NFL Week 8 Start 'Em Sit 'Em: Chris Johnson and Other RBs You Must Start

Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson had 10 carries for 18 yards in his team's blowout loss to the Houston Texans last week.

This season, he has averaged 2.9 yards per carry and has scored one rushing touchdown. 

He's still a must-start this week.

Really?

Against the Indianapolis 31st-ranked rush defense, he most certainly is. 

He will most likely split some carries with Javon Ringer, but if he's going to break out and return to form any time this season, it's this week. 

Who are the other running backs you must start in Week 8? 

Adrian Peterson

Okay, so it's obvious that you need to start Peterson every week, but his matchup with the Carolina Panthers has the potential to be another monster game for the All-Pro runner. 

The Panthers are allowing more than 133 yards on the ground per game, and there's a chance the Vikings will have to play catch-up against a potent offense led by Cam Newton. 

Realistically, handing it to Peterson is Minnesota's best chance to hit a big play, and he should get more than 20 carries in this one.  

Darren Sproles

I feel like I write positively about Sproles every week. 

The truth is, he's a great matchup no matter which team he's facing. 

The Saints play the Rams and their 32nd-ranked run defense on Sunday, and although they love to pass, they'll likely build a big lead with Sproles, Pierre Thomas and Mark Ingram. 

He makes the most out of his touches and is a terror in the screen game. 

In what should be a blowout, get Sproles into that starting lineup. 

DeMarco Murray

I know Murray won't rush for 200-plus again; I'm not delusional. 

But, against the Eagles' inept run defense, you better believe the Cowboys will give their rookie runner plenty of chances to once again boost the run game on the road in Philadelphia.

This game could be high scoring, but now with what could be a productive runner, Dallas could become more of a running team, especially against Philly's run defense that's been gashed in two of its last three games.

Other obvious starts include: Fred Jackson, Ray Rice, Arian Foster, LeSean McCoy and Frank Gore.