It has been a chaotic season for fantasy running backs, but it is time to relax and analyze the position and matchups to find must-starts and must-sits for Week 8. Below we will break down the NFL fantasy football rankings and go over the Week 8 fantasy football start ’em sit ’em running backs.
Week 8 Fantasy Football Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em: Running Backs
Must Start: Darrel Williams — Chiefs vs. Giants
Williams was a huge disappointment against the Titans, with just five carries for 20 yards and three receptions for 30. Much of the push away from Williams in the game comes from a poor game script since the Chiefs were down big for much of the game. This week’s game against the Giants should be much closer.
Must Start: Kenneth Gainwell — Eagles at Lions
With Miles Sanders out for at least a few games, Gainwell and Boston Scott will get more work. The Eagles utilize a running back by committee, but Gainwell should be the leader of the committee. Last week he had five carries for 20 yards and four receptions on eight targets for 41 yards and a touchdown. Nick Sirianni also decided to run the ball last week, which should be promising for the future. The Lions defense ranks 21st in run DVOA, so Gainwell should have a strong showing.
Must Start: Elijah Mitchell — 49ers at Bears
Even with the 49ers getting eviscerated by the Colts, Mitchell still had 18 carries for 107 yards and a touchdown. The strong commitment to the run by the 49ers is promising for Mitchell. He is the clear lead back, leading the team in snaps with 37; Kyle Juszczyk was second with 26, and JaMycal Hasty was third with 19. If this trend continues, Mitchell could be a weekly must-start.
Must Sit: Myles Gaskin — Dolphins at Bills
Starting Gaskin in fantasy football has been a rollercoaster all season long. In Week 7 against the Falcons Gaskin had 15 carries for 67 yards and a receiving touchdown. The Dolphins this week play a Bills defense ranks sixth in run DVOA. Match that with the Dolphins noncommitment to the run game and the Bills running up the score, and there will be little opportunity to establish the run.
Must Sit: Mike Davis — Falcons vs. Panthers
With Cordarrelle Patterson’s role emerging, Davis has entered the must-sit category. Patterson’s snap count began the season at 33% in Week 1, and in that same game Davis was 75%. Last week against the Dolphins Patterson was at 73% and Davis fell to 60%. In that game Davis had just four carries for 10 yards. Patterson continues to impress, and Davis continues to look unimpressive. He is best left on the bench.
Must Sit: Damien Williams — Bears vs. 49ers
With Williams coming off the COVID-19 list, it seemed as though he would be the lead back against the Buccaneers last week. That thought process was far from the truth, as Williams saw just three carries for 5 yards and one reception for 3. While Williams was struggling, Khalil Herbert had 100 yards on 18 carries and 33 yards receiving on five catches. It now appears that Herbert will be the lead back, which means Williams can stay on the bench.
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