With Christian McCaffrey hampered due to an injury, there were some new names at the top of the running back hierarchy last week, as journeyman running back D’Onta Foreman led all running backs with 30.4 points, while Ravens running back Gus Edwards was second with 20.4 points despite being with a timeshare. Here are some names to watch this week.
Fantasy football, Week 8: Best RB Matchups
Kenneth Walker vs. Cleveland Browns
Don’t get me wrong; the Browns defense is talented and maybe the best unit in the league, but Walker still holds value this week. Colts running backs rushed for 132 yards and added 50 in the passing game last week against the Browns, so there should be some room for Walker to make an impact on both the ground and in the passing game.
Christian McCaffrey vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Is McCaffrey not 100%? Yes. Is he still worth playing in fantasy this week? Also yes. The Bengals have allowed five yards per carry this season (the fourth-worst mark in the NFL) and McCaffrey’s scored in 16 straight regular season games. McCaffrey at 75% of his powers is better than most running backs at 100%.
Travis Etienne Jr. vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
This isn’t the Steel Curtain of old. Etienne is beginning to look like the main weapon in the Jaguars offense and is going against a defense that allows 4.7 yards per carry and the 10th-most rushing yards (854). Etienne’s been worth the third most PPR fantasy points this year among running backs and should be set for another big game against Pittsburgh.