Running back injuries continue to pile up around the league, leaving fantasy managers scrambling to find reliable options heading into Week 8. Add in some disappointing performances from backs we expected more from, and setting your lineup this week could be a challenge.
The New York Giants, New Orleans Saints, Houston Texans, and San Francisco 49ers are all on bye, which means some managers will need to dig a little deeper to fill those roster spots. Let’s look at the running backs worth targeting on the waiver wire and the sleepers who could provide some value this week.
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Week 8 Running Back Streamers
Jonah Coleman
Coleman made his return to the field in Week 7 after missing several weeks, and he wasted no time making an impact in Denver’s backfield. The rookie led the Broncos with nine carries for 54 rushing yards against Arizona, while also leading the team’s running backs in snap share at 50% and route participation at 34%. The workload was very encouraging. He played 30 snaps compared to 16 for RJ Harvey and 14 for J.K. Dobbins.
Denver’s backfield remains a committee, and both Dobbins and Harvey should continue getting opportunities when healthy. However, Coleman may have already established himself as the back to watch moving forward. If his role continues to grow, he could become a valuable fantasy option over the next several weeks.
Bam Knight
Knight is another running back worth keeping an eye on, particularly if Jeremiyah Love remains sidelined in Week 8.
Knight has been carving out a bigger role in Arizona’s backfield, and his usage in Week 7 was encouraging. He led the Cardinals’ running backs with a 53% snap share and a 48% route rate, while also earning a 10% target share compared to 7% for Tyler Allgeier.
He also led the backfield with 48 rushing yards on seven carries, averaging an impressive 6.9 yards per attempt. He accounted for 29.2% of the team’s rushing attempts and received two carries inside the red zone.
The workload is trending in the right direction, and his involvement in both the running and passing games gives him some added appeal. If Love remains out, Knight is worth considering as an RB3/Flex.
Week 8 Running Back Sleepers
Chris Rodriguez
Before the Jaguars’ bye, Rodriguez handled 11 carries in Week 6, just one fewer than Bhayshul Tuten. He also received the team’s only goal-line carry.
Rodriguez’s overall workload has been limited for most of the season, but his usage began to change in Week 6. After recording a 19.7% snap share and a 20.4% rushing share from Weeks 2-5, he saw those numbers climb to 29.6% and 40.7%, respectively. He also led the Jaguars’ running backs in efficiency, according to Next Gen Stats.
Tuten remains the lead option, but his workload also shifted in Week 6. While he maintained a 57.7% snap share, his rushing share dropped to a season-low 44.4%.
Jacksonville gets a favorable matchup against Indianapolis in Week 8, and both backs could have opportunities to produce. If Rodriguez continues to see an increased workload, he could develop into a viable RB3/Flex option.
Dylan Sampson
Sampson returned in Week 7 after spending more than a month on injured reserve, and he immediately reclaimed a role in Cleveland’s passing game.
Sampson ran a route on 42% of Deshaun Watson’s dropbacks and earned targets on 19% of those routes. He finished with three receptions for 32 yards while adding 45 rushing yards on six carries.
The receiving production is encouraging, particularly for managers playing in full-PPR formats. However, his limited rushing workload and lack of goal-line opportunities make it difficult to trust him as a dependable option in standard scoring leagues.
For managers who need a running back to get through the bye weeks, Sampson is worth considering as an RB3. His involvement as a pass-catching back gives him a path to fantasy production, even if he isn’t receiving enough carries to provide consistent value on the ground.
Make sure to check out all of our Week 8 Fantasy Football Rankings and Analysis!
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