Running backs have created a conundrum this year, with several of the running backs we anticipated to regularly be at the top not necessarily playing to their potential.
That has left open the door for the week 8 top-tier running backs, Aaron Jones, Tevin Coleman and Latavius Murray. All three have shown the ability to produce with the volume they’ve had in recent weeks. That should continue in the coming weeks as long as the playing time continues.
Here’s the start ’em, sit ’em for week 9 fantasy football running backs.
Start
Tevin Coleman vs. Arizona Cardinals
Unless injuries happen, this is likely the last time I’ll have to put Coleman on this list. He should be considered a true RB1 going forward.
However, the 49ers do have somewhat of a timeshare on occasion, though, so I’ll keep Coleman on the list for this week in case some are still worried about the volume.
With San Francisco’s offensive, don’t worry about Coleman’s volume. It may not be as good as Dalvin Cook, but this offense is all about efficiency. Coleman can succeed, even with less volume than some running backs.
Le’Veon Bell vs. Miami Dolphins
For the most part, Bell should be an automatic start.
However, this Jets offense is atrocious and Bell is suffering from it. The passing game can’t get going and with the Jets trailing in many games, it keeps Bell out of the game.
That happened again in week 8, so it’s tough to put Bell as an RB1. Even though I don’t trust Bell as an RB1 in the moment, he should still be considered at least an RB2, especially with Miami on the schedule. The Dolphins give up the most fantasy points per game to running backs, so I’ll keep Bell on the fantasy radar.
Derrick Henry vs. Carolina Panthers
We all saw that run defense on display in week 8 by Carolina. It was terrible.
Will it stay that way? That’s doubtful, but it’s still concerning enough that Henry should be considered as a potential RB1.
Henry is one pace for career highs in multiple carries and with Ryan Tannehill at quarterback, it has stretched the defense in recent weeks. Henry should have enough volume to contribute once again in week 9.
Sit
Arizona Running Backs vs. San Francisco 49ers
Running against San Francisco is usually a bad idea anyway. And with the question marks in Arizona’s backfield, on a short field, is especially concerning.
David Johnson and Chase Edmunds are both nursing injuries. And now the Cardinals have traded for Kenyon Drake, who may or may not have to start in week 9 due to those injuries.
The 49ers are allowing the second-fewest fantasy points per game to running backs, and with the uncertainty in the Arizona backfield, I’m passing on this game.
LeSean McCoy vs. Minnesota Vikings
Much like San Francisco, it’s not the best idea to run against Minnesota.
That will make it difficult for Kansas City to move the ball against the Vikings, especially with the possibility that Patrick Mahomes will be out another game.
McCoy was distancing himself as the clear-cut starter on Kansas City, but he’s struggled with turnovers. That makes it tough to have him on the starting roster. To make matters worse, his volume isn’t enough to use him as at least an RB2.
David Montgomery vs. Philadelphia Eagles
I don’t believe Matt Nagy will keep up with this charade with the running game.
That’s why I don’t expect the same kind of production from Montgomery that we saw in week 8. Montgomery went for more than 100 yards a touchdown in week 8, but the Bears were committed to the running game.
The running game will disappear on the road against Philadelphia, which is a top-five defense against the run. Don’t trust Montgomery is consecutive weeks.
