Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Picks for Fantasy Football Week 8: George Pickens, Josh Downs, Rashee Rice

The bulk of the Week 8 NFL slate is finally here, meaning it's time for fantasy managers to make tough, last-minute start 'em, sit 'em decisions. George Pickens, Josh Downs, and Rashee Rice are all hot names ahead of Sunday's games.

Pickens and the Steelers take on the Jaguars. Downs and the Colts face the Saints. Rice and the Chiefs head to Denver for a snow game.

Should you start Pickens, Downs, or Rice in Week 8? Let's dive in.

• 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

Should I Start George Pickens for Fantasy Football?

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens has really broken out the last two times out, with back-to-back 100-yard games. He had six catches for 130 yards and a score against the Ravens, then five for 107 against the Rams.

He now has 75 or more receiving yards in four of the last five games and now faces a Jaguars defense that allows the 12th-most receiving yards to opposing wide receivers. Pickens should be in your fantasy lineup as a WR2 with upside this weekend.

He is the WR21 in our half-PPR consensus staff rankings.

Should I Start Josh Downs for Fantasy Football?

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has been trending up lately. The rookie has caught touchdown passes in back-to-back games and had his first 100-yard game last week, catching five passes for 125 yards against a good Browns defense.

While Downs is ranked as a WR4 heading into this week's contest against the Saints, his growing role gives him solid upside. He should see at least six targets and is one of the best starts among wide receivers ranked as WR4s.

He is the WR40 in our half-PPR consensus staff rankings.

Should I Start Rashee Rice for Fantasy Football?

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice has become the team's most reliable wideout over the last three games. He's caught a touchdown in two of those games and had 72 receiving yards in the other.

While Rice's role is growing and he'd normally be a solid upside WR3 play, the anticipated snow in Denver this week lowers his floor. Consider him a WR3 option still, but temper your expectations a little bit.

He is the WR37 in our half-PPR consensus staff rankings.

More Fantasy Football Analysis