The 2023 NFL season just completed its seventh week, offering an exciting experience for football fans. Week 8 is approaching, promising even more excitement. Fantasy football team managers may soon be searching the waiver wire for potential running backs, particularly because several players might be injured this week. In this article, we'll identify some running backs worth keeping an eye on in Week 8 of the 2023 NFL season.
Heading into Week 8 of the Fantasy Football season, the running back position doesn't have any players on bye weeks. This is good news. However, the overall state of the position hasn't met our expectations, and injuries continue to be a concern. Notably, Jerome Ford is dealing with an ankle injury. It's described as a “low-grade, high-ankle” sprain, which has an estimated recovery time of 1 to 2 weeks.
As we said, the running back position is currently facing some challenges. Keep in mind that De'Von Achane and Kyren Williams, two of the top performers in terms of PPR, are currently on injured reserve. David Montgomery, another high scorer, is likely to miss Week 8, and Zack Moss and D'Onta Foreman's rankings are not expected to hold up in the long term. Additionally, Saquon Barkley missed three games due to injury. In addition, Alvin Kamara was suspended for three games.
No Byes This Week
After a week in which six teams had byes, all NFL teams will be in action in Week 8. This means fewer streaming options from the waiver wire but more decisions to make about starting or sitting players in your running back and flex positions.
Running backs from the teams coming off their bye weeks may be available on the waiver wire. Keep an eye out for players like Devin Singletary from the Houston Texans, Chuba Hubbard from the Carolina Panthers, Tyjae Spears from the Tennessee Titans, and even Dallas Cowboys' backups Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn.
In this article, we will take a look at our NFL Fantasy Football Running Back rankings for Week 8 of the 2023 regular season.
Top Picks
Christian McCaffrey, facing the Bengals in Week 8, maintains his top spot against a Cincinnati defense that has allowed an average of 100.5 rushing yards to running backs this season. Austin Ekeler, facing the Bears, joins him at the top. This is not because Chicago gives up many yards but because they allow running backs to score. In their first six games, Chicago's defense allowed running backs to score eight all-purpose touchdowns.
Raheem Mostert remains a must-start option against the Patriots, even though New England recently surprised everyone by beating the Bills in Week 7. We also like D'Andre Swift against the Commanders due to Washington's weak defense. Tony Pollard and Travis Etienne have tougher matchups, but their consistent roles make them valuable.
Sleepers
After an outstanding Week 7 performance by D'Onta Foreman of the Bears against the Chargers, he appears to be the lead back in Los Angeles. Gus Edwards takes a big leap into the top 20 against the Cardinals, given their recent defensive struggles. Chuba Hubbard is a good option against the Texans, who have a weak run defense.
Potential Busts
Sure, we're cautiously optimistic about Christian McCaffrey's injury. Still, it's important to have insurance in the form of Jordan Mason and Elijah Mitchell. Jerome Ford's ankle injury is a concern, and if he's out, Kareem Hunt and Pierre Strong could be the beneficiaries. Of course, the Seahawks' defense hasn't been kind to running backs. Atlanta's rookie, Bijan Robinson, should be fine despite a migraine issue, but the strong run defense of the Titans could limit his production. David Montgomery is expected to be out for the Lions' Monday night game, with Jahmyr Gibbs taking his place.
Injury Updates
Several players, including Montgomery, Roschon Johnson, Ford, Robinson, Miles Sanders, and McCaffrey, have various injury concerns heading into Week 8. Their availability and roles should be monitored closely.
Now, let's dive into our NFL Fantasy Football Running Back rankings for Week 8 of the 2023 regular season. Standard rankings are indicated in parentheses.
NFL Fantasy Week 8 RB Rankings
1. Christian McCaffrey, SF vs. CIN (1)
2. Austin Ekeler, LAC vs. CHI (3)
3. Alvin Kamara, NO @ IND (9)
4. Travis Etienne Jr., JAC @ PIT (2)
5. D'Andre Swift, PHI @ WAS (12)
6. Tony Pollard, DAL vs. LAR (4)
7. Breece Hall, NYJ @ NYG (10)
8. Isiah Pacheco, KC @ DEN (5)
9. Saquon Barkley, NYG vs. NYJ (7)
10. Jahmyr Gibbs, DET vs. LV (8)
11. Kenneth Walker III, SEA vs. CLE (11)
12. Raheem Mostert, MIA vs. NE (6)
13. Bijan Robinson, ATL @ TEN (13)
14. Josh Jacobs, LV @ DET (16)
15. Jonathan Taylor, IND vs. NO (14)
16. Derrick Henry, TEN vs. ATL (15)
17. Joe Mixon, CIN @ SF (18)
18. Aaron Jones, GB vs. MIN (20)
19. James Cook, BUF vs. TB (17)
20. Rachaad White, TB @ BUF (25)
21. Rhamondre Stevenson, NE @ MIA (19)
22. Alexander Mattison, MIN @ GB (23)
23. Javonte Williams, DEN vs. KC (27)
24. D'Onta Foreman, CHI @ LAC (29)
25. Kareem Hunt, CLE @ SEA (28)
26. Dameon Pierce, HOU @ CAR (24)
27. Gus Edwards, BAL @ ARI (22)
28. Chuba Hubbard, CAR vs. HOU (40)
29. Brian Robinson Jr., WAS vs. PHI (33)
30. Darrell Henderson Jr., LAR @ DAL (21)
31. Emari Demercado, ARI vs. BAL (32)
32. Najee Harris, PIT vs. JAC (31)
33. Jaylen Warren, PIT vs. JAC (37)
34. Zack Moss, IND vs. NO (26)
35. Miles Sanders, CAR vs. HOU (30)
36. Roschon Johnson, CHI @ LAC (34)
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