Week 8 of the NFL season has arrived! Injuries have thrown a wrench into multiple backfields around the league, so it’s time to take a deep dive into the position.
Let’s break down my Week 8 start ’em, sit ’em fantasy football running back picks.
Start ‘Em: Javonte Williams (Broncos) vs. Panthers
To be completely honest, I didn’t think Javonte Williams had the type of performance he put on against New Orleans in him. We hadn’t seen this Javonte Williams since his rookie year. The explosiveness, the agility, the strength, the receiving upside. It was all on display for the 24-year-old back en route to a 26.1 PPR point performance against the Saints.
With Bo Nix under center, Sean Payton will continue to rely heavily on his rushing game to move the sticks. This week, Williams draws an incredibly favorable matchup against Carolina, who allow the most fantasy points to opposing running backs per game. I expect him to keep the positive momentum rolling.
Sit ‘Em: Tony Pollard (Titans) at Lions
Pollard put together an impressive start to the season, but wasn’t able to maintain his recent production against the Bills. While Buffalo was a favorable matchup for the veteran back on paper, he managed just 8.5 PPR points. failing to get anything going on the ground or through the air.
It won’t get any easier for Pollard this week, as he takes on a Lions defense that allows the fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs per game. Even with Aidan Hutchinson no longer on the line for Detroit, I expect game script to hinder Pollard from seeing consistent touches or production.
Check out my full Week 8 start/sit article with picks at each position here!
Start ‘Em: Najee Harris (Steelers) vs. Giants
Doubling up on Steelers may not sound like the smartest idea, but it’s impossible to ignore Harris’ recent performances.
Known for getting stronger as the season progresses, Najee has kickstarted that typical bump in production a bit earlier this year. After failing to find the end zone in his first five outings, Harris has done so in back-to-back contests. With Justin Fields no longer under center he should continue to see a bump in carries, as demonstrated by his 21 attempts against the Jets.
I expect Najee to keep the momentum rolling this week against a Giants defense that allows over 138 rushing yards per game.
Sit ‘Em: Alexander Mattison (Raiders) vs. Chiefs
I just wrote up Patrick Mahomes as a sit, but do not be mistaken… that absolutely doesn’t mean you should start players who are taking on the Chiefs.
That applies especially to running backs, as Kansas City allows the fewest fantasy points to them in the league. Mattison has put together consecutive strong showings, one without Zamir White and one with him in the equation.
That doesn’t matter this week. Game script will almost certainly hinder Mattison from seeing any type of consistent touches. His recent performances have been promising, but this matchup is too tough to trust him.
Those are my start ’em, sit ’em Week 8 fantasy football running back picks! Stay tuned for more fantasy advice next week.
All views expressed are my own. I am an employee of DraftKings and am ineligible to play in public DFS or DKSB contests.
