Week 8 of the NFL season delivered a statement weekend for running backs across the fantasy football landscape. As passing attacks cool off and weather conditions begin to shift, the ground game took center stage with several backs reminding managers why they’re still the heartbeat of any fantasy roster. From explosive breakout performances to consistent veterans grinding out RB1 numbers, the week was packed with highlight runs, goal-line dominance, and unexpected fantasy fireworks. Whether you were riding a resurgent star or scooping up production from a waiver gem, Week 8 proved that the running back position still has plenty of punch as we head into the fantasy playoff push.
Barkley Back On Top
Saquon Barkley reminded everyone of his elite upside in Week 8, exploding for a monster performance against his former team, the New York Giants. The revenge-game narrative came full circle as Barkley torched New York’s defense with his trademark mix of patience, burst, and tackle-breaking power, piling up yards on the ground, as he broke a 65-yard run showing shades of last years’ Eagles rushing attack. It was the kind of statement outing fantasy managers had been waiting for (150 yards and a Touchdown on 14 carries)— proof that when healthy and properly featured, Barkley is still one of the most dynamic dual-threat backs in the league. Heading into the rest of the 2025 season, his fantasy value sits firmly in RB1 territory. With a favorable upcoming schedule and his growing involvement in the passing game, Barkley’s combination of volume and explosiveness makes him a weekly must-start and a potential league-winner as the fantasy playoffs draw near and the Eagles offense begins to find their form.
Cooking With Jimbo
James Cook delivered his best performance of the 2025 season in Week 8 (216 yards and 2 Touchdowns on 19 carries), exploding against the Carolina Panthers in a game that showcased his full skill set. The Bills’ offense leaned heavily on Cook’s versatility, and he responded with a dominant all-around effort — gashing Carolina on the ground. His burst through the line and improved patience as a runner stood out, proving he’s evolved from a complementary back into a reliable fantasy asset. As Buffalo continues to balance its offensive approach, Cook’s increasing touch share and red-zone involvement solidify him as a strong RB1 with weekly blowup potential. Heading into the second half of the season, fantasy managers can feel confident that Cook’s mix of volume, efficiency, and big-play ability will keep him in the must-start conversation for the foreseeable future .
Krafting Success
Tucker Kraft turned heads in Week 8 of the 2025 season with a breakout performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers (7 catches for 143 yards and 2 Touchdowns), showcasing why he’s becoming a key piece of Green Bay’s evolving offense, which is still searching for a “number 1 WR”. The young tight end made the most of his opportunities, exploiting soft spots in the Steelers’ coverage and providing Jordan Love with a reliable target in crucial situations. Kraft’s combination of physicality after the catch and sure hands in traffic stood out, as he consistently moved the chains and found the end zone to cap off his best game of the year. From a fantasy perspective, this outing firmly puts Kraft on the radar as a SOLID TE1 option, especially in formats that reward receptions. With growing chemistry in the Packers’ passing attack and a favorable schedule ahead, Kraft’s usage and red-zone role suggest his Week 8 surge may be more than a fluke — it could be the start of a strong second-half breakout.
Jonathan Taylor is UNFAIR
Jonathan Taylor reminded fantasy managers why he’s one of the most dominant backs in football with a vintage performance against the Tennessee Titans in Week 8 of the 2025 season (12 carries for 153 yards and 2 Touchdowns, along with a receiving touchdown). Facing a tough divisional rival known for stout run defense, Taylor imposed his will early, ripping off chunk gains and breaking tackles with his trademark power and vision. His explosiveness through the hole and patience behind the line were on full display as he controlled the tempo of the game, ultimately carrying the Colts’ offense to a statement win. From a fantasy standpoint, Taylor’s resurgence could not have come at a better time. With his workload back to elite levels and Indianapolis leaning on him as the focal point of their offense, he’s once again locked in as the RB1. As the fantasy season enters its crucial stretch, Taylor’s combination of volume, efficiency, and touchdown potential makes him one of the safest and most valuable backs in football.
Fields Steals a WIN
Justin Fields led the New York Jets to one of the most thrilling wins of the 2025 season in Week 8, stealing a last-second victory from the Cincinnati Bengals. Fields was electric from start to finish, showcasing the dynamic playmaking that’s reignited the Jets’ offense this year (21-32, 244 yards and a Touchdown). He kept the Bengals’ defense off balance with his dual-threat ability — extending plays with his legs, delivering accurate passes on the move, and coming through in clutch moments down the stretch. From a fantasy standpoint, Fields’ performance solidified his status as a rising QB2 option if his own team decides to keep him at the helm. His rushing floor continues to make him a weekly difference-maker (11 carries in Week 8), and if the Jets’ offense finds its groove, Fields looks poised to be an impactful fantasy quarterbacks for the rest of the season.
Carry Us to The Promise Land
Week 9 reminded fantasy managers just how powerful a dominant running back can be when the stars align. With multiple backs erupting for monster performances, the position once again proved it can single-handedly swing matchups and reshape playoff races. As we enter the stretch run, building around these workhorse runners could be the difference between sneaking into the postseason and making a championship push. Whether it’s a bell-cow carrying 25 times or a dual-threat piling up receptions out of the backfield, running backs are heating up at the perfect time — and those who ride the wave could find themselves lifting a fantasy trophy when it’s all said and done.
