Fantasy football Week 8: Start, sit and sleepers

Here’s a look back at Week 7’s action and fantasy advice for the week ahead:

WEEK 7 RECAP

Bengals 33, Steelers 31: Joe Flacco finished as Week 7’s QB6 with 342 yards and three touchdowns in a victory over Pittsburgh. The veteran gunslinger is a solid streaming option the next two games against the Jets and Bears, who are allowing the 14th- and seventh-most fantasy points to QBs this season.

Rams 35, Jaguars 7: Matthew Stafford tossed five TD passes for the fifth time in his career, and for the first time since 2015 when he quarterbacked the Detroit Lions to a 45-14 Thanksgiving Day win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Stafford is the overall QB6 since Week 2 and has thrown multiple TD passes in five of the last six games.

Bears 26, Saints 14: It looks like Chicago head coach Ben Johnson is turning D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai into a Dollar Tree version of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Swift had 124 yards and a TD on 19 carries with Monangai producing 81 yards and a TD on 13 carries. The talented rookie played 44.9% of the Bears’ offensive snaps. Swift is already a borderline RB1, but if this holds, and Monangai truly is a discount version of Montgomery, he’ll have flex appeal most weeks, primarily in standard formats.

Browns 31, Dolphins 6: Quinshon Judkins is the overall RB10 in standard formats (RB11 in PPR) since Week 2. Judkins has at least 82 rushing yards in four of the last five games, and at least 21 carries in three of the last four. He’s been a true workhorse to begin his career and is already the centerpiece of Cleveland’s offense.

Patriots 31, Titans 13: Kayshon Boutte caught both of his targets for 55 yards and a TD in New England’s win at Tennessee. Boutte is the overall WR19 in standard formats (WR29 in PPR) through seven weeks, has a red-hot Drake Maye throwing to him, and faces a Browns’ defense this week who are allowing the third-most PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers, according to FantasyPros.

Chiefs 31, Raiders 0: Kansas City’s offense has found a groove, averaging 31.5 points in its last four games. Brashard Smith maintains the highest upside of the current Chiefs’ running backs. Smith had 81 total yards on 19 touches in the blowout of Las Vegas. He has at least three receptions in four straight games, and could see more usage if Kareem Hunt’s ankle injury causes him to miss any time.

Eagles 28, Vikings 22: Saquon Barkley finished with 42 total yards on 19 touches in the victory at Minnesota. Barkley has failed to top 60 rushing yards in five straight games, and is only averaging 3.3 yards per carry this season. The volume is still there, and he does have four TDs in seven games, but if you can find a trade partner willing to pay a premium, I’d at least consider it.

Panthers 13, Jets 6: Chuba Hubbard started the game and handled 53.5% of Carolina’s offensive snaps, but it was Rico Dowdle who looked more effective. Hubbard had 31 yards on 14 carries (2.2 yards per carry), and added 24 yards on two receptions, but Dowdle finished with 79 yards on 17 carries (4.6 yards per carry), and added a catch for 17 yards. With Bryce Young (ankle) likely out this week, both backs could see heavier usage, but it’s Dowdle who has the upside.

Broncos 33, Giants 32: Jaxson Dart’s roster percentage actually dropped before his impressive prime-time debut against the Eagles and a difficult matchup at Denver froze it last week. Dart’s the overall QB4 since he became the starter in Week 4, and his 90.4 fantasy points is just shy of the 94.7 fantasy points Jayden Daniels had in his first four career starts last season. Daniels finished as the overall QB5 as a rookie. Dart appears to be matchup proof after throwing for 283 yards and scoring four TDs in a heartbreaking come-from-ahead loss to the Broncos.

Colts 38, Chargers 24: Jonathan Taylor finished with 132 total yards on 19 touches and his third three-TD game of the season in Indianapolis’ win at SoFi Stadium on Sunday. Taylor has 10 TDs in his last five games, and if the NFL’s MVP award wasn’t earmarked for quarterbacks, he’d be the early front-runner.

Cowboys 44, Commanders 22: Dak Prescott threw at least three TD passes for the fourth straight game. Patrick Mahomes is the only QB with more fantasy points than Prescott through seven weeks. He’s on pace to complete 449 of 629 passes (71.4%) for 4,568 yards and 39 TDs against only seven interceptions. The completions, attempts, completion percentage and TD passes would all be career-highs. The yards would be his second-best season — Prescott had 4,902 in 2019 — and his interception percentage would be the lowest since his rookie year.

Packers 27, Cardinals 23: Trey McBride has scored three TDs in the last two games with Jacoby Brissett at quarterback. McBride has three TD receptions in his last 21 games with Kyler Murray under center.

49ers 20, Falcons 10: After averaging 3.1 yards per carry the first six games of the season, primarily without George Kittle, Christian McCaffrey averaged 5.4 ypc while running for a season-best 129 yards in the victory over Atlanta. McCaffrey is on pace to become the first player to produce over a thousand yards rushing and receiving in a season twice. His current per 17 games averages: 1,129 rushing yards, and 1,253 receiving yards with 129 receptions and 15 total TDs. Absolutely ridiculous.

Lions 24, Buccaneers 9: Mike Evans will likely miss the remainder of the regular season with a broken clavicle, and Chris Godwin is currently week-to-week with a leg injury. Tez Johnson is the overall WR15 in standard formats (WR25 in PPR) since Week 5 with at least 59 receiving yards or a TD in three straight games.

Seahawks 27, Texans 19: Sam Darnold is the overall QB10 since Week 2 with 12 TD passes against only four interceptions and at least 295 passing yards in three of the last six games. If you’re struggling at QB, stash Darnold during his bye week. It’s possible he’s your starting QB for the rest of the season.

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 are my best bets for Week 8:

MINNESOTA AT L.A. CHARGERS

Obvious starters: Justin Jefferson (MIN), Justin Herbert (LAC), Keenan Allen (LAC).

Who to start: Jordan Mason (MIN) is the overall RB15 in standard formats (RB19 in PPR) since Week 3 and faces a defense that has allowed seven rushing TDs to running backs in the last three games. Jordan Addison (MIN) is the overall WR19 across most fantasy formats since he made his season debut in Week 4 with at least 114 receiving yards or a TD in three straight games. Ladd McConkey (LAC) is the overall WR9 in standard formats (WR6 in PPR) since Week 5 with at least 67 receiving yards or a TD in three straight games. Quentin Johnston (LAC) has at least 89 receiving yards or a TD in five of the six games he’s played this season. Oronde Gadsden II (LAC) has 14 receptions on 17 targets for 232 yards and a TD in the last two games. Kimani Vidal (LAC) has flex appeal with an average of 17 touches in the last two games with Omarion Hampton on injured reserve.

Who to sit: I’m fading T.J. Hockenson (MIN) against a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Carson Wentz (MIN) is the overall QB19 since he replaced an injured J.J. McCarthy in Week 3. The Vikings D/ST face an offense that hasn’t committed a turnover since Week 3.

Sleeper: The Chargers D/ST best games have come on the road, but they’re facing an offense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses, including multiple turnovers in four of the last five games.

MIAMI AT ATLANTA

Obvious starters: De’Von Achane (MIA), Bijan Robinson (ATL), Drake London (ATL).

Who to start: Kyle Pitts (ATL) has at least 62 receiving yards or a TD in two of the last three games and faces a defense allowing the 10th-most fantasy points to tight ends. Michael Penix Jr. (ATL) deserves streaming consideration if he’s active (knee) against a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks — Kirk Cousins (ATL) would be a sneaky streaming option if Penix is out. Tyler Allgeier (ATL) has flex appeal if he’s active (hip/knee) against a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to running backs. The Falcons D/ST have been playing at an elite level this season, and host a Dolphins’ offense in disarray, allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

Who to sit: I’m fading Jaylen Waddle (MIA) against a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Tua Tagovailoa (MIA) has one TD pass against six interceptions in his last two games and faces a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Ollie Gordon (MIA) remains TD-dependent and hasn’t topped six touches since Week 3. Darnell Mooney (ATL) faces a defense allowing the eighth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers and has been dealing with a hamstring injury.

Sleeper: With Darren Waller on IR and Waddle potentially shadowed by A.J. Terrell, Malik Washington (MIA) could see a big bump in usage.

N.Y. JETS AT CINCINNATI

Obvious starters: Ja’Marr Chase (CIN).

Who to start: Breece Hall (NYJ) is an obvious starter if he’s active (knee). It’s looking like Tyrod Taylor (NYJ) will replace Justin Fields (NYJ) as the starting QB, but either one would deserve streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed 16 TD passes in seven games. Tee Higgins (CIN) is the overall WR11 in standard formats (WR16 in PPR) since Week 5 with at least 62 receiving yards or a TD in three straight games. Chase Brown (CIN) maintains flex appeal as the overall RB33 in standard formats (RB30 in PPR) through seven weeks with double-digit touches in every game. Joe Flacco (CIN) is the overall QB9 since joining the Bengals, throwing for 561 yards and five TD passes with no interceptions in two games. Noah Fant (CIN) deserves streaming consideration against a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to tight ends, including five TD receptions in the last four games.

Who to sit: Garrett Wilson (NYJ) is still day-to-day with a knee injury and I doubt he plays this weekend. Even if Wilson is out, both Josh Reynolds (NYJ) and Allen Lazard (NYJ) remain TD-dependent. The Jets D/ST have shown improvement the last two games, and this is a good matchup, but there are better options available then them away from home. The Bengals D/ST have allowed at least 27 points in six straight games.

Sleeper(s): Mason Taylor (NYJ) faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points to tight ends, including nine TD receptions (!) in the last five games. Isaiah Davis (NYJ) would have flex appeal if Hall is limited or out against a defense allowing the most fantasy points to running backs.

CLEVELAND AT NEW ENGLAND

Obvious starters: Quinshon Judkins (CLE), Drake Maye (NE).

Who to start: Harold Fannin Jr. (CLE) deserves streaming consideration as the overall TE16 in standard formats (TE11 in PPR) since Week 5 with 15 receptions for 130 yards and a TD on 19 targets. Stefon Diggs (NE) is the overall WR18 in standard formats (WR11 in PPR) since Week 4 with at least six receptions for 69 yards in three of the last four games. The Patriots D/ST are tied with the Lions and Texans for most fantasy points since Week 4 and face an offense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to an opposing defense this season. Kayshon Boutte (NE) is the overall WR3 in standard formats (WR8 in PPR) the last two weeks with seven receptions for 143 yards and three TDs.

Who to sit: Jerry Jeudy (CLE) is a boom-or-bust candidate with fewer than 50 receiving yards in five straight games, and three-or-fewer receptions in four of the last five. David Njoku (CLE) remains TD-dependent if he’s active (knee) with only one game with more than 40 receiving yards this season. The Browns D/ST have been more playable at home this season. Jerome Ford (CLE) hasn’t had double-digit touches since Week 2. Dylan Sampson (CLE) remains TD-dependent with only 13 touches in the last five games. Dillon Gabriel (CLE) only has two TD passes in three starts. I’m fading both Rhamondre Stevenson (NE) and TreVeyon Henderson (NE) against a defense that’s tied with the Rams for allowing the fewest fantasy points to running backs. Hunter Henry (NE) is TD-dependent with only 14 targets in the last four games. DeMario Douglas (NE) remains TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in every game this season.

Sleeper: Mack Hollins (NE) is averaging 19.3 yards per reception the last two weeks.

N.Y. GIANTS AT PHILADELPHIA

Obvious starters: Cam Skattebo (NYG), Jalen Hurts (PHI), Saquon Barkley (PHI), A.J. Brown (PHI), Dallas Goedert (PHI).

Who to start: Jaxson Dart (NYG) has a higher floor than most with at least 55 rushing yards or a TD in all four starts. Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) is the overall WR17 in standard formats (WR15 in PPR) in three games without Malik Nabers. DeVonta Smith (PHI) is the overall WR7 in standard formats (WR6 in PPR) since Week 3 with at least eight receptions in three of the last five games. The Eagles D/ST have scored at least 12 fantasy points in three of the last five games.

Who to sit: Tyrone Tracy Jr. (NYG) is TD-dependent with the emergence of Dart and Skattebo. Theo Johnson (NYG) faces a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends.

Sleeper: Darius Slayton (NYG) has flex appeal if he’s active (hamstring) against a defense allowing the 12th-most fantasy points to wide receivers, including 30 receptions for 410 yards and a TD in the last two games.

BUFFALO AT CAROLINA

Obvious starters: Josh Allen (BUF), James Cook (BUF).

Who to start: Khalil Shakir (BUF) maintains WR3/flex upside with at least six receptions or a TD in four of six games this season. Dalton Kincaid (BUF) is an obvious starter if active (oblique). Both Rico Dowdle (CAR) and Chuba Hubbard (CAR) have RB2/flex upside against a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to running backs, including eight rushing TDs in six games this season. Tetairoa McMillan (CAR) maintains WR3/flex upside as the overall WR27 across most fantasy formats through seven weeks.

Who to sit: I’m fading Keon Coleman (BUF) against a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Xavier Legette (CAR) remains TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in four of five games this season. Jalen Coker (CAR) was targeted twice in his season debut last week, but didn’t catch a pass. Andy Dalton (CAR) faces a defense that has only allowed seven TD passes in six games.

Sleeper: The Bills D/ST are rested, and relatively healthy coming off their bye week, and will face an offense with a backup QB, allowing the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

CHICAGO AT BALTIMORE

Obvious starters: D’Andre Swift (CHI), Derrick Henry (BAL).

Who to start: Rome Odunze (CHI) is the overall WR12 in standard formats (WR20 in PPR) through seven weeks. D.J. Moore (CHI) has flex appeal against a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers, including 10 TD receptions in six games — monitor Moore’s hip injury. Caleb Williams (CHI) faces a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, including 14 TD passes in six games. Kyle Monangai (CHI) has flex appeal against a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to running backs, including six rushing TDs in the last four games — Monangai has RB2/flex upside if Swift is limited or out with a groin injury. Lamar Jackson (BAL) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (hamstring), albeit with a bit of risk. Zay Flowers (BAL) maintains WR3/flex upside as the overall WR35 in standard formats (WR28 in PPR) through seven weeks against a defense that has allowed 10 TD receptions to wide receivers in six games.

Who to sit: Luther Burden III (CHI) remains a boom-or-bust candidate until he earns more usage or either Odunze or Moore are out. I’m fading the Bears D/ST if Jackson returns, otherwise, they are a premium streaming option. Mark Andrews (BAL) remains TD-dependent, having only topped 30 receiving yards once in six games. Rashod Bateman (BAL) remains TD-dependent with two-or-fewer receptions in five of six games. Justice Hill (BAL) only has flex appeal in the deepest of PPR formats. DeAndre Hopkins (BAL) only has five receptions on nine targets and no TDs in the last four games.

Sleeper: With Cole Kmet potentially out due to a back injury, Colston Loveland (CHI) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed at least 88 receiving yards or a TD to tight ends in four of six games this season.

SAN FRANCISCO AT HOUSTON

Obvious starters: Christian McCaffrey (SF), George Kittle (SF).

Who to start: Nico Collins (HOU) remains an obvious starter if he’s able to clear the NFL’s concussion protocol. The Texans D/ST are averaging 14.3 fantasy points since Week 4. Woody Marks (HOU) has RB2/flex upside as the overall RB19 in standard formats (RB22 in PPR) since Week 4.

Who to sit: It feels like Ricky Pearsall (SF) will miss at least one more week with a knee injury. I’m fading both Jauan Jennings (SF) and Kendrick Bourne (SF) against a defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Mac Jones (SF) faces a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Brian Robinson Jr. (SF) hasn’t had double-digit touches since Week 1, and remains TD-dependent. C.J. Stroud (HOU) has one-or-fewer TD pass in four of six games this season. Nick Chubb (HOU) is the overall RB38 in standard formats (RB40 in PPR) through seven weeks, and remains TD-dependent. Jaylin Noel (HOU), Jayden Higgins (HOU) and Xavier Hutchinson (HOU) only have flex appeal if both Collins (concussion) and Christian Kirk (hamstring) are out — in that order.

Sleeper: Dalton Schultz (HOU) was Stroud’s top target after Collins went down with a concussion against the Seahawks, and has at least five receptions in four straight games.

TAMPA BAY AT NEW ORLEANS

Obvious starters: Baker Mayfield (TB), Emeka Egbuka (TB), Alvin Kamara (NO).

Who to start: Rachaad White (TB) is the overall RB13 in standard formats (RB11 in PPR) in three games without Bucky Irving. Tez Johnson (TB) is the overall WR15 in standard formats (WR25 in PPR) since Week 5 with at least 59 receiving yards or a TD in three straight games, and will likely see his usage increase with both Mike Evans (shoulder) and Chris Godwin (leg) out. With Evans and Godwin out, Sterling Shepard (TB) has flex appeal against a defense that has allowed 21 receptions for 325 yards and three TDs to wide receivers in the last two games. Chris Olave (NO) is an obvious starter if he’s active (ankle). Rashid Shaheed (NO) maintains flex appeal as the overall WR34 in standard formats (WR31 in PPR) through seven weeks.

Who to sit: Juwan Johnson (NO) is TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in three of the last four games. Spencer Rattler (NO) only has value in Superflex formats.

Sleeper(s): Cade Otton (TB) is the overall TE15 in standard formats (TE10 in PPR) since Week 5 with at least four receptions, five targets and 51 yards in three straight games. Devin Neal (NO) should see more usage with Kendre Miller done for the season, and has flex appeal in deeper leagues against a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to running backs, including five rushing TDs in the last four games.

DALLAS AT DENVER

Obvious starters: Dak Prescott (DAL), CeeDee Lamb (DAL), Javonte Williams (DAL), Jake Ferguson (DAL), Courtland Sutton (DEN), J.K. Dobbins (DEN).

Who to start: The Broncos D/ST are matchup proof at home. R.J. Harvey (DEN) has flex appeal in PPR formats against a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to running backs. Evan Engram (DEN) deserves streaming consideration with at least five receptions for 42 yards or a TD in three straight games. Troy Franklin (DEN) is the overall WR39 in standard formats (WR35 in PPR) since Week 2, and has flex appeal against a defense allowing the most fantasy points to wide receivers.

Who to sit: I’m fading George Pickens (DAL) against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Jaydon Blue (DAL) is TD-dependent with only 15 touches in three games this season.

Sleeper: Marvin Mims Jr. (DEN) has flex appeal against a defense that has allowed 12 TD receptions to wide receivers in the last six games.

TENNESSEE AT INDIANAPOLIS

Obvious starters: Jonathan Taylor (IND), Tyler Warren (IND), Daniel Jones (IND), Michael Pittman Jr. (IND), Colts D/ST.

Who to start: Elic Ayomanor (TEN), Chimere Dike (TEN), and Van Jefferson (TEN) each have flex appeal in deeper leagues against a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers, including nine TD receptions in the last six games. Josh Downs (IND) has flex appeal if he’s active (concussion) with six receptions in three of his last five games. Alec Pierce (IND) has at least four receptions for 67 yards in three of his last four games, and it seems like Jones targets him with at least one deep shot every game.

Who to sit: I’m fading both Tony Pollard (TEN) and Tyjae Spears (TEN) against a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Calvin Ridley (TEN) will likely miss another game with a hamstring injury.

Sleeper: Chig Okonkwo (TEN) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed 17 receptions for 270 yards and two TDs to tight ends in the last two games.

GREEN BAY AT PITTSBURGH

Obvious starters: Josh Jacobs (GB), Tucker Kraft (GB), DK Metcalf (PIT), Jaylen Warren (PIT).

Who to start: Jordan Love (GB) faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, including multiple TD passes in four of the last five games. Romeo Doubs (GB) maintains WR3/flex upside as the overall WR25 in standard formats (WR28 in PPR) since Week 2. Matthew Golden (GB) has flex appeal against a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Aaron Rodgers (PIT) has been the overall QB10 in two games since the Steelers’ bye, and faces a defense (his former team in primetime no less) that has allowed multiple TD passes in four of the last five games. Jonnu Smith (PIT), Pat Freiermuth (PIT) and Darnell Washington (PIT) all deserve streaming consideration against a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to tight ends, including four TD receptions in the last three games.

Who to sit: The Packers D/ST face an offense that has only allowed two sacks in the last four games. I’m fading the Steelers D/ST against an offense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses. Kenneth Gainwell (PIT) faces a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Calvin Austin (PIT) remains a boom-or-bust candidate if he’s active (shoulder).

Sleeper: Christian Watson (GB) will likely make his season debut this week and faces a defense that has allowed 36 receptions for 393 yards and two TDs to wide receivers in the last two games.

WASHINGTON AT KANSAS CITY

Obvious starters: Patrick Mahomes (KC), Travis Kelce (KC), Rashee Rice (KC).

Who to start: Both Deebo Samuel (WAS) and Terry McLaurin (WAS) would have WR3/flex upside if either is active — Samuel is dealing with a heel injury, while McLaurin has missed the last four games with a quadriceps injury. Xavier Worthy (KC) maintains flex appeal as the overall WR29 in standard formats (WR30 in PPR) since Week 4 with at least five receptions or a TD in three of the last four games. Isiah Pacheco (KC) maintains RB2/flex upside as the overall RB24 in standard formats (RB26 in PPR) since Week 4 with at least 51 total yards or a TD in four straight games. The Chiefs D/ST deserve streaming consideration as the ninth-highest scoring defense in fantasy since Week 3.

Who to sit: I’m fading Jacory Croskey-Merritt (WAS) against a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Zach Ertz (WAS) is TD-dependent against a defense that has allowed three-or-fewer receptions to tight ends in five of seven games this season. Marcus Mariota (WAS) faces a defense that has only allowed four TD passes in the last six games. Even if both Samuel and McLaurin are out again, Luke McCaffrey (WAS), Chris Moore (WAS) and Jaylin Lane (WAS) would all be boom-or-bust candidates against a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Kareem Hunt (KC) hasn’t had double-digit touches since Week 4, and remains TD-dependent. Brashard Smith (KC) only has flex appeal in the deepest PPR formats. Tyquan Thornton (KC) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only nine targets in the last four games. JuJu Smith-Schuster (KC) remains TD-dependent with exactly three targets in three straight games.

Sleeper: Marquise Brown (KC) maintains WR3/flex upside as the overall WR13 in standard formats (WR21 in PPR) since Week 4 with at least four receptions or a TD in four straight games.