Fantasy Football 2018: Start or sit for Week 8

Start

Kerryon Johnson vs. Seattle- The Lions are actually running the football, which is an unfamiliar sentence to hear. Kerryon Johnson has scored in double digits for all but one contest in 2018, that being his first game of the season. Johnson’s production continues to grow in the high-flying Lions offense despite not hitting 20 carries in a game this season. he Seahawks travel to Detroit surrendering 120 yards per game on the ground and nearly five yards per carry, signaling another productive week may be ahead for Johnson.

With Seattle touting one of the tougher pass defenses in the league, Detroit may default to the ground more when trying to move the football. The re-emergence of Theo Riddick shouldn’t carry much value as Riddick is primarily used in passing situations, while Johnson has done most of his damage on the ground. Kerryon should carry on with his fantastic 2018 campaign at home against the Seahawks.

Adrian Peterson at New York Giants- Just when we think Peterson doesn’t have any gas left in the tank, we get proven wrong again. AP’s last two games have featured him almost netting back-to-back 100 yard days on the ground, earning 97 and 99 yards against the Panthers and Cowboys, respectively. Peterson has found a niche as the Redskins workhorse back on the ground despite sharing time with Chris Thompson.

A week eight battle with the Giants will likely spell another hefty usage of Peterson on the ground, as the Redskins will look to control possession and keep the likes of Odell Beckham Jr. and Saquon Barkley off the field. New York allows nearly 114 yards rushing per contest, and with Peterson’s steady dose of carries, it’s acceptable to expect him to continue to hit around the 100-yard mark for a third straight game.

Sit

T.J. Yeldon vs. Philadelphia- Injuries have been the story of Jacksonville’s backfield, as lead man Leonard Fournette will likely see his return from a hamstring injury following the Jaguars bye week. Yeldon has stepped in his spot and performed well, but is limited by Blake Bortles’ inabilities at the quarterback position.

With the recent acquisition of Carlos Hyde, Jacksonville has made it clear Yeldon isn’t the three down back. Hyde, now with a week of the Jags system under the belt, is likely to see more time in London. The Eagles have allowed the second fewest yards to running backs, and with Jacksonville’s recent troubles, Yeldon just isn’t the sexy fantasy back he once was despite earning a pass-catching role.

Nyheim Hines at Oakland- I come to you with sad news, the Nyheim Hines fun in Indianapolis looks to be over. Marlon Mack is finally healthy again, and took the starting running back gig with the Colts and ran with it (literally). Hines, whose value is mainly reflected in PPR formats for catching passes, saw his snap rate and targets cut significantly.

Indianapolis still would like to use Hines, but to what extent? With Mack back in the picture, Hines registered just 17 snaps. Oakland’s defense provides fantasy backs with plentiful points, yet the opportunities are limited for Hines to do damage, turning himself from a borderline starter to a must-sit in week eight.