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Frank Gore Fantasy Football Week 7 Projection

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By @Brandon__Raper

Frank Gore fantasy football

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If you’ve ever wanted a case study in the difference between the NFL in real life and how a player’s fantasy value turns out, you need look no further than San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore. Coming into 2014, Gore’s position on the 49ers depth chart was in doubt. However, for fantasy owners everywhere, he continues to produce at a mostly solid level. Can he help you win your game this week?

If you’re hurting a bit from starting Gore in Week 6, I understand. Against the St. Louis Rams, Gore lost a lot of valuable short-yardage and goal-to-go carries to backup Carlos Hyde, specifically on a fourth quarter possession in which the Niners fed Hyde three times from the 2-yard-line.

That Gore wasn’t even on the field is certainly a bit unsettling for his owners, as vulture touchdowns are every fantasy player’s worst nightmare. However, Gore still gets the lion’s share of touches in the San Francisco backfield (16 to Hyde’s 11 in the St. Louis game), and he doesn’t appear to be losing that position any time soon. Ranked 14th among all Fantasy rushers, he should stay in your lineup, as well.

While Gore’s spot on the team doesn’t appear to be in doubt anymore, his short-term production outlook isn’t quite as bright. Week 7 brings San Francisco to the Mile High City for a matchup with Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos. The Broncos’ offense gets all the press, but along with their prolific passing attack, they also have the league’s fourth-ranked rushing defense. The “Orange Crush” allows just 76.8 yards per game.

The Broncos have allowed five rushing touchdowns, good for tenth in the league, and no opposing back has broken the 100-yard mark. Marshawn Lynch got the closest in week three, but it took overtime for even “Beast Mode” to total 88 yards and a touchdown, the game-winner for the Seattle Seahawks. Meanwhile, Gore has struggled to find the end zone, scoring just once so far this year.

The best situation for Gore this week will be San Francisco establishing their run early. They certainly won’t be the first team to face the Broncos trying to keep Manning off the field, but as long as the game stays close, Gore will have an opportunity to produce.

In a ten-team league, it’s entirely likely that you won’t have many clearly better options than Gore for your backfield, and that’s okay, but you should definitely temper your expectations for him with a difficult matchup and a competent backup taking some touches.

Projection: 17 carries, 71 yards, 1 TD

Brandon Raper is the lead golf writer and an NFL contributor for Rant Sports. “Like” him on Facebook, follow him on Twitter @Brandon__Raper, and join him on Google+.

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