Running backs will be the hot tickets this week on the fantasy football waiver wire.
We’ve already pointed out Kansas City Chiefs running back Charcandrick West and Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs. They performed well last week and we expect even bigger scoring opportunities for those players in the future.
So if your league still has those players on the waiver wire, then consider yourself lucky. If you’re not as lucky, check out these options for week 8.
Darren McFadden, Running Back, Dallas Cowboys
McFadden will likely be the biggest add this week off the waiver wire. Some owners may already have him on the team, but according to the NFL.com Fantasy Football league, about 43 percent of leagues still had him on the waiver wire.
He’s likely the main option now for the Cowboys, and although this week’s matchup against the Seattle Seahawks doesn’t look good, he’s an intriguing add for future success, especially when more of the offensive weapons return for Dallas.
We’re still not sure if we can trust the Cowboys utilizing only one running back, but he’s worth a roster spot in every league.
Alfred Blue, Running Back, Houston Texans
With Arian Foster out again with injury, we’re assuming Blue will man the majority of carries for the Texans.
Blue didn’t “wow” us as the starter the last time Foster was out this season, so temper your expectations. The Texans’ offense pretty much threw on every down without Foster, so we assume that will continue as well.
Chris Polk is a better receiver out of the backfield than Blue, so while Blue should dominate the rushing carries, he may not dominate the touches. Don’t expect a RB1 out of Blue, but he could offer a decent option at the Flex position.
Tavon Austin, Wide Receiver, St. Louis Rams
This week is all about low expectations.
Austin has shown the ability to deliver, with a 23-point performance already this season and a good amount of targets.
This past week, he garnered seven targets, while hauling in four catches. The biggest aspect of putting Austin on your roster is you can trust the Rams to try to use him in their offensive gameplan. Austin has receiving and rushing yards in every game but one this season.
The Rams are void of receiver talent and now with Todd Gurley becoming a regular 100-yard rusher, Austin should receive less attention from defensive coordinators.
We like Austin as a decent flex with the right matchup. This week against San Francisco could be that right matchup.
Branden Oliver, Running Back, San Diego Chargers
The patience is running thin on rookie running back Melvin Gordon. The Chargers need help rushing the football and Gordon isn’t ready.
Oliver got the start Sunday against the Oakland Raiders and received 15 touches. The Chargers have a lot of running backs, so Oliver may not be a primary option. He showed last year he can put up major points, so he has the ability to be a quality addition.
He’s worth a roster spot if the Chargers continue to look to shake things up with the running game. The biggest upside for Oliver is that it appears quarterback Phillip Rivers is comfortable with Oliver in the lineup.
