Williams enters Week 8 off his most productive day since coming
into the league in 2021. It’s only the second time he produced
multiple touchdowns in a game and was the third-most rushing yards.
The Panthers have allowed the most fantasy points in the league
to running backs (31.8 FPts/G) and Williams’ running takes
the pressure off rookie quarterback Bo Nix.
Mason started off the season with a bang, but has been less than
expected the past three games (he was injured in one). He hasn’t
scored a touchdown since Week 4, which was also the last time
he cracked 100 rushing yards, which he did in three of the first
four games. Despite the loss of both Deebo Samuel and Brandon
Aiyuk in Week 7 versus the tough Chiefs’ defense, Mason
rushed the ball just 14 times. You would think he would have gotten
more work. He will in Week 8, when head coach Kyle Shanahan has
a chance to prepare his offense for the absence of his two star
receivers. Dallas ranks 30th in allowing RB fantasy points (27.6)
and Mason should get 90% of the that.
The Saints have allowed 116.9 rushing yards to opposing running
backs which should allow Dobbins a chance to rebound from Monday
night’s ugly 14-40-0 effort. With Gus Edwards still sidelined,
Dobbins remains the lead back, but if he doesn’t improve,
the team might let young Kimani Vidal get more work.
When we think of the Chiefs, we think of Patrick Mahomes and
the offense, but it’s the Kansas City defense which led
them to the last Super Bowl and has continued to dominate the
opposition through six games this season. They are No.1 against
opposing running backs allowing just 14 FPts/G and a league-low
337 rushing yards (56.2 ypg). Mattison saw 26 touches on Sunday
against the Rams yet didn’t crack 16 fantasy points. He
figures to struggle here.
The Lions are No.2 in points allowed to opposing running backs,
allowing just 372 yards in six games. That’s like just one game
for Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty (watch for him on Draft Day 2025).
Pollard had been solid in Tyjae Spears’ absence until last weekend
at Buffalo when he managed just 8.5 fantasy points. The Lions
have also allowed only 24.2 receiving yards to opposing backs
per game, something Pollard can also do. Game script figures to
hurt Pollard’s running opportunities, so I don’t think he succeeds
here.
3) Any Colts RB @ Houston
If Jonathan Taylor returns from his ankle injury, the team figures
to be cautious with their top back so he won’t go crazy.
Meanwhile, if he can’t go, Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson
(the better of the two options) would share the workload likely
making both practically useless. Houston is top-three against
opposing running backs, allowing just 17.9 fantasy points, and
making it unlikely any combination of the three Colts’ backs
is viable in Week 8.
