Fantasy football managers are always looking for an edge, and that's especially true in Week 8 of the 2023 NFL season. With several key matchups on the schedule, it's important to make the right decisions when it comes to starting and sitting running backs. Here are four running backs that fantasy football managers must start in Week 8, followed by three running backs that they should sit.

Ahead of Week 8 of the 2023 NFL Season, it’s time to see which running backs to start and which ones to sit in your fantasy football team.

Running Backs to Start in Week 8

Gus Edwards, BAL (vs ARI)

In Week 7, Gus Edwards had a standout performance. He amassed 144 total yards and a touchdown, ranking among the top 5 at his position. Edwards is clearly the primary ball carrier in the Ravens' backfield, commanding 15 touches. Meanwhile, no other Baltimore Ravens running back saw more than five. Despite some speculation that rookie Keaton Mitchell might see more action, he only received one touch and was on the field for just 3 percent of the snaps. Edwards remains the go-to running back in Baltimore. That is no surprise, as the 28-year-old veteran has been a team favorite for years. Sure, it's unrealistic to expect this level of production every week. However, he's a solid choice for Week 8 against the Arizona Cardinals. They have allowed a ton of fantasy points per game to opposing running backs. With Lamar Jackson's presence keeping Arizona's defense honest, Edwards should find room to run. This makes him a reliable RB2 option this week.

 

Christian McCaffrey, SF (vs CIN)

Christian McCaffrey is coming off a two-touchdown performance against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night. This extended his scoring streak to 16 consecutive games. That's just one shy of tying the all-time NFL record. He's poised to continue this streak in Week 8 against the Cincinnati Bengals. They have allowed a touchdown to a running back in each of the last three weeks. That's in addition to giving up an average of 93 scrimmage yards to those three running backs.

Austin Ekeler, LAC (vs CHI)

Austin Ekeler, since returning from injury, hasn't had a standout game. However, Week 8 offers a favorable matchup against the Chicago Bears. Remember that the Bears have allowed the most receiving yards to opposing running backs this season. In addition, no running back has more receptions, receiving yards, or receiving touchdowns than Ekeler since 2019.

Isiah Pacheco, KC (@ DEN)

Isiah Pacheco's performance has been inconsistent throughout the 2023 fantasy football season. This is especially true in non-PPR leagues where fantasy football owners can't capitalize on extra receiving targets in a Patrick Mahomes-led offense. However, like Houston's Dameon Pierce, Pacheco has a great opportunity to accumulate rushing yards and fantasy points in Week 8 when facing the Denver Broncos. Denver has the NFL's worst rushing defense through seven weeks. They have allowed a staggering 167.3 rushing yards per game. Given their struggles in passing defense, it's conceivable that the Chiefs could take an early lead. Of course, this has provided Pacheco with ample carries.

Start ‘Em: Dameon Pierce, HOU (@ CAR) and Jahmyr Gibbs, DET (vs LV)

Running Backs to Sit in Week 8

Brian Robinson, WAS (vs PHI)

While Brian Robinson has been a serviceable RB2/flex option in 2023, his production has dipped significantly since the first two games of the season. In the last four games, he hasn't averaged more than 3.21 yards per carry in a single game. That said, Robinson remains the primary running back in Washington. However, he faces a challenging matchup in Week 8 against the Philadelphia Eagles. They have allowed the fewest points to opposing running backs. Robinson's fantasy points have often relied on finding the end zone, making it hard to predict his performance. In a week with better options in more favorable matchups, it's advisable to bench Robinson.

Aaron Jones, GB (@ MIN)

Aaron Jones has played only three games in 2023. He hasn't performed consistently well. Despite facing the Broncos, a team known for giving up points to running backs, he managed just 7.2 points on 11 touches in Week 7. AJ Dillon even outperformed him. This suggests that Jones might still be dealing with health issues. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings, Jones' Week 8 opponent, have a strong defense against running backs, as evidenced by their containment of Christian McCaffrey. While there may be some dual-threat upside, Jones is not on the same level as McCaffrey. Given the lack of bye weeks in Week 8, there are likely better alternatives available on your bench.

Alexander Mattison, MIN (@ GB)

Alexander Mattison has not lived up to the expectations of fantasy football owners hoping he would replace Dalvin Cook effectively in Minnesota. He has yet to finish a game with over 100 rushing yards and has no rushing touchdowns this season. Despite facing a Green Bay Packers rushing defense that has struggled, Mattison's turnover issues and lack of production make him a sit for Week 8.

Sit 'em: Joe Mixon, CIN (@ SF) and Jonathan Taylor, IND (vs NO)

Looking Ahead

In Week 8 of the 2023 NFL season, fantasy football managers must make the right decisions when it comes to starting and sitting running backs. Gus Edwards and Christian McCaffrey are must-starts. Meanwhile, Brian Robinson and Aaron Jones are must-sits. By making the right decisions, fantasy football managers can gain an edge and come out on top in Week 8.