WEEK 8 RECAP
Bills 24, Buccaneers 18: We are currently in the midst of the breakout we all anticipated last season would happen for Gabe Davis in Buffalo. Davis is the overall WR20 in standard formats (WR25 in PPR) and has scored a touchdown in five of the last seven games.
Cowboys 43, Rams 20: Tony Pollard (DAL) is the overall RB25 in standard formats (RB22 in PPR) since Week 2 and hasn’t scored a TD since the first game of the season.
Vikings 24, Packers 10: Romeo Doubs has had at least nine targets in three of the last five games and already has two more TDs — five to three — than he had his rookie season. Doubs could be in store for a big second half if Jordan Love can get back on track for Green Bay.
Titans 28, Falcons 23: There’s a chance Tennessee starts Will Levis the rest of the season after his impressive four TD performance in his NFL debut. The schedule isn’t terribly tough going forward, but we’ll get a better read on Levis against the Steelers and Jaguars, who are two of the Titans’ next three opponents.
Saints 38, Colts 27: I wrote last week Rashid Shaheed was capable of a boom week anytime New Orleans faces a team who primarily plays zone coverage. He produced three receptions for 153 yards and a TD against Indianapolis, the first of three upcoming games against defenses who utilize zone coverage on at least 70 percent of their coverage snaps.
Dolphins 31, Patriots 17: Kendrick Bourne suffered a torn ACL against Miami. Rookie receiver Demario Douglas has produced the second-most targets (30), receptions (19) and receiving yards (222) for New England, all behind Bourne.
Jets 13, Giants 10 (OT): Breece Hall has been stymied the last two games, averaging just 2.3 yards per carry, but he’s made up for it with 11 receptions (14 targets) for 130 receiving yards and two total scores.
Jaguars 20, Steelers 10: Travis Etienne is the overall RB3 in standard formats (RB2 in PPR) through eight games and is on pace to produce 1,804 total yards on 378 touches (57 receptions) and 17 total TDs.
Eagles 38, Commanders 31: AJ Brown is the first player in NFL history to have six straight games with 125-plus receiving yards. Brown’s current pace of 1,995 receiving yards would set a single-season NFL record — assuming Tyreek Hill falls off from his historic pace of 2,155 yards.
Panthers 15, Texans 13: Dameon Pierce and Devin Singletary has essentially split touches the last two games for Houston. I’m one week away from including Pierce on the drop list of my waiver wire target column.
Seahawks 24, Browns 20: Kenneth Walker missed practices because of a calf injury last week, which resulted in fewer snaps against Cleveland. Zach Charbonnet produced 64 total yards on seven touches in a supporting role. I don’t expect the rookie to take Walker’s job at any point, but he remains one of the more valuable handcuffs headed into the second half of this season.
Broncos 24, Chiefs 9: Javonte Williams had 15-plus carries for only the third time in his career, with the other two games occurring in 2021, his rookie season. Williams produced 98 total yards and a score, his second straight game with at least 96 total yards. As long as Denver can stay competitive, Williams will be a relatively safe start.
Ravens 31, Cardinals 24: Zach Ertz landed on IR last week, creating an opportunity for Trey McBride. Frankly, it probably shouldn’t have taken an injury for the former second-rounder to see more targets. He produced 10 receptions (14 targets) for 95 yards and a TD against Baltimore, one of the more difficult defenses against tight ends. He can be plugged into lineups going forward, especially with Kyler Murray’s return on the horizon.
Bengals 31, 49ers 17: Tee Higgins didn’t play as much as usual, even though he was absent from the injury report after Cincinnati’s bye week. Higgins still isn’t 100 percent, but Joe Burrow certainly looked in good shape dicing up San Francisco’s star-studded defense. There are big weeks ahead for the Bengals’ offense.
Chargers 30, Bears 13: Austin Ekeler has 101 rushing yards on 43 carries — 2.35 yards per carry — in three games since returning from injury. Luckily, Ekeler finally did his thing out of the backfield against Chicago, catching seven balls for 94 yards and a TD.
Lions 26, Raiders 14: Sam LaPorta is currently in the middle of a potentially historic season for a rookie tight end. LaPorta is on pace to produce 91 receptions for 922 yards and eight TDs. The record for receptions by a rookie tight end is 81 by Keith Jackson for the Eagles in 1988. The records for yards and TDs remain in Mike Ditka’s hands, who had 1,076 yards and 12 TDs in 1961 for the Bears.
Feel free to hit me up @UTEddieBrown on X, formerly known as Twitter, with any specific lineup questions I don’t cover in my posts.
Here’s my best bets for Week 9:
TENNESSEE AT PITTSBURGH
Obvious starters: Derrick Henry (TEN), DeAndre Hopkins (TEN), Diontae Johnson (PIT), George Pickens (PIT), Steelers D/ST.
Who to start: The Titans D/ST deserves streaming consideration against a banged-up QB and a struggling offensive coordinator. Najee Harris (PIT) deserves flex consideration as the overall RB30 across all fantasy formats since Week 4. Jaylen Warren (PIT) maintains flex appeal as the overall RB28 in PPR through eight games.
Who to sit: Treylon Burks (TEN) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only two targets in his return against the Falcons. Will Levis (TEN) faces a defense that hasn’t allowed multiple TDs to a quarterback since Week 4. Chigoziem Okonkwo (TEN) faces a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (TEN) remains TD-dependent with only five receptions in the last three games. It sounds like Kenny Pickett (PIT) expects to play, but he shouldn’t be utilized in fantasy this week.
Sleeper: Tyjae Spears (TEN) has flex appeal against a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to running backs.
MIAMI VS. KANSAS CITY AT FRANKFURT
Obvious starters: Tyreek Hill (MIA), Jaylen Waddle (MIA), Raheem Mostert (MIA), Tua Tagovailoa (MIA), Travis Kelce (KC), Patrick Mahomes (KC), Isiah Pacheco (KC).
Who to start: I know many will avoid using the Dolphins D/ST and Chiefs D/ST in this matchup, but both are capable of making plays despite the prolific offenses they face. Rashee Rice (KC) is the overall WR22 in standard formats (WR23 in PPR) since Week 5.
Who to sit: Jeff Wilson (MIA) is TD-dependent with only eight touches in the last two games. Skyy Moore (KC) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only seven receptions in the last four games. The last time Jerick McKinnon (KC) had more than four touches in a game was Week 3. Kadarius Toney (KC) has a single target in back-to-back games. Mecole Hardman (KC) only has five targets in two games since he was traded back to the Chiefs.
Sleeper: Marquez Valdes-Scantling (KC) is the only K.C. wideout besides Rice who has more than three targets in each of the last two games and faces a defense that has allowed eight TDs to wide receivers in the last five games.
MINNESOTA AT ATLANTA
Obvious starters: TJ Hockenson (MIN), Jordan Addison (MIN), Bijan Robinson (ATL).
Who to start: The Vikings D/ST is the highest scoring defense in fantasy since Week 4. Kyle Pitts (ATL) has at least five targets in six of the last seven games. Drake London (ATL) is the overall WR26 in standard formats (WR20 in PPR) since Week 2 — monitor his groin injury.
Who to sit: I’m fading both Alexander Mattison (MIN) and Cam Akers (MIN) against a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to running backs. With Kirk Cousins out, it’s hard to trust there will be enough volume in the Vikings pass attack to support CJ Osborn (MIN) as a flex option. Tyler Allgeier (ATL) remains TD-dependent despite consistent usage. Jonnu Smith’s (ATL) targets, receptions and yards have shrunk in four straight games. Van Jefferson (ATL) only deserves flex consideration if London is out or limited. Taylor Heinicke (ATL) can only be trusted in superflex formats in his first start of the season.
Sleeper: The Falcons D/ST deserves streaming consideration at home against a rookie QB making his first start.
ARIZONA AT CLEVELAND
Obvious starters: Amari Cooper (CLE), Browns D/ST.
Who to start: Marquise Brown (ARI) is the overall WR24 in standard formats (WR20 in PPR) through eight games and maintains WR3/flex upside despite the difficult matchup. Both Jerome Ford (CLE) and Kareem Hunt (CLE) have flex appeal against a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to running backs.
Who to sit: I’m fading Emari Demercado (ARI) and Keaontay Ingram (ARI) on the road against one of the best defenses in the NFL. Rondale Moore (ARI) faces a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Trey McBride (ARI) faces a defense that has only allowed 16 receptions to tight ends in seven games. Michael Wilson (ARI) remains TD-dependent with only 11 receptions in the last four games. Despite the matchup, it’s hard to trust Deshaun Watson (CLE) or PJ Walker (CLE) at this point. I’m fading David Njoku (CLE) against a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to tight ends.
Sleeper: Elijah Moore (CLE) faces a defense that has allowed six TDs to wide receivers in the last four games.
L.A. RAMS AT GREEN BAY
Obvious starters: Cooper Kupp (LAR), Puka Nacua (LAR), Christian Watson (GB).
Who to start: Darrell Henderson (LAR) has at least 15 touches in both games he’s played this season. Royce Freeman (LAR) has flex appeal in deeper leagues against a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to running backs. Jordan Love (GB) is a borderline QB1 against a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Romeo Doubs (GB) has at least nine receptions, 95 yards or a TD in four of the last five games.
Who to sit: Tyler Higbee (LAR) remains TD-dependent with only 10 receptions in the last four games. Matthew Stafford (LAR) has provided a solid floor for the most part, but it’s hard to tell how the injured thumb will affect him if he plays. Tutu Atwell (LAR) only has 12 targets since Kupp returned from injury in Week 5. It’s hard to trust Aaron Jones (GB) until we see him fully unleashed after his hamstring injury. AJ Dillon (GB) faces a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Jayden Reed (GB) remains TD-dependent with only 12 targets the last three games. The Packers D/ST only deserve streaming consideration if Brett Rypien starts for an injured Stafford.
Sleeper: Luke Musgrave (GB) faces a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to tight ends.
WASHINGTON AT NEW ENGLAND
Obvious starters: Terry McLaurin (WAS), Rhamondre Stevenson (NE).
Who to start: Sam Howell (WAS) is the overall QB8 through eight games — only Josh Allen and Jalen Hurts have produced more fantasy points since Week 4. Brian Robinson (WAS) maintains flex appeal with double-digit touches in seven of eight games. Jahan Dotson (WAS) deserves flex consideration against a defense that has allowed nine TDs to wide receivers in eight games. Logan Thomas (WAS) is the overall TE9 across all formats since Week 5. Mac Jones (NE) faces a defense that has allowed multiple TD passes in six of the last seven games. The Patriots D/ST faces an offense that has been sacked an NFL-high 41 times and has thrown an NFL-high eight interceptions in eight games.
Who to sit: Antonio Gibson (WAS) hasn’t surpassed seven touches in a game this season. Curtis Samuel (WAS) is TD-dependent with exactly four receptions in three straight games. This is a good matchup, but I wouldn’t utilize the Commanders D/ST after they just traded their two best pass rushers. Ezekiel Elliott (NE) remains TD-dependent with single-digit carries in six of eight games. JuJu Smith-Schuster (NE) should see more targets with Kendrick Bourne out, but we need to see him produce to trust him. DeVante Parker (NE) is currently in the NFL’s concussion protocol. Hunter Henry (NE) remains TD-dependent despite a decent matchup with only six receptions in the last four games.
Sleeper: Demario Douglas (NE) faces a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers.
CHICAGO AT NEW ORLEANS
Obvious starters: DJ Moore (CHI), Alvin Kamara (NO), Chris Olave (NO), Saints D/ST.
Who to start: Michael Thomas (NO) maintains flex appeal with at least seven targets in seven of eight games. Taysom Hill’s (NO) usage is unpredictable, but he’s the overall TE6 in standard formats (TE11 in PPR) this season with only Travis Kelce outscoring him the last three weeks. Derek Carr (NO) faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, including 17 TD passes in eight games.
Who to sit: I’m fading Cole Kmet (CHI) against a defense that has badgered tight ends all season. D’Onta Foreman (CHI) and Roschon Johnson (CHI) face a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Darnell Mooney (CHI) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only seven receptions in the last four games. Tyson Bagent (CHI) only has value in superflex formats.
Sleeper: Rashid Shaheed (NO) produced three receptions for 153 yards and a TD against the Colts, who were the first of three upcoming games against defenses who utilize zone coverage on at least 70 percent of their coverage snaps — Shaheed torches zone.
SEATTLE AT BALTIMORE
Obvious starters: Kenneth Walker (SEA), DK Metcalf (SEA), Tyler Lockett (SEA), Lamar Jackson (BAL), Mark Andrews (BAL), Ravens D/ST.
Who to start: Zay Flowers (BAL) maintains flex appeal as the overall WR42 in standard formats (WR32 in PPR) and almost eight targets per game. Gus Edwards (BAL) is the overall RB1 in standard formats (RB4 in PPR) since Week 7 — only Jahmyr Gibbs, Alvin Karama and Christian McCaffrey has outscored him in PPR.
Who to sit: I’m fading Geno Smith (SEA) against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA) faces a defense that has only allowed four TDs to wide receivers in eight games this season. Zach Charbonnet (SEA) only has had double-digit touches once in six games played this season. I’m fading the Seahawks D/ST on the road against Jackson. Justice Hill (BAL) only has value in deeper PPR formats or if Edwards is out or limited with his toe injury.
Sleeper: Odell Beckham Jr. (BAL) faces a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to wide receivers and the Ravens would like to get him involved more to expand the offense.
TAMPA BAY AT HOUSTON
Obvious starters: Mike Evans (TB), Chris Godwin (TB), Rachaad White (TB), Nico Collins (HOU).
Who to start: Dalton Schultz (HOU) faces a defense that has allowed at least five receptions or a TD to tight ends in four of the last five games. CJ Stroud (HOU) deserves streaming consideration at home with a game-plan that will likely skew towards the pass. Tank Dell (HOU) has flex appeal against a defense that has allowed at least 217 yards to wide receivers in four of seven games this season.
Who to sit: Baker Mayfield (TB) faces a defense that hasn’t allowed multiple TD passes in a game this season. The Buccaneers D/ST faces an offense that has allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses. I’m fading both Dameon Pierce (HOU) and Devin Singletary (HOU) against a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to running backs.
Sleeper: Cade Otton (TB) faces a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to tight ends and has exactly six targets in two straight games.
INDIANAPOLIS AT CAROLINA
Obvious starters: Jonathan Taylor (IND), Michael Pittman Jr. (IND), Adam Thielen (CAR).
Who to start: Zack Moss (IND) has flex appeal against a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to running backs and has at least 12 touches in all four games since Taylor returned from injury. Gardner Minshew (IND) is the overall QB7 since Anthony Richardson was lost for the season. Josh Downs (IND) is the overall WR17 in standard formats (WR14 in PPR) since Week 3. The Colts D/ST deserves streaming consideration against an offensive line that has allowed 16 sacks in the last four games.
Who to sit: Miles Sanders (CAR) is a boom-or-bust candidate after only receiving two carries against the Texans coming off a bye week. DJ Chark (CAR) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in four straight games. Bryce Young (CAR) has played better recently, but still only has value in superflex formats. Jonathan Mingo (CAR) remains TD-dependent with only 19 receptions in six games.
Sleeper: Chuba Hubbard (CAR) appears to be the starter for the Panthers and faces a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to running backs, including 11 TDs in eight games.
N.Y. GIANTS AT LAS VEGAS
Obvious starters: Saquon Barkley (NYG), Davante Adams (LV), Josh Jacobs (LV).
Who to start: The Giants D/ST is a premium streaming option against a rookie quarterback making his second start. The Raiders D/ST is a premium streaming option at home against an offense allowing the most fantasy points to opposing defenses.
Who to sit: It’s hard to trust Daniel Jones (NYG) in his return — he’s a flier if you’re desperate. Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) is a boom-or-bust candidate with only three targets in the last two games. Jakobi Meyers (LV) only saw four targets in Aidan O’Connell’s first start. Michael Mayer (LV) faces a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to tight ends.
Sleeper: Daniel Bellinger (NYG) deserves streaming consideration with Darren Waller out against a team that just got torched by Sam LaPorta.
DALLAS AT PHILADELPHIA
Obvious starters: CeeDee Lamb (DAL), Tony Pollard (DAL), Cowboys D/ST, AJ Brown (PHI), Jalen Hurts (PHI), DeVonta Smith (PHI), D’Andre Swift (PHI), Dallas Goedert (PHI), Eagles D/ST.
Who to start: Dak Prescott (DAL) faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks.
Who to sit: Jake Ferguson (DAL) is TD-dependent with only eight targets in the last three games. Michael Gallup (DAL) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with seven receptions on 18 targets the last three games.
Sleeper: Brandin Cooks (DAL) faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points to wide receivers.
BUFFALO AT CINCINNATI
Obvious starters: Josh Allen (BUF), Stefon Diggs (BUF), James Cook (BUF), Bills D/ST, Ja’Marr Chase (CIN), Joe Burrow (CIN), Joe Mixon (CIN).
Who to start: Dalton Kincaid (BUF) faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points to tight ends. Gabe Davis (BUF) is the overall WR14 in standard formats (WR17 in PPR) since Week 2. The Bengals D/ST is the sixth-highest scoring defense in fantasy since Week 3.
Who to sit: Latavius Murray (BUF) and Leonard Fournette (BUF) — if Fournette is active — are TD-dependent this week. Tee Higgins (CIN) is TD-dependent with only 11 receptions in his last four games.
Sleeper: Tyler Boyd (CIN) has at least five receptions or a TD in five of the last six games.
L.A. CHARGERS AT N.Y. JETS
Obvious starters: Austin Ekeler (LAC), Keenan Allen (LAC), Justin Herbert (LAC), Breece Hall (NYJ).
Who to start: Garrett Wilson (NYJ) faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers. The Jets D/ST is averaging 12.3 fantasy points in its last three games. The Chargers D/ST deserves streaming consideration against Zach Wilson.
Who to sit: I’m fading both Joshua Palmer (LAC) and Quentin Johnston (LAC) against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Dalvin Cook (NYJ) hasn’t had double-digit touches since Week 3. Allen Lazard (NYJ) remains TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in every game this season.
Sleeper: I like Donald Parham Jr. (LAC) to catch a TD against a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to tight ends even if Gerald Everett is active.
