QB List’s Fantasy Football Rankings: Week 8

Erik Smith’s RB Rankings

• Do I like living in a world where Raheem Mostert is my RB15? No. No, I don’t. But Mostert’s 61% snap share on the season ranks 16th among all running backs, and that number was up to 71% last week to go along with a season-high five targets. But most important is the matchup, as the Dolphins draw a Lions defense allowing 5.4 yards per rush attempt, the third worst in the league. Detroit leads the league with 10 rushing touchdowns allowed to running backs, giving Mostert the advantage over similar options in worse matchups. Would you rather play Travis Etienne Jr., who could see in the neighborhood of an 80% snap share after the trade of James Robinson, in a matchup against a stout Broncos defense? Etienne is obviously a good start this week, but give me the better matchup and the team that should be playing with a lead. Mostert slots in as a high-end RB2 this week.
• David Montgomery saw his snap share dip to just 56% last week against the Patriots, as Khalil Herbert is earning his way onto the field with his explosive play. Combine that with a Dallas defense that has allowed just two touchdowns to opposing running backs and the third-fewest points to the position on the year, and Montgomery is a stay-away this week if possible. And he’s a solid sell candidate in a trade as opposing managers will see fairly typical production in his box score from last week. Montgomery did see 78% of the snaps the week prior in Week 6, so don’t sell low. But this may be a good spot to flip him while you can.

• In the first game of the post-CMC era, D’Onta Foreman and Chuba Hubbard combined to rush for 181 yards against Tampa Bay because of course they did, 2022 makes no sense. Foreman was the lead back with 54% of the snaps and a bulk of the rushing attempts, while Hubbard played on 46% of the snaps and out-targeted Foreman 3-2 and scored the touchdown. A matchup in Atlanta could be a spot where Carolina can keep the ball on the ground, so Foreman slots in as a back-end RB2 option, while Hubbard is more of a deep-league option. Keep an eye on Hubbard’s status, he rolled an ankle at the end of the game and they have said he is fine, but some limited practices would make him a riskier choice.
• Speaking of CMC, I’ve got Christian McCaffrey as the RB8 in a tough matchup against the Rams. I would expect his snaps to increase this week, but Dustin Ludke made a good point on the What We Saw Podcast last week; with a bye in Week 9, San Francisco could wait to make major offensive changes until then when they have more time to prepare. McCaffrey should be in your lineups this week, but I’m excited to see how he is used coming out of the bye against the Chargers.

Green=Strong Starter, Yellow=Solid Starter, Red=Look for Better Options