We saw some monster performances from running backs in Week 8, including Buccaneers RB Bucky Irving racking up 170 yards and 1 TD on the ground. In total, eight running backs rushed for at least 100 yards. There were also four running backs who compiled at least 60 receiving yards.
As we focus on Week 9, some running backs are in a position to shine in favorable matchups. Others might struggle against a tough opponent.
Below, let's list some NFL Week 9 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em candidates for the RB position, including picks to consider on PrizePicks for Jonah Coleman, Omarion Hampton, and more. Keep this analysis in mind when making your Week 9 fantasy football decisions.
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Start: Broncos RB Jonah Coleman
Game: Broncos vs. Panthers – Sunday, November 8, 1:00 p.m. ET
Projections via PrizePicks: 55.5 Rush Yards, 24.5 Receiving Yards, 0.5 Anytime TDs
Coleman spent four weeks on IR before returning for a Week 7 matchup with the Cardinals. He received 9 carries in his return, finishing with 54 yards in Denver’s 30-16 victory. It was encouraging that he led all Broncos’ running backs with 30 offensive snaps.
While he was already trending towards a leading role, Broncos RB RJ Harvey (knee) landing on IR before Week 8 further tilted the scales in Coleman’s favor.
In Sunday’s 28-24 win over the Chiefs, the rookie logged 40 offensive snaps. Fellow Broncos RB J.K. Dobbins played just 13 snaps. Coleman certainly made a case to remain their leading backfield option, rushing 11 times for 41 yards and 1 TD. He also caught 4 of 5 targets for 63 receiving yards.
The Broncos face the Panthers on Sunday, who struggle mightily against running backs. According to RBSDM, they are 25th in rush EPA/play allowed. Carolina's 10 rushing TDs allowed to running backs is tied for the second-most in the league, and it gives up 4.73 yards per carry to the position, per RotoWire. Coleman comes into this matchup with significant upside.
Add Jonah Coleman to your PrizePicks lineup now.
Start: Browns RB Dylan Sampson
Game: Browns vs. Saints – Sunday, November 8, 1:00 p.m. ET
Projections via PrizePicks: 16.5 Receiving Yards, 2.5 Receptions, 0.5 Anytime TDs (Demon)
The Browns lost 27-6 to the Steelers on Sunday with RB Quinshon Judkins gaining only 25 yards on 11 carries. Sampson was only given 1 carry, but he is one of the rare running backs who provide significantly more fantasy value in the passing game than they do on the ground. He emerged from the loss with 6 receptions for 62 yards on 8 targets.
The Browns might need to air things out if they are going to have any chance of keeping up with the Saints in New Orleans on Sunday.
New Orleans had a bye last week, so it is fresh and had extra time to repair for this matchup. The Browns’ defense hasn’t been great on the road, allowing at least 24 points in three of their five games away from Cleveland.
Throwing to running backs against the Saints could be a way for the Browns to ignite their offense.
New Orleans allows 7.33 yards per target to the position, which is the third-highest mark in the NFL. Running backs have a 91.7% catch rate against them, per RotoWire. The only team to allow a higher mark is the Raiders at 93.8%. For those in PPR formats, Sampson is a viable starting option.
Add Dylan Sampson to your PrizePicks lineup now.
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Sit: Chargers RB Omarion Hampton
Game: Texans vs. Chargers – Sunday, November 8, 4:05 p.m. ET
Projections via PrizePicks: 28.5 Rush Yards, 8.5 Rush Attempts, 0.5 Anytime TDs (Demon)
At 0-7, the Chargers are the last winless team in the NFL. A lot has gone wrong, but their offense is the main reason for their struggles. They average 14.1 points per game, which is the lowest mark in the league.
There was a lot of hype surrounding Chargers RB Omarion Hampton heading into the season. After being selected 22nd overall in the 2025 Draft, his rookie season was limited to just nine games because of injuries.
He hasn’t missed any time this season, but he hasn’t been effective on the ground. He averages only 3.5 yards per carry and has not scored a touchdown since Week 4. With Hampton struggling, his role is diminishing.
He played a season-low 18 snaps last week, finishing with 9 carries for 20 yards in a 24-9 loss to the Rams. That was the third time over the last 10 games that he received fewer than 10 carries. Chargers RBs Keaton Mitchell and Kimani Vidal are eating into his workload, leaving him a risky fantasy option.
Add Omarion Hampton to your PrizePicks lineup now.
Sit: Jets RB Breece Hall
Game: Jets vs. Chiefs – Sunday, November 8, 1:00 p.m. ET
Projections via PrizePicks: 0.5 Anytime TDs (Demon)
Hall has been sidelined since Week 4 with a quadriceps injury. He appeared close to returning in Week 8, but ultimately did not take the field in the Jets’ 38-33 loss to the Raiders. With another week of rest under his belt, Hall is expected to play this week against the Chiefs.
While Hall was out, Jets RB Braelon Allen emerged as a productive option. He posted at least 100 rushing yards in three of the last four games while also scoring 2 TDs during that span. Last week, Hall ran 21 times for 147 yards and 1 TD.
Given how long Hall has been out and how well Allen has played, we could see Hall receive limited snaps on Sunday. That’s not a recipe for success against the Chiefs, who are ninth in rush EPA/play allowed.
Add Breece Hall to your PrizePicks lineup now.
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Coleman’s new role on the Broncos leaves him with significant upside for his Week 9 matchup with the Panthers. Sampson’s pass-catching prowess may also leave him with a valuable stat line. On the negative side of things, Hampton and Hall could disappoint based on their potentially limited roles.
Don’t wait until kickoff — make your NFL Week 9 picks on PrizePicks now and earn real money if you’re right.
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