is in the tubes. Combine that with a leaky Dallas defense and Jackson should have a decent game in a loss against the boys.

7)
Warrick Dunn - Dunn is clearly the man in Tampa as they head into week 7 against the mighty Seattle Seahawks. There's not much to say about the Seattle season this year except that maybe they will get a good draft spot in the off season. Tampa's defense is unforgiving and once the Bucs get ahead they will pound the ball on the ground until the end of regulation.

8)
Kevin Smith - Smith is upset at being in a toss-up over the number one spot. The Lions don't have much to look forward to so I think the rookie will shine against a so-so (read porous) Houston defense. Now don't get me wrong the Lions won't win but I think this game will be close and Smith will get a few goal line carries while Rudi Johnson sits on the sideline.

9)
Ronnie Brown - Crazy as it sounds I'm putting Brown in this column because I know he's going to get a touchdown. The only thing I don't know is how he will get the touchdown (passing, receiving, running). And on top of that he should get a decent amount of yards against a shaken Baltimore defense (they are not as tough as their image is).

10)
DeAngelo Williams - Quite last week but I think you will see a decent game from Williams. Bree's can't keep throwing like this can he? Williams will get a few goal line carries and get the bulk of the workload as he attempts to slow down the game. I guess you can call this my dark horse pick...

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