4 Must-Start Running Backs for Fantasy Football Week 8
Looking for the top running backs to start in Week 8 of your fantasy football season? We’ve identified 4 must-start options who are primed for big performances. Whether it’s a favorable matchup or a hot streak, these running backs will give your lineup the edge it needs to dominate this week. Don’t miss out on these key players for your Week 8 fantasy football victory.
4 Must-Start Running Backs for Fantasy Football Week 8
Each week there are running backs that outperform expectations and are difference makers for your fantasy football team. Choosing the correct players at this volatile position on a weekly basis is a necessary skill on the path to a fantasy football championship. These must-start running backs highlighted below have a combination of positive matchups and game script, opportunity for touches, and the skill to help you win your Week 8 matchup. Continue reading to check out my 4 must-start running backs for the week.
J.K. Dobbins, RB, Los Angeles Chargers
In spite of a disappointing performance against the Arizona Cardinals last week, J.K. Dobbins looks set up to have a big bounce-back performance in Week 8. Dobbins has handled 77.3% of the team’s running back touches since Week 3, fifth among all running backs during that span. Assuming he keeps that heavy workload, the veteran back is set up for success. This week, he faces a Saints defense that is bottom five in rushing yards per attempt, rushing yards allowed per game, and fantasy points allowed to running backs.
Furthermore, the Chargers are heavy favorites at home. This should lead to an excellent game script for the Ohio State product this week. Dobbins is a low-end RB1/high-end RB2 for me this week depending on the format. More importantly, he is someone I’m getting into my fantasy football lineup anywhere I have him.
Javonte Williams, RB, Denver Broncos
Javonte Williams is fresh off his best game of the season, a two-touchdown performance against the New Orleans Saints. The North Carolina native now takes on the team from his home state, the Carolina Panthers. Additionally, the Panthers have been awful this season against the run. Notably, they rank dead last in total fantasy points allowed to running backs according to our Consistency Score.
With backfield competition Audric Estime fumbling multiple times on limited touches, I like Williams to continue to lead the backfield in touches this week. The young back has dominated targets and goal line work, 78% of running back carries inside the 10, which provides the most value for fantasy purposes. Overall, Williams is a top-15 RB for me this week. He is a must-start running back in this matchup where his team is heavily favored.
Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB, New York Giants
New York Giants rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. has been the team’s most efficient and explosive running back on the ground this season. The Giants seem to have taken notice as Tracy led the backfield in rushing attempts and targets in last week’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. This week Tracy and the Giants head on the road to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers. While the matchup doesn’t look great on paper and has a low over/under, the Steelers have been middle of the pack against running backs. Additionally, the Giants have been significantly better on the road this year as they’re 2-1 on the road and 0-4 at home.
All in all, I don’t think the Giants will have an offensive explosion against a good defense. However, if quarterback Daniel Jones and the team can continue to play competent football on the road, this could be a good spot for Tracy. The rookie should see enough volume and is explosive enough to beat his current consensus ranking of RB33, per FantasyPros. Ultimately, I like Tracy to finish as a low-end RB2 this week and may be available for cheap in your leagues.
Sean Tucker, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
A name to watch in deeper formats is Sean Tucker of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The young running back has led the Buccaneers in yards per carry each of the past two weeks and now takes on the Atlanta Falcons. So far, the Falcons have been a good unit against RBs this season in fantasy points allowed per game. However, they are a bottom 12 unit when schedule-adjusted per our D-PAC Metric.
This week, fellow running back Bucky Irving missed practice Thursday with a toe injury and is not expected to play. Additionally, wide receivers Chris Godwin and Mike Evans are both out. With that, here’s a chance for Tucker to see an increased workload in an offense desperate for playmakers.
All in all, the Syracuse product is a top-40 RB for me this week. However, would move up into the top 30 at the position should Irving miss this one. Overall, Tucker is someone to pick up now as a stash and is potentially on the waiver wire. He would be a must-start running back in deeper formats should Irving miss this game.
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