NFL RB rankings are getting a serious shake-up after Week 7, and fantasy managers can’t ignore the backfield chaos. Returning starters, shifting snap shares and breakout rookies have changed who deserves a roster spot. Our fantasy RB rankings Week 7 update focuses on the backups who can save your lineup right now, based on both flex value and long-term upside.
Why Backup Backs Matter This Week
Health questions around Breece Hall, Kyle Monangai and Christian McCaffrey are pushing depth backs into the spotlight. If you want the best running backs available on waivers, start here. Compare this list with our Week 6 RB rankings to see who has climbed.
Top 10 Running Backs in the Latest NFL RB Rankings
1. Braelon Allen, Jets (87% rostered): Allen ran for 104 yards on 17 carries in Hall’s absence. He has averaged 5.0 yards per carry across four games, and he’s a solid RB2 or flex against the Raiders.
2. Jonah Coleman/RJ Harvey, Broncos: Coleman led the backfield with 30 snaps and averaged 6.0 yards per carry. Harvey added a 52-yard receiving touchdown and is the PPR alternative.
3. Kyle Monangai, Bears: He has missed three games with thumb and toe injuries but isn’t on injured reserve, which hints at a quick return. He offers more explosiveness than D’Andre Swift.
4. Blake Corum, Rams: Corum had a 47% snap share, averaged 5.5 yards per carry and scored a touchdown. Matchups against the Chargers, Commanders and Cardinals make him a flex option.
5. Woody Marks, Texans: Marks gained 66 yards on 19 carries, but his 3.5 yards per carry keeps him in uninspiring flex territory. He’s a safe floor, not a ceiling play.
6. Aaron Jones Sr., Vikings: Jordan Mason’s return cut into Jones’ workload, and Jones also left with a knee injury. He’s now a weak flex.
7. Bam Knight, Cardinals: Knight averaged 6.9 yards on seven carries and has 6.4 yards per carry this season, compared with 3.7 for Jeremiyah Love.
8. Mike Washington Jr., Raiders: The rookie averages 4.9 yards per carry and has outperformed Ashton Jeanty, whose season average is 3.1.
9. Tyjae Spears, Titans: Spears has no value today. But Tony Pollard’s big game (25-129-3) and the Nov. 10 trade deadline make him a smart stash.
10. Kaelon Black, 49ers: Black scored and averaged 5.3 yards on 12 carries. He becomes a flex play if McCaffrey’s hamstring issue lingers past the bye.
Best of the Rest and Stash Candidates
Deeper in the NFL RB rankings, Samaje Perine, Rico Dowdle, Dameon Pierce, Brian Robinson Jr. and Keaton Mitchell are worth monitoring. Injured stashes include Zach Charbonnet and Jonathon Brooks. Pair these names with our fantasy football waiver wire targets to build depth before the trade deadline hits.
How to Use These NFL RB Rankings in Your Lineup
Treat these NFL RB rankings as a guide to immediate flex value and rest-of-season upside. Check the Week 7 predictions to find favorable matchups, and prioritize waiver claims for backs with growing snap shares. Efficiency matters too: players like Knight and Washington are outproducing the starters ahead of them.
FAQs
Who is the top backup in the NFL RB rankings?
Braelon Allen of the Jets leads the list. He has averaged 89 rushing yards per game in Hall’s absence and will likely keep a role after Hall returns.
Is Jonah Coleman worth adding?
Yes. He led Denver’s backfield in snaps and is the only back in that trio likely to reach 15 touches per game soon.
Which stash has the most trade-deadline upside?
Tyjae Spears. If the 1-6 Titans trade Pollard before Nov. 10, Spears could become a starter.
How often are NFL RB rankings updated?
Weekly, after injury reports, snap counts and depth charts are updated.