Week 8 RB start-sit: Compare Jones, Gainwell, Henderson, and Dowdle.

Week 8 fantasy football running back start ’em and sit ’em picks include Kenny Gainwell and TreVeyon Henderson as matchup-based starts, while Aaron Jones Sr. and Rico Dowdle are risky sits. Atlanta and Miami have allowed some of the most fantasy points to running backs, whereas Detroit and Cleveland rank among the tougher defenses.

Gainwell is ranked RB26 against Atlanta, which has surrendered 23.7 half-PPR points per game to running backs. He could benefit from the Falcons’ vulnerability to running back receptions, but Bucky Irving remains Tampa Bay’s lead back, and Gainwell’s hip injury makes his practice status worth monitoring.

Henderson is ranked RB27 for New England’s matchup with Miami, which allows 25.7 half-PPR points per game to running backs. His ankle and reduced playing time make him a boom-or-bust flex option behind Rhamondre Stevenson. Jones, ranked RB32, faces Detroit while dealing with a knee injury and sharing work with Jordan Mason. Dowdle is also a risky start against Cleveland: Jaylen Warren leads Pittsburgh’s backfield, and the Browns have limited production from running backs, particularly as receivers.

### Key Takeaways
– **Start:** Kenny Gainwell (RB26) and TreVeyon Henderson (RB27) for favorable matchups, while checking Henderson’s ankle and Gainwell’s hip status.
– **Sit:** Aaron Jones Sr. (RB32) because of his knee, a shared workload, and Detroit’s strong run defense.
– **Use caution:** Rico Dowdle has some full-PPR flex appeal, but Warren leads the Steelers’ backfield and Cleveland is a difficult matchup.
– **#FantasyFootball**