Darren McFadden played through a hamstring injury in Week 6 against the Chiefs, rushing for 52 yards on 16 carries and catching three passes for another 31 yards. His extended workload suggested he was close to full health, and now the starting running back is coming off a bye week to recover even more.
Fantasy football start/sit advice, Week 8: Darren McFadden
Darren McFadden is well rested after a bye week. How effective will he be in Week 8 against the Steelers? We break down the fantasy implications.
Peter Aiken
McFadden takes on the Steelers in Week 8. Pittsburgh’s run defense couldn’t stop anyone over the first four weeks of the season, but it has improved in recent games. The Steelers held the Jets and Ravens to 75 or fewer yards and no rushing touchdowns after their bye week.
Fantasy impact: Owners can only hope this matchup turns out like last year. McFadden rushed for 118 yards against the Steelers in 2012. While their defense looks better lately, McFadden still has the opportunity to exploit his matchup ahead, as Pittsburgh ranks towards the bottom of the league overall in points allowed to opposing running backs.
Consider McFadden in the RB2 range for Week 8. Terrell Pryor’s playmaking ability helps take some of the pressure of the running game, but defenses still anticipate McFadden being the focal point of each game plan.
• Week 8 fantasy football rankings: QB | RB | WR | TE | D/ST
• Week 8 fantasy football waiver wire: QB | RB | WR | TE | D/ST
