By Sunday 
Bye Week Blues or Golden Chances?
Week 8 is here, and for fantasy managers, it’s another wild scramble. With six teams — the Cardinals, Lions, Jaguars, Raiders, Rams, and Seahawks — all taking their breaks, lineups everywhere look like patchwork quilts. Missing stars like Jahmyr Gibbs, Ashton Jeanty, and Kyren Williams is tough enough, but add in a few lingering injuries (yes, we see you Breece Hall and D’Andre Swift) and you’ve got a recipe for Sunday stress.
Still, every frantic fantasy week hides an opportunity. That’s where smart streamers can step in and turn chaos into points. Let’s take a look at the Week 8 running backs who could save your lineup when it matters most.
Kyle Monangai – The Quiet Bear with Big Bite 🐻
Rostered in: 36.6% of ESPN leagues
The Bears’ Kyle Monangai looked ready for prime time in Week 7 — 81 rushing yards, a touchdown, and some strong hands out of the backfield. With D’Andre Swift still limited, Monangai’s bruising style might see extra action again.
Coach Ben Johnson loves mixing his backs — a habit that made fantasy gold in Detroit — so if you’re short on RB depth, Monangai’s your FLEX lifeline. He’s the type of player who can quietly deliver 15+ points and help you steal a matchup while others panic.
Tyjae Spears – Sneaky Streamer with Upside 💨
Rostered in: 35% of leagues
We’ve all been waiting for Tyjae Spears to flash the potential he showed before his early-season injury. With Tony Pollard’s workload dipping and Tennessee’s offense trying to find rhythm, Spears might finally get some daylight.
He’s a gamble, sure, but a smart one — especially in deeper leagues or if you’re protecting your Pollard shares. Eight total touches last week hints that his role could expand in hurry-up situations.
Justice Hill – The Raven Who Could Rise 🦅
Rostered in: 24.2% of leagues
The Ravens are 1-5 and desperate for a spark. With Lamar Jackson likely back under center, Baltimore needs flexibility — and Justice Hill brings just that.
He’s not your between-the-tackles guy, but his pass-catching ability makes him an intriguing option against the Bears’ pass rush. Hill’s two games with five receptions show he can quietly chip away points, especially in PPR formats.
Isaiah Davis – The Insurance Policy You’ll Be Glad You Bought 💪
Rostered in: 7.7% of leagues
If you roster Breece Hall, do yourself a favor — grab Isaiah Davis. Even with Hall trending toward playing, the Jets might ease his workload, giving Davis more touches than expected.
This isn’t a sexy pick, but it’s the kind of quiet move that pays off when injuries strike midgame. Think of him as your rainy-day fund — boring until the storm hits.
Final Word: The Smart Managers Thrive in the Storm
Week 8 isn’t about perfection — it’s about adaptation. Every bye week and injury opens a window for new opportunity. Whether you’re taking a flier on Monangai, banking on Spears’ upside, or stashing Davis, the key is staying flexible.
So don’t fear the chaos — use it. In fantasy football, the whirlwind doesn’t destroy the prepared manager. It rewards them.