RADIO
Fantasy football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em and lineup advice for all 2024 Week 8 matchups. Joey Pollizze analyzes in-depth matchups via game-by-game breakdowns.
Welcome back, RotoBallers, to another start'em and sit'em piece as we look ahead to Week 8! There are no byes this week, but with injuries piling up, fantasy managers might have to look deeper on their benches. This Week 8 matchups analysis and Start 'Em, Sit 'Em piece will help you get through those injuries and make the right lineup decisions this weekend.
Last week, players like David Njoku, Cade Otton, and Drake Maye all made the love list. Both Njoku (TE1) and Otton (TE5) finished as top-five tight ends, and Maye finished as the QB7 behind a 276-yard, two-touchdown performance. Hopefully we can help you make winning lineup decisions again in Week 8
Let's dive into every Week 8 game (Sunday through Monday) and analyze the best starts and sits. This article will go through every player in every game to determine which players you should be starting in fantasy this week.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:- 2025 fantasy football rankings (redraft)
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
- 2025 NFL rookie fantasy football rankings
- Best ball fantasy football rankings
- Quarterback fantasy football rankings
- Running back fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
- Tight end fantasy football rankings
Matchups Analysis - Sunday 1:00 EDT Games
New York Jets at New England Patriots
Spread: Jets -7
Implied Total: Jets (24.25) vs. Patriots (17.25)
Matchups We Love:
None
Matchups We Hate:
QB Drake Maye
Maye has been a solid quarterback option in his first two career starts, finishing as the QB10 and QB7 in back-to-back weeks. While the Jets have allowed a top-five fantasy quarterback in consecutive games, this is still a tough matchup for the rookie.
New York has allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points per game to the position, and this secondary is only getting healthier. So, Maye will come in as a risky QB2 option this weekend.
TE Hunter Henry
Hunter Henry's fantasy value has increased since Maye took over. In two games with the rookie, he has finished as the TE7 and TE6 in PPR formats. However, the veteran is a riskier TE1 option in Week 8 against the Jets. New York has allowed only one top-10 fantasy tight end finish over the last six weeks, and Henry only caught two passes for nine yards against this defense back in Week 3.
Hunter Henry yesterday had an 83% route participation and 25% target share.
The Drake Maye era has been a friendly one for the tight end.
pic.twitter.com/pubLgqIZsB— Andrew Cooper (@CoopAFiasco) October 21, 2024
Other Matchups:
The last time Aaron Rodgers faced this Patriots secondary, he threw for 281 yards and two touchdowns en route to a QB10 fantasy finish. As a result, he'll be a strong QB2 option in Week 8. The Patriots have allowed a top-16 fantasy quarterback in five of the past six games, making Rodgers a solid start in Superflex formats this weekend.
Rhamondre Stevenson has been an inconsistent fantasy option for fantasy managers this year. That makes him extremely hard to trust as your RB2 every week.
Even though both Ray Davis and Najee Harris rushed for over 95 yards against this Jets defense in the past two weeks, Stevenson will be a low-end RB2 in Week 8. New York has allowed only one running back (Davis) to finish as a top-16 running back over the past six games.
RB Breece Hall
Since Todd Downing took over play-calling duties, Breece Hall has seen much more involvement on offense. He has played over 80% of the team's offensive snaps in back-to-back games while seeing 41 total touches in those two contests. Therefore, you are starting Hall with confidence in Week 8. He scored 18.3 PPR fantasy points against the Patriots back in Week 3.
Demario Douglas battled an illness during last week's loss, which resulted in him playing only 33% of the offensive snaps. So, his two-catch game should be taken with a grain of salt.
While this matchup isn't the best for Douglas, considering the Jets have allowed the ninth-fewest fantasy points per game to slot wideouts, he is still a low-end flex play in Week 8. He totaled seven catches for 69 yards back in Week 3 against this secondary.
It was a rough Jets debut for Davante Adams, as he only caught three passes for 30 yards. Now, he gets a tough assignment against Christian Gonzalez.
However, fantasy managers shouldn't fade Adams because of this matchup. Brian Thomas Jr. just totaled 22.1 PPR fantasy points against Gonzalez last week, and the Patriots corner has given up at least five catches in four of the past six games. So, the Jets wideout is a strong WR2.
It was encouraging that Garrett Wilson saw nine targets in Week 7, and he should continue to be a solid fantasy WR2 option moving forward. With Adams likely drawing the Gonzalez shadow, Wilson will have an easier matchup against Jonathan Jones (out wide) and Marcus Jones (slot).
Given that the Patriots are also allowing the eighth-most receiving yards (1,081) to wideouts this season, Wilson should be started in most formats.
Injuries:
None
Philadelphia Eagles at Cincinnati Bengals
Spread: Bengals -2.5
Implied Total: Eagles (22.5) vs. Bengals (25)
Matchups We Love:
QB Jalen Hurts
Fantasy managers can't complain about Jalen Hurts' fantasy production through the first seven weeks. He has finished as a top-12 fantasy quarterback in six of seven games and now gets a great matchup against the Bengals in Week 8.
Cincinnati has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks and the most rush yards (264) to the position this year. So, Hurts is a must-start option this week.
WR A.J. Brown
In three full games, A.J. Brown has finished as the WR3 and WR7 (twice) in PPR formats. Therefore, you are starting him every week. Cincinnati has allowed the eighth-most fantasy points per game to outside wide receivers this season.
Wideouts like Terry McLaurin (100 yards), Diontae Johnson (83 yards), and Cedric Tillman (81 yards) have all totaled more than 80 receiving yards against this secondary over the past few weeks.
It remains to be seen if Dallas Goedert (hamstring) will play in Week 8. But if he does, this is a strong matchup for him. The Bengals have given up the fourth-most fantasy points per game to tight ends this season, and Njoku just finished as the overall TE1 last week against this secondary.
Cincinnati has also allowed four tight ends to finish top-10 at the position over the past five games. So, Goedert is a solid TE1 option if he plays.
Update: Goedert has been ruled out for Sunday. Grant Calcaterra is a potential play in deeper formats in a great matchup.
Matchups We Hate:
Bengals RBs
Chase Brown has taken over this Bengals backfield. He has played at least 58% of the team's offensive snaps in back-to-back games while seeing 29 total touches during those two weeks. In that same span, Zack Moss has played under 50% of the team's snaps in consecutive weeks while seeing only 16 touches.
However, neither are really strong plays in Week 8 against the Eagles. Philadelphia has allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game to running backs, and this unit hasn't allowed a top-20 fantasy running back in three straight games. So, Brown will come in as a flex play in 12-plus team leagues -- given his recent usage -- and Moss should only be started in deeper formats.
Bengals TEs
After starting the season well, both Mike Gesicki and Erick All Jr. have been not startable in fantasy. Gesicki has caught just four passes over the last four games, and All is coming off a one-target game against the Browns. As a result, neither should be started in Week 8. The Eagles have also allowed the fewest fantasy points and fewest receiving yards (153) to tight ends this season.
Other Matchups:
QB Joe Burrow
It's hard to really evaluate this Eagles defense because they have played well against fantasy quarterbacks over the past two weeks. But those two quarterbacks were Deshaun Watson and Daniel Jones.
So, even though Philadelphia is allowing 14.5 fantasy points per game to the position, Burrow is a strong QB1 option in Week 8. This defense allowed a top-12 fantasy quarterback in three of the first four weeks of the season.
Saquon Barkley will continue to be a strong RB1 option moving forward and should be started every week regardless of matchup. In Week 8, Barkley will go up against a Bengals run defense that is allowing only 4.1 yards per carry. However, Cincinnati has also allowed a top-10 fantasy running back in three of the past four weeks.
DeVonta Smith finished as the WR103 last week after scoring only 0.8 PPR fantasy points. While he will have a better game in Week 8, this matchup isn't the best. The Bengals give up the eighth-fewest fantasy points per game to slot wide receivers and slot corner Mike Hilton ranks top-10 in yards per reception allowed, yards per target allowed, and passer rating allowed. So, Smith is more of a low-end WR2 this week.
Since Tee Higgins has returned from his hamstring injury, Ja'Marr Chase has been a strong WR1 option. While the target share (22.1%) remains low, he should be in for a solid game in Week 8.
He'll be lined up against both Darius Slay and Quinyon Mitchell in this game. Slay ranks 78th in catch rate allowed (72.7%), while Mitchell ranks 75th in yards per reception allowed (14.1). Chase is a strong WR1 this week.
WR Tee Higgins
Higgins has out-targeted Chase in four straight games, which has helped him put up solid fantasy numbers in recent weeks. The 25-year-old has finished as a top-10 fantasy wideout in two of the past three games. As a result, he's a strong WR2 option in Week 8 against the Eagles. Philadelphia's corners have struggled this year, and that defense has allowed the 10th-most fantasy points per game to the position.
Update: Higgins is questionable due to a quad injury.
Injuries:
- Dallas Goedert (hamstrring)
Green Bay Packers at Jacksonville Jaguars
Spread: Packers -4.5
Implied Total: Packers (27) vs. Jaguars (22.5)
Matchups We Love:
QB Jordan Love
Jordan Love has finished as a top-12 fantasy quarterback in four of five games this season and is currently averaging 22.2 fantasy points per game. Now, he gets the best matchup of the week against the Jaguars.
Jacksonville has given up the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season while allowing a top-12 fantasy quarterback in seven straight weeks. So, Love is a top-three quarterback option this week.
RB Josh Jacobs
Josh Jacobs will be a strong RB2 option in Week 8 against the Jaguars. Jacksonville has given up the sixth-most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs this season. That defense has also allowed the most receptions (47) and receiving yards (403) to the position through seven weeks.
So, Jacobs should be started in most cases this weekend, especially since he has seen at least 17 touches in three straight games.
Packers WRs
All three Packer wide receivers (Jayden Reed, Christian Watson, and Romeo Doubs) are viable plays in Week 8. The Jaguars have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to wideouts this season, which includes giving up the most fantasy points to outside wide receivers.
As a result, Doubs will be a strong WR3 option this week after totaling over 17 PPR fantasy points in back-to-back games. Watson will come in as a flex play in deeper formats. He hasn't seen more than four targets in five straight games. As for Reed, he is a strong WR2 option against a Jacksonville secondary that has allowed 13.5 PPR fantasy points per game to slot wideouts in 2024.
TE Tucker Kraft
Tucker Kraft has been a solid TE1 for fantasy managers in recent weeks, as the Packers playmaker has finished as a top-12 option in three of the past four games. Kraft will continue to be a solid TE1 option in Week 8 against the Jaguars. Jacksonville has given up the seventh-most fantasy points per game to tight ends this year, and this defense has allowed a top-12 fantasy tight end in four of the past five contests.
TE Evan Engram
Since returning from a hamstring injury, Evan Engram has totaled 15 catches for 137 receiving yards. As a result, he'll be a strong TE1 option moving forward. Engram will also go up against a Packers defense this week that has allowed at least seven catches to tight ends in two of the past three games. So, get the Jaguars tight end in your lineup this week.
Matchups We Hate:
The Packers defense is legit, and that does not bode well for Trevor Lawrence's fantasy value in Week 8. Green Bay just held C.J. Stroud to only 86 pass yards last week while allowing only one quarterback (Sam Darnold) to finish as a top-18 fantasy quarterback over the past six weeks. As a result, Lawrence is a low-end QB2 option this weekend.
At this point, Christian Kirk is not startable in most formats. He has caught just eight passes over the last three games and will enter Week 8 with a mere 19.9% target share. On top of that, Kirk has a tough matchup in the slot. Green Bay has allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to slot wideouts this season. Just last week, Stefon Diggs was held to 23 receiving yards. So, the Jaguars wideout is a risky flex play this weekend.
Other Matchups:
Jaguars RBs
Travis Etienne (hamstring) could return in Week 8 after missing last week's game. If that's the case, then both Etienne and Tank Bigsby are risky flex plays. Even though the Packers are allowing over 4.6 yards per carry on the ground, there's a strong chance that this Jacksonville backfield turns into a true 50/50 split. So, it's best to stay away from both backs this week. If Etienne misses, though, Bigsby would be a strong RB2 option.
Update: Etienne will be a game-time decision.
WR Brian Thomas Jr.
Thomas is a must-start option every week moving forward. He has scored over 20 PPR fantasy points in three of the past four games while ranking 10th in yards after catch, sixth in receiving yards, and 11th in yards per reception. As a result, the rookie is a solid WR2 option on Sunday. The matchup against Jaire Alexander in this game shouldn't scare any fantasy manager away from starting him in Week 8.
Injuries:
- Travis Etienne (hamstring)
Tennessee Titans at Detroit Lions
Spread: Lions -11.5
Implied Total: Titans (17.5) vs. Lions (28)
Matchups We Love:
WR Tyler Boyd
With DeAndre Hopkins traded to the Chiefs, Tyler Boyd should see more opportunities in the passing game. Now, Boyd being on the love list doesn't mean you should be picking him up and starting him. However, if you are in a deeper league and need a potential flex option this week, the Titans wideout could be a sneaky option. The Lions have given up the most fantasy points per game to opposing slot wideouts this season.
Matchups We Hate:
RB Tony Pollard
While Tony Pollard didn't do much with his 18 touches last week, he has been a solid fantasy option for managers to start the season. However, expectations should be tempered for him in Week 8 against the Lions. Detroit has given up the second-fewest fantasy points per game to running backs, and only two running backs have finished top-12 against them this year. That makes Pollard a riskier RB2 option this weekend.
TE Sam LaPorta
With Jameson Williams (suspension) out for the next two games, Sam LaPorta could be more involved on offense. LaPorta has caught only one pass in back-to-back games and currently ranks as the TE21 on the season. However, fantasy managers should think twice about starting him in Week 8. The Titans have yet to allow a top-16 fantasy tight end in 2024.
Other Matchups:
QB Jared Goff
Jared Goff has been unstoppable through the air over the past three games. During that span, he has thrown for 887 pass yards and seven pass touchdowns while finishing as a top-10 fantasy quarterback in all three contests. So, he's a potential QB1 option in 14-plus team leagues in Week 8 against a Titans defense that has allowed a top-12 fantasy quarterback in three of the past five weeks.
Will Levis (shoulder) has a long shot to play in Week 8, so that means Mason Rudolph will likely draw another start for the Titans. However, he shouldn't be started in most cases this week unless you are in a deeper Superflex format. The Lions haven't allowed more than one pass touchdown in any game this season, and Rudolph only scored 10.9 fantasy points last week.
Update: Levis is questionable for Sunday.
Lions RBs
The Titans have actually done a great job against running backs this season. They have allowed the fifth-fewest rush yards (435), and opposing running backs are averaging only 3.5 yards per carry on the ground against them. Tennessee has also not allowed a top-12 fantasy running back in four straight games. Still, you're starting Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery in Week 8. Gibbs will be a solid RB1, while Montgomery is an RB2.
Amon-Ra St. Brown will continue to be a strong WR1 option in Week 8 against the Titans. He has finished as a top-12 fantasy wideout in four of the past five games, and Tennessee has allowed at least 16 PPR fantasy points to three different wide receivers over the past two weeks. So, make sure to keep St. Brown in your lineups this week.
Despite the Lions giving up the second-most fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers, Calvin Ridley can't be trusted in Week 8. He has caught four passes or less in every game this season and has finished with less than 10 PPR fantasy points in four straight contests. Even with Hopkins gone, Ridley is a risky flex play this weekend.
Injuries:
- Will Levis (shoulder)
- Jameson Williams (suspension)
Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Spread: Falcons -2.5
Implied Total: Falcons (24) vs. Buccaneers (21.5)
Matchups We Love:
QB Kirk Cousins
The last time Kirk Cousins faced the Buccaneers, he threw for 509 yards and four touchdowns. While it would be insane to expect those numbers again, Cousins should be in for another strong fantasy performance in Week 8.
The Buccaneers have given up the second-most fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks this season while allowing a top-12 fantasy quarterback in five of seven games. So, Cousins is a solid QB1 option.
WR Drake London
After totaling 33.4 PPR fantasy points against this secondary back in Week 5, Drake London will be a strong WR1 option against them this weekend. The Buccaneers have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game and the sixth-most receiving yards (1,135) to opposing wideouts this season. As a result, London is a must-start.
Acting as the WR2 in this Atlanta offense, Darnell Mooney is going to have some inconsistent weeks. However, he is a strong start in Week 8 against the Buccaneers. He totaled nine catches for 105 yards the last time he faced this Tampa secondary. Therefore, Mooney will be a solid WR2 option on Sunday.
TE Kyle Pitts
Is Kyle Pitts finally turning a corner? He totaled at least 65 receiving yards in three straight games while seeing a total of 22 targets during that span. Now, he faces a Buccaneers secondary that he just totaled 88 receiving yards against a couple of weeks ago. So, Pitts is a solid TE1 option in Week 8. Tampa has also allowed a top-7 fantasy tight end in three of the past four weeks.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
It'll be interesting to see how Baker Mayfield does without Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (ankle). Losing those wide receivers could turn out to really hurt his fantasy production moving forward. But for Week 8, he'll come in as a low-end QB1. The Falcons have allowed multiple passing touchdowns in four of the past five games, and Mayfield just finished as the QB7 against this secondary three weeks ago.
The Buccaneers have been known to have a great run defense, but things have been different this year. That defense is allowing over 5.2 yards per carry to opposing running backs this season while allowing the ninth-most fantasy points per game to the position. As a result, Bijan Robinson is still a must-start in Week 8. Robinson has totaled more than 20 PPR fantasy points in back-to-back games.
RB Rachaad White
White played a season-low 48% of the Buccaneers' offensive snaps last week. However, he was able to reel in six passes for 71 yards and two touchdowns. With Godwin and Evans both out, expect the Buccaneers to lean on White through the air even more. So, he'll be a solid RB2 option in PPR formats in Week 8, especially if Bucky Irving (toe) can't play. The Falcons have also given up the ninth-most receptions to running backs.
RB Bucky Irving
Irving is an interesting case entering Week 8. He only played 35% of the snaps last week but also scored 16.7 PPR fantasy points. So, he'll be a risky flex play against a tough Falcons run defense this week. Atlanta has allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points per game to running backs this season.
Update: Irving is dealing with a toe injury that could cause him to miss Week 8. If he misses Sunday's game, Sean Tucker would be a sneaky flex play.
Buccaneers WRs
No one really knows how the Buccaneers passing game will look in Week 8. But with Evans and Godwin out, Jalen McMillan and Sterling Shepard should emerge as Mayfield's favorite targets. Both McMillan and Shepard have seen opportunities in the slot this year, so whoever takes that Godwin role could be in for a strong rest of the season.
If you need a flex play this week, though, McMillan feels like the best Buccaneers wide receiver to go with. He saw eight targets last week and was just selected in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Atlanta has also allowed the ninth-most fantasy points per game to wideouts, so the rookie could be in for a solid game. As for Shepard, he is a flex play in deeper leagues.
TE Cade Otton
Otton has emerged as a reliable option for Mayfield in the middle of the field. Otton has finished as a top-10 fantasy tight end in three of the past five games, and he's coming off an eight-catch for 100-yard performance in Week 7. Despite the Falcons not allowing a top-12 fantasy tight end all year, the Buccaneers playmaker is still a solid low-end TE1 option this week.
Injuries:
- Mike Evans (hamstring)
- Chris Godwin (ankle)
- Bucky Irving (toe)
Arizona Cardinals at Miami Dolphins
Spread: Dolphins -3
Implied Total: Cardinals (21.75) vs. Dolphins (24.75)
Matchups We Love:
All signs point to Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) returning in Week 8 against the Cardinals. If he does, this is a great matchup in his return. The Cardinals have given up the fifth-most fantasy points per game and fifth-most pass yards (1,731) to quarterbacks this season. So, Tagovailoa is a sneaky QB1 option this week and a must-start in Superflex formats.
Update: Tagovailoa will play in Week 8.
RB James Conner
James Conner has been a solid RB2 option for fantasy managers this season. Now, he gets an excellent matchup against the Dolphins in Week 8. The Dolphins have given up nine rush touchdowns (tied for the second-most) so far this season while allowing the the seventh-most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs. That makes Conner a strong start in Week 8.
Dolphins WRs
Nobody is happier that Tagovailoa is returning than Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Both players were not startable with Tyler Huntley under center over the past two games, but both will be must-starts in Week 8 with the Pro Bowl quarterback now back. The Cardinals have given up the seventh-most fantasy points per game to wideouts this season.
On top of that, Arizona just allowed all three Packer wide receivers (Reed, Doubs, and Watson) to finish top-25 at the position two weeks ago. As a result, Hill is a must-start option, while Waddle will come in as a solid WR2 option.
Update: Hill is dealing with a foot injury, making him questionable for Sunday. However, he is expected to play.
Matchups We Hate:
QB Kyler Murray
The Dolphins have allowed the fewest fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks this season. However, considering they have played Anthony Richardson, Jacoby Brissett, Lawrence, and Levis in four of their six games, it isn't as impressive. Still, they have allowed only three pass touchdowns all year while giving up 989 pass yards and 77 rush yards. So, Kyler Murray is a riskier QB1 option in Week 8.
At this point, fantasy managers might have to stick Marvin Harrison Jr. on the bench. He has caught under five passes in five of seven games and will likely be shadowed by Jalen Ramsey in Week 8. Ramsey has allowed only 10 catches for 84 yards this year. Therefore, Harrison is a riskier WR2 option in a tough matchup this weekend.
Other Matchups:
With Tagovailoa returning, De'Von Achane's fantasy value should increase. In two games with him at quarterback, Achane finished as the RB3 and RB2 in PPR formats. So, fantasy managers should be starting him in most formats in Week 8 against the Cardinals. Arizona has allowed at least three receptions to running backs in six of seven games this season while giving up the seventh-most rush yards (801) to the position.
TE Trey McBride
Very few tight ends have been as consistent as Trey McBride this season. He ranks first in target share (26%), first in air yards per game (57.7), and fourth in PPR fantasy points per game (11.9) among all tight ends. Even though the Dolphins have allowed the third-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends this season, you're still starting him as a strong TE1 this week.
TE Jonnu Smith
When Huntley was the starter, he looked Jonnu Smith's way often. That resulted in the veteran tight end catching 12 passes for 158 yards and one touchdown over the past two weeks.
So, it'll be interesting to see if that production can carry over with Tagovailoa now starting. We might want to wait and see how this plays out before starting Smith in Week 8, considering he has played under 50% of the team's offensive snaps in every game.
Injuries:
- Tua Tagovailoa (concussion)
Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns
Spread: Ravens -9.5
Implied Total: Ravens (27) vs. Browns (17.5)
Matchups We Love:
With Watson (Achilles) out for the season, Jameis Winston will start for the Browns in Week 8. While he likely doesn't have much fantasy value in one-quarterback leagues, he does have some sneaky value in Superflex formats this week. The Ravens have given up the third-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks while allowing five different quarterbacks to finish top-12 at the position over the first seven weeks.
Browns WRs
It was Tillman, not Jerry Jeudy, who stepped up for the Browns wide receiver room last week following the departure of Amari Cooper. It'll be interesting to see how things play out with Winston starting the game at quarterback, but given the matchup, both Tillman and Jeudy have sneaky potential in deeper leagues in Week 8. The Ravens have given up the third-most fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers.
Tillman caught eight passes for 81 yards last week, so he could be a low-end flex play in 12-plus team leagues this week. As for Jeudy, he's also a low-end flex play, even after catching only one pass in Week 7.
TE David Njoku
In his first game without Cooper, Njoku saw a team-high 14 targets and finished as the overall TE1. Now, he has another strong matchup on deck against a Ravens defense that has allowed the most receiving yards (536) to opposing tight ends this season. Baltimore has also allowed a top-12 fantasy tight end in five of the past six weeks. So, make sure to get the Browns playmaker in your lineup this week.
Matchups We Hate:
RB Nick Chubb
Nick Chubb returned last week following a 13-month recovery from a knee injury. It's obviously going to take him some time to ramp up, so fantasy managers shouldn't expect a big game from him for at least a few weeks. With a matchup against the Ravens upcoming in Week 8, Chubb is a strong sit candidate. Baltimore has allowed the second-fewest rush yards (362) and only 3.1 yards per carry to running backs in 2024.
Ravens TEs
Mark Andrews is starting to get more involved in the passing game. Last week, he caught two touchdowns en route to a TE3 fantasy finish. However, he has a tough matchup in Week 8. The Browns have allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends and have yet to give up a receiving touchdown to the position. That also makes Isaiah Likelya sit after catching two passes in back-to-back games.
Other Matchups:
Lamar Jackson has easily been the best fantasy quarterback this season. He has finished as a top-12 fantasy quarterback in every game and is averaging 25.7 fantasy points per game. So, he's a must-start this weekend against a Browns defense that has allowed the seventh-most rush yards to quarterbacks this season.
The Browns defense has been great at stopping the run this season. This unit has allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points per game to running backs, and only Devin Singletary has finished as a top-18 fantasy running back against them. Nevertheless, that shouldn't matter too much for Derrick Henry this week. He has scored a touchdown in every game this season and will continue to be a must-start.
Rashod Bateman has capitalized on his opportunities the past few weeks, finishing with at least 10 PPR fantasy points in four of the past five games. As a result, he has crept into flex territory in most 12-plus team leagues. However, given his target share sits at 15.7% entering Week 8, he'll be a risky flex play against the Browns. Bateman has seen four targets or less in five of the past six games.
LAMAR DEEP TO BATEMAN. 49-YARD TOUCHDOWN.
📺: #BALvsTB on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/NvMIEOug86— NFL (@NFL) October 22, 2024
WR Zay Flowers
It has been a weird few weeks for Zay Flowers. He has finished as a top-15 wide receiver in three of the past six weeks but also outside the top 65 in the other three games. So, which Flowers will show up in Week 8? He'll likely be matched up against Greg Newsome II this week, and Newsome has had his struggles this year, ranking 84th in yards per reception allowed. So, Flowers is a boom-or-bust WR2 option on Sunday.
Update: Flowers is questionable on Sunday due to an ankle injury.
Injuries:
- Deshaun Watson (Achilles)
- Jerome Ford (hamstring)
Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans
Spread: Texans -5.5
Implied Total: Colts (20.5) vs. Texans (26)
Matchups We Love:
QB Anthony Richardson
There's no doubt Richardson has been one of the bigger fantasy busts this year. However, he is in a great spot in Week 8. In his last two starts against the Texans, he has scored 27.1 fantasy points (Week 1) and 17.8 fantasy points in 1 1/2 quarters (Week 2 of last season). So, Richardson will come in as a solid QB1 option in Week 8, especially considering Houston has allowed the fifth-most rush yards to quarterback.
RB Joe Mixon
Joe Mixon has been unreal for fantasy managers this year. He has scored over 25 PPR fantasy points in his three full games and now gets a great matchup against the Colts in Week 8. Indianapolis has allowed at least 75 rush yards to five different running backs this season, and Mixon just ran for 159 yards against this front seven back in Week 1. So, the veteran needs to be started in every league this weekend.
The Colts have not been able to stop tight ends this year, making Dalton Schultz a potential TE1 option in 12-plus team leagues this week. Indianapolis has given up the third-most fantasy points per game to tight ends, and three different tight ends (Cole Kmet, Pat Freiermuth, and Smith) have finished as the TE2 against them. So, Schultz could be a solid start in Week 8 after seeing eight targets two weeks ago.
Matchups We Hate:
Jonathan Taylor will play in Week 8 against the Texans. However, this matchup isn't the best for him. Houston has given up the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing running backs while allowing only three rush touchdowns on the ground this year. With Taylor coming back from a multi-week absence, there's a strong possibility that he is also limited in this game. So, he'll be more of an RB2.
Colts WRs
At this point, fantasy managers can't start any Colts wide receiver (Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, and Alec Pierce). Richardson has completed 10 passes or less in three of his four full games this season. As a result, Pittman, Downs, and Pierce should only be started in deeper leagues this weekend.
Other Matchups:
QB C.J. Stroud
Stroud will enter Week 8 as the QB12 on the season, but he ranks 18th in points per game (15.7) at the position. Luckily, he gets a great matchup against the Colts this weekend. Indianapolis has given up the 10th-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks this season while allowing a top-12 quarterback finish in two of the past four games. As a result, Stroud will come in as a low-end QB1 option this week.
WR Tank Dell
Tank Dell had a puzzling game last week, catching none of his four targets. But it is encouraging to hear Stroud say that they need to get Dell the ball more. Usually, when teams announce things like that, the wideout goes on to have a solid fantasy day. So, the second-year wideout will be a low-end WR2 option this weekend against a Colts secondary that is allowing the 13th-most receiving yards (1,021) to wideouts this season.
WR Stefon Diggs
Diggs has been a consistent fantasy option all season. He has scored over 14 PPR fantasy points in five of seven games this season while also catching at least five passes in five straight contests. So, Diggs will continue to be a solid fantasy WR2 option in Week 8. The veteran scored two touchdowns against Houston back in Week 1, and Indianapolis is allowing around 12.5 PPR fantasy points to slot wideouts in 2024.
Injuries:
None
Matchup Analysis - Sunday Afternoon Games
New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Chargers
Spread: Chargers -7.5
Implied Total: Saints (16) vs. Chargers (23.5)
Matchups We Love:
RB J.K. Dobbins
J.K. Dobbins has seen at least 17 touches in five straight games while playing an average of 69.3% of the team's offensive snaps. Now, he gets one of the best matchups of the week against the Saints. New Orleans has given up 214 rush yards per game over the last three weeks while allowing five running backs to finish top-12 at the position across the past four contests. So, make sure to get Dobbins in your fantasy lineup this week.
Ladd McConkey might not have a high fantasy ceiling each week, but he has a higher fantasy floor than most flex plays. The rookie has a 25% target share this season and has finished as a top-32 fantasy wide receiver in two of the past three weeks. McConkey also has a solid matchup this week against a Saints defense that has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points per game to slot wideouts. So, he is a potential flex play this week.
Update: McConkey is questionable for Sunday.
Matchups We Hate:
In his first two career starts, Spencer Rattler has finished as the QB20 and QB25 in fantasy. Unfortunately, things might not get better for him in Week 8 against the Chargers. Los Angeles has given up the 10th-fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks, and only one quarterback (Bo Nix) has thrown for multiple touchdowns against this secondary this season. So, Rattler should only be started in deeper Superflex formats this week.
RB Alvin Kamara
Fantasy managers likely are still starting Alvin Kamara this week due to his receiving upside. However, this is a tough matchup for the veteran running back. The Chargers have given up the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs, and only Conner has finished as a top-16 option against this run defense in 2024. So, Kamara might be more of an RB2 in Week 8.
WR Chris Olave
Chris Olave (concussion) should return in Week 8 after missing last week's game due to a concussion. But he won't be a must-start by any means. The Chargers have given up the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing wideouts while only allowing one wide receiver to finish top-22 at the position this season. With Rattler also drawing another start in Week 8, Olave is a risky WR3.
Other Matchups:
Justin Herbert threw for a season-high 349 yards last week but failed to throw a touchdown pass for the first time this season. Given that Herbert ranks as the QB30 in fantasy points per game (11.8) this season, he is not a strong start in most Superflex formats in Week 8. The Saints have allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks.
TE Will Dissly
With Hayden Hurst (groin) out last week, Will Dissly saw a season-high 11 targets. He caught eight of those targets for 81 yards and finished as the TE7 in PPR formats. If Hurst can't go again in Week 8, Dissly has some TE1 potential in deeper leagues. The 28-year-old tight end has seen at least five targets in back-to-back games, and the Saints have allowed a top-15 fantasy tight end four times this season.
Update: Hurst and Dissly (shoulder) are questionable for Sunday.
Injuries:
- Derek Carr (oblique)
- Hayden Hurst (groin)
- Chris Olave (concussion)
- Hayden Hurst (shoulder)
Buffalo Bills at Seattle Seahawks
Spread: Bills -3
Implied Total: Bills (25.25) vs. Seahawks (22.25)
Matchups We Love:
Kenneth Walker III was battling an illness last week but still finished with 23.3 PPR fantasy points. The third-year running back has now finished as a top-15 option at the position in all five of his games this season.
Now, he gets a juicy matchup against a Bills defense that has allowed the second-most fantasy points to running backs. Six different backs have also finished as a top-14 option against them, so Walker is a strong RB1 play.
It has been a disappointing season so far for Dalton Kincaid, as he has finished as a top-10 fantasy option just once over the last four games. However, he is a strong TE1 option in Week 8.
Seattle has allowed the fourth-most receiving yards (409) to the position this season while allowing a top-12 fantasy tight end in two straight weeks. Given that Kincaid has seen at least six targets in four straight games, he is a solid play.
Matchups We Hate:
QB Geno Smith
Geno Smith has been a consistent quarterback option this season, finishing top-12 in five of seven weeks. But fantasy managers might want to stay away from him in one-quarterback leagues in Week 8. The Bills have allowed only one quarterback (Jackson) to finish as a top-14 quarterback this season. So, Smith will be a riskier QB1 option this weekend.
Other Matchups:
QB Josh Allen
If you have Josh Allen, you are starting him in Week 8 against the Seahawks. Seattle has allowed a top-10 fantasy quarterback in three of the past four weeks, and Allen has the chance to go for 30-plus points on any given week.
RB James Cook
James Cook will continue to be a solid RB2 option in Week 8 against the Seahawks. Cook has scored a touchdown in four of the past five games, and Seattle has given up five rush touchdowns across the last four weeks. This defense has also allowed the 11th-most fantasy points per game to opposing backs. So, make sure to keep the Bills running back in your lineups this week.
WR Amari Cooper
Despite only running 11 routes in Week 7, Cooper still caught four passes for 66 yards and one touchdown. With another full week to now learn the playbook, he should have an even better game this week against the Seahawks.
Over the past few weeks, Seattle's secondary has allowed big games to London, Deebo Samuel Sr., Darius Slayton, and Williams. As a result, Cooper is a solid WR2 option this weekend.
WRs Khalil Shakir/Keon Coleman
Both Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman had strong performances last week. Shakir caught seven passes for 65 yards, while Coleman reeled in four passes for 125 yards. However, with Cooper likely to be more involved this week, both Bills wideouts will be riskier plays.
Shakir is more of a flex play in 12-plus team leagues due to the fact that the Seahawks have allowed the 10th-fewest fantasy points per game to slot wideouts. As for Coleman, he will be more of a flex in 14-plus team leagues, considering he has caught three passes or fewer in five of six games this season.
Seahawks WRs
With D.K. Metcalf (knee) unlikely to play in Week 8, that means both Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Tyler Lockett will see more opportunities. Even though the Bills have allowed only two wide receivers to finish as top-18 options, both Smith-Njigba and Lockett are solid plays this week. The second-year wideout is a WR2 option this week and should be Smith's top option on Sunday, while Lockett is a solid WR3 with a high fantasy floor.
Update: Metcalf is doubtful for Sunday.
TE Noah Fant
Noah Fant has been a sneaky tight end option in recent weeks, catching 10 passes for 128 yards over the past two games. With Metcalf also likely out for this game, Fant could see a few extra targets in this game. Given that the Bills allowed 11 receptions to tight ends a week ago, the Seahawks playmaker could be a solid TE1 option in deeper formats.
Injuries:
- D.K. Metcalf (knee)
Chicago Bears at Washington Commanders
Spread: Bears -2.5
Implied Total: Bears (23) vs. Commanders (20.5)
Matchups We Love:
Before the Bears' Week 7 bye, D'Andre Swift finished as an RB1 in each of the last three games. In those contests, he averaged 22.3 touches per game while totaling over 100 yards from scrimmage in every game. As a result, fantasy managers should continue starting him in Week 8 against the Commanders. Washington has allowed the sixth-most rush yards (801) to running backs this season.
WR Keenan Allen
Keenan Allen scored 21.1 PPR fantasy points the last time we saw him in Week 6. Despite only seeing 14 targets over the past three games, Allen has some sneaky flex value in Week 8 against the Commanders. Washington has given up the eighth-most fantasy points per game to opposing slot wideouts this season, and just two weeks ago, Flowers reeled in nine catches for 132 yards in the slot against that secondary.
WR DJ Moore
With a rookie quarterback under center, DJ Moore will likely be an inconsistent fantasy option for most of the season. However, he's a solid WR2 option in Week 8. Despite the Commanders playing better defensively over the last few weeks, this secondary has allowed five different wide receivers to total over 20 PPR fantasy points this season. So, Moore should be in most lineups this weekend.
Matchups We Hate:
Commanders QBs
It remains to be seen if Jayden Daniels (ribs) plays in Week 8. If he can't go, Marcus Mariota would draw his first start of the season. While Mariota looked great last week against the Panthers, he should not be started in most leagues this week. The Bears have allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. He's only worth a start in Superflex formats in Week 8.
Update: Daniels is questionable for Sunday.
WR Terry McLaurin
McLaurin has been one of the biggest fantasy surprises through the first seven weeks. He currently ranks as the WR12 and has finished as a top-28 fantasy wide receiver in five straight games.
However, expectations should be tempered for him in Week 8. He will likely draw the Jaylon Johnson shadow in this game, and Johnson has given up 10 catches for 113 yards all season. So, the wideout will be a risky WR2 option.
Other Matchups:
In his last two games, Caleb Williams finished as the QB6 (Week 5) and QB1 (Week 6). So, things are certainly trending up for the No. 1 overall pick. In Week 8, he'll take on a Commanders defense that has allowed a top-13 fantasy quarterback in four of seven weeks. However, given that Washington hasn't allowed a top-12 fantasy quarterback in four straight games, Williams is more of a high-end QB2 in Week 8.
Commanders RBs
Brian Robinson Jr. has been limited due to a nagging knee issue in recent weeks. But he should see more opportunities in Week 8. Robinson has scored a touchdown in five of six games this season and now faces a Bears defense that has allowed a top-10 fantasy running back in three of the past four weeks.
So, he is a solid RB2 option in Week 8. As for Austin Ekeler, he is more of a flex play in PPR formats but has a limited ceiling.
WR Rome Odunze
On paper, the matchup for Rome Odunze is a great one. The Commanders have allowed the eighth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers, and rookies usually see more opportunities after the bye. However, he is still too hard to trust in your lineups in Week 8. Odunze has seen only 11 targets over the past three games and has only scored over 10 PPR fantasy points just once this season.
TE Cole Kmet
Kmet has finished as the TE2 (Week 3) and TE1 (Week 6) in two of the past four weeks. As a result, he'll enter Week 8 as a low-end TE1 in 14-plus team leagues. The Commanders have allowed a top-14 fantasy tight end in four of the past five games, and just last week, Ja'Tavion Sanders caught six passes for 61 against this Washington secondary.
TE Zach Ertz
Zach Ertz has scored at least 10 PPR fantasy points in back-to-back games and will enter Week 8 as a low-end TE1 option. He ranks 10th among tight ends in target share (17.9%) and eighth in air yards per game (40.6). With the Bears just allowing a 10-catch performance to Engram in Week 6, Ertz is a fine tight end start in 14-plus team leagues.
Injuries:
- Jayden Daniels (ribs)
Carolina Panthers at Denver Broncos
Spread: Broncos -9.5
Implied Total: Panthers (16) vs. Broncos (25.5)
Matchups We Love:
QB Bo Nix
If you need to stream a quarterback this week, Nix is a great option in 12-plus team leagues. The Panthers have conceded the fourth-most fantasy points per game to opposing quarterback this season while allowing a top-12 fantasy quarterback in three out of the last four games.
The rookie has also finished as a top-12 fantasy quarterback in three of the past five games. Given his rushing upside, he is a sneaky start in Week 8.
Through seven weeks, the Panthers have allowed the most fantasy points, the most rush attempts (198), the most rush yards (933), and the most rush touchdown (13) to running backs this season. That is certainly great news for Williams in Week 8. After seeing at least 13 carries in three of the past four games, the Broncos running back is in a great spot this week. He's a strong RB2 option in a great matchup.
Matchups We Hate:
QB Bryce Young
After Andy Dalton was involved in a car accident earlier this week and sprained his thumb, Bryce Young will be called upon to start in Week 8. However, it's best to stay away from him in all formats this week -- even in Superflex leagues. Young is averaging only 7.3 fantasy points in his two starts this year, and Denver has allowed the third-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks in 2024.
Not only is this a tough matchup for Chuba Hubbard, but with Young also starting, he loses some fantasy value. Opposing running backs are averaging only 3.9 yards per carry against the Broncos this year, and Hubbard finished as the RB66 and RB24 in the first two weeks with Young under center. So, the Panthers running back is a risky RB2 option this week.
WR Diontae Johnson
Johnson will be hard to trust in Week 8. In his two games with Young at quarterback, Johnson finished as the WR75 and WR67 in PPR formats. On top of that, Johnson will get the Patrick Surtain II shadow on Sunday -- assuming the All-Pro corner can play as he recovers from a concussion. Surtain has allowed two catches or less in four straight games, making the Panthers wideout a risky play in all formats.
Update: Johnson has been ruled for Sunday.
Other Matchups:
Broncos WRs
The Broncos have two potential flex options this week at the wide receiver position. Even though Courtland Sutton saw no targets last week, he will be a solid flex play in Week 8 against a Panthers secondary that has allowed nine receiving touchdowns to wide receivers through seven weeks (tied for third-most). Troy Franklin could also be a sneaky start in deeper leagues, as he has totaled at least 10 PPR fantasy points in consecutive games.
TE Ja'Tavion Sanders
Fantasy managers really shouldn't be starting any Panther players in Week 8, aside from possibly Hubbard. The Broncos defense has been one of the best, but Sanders could be a potential option in deeper leagues.
He has played at least 70% of the team's offensive snaps in three straight games while totaling at least five catches in consecutive contests. Denver has also allowed a top-14 fantasy tight end in four of the past six weeks.
Injuries:
- Andy Dalton (thumb)
Kansas City Chiefs at Las Vegas Raiders
Spread: Chiefs -9.5
Implied Total: Chiefs (25.5) vs. Raiders (16)
Matchups We Love:
RB Kareem Hunt
Kareem Hunt has finished as the RB5 and RB11 over the past two games while seeing a whopping 49 carries across those two weeks. Now, he gets an excellent matchup against a Raiders defense that has allowed 4.9 yards per carry to opposing running backs this year. Las Vegas has also given up the eighth-most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs, so Hunt is a strong RB2 option in Week 8.
TE Brock Bowers
Brock Bowers has been unreal for fantasy managers over the past few weeks. Since Week 5, he has caught 27 passes for 261 yards while seeing 36 total targets in that span. As a result, you are definitely starting him this week against the Chiefs.
Kansas City has also allowed the most fantasy points per game and the second-most receiving yards (501) to tight ends this season. Therefore, Bowers could be in for another nice fantasy day.
Matchups We Hate:
It appears that Alexander Mattison has taken over the RB1 role in this Las Vegas offense after playing a season-high 70% of the offensive snaps last week.
However, fantasy managers should stay away from him in Week 8 against the Chiefs. Kansas City has allowed the fewest fantasy points per game to running backs this season and not one running back has totaled more than 13.5 PPR fantasy points against this defense in 2024.
There's a chance that Jakobi Meyers (ankle) plays on Sunday after missing the past two games due to an ankle injury. But he'll be a riskier WR3 option in Week 8. The Chiefs have allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing wideouts, and corner Trent McDuffie could be following Meyers in this game. McDuffie has yet to allow more than 40 receiving yards in a game this season.
Update: Meyers is questionable for Week 8.
Other Matchups:
Patrick Mahomes will continue to be more of a QB2 option moving forward. He hasn't finished as a top-12 fantasy quarterback in five straight games and has failed to score above 18 fantasy points in every game this season. Even though the Raiders have allowed a top-10 fantasy quarterback in four of the past six weeks, Mahomes is more of a QB2 option in Week 8.
In five starts this year, Gardner Minshew II has failed to score above 15 fantasy points in every game. Things don't get easier for him in Week 8 either, as the Chiefs have given up less than 235 pass yards in four straight games. As a result, Minshew is a strong sit in almost all Superflex leagues this weekend.
Chiefs WRs
The Chiefs added Hopkins via trade earlier this week, and he'll likely be a very strong play the rest of the season. However, he should be sat in most leagues in Week 8. He will be very limited in this game as he continues to learn the playbook, so he'll be a risky flex option. As for Xavier Worthy, he's also a risky flex option. The rookie has caught three passes or less in every game this season.
TE Travis Kelce
The Raiders have done a solid job at defending tight ends this season. They have let only one tight end total more than 35 receiving yards against them this year while giving up only one touchdown to the position through seven weeks. Nevertheless, Travis Kelce is still a strong TE1 option in Week 8. Kelce has seen 24 targets across the last three games.
Injuries:
- Aidan O'Connell (thumb)
- Isiah Pacheco (ankle)
- Jakobi Meyers (ankle)
Matchup Analysis - Sunday Night Football
Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers
Spread: 49ers -4.5
Implied Total: Cowboys (20.5) vs. 49ers (25)
Matchups We Love:
QB Brock Purdy
Brock Purdy could be down several playmakers in this game, but he is still a strong start against the Cowboys in Week 8. Dallas has given up the sixth-most fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks while allowing a top-4 fantasy quarterback in three of the past five games. So, Purdy is a solid QB1 option this week.
RB Jordan Mason
This could be Jordan Mason's final start of the season, as reports have come out that Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) could return in Week 10 following the team's bye. The good news for Mason owners this week is he is a strong start in Week 8. The Cowboys have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs this season.
George Kittle (foot) is dealing with a foot injury, but he should play in Week 8. With Brandon Aiyuk out for the year and Samuel/Jauan Jennings potentially missing this week's game, Kittle could be in for a monster fantasy day. He torched Dallas' secondary for three touchdowns last season, and the Cowboys have allowed three touchdowns to tight ends across the past two games.
Update: Kittle is questionable for Sunday night.
Matchups We Hate:
QB Dak Prescott
There's no doubt that Dak Prescott has struggled recently against the 49ers. In his last three meetings facing them, Prescott has thrown just three touchdowns to six interceptions. As a result, he'll be a risky QB1 option in Week 8. San Francisco has allowed only two quarterbacks to finish top-18 at the position this season.
RB Rico Dowdle
Rico Dowdle played a season-low 28% of the team's offensive snaps before the team's bye, but expect him to see more opportunities in Week 8. Still, he is likely only a flex play in 12-plus team leagues this weekend. The 49ers are allowing only 3.8 yards per carry to opposing running backs this season, and Dowdle has seen less than 10 carries in four of six games.
Other Matchups:
WR CeeDee Lamb
CeeDee Lamb got off to a slow start last year before turning it on following the team's Week 7 bye. Fast forward to 2024, and Lamb got off to another slow start. Will history repeat itself for the All-Pro wideout? Either way, though, fantasy managers should be starting him in all formats this weekend against the 49ers.
With Brandin Cooks (knee) out the past two games, Jalen Tolbert has seen 15 targets while catching 11 passes for 130 yards and one touchdown. His production in this game will depend on Prescott and if the Pro Bowl quarterback can have a solid game. If he does, Tolbert could be a sneaky play in deeper leagues. He'll enter Week 8 against the 49ers as a potential flex option in 14-plus team leagues.
49ers WRs
The 49ers will not be at 100% this week. Aiyuk (knee) is out for the season, Samuel (illness) is dealing with pneumonia, and Jennings (hip) missed last week's game with a hip injury. There's a chance that Samuel does play on Sunday after practicing in a limited fashion on Thursday. Jennings, though, is trending in the wrong decision after failing to practice on both Wednesday and Thursday.
If Samuel plays, you are likely playing him in all formats. As for Jennings, he would be a solid WR3 option if he can suit up. He had a WR1 finish only a couple of weeks ago, and he should see more opportunities with Aiyuk now out for the year. If neither can play or one of Samuel/Jennings plays, Ricky Pearsall would be a strong play in all formats. He played 76% of the team's offensive snaps in his first game last week.
Update: Jennings has been ruled out for Sunday, while Samuel is questionable.
Fantasy managers should put Jake Ferguson in their lineups in Week 8. Ferguson has caught at least six passes in three of the past four games, and the 49ers just allowed eight catches for 83 yards to Chiefs' tight ends last week. So, the Cowboys playmaker is a solid TE1 option this weekend.
Injuries:
- George Kittle (foot)
- Deebo Samuel Sr. (illness)
- Jauan Jennings (hip)
- Brandon Aiyuk (knee)
- Brandin Cooks (knee)
- Christian McCaffrey (Achilles)
Matchups Analysis - Monday Night Football
New York Giants at Pittsburgh Steelers
Spread: Steelers -6.5
Implied Total: Giants (15) vs. Steelers (21.5)
Matchups We Love:
What a season debut it was for Russell Wilson last week. He threw for 264 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 11 yards and one touchdown. With a great matchup upcoming against the Giants secondary, Wilson will be a strong QB2 option in Superflex formats. New York has allowed a top-12 fantasy quarterback in four straight games.
With Wilson under center last week, George Pickens caught five passes for 111 yards and one touchdown. That helped him finish with 22.1 PPR fantasy points. Now, Pickens gets a great matchup against Deonte Banks outside. Banks will likely shadow the Steelers wideout on Monday, but he ranks 67th in yards per reception allowed, 78th in catch rate allowed, and 90th in passer rating allowed. So, Pickens is a high-end WR2 this week.
Matchups We Hate:
QB Daniel Jones
Jones is not a strong start in Superflex formats this week. The Steelers have given up the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks this season and have yet to allow a top-12 fantasy quarterback through seven weeks. So, it's better to go with another option in Superflex leagues in Week 8.
Giants RBs
Both Singletary and Tyrone Tracy Jr. will not be strong plays this week. Despite Tracy owning New York's backfield last week, the Steelers have been one of the better teams at defending the run this year. Pittsburgh has allowed the ninth-fewest fantasy points per game to running backs this season. Therefore, the rookie is only a flex play in deeper formats in Week 8.
TE Pat Freiermuth
Despite Wilson starting last week, Freiermuth wasn't really involved. He saw only three targets and reeled in two of them for 51 yards. As a result, he is a riskier TE1 option in Week 8, especially against a Giants defense that has allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends.
Other Matchups:
RB Najee Harris
Harris has rushed for 100 yards in back-to-back games while finishing as the RB10 and RB17 in consecutive weeks. The bad news, though, is that Harris played under 50% of the team's offensive snaps in both weeks. Still, the 26-year-old is a solid RB2 option in Week 8 against a Giants defense that just allowed 176 rush yards to Barkley a week ago.
WR Malik Nabers
Malik Nabers will likely draw the Joey Porter Jr. shadow in this game. Porter has given up only 17 catches all year and currently ranks 23rd in target separation. However, Nabers has been too good this season to leave on your bench. So, even though the Steelers have allowed the 10th-fewest fantasy points per game to wideouts this season, the rookie is a must-start.
If you're looking for a high-floor flex option, Wan'Dale Robinson could be a great target. He has totaled at least 10 PPR fantasy points in five of seven games this season while seeing at least eight targets in each of the last five games. So, Robinson is a solid play in all formats in Week 8 against the Steelers.
Injuries:
None
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