We are officially past the halfway point in the season. If you’ve made it this far, without being bit by the running back injury bug, congratulations. But chances are you have been. It’s ok…that’s why we’re here! Check into FantraxHQ every Tuesday for the best RB options on your bench/waiver wire. Now enjoy our Week 8 Running Back Sleepers and Streamers.
Whether it’s to improve your own team or keep one of your league-mates from improving, you’ll want to check in with us weekly. Let’s get into it!
Week 8 Running Back Sleepers and Streamers
Running Back Sleepers
Chris Rodriguez Jr., Washington Commanders, ~0% owned
I will admit, this is a bit of a speculative play. There’s a reason that he’s pretty much 0% owned. Full disclosure: I am a Washington Commanders fan, and have been since I was a child. However, that doesn’t make me biased, as all Washington fans hate their team more than any rival could. That said, Washington is on a bit of a losing streak (lost four of their last five) and are in danger of letting the season slip away from them. Last week, it was Chris Rodriguez who came in to spell Brian Robinson Jr., instead of Antonio Gibson. He took 7 carries, 31 yards, and took 4 carries 23 yards the week prior. Antonio Gibson was mainly a gadget player/wide receiver in college, so it’s possible the Commanders are transitioning him to that role on this team. CRJ is also a bigger back than Gibson, and is more likely to run downhill, which is thunder to Brian Robinson’s thunder. He was a 6th-round draft pick this year, so the Commanders don’t have any financial sunk costs to play him, but it seems clear to me that momentum is on his side. Keep your eye on the kid.
Jeff Wilson Jr., Miami Dolphins, ~51% owned
It’s probably not fair for me to put Jeff Wilson in a sleepers article for two reasons: 1) He’s 51% owned, so people are pretty much on board with him. 2) The Miami Dolphins are probably the most sought-after offense in fantasy this year. But after being activated last week, playing third fiddle behind Mostert and Ahmed was likely unexpected for many owners. I certainly thought he would become 2nd string, at the least. He was expected to start for Miami prior to his injury. He only had one catch for four yards last week and had no carries. I’m anticipating a lot of owners will drop him, and that’s where you should come in. Eventually, he will take Ahmed’s job as he gets more practices under his belt. Obviously, the question then becomes will he provide value for us, before DeVon Achane returns, but even if he doesn’t, he’s worth the stash.
2023 Week 8 RB Streamers
Emari Demarcado, Arizona Cardinals, ~16% owned
He was one of the highest waiver wire priorities in Week 6 after James Connor went down, and he had 10 carries for 45 yards and 1 TD the week prior. He then went on to post a two-carry, 11-yard performance the following week. Leaving most people to drop him. Arizona has a bit of a crowded backfield with Josh Dobbs (the quarterback) as a capable running threat, as well as Keontay Ingram in the mix. However, with Dobbs at QB, it’s imperative the Cardinals get a solid running game going to make play action more dangerous. While Demarcado doesn’t have a clear path to 15+ carries like you would want in a starting fantasy running back, he has the ability to get in the end zone for a solid ROI. Also, if you’re reading this article, it’s likely you don’t have a ton of options.
Keaton Mitchell, Baltimore Ravens, ~3% owned
I know what you’re thinking. Lamar Jackson, Gus Edwards, Justice Hill….and you want me to pick up Keaton Mitchell?! Yes. Yes, I do. As set as the Ravens seem to be in their running game, I believe Mitchell is the future. The rookie out of East Carolina went undrafted, to be signed by the Ravens, and dazzled in the preseason. He runs a blazing 4.37 40-yard dash and looks every bit of that fast on the field. He was in the 94th percentile in his draft class, averaging over 7 YPC. He was also in the 70th percentile with an 8.7% target share. He can run, he can catch, he can fly past everyone in the process. He has been injured all year and was activated two weeks ago. He got his first game action last week and took one catch 9 yards. But Baltimore’s fans went crazy because they’ve been wanting to see this guy on the field all season. It will take him a while to get worked into the offense. It might even take an injury, for it to happen. But trust me. Keaton Mitchell will play. And Keaton Mitchell will dazzle.
Week 8 Fantasy Football Rankings: Quarterback | Running Back | Wide Receiver | Tight End | Half-PPR by Position | Flex Rankings | Positional Ranks w/ K & DST | Dynasty | Superflex Dynasty
Got a beef with Bradlee’s Week 8 Running Backs Sleepers and Streamers? Let him hear about it in the comments below!