Fantasy Football Rankings Week 8: Bernard Scott and More RBs to Avoid

Week 8 features a lot of opportunities for fantasy owners to roll the dice with their running back choices. Here are three who aren’t worth the risk:

Bernard Scott, Cincinnati Bengals

Opportunists may want to pounce on the unexpected start for Scott—occasioned by this week’s suspension of Cedric Benson—but it’s not a gamble that will pay off. The Bengals are on the road against a Seahawks team that has had little success except in stopping the run.

If Andy Dalton can put up enough points to get the win, Scott could have enough garbage-time carries to have a decent day, but even that’s far from a safe bet. If you must have a backup running back who’s been thrust into a starting role, go with DeMarco Murray instead.

Peyton Hillis, Cleveland Browns

Another obvious gamble, Hillis has practiced a fair amount this week, but is still listed as questionable. Even if healthy, though, Hillis isn’t worth a start in a tough road game.

San Francisco has averaged 58 rushing yards allowed per over the last month. With the Browns likely to be coming from behind, Hillis won’t get many carries, or yards, regardless of his health.

DeAngelo Williams, Carolina Panthers

Williams continues to be the second option for Carolina behind Jonathan Stewart, and this won’t be a good matchup to count on him getting his numbers. Minnesota has the league’s fourth-best run defense, so whatever touches Stewart gets are unlikely to come to much.

The Vikings are substantially more vulnerable against the pass, but Stewart’s role as a receiver has overtaken Williams’ this year. It’s hard to see the Panthers running enough (even if they win) to make Williams a reasonable choice.