Running backs are lighting up the scoreboard in fantasy football this season. Through six weeks, running backs are the second highest scoring fantasy position behind quarterbacks. David Johnson, LeSean McCoy and rookie Ezekiel Elliott lead the pack, but there are a few unknown backs on the rise and well-known rushers dropping fast.
Fantasy football trade advice, Week 7: Buy-low, sell-high running back trade candidates
Which running backs have the best and worst trade values heading into Week 7 of the 2016 NFL season?
Here are backs worth picking up as they get hot and the rushers owners should be looking to deal in Week 7.
Buy Low
Jacquizz Rodgers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Rodgers transitioned well from third-string rusher to starter in Week 6. In that debut, Rodgers rushed for over 100 yards and added five catches on six targets for 28 yards. He never emerged as a quality option in Atlanta, but he might finally be taking advantage of the opportunity.
With Doug Martin still sidelined and Charles Sims now out indefinitely, Rodgers is going to be the workhorse out of the Tampa Bay backfield for a while. He is a great waiver or trade pick-up that has a few upside matches over the next four games.
Current standard fantasy average: 5.3 points
Yahoo! fantasy ownership: 23 percent
Next four games: at SF, OAK, ATL, CHI
Bilal Powell, New York Jets
The tides are shifting in the Jets backfield. Powell is starting to out-produce starter Matt Forte, and the Jets are relying on their six-year back a little bit more every week.
Forte is not going to be in danger of losing his starting position right now, making Powell’s risk high. However, Powell has been able to produce 275 total yards on just 44 touches in his limited role. Until Forte turns it around, Powell is a good look, especially during bye weeks.
Current standard fantasy average: 4.3 points
Yahoo! fantasy ownership: 37 percent
Next four games: BAL , at CLE, at MIA, LA
Sell High
Isaiah Crowell, Cleveland Browns
Prior to Week 5, Crowell was the second leading rusher in the NFL. The last two games he has only rushed for a combined 38 yards on 22 carries. He did not even gain one yard the first half of Cleveland’s Week 6 loss to Tennessee.
Crowell will face much tougher defenses over the next four weeks. Before his lump gets any worse, owners can deal the third-year RB and get back a high-yielding wide receiver or tight end.
Current standard fantasy average: 11.6 points
Yahoo! fantasy ownership: 90 percent
Next four games: at CIN, NYJ, DAL, at BAL
Arian Foster, Miami Dolphins
Foster is aging and ailing. The eight-year back is dealing with a hamstring pull and has only been available for three games so far in 2016. He has only managed to gain 124 yards rushing and receiving so far this season.
With Foster’s backup Jay Ajayi heating up, Foster owners should look to deal him before he loses his starting role and any more fantasy stock.
Current standard fantasy average: 4.1 points
Yahoo! fantasy ownership: 74 percent
Next four games: BUF , BYE, NYJ, at SD
