NFL

3 Daily Fantasy Football Players to Avoid in Week 8

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Ryan Mathews, RB, Philadelphia Eagles

FanDuel Price: $5,500

Ryan Mathews' low salary is tempting, but don't fall into that price trap.

Mathews looked poised for a big workload this season after carrying the ball 22 times in Week 1. Since that time, however, he has averaged just 9 carries per game and has not had more than 14 carries in a single contest. Despite his erratic usage, Mathews has continued to have some appeal in DFS circles because of the ample red zone scoring opportunity he has been given. He ranks fourth in the NFL with seven carries inside the five-yard line this season.

But Mathews has fumbled twice over the past three weeks in crucial late-game situations. Because of that, Philly coach Doug Pederson has said he'll consider using Wendell Smallwood or Darren Sproles late in games. This is not the kind of situation you want to invest in.

In addition to that, the matchup against the Dallas Cowboys is a tough one. Dallas has allowed the 4th-fewest rushing yards (457), rushing touchdowns (2) and FanDuel points per game (15.1) to running backs this season.