RADIO
The running back position is by far the most difficult to forecast on any given week when it comes to fantasy football. Quarterbacks and wide receivers tend to deliver more consistency but running backs are typically hit or miss based on the matchup and flow of the game. There are a couple of running backs with very appealing matchups you need to start in standard fantasy or target in daily fantasy.
Justin Forsett is not getting enough love despite having as much potential as any running back this week. The Baltimore Ravens running back has delivered double-digit fantasy point performances over the last four consecutive games. Forsett will be facing a a San Diego Chargers run defense that is ranked second to last in the NFL with 132.1 rushing yards allowed per game. Baltimore is in a must-win game after falling to a surprising 1-6 record. The Ravens will have to run hard and run often to have any chance. This gives Forsett a huge upside in Week 8.
The opposite side of the Ravens vs. Chargers game will see San Diego’s running back Danny Woodhead have a chance for another huge outing. Woodhead has been a PPR monster providing great value in the passing game. According to ESPN’s Chargers reporter Eric Williams, Woodhead is also expected to dominate the red zone carries going forward. San Diego’s matchup against the Ravens will put more emphasis on the passing game. Baltimore’s pass defense has been arguably the worst in the league this year and the Chargers are averaging 44 pass attempts per game. Woodhead will benefit greatly from the extra emphasis on passing rather than going with a rush attack with Melvin Gordon. The only fear would be goal line carries but it seems like Woodhead will get those as well. Woodhead may be the best value on the board in daily fantasy this week.
The third running back to look out for is Chris Johnson. The Cleveland Browns have been the worst rush defense in the NFL this season and the Arizona Cardinals are designed to score a lot of points. Johnson is the lead running back and his job doesn’t appear to be in jeopardy despite the rumors that Andre Ellington will see more usage this week. Johnson has been reliable and should continue his comeback season against the extremely weak Browns defense. There’s a great chance the Cardinals will score 35+ points this week and if that’s the case, Johnson should be the main fantasy star.
