Fantasy Managers Breathe: Zach Charbonnet and Jordan Mason Targeting Week 7 Returns
RB help could be on the way in Week 7. Seattle’s Zach Charbonnet and Minnesota’s Jordan Mason have realistic chances to return to action next week. - Jeremy Fowler
If your fantasy team or betting slip has been relying on third-string running backs who were bagging groceries a month ago, salvation might actually be on the schedule. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler is reporting that 's and Minnesota's Jordan Mason both have realistic chances to return to the field for Week 7.
Getting actual, productive running backs returning to the lineup in mid-October is basically the NFL equivalent of finding a crumpled hundred-dollar bill in your winter coat. The running back survival rate right now is hovering somewhere around a coin flip, so any injection of talent is a massive market shift.
For , the timing could not be better. The are coming off a brutal 32-29 shootout loss to San Francisco and have to turn around and head to . Having back in the mix gives them a physical downhill presence they desperately need to keep the offense balanced and keep the defense off the field.
Meanwhile, Minnesota is riding high after handling New Orleans 23-13. Dropping Mason back into a winning formula just makes the Vikings that much more dangerous. You do not want to be the defense trying to tackle a fresh set of legs when the rest of the league is already dealing with mid-season fatigue.
From a market perspective, this completely scrambles the rushing prop math for both teams. The backup running backs who have been soaking up volume are about to see their touches evaporate, which means anyone blindly betting the over on those guys is walking into a trap.
The next step is watching the practice reports. A realistic chance in NFL speak usually means we need to see them log at least one full session by Thursday. If they are out there running without a red non-contact jersey, it is officially time to adjust your Week 7 expectations.