Between the myriad injuries sustained by fantasy running backs this season and with six teams on byes this week, this list is going to be shorter than usual. Which is to be expected, when owners are scrambling to start guys like Denver’s C.J. Anderson and Tampa Bays Mike James. If you have a stable enough group of running backs that you can afford to mix-and-match, avoid these guys for Week 8.
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. San Francisco 49ers
Jones-Drew has the misfortune of going up against the 49ers’ talented run defense. On the season, MJD only has 10 total receptions and hasn’t had more than 71 yards on the ground in any single game. On the flip side, San Francisco hasn’t given up 100 yards rushing to a ‘back yet this season. The 49ers should take an early and big lead, which will leave Jacksonville to go pass heavy in an attempt to keep pace, which basically phases Jones-Drew out of the game plan. Sit him if you can.
Chris Ivory, New York Jets vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Ivory had a huge week last week, going off for 104 rushing yards on 34 carries. But Bengals are allowing the 11th fewest fantasy points-per-game to opposing running backs at 12.9. They’ve also only allowed three rushing touchdowns all season and no more than 55 yards to a ‘back in any single game. Ivory will likely have a tough time on the ground against the Bengals - plus the Jets will look to air things out against the Bengals injury-depleted secondary.
BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Cincinnati Bengals vs. New York Jets
The Jets are giving up the second-fewest rushing yards-per-game this season at 77.7 and the seventh fewest fantasy points to opposing ‘backs with just 12.3. The Law Firm has scored less than nine fantasy points-per-game in all but one outing this season and is going to struggle heavily against the Jets’ stout run defense. Bench him if you can.
Side note: this also makes Giovani Bernard more of a risk than usual as well.
Willis McGahee, Cleveland Browns vs. Kansas City Chiefs
McGahee has seen his production plummet since Week 5, compiling less than eight total points in the last two weeks. The Chiefs are the best overall defense in the league and are allowing the fewest fantasy points-per-game at home to opposing running backs with just 8.68. With Chris Ogbonnaya getting the bulk of the Browns’ carries, McGahee is unstartable this week. Ogbonnaya owners should also beware as well and shouldn’t count on him as anything more than a RB3/FLEX option.