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topicnews · October 24, 2024

Eight RBs to start or sit

Eight RBs to start or sit

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All 32 teams are in action in Week 8 of the 2024 NFL season, starting with the Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams on “Thursday Night Football.”

A slew of Sunday games and a Monday Night Football matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants offer fantasy football managers plenty of options this week, including at running back.

The running back landscape has been dynamic so far this season, with several players missing significant time due to injuries. If you’re looking to make lineup decisions this week, here are eight running backs who will start or sit this week.

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Fantasy football start ’em: Week 8 RBs

Jordan Mason, San Francisco 49ers (vs. Dallas Cowboys)

Mason struggled in Week 7 against the Chiefs, allowing just 14 carries and a season-low 58 rushing yards. His fortunes would change in Week 8. Dallas is allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to running backs in the NFL this season. Last time out in Week 6, the Cowboys allowed Detroit’s running backs a total of 197 yards and two touchdowns. This could be a good game for San Francisco, punctuated by a great day for Mason.

Javonte Williams, Denver Broncos (vs. Carolina Panthers)

Whichever running back plays against Carolina, they’re a good start. The Panthers allow the most fantasy points to running backs in the NFL. Thanks to the extra days off after a standout “Thursday Night Football” performance in Week 7, Williams is off to an even better start than most this week. He could have another top-10 RB week, this time at home against the Panthers.

Kenneth Walker III, Seattle Seahawks (vs. Buffalo Bills)

Walker III had one of his best weeks of the season in the last road game against Atlanta. Look for this to continue into week 8. Buffalo allows the second-most fantasy points to running backs this season. The last time they faced a running back of Walker III’s talent was in Week 6 against the Jets when Breece Hall rushed for 169 yards from scrimmage. Walker III is a great start to this week.

Braelon Allen, New York Jets (at New England Patriots)

Allen only had three total touches for 6 yards against Pittsburgh last week. But the Jets traded one of the NFL’s best run defenses last week against New England for one of the worst this week. The last time Allen faced the Patriots in Week 3, he had 11 carries for 55 yards and three catches for 13 yards. Since then, New England’s defense against running back has deteriorated, allowing a total of seven touchdowns and an average of 195 yards per week at the position.

Fantasy football sit ’em: Week 8 RBs

Tony Pollard, Tennessee Titans (at Detroit Lions)

Pollard scored 16 carries for 61 yards last week against Buffalo, one of the easier defenses in the league. Now he faces a much tougher Lions defense that is giving him the third-fewest fantasy points in the league. Tyjae Spears also appears primed for a Week 8 return, lowering Pollard’s ceiling without regard to the opponent.

Devin Singletary or Tyrone Tracy Jr., New York Giants (at Pittsburgh Steelers)

The Giants’ two running backs split the workload against Philadelphia in Week 7 and combined for just 53 yards. Things won’t get any easier on the road this week against the Steelers’ No. 3 run defense. Pittsburgh allows the seventh-fewest fantasy running backs this season and should keep both under control this week.

Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints (at Los Angeles Chargers)

Kamara just signed a two-year extension with New Orleans but doesn’t seem prepared for a good performance this week. Los Angeles allows the second-fewest points to opposing running backs in the NFL, and New Orleans’ offense is coming off a difficult performance against Denver. Kamara had a season-low seven carries for 10 yards in Week 7 against a worse run defense. This could be a tough Sunday for New Orleans’ best defender.

Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals (vs. Philadelphia Eagles)

Brown had a season-low 2.9 yards per carry last week against Cleveland. He couldn’t make up for it in the receiving game either, with just nine yards on two receptions. His prospects are similarly difficult this week against an Eagles defense that allows the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs. They haven’t allowed a running back to score a touchdown since Week 4, and Brown likely won’t be the one to break that streak this Sunday.

Fantasy Football: Start’em, Sit’ems, Week 8

Looking for more fantasy football advice? USA TODAY Sports offers you:

→ Kickers Are People Too: Here are some of the most clutch kickers your fantasy team should have in Week 8.

→ The wide receiver position has been decimated this season. Protect yourself in Week 8 with start ’em, sit ’em advice for wideouts.

→ Do you need an edge under the center? Here are the best quarterback options to start and sit in Week 8.

→ Tight ends can be the perfect x-factor for any fantasy team. Here’s who you should start and sit with in Week 8.

→ Good defense can shut down your fantasy opponent’s offense. Here are some D/ST options for starting and participating in Week 8.

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