Our Sleepers and Streamers article had some nice finds in Week 7. Tank Bigsby finished as the RB8, Bucky Irving was the RB16, and Alexander Mattison was the RB19. The only miss was Austin Ekeler, who finished as the RB46. The Washington Commanders blew the Carolina Panthers out, and it was never a game for Ekeler to be used in his special ways. In Week 8, there are no bye weeks, but there are injuries. This is when those injuries start to occur, unfortunately. It is expected in a contact sport, and fantasy managers must be ready to adjust.
Week 8 Running Back Sleepers
Jaylen Warren vs. New York Giants
The Pittsburgh Steelers are clicking on all cylinders right now. People were concerned with Russell Wilson as the starting quarterback, but Wilson proved them wrong. With Wilson as their quarterback, the offense looked amazing, and with a stellar defense, they blew out the New York Jets. Najee Harris looks like his rookie-year version, too. Jaylen Warren has been a letdown this season, underperforming and dealing with injuries. He can start to change that in Week 8 against a New York Giants team, having allowed the ninth most receptions to running backs.
Ray Davis @ Seattle Seahawks
First, the Buffalo Bills look like one of the best teams in football. Then they also have one of the better duos at running back in James Cook and Ray Davis. Davis finished as the RB13 in Week 6, where Cook missed due to injury. In Week 7, Davis finished as the RB22 with Cook healthy. Now, they each get to face the Seattle Seahawks, who are allowing the 11th most fantasy ppg to the position. I believe Davis can continue his efficient running. In Week 6, he saw 4.82 ypc, and in Week 7, he saw 8.2 ypc (yards per carry), making Davis a perfect sleeper in sleepers and streamers for Week 8.
Running Back Streamers
Nick Chubb vs. Baltimore Ravens
Ladies and gentlemen, with sleepers and streamers, we have a first-time guest this week. Nick Chubb is back. Playing just 36% of the snaps, Chubb finished as the RB26. The more he plays, the more usage you will see from Chubb. Deshaun Watson also is lost of the season, and Jameis Winston should see starting duties for the Browns. Winston gives the Browns the best chance for their offensive personnel to thrive and for the team to win games.
Chubb’s second game features a tough Ravens defense he has known for quite some time. This is exactly what fantasy managers drafted Nick Chubb for. Midway through the season, he was going to help fantasy managers reach the playoffs. Despite the Ravens being great on defense in years prior, they are, at best, average this season. With a much better passer in Winston, this will open the door for Chubb to have a top-15 week in Week 8.
Javonte Williams vs. Carolina Panthers
Javonte Williams is my favorite running back in sleepers and streamers, and for good reason. Williams finished as the RB5 in Week 7 and found the endzone twice. Williams saw over 100 total yards to go along with 6.29 ypc (yards per carry). He gets the best matchup a running back can ask for in 2024: the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers are giving up the most fantasy ppg to running backs with 32.07 and a league-leading 13 rushing touchdowns. They have allowed 14 total touchdowns in seven games, so with an average of two touchdowns allowed per game to running backs.
For the betting people out there, a Javonte Williams anytime touchdown will be a great play in Week 8. As for fantasy purposes, Javonte Williams will finish as an RB1 in Week 8 and should be streamed by every fantasy manager that rosters him.
Make sure to check out all of our Week 8 Fantasy Football Rankings and Analysis!