Fantasy football waiver wire: 5 running backs to target for Week 8

After a few light weeks of only two teams going on bye, we're getting into the real meat grinder of the fantasy football season with the halfway mark approaching. Six teams are getting rest this week, and they all have significant fantasy contributors at running back.

The teams on bye are the Baltimore Ravens, Los Angeles Rams, New York Giants, Miami Dolphins, San Francisco 49ers, and Pittsburgh Steelers. So Le'Veon Bell is off the table, and owners won't be able to ride Jay Ajayi's scorching-hot streak for now. Todd Gurley is also out, although he hasn't been as big a fantasy factor as hoped. Owners can also hope to have Carlos Hyde back in Week 9, but he'll have to spend another week on your bench.

So the waiver wire will be playing a big role this week as owners look to replace their stud players. We'll help you out with the top five recommended adds at running back, owned in 50 percent or less of Yahoo! standard leagues.

Mike Gillislee, Buffalo Bills (51 percent)

This is a little cheating, but Gillislee is close enough to the 50 percent cut line that I'm including him on the list. The Bills foolishly tried to run out LeSean McCoy with his hamstring injury, and he predictably aggravated the injury during their loss to the Dolphins. Now it looks like he's set to miss at least one game, making Gillislee the clear-cut starter against the New England Patriots. He'll be a fantasy RB2 for as long as McCoy is out.

Chris Ivory, Jacksonville Jaguars (48 percent)

The Jaguars offense is a total mess right now, but at least Ivory had his most productive day last week, rushing for 48 yards on five carries. He's been better than T.J. Yeldon, although that's just faint praise. With Blake Bortles imploding, it wouldn't be a surprise if the Jaguars focus on getting Ivory more involved in the ground game. He's a desperation flex play against the Tennessee Titans on Thursday night.

Knile Davis, Green Bay Packers (36 percent)

With Eddie Lacy and James Starks both on injured reserve, the Packers made a trade to get Davis from the Kansas City Chiefs. He had a short week to prepare with his new team and barely played last Thursday night, but Davis should have an expanded role once he learns the playbook. The Packers got some surprising production out of Ty Montgomery in the backfield, but Davis figures to be a factor sooner rather than later. He has a friendly matchup with the Atlanta Falcons' beatable defense.

Devontae Booker, Denver Broncos (34 percent)

C.J. Anderson hasn't been getting it done and Booker is doing well in limited action, averaging 4.7 yards per carry on seeing more snaps in recent weeks. The Broncos were expected to give him more carries on Monday night, and that should carry over into their Week 8 matchup with the San Diego Chargers. Booker is a tempting bench stash in 12-team leagues.

Matt Asiata, Minnesota Vikings (21 percent)

The Vikings haven't gotten much out of their running game all year, with Jerick McKinnon averaging just 3.2 yards per carry and suffering an ankle injury in Week 7, although he returned to that game. Asiata hasn't been much better, but the Vikings get a better matchup this week with the Chicago Bears on Monday night. Asiata will be on the RB3 map for that game.