As we gear up for another thrilling week of NFL action, fans and fantasy managers alike are wondering which players will make the biggest impact on the scoreboard. Luckily, ESPN’s Senior Fantasy Football Writer Mike Clay has crunched the numbers to bring us his top 20 predictions for the most likely touchdown scorers in Week 8.
The King Leads the Pack
Topping the list is none other than Tennessee Titans superstar running back Derrick Henry. The two-time NFL rushing champion has already found the end zone 10 times this season (8 rushing, 2 receiving) and shows no signs of slowing down. Clay gives Henry a whopping 77% chance to score against the Cleveland defense in Week 8.
Derrick Henry is a touchdown machine. When he gets rolling, he’s nearly impossible to stop near the goal line.
– NFL scout
Elite Company
Joining Henry at the top are several other elite running backs known for their nose for the end zone:
- Kareem Hunt (KC) – 74% chance vs. LV
- David Montgomery (DET) – 74% chance vs. TEN
- Jahmyr Gibbs (DET) – 73% chance vs. TEN
- Joe Mixon (HOU) – 69% chance vs. IND
These versatile backs are the focal points of their team’s red zone offenses and are heavily involved as both rushers and receivers. When they get close to the goal line, defensive coordinators hold their breath.
Dual-Threat Quarterbacks
While running backs dominate the list, a couple of star quarterbacks also make an appearance thanks to their rushing abilities:
- Jalen Hurts (PHI) – 56% chance vs. CIN
- Josh Allen (BUF) – 47% chance vs. SEA
These dynamic young signal-callers are just as dangerous with their legs as they are with their arms. Defenses have to account for them as runners, especially near the end zone, opening up space for the rest of the offense.
Having a quarterback who can run like Jalen Hurts or Josh Allen puts so much stress on a defense. They can beat you in so many ways.
– Former NFL head coach
Rising Rookies
Two rookie running backs have emerged as touchdown machines for their teams and land on Clay’s list:
- Bijan Robinson (ATL) – 60% chance vs. TB
- Jahmyr Gibbs (DET) – 73% chance vs. TEN
Robinson and Gibbs were both first-round picks in the 2024 NFL Draft and have wasted no time making an impact. Their speed, elusiveness, and versatility have quickly earned the trust of their coaches and quarterbacks.
Veteran Touchdown Vultures
Several savvy veteran running backs make the list thanks to their roles as goal-line specialists and short-yardage experts:
- D’Andre Swift (CHI) – 55% chance vs. WAS
- Aaron Jones (MIN) – 55% chance vs. LAR
- James Cook (BUF) – 48% chance vs. SEA
While these backs may not be every-down workhorses, they have a knack for finding the end zone when their number is called in close. Their veteran savvy and toughness make them reliable red zone weapons.
Full Top 20 Projections
Here is Mike Clay’s full list of the top 20 most likely touchdown scorers for NFL Week 8:
| Player | Pos | Team | Opp | TD% |
| Derrick Henry | RB | BAL | vs. CLV | 77% |
| Kareem Hunt | RB | KC | vs. LV | 74% |
| David Montgomery | RB | DET | vs. TEN | 74% |
| Jahmyr Gibbs | RB | DET | vs. TEN | 73% |
| Joe Mixon | RB | HOU | vs. IND | 69% |
| Kyren Williams | RB | LAR | vs. MIN | 66% |
| Kenneth Walker III | RB | SEA | vs. BUF | 62% |
| De’Von Achane | RB | MIA | vs. ARZ | 62% |
| Saquon Barkley | RB | PHI | vs. CIN | 61% |
| Bijan Robinson | RB | ATL | vs. TB | 60% |
| Jalen Hurts* | QB | PHI | vs. CIN | 56% |
| D’Andre Swift | RB | CHI | vs. WAS | 55% |
| Jordan Mason | RB | SF | vs. DAL | 55% |
| Aaron Jones | RB | MIN | vs. LAR | 55% |
| Jonathan Taylor | RB | IND | vs. HST | 55% |
| Najee Harris | RB | PIT | vs. NYG | 55% |
| Brian Robinson Jr. | RB | WAS | vs. CHI | 52% |
| Breece Hall | RB | NYJ | vs. NE | 50% |
| James Cook | RB | BUF | vs. SEA | 48% |
| Josh Allen* | QB | BUF | vs. SEA | 47% |
*Probability for rushing or receiving touchdowns only
Of course, projections are just that – projections. Any given Sunday, anything can happen. An unheralded player can have a breakout game, an injury can thrust a backup into a starring role, or a defensive masterclass can shut down an elite offense. But based on these players’ talent, opportunity, and matchup, they have the best odds of making a trip to the end zone in Week 8.
Will Henry continue his touchdown tear? Can Hurts and Allen burn defenses with their dual-threat abilities? Will the rookies keep shining bright? Tune in this weekend to find out, and watch these touchdown magnets work their magic.
