Week 7 Fantasy Football Projections: 5 Running Backs Poised for Massive Games

Last week was a huge week for running backs. Who said this one won't be any different?

The last week alone, we saw eight backs tally at least 100 yards, and of those eight players, six of them found the end zone.

There are some pretty favorable matchups this week for running backs, and after looking at them, I've come up with my five best running back plays.

All of these guys are regular starters, and you'll be happy if you have them. From there, just ride them to a Week 7 victory.

Rashard Mendenhall, Pittsburgh

Just a short week ago I was on record saying that Mendenhall was a player that you shouldn't start against Jacksonville.

Boy was I wrong.

Mendenhall gashed the Jaguars 146 yards and a touchdown last week, and the Jags had a top 10 defense.

This week, he draws the Arizona Cardinals, who are no stranger to giving up the big game on the ground.

They give up an average of 118.8 yards per game, but most importantly, they've allowed opponents to punch it in for eight scores.

Give me 120 yards and another touchdown for Mendenhall as he proves he's here to stay for the rest of the season.

Ryan Mathews, San Diego

Ryan Mathews is somehow avoiding the "sophomore slump" that we see so many NFL running backs suffer from.

On the season, he's averaging 4.9 yards per carry and has scored three touchdowns.

The Jets, his Week 7 opponent, have not looked all that great against the run this year.

They've allowed eight touchdowns on the ground and are allowing over 130 yards per game. Those are not the normal credentials of a Rex Ryan defense.

The Jets defense is going to prepare for Philip Rivers first, which is normal, but watch Mathews. He's had an extra week to prepare and get 100 percent healthy, so that's a plus, too.

I'd expect 115 yards and for him to find the end zone against the Jets defense.

Daniel Thomas, Miami

Everything is working in Daniel Thomas' favor this week.

He's a bruising back that has been very efficient when healthy. Well, he's healthy.

He's playing the Broncos defense, who has been weak against the run, giving up 123.4 yards per game.

The Dolphins are playing at home, where Thomas has notched his only 100-yard game of his rookie season.

Finally, the team is 0-5. One would think that Tony Sparano is coaching for his job, as meek as Dolphins ownership has been. With a winnable game in Week 7, I expect the game plan to be diluted to running the hell out of the ball.

Sparano can't get ahead of himself. Matt Moore isn't winning you games—Daniel Thomas and Co. will.

With the split-back system, Thomas won't bust out for 150 yards unless he busts out a few long runs, but that's just not his style.

He's more of a 108-yard, one touchdown back this week.

Darren McFadden, Oakland

If you've just emerged from living under a rock for the last week, you probably haven't heard that there's a new quarterback in OakTown.

Darren McFadden anchors the ground game for the league's elite running system and has been in early talks to MVP awards. Having Carson Palmer in town and starting only helps this week.

The Chiefs defense has shown life over the past two games, but don't let that fool you completely—they're still not all that good.

If Palmer starts—which he is expected to—McFadden is going to get a heavy load on the ground.

Facing a defense that is surrendering 119 yards per game and has let in six touchdowns, I expect McFadden to have the start of the week.

Look for 125-plus yards and two scores from Run-DMC this weekend.

Ray Rice, Baltimore

With the Jacksonville defense getting gashed against Rashard Mendenhall this past week, adding Ray Rice here was easy.

Rice is a PPR monster. It's as simple as that.

Even if you don't play in such a league, Rice is still a top-five back. This week against Jacksonville, his production will be no different.

Rice and the Ravens are playing on Monday night, where he has thrived in recent years. He's averaging an astronomical 140 yards per game—look for him to surpass that.

I love Ray Rice and I have him starting in two of my leagues.

Please, Ray, give me 160 total yards and two touchdowns this week.