RBs to start in Week 8:
Christian McCaffrey (vs. Buccaneers): has seemingly found his role in the Carolina Panthers offense. The rookie running back started off slow totaling 19.9 points in the first two weeks but since then has averaged 15.7 points per week.
McCaffrey doesn’t get a ton of carries but he’s a main target in the Panthers’ passing game. Week 8 McCaffrey faces a Buccaneers defense that is allowing the 10th most points to RBs.
Jay Ajayi (vs. Ravens): It’s been a tough go for owners this season. Ajayi hasn’t lacked touches but his production is not what it was last year. Ajayi has amassed 23+ carries in four out of the six games he’s played in but has yet to reach the end zone.
I think he gets in for one this week, however, as he faces a Baltimore Ravens defense that is giving up the most yards to RBs and allows the 8th most points to them as well.
Under the Radar RBs:
Joe Mixon (vs. Colts): continues to be the main back out of the Bengals’ backfield. Mixon is a talented RB, and he’s the most versatile of the three Bengals players at the position. I think Mixon has his best week this week as he faces a poor Colts defense that allows the 2nd most points to RBs.
Wendell Smallwood (vs. 49ers): isn’t the main back for the Philadelphia Eagles but he should see plenty of action this Sunday. Smallwood is the backup RB for the Eagles and he could see more touches this week if Philadelphia jumps on the San Francisco 49ers fast, which is more than possible.
The Niners also allow the most points to RBs so he’s worth a play at flex especially in deeper leagues.
RBs to sit in Week 8:
Duke Johnson (vs. Vikings): has been a bright spot on an inconsistent Browns offense. Johnson has yet to have a week where he has more than seven carries but he’s also had 3+ receptions in six out of the seven games he’s played in. Johnson relies on getting catches and I think he’ll struggle doing so against the Vikings who allow the least amount of points to RBs.
Doug Martin (vs. Panthers): has been solid since returning from suspension. He’s stepped in as the starter like usual and has gotten the majority of touches for the Buccaneers RBs. This week I don’t like his matchup in a game where I think both teams can air it out on each other, and the Panthers allow the 7th least amount of points to RBs.
