Tag: fantasy football Week 8 WDIS

Fantasy football start ’em, sit ’em: Week 8

Hot starts and cold sits for the upcoming week of action.

It’s time for Week 8 weekend action in the NFL, and we get respite from bye weeks. All 32 teams are in action, before the byes resume in Week 9.

The overseas games in the United Kingdom are in the rear-view mirror, although there is one more international game in Germany in November. So, enjoy sleeping in on Sunday for the first time since Week 5.

We’re finally starting to get some big-time fantasy options back from longer-term injuries. The Los Angeles Rams welcomed back WRs Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua on Thursday night in Minnesota. On Sunday, Indianapolis Colts RB Jonathan Taylor could potentially return to action, and Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa is trending toward a return, too. The latter has a ton of fantasy ramifications, especially for WRs Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, who pine for the days of having an NFL-caliber QB under center.

We also saw WR DeAndre Hopkins dealt to the Kansas City Chiefs, making WR Calvin Ridley and his fantasy managers super jealous.

Doing start/sit articles can be a little challenging. The players featured on the list below should not be taken as “must starts” or “must sits.” Instead, these are more suggestions on what we believe managers should do with fringe players heading into the weekend. The choice is ultimately up to the manager.

Just because a player is listed as a “start” doesn’t mean he should be put in the lineup over the secure, bona fide studs. Vice versa for the “sits.” If there’s no better option on the waiver wire or the bench, a manager shouldn’t automatically sit the player. That’s why these can be tricky waters to navigate.

Feel free to ask any specific start/sit questions via X, formerly Twitter, (@danieledobish), or check out our start/bench list for Week 8:

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 8

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 8 DFS fantasy football.

With no byes this week, the player pool is jumbo-sized. I would rather see a smaller player pool, but we’ll have to widen our net instead. This means setting more lineup combinations than normal. All of the QB injuries will thin out some targets at WR and TE. That is unless you want to relive the glory days of the 2015 draft and roll out lineups led by Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota. In their honor, I may need to roll out a lineup with their draftmates: Amari Cooper, Stefon Diggs, Nelson Agholor, and Tyler Lockett.

Recommended DFS lineups

*Note: Both FanDuel and Fanball include the Sunday night game on their Main Slate. DraftKings doesn’t include them, so the pricing is listed as N/A.

DK Lineup: QB Jordan Love ($7.1k), RB Kenneth Walker III ($7.8k), RB Javonte Williams ($6.0k), WR Keenan Allen ($5.8k), WR Romeo Doubs ($5.7k), WR Cedric Tillman ($3.3k), TE Evan Engram ($5.0k), FLEX Brock Bowers ($6.1k), DST Green Bay Packers ($3.2k)

FD Lineup: QB Caleb Williams ($7.4k), RB Kenneth Walker III ($7.8k), RB Josh Jacobs ($7.5k), WR Drake London ($7.9k), WR Keenan Allen ($6.4k), WR Cedric Tillman ($5.1k), TE Brock Bowers ($7.4K), FLEX Javonte Williams ($6.0k), DST Detroit Lions ($4.0k)

FB Lineup: QB Jordan Love ($6.7k), RB Kenneth Walker III ($7.3k) RB Kareem Hunt ($5.7k), WR Drake London ($6.8k), WR Keenan Allen ($5.4k), WR/TE Romeo Doubs ($5.3k), TE Brock Bowers ($6.0k), FLEX Javonte Williams ($5.4k), SUPERFLEX Kirk Cousins ($6.0k)

*Note: Player salaries are color-coded based on expected output. Red = Less than 2.5x value, Black = 2.5x value, Green = Greater than 3x value.

Quarterback DraftKings FanDuel
Lamar Jackson $8,000 $8,800
Josh Allen $7,800 $9,400
Jalen Hurts $7,500 $8,600
Jayden Daniels $7,300 $9,000
Jordan Love $7,100 $8,900
Joe Burrow $7,000 $7,700
C.J. Stroud $6,900 $8,500
Patrick Mahomes $6,800 $8,000
Baker Mayfield $6,700 $8,000
Jared Goff $6,600 $7,900
Kyler Murray $6,400 $7,800
Brock Purdy N/A $7,700
Dak Prescott N/A $7,600
Kirk Cousins $6,200 $7,100
Tua Tagovailoa $6,100 $7,000
Caleb Williams $6,000 $7,400
Geno Smith $5,900 $7,500
Anthony Richardson $5,800 $7,300
Aaron Rodgers $5,700 $7,200
Bo Nix $5,600 $6,900
Trevor Lawrence $5,600 $7,200
Drake Maye $5,500 $7,100
Justin Herbert $5,400 $7,300
Marcus Mariota $5,300 $6,800
Jameis Winston $5,200 $6,500
Bryce Young $4,900 $6,000
Gardner Minshew II $4,800 $6,600
Spencer Rattler $4,600 $7,000
Mason Rudolph $4,400 $6,000
Will Levis $4,400 $6,700

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – Jordan Love and Jalen Hurts are the top two options. Lamar Jackson also has a decent matchup, but the other options have better matchups at cheaper prices. The best thing is there are many value play choices here. Kirk Cousins and Caleb Williams provide 20-plus-point potential at significant cap savings from the higher-priced options. Justin Herbert is a great punt play.

Fantasy four-pack

Jordan Love, Packers @ JAX ($7,600 DK, $8,900 FD): Jacksonville ranks in the bottom five in completion percentage against and passing yards per game allowed. They also have allowed the most total passing TDs. Meanwhile, Love has thrown for 13 TDs over the last four games. Stack him with Romeo Doubs or Jayden Reed.

Jalen Hurts, Eagles @ CIN ($7,500 DK, $8,600 FD) No team has allowed more QB rushing yards than Cincy. Hurts will score on the ground and through the air this week. A.J. Brown will be the popular stack, but consider using DeVonta Smith or Grant  Calcaterra instead for variance.

Lamar Jackson, Ravens @ CLE ($8,000 DK, $8,800 FD) Cleveland has faced four “rushing” QBs. Those four have combined for 180 rushing yards. Meanwhile, Jackson hasn’t posted less than 40 rushing yards in any game this season. Jackson also has 12 passing TDs and 13 total scores over his last four starts. 250-2 and 40-1 seem in play.

Kirk Cousins, Falcons @ TB ($6,200 DK, $7,100 FD) Only two teams have allowed more total QB TDs than Tampa. This included allowing 509-4 to Cousins three weeks ago. He won’t repeat that line, but 300-3 seems reasonable as the opposition passes on the fourth-most 62.2% of all plays against Tampa.

Sleepers

Caleb Williams, Bears @ WAS ($6,000 DK, $7,400 FD) On paper, it appears that Washington’s secondary is playing better of late. It helps one’s numbers when they face Deshaun Watson and Andy Dalton. The schedule-makers aren’t going to be happy that we are not getting the rookie-rookie battle, but this game should still feature healthy scoring. Stack Williams with two of DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, and Cole Kmet.

Justin Herbert, Chargers vs. NO ($5,400 DK, $7,300 FD) It’s taken a while for Herbert to get to know his new-look pass-catching corps. Fortunately, they are starting to develop a rapport with the veteran signal caller. New Orleans is allowing the fifth-most passing yards per game, but they have stalled out the opposition through 10 interceptions. Herbert seldom throws an INT. He has only thrown 43 career interceptions in 2,586 passing attempts for a 1.6%. This ranks third all-time.

Running back DraftKings FanDuel
Saquon Barkley $8,300 $9,100
Derrick Henry $8,100 $9,200
Jordan Mason N/A $8,900
Kenneth Walker III $7,800 $7,800
Joe Mixon $7,700 $9,000
Alvin Kamara $7,600 $8,200
Jonathan Taylor $7,500 $8,000
Jahmyr Gibbs $7,400 $8,400
Breece Hall $7,300 $7,900
Bijan Robinson $7,200 $8,600
James Cook $7,000 $7,700
J.K. Dobbins $6,900 $7,400
Chuba Hubbard $6,700 $7,300
Josh Jacobs $6,600 $7,500
James Conner $6,500 $8,300
Tony Pollard $6,500 $7,000
Brian Robinson Jr. $6,400 $7,600
David Montgomery $6,400 $8,000
Kareem Hunt $6,300 $8,100
Tank Bigsby $6,300 $7,100
D’Andre Swift $6,200 $6,500
De’Von Achane $6,200 $6,800
Nick Chubb $6,100 $6,900
Javonte Williams $6,000 $6,000
Rhamondre Stevenson $6,000 $6,700
Rico Dowdle N/A $6,000
Raheem Mostert $5,900 $5,900
Travis Etienne Jr. $5,900 $7,100
Bucky Irving $5,800 $6,200
Chase Brown $5,800 $6,600
Rachaad White $5,700 $6,400
Zack Moss $5,700 $6,300
Alexander Mattison $5,600 $6,100
Austin Ekeler $5,600 $5,900
Ezekiel Elliott N/A $5,800
Antonio Gibson $5,400 $5,400
Justice Hill $5,400 $6,000
Zach Charbonnet $5,400 $5,200
Kyle Juszczyk N/A $4,300
Kimani Vidal $5,300 $4,000
Braelon Allen $5,200 $6,100
Ray Davis $5,200 $5,900
Sean Tucker $5,200 $5,500
Tyler Allgeier $5,100 $5,700
Clyde Edwards-Helaire $5,000 $4,000
Jonathan Brooks $5,000 $5,500
Roschon Johnson $5,000 $5,700
Dameon Pierce $4,900 $5,000
Tyjae Spears $4,900 $6,200
D’Ernest Johnson $4,800 $5,600
D’Onta Foreman $4,800 $5,100
Kendre Miller $4,700 $5,200
Kenneth Gainwell $4,700 $5,000
Jaleel McLaughlin $4,600 $4,900
Zamir White $4,600 $5,400
JaMycal Hasty $4,500 $4,900
Pierre Strong Jr. $4,500 $4,500
Emanuel Wilson $4,400 $5,600
Miles Sanders $4,400 $5,100
Jamaal Williams $4,200 $5,800

Running back

Weekly strategy – Both Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry have safe floors. Still, Kenneth Walker III has a better matchup and a cheaper price. Considering the lack of punt plays this week, you will likely be spending up for two stars. So, save where you can. For pivots, consider Bijan Robinson, Breece Hall, and James Cook. Josh Jacobs is my favorite RB2 option. Kareem Hunt (hip), Chuba Hubbard, and D’Andre Swift are my RB2 pivots. Use either Javonte Williams or Rachaad White at FLEX.

Fantasy four-pack

Kenneth Walker III, Seahawks vs. BUF ($7,800 DK, $7,800 FD) Despite playing only five games, Walker ranks third among RBs in total TDs. Meanwhile, Buffalo is allowing 160 combo yards per game to opposing RBs and the second-most receptions and receiving yards to the position.

Derrick Henry, Ravens @ CLE ($8,100 DK, $9,200 FD) Over his last five games, Henry is averaging 159 scrimmage yards and 1.6 total TDs per game. Cleveland is above average against the run, but Henry is so good that it just doesn’t matter.

Saquon Barkley, Eagles @ CIN ($8,300 DK, $9,100 FD) Barkley‘s non-usage in the passing game is befuddling, but he still has reached triple-digit total yards in every game but one. Only four teams have given up more RB rushing TDs than Cincy. The price is slightly inflated, but in a presumed shootout, you could do way worse.

Josh Jacobs, Packers @ JAX ($6,600 DK, $7,500 FD) Jacobs finally scored his first career receiving TD last week. That’s crazy seeing as how he has seen 45 or more targets each of the last four seasons. Jacksonville has allowed the most RB receptions and receiving yards. Plus, they have allowed the second-most RB receiving scores. Can Jacobs make it two games in a row with a TD reception?

Sleepers

Javonte Williams, Broncos vs. CAR ($6,000 DK, $6,000 FD) Carolina is giving up nearly 32 PPR points per game to opposing RBs. This includes an average of two RB touchdowns per game. Williams finally secured the lion’s share of the touches last week and scored twice. A repeat seems likely.

Kareem Hunt, Chiefs @ LV ($6,300 DK, $8,100 FD) Vegas has allowed three RB rushing scores over the last two weeks. Meanwhile, Hunt (hip) has seen 52 touches and three TDs over his last two games. With a weakened WR corps, expect KC to lean on Hunt once again.

Wide Receiver DraftKings FanDuel
Ja’Marr Chase $8,500 $9,200
CeeDee Lamb N/A $9,100
Amon-Ra Brown $8,400 $8,900
A.J. Brown $8,200 $9,000
Deebo Samuel Sr. N/A $8,000
Stefon Diggs $7,500 $8,500
Drake London $7,200 $7,900
Davante Adams $7,100 $7,800
Tyreek Hill $7,000 $7,600
Terry McLaurin $6,900 $7,000
Marvin Harrison Jr. $6,800 $7,200
Zay Flowers $6,800 $7,100
Garrett Wilson $6,700 $7,400
Jayden Reed $6,700 $8,100
DeVonta Smith $6,600 $7,300
DJ Moore $6,600 $6,600
DK Metcalf $6,500 $8,300
Tee Higgins $6,500 $7,500
Brian Thomas Jr. $6,400 $6,500
Chris Olave $6,400 $6,700
Diontae Johnson $6,300 $6,800
Tank Dell $6,300 $6,900
Xavier Worthy $6,200 $7,200
Jaxon Smith-Njigba $6,100 $6,400
Amari Cooper $6,000 $7,100
Michael Pittman Jr. $6,000 $6,100
Jauan Jennings N/A $6,100
Jalen Tolbert N/A $6,000
Khalil Shakir $5,900 $5,800
Darnell Mooney $5,800 $6,300
Keenan Allen $5,800 $6,400
Romeo Doubs $5,700 $6,100
Keon Coleman $5,600 $5,600
Tyler Lockett $5,600 $6,100
Christian Kirk $5,500 $5,900
Josh Downs $5,500 $6,200
Jakobi Meyers $5,400 $5,800
Jaylen Waddle $5,400 $5,900
Courtland Sutton $5,300 $5,600
Dontayvion Wicks $5,300 $5,900
Calvin Ridley $5,200 $5,600
Christian Watson $5,200 $5,800
Ladd McConkey $5,100 $6,000
Rome Odunze $5,100 $5,500
Alec Pierce $5,000 $5,800
Xavier Legette $5,000 $5,800
DeAndre Hopkins $4,900 $5,400
Michael Wilson $4,900 $5,600
KaVontae Turpin N/A $5,200
Ricky Pearsall N/A $5,200
Allen Lazard $4,800 $5,100
Jerry Jeudy $4,800 $6,000
DeMario Douglas $4,700 $5,100
Cedrick Wilson Jr. $4,600 $4,900
Ronnie Bell N/A $4,000
Zay Jones $4,600 $4,000
Gabe Davis $4,500 $5,800
Quentin Johnston $4,500 $5,700
Joshua Palmer $4,400 $5,800
Tre Tucker $4,400 $5,600
Greg Dortch $4,300 $5,300
Rashod Bateman $4,300 $5,700
Ray-Ray McCloud III $4,300 $5,400
Jahan Dotson $4,200 $4,700
Mike Williams $4,200 $4,800
Mason Tipton $4,100 $5,600
Troy Franklin $4,100 $5,300
Bub Means $4,000 $5,800
Curtis Samuel $4,000 $4,800
DJ Chark $4,000 $4,000
Mecole Hardman $4,000 $5,200
Nelson Agholor $3,900 $5,300
Noah Brown $3,900 $4,800
Tyler Boyd $3,900 $4,900
Dyami Brown $3,800 $4,700
Odell Beckham Jr. $3,800 $4,600
Sterling Shepard $3,800 $5,100
Adonai Mitchell $3,700 $5,000
Elijah Moore $3,700 $5,100
Jalen McMillan $3,700 $4,900
Justin Watson $3,700 $5,500
Andrei Iosivas $3,600 $5,200
Kayshon Boutte $3,600 $4,700
Olamide Zaccheaus $3,600 $4,800
Kendrick Bourne $3,500 $4,800
Simi Fehoko $3,500 $4,800
Tim Patrick $3,500 $4,700
Devaughn Vele $3,400 $4,000
DJ Turner $3,400 $5,100
Ja’Lynn Polk $3,400 $4,600
Jonathan Mingo $3,400 $5,000
Kalif Raymond $3,400 $4,700
Luke McCaffrey $3,400 $4,200
Cedric Tillman $3,300 $5,100
Lil’Jordan Humphrey $3,300 $4,900
Marvin Mims Jr. $3,200 $4,300
Jalen Coker $3,100 $4,700
Skyy Moore $3,100 $4,200


Wide receiver

Weekly strategy – I expect to save money at this position this week. If I do spend up, it will be for Ja’Marr Chase or A.J. Brown. That said, Drake London, Jayden Reed, DJ Moore, Tank Dell, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba will be more in my WR1 target range. Keenan Allen and Romeo Doubs also are in a juicy position at WR2. Ladd McConkey (hip) will round out my WR2 wishlist. For WR3, use one of the Niners, Buccaneers, Rashod Bateman, or Cedric Tillman.

Fantasy four-pack

Ja’Marr Chase, Bengals vs. PHI ($8,500 DK, $9,200 FD) Chase’s reception count is down this season, but he still ranks first in WR receiving yards and TDs. Before holding the offenses led by Daniel Jones and Deshaun Watson in check, opposing WR1s had averaged 6-92 against this defense, and each of them had scored at least once.

CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys @ SF (N/A, $9,100 FD) Lamb is only available on FD, and his price is borderline astronomical, but he is averaging 10.5 touches and 84 yards per game. If you do a late-game FD stack, use Dak Prescott, Lamb, Jordan Mason, and one of the 49ers fill-in WRs.

A.J. Brown, Eagles @ CIN ($8,200 DK, $9,000 FD) Three games played, each with a TD and two 100-yard performances have Brown averaging 22 PPR points per game played. Cincy has faced only four legit WR1s, three of them have scored, and the other posted 7-111.

Drake London, Falcons @ TB ($7,200 DK, $7,900 FD) In five career games against the Bucs, London has averaged 7.6-107. This includes an impressive 22-326-1 over their last two meetings. 

Sleepers

Keenan Allen, Bears @ WAS ($5,800 DK, $6,400 FD) Allen has underperformed this season, but he remains one of Caleb Williams‘ favorite targets, especially in the red zone. Multiple similar possession receivers have had success against this defense. Allen is the best stack with Williams here.

Romeo Doubs, Packers @ JAX ($5,700 DK, $6,100 FD) Doubs did the squeaky-wheel thing and immediately was fed. Over the last two games, he has hauled in 11-143-2. Consider stacking both Doubs and Jayden Reed with Jordan Love here.

Tight End DraftKings FanDuel
George Kittle N/A $7,800
Brock Bowers $6,100 $7,400
Travis Kelce $6,000 $6,900
Trey McBride $5,500 $6,700
Jake Ferguson N/A $6,100
David Njoku $5,100 $5,500
Evan Engram $5,000 $6,200
Dalton Kincaid $4,900 $4,000
Sam LaPorta $4,800 $6,000
Cole Kmet $4,700 $5,400
Tucker Kraft $4,600 $5,900
Dallas Goedert $4,500 $6,000
Kyle Pitts $4,400 $5,700
Isaiah Likely $4,300 $5,800
Zach Ertz $4,200 $5,200
Dalton Schultz $4,100 $5,100
Mark Andrews $4,000 $5,600
Taysom Hill $3,900 $6,300
Hunter Henry $3,800 $5,300
Noah Fant $3,700 $5,000
Jonnu Smith $3,600 $5,200
Cade Otton $3,500 $5,200
Tyler Conklin $3,400 $5,100
Juwan Johnson $3,300 $5,300
Grant Calcaterra $3,200 $4,900
Chig Okonkwo $3,100 $4,900
Ja’Tayvion Sanders $3,100 $5,000
Elijah Higgins $3,000 $5,100
Noah Gray $3,000 $5,000
Will Dissly $3,000 $4,900
Dawson Knox $2,900 $4,000
Foster Moreau $2,900 $4,600
Hayden Hurst $2,900 $4,700
Mike Gesicki $2,900 $5,000
Austin Hooper $2,800 $4,700
Lucas Krull $2,700 $4,600
Mo Alie-Cox $2,700 $4,700

Tight end

Weekly strategy – Brock Bowers and Travis Kelce face off in a great TE battle. If you don’t use one of them, use Evan Engram, David Njoku, Hunter Henry, or Kyle Pitts. Cade Otton is a great value play. Will Dissly and Ja’Tavion Sanders (groin/wrist) are the punt choices.

Fantasy four-pack

Brock Bowers, Raiders @ KC ($6,100 DK, $7,400 FD) Bowers leads all TEs in targets, receptions, and receiving yards. That will happen when there are no other pass-catching threats on your offense. This is the perfect matchup for him since KC ranks in the bottom three in each of those categories.

Travis Kelce, Chiefs vs. LVR SF ($6,000 DK, $6,900 FD) The addition of DeAndre Hopkins will help some, but with a shortened list of pass-catchers, Kelce will continue to be peppered in targets. 

David Njoku, Browns vs. BAL ($5,100 DK, $5,500 FD) Speaking of a shortened list of pass-catchers, Njoku should also continue to feast. Over the last two games, Njoku has led Cleveland in targets, receptions, and receiving yards. Plus, he finally has a competent QB.

George Kittle, 49ers vs. DAL (N/A, $7,800 FD) Kittle (foot) finds himself in a spot where this offense may be without Deebo Samuel Sr. (pneumonia) and Jauan Jennings (hip), not to mention Brandon Aiyuk (IR – knee). Dallas has allowed the fifth-most TE scores this season.

Sleepers

Cade Otton, Buccaneers vs. ATL ($3,500 DK, $5,200 FD) You may be noticing a trend at the TE position this week. The Bucs lost their top two WRs for the foreseeable future. Otton immediately stepped up hauling in eight of 10 passes for 100 yards.

Ja’Tavion Sanders, Panthers @ DEN ($3,100 DK, $5,000 FD) The change back to Bryce Young limits Sanders’ (groin/wrist) upside, but he is top 10 among TEs in targets and receptions over the last three weeks.

Fantasy football start/bench list: Week 8

Check out where your roster options fit into our Week 8 start/bench tiers.

Player analysis and projections can be found in our Start/Bench Tool customized to your myHuddle league scoring and rosters. All player listings by groups are in no particular order.

Key: Upgrade / Downgrade

QUARTERBACKS WIDE RECEIVERS
BEST BETS Opp BEST BETS Opp
Jordan Love @JAC Drake London @TB
Joe Burrow PHI Tyreek Hill ARI
GREAT STARTS Opp A.J. Brown @CIN
Kirk Cousins @TB Ja’Marr Chase PHI
Lamar Jackson @CLE Justin Jefferson @LAR
Jalen Hurts @CIN GREAT STARTS Opp
Aaron Rodgers @NE Cooper Kupp MIN
Patrick Mahomes @LVR Tee Higgins PHI
Tua Tagovailoa ARI Davante Adams @NE
SOLID STARTERS Opp Stefon Diggs IND
C.J. Stroud IND DJ Moore @WAS
Russell Wilson NYG SOLID STARTERS Opp
Josh Allen @SEA George Pickens NYG
Matthew Stafford MIN Christian Kirk GB
Caleb Williams @WAS Keon Coleman @SEA
Kyler Murray @MIA Terry McLaurin CHI
Sam Darnold @LAR Wan’Dale Robinson @PIT
FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp J. Smith-Njigba BUF
Jared Goff TEN Brian Thomas Jr. GB
Trevor Lawrence GB Darnell Mooney @TB
Baker Mayfield ATL Jayden Reed @JAC
Brock Purdy DAL Garrett Wilson @NE
Bo Nix CAR DeVonta Smith @CIN
Geno Smith BUF Romeo Doubs @JAC
Dak Prescott @SF Zay Flowers @CLE
Anthony Richardson @HOU Malik Nabers @PIT
SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp Jaylen Waddle ARI
Justin Herbert NO Tyler Lockett BUF
Mason Rudolph @DET Courtland Sutton CAR
Spencer Rattler @LAC CeeDee Lamb @SF
Bryce Young @DEN Amon-Ra St. Brown TEN
Gardner Minshew KC DeMario Douglas NYJ
Derek Carr @LAC Amari Cooper @SEA
D. Thompson-Robinson BAL FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp
Jayden Daniels CHI Dontayvion Wicks @JAC
Jameis Winston BAL Michael Pittman Jr. @HOU
Marcus Mariota CHI Tutu Atwell MIN
Daniel Jones @PIT Marvin Harrison Jr. @MIA
Drake Maye NYJ Michael Wilson @MIA
RUNNING BACKS Rome Odunze @WAS
BEST BETS Opp Diontae Johnson @DEN
Joe Mixon IND Jerry Jeudy BAL
Javonte Williams CAR Khalil Shakir @SEA
Breece Hall @NE Jalen Tolbert @SF
GREAT STARTS Opp Jordan Addison @LAR
Josh Jacobs @JAC Xavier Worthy @LVR
Kenneth Walker III BUF Calvin Ridley @DET
Kyren Williams MIN Cedrick Wilson @LAC
J.K. Dobbins NO Allen Lazard @NE
Saquon Barkley @CIN Tank Dell IND
Derrick Henry @CLE Troy Franklin CAR
SOLID STARTERS Opp Keenan Allen @WAS
Jahmyr Gibbs TEN DeAndre Hopkins @LVR
Bijan Robinson @TB Kalif Raymond TEN
Tony Pollard @DET Cedric Tillman BAL
James Conner @MIA Ricky Pearsall DAL
Najee Harris NYG Christian Watson @JAC
Alvin Kamara @LAC Rashod Bateman @CLE
Aaron Jones @LAR Demarcus Robinson MIN
Brian Robinson Jr. CHI Sterling Shepard ATL
Kareem Hunt @LVR SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp
D’Andre Swift @WAS Tre Tucker KC
De’Von Achane ARI Xavier Legette @DEN
FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp Jacob Cowing DAL
Rhamondre Stevenson NYJ Adam Thielen @DEN
Tank Bigsby GB Deebo Samuel DAL
Chase Brown PHI DK Metcalf BUF
Tyrone Tracy Jr. @PIT Jakobi Meyers KC
Austin Ekeler CHI Jauan Jennings DAL
Alexander Mattison KC Chris Olave @LAC
Kimani Vidal NO Quentin Johnston NO
Raheem Mostert ARI Puka Nacua MIN
David Montgomery TEN Gabe Davis GB
Rachaad White ATL Josh Downs @HOU
James Cook @SEA Devaughn Vele CAR
Bucky Irving ATL Darius Slayton @PIT
Jordan Mason DAL Elijah Moore BAL
Rico Dowdle @SF Joshua Palmer NO
Chuba Hubbard @DEN Alec Pierce @HOU
SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp Ladd McConkey NO
Nick Chubb BAL Jalen Nailor @LAR
Ray Davis @SEA DEFENSIVE TEAMS
Devin Singletary @PIT BEST BETS Opp
Jaylen Warren NYG Lions TEN
Zach Charbonnet BUF Ravens @CLE
Antonio Gibson NYJ Packers @JAC
Kendre Miller @LAC GREAT STARTS Opp
C. Edwards-Helaire @LVR Chiefs @LVR
Trey Sermon @HOU Broncos CAR
Jeremy McNichols CHI Steelers NYG
Zamir White KC SOLID STARTERS Opp
Jonathan Taylor @HOU Chargers NO
Travis Etienne GB Texans IND
Jonathon Brooks @DEN Vikings @LAR
Zack Moss PHI Jets @NE
Tyler Allgeier @TB Falcons @TB
Tyler Goodson @HOU FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp
TIGHT ENDS 49ers DAL
BEST BETS Opp Bills @SEA
George Kittle DAL Cowboys @SF
Evan Engram GB Dolphins ARI
GREAT STARTS Opp Giants @PIT
Tucker Kraft @JAC Cardinals @MIA
David Njoku BAL Bears @WAS
SOLID STARTERS Opp Saints @LAC
Mark Andrews @CLE SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp
Dalton Kincaid @SEA Rams MIN
Travis Kelce @LVR Commanders CHI
Cade Otton ATL Buccaneers ATL
Brock Bowers KC Eagles @CIN
Kyle Pitts @TB Seahawks BUF
Hunter Henry NYJ Titans @DET
FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp Browns BAL
Sam LaPorta TEN Colts @HOU
Juwan Johnson @LAC Panthers @DEN
Cole Kmet @WAS Patriots NYJ
Pat Freiermuth NYG Jaguars GB
Dalton Schultz IND Raiders KC
Jonnu Smith ARI Bengals PHI
Tyler Conklin @NE
Noah Fant BUF
Jake Ferguson @SF
Trey McBride @MIA
Zach Ertz CHI
SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp
Isaiah Likely @CLE
Taysom Hill @LAC
Dallas Goedert @CIN
T.J. Hockenson @LAR
C. Okonkwo @DET
Will Dissly NO
J. Sanders @DEN

Fantasy Football Rest of Season Rankings: Week 8

Forecasting where all of the notable players net out over the remainder of the season.

These fantasy football rankings track a player’s value for the remainder of the season and are intended to be used as a tool, not necessarily a definitive guide to player valuation.

The scoring system is performance PPR. There is no exact science behind season-long rankings, considering all of the variables and situational uncertainties at work.

Rankings key:
UP/DN is trending up or down from week’s ranking.
NR means the player wasn’t ranked last week.
UP/DN numbering shows where the player was ranked the prior week.

Fantasy football rest of season rankings

Quarterbacks
Rk Never leaves lineup Bye Up/Down Notes
1 Lamar Jackson, BAL 14 absolutely rolling right now
2 Josh Allen, BUF 12
3 Jalen Hurts, PHI 5 threw just 14 passes in Wk 7 but had 3 TDs (2 rushing)
4 Jayden Daniels, WAS 14 suffered a rib injury in Wk 7; his status for Wk 8 is TBD
Rk Lineup regulars Bye Up/Down Notes
5 Jordan Love, GB 10 UP7 throwing too many INTs but averaging 3 TD passes per game
6 Joe Burrow, CIN 12
7 Kyler Murray, ARI 11
8 C.J. Stroud, HOU 14 couldn’t get anything going in Wk 7
9 Jared Goff, DET 5 UP13 4 straight games of multiple TD passes
10 Dak Prescott, DAL 7
11 Baker Mayfield, TB 11 DN10 put up numbers in garbage time, but lost Evans and Godwin; there are concerns here
Rk Weekly matchup plays Bye Up/Down Notes
12 Patrick Mahomes, KC 6 DN5 has more INTs (8) than TDs (7) this season
13 Brock Purdy, SF 9 really struggled, and now his WR corps is thinned; he could fall
14 Caleb Williams, CHI 7
15 Tua Tagovailoa, MIA 6 UP21 on IR w/ a concussion; he’s expected to return in Wk 8
16 Anthony Richardson, IND 14 returned after missing 2 gms w/ an oblique injury
17 Kirk Cousins, ATL 12
18 Geno Smith, SEA 10 UP22
19 Aaron Rodgers, NYJ 12 still not looking great
20 Sam Darnold, MIN 6 DN18 last 10 quarters: 2 TDs, 3 INTs
Rk Fringe plays/roster depth Bye Up/Down Notes
21 Daniel Jones, NYG 11 DN19 was pulled late in a blowout loss but remains the starter… for now
22 Matthew Stafford, LAR 6
23 Bo Nix, DEN 14 has run for 136 yds in the past 2 games, but he’s not adding much with his arm
24 Justin Herbert, LAC 5 passed for 349 yds in Wk 7 but no TDs
25 Drake Maye, NE 14 UP28 through 2 gms, his numbers are pretty solid
26 Trevor Lawrence, JAC 12
27 Russell Wilson, PIT 9 UP34
28 Derek Carr, NO 12 missed 2 gms w/ an oblique injury; his status for Wk 8 is TBD
29 Jameis Winston, CLE 10 UP36 could be QB1 w/ Watson lost for the year
30 Andy Dalton, CAR 11
31 Will Levis, TEN 5 DNP in Wk 7 w/ a shoulder injury; his status for Wk 8 is TBD
32 Gardner Minshew 10 NR O’Connell out 4-6 weeks w/ a thumb injury, Minshew is QB1 again
33 Justin Fields, PIT 9 DN16 benched
34 Joe Flacco, IND 14
36 Drew Lock, NYG 11 NR remember that Jones’ contract for 2025 becomes guaranteed w/ an injury
35 Dorian Thompson-Robinson, CLE 11 NR CLE could go w/ DTR as QB1; he suffered a finger injury in Wk 7
Running backs
Rk Never leaves lineup Bye Up/Down Notes
1 Saquon Barkley, PHI 5 torched his old team
2 Derrick Henry, BAL 14
3 Breece Hall, NYJ 12 UP4 the one bright spot for the Jets on SNF
4 Kyren Williams, LAR 6
5 Bijan Robinson, ATL 12 back-to-back big games
6 Jahmyr Gibbs, DET 5 UP9
7 Alvin Kamara, NO 12 did nothing in Wk 7, but once Carr returns I expect Kamara to get targeted a ton
8 Joe Mixon, HOU 14 UP10 he was the only guy that looked good for HOU’s offense in Wk 7
9 Aaron Jones, MIN 6
10 Kenneth Walker III, SEA 10 did a lot of damage in just 16 touches
Rk Lineup regulars Bye Up/Down Notes
11 Josh Jacobs, GB 10
12 Jonathan Taylor, IND 14 DN7 missed 3 gms w/ an ankle injury; his status for Wk 8 is TBD
13 Brian Robinson Jr., WAS 14 UP16 returned after missing 1 gm w/ a knee injury
14 David Montgomery, DET 5
15 James Conner, ARI 11
16 James Cook, BUF 12 DN13 returned after missing 1 gm w/ a toe injury
17 D’Andre Swift, CHI 7
18 De’Von Achane, MIA 6 UP21 if Tagovailoa returns in Wk 8, that offense could start cooking again
19 Jordan Mason, SF 9
20 Najee Harris, PIT 9 UP22 consecutive 100+ yd games
21 Tony Pollard, TEN 5
22 J.K. Dobbins, LAC 5 DN19
23 Kareem Hunt, KC 6 UP30 had 24 touches in Wk 7 and scored 2 TDs
Rk Weekly matchup plays Bye Up/Down Notes
24 Christian McCaffrey, SF 9 on IR w/ Achilles tendonitis; he has a shot to return in Wk 10
25 Rachaad White, TB 11 UP32 returned after missing 1 gm w/ a foot injury; he scored twice in garbage time
26 Chuba Hubbard, CAR 11
27 Javonte Williams, DEN 14 had a 14-88-2 line in Wk 7, but it came against an injured/fatigued NO team
28 Rico Dowdle, DAL 7
29 Nick Chubb, CLE 10 UP35 returned in Wk 7 after missing over a year w/ a knee injury
30 Bucky Irving, TB 11 DN27
31 Rhamondre Stevenson, NE 14 DN25 returned after missing 1 gm w/ a foot injury; he had just 25 yds total
32 Chase Brown, CIN 12
33 Raheem Mostert, MIA 6 UP37
34 Tank Bigsby, JAC 12 was very effective (26-118-2) w/ Etienne out, but Pederson said Etienne is still RB1
35 Devin Singletary, NYG 11 DN28 returned after missing 2 gms w/ a groin injury
36 Alexander Mattison, LVR 10 UP57
37 Jonathon Brooks, CAR 11 UP44 on the PUP/NFI list w/ a knee injury; he’s been designated to return
38 Tyjae Spears, TEN 5 DNP in Wk 7 w/ a hamstring injury; his status for Wk 8 is TBD
39 Austin Ekeler, WAS 14
40 Tyler Allgeier, ATL 12 UP43
41 Travis Etienne, JAC 12 DNP in Wk 7 w/ a hamstring injury; his status for Wk 8 is TBD
42 Zack Moss, CIN 12 DN39
43 Jaylen Warren, PIT 9 UP49
Rk Fringe plays/roster depth Bye Up/Down Notes
44 Tyrone Tracy Jr., NYG 11 UP48
45 Zach Charbonnet, SEA 10
46 Isiah Pacheco, KC 6 on IR w/ a leg injury; he’s eligible to return in Wk 8, but his return date is uncertain
47 Ray Davis, BUF 12 UP53
48 Justice Hill, BAL 14 UP51
49 Tyler Goodson, IND 14 NR he’s overtaken Trey Sermon as RB2 in IND
50 Emanuel Wilson, GB 6
51 Antonio Gibson, NE 14 DN41
52 Zamir White, LVR 10 DN33 returned after missing 2 gms w/ a groin injury; he worked as the backup in Wk 7
53 Braelon Allen, NYJ 12 DN40 role has completely dried up since the coaching change
54 Jerome Ford, CLE 10 DNP in Wk 7 w/ a hamstring injury; his status for Wk 8 is TBD
55 Roschon Johnson, CHI 7
56 Jaylen Wright, MIA 6 UP59
57 Trey Benson, ARI 11 DN50
58 Gus Edwards, LAC 5 on IR w/ a shoulder injury; he’s eligible to return in Wk 10
59 Dameon Pierce, HOU 14
60 Ezekiel Elliott, DAL 7
61 Ty Chandler, MIN 6 DN52 the acquisition of Cam Akers could mean the end of Chandler as RB2
62 Blake Corum, LAR 6
63 Kimani Vidal, LAC 5
64 Sean Tucker, TB 11 NR
65 Jaleel McLaughlin, DEN 14 Audric Estime could be pushing for more snaps
66 Kendre Miller, NO 12 UP68 made his season debut in Wk 7
67 Carson Steele, KC 6
68 MarShawn Lloyd, GB 10 on IR w/ an ankle injury; he’s eligible to return
69 Clyde Edwards-Helaire, KC 6 inactive in Wk 7
70 Kenneth Gainwell, PHI 5 NR
Wide receivers
Rk Never leaves lineup Bye Up/Down Notes
1 Ja’Marr Chase, CIN 12
2 Justin Jefferson, MIN 6
3 Tyreek Hill, MIA 6 UP7 I’m taking a leap of faith that Tagovailoa is back in Wk 8
4 A.J. Brown, PHI 5 on a day where Hurts completed 10 passes, he still had a 5-89-1 line
5 Amon-Ra St. Brown, DET 5 UP6 four straight games w/ a TD
6 CeeDee Lamb, DAL 7
7 Malik Nabers, NYG 11 returned after missing 2 gms w/ a concussion; was ineffective (4-41-0)
8 DK Metcalf, SEA 10 suffered a knee injury in Wk 7; his status for Wk 8 is TBD
9 Cooper Kupp, LAR 6 missed 4 gms w/ an ankle injury; he’s expected to return in Wk 8
Rk Lineup regulars Bye Up/Down Notes
10 Davante Adams, NYJ 12 returned after missing 3 gms w/ a hamstring injury; did little in his NYJ debut
11 Mike Evans, TB 11 suffered a hamstring injury in Wk 7; his status for Wk 8 is TBD
12 Drake London, ATL 12
13 Deebo Samuel, SF 9 UP17 missed most of Wk 7 w/ an illness; he should be the clear WR1 w/ Aiyuk lost for the year
14 Garrett Wilson, NYJ 12 had a terrible drop in Wk 7, but he did match Adams in targets (9)
15 Puka Nacua, LAR 6 on IR w/ a knee injury; he’s eligible to return
16 Chris Olave, NO 12 UP20 DNP in Wk 7 w/ a concussion; his status for Wk 8 is TBD — the loss of Shaheed moves him up
17 Nico Collins, HOU 14 on IR w/ a hamstring injury; he’s eligible to return in Wk 10
18 Terry McLaurin, WAS 14 UP23
19 Tee Higgins, CIN 12 UP24 he’s looked good over his last 4 games, including 3 TDs
20 DeVonta Smith, PHI 5
21 Jayden Reed, GB 10 DN14 he’s been very quiet the past two weeks
22 DJ Moore, CHI 7
23 Stefon Diggs, HOU 14
24 Zay Flowers, BAL 14 only had 1 catch in Wk 7 but he suffered an ankle injury that affected his availability
25 Amari Cooper, BUF 12 scored in his BUF debut
26 Jaylen Waddle, MIA 6 UP35
Rk Weekly matchup plays Bye Up/Down Notes
27 Marvin Harrison Jr., ARI 11 DN26 only 2 games of more than 50 yards this season
28 George Pickens, PIT 9 UP38 looked better w/ Wilson at QB
29 Brian Thomas Jr., JAC 12 UP31 had nearly three times as many receiving yards as anyone else for JAC in Wk 7
30 Michael Pittman Jr., IND 14
31 Xavier Worthy, KC 6 UP33 led KC in targets (8) in Wk 7; he’s their most explosive threat at WR
32 Tank Dell, HOU 14
33 Jakobi Meyers, LVR 10 missed 2 gms w/ an ankle injury; his status for Wk 8 is TBD
34 Jordan Addison, MIN 6
35 Jameson Williams, DET 5 DN29 for as good as he is, Williams isn’t a core playmaker in DET; he’s set to serve a 2-game suspension
36 Darnell Mooney, ATL 12
37 Tyler Lockett, SEA 10 UP44 could be the de facto WR1 w/ Metcalf week-to-week
38 Romeo Doubs, GB 10 UP53 11 catches, 143 yards, and 2 TDs in 2 gms since returning from suspension
39 Khalil Shakir, BUF 12
40 Diontae Johnson, CAR 11 DN36 all of a sudden, CAR’s offense looks completely lost again
41 Wan’Dale Robinson, NYG 11
42 JuJu Smith-Schuster, KC 6 UP50 suffered a hamstring injury in Wk 7; his status for Wk 8 is TBD
43 Calvin Ridley, TEN 5 think he regrets signing in TEN?
44 Jaxon Smith-Njigba, SEA 10 DN41
Rk Fringe plays/roster depth Bye Up/Down Notes
45 Keenan Allen, CHI 7
46 Courtland Sutton, DEN 14 wasn’t even targeted in Wk 7 vs NO
47 Christian Kirk, JAC 12 DN48
48 DeAndre Hopkins, TEN 5
49 Christian Watson, GB 10 DN43
50 Ladd McConkey, LAC 5 UP55
51 DeMario Douglas, NE 14 dealt with an illness in Wk 7 that limited his snaps
52 Josh Downs, IND 14 DN46 love the player, hate the situation
53 Keon Coleman, BUF 12 had a huge Wk 7 (4-125-0), but I need to see some consistency
54 Juaun Jennings, SF 9 UP70 DNP in Wk 7 w/ a hip injury; his status for Wk 8 is TBD — he’ll likely be WR2 w/ Aiyuk done
55 Rashod Bateman, BAL 14 UP67 his production has quietly ticked up over the last 3 games
56 Rome Odunze, CHI 7
57 Dontayvion Wicks, GB 10 UP60
58 Gabe Davis, JAC 12 DN56
59 Allen Lazard, NYJ 12 did a nice job but only had 4 targets in Wk 7
60 Ricky Pearsall, SF 9 UP79 made his season debut in Wk 7; his role could expand quickly w/ Aiyuk hurt
61 Alec Pierce, IND 14
62 Jalen Tolbert, DAL 7
63 Tutu Atwell, LAR 6 UP72
64 Jalen Nailor, MIN 6 UP69
65 Jalen McMillan, TB 11 NR was targeted 8 times in Wk 7; with Godwin done for the year, maybe his role grows significantly
66 Michael Wilson, ARI 11 DN59
67 Jerry Jeudy, CLE 10 DN64
68 Brandin Cooks, DAL 7 on IR w/ a knee injury; he’s eligible to return in Wk 10
69 Mike Williams, NYJ 12 UP77 he might have some speculative value in case he gets traded
70 Quentin Johnston, LAC 5 DN66 DNP in Wk 7 w/ an ankle injury; his status for Wk 8 is TBD
71 Darius Slayton, NYG 11 DN65 back to an afterthought w/ Nabers in the lineup
72 Andrei Iosivas, CIN 12
73 Tre Tucker, LVR 10 UP78
74 Cedric Tillman, CLE 10 NR he was CLE’s go-to WR in Wk 7 (8-81-0)
75 Ja’Lynn Polk, NE 14 suffered a concussion in Wk 7; his status for Wk 8 is TBD
76 Adam Thielen, CAR 11 on IR w/ a hamstring injury; he’s eligible to return in Wk 8
77 Jordan Whittington, LAR 6
78 Xavier Legette, CAR 11
79 Troy Franklin, DEN 14 NR
80 Trey Palmer, TB 11 NR could he step into the void created by Godwin’s injury?
Tight ends
Rk Never leaves lineup Bye Up/Down Notes
1 Brock Bowers, LVR 10 UP2 feels a little crazy to make him TE1, but he has 27 catches in his last 3 games
2 Travis Kelce, KC 6
3 George Kittle, SF 9 he might be 1a/1b w/ Samuel going forward
4 Trey McBride, ARI 11
Rk Lineup regulars Bye Up/Down Notes
5 Jake Ferguson, DAL 7
6 Evan Engram, JAC 12
7 Sam LaPorta, DET 5 DN5 has 2 receptions or less in 4 of his last 5 games
8 Dalton Kincaid, BUF 12
9 Tucker Kraft, GB 10 UP11 has scored in 3 of the last 4 games
10 Kyle Pitts, ATL 12 UP13 led ATL in receiving in Wk 7
11 Cole Kmet, CHI 7
12 Mark Andrews, BAL 14 3 TDs in the last 2 games
13 Dallas Goedert, PHI 5 DN9 DNP in Wk 7 w/ a hamstring injury; his status for Wk 8 is TBD
Rk Weekly matchup plays Bye Up/Down Notes
14 David Njoku, CLE 10 UP14 we’ll see what his role is w/ a new QB1
15 Colby Parkinson, LAR 6
16 Taysom Hill, NO 12 missed 3 gms w/ a rib injury; his status for Wk 8 is TBD
17 Zach Ertz, WAS 14
18 T.J. Hockenson, MIN 6 on PUP list w/ a knee injury; he could return in Wk 8
19 Cade Otton, TB 11 UP20 his role could grow with the injuries at WR
Rk Fringe plays/roster depth Bye Up/Down Notes
20 Hunter Henry, NE 14 UP23 led NE in receiving (8-92-0) in Wk 7
21 Noah Fant, SEA 10 60 or more yards in 3 of his last 5 games
22 Pat Freiermuth, PIT 9 DN16
23 Jonnu Smith, MIA 6 UP26 had a big game in Wk 7 (7-96-1), but if Tagovailoa is back in Wk 8, it doesn’t mean much
24 Isaiah Likely, BAL 14
25 Ja’Tavion Sanders, CAR 11 UP27 had 6 of CAR’s 13 completions in Wk 7
26 Dalton Schultz, HOU 14
27 Tyler Conklin, NYJ 12
28 Chigoziem Okonkwo, TEN 5 UP30
29 Mike Gesicki, CIN 12
30 Brenton Strange, JAC 12
Defensive teams
Rk Never leaves lineup Bye Up/Down Notes
1 Minnesota Vikings 6 this group just continues to make plays
2 San Francisco 49ers 9
3 Pittsburgh Steelers 9
Rk Lineup regulars Bye Up/Down Notes
4 Denver Broncos 14 UP7 dominant in Wk 7, albeit against Spencer Rattler
5 Chicago Bears 7
6 Green Bay Packers 10 no takeaways in Wk 7, but they had 4 sacks and held HOU to 197 yds
7 New York Jets 12 DN3 thinned by injuries, they wore down on SNF
8 Buffalo Bills 12 played well, though it came versus Mason Rudolph
9 Houston Texans 14
10 Kansas City Chiefs 6 UP12 picked off Purdy 3 times in Wk 7
Rk Weekly matchup plays Bye Up/Down Notes
11 Los Angeles Chargers 5 UP14
12 Detroit Lions 5
13 Miami Dolphins 6 UP16 the expected return of Tagovailoa should help the defense
14 Baltimore Ravens 14 DN10 ignore the final score, BAL was up 24 entering the 4th
15 New York Giants 11 DN11 lots of sacks, not much else
16 Philadelphia Eagles 5 UP19 finally got after the QB in Wk 7
17 Seattle Seahawks 10 NR
18 Cleveland Browns 10 could losing Watson rally the team?
19 Washington Commanders 14 NR
20 New Orleans Saints 12 DN15 injuries have ruined this group; their opponents have scored 110 points in the last 3 games

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The Huddle’s Blitzed Fantasy Football Podcast: Episode 219

Talking NFL news, dynasty fantasy football, DFS lineups, and more!

In this episode, Steve and Harley bring you NFL news, dynasty vintage sales, and “DFS Pay-ups, Stay-aways, and Value Plays.” So Huddle up, tune in, and get Blitzed!

Or, click here to listen

Fantasy football inactives, injuries and weather: Week 8

Week 8 weather, injury updates and gameday inactives for the fantasy football lineup decisions.

Sunday updates will begin when teams start releasing official pregame inactives and starter information to the league. This is typically around 60-90 minutes prior to the kickoff of their game.

Weather forecasts are courtesy of The Football Database.

Week 8 gameday inactives, weather and notes

KEY GAME-TIME DECISIONS

Early games: RB Raheem Mostert (active), TE Darren Waller (active), WR Curtis Samuel (active)
Afternoon games: RB Jerome Ford (active), WR Tyler Lockett (active)
Sunday night: WR Joshua Palmer (active)
Monday night: WR Amon-Ra St. Brown

Los Angeles Rams at Dallas Cowboys (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 47 degrees, cloudy (retractable-roof dome)

Rams

Inactives: DL Nick Hampton, DE Earnest Brown, OT Rob Havenstein, RB Zach Evans and OG Zachary Thomas

Lineup notes: RB Kyren Williams (ankle) remains on IR. RB Darrell Henderson was elevated from the practice squad.

Cowboys

Inactives: RB Deuce Vaughn, QB Trey Lance, CB Noah Igbinoghene, OT Tyron Smith, CB Eric Scott Jr., DL Villami Fehoko Jr. and WR Jalen Brooks

Lineup notes: LT Tyron Smith (neck) couldn’t get healthy in time and will miss this one.

Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 37 degrees, cloudy

Vikings

Inactives: RB Kene Nwangwu, OL Ezra Cleveland, LB Brian Asamoah, CB NaJee Thompson, OT Hakeem Adeniji and TE Nick Muse

Lineup notes: WR Justin Jefferson (hamstring) remains on IR with a hamstring injury. TE T.J. Hockenson (foot) upgraded to a full practice Friday and will play.

Packers

Inactives: WR Malik Heath, DL Brenton Cox, OT Caleb Jones, S Zayne Anderson and CB Robert Rochell

Lineup notes: TE Luke Musgrave (ankle) and WR Christian Watson (knee) will go. RB Aaron Jones (hamstring) didn’t practice Wednesday and was limited Thursday and Friday, but he’ll play, too. LB De’Vondre Campbell (ankle) and CB Jaire Alexander (back) are active. S Darnell Savage (calf) and CB Eric Stokes (hamstring) went on IR this week.

Atlanta Falcons at Tennessee Titans (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 68 degrees, cloudy

Falcons

Inactives: CB Clark Phillips III, QB Logan Woodside, DL Albert Huggins, LB Tae Davis, DE Joe Gaziano, OG Jovaughn Gwyn and P Patrick O’Donnell

Lineup notes: LB Bud Dupree (groin) is ready to roll.

Titans

Inactives: TE Josh Whyle, DL Caleb Murphy, DE Rashad Weaver, CB Roger McCreary, QB Ryan Tannehill, OT Jaelyn Duncan and WR Colton Dowell

Lineup notes: QB Ryan Tannehill (ankle) is out, and QB Will Levis will make his first career start. WR Treylon Burks (knee) practiced all week and will play.

New Orleans Saints at Indianapolis Colts (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 50 degrees, light fog (retractable-roof dome)

Saints

Inactives: OT James Hurst, TE Jimmy Graham, WR Keith Kirkwood, DL Kyle Phillips and QB Jake Haener

Lineup notes: TE Jimmy Graham (illness) won’t be available, but QB Taysom Hill (chest) and TE Juwan Johnson (calf) are active. RB Alvin Kamara (illness) and RB Kendre Miller (shoulder) were on the report earlier in the week but were not listed Friday and are good to go. S Tyrann Mathieu (foot) and S Marcus Maye (hamstring, illness) both will play.

Colts

Inactives: CB Ameer Speed, DL Eric Johnson, OT Braden Smith, CB Julius Brents, OL Ike Boettger, LB Isaiah Land and TE Kylen Granson

Lineup notes: QB Anthony Richardson (shoulder) is out for the season. RB Zack Moss (elbow, heel) overcame a questionable tag. TE Kylen Granson (concussion) and RT Braden Smith (hip/wrist) has been ruled out.

New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 81 degrees, cloudy, ENE 11 mph

Patriots

Inactives: LB Josh Uche, OT Calvin Anderson, WR Kayshon Boutte, WR Tyquan Thornton, OT Vederian Lowe and QB Will Grier

Lineup notes: TE Hunter Henry (ankle) upgraded to a full participant Friday and will play.

Dolphins

Inactives: WR Robbie Chosen, QB Skylar Thompson, S Brandon Jones, S Jevon Holland and CB Xavien Howard

Lineup notes: RB De’Von Achane (knee) remains on IR until Week 11. RB Raheem Mostert (ankle) was limited Thursday and Friday and deemed questionable but will give it a whirl. WR Tyreek Hill (hip) was idle Wednesday and limited the rest of the week, but he’ll play. WR Jaylen Waddle (back) was limited all week and will play. CB Jalen Ramsey (knee) was activated from IR, though CB Xavien Howard (groin) is inactive. S Jevon Holland (concussion) won’t go, either.

New York Jets at New York Giants (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 52 degrees, rain

Jets

Inactives: CB Jarrick Bernard-Converse, C Joe Tippmann, WR Irvin Charles, WR Randall Cobb, RB Israel Abanikanda, DE Carl Lawson and LB Zaire Barnes

Lineup notes: WR Randall Cobb (shoulder) couldn’t get right in time. CB Sauce Gardner (concussion) and CB D.J. Reed (concussion) each cleared the protocol.

Giants

Inactives: QB Daniel Jones, CB Bobby McCain, OT Andrew Thomas, RB Deon Jackson, DT Jordon Riley, OT Evan Neal and S Gervarrius Owens

Lineup notes: QB Daniel Jones (neck) is out this week, so QB Tyrod Taylor starts once again. TE Darren Waller (hamstring) will give it a go after being deemed questionable. RB Saquon Barkley (ankle) upgraded to a full practice Friday and will play. LT Andrew Thomas (hamstring) remains out, and RT Evan Neal (ankle) joins him. C John Michael Schmitz (shoulder)  will gut it out.

Jacksonville Jaguars at Pittsburgh Steelers (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 55 degrees, cloudy

Jaguars

Inactives: S Andre Cisco, OG Cole Van Lanen, DE Tyler Lacy, CB Tyson Campbell, LB Yasir Abdullah and WR Zay Jones

Lineup notes: WR Zay Jones (knee) is out this week. QB Trevor Lawrence (knee) will continue to play through a questionable tag.

Steelers

Inactives: CB Levi Wallace, NT Breiden Fehoko, QB Mason Rudolph and OT Dylan Cook

Lineup notes: TE Pat Freiermuth (hamstring) landed on IR. WR Diontae Johnson (hamstring) had a full practice Friday and will play.

Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Commanders (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 65 degrees, cloudy

Eagles

Inactives: TE Albert Okwuegbunam, RB Rashaad Penny, CB Bradley Roby, DT Moro Ojomo, QB Tanner McKee and DE Patrick Johnson

Lineup notes: WR Julio Jones was elevated to he active roster.

Commanders

Inactives: TE Cole Turner, DL K.J. Henry, LB Andre Jones Jr., TE Curtis Hodges, WR Mitchell Tinsley, OL Trent Scott and CB Christian Holmes

Lineup notes: WR Curtis Samuel (foot) will be on the field today. LB Cody Barton (ankle) has been placed on IR.

Houston Texans at Carolina Panthers (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 78 degrees, clear, SW 12 mph

Texans

Inactives: WR Robert Woods, DL Sheldon Rankins, TE Brevin Jordan, QB Case Keenum, LB Myjai Sanders and OG Nick Broeker

Lineup notes: WR Robert Woods (foot) is out. WR Tank Dell (concussion) had full sessions all week and is good to go. RT Tytus Howard (hand, knee) is ready, whereas DT Sheldon Rankins (knee) has been ruled out.

Panthers

Inactives: S Alex Cook, WR Laviska Shenault Jr., LB Luiji Vilain, OT Brett Toth, SS Vonn Bell, OT Nash Jensen and OT Ricky Lee

Lineup notes: RB Miles Sanders (shoulder) practiced all week and will return. LB Brian Burns (elbow) also is ready to roll. S Xavier Woods (hamstring) is active, but S Vonn Bell (quad) has been ruled out. DB Jeremy Chinn (quad) went on IR.

Cleveland Browns at Seattle Seahawks (4:05 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 49 degrees, clear

Browns

Inactives: QB Deshaun Watson, S Ronnie Hickman, DT Siaki Ika, WR Cedric Tillman, RB Jordan Wilkins, DL Isaiah McGuire and CB Kahlef Hailassie

Lineup notes: QB Deshaun Watson (shoulder) is out once again. RB Jerome Ford (ankle), RB Kareem Hunt (thigh), TE David Njoku (knee) and LT Jedrick Wills Jr. (foot, ankle) all will give it a go. RB Jordan Wilkins was elevated from the practice squad but is inactive.

Seahawks

Inactives: OG Phil Haynes, OT Raiqwon O’Neal, WR Cody Thompson, CB Kyu Blu Kelly, OG McClendon Curtis and LB Drake Thomas

Lineup notes: WR Tyler Lockett (hamstring), WR DK Metcalf (ribs, hip), RB Kenneth Walker (calf), TE Noah Fant (toe) and RB Zach Charbonnet (hamstring) all are active. S Jamal Adams (knee) will play through a questionable tag.

Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos (4:25 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 24 degrees, cloudy

Chiefs

Inactives: DE B.J. Thompson, OG Mike Caliendo, DT Neil Farrell and DL Malik Herring

Lineup notes: RB Jerick McKinnon (groin) had full session Friday and will play. LB Nick Bolton (wrist) has been placed on injured reserve.

Broncos

Inactives: C Alex Forsyth, S JL Skinner, DT Elijah Garcia, DL Thomas Incoom and DL Keondre Coburn

Lineup notes: WR Brandon Johnson has been placed on injured reserve. WR Tre’Quan Smith was elevated from the practice squad.

Baltimore Ravens at Arizona Cardinals (4:25 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 76 degrees, clear (retractable-roof dome)

Ravens

Inactives: QB Josh Johnson, C Sam Mustipher, RB Keaton Mitchell, WR Tylan Wallace, CB Jalyn Armour-Davis, OT Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu and S Marcus Williams

Lineup notes: WR Odell Beckham Jr. (shoulder) practiced fully Friday and will play. LB Odafe Oweh (ankle) is active, while S Marcus Williams (hamstring) has been ruled out.

Cardinals

Inactives: LB Krys Barnes, S Qwuantrezz Knight, TE Blake Whiteheart, OT Carter O’Donnell, WR Greg Dortch, CB Kei’Trel Clark and DL Kevin Strong

Lineup notes: RB James Conner remains on IR, and TE Zach Ertz (quad) joined him this week. QB Kyler Murray (knee) remains on the PUP. RB Damien Williams was elevated from the practice squad.

Cincinnati Bengals at San Francisco 49ers (4:25 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 68 degrees, clear

Bengals

Inactives: LB Akeem Davis-Gaither, OT Jackson Carman, CB D.J. Ivey and C Trey Hill

Lineup notes: No injuries of fantasy relevance.

49ers

Inactives: DT Kalia Davis, QB Brandon Allen, WR Deebo Samuel, LB Jalen Graham, TE Brayden Willis, OT Trent Williams and RB Tyrion Davis-Price

Lineup notes: WR Deebo Samuel (shoulder) is out. QB Brock Purdy (concussion) cleared the protocol and will start. RB Christian McCaffrey (oblique) practiced fully all week. LT Trent Williams (ankle) is not quite ready to return.

Sunday Night Football

Chicago Bears at Los Angeles Chargers (8:20 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 69 degrees, clear (open-air dome)

Bears

Inactives: CB Terell Smith, S Jaquan Brisker, OG Nate Davis, DE Dominique Robinson and QB Justin Fields

Lineup notes: RB Khalil Herbert (ankle) remains on IR. QB Justin Fields (thumb) also is out. RB Roschon Johnson (concussion) practiced all week and is ready to return. S Jaquan Brisker (illness) has been downgraded to out, and RG Nate Davis (ankle) will join him. S Eddie Jackson (foot) is active.

Chargers

Inactives: DL Chris Hinton, WR Alex Erickson, S Jaylinn Hawkins, OG Zack Bailey, RB Elijah Dotson and TE Gerald Everett

Lineup notes: TE Gerald Everett (hip) won’t go, but WR Jalen Guyton (knee) and WR Joshua Palmer (knee) are up. QB Justin Herbert (finger) and RB Austin Ekeler (ankle) practiced all week and are good to go.

Monday Night Football

Las Vegas Raiders at Detroit Lions (8:15 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: Dome stadium

Raiders

Lineup notes: QB Jimmy Garoppolo (back) and WR Davante Adams (shoulder) both will be in the starting lineup. PK Daniel Carlson (groin) is questionable.

Lions

Lineup notes: RB David Montgomery (ribs) was ruled out. LG Jonah Jackson (ankle) has been ruled out, and C Frank Ragnow (toe, calf) is a game-time decision. WR Amon-Ra St. Brown was added as questionable with an illness.

Fantasy football start ’em, sit ’em: Week 8

Check out these starts and sits for fantasy football in Week 8.

After an entertaining Thursday night contest, it’s time to prepare for a weekend full of tough decisions as fantasy football managers stare down their lineups awaiting the slate of games in Week 8.

Fortunately, there are no teams on a bye in Week 8, which makes start/sit decisions a bit easier. Still, there are plenty of injuries and trends taking place to factor into the decision-making process.

Doing start/sit articles can be a little challenging. The players featured on the list below should not be taken as “must starts” or “must sits.” Instead, these are more suggestions on what we believe managers should do with fringe players heading into the weekend. The choice is ultimately up to the manager.

Just because a player is listed as a “start” doesn’t mean he should be put in the lineup over the secure, bona fide studs. Vice versa for the “sits.” If there’s no better option on the waiver wire or the bench, a manager shouldn’t automatically sit the player. That’s why these can be tricky waters to navigate.

Feel free to ask any specific start/sit questions via X, formerly Twitter, (@KevinHickey11) or check out our start/bench list for Week 8:

The best fantasy football gamble of Week 8

Will this touchdown machine get his lost season back on track in Week 8?

Every week, at least one player becomes my fascination of whether he’s worthy of a fantasy football start as a streamer. The decision can be a mental wrestling match, but for the purpose of brevity, only one player can be chosen as my favorite fantasy football gamble of the week.

The players chosen in this series are meant to be fliers for fantasy owners in desperate situations or willing to take an intentional risk. No player is intended to be a lineup lock for guaranteed results, hence the name of the series.

The best fantasy football gamble for Week 8

Tracking my 2023 predictions: 1-6-0
All-time record: 19-37-3

Win: Player produces ≥ 75% of projected fantasy points
Loss: Player produces >75% of projected fantasy points
Tie: Player is ejected, leaves with an injury, or is ruled out after publishing

This year, we’ll also track the accuracy on a percentage basis to show relative results, since sometimes calling a player a loss doesn’t actually hurt gamers. An example would be if a projection narrowly falls short of the 75 percent threshold, the player is still of use in a lineup.

Wk 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
% 55% 74.7% 41.7% 20.8% 150.3% 66.5% 16.1%
Grade E C F- F- A+ D F-

And here I thought Week 4 was rock bottom!

In Week 7, New York Giants wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson caught one of his two targets for 22 yards and that was it all she wrote. Darren Waller and Jalin Hyatt led the aerial game in targets, and Robinson posted his worst fantasy stat line since this rookie debut … just the way I drew it up.

My overall success rate of 32.2% would be a respectable MLB career hitting average, but it’s far too low for my liking when it comes to weekly fantasy prognostication, even on total flier calls. This week, the need to take a gamble is much lower with no teams on vacation, and the lack of byes means this recommendation is best utilized for daily fantasy action. However, if you’re in a bind or willing to risk a flex spot, there is merit to such a move.

New Orleans Saints RB Jamaal Williams at Indianapolis Colts

Williams suffered a hamstring injury in Week 2 that caused him to go on the Reserve/Injured list and cost the veteran four contests before returning in Week 7. He faced a quality Jacksonville defense last Sunday but failed to do much of anything, rushing just five times for 14 yards. He was on the field for a mere 22.2% of the offensive snaps and rushed once in the red zone but not at all inside of the 10-yard line. Williams wasn’t targeted for the second time in three outings.

He heads to Indianapolis for a date with one of the weakest defenses of the running back position, and we can view last week’s limited showing as the 28-year-old shaking off the rust.

[lawrence-related id=483321]

Alvin Kamara overcame a midweek illness but is coming off three straight showings with a 3.6 yards-per-carry average, which is quite a bit below the league average. Now, that’s not all his fault as the offensive line has battled some injuries and tough enough opponents to depress his numbers.

Kamara has seen no fewer than 25 utilizations in each game back from his suspension, and that’s just not a wise floor to maintain. New Orleans needs to get Williams more involved and compartmentalize their respective roles to a greater degree. Game flow, however, plays a pivotal role in that coming to fruition.

The Colts are not likely to put the Saints in an early hole that requires an abandonment of the running game, and that’s going to work in Williams’ favor. As long as this game is within, say, 10 points on the board at any time entering the fourth, New Orleans will pound the ball.

Indianapolis has surrendered massive numbers to running backs, especially in the last five weeks. This is the sixth-easiest opponent to face for rushing yardage per game since Week 2 ended, and only the Carolina Panthers have yielded touchdowns at a higher rate in relation to number of carries faced. One in every 18.6 attempts has found paydirt, and that has come against the fourth-most rushes per game. Six backs have posted at least 15.1 PPR points, and three of them a have scored multiple times on the ground.

My projection: 14 carries, 52 yards, 2 TDs, 1 target, 1 reception, 6 yards (18.8 PPR points)