On to Week 8 we go, and we've pretty much hit the halfway mark of the fantasy season now. We are heading towards the stage of the season where every matchup becomes more and more important to win. So with that, @K_H_Ray, @ZTwiceFF, & @MattFFDynasty are here to help you with your lineup dilemmas with their weekly Start/Sits.
Teams on their Bye Week:
Baltimore Ravens
Las Vegas Raiders
Quarterback
Starts
Start Of The Week
Joe Burrow @ NYJ (@K_H_Ray)
The other "Tiger King" has been on fire! Burrow has thrown multiple touchdowns in every game this season and just finished with his highest fantasy total of the year against the Ravens (26.64pts). His connection with former LSU teammate Ja'Marr Chase is undeniable, and the two look to continue their hot streak this weekend against the hapless Jets. The only concern here is that they get up big and let Joe Mixon handle the rest. But this offense scores their points through the air and I'd expect that to continue this week.
Daniel Jones @ KC (@MattFFDynasty)
After a couple of down weeks in Week 5 Vs DAL & Week 6 Vs LAR, Jones had a slight bounceback in Week 7 Vs CAR with 203 passing yards and a TD. Yes, the fact that's classed as a bounceback shows just how poor he was the previous 2 weeks. However, I think the best is yet to come for Jones with this matchup Vs KC this week, the 2nd weakest defense against opposing QBs in fantasy. There is also the chance that Jones get some of his weapons back this week with Toney, Golladay & Shepard all present at least for Wednesday's pre-practice warm-up. If one or 2 can return then Jones could have a solid Week 8.
Kirk Cousins Vs DAL (@ZTwiceFF)
There are plenty of good QB matchups this week but I am most excited about Captain Kirk playing Dallas in prime time. This should be a high scoring affair and I expect Cousins to throw a lot. He's been a stud in the majority of his starts this season and I'm expecting it again this week.
Sits
Sit of the Week
Tua Tagovailoa @ BUF (@MattFFDynasty)
From hero to zero! Tua finished as the QB1 in fantasy last week's matchups, however, I don't think he gets anywhere close to repeating a performance like that this week Vs BUF. They are one of the best defenses in the NFL right now and are allowing only an average of 12.8 fantasy points per game to opposing QBs. With Tua currently struggling with some careless turnovers the last couple of weeks, plus all the DeShaun Watson trade rumors right now, this could be one of the toughest weeks of Tua's season.
Sam Darnold @ ATL (@ZTwiceFF)
Darnold's matchup against the Falcons this week feels like a trap. While theoretically a plus matchup, the Panthers have lost trust in Darnold following three straight bad performances against mediocre opponents. I can't trust Darnold without CMC and would recommend pivoting if at all possible.
Taylor Heinicke @ DEN (@K_H_Ray)
The previously trendy QB fill-in has had a rough go of it lately. After two straight games of scoring under 10 fantasy points, he salvaged an otherwise weak game with 95 yards on the ground. It wouldn't be wise to expect that much volume on the ground each week, and now he faces a Denver defense that has not been kind to fantasy quarterbacks. I'm fading Heinicke this week in what could be his last start before Fitzmagic returns.
Running Back
Starts
Start Of The Week
James Robinson @ SEA (@MattFFDynasty)
After a tough couple of weeks to begin the season, Robinson has seen a much-improved workload ever since and has turned that trust into him currently sitting as the RB13. He's had 5 TDs in the last 4 weeks and now returns fully refreshed after the Jags bye week to face a weak Seahawks run defense who has allowed an average of 134 rushing yards per game and an average of 27.1 fantasy points to opposing RBs. Start Robinson with confidence this week.
Damien Harris @ LAC (@K_H_Ray)
Harris is coming off his two best games of the year, having rushed for over 100 yards and finding the end zone in each. He doesn't give you a ton in the passing game, but he's rushing with great efficiency (over 4 yards per carry in each of the last 3 games) and already has 5 touchdowns on the season. This week the Patriots face the Chargers who rank 28th against fantasy running backs this year. Harris has the hot hand. Ride it!
Darrel Williams Vs KC (@ZTwiceFF)
I am nervous to name Williams as my start of the week for RBs due to how bad the Chiefs offense looked last week. A key to their problems last week was that they were down early and could not run the ball. That should change this week and I expect KC to establish the run playing the Giants this week. Williams has performed in the starting role and I feel confident playing him this week.
Sits
Sit of the Week
Melvin Gordon Vs WAS (@ZTwiceFF)
Gordon has been a rock solid RB2 this season, scoring between 8-15 PPR points in all but his Week 1 explosion. This week against Washington, I think it could be the Javonte Williams blowup. Williams has been impressive and Gordon is becoming hard to trust with him hot on his heals.
Antonio Gibson @ DEN (@MattFFDynasty)
Gibson has struggled the past couple of weeks and it comes as little surprise as he is still clearly struggling with his hairline shin fracture. His snap share has dropped while JD McKissic takes over a larger workload while Gibson is struggling. Now WAS come up against a tough DEN defense and it's hard to trust Gibson until we know he has recovered from his injury. His lack of usage in the pass game also means he has a potential low floor each week.
Myles Gaskin @ BUF (@K_H_Ray)
Gaskin's chart is looking more and more volatile each week. Sure, he's scoring points, but there isn't much consistency in how the Dolphins are using him. His performance seems to be very situational. Is there a chance he has low rushing volume this week but blows the doors off in the pass game like he did Vs a great TB run defense in Week 5? I suppose so. But I trust the Bills defense to give Miami fits all game. Listen, if you've got a gut feeling, go for it. But it's super hard to feel confident when you just don't know which Gaskin you're getting each week.
Wide Receiver
Starts
Start Of The Week
Michael Pittman Jr. Vs TEN (@ZTwiceFF)
Pittman is the WR20 so far this year in PPR leagues and has built a good connection with Carson Wentz. Last week in the rain against the 49ers, he caught all 4 targets for 105 yards and a big time TD. This week against the division rival Titans, the Colts will need to put up points and Pittman is a likely beneficiary. He will likely keep the momentum rolling and has top 15 upside.
Emmanuel Sanders Vs MIA (@K_H_Ray)
We have been talking about Sanders since Week 1, and he's been super useful as a top receiving option in this Bills offense that just won't stop throwing it. Sanders sees plenty of targets each week and is averaging 18 yards per reception! And this week they face the Dolphins, who rank 30th against fantasy receivers this season. Great offense, great production, great matchup. Get Sanders in your lineup.
Deebo Samuel @ CHI (@MattFFDynasty)
There haven't been many bright spots in this 49ers offense this season, but there has been one... Deebo Samuel. He is currently the WR6 and has already had over 100 receiving yards in half of the games he's played, constantly seeing close to double-digit targets each week. Whoever the 49ers roll out at QB this season, Samuel will be the safety blanket who can add yards after the catch, and with a matchup Vs CHI this week, I cant see that change.
Sits
Sit of the Week
Julio Jones @ IND (@MattFFDynasty)
It's been a disappointing start to Julio's career in Tennessee where he's struggled with injuries and yet to hit the heights we have seen from him in Atlanta. Is father time finally catching up to Julio Jones? It's too early to tell yet, but Jones is becoming tough to trust in fantasy. He hasn't topped 60 yards or 9 fantasy points since Week 2 and despite a favorable matchup this week, he's a clear 3rd best behind WR AJ Brown and RB Derrick Henry in this Titans offense. Don't feel you have to play Jones due to name value.
Tyler Boyd @ NYJ (@K_H_Ray)
Boyd, oh Boyd has it been rough being a Tyler Boyd believer this season. Many thought Ja'Marr Chase would need some time to work into the offense as a rookie (and not having played football in over a year). Boyd were they wrong - Okay, I'll stop... The former Pitt Panther has had single-digit fantasy weeks in 4 of 7 weeks so far this season including each of the last three weeks. With Tee Higgins healthy and Chase having an amazing rookie season, it's been hard for Boyd to get into the mix and have meaningful fantasy weeks. He's a great player, but just doesn't have a ton of opportunity at the moment. This week the Bengals play the Jets, and it's hard to envision every pass-catching mouth to get fed, especially if Cincy gets up early.
Jakobi Meyers @ LAC (@ZTwiceFF)
This is more of a gut call but I won't be playing Meyers this week. As reliable as he has been, Mac Jones is spreading the ball around more and has a tough matchup against the Chargers. He's not unplayable but I don't trust him this week.
Tight End
Starts
Start Of The Week
Robert Tonyan @ ARI (@ZTwiceFF)
Tonyan has not been trustworthy so far this year. Last week he finally had a good game, catching 4 passes for 63 yards and a TD. With Davante Adams and Allen Lazard out with COVID, Tonyan is likely the top receiving option for Rodgers in what should be a high scoring affair. Start him with confidence this week.
Tyler Higbee @ HOU (@MattFFDynasty)
Higbee is a breakout waiting to happen, and this could be the week we see it. He's played 100% of LAR offensive snaps the past 2 weeks and has seen the most RedZone targets (12) amongst all TEs this season. That usage and opportunity are key for TE fantasy success and while we haven't seen it developed yet, a matchup against Texans who are the 4th weakest defense to opposing TEs could be the perfect recipe for a Week 8 breakout.
Hunter Henry @ LAC (@K_H_Ray)
Talk about hot streaks. Hunter Henry has scored a touchdown in each of the last 4 games. His volume isn't ideal, but he's got a knack for the end zone and the Patriots look for him when they get in close. With teammate Jonnu Smith banged up with a shoulder injury, that volume could see an uptick this week. Hey, all good things must come to an end, but let's believe in something dammit! Give me a hot TE against the 31st ranked (against TEs) Chargers defense this week.
Sits
Sit of the Week
Cole Kmet Vs 49ers (@K_H_Ray)
Cole Kmet has been held to under 10 fantasy points in every single game this season. This Sit has more to do with the present state of the Bears offense rather than the player himself. He's getting a reasonable amount of targets each week, and he'll catch a few balls. But Chicago is struggling to figure itself out on offense, making most players unreliable. This week Chicago faces the 49ers who rank 7th best against opposing fantasy tight ends. Kmet is a touchdown-dependent option this week.
Ricky Seals-Jones @ DEN (@ZTwiceFF)
As a fill in for Logan Thomas, he's been great. This week he is limited in practice, he may not be healthy coming into the game this Sunday. In a likely low scoring affair against Denver, I'd look at other streaming options for TE.
Mo Alie-Cox Vs TEN (@MattFFDynasty)
Mo Alie-Cox is currently the TE17, yet he's only had 13 receptions this season... what a mess the TE position is outside the top tier guys! He has had 4 TDs though and 2 of them have come in back-to-back games over the last couple of weeks. However, as you can see, he's very TD dependant and has a rock-bottom floor with his limited usage in the receiving game outside of the endzone. He's hard to trust and while TEN have been poor against opposing WRs, they've kept opposing TEs in check and held the TE1 Travis Kelce to just 65 yards and his 2nd worst fantasy performance of the season last week. There are likely better options for you out there than MAC this week.
Waiver Recap
Thanks for reading. Be sure to keep an eye out for both our weekly articles, Tuesday Waiver Targets & Thursday Start/Sit and Waiver Recap with the @FF_Astronauts. Follow @K_H_Ray, @ZTwiceFF, & @MattFFDynasty on Twitter for more Fantasy Football content throughout the season, and hit us up with any of your Start/Sit or Waiver questions.
