Fantasy Football Week 8: Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Advice for Running Backs and Wide Receivers

As the NFL enters Week 8, fantasy football managers are facing crucial lineup decisions, especially with several key players returning from injuries and others facing favorable matchups. Here are some key start and sit recommendations for running backs and wide receivers.

For running backs, De'Von Achane of the Miami Dolphins is a must-start if Tua Tagovailoa returns to the field. Achane has averaged nearly 19 fantasy points per game with Tagovailoa, and the Dolphins face the Arizona Cardinals, who have allowed the sixth-most rushing yards to opposing backs.

Josh Jacobs of the Green Bay Packers is another strong start, given his consistent performance and a favorable matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jacobs has topped 11 fantasy points in all but one game this season and faces a Jaguars defense that has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to running backs.

D'Andre Swift of the Chicago Bears is also a top pick, having played over 60% of Chicago’s offensive snaps in his last three games and averaging 23.8 fantasy points per game during that period. Swift faces the Washington Commanders, who have allowed explosive runs at a league-high rate.

Kareem Hunt of the Kansas City Chiefs is a reliable option, having received 24 and 28 touches in his last two games and averaging 100 scrimmage yards and 20.5 fantasy points per outing. He faces the Las Vegas Raiders, who have allowed 4.9 yards per carry to running backs.

On the other hand, Alexander Mattison of the Las Vegas Raiders should be sat this week, as he faces the Kansas City Chiefs, who have allowed the fewest rushing yards to opposing running backs.

In the wide receiver category, Cooper Kupp of the Los Angeles Rams is expected to make a significant impact in his return from an ankle injury. Kupp faces the Minnesota Vikings, who have allowed the most fantasy points to opposing receivers this season. With Puka Nacua likely out, Kupp should see a high volume of targets from Matthew Stafford.

George Pickens of the Pittsburgh Steelers is another strong start, having had at least seven targets in five consecutive games. He faces the New York Giants and is expected to continue being a key target for Russell Wilson.

Romeo Doubs of the Green Bay Packers is a borderline starter against the Jacksonville Jaguars, who have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing receivers. Doubs has scored at least 17.4 PPR points in each of his last two games.

Tank Dell of the Houston Texans, despite a disappointing performance in Week 7, is expected to rebound against the Indianapolis Colts. With Nico Collins still out, Dell should be heavily involved in the game plan.