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Branden Oliver Fantasy Football Week 7 Projection

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By @chrisbreezy91

Branden Oliver, Chargers

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After bursting onto the scene in Week 5, San Diego Chargers running back Branden Oliver was the hottest waiver-wire target heading into Week 6. Owners who were fortunate enough to be atop the waiver order enjoyed his duplicated success.

Now, heading into Week 7, it’s time to be realistic. When a player comes out of nowhere, they oftentimes have great success in a “beginner’s luck” kind of way. But as Allen Hurns, and those who were quick to pick him up learned, that kind of success isn’t sustainable.

I’m not suggesting that the rookie running back will completely fall off, because as the only running back left in San Diego, chances are he’s going to get his touches. With how this offense is playing, there’s also a good chance Oliver will stay Fantasy Football-relevant for the remainder of the season. But those who are trusting him to average 153 yards and 1.5 touchdowns a week need to lower their expectations.

Week 7 brings Oliver a matchup against a Kansas City Chiefs team which has been generous to running backs in terms of yards, but stingy with scores. The Chiefs are allowing 111 rushing yards per game to opposing backs, but they haven’t allowed them one touchdown all year, on the ground or through the air.

While Oliver may still move the ball effectively and produce enough to warrant a decent flex-play, in standard leagues, don’t continue to rely on him to be a fantasy starter at the position, especially against the Chiefs. In a PPR format, it’s still okay to deploy the 5-foot-7 running back as a starter because of the threat he provides catching passes out of the backfield in a pass-heavy offense.

Look for Oliver to rack up close to 120 all-purpose yards, but don’t expect him to find the end zone.

Chris Lehman is a New Orleans Saints Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ChrisBreezy91, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google

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