Admin October 31, 2024
NFL Week 8 Overreactions
Mackenzie Salmon breaks down the wildest games from Week 8.
Sports Seriously
Week 9 of the 2024 NFL season features two teams on bye weeks: the San Francisco 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers. Both teams are two of the better rushing teams of the last month, with Najee Harris and Jordan Mason leading the way for fantasy teams.
Between that and the latest slew of injuries to the position, fantasy football managers have some tough choices for their lineups this week. If you’re deciding which RB to put in your lineup, we’ve got you covered.
Here are eight running backs to start or sit in Week 9:
Fantasy football start ’em: Week 9 RBs
Aaron Jones, Minnesota Vikings (vs. Indianapolis Colts)
Jones had an off week in Week 8 against the Rams on “Thursday Night Football” but should remedy that in prime time this week. Minnesota’s back home for “Sunday Night Football” against the Colts who have allowed 162.5 yards per game to running backs over the last four weeks and four touchdowns. The Vikings need a get-right game and Jones could spearhead that effort.
Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams (at Seattle Seahawks)
Williams scored a touchdown in his 10th consecutive game in Week 8 and should continue that streak on Sunday. Seattle has one of the worst run defenses in the league and have allowed nearly 200 total yards per game to running backs over the last four weeks. They’ve also allowed four rushing touchdowns in that span. Los Angeles’ offense looked re-charged in Week 8 and they should repeat that on Sunday, especially on the ground.
Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons (vs. Dallas Cowboys)
Allgeier’s been quiet the last two weeks with a 18 total touches for 78 yards combined against the Seahawks and Buccaneers. This could be the week he picks things back up again. Dallas is tied with Carolina for the most rushing yards allowed per game and Allgeier carved up the Panthers’ defense to the tune of 108 total yards and a touchdown.
Chubba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers (vs. New Orleans Saints)
With Jonathan Brooks’ impending debut, Hubbard’s fantasy value is running out. Luckily, the Panthers face off against one of the worst run defenses in the NFL. The Saints have allowed seven touchdowns and 177 total yards per game to running backs over the last four weeks. Hubbard’s been a consistent starter in fantasy this season despite the Panthers’ disfunction and this is a good week to have him in your lineup.
Fantasy football sit ’em: Week 9 RBs
Rachaad White or Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at Kansas City Chiefs)
Tampa Bay’s running back duo was effective last week against Atlanta. White had 11 touches for 67 yards and a touchdown and Irving had 16 touches for 84 yards. But Kansas City is the toughest fantasy defense for opposing running backs. The Chiefs haven’t allowed 100 total yards to a running back group since Week 1. They haven’t given up a touchdown to a running back since Week 3. Stay away if you can in Week 9.
Javonte Williams, Denver Broncos (at Baltimore Ravens)
Williams followed his Week 7 breakout with a 52 yard dud in Week 8 against the Panthers. He swaps one of league’s worst run defenses to the league’s best in the Ravens. Baltimore’s allowing 69.9 rushing yards per game this season. Their lone weakness is to receiving running backs but that is not Williams’ forte.
Travis Etienne Jr. or Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville Jaguars (at Philadelphia Eagles)
Both Jaguars running backs are nursing injuries this week heading into a matchup into an improving run defense. Philadelphia’s giving up just 91.3 total yards per game to opposing running back groups over the last three contests and have allowed just one touchdown. Jacksonville also just traded away starting tackle Cam Robinson.
J.K. Dobbins, Los Angeles Chargers (at Cleveland Browns)
Dobbins has been one of the top value picks in fantasy football this season but will likely struggle this weekend. The Browns appeared revitalized last week with Jameis Winston at quarterback and the defense is improving as more players get healthy. The Browns defense has allowed just 10 fantasy points per game to opposing running back groups over the last three weeks. They slowed down the Ravens’ rushing attack in Week 8 better than any team in the NFL has this year. It’s understandable if he’s a must-start but don’t expect a standout day.
Fantasy football start ’em, sit ’ems, Week 9
Looking for more fantasy football advice? USA TODAY Sports has you covered:
→ Kickers are people, too: Here are some of the most clutch kickers to have on your fantasy team in Week 9.
→ The wide receiver position has been decimated this season. Protect yourself in Week 9 with start ’em, sit ’em advice for wideouts.
→ Need an edge under center? Here are the best quarterback options to start and to sit in Week 9.
→ Tight ends can be the perfect X-factor for any fantasy team. Here’s who you should start and sit in Week 9.
→ A good defense can shut down your fantasy opponent’s offense. Here are some D/ST options to start and sit for Week 9.