Fantasy Football (NFL) 2008: Week 8 Sleepers and Keepers Running Backs (RBs)

Another crazy week as fantasy football rounded up week 7 with a stunning New England Denver blow-out. Michael Turner was sitting the week out with a bye as Clinton Portis thundered his way to lead everyone in rushing yards. Reggie Bush and Joseph Addai are out with injuries. Mewelde Moore was unbelievable and should continue having good games as long as Willie Parker keeps stepping in holes.

Heading into week 8 you have Chicago on a bye putting Matt Forte on the bench. Ryan Gant finally had a decent game and now must cool his jets on the bench as well. Adrian Peterson's owners will be looking for a flex play. There are some pretty good matchups that you don't want to miss.

Without further delay your top ten list:

1) BenJarvus Green-Ellis - I know, you're saying who? Laurence Maroney is done for the year. LaMont Jordan is nursing a bad calf. Sammy Morris is banged up and Kevin Faulk is mostly a third down back. All this spells opportunity for a big game from an unknown, the Patriots face the Rams by the way. Morris may start but Green-Ellis should see some touches. Snatch him up if you have spare room on the bench.

2) Warrick Dunn - Tampa Bay will look to slow this game down with a great defense and some running. Sure Garcia will get the ball in the air but Dunn should have a decent game against a completely hopeless Dallas defense. Even if Romo starts the Cowboys will make too many errors to recoup and Dunn will get at least a few goal line chances.

3) Mewelde Moore - Wow. Just wow. This guy head one heck of a game and with Park still hobbling around I would expect Moore to have another great performance considering the Steelers are a run first pass second team. Even when they do pass it seems Moore will get some good looks. I wonder what will happen when Parker returns, probably a platoon at best, either way the Giants are looking vulnerable.

4) LenDale White - This guy gets no respect. Maybe you can dangle some trade bait to get him. White had a monster performance Sunday against a really shaky defense. Now that the Titans have disposed of the Chiefs their next target is the team where only three other run defenses are worst than Indy's. Look for Johnson to get the workload and White to get the scores with some yardage.

5) Steve Slaton - Cincinnati is horrible all around. I would start all my Texans and look for Slaton to get some serious attention both in the air and on the ground. Though I imagine the Bengals are tired of losing and probably will put up a good fight. After all the Texans aren't exactly the Titans and on that note look for...

6) Cedric Benson - To have a good game against a soft rushing defense. Chris Perry has been replaced and Benson can make some good plays. If you have a running back on bye this week I would recommend one or the other for the upcoming game.

7) Correll Buckhalter - A ton of people were probably dropping him due to Brian Westbrook reportedly playing Atlanta this week. I'm guessing Westbrook's ribs are still broken (they tend to stay that way for a little bit). This should equate to some quality touches by Buckhalter who has shown Andy Reid and the Eagles he is ready to play. I think Buckhalter would be a good flex play or an adequate bye fill-in.

8) Thomas Jones - Still sitting on the bench in some leagues. Jone's has erupted in his last two games and the Chiefs are next up on the agenda. Leon Washington will get some carries as well but in the end Jones will get the TDs and some nice yardage to pad the stats and the fantasy points.

9) Pierre Thomas - Reggie Bush is out for a few weeks at least. This leaves three RBs looking for some upswing in touches. Out of those three I would have to choose Pierre Thomas even though the Duece got loose for a game or two. McAllister is too much of a risk with his own knee issues. I don't expect big yardage but an adequate fill-in with a TD or two.

10) Darren McFadden - Take it for what it's worth. This is a dark horse pick that goes up against the number one run defense in the NFL. McFadden has playmaker skills and the passing game in Oakland is poor. What can you do, you have to pass or run. I think McFadden will break loose and cause havoc with the Baltimore D. Crazy I know but that's why you read these predictions right. It will happen.