Navigating the complexities of fantasy football each week requires making crucial decisions about which players to start and which to sit. As we delve into Week 8, strategic lineup choices become even more vital for securing a win. This comprehensive guide will help you make informed decisions, identifying players poised for breakout performances and those who might underperform. Consider this your ultimate resource for setting a winning lineup in Week 8, ensuring you’re well-equipped to dominate your fantasy matchups.
Quarterbacks: Start 'Em, Sit 'Em
The quarterback position is the cornerstone of many fantasy teams, and making the right call here can significantly impact your week. Identifying favorable matchups and potential pitfalls is key to maximizing your team's scoring potential. Let's break down some quarterbacks you should consider starting and those who might be best left on your bench this week.
Start 'Em: Quarterbacks Ready to Shine
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Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs): Patrick Mahomes is consistently a top fantasy performer, and Week 8 presents another opportunity for him to shine. Facing a defense that has struggled against the pass, Mahomes is poised for a big game. His exceptional arm talent and the Chiefs' dynamic offense make him a must-start in all formats. — 14-Day St. Louis Weather Forecast: Plan Ahead
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Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills): Josh Allen's dual-threat ability makes him a fantasy football stud. His arm strength and rushing prowess provide a high floor and ceiling each week. In a favorable matchup, Allen is likely to exploit defensive weaknesses and deliver a strong fantasy performance. Trust Allen to be a key component of your Week 8 lineup.
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Geno Smith (Seattle Seahawks): Geno Smith has emerged as a reliable fantasy option this season. His connection with his receivers and his ability to make smart decisions have translated into consistent production. Facing a defense that can be vulnerable through the air, Smith is a solid starting option with the potential for a high-scoring week. Consider Geno Smith for your Week 8 lineup as a high-upside play.
Sit 'Em: Quarterbacks to Approach with Caution
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Russell Wilson (Denver Broncos): Russell Wilson has struggled to find consistency this season, and Week 8 presents a challenging matchup. Facing a tough defense known for pressuring the quarterback, Wilson may find it difficult to generate fantasy points. Consider alternative options if you have them available.
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Matthew Stafford (Los Angeles Rams): Matthew Stafford and the Rams' offense have faced inconsistency this year, making him a risky start in Week 8. A difficult defensive opponent known for limiting passing games further complicates his outlook. Fantasy managers should temper expectations and consider other quarterbacks with more favorable matchups.
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Deshaun Watson (Cleveland Browns): Deshaun Watson's performance this season has been underwhelming, making him a questionable start in Week 8. Facing a strong defensive unit that can disrupt passing plays, Watson may struggle to produce significant fantasy points. Consider alternative quarterbacks with more favorable matchups.
Running Backs: Start 'Em, Sit 'Em
The running back position is crucial in fantasy football, and identifying the right players to start can provide a significant advantage. Volume and favorable matchups are key factors in determining which running backs are likely to produce big numbers. Let's analyze some running backs to target and those you might want to keep on your bench for Week 8.
Start 'Em: Running Backs Poised for Success
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Christian McCaffrey (San Francisco 49ers): Christian McCaffrey remains a top-tier fantasy running back. His dual-threat ability as a runner and receiver makes him a consistent producer. In a favorable matchup, McCaffrey is expected to be heavily involved in the 49ers' offense, making him a must-start in all formats. His consistent production makes him a cornerstone for fantasy teams.
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Bijan Robinson (Atlanta Falcons): Bijan Robinson has shown flashes of brilliance and is set to be a key part of the Falcons' offense. With his workload increasing, Robinson has the potential to break out in Week 8. His talent and the Falcons' commitment to the run make him a strong starting option. Start Robinson with confidence in Week 8.
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Zack Moss (Indianapolis Colts): Zack Moss has emerged as a valuable fantasy asset due to his significant role in the Colts' backfield. Given his expected workload and potential for goal-line carries, Moss is a solid starting option in Week 8. His consistent touches and opportunity make him a reliable fantasy performer. Zack Moss should be in your lineup this week.
Sit 'Em: Running Backs Facing Challenges
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Miles Sanders (Carolina Panthers): Miles Sanders' production has been inconsistent, and Week 8 presents a difficult matchup. Facing a tough run defense, Sanders may struggle to find running lanes. Fantasy managers should consider alternative options with more favorable matchups. Bench Sanders in Week 8.
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AJ Dillon (Green Bay Packers): AJ Dillon's role in the Packers' offense has been unpredictable, making him a risky fantasy play. Given the Packers' offensive struggles, Dillon's opportunities may be limited. Consider other running backs with clearer paths to production. Dillon is a risky start in Week 8.
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Damien Harris (Buffalo Bills): Damien Harris's usage has been inconsistent, and he's facing competition in the Bills' backfield. With his role uncertain, Harris is a risky start in Week 8. Fantasy managers should seek more stable options. It’s best to keep Harris on the bench this week.
Wide Receivers: Start 'Em, Sit 'Em
The wide receiver position is filled with potential stars and hidden gems, making the start/sit decision crucial for fantasy success. Identifying receivers with favorable matchups and potential for high target volume is key. Let’s examine which wide receivers you should confidently start and those you might want to avoid in Week 8. — New Orleans Saints Quarterbacks: A History
Start 'Em: Wide Receivers Set to Explode
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Tyreek Hill (Miami Dolphins): Tyreek Hill's speed and explosiveness make him a weekly must-start. His connection with Tua Tagovailoa has been electric, and he's capable of producing massive fantasy performances. In a favorable matchup, Hill is set to dominate, making him a top-tier receiver in Week 8. He remains an elite option for your lineup.
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CeeDee Lamb (Dallas Cowboys): CeeDee Lamb is the clear top target in the Cowboys' passing game. His consistent target share and ability to make contested catches make him a reliable fantasy option. Expect Lamb to be heavily involved in the Cowboys' offense, making him a strong start in Week 8. Start Lamb with confidence.
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DK Metcalf (Seattle Seahawks): DK Metcalf’s size and speed make him a constant threat, especially in favorable matchups. With Geno Smith showing consistency, Metcalf is poised for a big week. Start Metcalf in Week 8, anticipating significant production from the Seahawks' passing game. He's a high-upside play this week.
Sit 'Em: Wide Receivers to Approach with Caution
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Courtland Sutton (Denver Broncos): Courtland Sutton has struggled with consistency, and a tough defensive matchup in Week 8 makes him a risky start. The Broncos' passing game has faced challenges, impacting Sutton’s production. Fantasy managers should consider alternative receivers with better outlooks. Keep Sutton on the bench this week.
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Michael Thomas (New Orleans Saints): Michael Thomas’s injury history and inconsistent performance make him a questionable start. The Saints’ passing game has been unpredictable, reducing Thomas’s reliability. It's best to consider other options with more stable roles and health. Thomas is a risky play in Week 8.
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Kadarius Toney (Kansas City Chiefs): Kadarius Toney's role in the Chiefs’ offense remains uncertain, making him a risky fantasy play. Despite his talent, Toney’s inconsistent usage limits his fantasy potential. Fantasy managers should seek more reliable options. Toney is a sit in Week 8.
Tight Ends: Start 'Em, Sit 'Em
The tight end position can be a fantasy football minefield, but finding the right starter can provide a significant edge. Target volume and touchdown potential are crucial factors in determining which tight ends to start. Let’s dive into some tight ends to consider and those you might want to avoid in Week 8.
Start 'Em: Tight Ends Primed for Production
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Travis Kelce (Kansas City Chiefs): Travis Kelce is the gold standard for fantasy tight ends. His connection with Patrick Mahomes makes him a weekly must-start. Kelce’s ability to consistently command targets and score touchdowns makes him a top-tier option in all formats. He's a cornerstone of any fantasy team.
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Darren Waller (New York Giants): Darren Waller, when healthy, is a top-tier tight end. His target share in the Giants' offense makes him a reliable fantasy option. Expect Waller to be a focal point in the passing game, making him a strong start in Week 8. Waller is a high-upside play.
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Evan Engram (Jacksonville Jaguars): Evan Engram has emerged as a consistent target in the Jaguars' offense. His ability to make plays downfield makes him a valuable fantasy asset. Consider Engram a solid starting option in Week 8, especially in tight end-premium formats. Engram offers consistent production.
Sit 'Em: Tight Ends to Be Wary Of
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Dalton Schultz (Houston Texans): Dalton Schultz's production has been inconsistent, and Week 8 presents a tough matchup. The Texans' passing game can be unpredictable, impacting Schultz’s reliability. Fantasy managers should consider alternative tight ends with better outlooks. Schultz is a risky play this week. — University Of The Incarnate Word: Programs, Campus Life, And More
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Tyler Higbee (Los Angeles Rams): Tyler Higbee’s role in the Rams’ offense has diminished, making him a risky fantasy play. The Rams' offensive struggles limit Higbee’s opportunities. It’s best to look for tight ends with more favorable situations. Higbee is a sit in Week 8.
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Cole Kmet (Chicago Bears): Cole Kmet’s production is highly dependent on the Bears’ inconsistent passing game. This makes him a volatile fantasy option. Fantasy managers should seek more stable options at the tight end position. Kmet is a risky start this week.
Defense/Special Teams (DST): Start 'Em, Sit 'Em
The Defense/Special Teams (DST) position can be a weekly streaming option, and choosing the right one can provide a significant boost. Favorable matchups and turnover potential are key factors in DST selection. Let’s identify some DSTs to target and those you might want to avoid in Week 8.
Start 'Em: DSTs Positioned for Success
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Buffalo Bills DST: The Buffalo Bills DST is consistently a top fantasy performer. Their ability to generate sacks and turnovers makes them a strong weekly play. In a favorable matchup, the Bills' DST is set to deliver a high-scoring performance. They are a must-start in most formats.
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San Francisco 49ers DST: The San Francisco 49ers DST boasts a formidable pass rush and strong coverage. This makes them a reliable fantasy option. Facing an offense prone to mistakes, the 49ers' DST is poised for a big week. Start them with confidence.
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New Orleans Saints DST: The New Orleans Saints DST has shown the ability to create turnovers and limit scoring. This makes them a viable starting option in favorable matchups. Consider the Saints' DST in Week 8 for a potential boost to your lineup. They offer a solid floor.
Sit 'Em: DSTs Facing Uphill Battles
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Denver Broncos DST: The Denver Broncos DST faces a challenging matchup in Week 8. Against a potent offense, the Broncos may struggle to generate fantasy points. Fantasy managers should consider alternative DST options with more favorable matchups. Bench the Broncos DST this week.
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Los Angeles Rams DST: The Los Angeles Rams DST has been inconsistent this season, making them a risky play. Facing a strong offensive unit, the Rams may find it difficult to produce significant fantasy points. Consider other DSTs with better outlooks. The Rams DST is a sit in Week 8.
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Green Bay Packers DST: The Green Bay Packers DST has struggled to create consistent pressure and turnovers. This makes them a less appealing fantasy option in Week 8. Fantasy managers should seek DSTs with more favorable matchups and higher ceilings. Keep the Packers DST on the bench.
Week 8 Fantasy Football: FAQs
Which quarterbacks should I consider starting in Week 8 for fantasy football?
Consider starting quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Geno Smith in Week 8. Mahomes is facing a defense susceptible to the pass, Allen's dual-threat ability makes him a consistent performer, and Smith has shown a strong connection with his receivers, making them all favorable options.
Are there any running backs I should sit in Week 8 due to tough matchups?
Yes, running backs like Miles Sanders, AJ Dillon, and Damien Harris face challenging matchups in Week 8. Sanders is up against a tough run defense, Dillon's role is unpredictable, and Harris is facing competition in the Bills' backfield, making them risky starts.
Which wide receivers are poised for big performances in Week 8?
Wide receivers like Tyreek Hill, CeeDee Lamb, and DK Metcalf are set to excel in Week 8. Hill's speed makes him a constant threat, Lamb is the Cowboys' top target, and Metcalf's size and speed make him a strong option with Geno Smith showing consistency.
Which tight ends should I consider sitting for Week 8 of fantasy football?
Tight ends such as Dalton Schultz, Tyler Higbee, and Cole Kmet may be best left on the bench for Week 8. Schultz faces a tough matchup, Higbee's role in the Rams' offense has diminished, and Kmet's production is heavily reliant on the Bears' inconsistent passing game.
What defenses are good starts for fantasy football in Week 8?
The Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers, and New Orleans Saints defenses are strong starts for Week 8. The Bills and 49ers consistently generate sacks and turnovers, while the Saints have shown the ability to limit scoring and create turnovers, making them all viable options.
Which defenses should I avoid starting in Week 8 fantasy football?
Avoid starting the Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Rams, and Green Bay Packers defenses in Week 8. The Broncos and Rams face tough matchups against potent offenses, while the Packers have struggled to create consistent pressure and turnovers, making them risky plays.
How does matchup analysis help in making start/sit decisions for fantasy football?
Matchup analysis helps identify favorable or unfavorable situations for players based on the opposing team's strengths and weaknesses. By considering these factors, you can make informed decisions about which players are more likely to produce higher fantasy scores and which ones might struggle.
What role does a player’s recent performance play in determining whether to start or sit them?
A player's recent performance is crucial as it indicates their current form and involvement in their team's offense. Consistent recent production suggests a player is in good form and likely to continue performing well, making them a strong start candidate, whereas poor recent performance may indicate a player to sit.
By carefully considering these start and sit recommendations, you can optimize your lineup for Week 8 and increase your chances of securing a victory in your fantasy league. Good luck!
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