Due to the nature of each team’s bye week during the season, we don’t get to capitalize on a lot of good running backs. The notable running backs on bye this week are Todd Gurley, Jay Ajayi and Le’Veon Bell. Houston’s Lamar Miller was in and out with a shoulder injury that occurred on Monday Night Football, so a consensus late first-rounder is now questionable heading into this weekend. It’s a shame if he has to miss any time or be limited, because he was starting to find the groove. This list features some elite options that are poised for big weeks in Week 8. If you have someone on this list, you should be smiling ear to ear while reading this.

Here are the top 5 running backs for Week 8 of the NFL season.

DeMarco Murray vs. JAC

Murray has been a top 5 running back all season and he continues to produce for his owners. The Tennessee offensive line is an excellent run-blocking unit that should be able to neutralize a solid Jacksonville run defense. Murray has seen 20 or more touches in every game since Week 4, so even though he hasn’t been used in the passing game as much lately, he’s still a reliable RB1 in all formats.

David Johnson @ CAR

At this point, it doesn’t matter who he plays, because he is matchup proof. His volume of work alone is enough to keep him as a top running back, regardless of the matchup. He had 41 touches this past week and 25 the week before. The week before that he logged 30 touches. Carolina’s defense isn’t good and Johnson will see no less than 27 touches this week. Easy RB1 in Week 8.

Lamar Miller vs. DET

Miller is currently listed as questionable but as long as he’s suiting up, which he should, he’ll be in your lineup. Detroit is allowing just under 4.9 yards per carry and over his last two games, Miller is averaging an even six yards per carry. He’s still not as dynamic in the passing game as he should be, but he does have three receptions in each of his past two games. He’s a RB1 this week, without a doubt.

Ezekiel Elliott vs. PHI

Elliott had his bye this past week and he still leads the league in rushing. He’s received 18 touches or eclipsed 130 rushing yards in every game this season, which if you ask me, is the definition of a reliable RB1. He’s scored five touchdowns on the season and even though the Philadelphia defense is pretty good, Elliott and his offensive line are exceptional, to say the least. He also ran for 157 yards against a stout Green Bay run defense. Fire him up as a RB1 this week.

Spencer Ware @ IND

Another great matchup for Ware here after he got the New Orleans defense in Week 7. Luckily Ware had a long touchdown catch, or else fantasy owners would have been rather disappointed from a fantasy perspective. The team continues to ease Jamaal Charles into action and even with Charles in the mix, Ware is an RB1 against a terrible Indianapolis run defense. Ware will see right around 20 touches, which is easily enough to do some damage.

Be sure to check out the rest of the NFL Week 8 Fantasy Football Player Rankings  here at Fantasy Alarm.