What to do with Mike Davis in Week 8 fantasy football

Game day update: The Panthers did not activate Christian McCaffrey off IR by 4 p.m. ET, per Ian Rapoport, so he will not play in Week 8.

Mike Davis’ stint as the Carolina Panthers’ RB1 will soon come to an end. The Panthers designated Christian McCaffrey for return, which means he is eligible to return anytime in the next 21 days. However, while the coaching staff has maintained optimism, it appears unlikely McCaffrey will return for this Thursday night game against the Falcons. However, a Week 9 comeback seems very possible. So, with the backfield to himself for one final game until further notice, Davis will do battle against an Atlanta defense that he carved up for almost 30 DraftKings points back in Week 5.

Fantasy Football analysis: Panthers RB Mike Davis

Davis has been one of fantasy’s best waiver-wire adds. Despite not getting his first start until Week 3, Davis is among the top 20 in RB scoring this year. And he has topped 22 fantasy points in three of his five starts. Now, he has been slowed recently, racking up a total of 21 points over the past two weeks against the Bears and Saints. But those are two of the 10 toughest defenses for opposing backs this year. The Falcons, conversely, have been a little easier to navigate, especially for pass-catching RBs. Atlanta has allowed 51 receptions to running backs this year; only Davis’ Panthers have allowed more (56). Davis took full advantage of this soft spot in Week 5 against the Falcons and recorded a 9-60-1 line as a receiver.

Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation

Davis should be able to shrug off his recent run of so-so play and get back to being the dependable, productive player that he was through Weeks 3-5. Expect a big bounce-back performance here.