Eddie Lacy's Fantasy Trade Value, Updated Outlook Heading into Week 7

Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy hasn't emulated the fantasy splash he made as last season's NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Heading into Week 7, Lacy is an uncertain commodity, but he's still an RB2 who has the upside to develop into an elite option in the second half of the 2014 season. Fantasy owners who have been disappointed in Lacy should ultimately remain patient.

The limited overall production makes Lacy a difficult trade asset to shop. Only the most persuasive owners can sell prospective trade partners on how Lacy's fantasy forecast will look up before the year is over.

The Packers' offensive line has often done Lacy few favors, as Ben Rogers of CBS Dallas points out:

"

Eddie Lacy is a constant source of fantasy frustration for me. When I watch GB play, seems like he doesn't have anywhere to run. #WhatGives

— Ben Rogers (@BenRogers) October 12, 2014"

But those seeking to rid themselves of the talented, bruising back can start by pitching Lacy's Week 7 matchup.

As Bleacher Report fantasy expert Anita Marks alludes to in the video below, the Carolina Panthers are traveling to Lambeau Field and yield the second-most points to running backs:

On the other hand, running backs are precious players in most fantasy leagues, perhaps more than any other spot. As injury-prone and unstable as the position tends to be, lineups are constantly changing, as owners scramble to find the next hot ball-carrier.

Sticking with someone who's proven himself in his maiden season in Lacy is a sound strategy in that context—especially with the favorable opponent in Carolina approaching this Sunday.

If Lacy puts up big numbers against the Panthers, confidence will grow in his abilities. Owners will also feel better about the lackluster blocking issue fixing itself, and Lacy's stock will soar as a result.

Then the Packers travel to New Orleans to face a Saints team that enters this week ranked 28th in scoring defense. Being on the road at the Superdome, even with a prolific passer in Aaron Rodgers under center, Green Bay ought to prioritize feeding Lacy to take the raucous indoor crowd out of the game early.

John Konstantaras/Getty Images

Following that showdown, the Packers have a bye. The idle week affords Green Bay extra time to fix any issues up front, to get healthy and to allow the dynamic, 230-pound Lacy to recharge and run angrily moving forward.

A two-game homestand looms against Chicago and Philadelphia thereafter before a road trip to Minnesota. The NFC North rival Minnesota Vikings are the only team Lacy has cracked the 100-yard mark against this season.

In that Week 5 Thursday game, huge holes opened up for Lacy, and he showed what he could do by accruing 105 yards and two touchdowns on just 13 carries.

"I thought he was a beast in the open field," said Packers head coach Mike McCarthy after the game, per Fox Sports Wisconsin's Paul Imig. "We blocked well, and Eddie ran very well."

Cian Fahey of Rotoworld observed how similar lanes weren't present in the Packers' tight win in Miami in Week 6, where Lacy had a mere 40 yards on 14 carries:

"

First drive for Eddie Lacy, his offensive line is giving him nothing. Dolphins DL overwhelming them.

— Cian O'Fathaigh (@Cianaf) October 13, 2014"

Lacy is a player who has some unique fantasy flexibility at the moment. He is very much a boom-or-bust fantasy option, and it is difficult to determine what to do with him. That's also the beauty of the situation.

Bear in mind, though, that Lacy was in a timeshare situation during his college career at Alabama.

Thus, the 24-year-old star has fresher legs than most NFL feature backs, and the 2014 numbers—306 yards rushing, three TDs; 10 receptions for 76 yards—are more attributable to mediocre blocking and a resultant reliance on the short, timing-based passing game.

Here's what yours truly would do if he were fortunate enough to own Lacy: hold onto him for the next two weeks, put him on the trading block during his bye and reevaluate the situation from there. I would only pull the trigger on a king's ransom offer, and I would strongly consider keeping him if he plays well in the next two games.

For those experiencing what owners may soon dub a "Lacy Letdown," hopefully this offers an optimistic outlook amid the dilemma Lacy has created amid a potential sophomore slump.