10 RB sleepers to target for fantasy football Week 8
By Nick Villano
3. Kenneth Gainwell, Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles are going to give Kenneth Gainwell the rock, and he’s going to run with it. Sure, there is the threat of Boston Scott in the backfield, but he just doesn’t seem like the kind of running back that is going to take away from the talent of Gainwell. Even when Miles Sanders was healthy, Gainwell has had good fantasy performances in the past.
The Eagles are taking on the Detroit Lions, a team that is allowing the fourth-most points to running backs every week. They have allowed 12 total touchdowns to running backs, or basically just under two per week. Even if Boston Scott steals a goalline touch, Gainwell should have other opportunities to score this week.
2. Damien Harris, New England Patriots
The New England Patriots showed what this running game can do against an overmatched team. Damien Harris was destroying the New York Jets last week. He was averaging 7 yards per carry, and he scored two touchdowns. The Patriots are committed to letting Harris become the starting running back in New England, and he’s rewarded them with two straight 100 yard performances.
This week, he’s taking on the Los Angeles Chargers. They are the fifth-worst team in terms of running back points allowed. Only the New York Jets have allowed more rushing touchdowns than the Chargers, and the Chargers already had their bye week. They are allowing more than one rushing touchdown per game. Harris is going to score this week. You can take that to the bank.
Next. 5 Bold Fantasy Predictions For Week 8. dark
1. Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals passing offense has looked great as of late. Ja’Marr Chase had more than 200 yards last week despite the Baltimore Ravens specifically saying they were going to focus on him defensively. This week should be just as fruitful for the Cincinnati Bengals as they take on the lowly New York Jets. However, don’t expect gaudy passing numbers. Instead, the Bengals are going to give the Jets a heavy dose of Joe Mixon.
The Jets could not stop Damien Harris last week, and Joe Mixon is a lot better than Harris. The Bengals should be handing the ball off early and often because it’s a sound strategy. It makes sure that Chase and Joe Burrow avoid the possibility of injury against a team like the Jets, and it will still lead to an easy win. Joe Mixon might be one of the best players of the week, which makes it weird he isn’t ranked higher on fantasy rankings.