Week 8 Start Em Sit Em: Bernard Scott and More Sleeper RBs You Must Bench

With all the bye weeks and injuries to running backs this week, there are lots of opportunities for sleepers to make their impact in Week 8. 

You may think about giving some guys the opportunity they are getting in real life by starting them, but you might want to cool your jets a bit.

Here's a look at three of those running backs to stay away from.

Bernard Scott, Cincinnati Bengals

With Cedric Benson out for a game due to suspension, you better believe Scott will come out inspired in his chance to prove what he's got. 

Scott has good size and pretty good burst. If he was going up against anyone else, I would love him in fantasy for this week.

He'll likely get 20 carries and has the talent to do something with them, but the Seahawks have been absolutely stellar against the run.

Opposing teams are getting just 3.2 yards per carry against the 'Hawks, and no back has hit 100 yards against them this season. Montario Hardesty came close last week with 95, but it took him 33 carries to get there. 

Additionally, Seattle has tons of problems with injuries in their secondary, so Cincy might turn to the air on more occasions than usual.

Throw in the fact that Seattle probably has the best home-field advantage in the NFL and Scott is bench material this week, unless you are desperate.

Montario Hardesty, Cleveland Browns

Speaking of Hardesty, how unlucky is he?

He's got the chance to step into the starting role with Peyton Hillis out, but he's got the unfortunate task of facing a murderer's row of run defenses.

He got the Seahawks last week and saw absolutely no holes.

This week, assuming Hillis is out again, he gets the San Francisco 49ers. That is, the team that's giving up the least amount of fantasy points to running backs. Patrick Willis and company haven't given up more than 75 rushing yards in a single game this year.

Hardesty has shown a little bit of pass-catching ability that can save his fantasy day, but the running lanes will be few and far between.

He's a flex option at best.

Ryan Torain, Washington Redskins

This just seems too easy.

Tim Hightower tore his ACL and is now lost for the season. Torain, who is always impressive when he gets a full amount of carries, appears to be the starter.

He has a nice matchup against a Buffalo run defense that is giving up a generous 5.1 yards per carry.

He's a definite start, right?

Right?

Nope. Not with Mike "Lucifer" Shanahan running the show. 

Torain is a good start on paper, but it's just too hard to put any faith in what Shanahan will do. Torain could easily get 120 yards and a touchdown, but rookie Roy Helu could just as easily step in and get the majority of the carries.

If you're feeling lucky, go ahead and start Torain. Just know that you're playing with fire.