Week 8 is a mega bye week with six teams off, and finding viable running backs might feel impossible. If you’re scrambling for upside at your RB2 or flex spot, here are a few sneaky options worth considering:
Tyler Allgeier has consistently been the thorn in Bijan Robinson’s side when it comes to weekly fantasy value, and Week 8 could be another example. The Falcons draw a soft matchup against the Miami Dolphins, who have allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs. Over the last three weeks, Miami’s defense has been gashed for 400+ rushing yards and five touchdowns, making them one of the most exploitable units on the ground. While Robinson will still see the bulk of the touches, Allgeier quietly averages around 10 touches per game and continues to handle goal-line or short-yardage work. That combination of steady usage and touchdown potential gives him a real shot to finish as a top-25 running back in Week 8. –Steve Pintado
Rookie running back Brashard Smith has quietly seen his role expand over the past two weeks. He’s totaled 14 receptions in his last four games and just logged a season-high 14 carries in Week 7, emerging as a legitimate dual-threat weapon out of the backfield. Smith gets a favorable matchup against the Commanders, who could be without several key offensive starters. That scenario could lead to a slower, grind-it-out Monday Night Football game—one that favors Smith’s involvement. His growing role as a receiver gives him a solid floor, with 6–10 fantasy points in PPR formats well within reach during this brutal mega bye week. –Steve Pintado
Justice Hill profiles as a steady, safe-floor option for Week 8 lineups. The Ravens face the Bears in what could turn into a higher-scoring game with Lamar Jackson expected to return. The Bears’ defense has quietly struggled to contain running backs in the passing game, allowing at least three receptions to the position in all but one contest this season. With Derrick Henry still finding his footing on the ground, Hill’s role as a change-of-pace and passing-down back should remain steady. His ability to contribute through the air gives him solid PPR flex appeal, especially during this mega bye week when reliable volume is tough to find. –Steve Pintado
If you’re scraping for flex options this mega bye week, there are a few running backs you might feel forced to start but should avoid if possible. TreVeyon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson both draw brutal matchups against the Cleveland Browns, who rank third-best in fewest fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs this season. Henderson has been virtually a non-factor for fantasy managers and offers little upside against an elite Cleveland front. Stevenson, meanwhile, has been overly touchdown-dependent, averaging just 4.0 fantasy points per game in weeks he doesn’t find the end zone. Unless you’re desperate, it’s best to leave both on your bench in Week 8. –Steve Pintado
We could see a bounce-back performance from veteran running back Alvin Kamara in Week 8 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tampa’s defense has struggled recently to contain pass-catching backs, allowing an RB1 finish in back-to-back weeks to players who made their impact through the air. If the Saints lean back into using Kamara as a true dual-threat weapon—particularly in the short passing game—he could deliver a sneaky top-12 fantasy week. In a slate full of bye-week headaches, Kamara’s PPR upside makes him a strong bet to rebound and anchor lineups in Week 8. –Steve Pintado