Fantasy football start/sit advice, Week 8 Running backs

Week 8 of the fantasy football season is here, and we’re back with another crop of start/sit options. We have a nice set of data for each team and can make informed decisions on good plays and traps. With that in mind, we’ll pick running backs who should exceed expectations in Week 8, along with three you should probably sit.

The Falcons are a hot mess right now, but Freeman is still chugging along, averaging about six yards per carry over the past two games since Atlanta’s bye week. The only problem is that Freeman only has 21 carries in those two games combined. Maybe, given their struggles to move the ball, the Falcons will finally let Freeman run it 20 or even 25 times. If that happens, he’s likely to put up a massive total. Fingers crossed, Freeman owners.

Mixon is another guy who could really benefit from an increase in touches. Mixon averaged nearly seven yards per carry last week in Pittsburgh but only got seven carries. The rookie complained publicly about his lack of usage this week, and so there could be a “greasy wheel” scenario this week in a fantastic matchup against a terrible Colts defense.

Lewis is starting to regain his footing as the lead back in New England, getting 13 carries last week after posting 11 the week before. Lewis also led the backfield in snaps last week with 26. The Patriots have a good draw this week against a middle-of-the-road run defense in a game in which the Pats would probably like to control the clock with the run game and keep their banged-up defense off the field.

Luke Kuechly cleared concussion protocol this week and is expected to play against the Bucs. This is really bad news for the Tampa Bay running game, as the Panthers are among the elite in run defense this season, and Kuechly’s return only solidifies things. Martin might make some noise in PPR leagues, but in a standard league, he’ll be hard-pressed to put up a decent number.

Things are not looking good for the Texans, both internally after the owner’s comments this week and the matchup on the road against a top-tier defense with a rookie quarterback who has not been tested quite like he will on Sunday. The game script probably has the Texans playing from behind with Deshaun Watson throwing more than handing off.

Gore has not topped 12 fantasy points all season and has seen his carries come down each of the past three weeks as Marlon Mack gains more of a foothold in the backfield rotation. Facing the Bengals’ defense on the road doesn’t help matters.