RADIO
This week, we're bringing out the heavy hitters you should consider slotting into your starting lineup. Yes, these are marquee names and solid talents, but fantasy success means knowing when to pivot — especially when the numbers are stacked against your stars.
This lineup of landmines includes a quarterback without his top weapons, a dynamic running back staring down a stonewall defense, and other big names who might not deliver their usual point totals.
So, take a deep breath, and if you have the depth, consider these options carefully before sticking them in your lineup.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for the 2025 playoffs:- Quarterback fantasy football rankings
- Running back fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
- Tight end fantasy football rankings
- Kicker fantasy football rankings
- FLEX fantasy football rankings
- Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
- Superflex fantasy football rankings
- IDP fantasy football rankings
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
Baker Mayfield, QB, vs. Atlanta Falcons
Baker Mayfield’s season has been a pleasant surprise, with a blend of efficiency and explosive plays that place him third among fantasy QBs. With 18 passing touchdowns and a completion rate over 70%, he’s played beyond expectations. However, the Week 8 matchup against the Falcons defense, paired with injuries to his top targets, is a recipe for underwhelming returns.
Mayfield will be missing his leading receiver Chris Godwin, who’s out for the season with a dislocated ankle, and Mike Evans, sidelined with a hamstring injury. As a result, Mayfield will likely have to rely on depth players who have yet to prove they can fill the void.
Meanwhile, the Falcons defense has quietly turned into a solid unit against the pass, ranking 15th overall. They’ve allowed just 428 passing yards and four touchdowns over their past two games, along with two interceptions, holding quarterbacks to a respectable 16.36 fantasy points on average.
In a game with major division implications, expect the Buccaneers to lean more on their solid trio of running backs to control the clock rather than testing this stout Atlanta defense. Mayfield managers should be cautious — the upside is limited, and other options may be safer this week.
MARLON HUMPHREY GETS ANOTHER INTERCEPTION AGAINST BAKER pic.twitter.com/WyNux9V7bp
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) October 22, 2024
Tony Pollard, RB, vs. Detroit Lions
Tony Pollard’s athleticism and shiftiness have made him a high-upside play in past weeks, but this week, the matchup is anything but forgiving. Pollard has managed 400 rushing yards this season, averaging 4.3 yards per carry, but the real issue this week lies with the stingy Lions defense, ranked second against fantasy RBs.
The Lions have allowed only 372 rushing yards all season, averaging 62 yards per game to the running back position. In six games, they’ve given up just six rushing touchdowns. With a brutal defensive front that pressures both the run and short-passing game, Pollard’s path to success may be limited.
Pollard may not bring the value managers are looking for in a week where every point counts, especially if you have another RB in a more favorable matchup.
Titans RB Tony Pollard took a HARD hit the head.
He went down, but was able to walk off of there field and into the medical tent. pic.twitter.com/sQvWAHxmEt
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulli) October 20, 2024
Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, vs. Miami Dolphins
Marvin Harrison Jr. entered his rookie season with much fanfare, and while he’s shown flashes, his season has largely underwhelmed. His four touchdowns are respectable, but he’s still finding his footing, having recorded less than five fantasy points in four games. Week 8 brings him face-to-face with Miami’s elite secondary, the league’s top-ranked defense in fantasy points allowed against wide receivers.
The Dolphins defense is as formidable as it comes, giving up only two receiving touchdowns to wide receivers all season and holding opponents to 154.5 passing yards per game. Miami’s defensive backs will likely smother Harrison, limiting his deep-threat ability and target share.
Even if he manages a few catches, it’s hard to imagine a ceiling beyond WR3 or Flex territory this week. If you have another wide receiver with a safer floor, it’s time to give Harrison Jr. a break and avoid what could be a frustratingly low-output game.
Mark Andrews, TE, vs. Cleveland Browns
Mark Andrews has been Baltimore’s go-to target in the past, and his two-touchdown game in Week 7 turned heads, but the 2024 season has seen him struggle for consistency. With only three touchdowns and a modest 8.2 fantasy points per game average, he’s currently sharing more work than ever with teammate Isaiah Likely.
And, in Week 8, he faces the Cleveland Browns, who happen to be the fourth-ranked defense against tight ends. Cleveland’s defense has been lights-out, holding opponents to 191.7 passing yards per game and allowing zero touchdowns to tight ends all season.
Andrews’ limited 10.6% target share is already a concern, and with the Ravens offense finding a rhythm in the run game, the team may lean away from their tight ends in the passing game. While Andrews is usually a top-tier TE in prior seasons, Week 8 is shaping up to be one of those rare instances where benching him could be the safer route.
FRANCHISE RECORD FOR MARK ANDREWS!!!
Tune in on ESPN/ABC! pic.twitter.com/y8O3TCOacN
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 22, 2024
Chris Olave, Flex, vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Chris Olave is returning from a concussion that kept him out in Week 7, and while his target share of 12.6% and three touchdowns on the season make him appealing, the circumstances around his Week 8 matchup spell trouble.
Not only does he face the NFL’s third-ranked fantasy defense against receivers in the Chargers, but he’ll also be catching passes from rookie Spencer Rattler, who’s set to make only his third NFL start. The Chargers defense has been a shutdown unit all year, allowing only two receiving touchdowns to wide receivers.
Rattler’s inexperience likely means a conservative passing game with low-percentage deep throws to Olave, capping his upside. With the strong possibility of Rattler struggling against an elite pass defense, Olave’s potential to break into double-digit fantasy points feels more fantasy than reality this week. Keeping Olave benched may help avoid a low-floor game if you have the option.
Final Thoughts
This week’s list of potential landmines is packed with high-profile names — the kind that might make you pause before hitting "bench." But fantasy managers who succeed in the long haul know it’s all about finding value over star power.
With tough matchups, injury limitations, or challenging defensive opponents, these players could struggle to meet the lofty expectations that come with their names. Of course, it’s always hard to sit players like Mark Andrews or Chris Olave, but if you have depth options with a more favorable matchup, it may pay off to play it safe this week.
Keep an eye on these matchups and defensive trends, and you might just sidestep some frustrating performances that could cost you the week.
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