10 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Targets Heading Into Week 7

James Starks, RB, Green Bay Packers

ESPN Ownership: 22.3%
Yahoo! Ownership: 16%

Eddie Lacy is still the Packers' lead back, but James Starks just made an argument this Sunday against the Chargers that he should be considered option 1B to Lacy's 1A when it comes to Green Bay's ground attack.

Possibly still hampered by an ankle injury suffered in Week 2 of this season, Lacy managed just three yards on four carries against San Diego's 25th ranked run defense as measured by our NEP metrics.

In contrast to this, Starks rotated in with Lacy and had quite an efficient night. On the strength of his 0.57 Rushing NEP per attempt against the league's 25th ranked rushing defense according to our advanced metrics, Starks crossed the century mark on the ground for the first time this season -- collecting 112 rushing yards and a touchdown on just 10 carries -- and also added a 5-yard reception for another touchdown.

Perhaps even more important than these stats, it was Starks, and not Lacy, that the coaching staff entrusted with late game touches as they tried to hang onto a fourth quarter lead against San Diego.

While Starks may not overtake Lacy for the primary tailback job in Green Bay, with his stellar performance this Sunday, he may have carved out a big enough role to make him more than just a handcuff to Lacy. And should Lacy suffer another injury or setback, Starks has shown he has what it takes to be a high-end RB2 on the Packers' highly productive offense.