Three rookies make our list of running backs you must start in fantasy football for Week 7 of the NFL season, including Giants breakout star Cam Skattebo
15:12 ET, 15 Oct 2025
Giants rookie running back Cam Skattebo ran for a season-high 98 yards in Week 6
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Giants rookie running back Cam Skattebo ran for a season-high 98 yards in Week 6(Image: Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
It’s almost Week 7 of the NFL season, which means it’s decision-making time for your fantasy football lineup.
This article will cover five running backs you must have in your starting lineup in Week 7.
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We won’t cover the obvious choices, like Bijan Robinson, Christian McCaffrey, or Saquon Barkley, who should be in your starting lineup every week regardless of opponent. Rather, we touch on the backs you are on the fence about.
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This week, our list consists of three rookie sensations, a second-string back who has stepped up in the starting role, and a player who broke a franchise record in his first two games with his team.
Let’s dive in!
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Rico Dowdle (at New York Jets)
Dowdle has made the most of his opportunity filling in for the injured Chuba Hubbard (calf), accumulating 473 scrimmage yards in his last two games to break Christian McCaffrey’s franchise record.
Hubbard is back practicing this week, and Carolina head coach Dave Canales was noncommittal on each back’s role once both are healthy.
That said, you must start Dowdle, who has finished as RB1 and RB2 with 66.3 total PPR fantasy points over the last two weeks.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt (at Dallas Cowboys)
As stated in our must start quarterbacks for Week 7 article, most any player facing the Cowboys defense should be in your starting lineup.
Croskey-Merritt, aka “Bill,” has passed the eye test but has been inconsistent in fantasy, with a 27-point PPR outing sandwiched between 7.7 points in Week 4 and 5.8 in Week 6.
If the pattern holds true, Washington’s RB1 is due for a big game in Jerry’s World this weekend.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt logged 111 rush yards in the Commanders' Week 6 win
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Jacory Croskey-Merritt logged 111 rush yards in the Commanders' Week 6 win(Image: Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Cam Skattebo (at Denver Broncos)
This matchup does not bode well for Skattebo and the Giants, facing a Broncos defense that has allowed a league-low two rushing touchdowns on the year.
Still, New York’s bowling ball of a back should be in your lineup due to his breakout 3 TD showing last Thursday night against the Eagles. The former Arizona State standout has surpassed 13 PPR fantasy points in each of his last five games.
Quinshon Judkins (vs Miami Dolphins)
Judkins posted his worst fantasy performance of the year in Week 6 against the Steelers, and a Week 7 matchup against the floundering Dolphins is a perfect bounceback spot.
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The Dolphins have the worst rush defense in the NFL, allowing 168.5 ground yards and 20.9 PPR fantasy points to running backs per game, per FF Today. Expect Cleveland to lean on its rookie running back on Sunday
Rachaad White (at Detroit Lions)
Another backup-turned-starter, White stepped in for Bucky Irving (foot) in Week 5 and hasn’t looked back.
The Buccaneers RB1 has 40.7 PPR fantasy points across his two starts, and looks poised for another high-volume game and several goal line touches on Monday night in Detroit.