Should You Start Gus Edwards or AJ Dillon in Fantasy Football Week 7?

We are getting to the point in the fantasy football season where managers know what their team’s strengths and weaknesses are.

Playoff races are starting to open up a little bit, and choosing the right player could be the difference in getting that big win or not. The running back position has been a wild one this year, as injuries and unexpected performances have dominated the headline.

Gus Edwards has had to fill in for J.K. Dobbins, while AJ Dillon has had to play as Aaron Jones has gotten hurt. Which backup turned starter fantasy managers play this week?

Looking to make a trade in your fantasy league? Having trouble deciding who to start and who to sit? Setting DFS lineups? Check out PFN’s Free Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer, Start/Sit Optimizer, and DFS Lineup Optimizer to help you make the right decision!

AJ Dillon’s Fantasy Outlook This Week

Dillon is coming off his best game of the season two weeks ago against the Las Vegas Raiders, as he rushed for 76 yards and one touchdown in the loss. Dillon is a physical and very strong running back but doesn’t possess the game-breaking speed to score on any given play.

Another area he doesn’t perform well in is the passing game. Through five games this season, Dillon has three catches. All three of those were in the first two contests. However, he could be in line for a big game this week because the Packers are playing the Denver Broncos.

The Broncos enter Week 7 with the worst rush defense in the league, allowing 172.3 yards per game. The next worst is the New York Giants, who allow 147.5. The Broncos are coming off one of their best defensive performances against the Kansas City Chiefs last Thursday, as they held the Chiefs to 96 yards on 27 carries.

Gus Edwards’ Fantasy Outlook This Week

Edwards has been the No. 1 running back since Dobbins was injured, but he does also split carries with Justice Hill. Quarterback Lamar Jackson is always going to be involved as well in the rushing game, but Edwards is the guy who gets the most carries.

MORE: Fantasy News Tracker

Like Dillon, he isn’t involved a lot in the passing game, as he has only three catches for 13 yards on the season. While Dillon has a very favorable matchup, the same can’t be said for Edwards.

The Ravens are hosting the Detroit Lions this week, who boast the NFL’s best rushing defense. The Lions allow only 64.7 yards, just ahead of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Which of the RBs Should You Start?

Matchups are a big part of fantasy football, and between these two running backs, Dillon has by far the better matchup.

The Broncos are giving up nearly triple the amount of rushing yards the Lions are, so Dillon should be in store for a big game. The Broncos and Packers game has the makings of a low-scoring, smash-mouth contest. Look for Dillon to get at least 20 carries in the game, as well as score a touchdown.

The Lions’ rush defense makes it difficult to see Edwards having a huge game. In fact, the Ravens backup running back, Hill, is probably the better play against the Lions because of his ability in the passing game.