Dowdle and Dobbins are among the 4 must-start fantasy football running backs in Week 8

Kenneth Walker, Jahmyr Gibbs, De’Von Achane, D’Andre Swift and Alvin Kamara should also be considered top-10 plays for Week 8.

Tony Pollard and Rhamondre Stevenson are my must-see performances alongside Dowdle and Dobbins. My rankings were compiled based on several factors, including likely workload, opponent strength, previous matchup history, expected red zone opportunities, and predicted game play.

Those with Stevenson, Jonathan Taylor, Jordan Mason, Travis Etienne and other injured running backs should continue to monitor their status ahead of their respective kickoffs.

My Week 8 wide receiver rankings can be found here. My top free agent targets for Week 8 can be found here. All position rankings will be updated throughout the week. Players are removed from the rankings or adjusted in the rankings due to injuries.

JK Dobbins

Dobbins was among the top 20 running backs in fantasy points per game through the first seven weeks of the season. The Los Angeles Chargers playmaker surpassed 130 rushing yards and reached the end zone in his first two games.

Dobbins has only scored once since then, but still gets decent usage and touches the ball as a pass catcher.

He should bounce back as the middle RB1 in Week 8 when the Chargers host a New Orleans Saints defense that just gave up 111 yards from scrimmage and two scores to Javonte Williams. This performance marked the third straight game in which the Saints allowed at least 100 yards and a score to an opposing running back.

Look for this series to continue on Sunday in Inglewood, California. Dobbins is my #5 option.

Tony Pollard

Pollard is a fringe RB1 option in Week 8 when the Tennessee Titans battle the Detroit Lions. The Lions allowed the third-fewest rushing yards per game to running backs so far this season, but also gave up just 116 yards from scrimmage and a score to Aaron Jones in Week 7.

Pollard rushed for 90 yards in four of his six appearances this season. He reached the end zone in three of those games. Look for the Titans to put the ball in his hands as much as possible in this matchup, especially when playing from behind and using him as a pass catcher.

Pollard is my number 11 piece.

Rico Dowdle

Dowdle was on a bye in Week 7 and will face the San Francisco 49ers in Week 8. The Dallas Cowboys running back provided RB2/Flex value in two of his last three appearances.

I expect Pollard to get 12 to 20 touches in this match. The 49ers have allowed the seventh-most receiving yards per game to running backs so far this season, which should mean a solid receiving game for the Cowboys’ running backs.

Dowdle is a near lock for at least 80 yards from scrimmage. He could sneak into RB1 territory as he reaches the end zone.

Rhamondre Stevenson

Stevenson sits at No. 16 in my Week 8 rankings, but shareholders should monitor his status before adding him to the starting lineup. The New England Patriots running back missed practice on Wednesday for personal reasons and is dealing with a foot injury.

When he plays, Stevenson can be used as an RB2 or flex play. The Patriots face the New York Jets, who have allowed running backs the 11th-most rushing yards per game so far this season. They also gave up just over 100 yards from scrimmage to Najee Harris and Ray Davis in consecutive weeks.

Stevenson, who eclipsed 80 yards from scrimmage and scored in three of his first five games, has a great chance to post similar stats in this AFC East division game on Sunday in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

Week 8 fantasy football running back rankings

1. Joe Mixon, Houston Texans vs. IND

2. Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles at CIN

3. Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens at CLE

4. Breece Hall, New York Jets in the Northeast

5. JK Dobbins, Los Angeles Chargers vs. NO

6. Kenneth Walker, Seattle Seahawks vs. BUF

7. Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions vs. TEN

8. De’Von Achane, Miami Dolphins vs. ARI

9. D’Andre Swift, Chicago Bears at WAS

10. Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints at LAC

11. Tony Pollard, Tennessee Titans at DET

12. Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons at TB

13. Rico Dowdle, Dallas Cowboys at SF

14. Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams vs. MIN

15. Javonte Williams, Denver Broncos vs. CAR

16. Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots vs. NYJ

17. James Conner, Arizona Cardinals at MIA

18. Jordan Mason, San Francisco 49ers vs. DAL

19. David Montgomery, Detroit Lions vs. TEN

20. James Cook, Buffalo Bills at SEA

21. Brian Robinson Jr., Washington Commanders vs. CHI

22. Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. ATL

23. Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns vs. BAL

24. Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers at DEN

25. Kareem Hunt, Kansas City Chiefs at LV

26. Josh Jacobs, Green Bay Packers at JAX

27. Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals vs. PHI

28. Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville Jaguars vs GB

29. Raheem Mostert, Miami Dolphins vs. ARI

30. Najee Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. NYG