Fantasy scoring among running backs was relatively tight in week 6, with eight players scoring within eight points of each other.

Pittsburgh’s James Conner was the man to beat, though, for week 6. However, much like Conner’s career so far, he battled injuries in week 6, so he’s tough to trust on a consistent basis. Here’s the best bets for the start ’em, sit ’em for week 7 fantasy football running backs.

Start

Joe Mixon vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Usually, this would be bad start. Mixon has struggled behind a banged-up offensive line and the Jaguars are usually one of the best defenses in the NFL.

However, this year has been different the Jaguars. Jacksonville is giving up 5.2 yards per rush, the second-worst mark in the NFL. And we’re only two weeks removed from Mixon putting up more than 100 total yards.

Mixon hasn’t been as productive as many anticipated, but he should be in the low RB1 mix based on the opponent.

Tevin Coleman vs. Washington Redskins

San Francisco’s running game is producing solid numbers on a regular basis.

Since returning from injury, Coleman has benefited from an offensive scheme that is dominating the opposition. Coleman has a touchdown in each of the last two games, and most importantly, he’s earning plenty of carries in a shared environment.

Regardless of the backfield timeshare, Coleman is getting enough carries to justify being started in this contest.

Matt Breida vs. Washington Redskins

Normally, I wouldn’t start two running backs on the same team.

But the 49ers are much different than most teams. They’re able to support both backs, especially since the running backs are seeing virtually equal playing time with regularly solid results. Neither Coleman nor Breida are going to dominate the carries, but there’s enough to go around for these players, especially against a bad Washington rush defense.

The Redskins are a bottom-five defense in allowing fantasy points to running backs and give up 4.6 yards per rush, a bottom-10 number in the NFL. Both players are worth a start as an RB2 possibility.

Adrian Peterson reverted back to his old self in week 1. Flickr/Keith Allison

Sit

Adrian Peterson vs. San Francisco 49ers

We’ll stay in the Redskins vs. 49ers game.

Peterson turned back the clock in week 6, with more than 100 yards rushing against Miami. The only problem is that happened against Miami, the worst defense in the NFL.

One week’s performance isn’t going to change the evidence already shown by Peterson this season. He doesn’t have the burst and he doesn’t have the offensive line needed to make much of an impact on the ground.

The 49ers are a top-five defense in limiting the rush from the opposition, so don’t take the bait with Peterson.

Miles Sanders vs. Dallas Cowboys

By the end of this season, Sanders may be a viable fantasy football asset.

For now, though, I’m selling his stock in week 7.

Sanders was a pleasant surprise in week 6, with 86 yards receiving out of the backfield against Minnesota. That followed up a nice performance in week 5. However, his usage hasn’t been enough to warrant a start in fantasy football leagues.

He’s producing, but the touches just aren’t there. He managed just six touches in week 6, so I’m doubting he’ll get many more opportunities against Dallas in week 7.

Frank Gore vs. Miami Dolphins

Gore is an interesting play in week 7.

One one hand, he’s had a bye to rest. On the other, that week off may have allowed Devin Singletary to come back on the scene.

The latter makes me more nervous, so I’m sitting Gore, even with a tasty matchup. As I mentioned earlier, even the aging Peterson was able to eclipse 100 yards against the Dolphins this season. That should mean the Bills will have room to run, so that opens up some opportunities.

However, there’s just too many question marks in the backfield for the Bills, so I’m steering clear of this situation in week 7.

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