With Week 8 on the horizon, let’s take a look at some underrated and risky fantasy football running back options for this week. You can also check out my full fantasy football running back rankings for Week 8.
Ollie Gordon II:
Gordon is coming off another strong week with the Dolphins, carrying the ball 25 times for 103 rushing yards and a touchdown. The Dolphins haven’t been shy about feeding Gordon the ball, and he’s been rewarding fantasy managers with his performances in recent weeks, scoring a touchdown in each of his past four games. Gordon has been a huge part of Miami’s offense since De’Von Achane was ruled out for the season, and there’s a good chance he keeps that momentum going in Week 8 at home against the Patriots. After his recent performances, Gordon should be considered a starting fantasy running back and one of the more underrated options for Week 8.
Tony Pollard:
The Tennessee Titans are coming off a narrow 27-24 loss to the Cleveland Browns in Week 7, but one of the bright spots from that game was Tony Pollard having a career day, rushing for 129 yards and three touchdowns. It was easily Pollard’s best game of the season, and he averaged over five yards per carry.
I’m predicting Pollard to keep his strong momentum going in this week’s matchup against the Bengals. Cincinnati has been in good form lately, so it’ll be crucial for Pollard and the Titans to establish their rushing attack if they hope to get a win. After last week’s performance, Pollard should definitely be considered an underrated running back option and deserves a spot in fantasy lineups this week.
Quinshon Judkins:
After missing Week 6 due to injury, Judkins bounced back strong in Week 7 for the Browns, rushing 17 times for 96 yards and two touchdowns. It was Judkins’ best game of the season so far, but he’ll face a much tougher matchup this week against the Steelers, who have one of the best rushing defenses in the league, led by T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and Cameron Heyward up front.
In a tough divisional matchup on the road, Judkins’ fantasy production will likely depend on finding the end zone, so I’d consider benching him in what could be a risky matchup this week.
Bucky Irving:
Irving has been great as of late for the Buccaneers, recording two 100-yard rushing games in his last three outings. Irving totaled 110 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns during the Buccaneers’ dominant win against the Panthers last week.
Tampa Bay has another divisional matchup this week against the Falcons, but Irving may find it tougher on the ground, as Atlanta has allowed the fourth-fewest rushing yards in the league this season at 88.9 yards per game. The Falcons are coming off a huge win after handing the 49ers their first loss of the season, so I’d consider Atlanta’s momentum and strong rushing defense reasons to view Irving as a risky fantasy option this week.
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