Favorable Running Back Matchups for Week 8 (2021)

Jonathan Klonowski

Woah, we’re (almost) half way there…

The bye-pocalypse selections last week were a little mixed with Damien Harris and Cordarrelle Patterson both finding the end zone. Patterson saw a slight decline in receiving usage following the return of Calvin Ridley but has seen his rushing attempts reach double digits in the last two games. Meanwhile, Chuba Hubbard suffered as the Panthers’ offense faltered, although he continued to see the majority of carries and a further five targets, while AJ Dillon saw a surprising dramatic fall in usage.

As we approach the mid-point of the fantasy season, here are four running back matchups I’m looking to target this weekend…

Damien Harris (@ LAC)

Patriots starting running back Damien Harris had an impressive game once again last week. Harris has now put up back-to-back 100-yard rushing performances after his 106-yard outing against the New York Jets last week. He currently ranks seventh in the league in rushing yards amongst RBs with 437 yards. His redzone usage has jumped considerably this year following the departure of Cam Newton. Harris has seen seven rushes inside the five-yard line, the joint-third most in the league, on which he has converted four into touchdowns.

The Patriots opponents this weekend, the LA Chargers, have been a matchup to target for running backs this year with the team allowing the fifth-most points per game to the position. The Chargers have already allowed a total of 975 rushing yards this season, the second-most in the league only behind the Houston Texans (1,020 yards). Start Harris again with confidence.

Kenneth Gainwell (@ NYG)

Gainwell has had a strong start to his young career. The rookie has cemented his spot as the team’s RB2 behind Miles Sanders, seeing particular success in the passing game. Gainwell has already seen a total of 31 targets so far this year, ranking tenth amongst running backs. This included eight targets last week, which he turned into four receptions for 41 yards and a touchdown. Until now, however, he has seen little work on the ground registering just five rushes last week

Now with Sanders week-to-week with an ankle injury, Gainwell has a clear opportunity as the starter, and this week’s matchup couldn’t be any better. The Eagles face a Detroit Lions team who are allowing the fourth-most points to running backs this season, according to FantasyData. The Eagles have struggled to run the ball this year, but Gainwell fantasy managers can rest easy knowing the rookie should continue to be involved in the passing game at the very least and has plenty of upside in a great matchup.

Darrel Williams (vs NYG)

Williams’ fantasy production was a casualty of the Titans’ blowout win against the Chiefs, seeing only eight touches last week, including only five rushes. This came after receiving an impressive 24 touches against Washington the week before – more than incumbent starter Clyde Edwards-Helaire had seen in any game this season prior to his injury. As the starter two weeks ago, Williams rushed for 62 yards and two touchdowns, adding a further 30 yards from three receptions. The fourth-year back continues to be utilized in the passing game, receiving at least four targets in each of the last three games.

This Monday the Chiefs face the Giants, who rank in the top half of fantasy points allowed to running backs and have allowed a total of 879 rushing yards this year – the seventh-most in the league. I’m expecting a bounce-back game for the Chiefs offense this week as ten-point favorites over the Giants, including for Darrel Williams.

Khalil Herbert (vs SF)

Rookie Khalil Herbert has been one of the few bright spots for the Chicago Bears offense in recent weeks. The former Virginia Tech back had another solid performance last week against Tampa Bay’s fearsome defensive front, who have allowed the eighth fewest points on average to running backs this season in half-PPR scoring, according to FantasyData. The rookie rushed 18 times for 100 yards, adding a further 33 yards on five receptions.

Despite Damien Williams returning from the COVID list, Herbert handled around 85% of the team’s running back rushes. This week head coach Matt Nagy stated that David Montgomery will not be coming off IR and Herbert should therefore remain the starter this coming weekend.

After facing the Buccaneers, who have now allowed just 472 rushing yards this season – the fewest in the league, the Bears now play the San Francisco 49ers. The Niners allow an average of around 21 half-PPR points per week to the running back position, according to FantasyData, ranking around the middle of the pack. The matchup, therefore, isn’t exactly easy but after a strong performance against Tampa Bay he’s a good option again this week.

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