Fantasy Football Waiver Wire 2014: Top 10 Week 7 pickups

Ronnie Hillman-RB-Denver Broncos (5.1%)

Last week’s #1 pickup slips to number two because of McKinnon’s emergence even though Hillman makes a better pickup in the short term since he’s the clear top back in Denver until Montee Ball returns.  With Ball’s injury being more serious than originally thought and Hillman’s strong performance, it’s possible that Hillman will keep a share in the backfield even when Ball does come back.  Because of Ball’s eventual return, Hillman doesn’t have quite the upside for the rest of the season which is why he drops behind McKinnon on this week’s list, but he’s actually a better pickup if you only need a player for the next week or two.

Hillman had a huge game against the Jets in New York on Sunday running for an even 100 yards and adding three catches for 16 more yards.  He didn’t find his way into the end zone, but was effective and involved in the attack while dominating snaps and touches.  He played like a back that wants to be part of the rotation even after Ball returns, and there wasn’t a trace of his earlier fumble issues.

Unfortunately for Hillman owners, he’s in another tough matchup this week as the Broncos take on San Francisco, but he’s still a low-end RB2 or flex play since the Broncos offense is so prolific. If McKinnon’s gone or you need a more short-term solution, go for Hillman while he’s the feature back in Denver.