Fantasy Football: Week 8

Story posted October 27, 2021 in

After surviving what some called ‘Byemageddon’, only the Ravens and Raiders have byes this week.

Running back is always a rather thin position but it is the time of year that if you don’t have a good running back group to throw out there every Sunday, your fantasy football playoff hopes are as good as gone.

Start:

Elijah Mitchell, RB, San Francisco 49ers, vs. Chicago Bears

After handing over reins to Trey Sermon after getting injured, Mitchell picked up right where he left off by scoring 17 points against a tough Colts defense in standard scoring. The volume will be there as JaMycal Hasty and Sermon were ineffective last week. The Bears are historically a good run defense but have given up good production to running backs the past two weeks.

Hunter Henry, TE, New England Patriots, vs. Los Angeles Chargers

Henry has boasted 10+ points in PPR scoring in the past four weeks even when competing for targets with Jonnu Smith, who is now injured from Sunday’s game and is questionable for Week eight. The Chargers have given up a touchdown every week to a TE other than Week two. A revenge game for Henry against his former team is looking to be in store.

Sit:

Damien Williams, RB, Chicago Bears, vs. San Francisco 49ers

Williams came off the COVID-19 list before the game against Tampa Bay which might have contributed to the lackluster three yards from scrimmage. Khalil Herbert has exceeded expectations and was able to rush for 100 yards against a tough Tampa Bay defensive line. Herbert looks to be the lead back and looks the hot hand until the return of David Montgomery.

Antonio Gibson, RB, Washington Football Team, vs. Denver Broncos

Gibson is struggling with his shin fracture, and it is affecting his production. Gibson has been able to suit up every week but is crawling to the bye week so he can get some rest. Even with the recently exposed Denver run defense, Gibson won’t be himself until at least after his Week nine bye.

Mike Davis, RB, Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers

Davis shined as a replacement of Christian McCaffrey last year in Carolina, but he is not in the driver seat anymore in Atlanta. Cordarrelle Patterson has turned from streamer to lock-it-in starter and has no signs of giving up the lead role. Davis has struggled to be fantasy-relevant this year and the Panthers are one of the best against the run.

Waiver:

Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Philadelphia Eagles

Last week we spotted upside in Gainwell’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield as he finished with four catches, 41 yards, and a touchdown. Lead running back Miles Sanders suffered a low-ankle sprain which leaves the work shared upon Boston Scott and Gainwell. Gainwell seems to be the more versatile back against a Lions defense that ranks in the bottom of the league against running backs.

Carson Wentz, QB, Indianapolis Colts

Wentz in the past four weeks has silently provided a nice floor by scoring two touchdowns and finding value in his legs last week with a rushing touchdown. The matchup against the Titans isn’t perfect but will give you a good streaming option. Also, the next three games for the Colts give Wentz value as they face the Titans, Jets and Jaguars. 

Matthew Gelhard is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email him at mgg5264@psu.edu.