Fantasy Football Advice for Gus Edwards, Kenyan Drake: Which Ravens Running Back Is the Better Start?

Baltimore Ravens running back Gus Edwards was a popular waiver wire pickup in NFL Week 8, and for good reason.

In his first game since the 2020-21 season, Edwards rushed for 66 yards while scoring two touchdowns last week against the Browns, catching the eyes of fantasy football managers in need of running back help.

However, while Edwards was a no-brainer waiver wire add earlier in the week, the backfield situation in Baltimore isn't all that clear.

Kenyan Drake is still a big part of the Ravens' running game, earning 11 carriers against Cleveland on Sunday, though he managed only five yards on those touches.

So how should fantasy football managers approach these two Ravens running backs in Week 8, especially since Baltimore plays Tampa Bay on Thursday night?

Let's examine the Action Network's latest fantasy football rankings for Week 8.

Gus Edwards Fantasy Football Start or Sit?

Our fantasy football experts are very split on Edwards Week 8 value.

While checking in as RB38 overall in standard scoring leagues, Sean Koerner is much more bullish by ranking Edwards at RB29.

Our Chris Raybon, on the other hand, has Edwards way down at RB51.

Kenyan Drake Fantasy Football Start or Sit?

The story is essentially flip-flopped when it comes to how our fantasy football experts are approaching Drake in Week 8.

Koerner slots Drake as his RB46 for the week, while Raybon is clearly more optimistic at RB28 in standard leagues.

Put these two rankings together, and Drake sits as the Action Network's RB37 for Week 8, just one spot ahead of Edwards.

So what does this mean for fantasy football managers? Well, it's unlikely that you have both on these running backs on your roster, so know that both players can be high-risk/high-reward depending on how tonight's game plays out.

But if you have better running back options, especially considering there are just two teams on a bye this week, the smartest approach is like to avoid the Ravens backfield altogether if you can.