Week 8 of the NFL season is just around the corner! Using matchup information, sportsbook data, and player and statistical analysis, I’ve constructed my top 24 running backs for this week. Along with my top 24 RB fantasy football rankings, I’ll give you my must-start running back for Week 8 of the fantasy football season. Let’s get right into it. 

Week 8 – Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings (PPR)

Tier 1

1. Christian McCaffrey vs. CIN

Tier 2

2. Austin Ekeler vs. CHI

3. Travis Etienne @ PIT

4. Tony Pollard vs. LAR

5. Bijan Robinson @ TEN

6. Kenneth Walker vs. CLE

Tier 3

7. Alvin Kamara @ IND

8. Raheem Mostert vs. NE

9. Saquon Barkley vs. NYJ

10. Breece Hall @ NYG

11. D’Andre Swift @ WAS

12. Isiah Pacheco @ DEN

Tier 4

13. Jonathan Taylor vs. NO

14. Derrick Henry vs. ATL

15. Rhamondre Stevenson @ MIA

16. Joe Mixon @ SF

17. Josh Jacobs vs. TB

18. Jahmyr Gibbs vs. LV

Tier 5

19. Rachaad White @ BUF

20. Darrell Henderson @ DAL

21. Zack Moss vs. NO

22. Alexander Mattison @ GB

23. Aaron Jones vs. MIN

24. Gus Edwards @ ARI

Fantasy Football – Start Of The Week

Darrell Henderson @ DAL

The rule for my start of the week is to go beyond the obvious and pick a running back outside the top 24 FantasyPros consensus rankings. With that, going up against the Dallas Cowboys, Darrell Henderson is my start of the week.

Three things in life are certain. Death, Taxes, and Henderson taking over the Rams backfield. Somehow, he always does it. Whether it’s getting Sean McVay to hate Cam Akers or just being lucky with a Kyren Williams injury, Henderson is always there.

Now, Henderson isn’t a great talent, but the volume is there. Many thought the rookie Zach Evans would have a chance to take over this backfield, but he was a healthy scratch in week seven. This makes this Rams backfield somewhat fantasy-relevant now that it’s a two vs. three-man committee.

Even though Royce Freeman was the more efficient back with 5.5 YPC vs. Henderson with 3.4, Freeman isn’t some great talent where this efficiency will continue. That said, Henderson had 18 carries versus Freeman at 12, and I expect this usage trend to continue going forward. 

You don’t love the matchup against the Cowboys, as the Rams should be trailing this game, but Henderson also had the most third-down snaps. On top of that, the Cowboys have given up the 12th most points to running backs this year with 23.33 PPG. Henderson won’t win you your week, but he should be a low-end RB2 in Week 8. 

Trending Now

Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em

Weekly Fantasy Football Rankings

2024 NFL Draft

Fantasy Football Team Names