Week 8 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Peyton Hillis and Star RBs That Must Be Benched

Every week there are several big-name fantasy running backs that cost their owners the week by posting a clunker (looking at you Ray Rice).

Being able to predict these poor games and making the tough decision to bench an early pick is a big step toward the playoffs. Here are three stars to avoid in Week 8.

DeAngelo Williams, Carolina Panthers

Williams has topped eight points only once all season, and yet nearly two-thirds of fantasy owners are still starting him. It's time to give up on the Memphis product unless he starts getting a heavier workload, which doesn't appear to be on the horizon.

After signing Williams to a huge contract in the offseason, the Panthers have watched his per-carry average drop drastically. He also doesn't seem to have any burst left, breaking off one long run all season. All told, he belongs on the bench against Minnesota.

Week 8 Projection: Five fantasy points

Joseph Addai, Indianapolis Colts

Addai has been dealing with a lingering hamstring issue and isn't exactly known for his durability. Even when healthy, he's struggled.

The sixth-year back has scored in double digits just once and has six points total in the last four weeks.

Rookie Delone Carter has been gaining momentum and could very well be the starter within the next few weeks. Try to pawn Addai off on a desperate owner, because it's difficult to imagine him becoming a must-start fantasy option again.

Week 8 Projection: Three fantasy points

Peyton Hillis, Cleveland Browns

As disappointing as those first two backs have been, Hillis has been exponentially more frustrating.

He scored nearly 30 points in the first two weeks and then dropped off a cliff. In the four games since, Hillis has totaled seven points and missed two games.

He's been angling for a new contract and is either crumbling under the pressure or not giving full effort. Either way, he's killing fantasy teams.

Like Addai, he's fighting a hamstring injury and is due to face San Francisco's second-ranked run defense in Week 8.

Week 8 Projection: Two fantasy points