Week 7 Fantasy Football Sleepers: Ryan Torain and RBs Sure to Break out

Week 7 is nearly upon us, and fantasy football owners everywhere are scrambling to add undiscovered gems to their rosters before it's too late.

Running back play is always critical to mid- and late-season fantasy success, and it's often the underrated backs who make the biggest difference between a close loss and a narrow victory.

Here are three sleeper running backs who are poised to break out this weekend: 

Ryan Torain (Washington Redskins)

The Washington Redskins running back has struggled mightily this season, including last week when he ran for just 22 yards on 10 attempts against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Despite his horrid Week 6 effort, Torain is still averaging 5.4 yards per carry for the season thanks to an incredible rushing display against the St. Louis Rams in Week 4. In that game, he surpassed 130 yards on the ground and averaged over seven yards per carry.

In Week 7, Torain will get a shot at running the ball against the NFL's 31st-ranked rushing defense.

The Carolina Panthers allow more than 140 rushing yards to their opponents on average in 2011. With John Beck making his first start of the season on Sunday, look for Torain to carry most of the offensive load. 

Rashard Mendenhall (Pittsburgh Steelers)

The Pittsburgh Steelers back is finally healthy, and will no doubt be ready to roll against the Arizona Cardinals' 20th-ranked rushing defense in Week 7.

Mendenhall ran over and around the Jacksonville Jaguars defense last week, racking up 146 yards and a touchdown in the process.

Mendenhall also ripped off a 68-yard run against the Jags, proving he has his legs back and that he is more than capable of reeling off a big play for your fantasy squad. 

Mark Ingram (New Orleans Saints)

The rookie running back will line up opposite the league's 30th-ranked rushing defense on Sunday in the Superdome.

The winless Colts have a pass rush, yes, but they have been gashed all season long by running backs of any and every stature.

Ingram is a powerful runner, who will wear down Indy's defense by the second half. If a Saints win is guaranteed, then a huge day from the Heisman winner is a lock.

Ingram has a touchdown in each of New Orleans' past two games and he could easily find the end zone a few times this weekend.

Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter @_Pat_Clarke