Running backs are the strongest position in fantasy right now. The elite running backs do not seem to be losing any steam, but the position is not invincible. In Week 6 we saw rookie standout Leonard Fournette tweaked his ankle and learned Ezekiel Elliott’s suspension can come at any moment. Proving that you need to have your next rusher ready to go at a moments notice.
Fantasy football, Week 7: Best players available at running back in waivers, free agency
These running backs are on the rise in a backed field of talent at the position and still available in most leagues.
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If you need to make a last minute change in your backfield, there is still talent out there that will have you competing starting Sunday. There are waiver dives out there that should be added across all leagues this week that will help in the short and long-term future. Looking at the good streamers in Week 7 and beyond, here are the best available players at running back on the wire.
Alex Collins, Baltimore Ravens (33 percent)
The Ravens have been reluctant to commit to Collins as the full time back, but averaging almost 6.5 yards per carry, Collins is emerging as the top back in Baltimore. Week 6, Collins out-touched Javorius Allen 15 to 13 and he had his second straight game with at least 12 carries. Collins has some handicaps, he has not caught a pass or scored a touchdown yet this season. Still, Collins has a lot of potential once he really takes over as the workhorse in Baltimore. Owners will appreciate when Collins catches fire down the road.
Orleans Darkwa, New York Giants (63 percent)
Darkwa had a career-high performance against the best rushing defense in the league Sunday. He carried the ball 21 times for 117 yards and added one catch for 13 yards in the win over the Denver Broncos. The Giants relied heavily on the run Sunday with most of the passing options out with injuries. The week prior Darkwa also impressed with eight carries for 69 yards and a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers. Darkwa should be able to keep this momentum going against the Seattle Seahawks. This may be the last week he sits on waivers in at least 30 percent of the Yahoo! Sports leagues.
Darren McFadden, Dallas Cowboys (49 percent)
Ezekiel Elliott is a game-time decision week-to-week with his the courts reversing course in suspension drama all the time. It is safe to say that Elliott will eventually miss a game related to all this drama and when that time comes having Darren McFadden sitting on your bench will come in handy. The Cowboys will likely start McFadden over Alfred Morris when Elliott is out. The Cowboys have some favorable matchups down the road that any rusher can exploit. Available in most leagues McFadden is an insurance policy worth picking up and stashing this week.
