Welcome back to week 8 of Keeping it Real With Fantasy. The league is being put on watch as the trade deadline approaches, many teams are going out and picking up the last pieces needed to make a push at the Super Bowl. Giants are parting ways with former first round pick Kadarius Toney as he was shipped to the Chiefs, and San Francisco got their new star running back in Christian McCaffrey.

News/Injuries:

Breece Hall (RB) – The Jets running back suffered an ACL tear last week in Denver. Unfortunately for the Jets (and Hal’s fantasy owners), this will put an end to an incredible rookie season. The rising star had accumulated 5 touchdowns and 681 scrimmage yards through 7 weeks and was looking like a candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year. Sadly, we’ll have to wait until next year to see him add to his highlight reel.

Matt Ryan (QB) – Surprisingly, the Colts have decided to bench veteran QB, Ryan for the rest of the season, promoting second year QB, Sam Elhinger. Ehlinger was a 6th round pick in the 2021 draft from the University of Texas and it looks like the Colts are looking towards the future with this move. Ehlinger’s first ever NFL start will come this Sunday against the Commanders.

DK Metcalf (WR) – The Seahawks star wide receiver injured his knee against the Chargers and had to be carted off the field. Metcalf avoided the worst case scenario and won’t need surgery but his timeline for return is still to be determined. The good news is he wasn’t placed on IR meaning a return may be in the coming weeks and Coach Pete Carroll says he isn’t even ruled out for Sunday’s matchup against the Giants.

Starts:

Kenneth Walker (RB) – Since week 6 the Seattle Seahawks have put their faith in young running back, Walker. He received 20+ touches in both games, and in his most recent game had 23 carries for 168 yards and two touchdowns. Against a Giants defense that allowed 140 rushing yards, this week Walker should have a monster game as the Seahawks offense continues to prosper. 

Travis Etienne (RB) – In week 7 against the Giants, Etienne saw an 80% snap share and the most touches he has received all year. This allowed Etienne to rush for 114 yards and a touchdown, along with being targeted 5 times in the passing game. With young running back James Robinson being traded to the Jets, the team seems to be all in on the former first round running back and will become the lead back in this offense for the rest of the season. 

Rhamandore Stevenson (RB)- In the Monday night loss to the Chicago Bears, Stevenson saw his third lowest number of carries in a game this season. There is no need to panic, with the limited carries, Stevenson received 8 targets and managed to get a touchdown on the ground during this game. He will still be the lead back in this offense, and with quarterback uncertainty he is bound to receive more carries. 

Sits:

Najee Harris (RB) –  Entering week 8 the Pittsburgh offense is 31st in points per game, 30th in yards per game, and 32nd in yards per play. They are the worst offense in the league this year which is hindering Najees production. The first round running back had an amazing rookie season due to the large receptions he was receiving last season. This season that production has been regressed making Harris a smart sit until the offense starts to produce anything positive. 

Clyde Edwards Helaire (RB) – Edwards Helaire has been off to a hot start to begin the season but most of his scoring came from the endzone; no real production was being made. Last week Helaire saw a 27% snap share, since he was benched for rookie Isaiah Pacheco. He still managed to score, leaving owners confused, but there is no hope for the former first round running back. 

Waiver Wires:

Gus Edwards (RB) – Edwards finally made his return from injury and made his season debut against the Cleveland Browns. With starting running back J.K. Dobbins out for another couple weeks, Edwards has been given the lead role in this backfield. He had 16 carries for 66 yards and two touchdowns, in the win. Pick him up as he will be the starter for the next couple of weeks. 

D’Onta Foreman (RB) – With star running back Christian McCaffrey being shipped out of Carolina as the team is set on rebuilding, there are two running backs left ready to take on the workload. D’Onta Foreman filled in well for an injured Derek Henry last season with the Titans; he will now get his second opportunity as a starter in the Carolina offense.