Start of the Week
Projections powered by
Sportsline
| ||||||||||||||||||
Fantasy Football Week 8 Start 'Em & Sit 'Em: Tony Pollard breakout week, Tua Tagovailoa dream matchup, more
Players who should and should not be in your lineups for Week 8
•
3 min read
The biggest thing we want to see in Week 8 is an injury-free scoring period. The mash unit we had in Week 7 was brutal, and we're still trying to pick up the pieces.
From Breece Hall (ACL) to DK Metcalf (knee) to Mike Williams (ankle) and many others, it wasn't fun to watch our star players fall apart. Injuries happen, we know that. It's part of the NFL. But we can hope that this week isn't as bad, and that the injuries don't mount up.
The flip side of players going down is that it can open up jobs for other players, and we'll address that below with Ezekiel Elliott (knee) being out in Week 8 for Tony Pollard. But I'm sure most Fantasy managers would rather have limited injuries or none at all when it comes to our stars, especially when it knocks them out for a significant period of time.
I wasn't planning on using Pollard as the Start of the Week, but when the news broke Wednesday that Ezekiel Elliott (knee) was going to miss Week 8 against the Bears, he became a fantastic option. For those Fantasy managers who drafted Pollard this season, you were waiting for a chance to see how Pollard would do in a featured role, and here we are.
He's already done a nice job in tandem with Elliott, scoring at least 12 PPR points in three of his past six games. He has two games this season with over 100 total yards, including Week 7 against Detroit, and he scored two touchdowns for the year.
With Elliott out, Pollard could be looking at his first game this season with 20-plus touches. Elliott averages 15.5 carries for the season -- he only has six catches -- and that work should mostly belong to Pollard. In four games this season with double digits in touches, Pollard has either 100 total yards or a touchdown in three of them.
The Bears have allowed a running back to score at least 12 PPR points in six games in a row, including five with at least 18 PPR points, and Chicago just traded star defensive end Robert Quinn to Philadelphia on Wednesday. A suspect defense just got worse, and Pollard should excel in this matchup.
The Cowboys, even with Dak Prescott back, should still lean on their ground game, and Pollard is now the catalyst of that attack with Elliott out. I like Pollard as a top-10 running back in all leagues for Week 8.
- More Week 8: Starts, Sits, Sleepers and Busts | Waiver Wire | QB Preview | RB Preview | WR Preview | TE Preview | Trade Values
START 'EM & SIT 'EM
Quarterbacks
QBs to Start
Projections powered by
Sportsline
The good news for Tagovailoa in Week 7 against Pittsburgh was that he returned from his two-game absence with a concussion and didn't have any setbacks. The bad news was he scored just 17 Fantasy points, and he could have thrown four interceptions in the game. He now has one game with more than 17 Fantasy points on the season, so hopefully some big performances are on the horizon, starting this week against the Lions. Detroit has allowed an average of 22.7 Fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks this year, and four quarterbacks have scored at least 22 points against the Lions in six games.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Cousins has a favorable track record coming off a bye with at least 20 Fantasy points in four of his past six games after a break. He should have another quality outing in this scenario against the Cardinals. Arizona allows an average of 22.3 Fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks, and two of the past three quarterbacks against the Cardinals (Jalen Hurts in Week 5 and Andy Dalton in Week 7) have scored at least 27 Fantasy points. Cousins also has scored at least 21 Fantasy points in four of six games this year.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Carr played well in Week 7 against Houston with 241 passing yards and one touchdown, but he scored just 15 Fantasy points in a 38-20 victory. He should have a better performance this week against the Saints. In his past two road games, Carr is averaging 22.0 Fantasy points per game. And New Orleans has allowed an average of 28.7 Fantasy points per game to the past three opposing quarterbacks in Geno Smith, Joe Burrow and Kyler Murray. It would be great for Carr to get Darren Waller (hamstring) back for this matchup, but I still like Carr as a low-end starter in all leagues even if Waller is out.
| ||||||||||||||||||
I'm going to start Prescott again this week against Chicago despite a down game for him against Detroit in Week 7 when he scored just 14 Fantasy points. That was his first game after a five-game layoff with his thumb injury, and hopefully he shook off the rust. Now, the concern would be that Prescott played just like Cooper Rush, his backup, and leaned on the Cowboys run game and defense against the Lions to win 24-6. The same formula for success could happen against the Bears. But I'll still use Prescott as a low-end starter in all leagues, and Chicago has allowed three of the past six opposing quarterbacks (Aaron Rodgers in Week 2, Daniel Jones in Week 4 and Kirk Cousins in Week 5) to score at least 20 Fantasy points. The three under that threshold were Davis Mills in Week 3, Carson Wentz with a broken finger in Week 6 and the combination of Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe last week. I hope Prescott is better than the latter group this week.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Goff has been awful the past two games against the Patriots and Cowboys, combining for just six Fantasy points over that span. I'm hoping that the reason for those woes was playing on the road and not having a healthy Amon-Ra St. Brown. Goff is back at home this week, and St. Brown should be ready to go. And this is a favorable matchup against the Dolphins, who allow an average of 21.7 Fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Four quarterbacks have scored at least 21 Fantasy points against the Dolphins (Lamar Jackson in Week 2, Josh Allen in Week 3, Joe Burrow in Week 4 and Kirk Cousins in Week 6), and the three who struggled were Mac Jones in Week 1, Zach Wilson in Week 5 and Kenny Pickett in Week 7. I expect Goff to rebound this week and score more than 20 Fantasy points, and he's averaging 31.0 Fantasy points per game in three home games this year.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Sleepers (Start/Sit)
Projections powered by
Sportsline
I'm hoping Wan'Dale Robinson (undisclosed) is healthy for this matchup because Jones needs some playmakers in the passing game. But the reason to like Jones this week is his matchup with the Seahawks, and his ability to run. He has at least 37 rushing yards in four of his past five games, including three games with at least 68 yards. And he has three rushing touchdowns over that span. The Seahawks allow an average of 20.7 Fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks, and three quarterbacks (Jimmy Garoppolo, Marcus Mariota and Kyler Murray) have scored at least six Fantasy points with just their rushing stats alone. If you include what Taysom Hill did taking snaps for the Saints in Week 5, Seattle has allowed 263 rushing yards and five touchdowns to opposing quarterbacks, which is easily the most in the NFL. Jones could be a difference-maker for Fantasy managers this week with his rushing prowess in this matchup.
| ||||||||||||||||||
This will either be Dalton or a placeholder for Jameis Wintson because whoever starts for the Saints should have the chance for a quality performance this week against the Raiders. Las Vegas has allowed every quarterback this season to score at least 20 Fantasy points, and the Raiders allow an average of 27.8 points per game to the position. Dalton just had a season-high 34 Fantasy points against the Cardinals in Week 7, and either him or Winston would have the chance for 20-plus points this week, especially if Michael Thomas (foot) or Jarvis Landry (ankle) could get healthy to help Chris Olave. Keep an eye on who starts for the Saints this week, and that quarterback would be a good streamer in all leagues.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Mills just had his best Fantasy performance of the season in Week 7 at Las Vegas with 22 points, and he will hopefully build on that this week against the Titans. Tennessee has allowed an average of 22.7 Fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks this year, and four quarterbacks (Josh Allen in Week 2, Derek Carr in Week 3, Matt Ryan in Week 4 and Carson Wentz in Week 5) have scored at least 22 points against the Titans. The best Fantasy game of Mills' career also came against Tennessee in Week 18 last year when he scored 33 points.
| ||||||||||||||||||
QBs to Sit
Projections powered by
Sportsline
Rodgers has yet to score more than 20 Fantasy points in any game this season and is averaging just 16 Fantasy points per game in his past two outings against the Jets and Commanders. He should have another down game at Buffalo, especially with the Bills coming off a bye. Patrick Mahomes is the lone quarterback with more than 14 Fantasy points against Buffalo, and the Bills have allowed five passing touchdowns and 10 interceptions to opposing quarterbacks this year.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Stafford has not fared well against the 49ers in three career meetings in the regular season with the Rams. Over that span, he's averaging 245 passing yards with four touchdowns, five interceptions and a lost fumble, and he was sacked 14 times. He's also averaging just 13.3 Fantasy points per game, including Week 4 at San Francisco when he scored just six Fantasy points. Only two quarterbacks have scored more than 16 Fantasy points against the 49ers, which were Marcus Mariota (who had 11 of his 28 points with his rushing totals) in Week 6 and Patrick Mahomes last week. I don't expect Stafford to solve his woes in this matchup.
| ||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||
Garoppolo is on a nice roll with at least 20 Fantasy points in three games in a row. The last time he failed to score at least 20 Fantasy points was in Week 4 against the Rams when he passed for 239 yards and one touchdown. In seven career meetings with Los Angeles in the regular season, Garoppolo has just one with more than 19 Fantasy points, and he's averaging just 16.7 points per game over that span. The Rams allowed Josh Allen to score 36 Fantasy points in Week 1, but the five other quarterbacks against Los Angeles have scored 16 points or less. And the Rams have allowed one touchdown to a quarterback since Week 2.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Fields has started to come around as a Fantasy quarterback after a slow start, and he just had his best game of the season in Week 7 at New England with 25 Fantasy points. He's doing a great job with his legs, rushing for at least 47 yards in five games in a row, including consecutive outings with at least 82 yards. But this should be a tough game against the Cowboys, who haven't allowed a quarterback to score more than 20 Fantasy points this season and allow an average of just 12.3 points per game, including matchups with Tom Brady, Joe Burrow and Jalen Hurts. And Hurts only had 27 rushing yards against Dallas, which might not bode well for Fields. I want to stash Fields for his upcoming schedule after Week 8 (Miami, Detroit and Atlanta), but I'm going to sit him this week.
| ||||||||||||||||||
QBs Bust Alert
Projections powered by
Sportsline
I'll remove Smith from this post if DK Metcalf (knee) is able to play, but I would shy away from starting Smith if Metcalf is out. Smith has been an amazing story this season and a quality Fantasy quarterback with four games of at least 20 Fantasy points in seven games. But he's been held to 16 Fantasy points or less in consecutive outings against the Cardinals and Chargers, and the Giants have been a tough defense against opposing quarterbacks all year. Ryan Tannehill (22 Fantasy points) and Aaron Rodgers (20 points) are the only quarterbacks with more than 18 points against the Giants this season, and they allow just 16.0 points per game to the position. Without Metcalf, I'd be concerned about Smith having a big game this week.
| ||||||||||||||||||
START 'EM & SIT 'EM
Running Backs
RBs to Start
Projections powered by
Sportsline
| ||||||||||||||||||
Mostert continues to stand out for the Dolphins, and he's coming off his best game of the season in Week 7 against Pittsburgh with 16 carries for 79 yards, along with four catches for 30 yards and a touchdown on five targets. He's now scored at least 18 PPR points in two of his past three games, and he should have the chance for another outstanding performance against the Lions in Week 8. Detroit has allowed eight rushing touchdowns on the season, five running backs have scored at least 15 PPR points and 10 have scored at least 11 PPR points. Mostert should have a safe floor and a tremendous ceiling in this matchup.
| ||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||
There should be no doubt that Stevenson is the lead running back for the Patriots now and hopefully for the rest of the season. That doesn't mean Damien Harris won't have a role, but Stevenson played 77 percent of the snaps in Week 7 against Chicago with Harris healthy for the game. Stevenson has scored at least 12 PPR points in five games in a row, including four games with at least 19 PPR points, and he should have another successful outing against the Jets in Week 8. His role in the passing game is solidified with at least four catches in four of his past five outings, including eight catches for 59 yards on eight targets against the Bears. And the Jets have allowed a running back to score in two of their past three games.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Sanders might not like Fantasy Football, but Fantasy managers are enjoying his production this season. He went into his bye in Week 7 having scored at least 14 PPR points in two of his past three games, and he's turned into a reliable Fantasy option again as the lead running back for the high-powered Eagles offense. This week, Sanders gets a Steelers defense that has allowed six running backs to score at least 15 PPR points this season, including two games in a row against Raheem Mostert and Leonard Fournette. Sanders has top-15 upside in all leagues this week.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Sleepers (Start/Sit)
Projections powered by
Sportsline
We'll see how the Bills use Singletary against the Packers, but this is a favorable matchup for him if he gets enough touches. Green Bay has allowed eight running backs to score at least 12 PPR points this season, with five scoring at least 15 PPR points, and Singletary had 14 PPR points with 107 total yards in his last game in Week 6 at Kansas City. He had a season-high 17 carries in that game, and we hope he gets a similar workload this week. There have been eight running backs with at least 15 total touches against the Packers, and all seven have scored at least 12 PPR points against this defense.
| ||||||||||||||||||
I like the way the Commanders used Gibson in Week 7 against Green Bay in tandem with Brian Robinson, and hopefully it's a sign of things to come. Gibson still managed 10 carries for 59 yards, and he also added three catches for 18 yards and a touchdown on four targets. He now has three games in a row with three catches, and he should continue to get double digits in carries if the Commanders are playing with a lead. Robinson is worth using as a flex option in all leagues, with his value higher in non-PPR formats, but Gibson should be considered a flex as well in PPR. The Colts also are No. 8 in receptions allowed to running backs, which should help Gibson in the passing game this week.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Chuba Hubbard (ankle) didn't practice Wednesday, which could put Foreman in a good situation with a hefty workload against the Falcons in Week 8 if Hubbard is out. In Week 7 against Tampa Bay, in the first game without Christian McCaffrey, Foreman had 15 carries for 118 yards, along with two catches for 27 yards on two targets. He could have the chance for 15-plus touches again this week if Hubbard is out, and Atlanta has allowed a running back to score at least 18 PPR points in three of the past four games. If Hubbard plays then consider both Foreman and Hubbard as flex options. Foreman would be a No. 2 running back in all leagues if Hubbard can't play.
| ||||||||||||||||||
RBs to Sit
Projections powered by
Sportsline
Robinson is expected to make his Jets debut in Week 8, but I would try to keep him reserved in most leagues. For starters, we don't know how the Jets will use Robinson in tandem with Michael Carter, and I prefer Carter this week given his role on the team. He should get the first opportunity to replace Breece Hall (ACL) as the lead running back, and I would use Carter as a flex. Robinson could be on a snap count, and that would definitely limit his upside. Let's also keep in mind the Patriots have only allowed two touchdowns to a running back this year.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Hunt scored in Week 7 at Baltimore to save his stat line, but he otherwise finished with five carries for 4 yards, along with one catch for 4 yards on two targets. He has scored eight PPR points or less in five of his past six games, and the only time you can consider using Hunt as a Fantasy starter will be if Nick Chubb misses any time due to injury. The Bengals have also allowed just one rushing touchdown to a running back since Week 2. Nick Chubb should be fine, but Hunt is only worth consideration in deeper leagues.
| ||||||||||||||||||
All the Packers will be tough to trust this week at Baltimore, but the only one I would consider starting is Aaron Jones. Dillon was expected to be heavily involved in the offense along with Jones, but that hasn't happened much this season. Dillon scored 19 PPR points in Week 1, which happens to be the last time he scored a touchdown, and he combined for 34 PPR points in his other six games. He has no catches in two of his past three outings, and he has two games over that span with six carries or less. Keep him stashed for now as a lottery ticket in case something happens to Jones, but Fantasy managers can't start Dillon in any leagues against the Bills.
| ||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||
Bust Alert (Start/Sit)
Projections powered by
Sportsline
Harris had a fine game in Week 7 at Miami with 17 carries for 65 yards, along with three catches for 15 yards on four targets. He scored 10 PPR points, and low point totals are becoming the norm for him after he scored 10 points or less in four games this year. He should struggle again this week against Philadelphia, and Harris is more of a flex option than a must-start running back. The Eagles have allowed six touchdowns to running backs this season, but Harris has just one rushing touchdown on the year. It should be another down game for Harris in Week 8.
| ||||||||||||||||||
START 'EM & SIT 'EM
Wide Receivers
WRs to Start
Projections powered by
Sportsline
Lockett should have the chance for plenty of volume in this game if DK Metcalf (knee) is out, and Lockett has scored at least 11 PPR points in five of his past six games. He has four games with at least eight targets, and he's averaging 14.8 PPR points over that span. The Giants have a good secondary, but six receivers have scored at least 13 PPR points against them this year. I like Lockett as a top-20 receiver this week, especially if Metcalf is out. And you can consider Marquise Goodwin a sleeper in this matchup since he'll see an uptick in playing time and targets if Metcalf can't go, and Goodwin just had two touchdowns in Week 7 at the Chargers.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Let's hope Davis stays hot coming off his bye in Week 7. Prior to his bye, Davis combined for 48 PPR points in his past two games against the Steelers and Chiefs with six catches for 245 yards and three touchdowns on 12 targets. We'd love to see a spike in targets and catches, but that's not likely going to happen given all the mouths to feed in Buffalo. That said, Davis is making plenty of big plays, and that should continue against the Packers, who should get overwhelmed defensively in this matchup. Davis has top-15 upside this week at home.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Smith is another receiver we hope to stay hot coming off his bye in Week 7. Prior to his bye week, Smith had consecutive games of at least 15 PPR points against Arizona and Dallas with 15 catches for 131 yards and a touchdown on 16 targets. He now has at least 15 PPR points in four of his past five games, and he should stay hot against the Steelers, who will likely struggle to stop Smith and A.J. Brown. The Steelers have allowed 12 receivers to score at least 12 PPR points this season, and Smith and Brown should add to that total in this matchup at home.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Thielen went into his bye week in Week 7 on a nice roll with at least 15 PPR points in three of his past four games. In those positive outings, Thielen had at least eight targets, so hopefully, Kirk Cousins continues to feed him as the No. 2 option in Minnesota's passing game opposite Justin Jefferson. The Cardinals have allowed seven receivers to score at least 12 PPR points this year, and Thielen likes facing Arizona. In his past three meetings with the Cardinals, he has 22 catches for 227 yards and three touchdowns, and he has at least 15 PPR points in each outing over that span.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Let's hope what Moore did in Week 7 against Tampa Bay wasn't a fluke, and he can start to string together some positive outcomes for the majority of the rest of the season. Moore had seven catches for 69 yards and a touchdown on 10 targets against the Buccaneers, and this is now two games with double digits in targets for Moore. He has at least 12 PPR points in each contest, and the Buccaneers game was the first one without Christian McCaffrey. We hope to see the Panthers continue to feature Moore, and he has scored at least 12 PPR points in three of his past five meetings with Atlanta. The Falcons are also likely without cornerback A.J. Terrell (hamstring) this week, and Casey Hayward (shoulder) is on injured reserve.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Sleepers (Start/Sit)
Projections powered by
Sportsline
Cooks has now fallen into sleeper territory because of his miserable production this season, but this should be a good time to trust him again as a borderline starter in all leagues. Nico Collins (groin) is likely out this week, and Davis Mills should go back to relying on Cooks, especially if the Texans are chasing points this week. He only has two games this season with more than nine PPR points, but the Titans are No. 2 in Fantasy points allowed to opposing receivers, with nine scoring at least 12 PPR points. Cooks has also scored at least 17 PPR points in three of his past five meetings with Tennessee.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Prior to Week 6, Bengals coach Zac Taylor said Boyd needed to be more involved in the offense. And in the past two games, he has 15 targets for 14 catches, 221 yards and a touchdown against the Saints and Falcons. Boyd should be considered a top-30 receiver for the foreseeable future, but I like him as a No. 2 Fantasy receiver in all leagues for this week. And he has at least 12 PPR points in three of his past five meetings with the Browns.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Robinson appears to be OK after dealing with some undisclosed injury in Week 7 at Jacksonville. I hope he can build off what he started against the Jaguars since he had six catches for 50 yards on eight targets in the first half, and hopefully that's a sign of things to come. The Giants need playmakers in the passing game, and Robinson could be the No. 1 receiver for Daniel Jones. This week, Robinson should be considered a starting Fantasy option in all three-receiver leagues.
| ||||||||||||||||||
It hasn't mattered much for Meyers this season who starts at quarterback, but Mac Jones coming back should keep Meyers in the range of a high-end No. 3 receiver in PPR. Meyers has scored at least 11 PPR points in three of his past four games, and he should do well against the Jets, who have allowed at least one receiver to score at least 13 PPR points in every game this season.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Amari Cooper should be considered a No. 2 Fantasy receiver this week, and hopefully he stays hot at home. He has scored at least 14 PPR points in all four games in Cleveland this season. But you can also use Peoples-Jones as a No. 3 receiver in deeper leagues. He has scored at least 11 PPR points in three of his past four games. He hasn't scored a touchdown this year, but his production might go up with David Njoku (ankle) now out. In deeper leagues, he could be a useful No. 3 Fantasy receiver in Week 8 against the Bengals, especially if the Browns are chasing points.
| ||||||||||||||||||
WRs to Sit
Projections powered by
Sportsline
The targets continue to be there for Johnson, but the production has not. He has two games with at least 10 targets in his past three outings, but he hasn't scored more than 11 PPR points in any game over that span. He hasn't scored a touchdown yet this season, and rookie receiver George Pickens has shown a better connection with rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett. This week, Johnson is facing an Eagles defense led by Darius Slay that should make things difficult for him, and Philadelphia's pass rush could be a nightmare if Robert Quinn plays following his trade from Chicago on Wednesday. Even without Quinn, it will be tough for the Steelers to throw on the Eagles, and Johnson is just a No. 3 Fantasy receiver at best in Week 8.
| ||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||
Dak Prescott's return to action in Week 7 against Detroit did not help Gallup's Fantasy outlook. In fact, it was the opposite as he had no catches on just two targets. Things will improve for Gallup, but you can't start him this week against the Bears. Dallas isn't expected to open up the offense too much, even with Ezekiel Elliott (knee) likely out, and Chicago's defense has done well against opposing receivers. The Bears have allowed just three touchdowns to opposing receivers and only three guys to score at least 12 PPR points. CeeDee Lamb remains a No. 2 Fantasy receiver in the majority of leagues, but Gallup should be kept on your bench.
| ||||||||||||||||||
The Falcons just aren't throwing the ball enough for Fantasy managers to trust London as even a No. 3 receiver in most leagues. He has four catches or less in five games in a row, 40 yards or less in four games in a row, and he's combined for 18 PPR points since Week 3. He also has just five targets in his past two outings. Keep him reserved for now and hopefully better days are ahead, but you can't start him in Week 8 against the Panthers.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Bust Alert (Start/Sit)
Projections powered by
Sportsline
McLaurin just had a solid game in Week 7 against the Packers with five catches for 73 yards and a touchdown on eight targets. It was great to see him perform well in the first game with Taylor Heinicke, but this is a tough matchup against the Colts, who are No. 1 in fewest Fantasy points allowed to opposing receivers. Indianapolis has allowed just four touchdowns to opposing receivers, and only four receivers have more than 53 receiving yards. And only two receivers have more than 13 PPR points against the Colts this year. I still like McLaurin as a low-end starter in all leagues, but it wouldn't surprise me to see him struggle in this matchup on the road.
| ||||||||||||||||||
START 'EM & SIT 'EM
Tight End
TEs to Start
Projections powered by
Sportsline
Some Fantasy managers might be concerned about Ertz's lack of production in Week 7 against the Saints in the first game with DeAndre Hopkins back from his suspension. I wouldn't panic yet. The Cardinals had success running in that matchup, and Ertz should rebound this week against the Vikings in a potential shootout. He only had four targets against New Orleans for two catches and 21 yards, but prior to that he had at least 10 PPR points in six games in a row. I'm going right back to Ertz as a must-start tight end this week against the Vikings, who have allowed three tight ends to score at least 10 PPR points this year.
| ||||||||||||||||||
This won't be an easy matchup for Freiermuth against an impressive Eagles defense, but I'll trust in his potential to produce given his body of work this year. He has scored at least 12 PPR points in four of six games, and he just had 15 PPR points in Week 7 at Miami with eight catches for 75 yards on nine targets. He could get most of his production in garbage time, but Freiermuth remains a top-10 Fantasy tight end for Week 8. The Eagles also have allowed a tight end to score at least 10 PPR points in each of their past two games.
| ||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||
Sleepers (Start/Sit)
Projections powered by
Sportsline
Smith gets an amazing matchup this week against the Cardinals, and he's worth using as a streaming option in all leagues. Arizona is No. 2 in most Fantasy points allowed to tight ends, and six have scored at least 10 PPR points against the Cardinals, with six touchdowns allowed. Smith scored a touchdown in his last game before Minnesota's bye in Week 7 with four catches for 7 yards on four targets at Miami in Week 6. This could be his breakout game of the season in Week 8.
| ||||||||||||||||||
We'll see what happens with Michael Thomas (foot), Jarvis Landry (ankle) and Adam Trautman (ankle) this week, but if all three remain out then Johnson should be used as a streamer again in all leagues. He took advantage of the injuries in Week 7 at Arizona, as well as the fantastic matchup, and had five targets and finished with five catches for 32 yards and two touchdowns. He also had six targets in Week 6 against the Bengals and finished with four catches for 41 yards. He has another dream matchup in Week 8 against the Raiders, who are No. 4 in Fantasy points allowed to tight ends. Four tight ends have scored at least 10 PPR points against the Raiders this season in six games.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Bryant will likely be the starting tight end for the Browns with David Njoku (ankle) out this week, and he should be considered a streaming option in all leagues. The hope is Bryant gets the targets Njoku is leaving behind, which has been an average of seven per game over that past five outings. Jacoby Brissett should lean on Bryant in a similar fashion, and Njoku has scored at least 10 PPR points in four of his past five games. The Bengals have also allowed three tight ends to score at least 12 PPR points this season.
| ||||||||||||||||||
TEs to Sit
Projections powered by
Sportsline
Hurst has scored at least 10 PPR points in three of his past four games, but this is a tough matchup against the Browns. Cleveland has done a nice job against tight ends all season, allowing just one touchdown, and Mark Andrews, Pat Freiermuth and Gerald Everett were held to six PPR points or less. Hurst should only be started in deeper leagues this week.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Pitts continues to be the pits for Fantasy managers since he has scored three PPR points in four of six games this year and has just one touchdown. The volume hasn't been there for him with how well the Falcons are running the ball, and he has five targets or less in four of his past five games. I'm still hopeful that at some point the Falcons will open up the passing game, but that isn't expected to happen this week against the Panthers. Stash Pitts if you can, but don't start him in the majority of leagues.
| ||||||||||||||||||
The Bills have been amazing at defending tight ends again this season, and Tonyan should have another rough game. Travis Kelce had eight catches for 108 yards on 10 targets against Buffalo in Week 6, but the Bills have yet to allow a touchdown to the position, including matchups with Tyler Higbee, Mike Gesicki, Mark Andrews and Pat Freiermuth. And all of those tight ends were held to eight PPR points or less. Tonyan, who has just one touchdown this season, isn't worth trusting in this matchup.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Bust Alert (Start/Sit)
Projections powered by
Sportsline
Knox scored in his last game before the bye in Week 6 at Kansas City for the first time this year, but I don't expect that to start a trend. Prior to that game, he scored eight PPR points or less in every game, and he should have another down performance this week. The Packers have yet to allow a tight end to score or gain more than 52 receiving yards, and Knox could again fall victim to the Bills having too many mouths to feed in the passing game. At best, consider Knox a low-end starter in deeper leagues.
| ||||||||||||||||||
START 'EM & SIT 'EM
DST
DST to Start
Titans (at HOU)
The Titans defense was great in Week 7 against the Colts with two interceptions, a fumble recovery, three sacks and a touchdown. The Titans DST should stay hot this week against the Texans. Excluding a 41-point blowout by the Bills in Week 2, Tennessee has been stout on defense, allowing 22 points or less in every game. The Texans offense has only scored more than 20 points one time this season, and Houston has allowed at least three sacks in three of six games this year, with five interceptions. Expect another solid performance from the Titans DST this week.
Sleepers
- Colts (vs. WAS)
- Jaguars (vs. DEN)
- Bengals (vs. CLE)
DST to Sit
Packers (at BUF)
The Packers defense has underwhelmed through an inviting portion of the schedule, allowing at least 23 points in four straight games to the Patriots, Giants, Jets and Commanders. The Bills have the second-highest scoring offense in the NFL behind only Kansas City, averaging 29 points per game and 40 points per game at home. Expect Josh Allen to go off again at home against the Packers, who have one just two interceptions on the season and four sacks in their past three outings.
START 'EM & SIT 'EM
KICKERS
Kicker to Start
Projections powered by
Sportsline
Lutz has been one of the hottest kickers in Fantasy over the past two games, scoring at least 10 points in matchups with the Bengals and Cardinals. He has six field goals over that span, as well as six PATs, and he should stay hot this week against the Raiders, who have yet to hold any opponents to less than 23 points this season. With the Saints giving Lutz plenty of chances to produce, he's worth starting as a No. 1 kicker in all leagues.
| ||||||||
Sleepers (Start/Sit)
Projections powered by
Sportsline
Kicker to Sit
Projections powered by
Sportsline
Crosby has combined for seven Fantasy points in his past two games against the Jets and Commanders, and he has yet to score double digits in Fantasy points this year. Good luck changing your fortune at Buffalo this week. The Packers have also only topped 22 points in two of seven games this season. Additionally, the Bills defense has been elite, only allowing 13.5 points per game this season. Buffalo hasn't allowed more than 21 points in a game all season, and the Packers should struggle to move the ball in this matchup. Avoid Crosby in all leagues in Week 8.
| ||||||||||
