Fantasy Football Mailbag: Week 8 Managers Can Comfortably Start Both Kyren Williams and Blake Corum?
Two Rams backs in Week 8
Kyren Williams and Blake Corum combined for 33 carries, 192 rushing yards and two touchdowns in the Rams’ 35-21 victory over the Raiders. Williams played a season-low 51.0% of snaps in Week 7 but still scored 18.1 fantasy points.
Corum had a season-best 17.1 fantasy points on his second-highest snap share of the season, 44.0%. He has reached at least 14 points in three consecutive games and, since Week 5, is tied with Williams at 15.8 points per game, ranking RB16.
The Rams could lean on their rushing game amid injuries on offense. Williams is the more trustworthy option because he contributes in passing situations and pass protection, but both backs are viable against the Chargers in Week 8. Their value may be less certain when Los Angeles is not favored.
Trade-deadline moves to consider
Although the NFL trade deadline is Tuesday, November 10, managers can prepare early. The Colts have begun selling, and Josh Downs is a possible change-of-scenery candidate; he ranks WR58 at 8.2 fantasy points per game.
With the Jets at 2-5, Braelon Allen has shown he can take on a featured role while Breece Hall is absent. Hall could also be a buy-low target, whether he remains a central part of New York’s offense or moves to another team.
Seth McGowan is a 25-year-old rookie seventh-round pick who could become a valuable handcuff if Jonathan Taylor is traded. Brian Thomas Jr., 24, has fallen out of favor with Jacksonville, but his productive 2024 rookie season leaves room for a change in circumstances.
How patient to be with Henry
Derrick Henry has scored fewer than six fantasy points in each of his past two games, with 103 rushing yards on 34 carries across that span. His longest run over the last four weeks is 17 yards.
The article advises patience as Lamar Jackson approaches a return after missing three weeks and the Ravens manage multiple interior offensive-line injuries. Henry’s upcoming opponents are the Bills, Jaguars, Chargers and Panthers.
Buffalo, Los Angeles and Carolina are each allowing the 14th-most schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game or worse to running backs this season. If Henry continues to struggle over that four-week stretch, managers may have reason for concern.
Key points
- Williams and Corum combined for 192 rushing yards and two touchdowns against the Raiders.
- Williams is the safer Rams back, while Corum has scored at least 14 fantasy points in three straight games.
- Breece Hall is a possible buy-low target, and Seth McGowan could gain value if Jonathan Taylor is traded.
- Henry has two low-scoring games in a row, but Jackson’s nearing return may help Baltimore’s offense.