William Powell: Cardinals RB Will Begin Magical Fantasy Run in Week 7

After watching a plethora of starting running backs go down early in the season, the Arizona Cardinals have been forced to exhaust every resource to get a viable starter.

That’s where William Powell comes in.

With the starting role his to lose, Powell has gone from a fantasy afterthought to one of the biggest waiver-wire pickups of the year. If the young back can get hot right now, Powell could be the ultimate midseason pickup.

If you have the opportunity to snag the running back at a low price or off the waiver wire, take the chance and watch as it turns into one of the fantasy steals of the year.

No Competition

After fantasy season-ending injuries to Beanie Wells and Ryan Williams, the Arizona Cardinals began hunting for a new starter for their desolate backfield.

While the team gave the job to fourth-year back LaRod Stephens-Howling, the finesse runner could only manage 23 yards on 23 carries in his first four games; that won’t get it done at any level.

Powell waited patiently for his chance to shine, but when he was given his opportunity, he didn’t let it go to waste. With 70 yards rushing on just 13 carries against the Buffalo Bills in Week 6, the young back should take the majority of the snaps moving forward.

As bad as the offensive line is for Arizona, the threat of the passing attack with a star like Larry Fitzgerald forces defenses to play honest. That will open the gaps for Powell to become a fantasy star.

Add in the fact that he will be the goal line running back, and Powell could be the midseason waiver-wire pickup that wins your fantasy league.

What to Expect in Week 7

As solid as Powell looked in his first start, it was against a Bills team that hasn’t been impressive against the run. The Cardinals play the Minnesota Vikings in Week 7; a team that boasts the 10th-best rush defense in the league.

Powell’s first test as a starter will be his toughest.

While Arizona will likely lose the game, the Cardinals' elite defense will keep the score close enough to let Powell run the ball consistently and make a fantasy start worth it.

Each of the next two weeks will be tough—Vikings in Week 7 and the 49ers in Week 8—but Powell will use these lessons to become one of the best fantasy pickups of 2012.

Week 7 Stat Line: 22 carries 117 yards and a touchdown

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