The running back position took more hits in week 8 and teams are scrambling once again. LeVeon Bell could be done for the year and Matt Forte is banged up. Reggie Bush’s season is finished before it ever got started and the 49ers are a fantasy wasteland with Hyde an uncertain commodity. The options are not what they once were, but there are a couple of worthwhile pickups to boost your running back stable.
Week 8 Recap (Standard League Points)
• Alfred Blue HOU - 6 pts
• Chris Polk HOU - 1 pt
• Darren McFadden DAL - 10 pts
• James White NE - 0 pts
Blue is clearly the back to own in Houston for the moment, although he is still not a high-ceiling type. McFadden will produce as a high-end RB2 as long as he can stay healthy. White is no more than a stash in very deep leagues.
Teams On A Bye Week 9: Arizona, Baltimore, Detroit, Houston, Kansas City, Seattle
Week 9 Waiver Wire: Quarterback and Tight End / Wide Receiver
Week 8 Picks
Deangelo Williams PIT
Williams is worth whatever amount of FAAB budget that you have left. He has already shown this season and in the past that he can be a top tier option. As part of the high-powered Steelers offense, Williams will see plenty of chances to score. If you held onto him after Bell returned from his suspension, then you showed remarkable foresight or you are in a very deep league. For everyone else, head out to the waiver wire and do what it takes to get Williams. He could be the final piece to your championship team.
Karlos Williams BUF
A lot of fantasy owners have apparently forgotten about the promise showed by Williams earlier in the season. After missing time in the concussion protocol, Williams ownership is down below 50 percent. Although LeSean McCoy is healthier and the definite lead back, Williams should still see some use as a goal line option. Between the carries that Williams will get spelling Shady and those all important goal line chances, there is still some upside here.
David Cobb TEN
Despite the coach saying that there is no guarantee that Cobb will play this week, I think that he is still the back to own in Tennessee. The Titans have a dearth of talent at running back and Cobb should be a welcome sight even if he was a bit overweight when he reported to practice. If there is any upside to be found in Titans running backs, I think that Cobb is the man to own. There is a lot of risk associated with Cobb, but if you can pick him up on the cheap then you assume very little of that risk. He is worth a stash and see at the very least.
Steer Clear: 49ers Running Backs
I still love Carlos Hyde, but even if he can get healthy his stats will be limited by being in a horrible offense. Outside of Hyde, you would have to be beyond desperate to start any of the Niners running backs. Even if they sign someone new, just don’t let them become your problem.
