Derek Brown | Thu, Oct 26th 2023, 8:56am EDT

The Primer: Week 8 Edition (2023 Fantasy Football)

Houston Texans vs. Carolina Panthers

HOU -3.5, O/U 43.5
Texans vs. Panthers Player Prop Bets via BettingPros

Pace and playcalling notes

Houston ranks eighth in neutral pace and ninth in neutral rushing rate.
Carolina has trudged along with the fourth-slowest neutral pace, but they are 14th in neutral passing rate.

Quarterbacks

C.J. Stroud: Stroud is the QB13 in fantasy, ranking 16th in passing grade, fourth in yards per attempt, and tenth in passer rating with the fourth-lowest turnover-worthy throw rate. Stroud is 13th in fantasy points per dropback. Stroud will tear the Panthers’ secondary apart this week. Carolina hasn’t been able to stop anyone from passing, especially deep. The Panthers have allowed the sixth-highest yards per attempt, ninth-highest passer rating, and the 11th-highest adjusted completion rate. Against deep passing, they have been one of the worst defenses in the league, giving up the sixth-highest deep passer rating and the seventh-highest deep-adjusted completion rate. Stroud will continue to shut the mouths of S2 stans in Week 8. Week 8 Positional Value: QB1

Bryce Young: Without any teams on bye this week, Young likely doesn’t make any starting lineup in 1QB formats. Even in Superflex, he is a tough name to plug in. Young has surpassed 14 fantasy points only once this season. He has to flash a pulse in fantasy before considering him in your lineup. He has the third-lowest passing grade, the second-lowest yards per attempt, and the sixth-lowest fantasy points per dropback. Week 8 Positional Value: Must sit

Running Backs

Week 6

Player	Snap %	Rushing attempts	Routes	Targets	Red zone opportunities
Dameon Pierce	33	13	7	0	4
Devin Singletary	54	12	15	2	6

Dameon Pierce: Pierce played his lowest snap share of the season (33%) before the bye. I would love to say that he rebounds to lead this backfield coming out of the bye, but I don’t know if that’s the case. Houston has struggled to formulate any semblance of a ground game this season, with the offensive line being a huge problem. Among 59 qualifying backs, Pierce ranks 15th in missed tackles forced per attempt, but his other metrics have lagged, as he is 50th in explosive run rate and 41st in yards after contact per attempt. Among that same sample, he has the second-lowest yards before contact per attempt. His line hasn’t created any space for him to operate. If Pierce gets the work this week, he should have a strong outing against a porous Carolina rush defense. The Panthers have the sixth-highest explosive run rate, the tenth-highest missed tackles per attempt, and the second-highest yards after contact per attempt. Week 8 Positional Value: RB3

Devin Singletary: Before the bye, Singletary played his highest snap share of the season (54%) logging 13 touches with 62 total yards. This could be a changing of the guard. We’ll see in Week 8 if this usage holds. Like Pierce, Singletary has been breaking tackles at a decent clip. Among 59 qualifying backs, he is 20th in missed tackles forced per attempt and 26th in yards after contact per attempt. Singletary has been Houston’s preferred passing down back this season leading the running back room in routes run. It would not shock me to see Singletary emerge in Week 8 as the backfield leader. If he is the guy now, he could post RB2 numbers in Week 8 against a terrible run defense for Carolina. The Panthers have allowed the sixth-lowest stuff rate, the tenth-highest missed tackles per attempt, and the second-highest yards after contact per attempt. Week 8 Positional Value: RB3

Miles Sanders: Sanders opened the week with a full practice (shoulder). With a return to what I’m guessing is close to full health, Sanders could reclaim his job as the team’s lead back. In Weeks 1-3, he played 57-65% of the snaps, averaging 17.7 touches and 69 total yards. The big problem for Sanders is he has been extremely inefficient this season. Hubbard could remain the team’s new lead back. Among 59 qualifying backs, Sanders ranks 46th in explosive run rate, 54th in missed tackles forced per attempt, and 53rd in yards after contact per attempt. Houston has been exploitable on the ground, giving up the fourth-highest missed tackles per attempt and the 13th-highest yards after contact per attempt, but they have also kept zone rushers in check with the fourth-lowest yards per carry to zone runs (3.1). Sanders has seen 62.3% of his runs from zone concepts. Week 8 Positional Value: RB3

Chuba Hubbard: Hubbard played well in relief of Sanders in Week 6 with 20 touches and 90 total yards (77% of the snaps). That might have been enough to wrestle the lead job away from Sanders, but we shall see in Week 8. Hubbard could easily return to his early season role as Sander’s backup. In Weeks 1-3, he played 34-37% of the snaps, averaging seven touches and 41 total yards. Houston can be run on. They have the ninth-lowest stuff rate while also allowing the fourth-highest missed tackles per attempt. Like Sanders, Hubbard has seen the bulk of his carries on zone runs (63%), which is problematic because Houston has given up the tenth-lowest success rate to zone runs. Week 8 Positional Value: RB3/4

Wide Receivers

Nico Collins: Collins is the WR13 in fantasy points per game. He has a 19.6% target share, a 29.9% air-yard share, 3.36 YPRR, and a team-leading 26.1% first-read share. In the three games Tank Dell has been a full-time player, Colins ranks second to Dell in deep targets (four vs. two). If Stroud attacks this secondary deep, Collins will be involved, but he might not be leading the charge. The good thing for Collins is that Carolina has the third-highest rate of zone coverage (82.6%). Against zone, Collins has a 20.9% target share, a 31.3% air-yard share, and a 27.0% first-read share. All of his metrics have slightly increased against zone. Collins will run about 81% of his routes against Donte Jackson (68.4% catch rate and 146.3 passer rating) and C.J. Henderson (81.5% catch rate and 128.1 passer rating). Week 8 Positional Value: WR2

Tank Dell: Dell is practicing in full. He should be back this week. In Weeks 2-4, as a full-time player, Dell was crushing. He led the team in deep targets while also finishing with at least 72 receiving yards in two of three games. The Panthers roll out zone coverage on 82.6% of their defensive plays (third-highest rate). In his three games as a full-time player, he leads the team with a 22.2% target share and 32.4% air-yard share against zone. In that span, he was second in YPRR (2.26) and first-read share (23.7%) against zone coverage on the team. Dell will run about 71% of his routes against Donte Jackson (68.4% catch rate and 146.3 passer rating) and C.J. Henderson (81.5% catch rate and 128.1 passer rating). Week 8 Positional Value: WR2/3

Robert Woods:Woods has been ruled out (foot).

Adam Thielen: Thielen is the only fantasy-viable receiver for Carolina. Bryce Young‘s struggles have kept him from supporting more than Thielen in this offense. Thielen is the WR6 in fantasy, rocking a 24.5% target share, a 30.8% air-yard share, 2.22 YPRR, and a 34.8% first-read share. Thielen hasn’t finished lower than WR20 in any week since Week 2. That is absolute insanity. Thielen ranks 20th in red zone targets among wide receivers. Houston has done a great job at limiting slot receivers this season, allowing the eighth-lowest PPR points per target and receiving yards (Thielen 72% slot). Thielen will tangle with Tavierre Thomas (2022: 51.9% catch rate and 59.0 passer rating) all day. Week 8 Positional Value: WR2

Tight Ends

Dalton Schultz: After a slow start, Schultz is now the TE9 in fantasy. Among 40 qualifying tight ends, he sits at 11th in target share (15.4%), ninth in air-yard share (16.0%), 14th in YPRR (1.47), and 15th in first-read-share (15.9%). He ranks fourth among tight ends in red zone targets. Carolina isn’t the most favorable matchup for tight ends, allowing the fifth-fewest receiving yards to tight ends and ranking 17th in fantasy points per game surrendered. Week 8 Positional Value: Borderline TE1

Hayden Hurst: Hurst is the TE28 in fantasy with bleach gargling 10% target share. He does rank 12th in red zone targets and has a fantastic matchup this week. That matchup puts him on the streaming radar. Houston has allowed the most receiving yards per game and the third-highest fantasy points per game to tight ends. Week 8 Positional Value: Matchup-based streamer

Atlanta Falcons vs. Tennessee Titans

ATL -3, O/U 35
Falcons vs. Titans Player Prop Bets via BettingPros

Pace and playcalling notes

The Falcons are 14th in neutral pace with the fourth-highest neutral rushing rate.
Tennessee ranks dead last in neutral pace and 14th in neutral rushing rate.

Quarterbacks

Desmond Ridder: I see it out there. Ridder hype, huh? Over the last three weeks, Atlanta has stacked two wins, and Arthur Smith has been saucy at the podium. I’m still not convinced Ridder is the long-term answer at quarterback. Since Week 5, among 32 qualifying quarterbacks, he ranks 17th in passing grade and 20th in big-time throw rate with the eighth-highest turnover-worthy play rate. He is the QB19 in fantasy points per game, with QB6 finishes in two of his last three games. He should be able to finish with a solid fantasy day against a secondary that has allowed the fourth-highest yards per attempt and passer rating while sitting at tenth in adjusted completion rate surrendered. Week 8 Positional Value: QB2

Will Levis: Per reports, the Titans could work in both Levis and Malik Willis this week. That report alone makes this a stay-away situation. Add in what we saw from Levis in the preseason, and there’s no way he should make a starting fantasy lineup this week. Yes, it was only 19 dropbacks in the preseason, but it was an ugly micro-sample. Among 79 quarterbacks this preseason with at least 15 dropbacks, Levis was 69th in passing grade, 47th in yards per attempt, and had the highest turnover-worthy play rate. Week 8 Positional Value: Must sit

Running Backs

Bijan Robinson: Ok, let’s just toss out last week’s fantasy lineup wet fart. That was out of left field. Per reports, Robinson was dealing with a headache, and the Falcons limited him as a result. I know it was painful, and things like this make it difficult to trust players and coaching staffs, but let’s take a deep breath and remember Robinson is one of the best young talents in the game. Prior to last week, Robinson played at least 61% of the snaps weekly, averaging 17.6 touches and 98.3 total yards. Among 59 qualifying backs, he ranks 20th in explosive run rate, fifth in missed tackles forced, and 27th in yards after contact per attempt. Tennessee remains an elite run defense capable of smothering any back. The Titans have allowed the lowest explosive run rate and the seventh-lowest yards after contact per attempt with the ninth-highest stuff rate. Robinson will have to rely on volume this week to outkick inefficiency. Week 8 Positional Value: Borderline RB1

Tyler Allgeier: Prior to last week, Allgeier had averaged 14.2 touches and 45.6 total yards with two RB3 or highest weekly finishes. Among 59 qualifying backs, he ranks 43rd in explosive run rate, 44th in missed tackles forced per attempt, and 34th in yards after contact per attempt. With Allgeier’s variable workload and the wretched rushing matchup this week, Allgeier is a must-sit. Week 8 Positional Value: Sit

Derrick Henry: The Tennessee mountain man has been extremely game-script-sensitive this season. He has played anywhere from 48-71% of the snaps, averaging 18.1 touches and 90.3 total yards. He ranks 21st in snap share, 18th in weighted opportunities, and 22nd in red zone touches. When he’s on the field, he’s the same tackle-breaking behemoth that we know and love. Among 59 qualifying backs, he is 13th in explosive run rate and missed tackles forced per attempt while ranking 17th in yards after contact per attempt. Atlanta is a below-average matchup. They have given up the 13th-lowest explosive run rate with the seventh-highest stuff rate. The Falcons are also 17th in yards after contact per attempt allowed. With a close spread, Henry should be able to get 15-20 touches in this game. Week 8 Positional Value: Borderline RB1

Tyjae Spears: Spears has played at least 52% of the snaps in five of six games, but it hasn’t led to a ton of volume. He has averaged 7.7 touches and 47.8 total yards. In a tough matchup, Spears is best left on the bench, but at best, he is a low-end flex. He has been one of the most explosive backs in the NFL on a per-touch basis. Among 59 qualified backs, he is third in explosive run rate, tenth in missed tackles forced per attempt, and fifth in yards after contact per attempt. Week 8 Positional Value: Sit / Desperation flex

Wide Receivers

Drake London: Since Week 2, London has been the WR22 in fantasy points per game with a 23.2% target share, a 30.2% air-yard share, 1.86 YPRR, and a 28.8% first-read share. London is fourth in red zone targets. London will run about 78% of his routes against Sean-Murphy Bunting (66.7% catch rate and 80.9 passer rating) and Kristian Fulton (78.3% catch rate and 133.2 passer rating). Tennessee has allowed the sixth-highest PPR points per target and the tenth-most receiving touchdowns (tied) to perimeter receivers. Week 8 Positional Value: WR2/3

DeAndre Hopkins: Hopkins is the WR47 in fantasy with a 27.3% target share and a 42.1% air-yard share. Hopkins has proved that he still has “it” with 2.41 YPRR and a 35.3% first-read share. Hopkins will likely see shadow coverage from A.J. Terrell (65% catch rate and 105.3 passer rating) this week. Terrell has followed Mike Evans, Terry McLaurin, Calvin Ridley, Josh Reynolds, and Terrace Marshall on 54-86% of their routes. Only Evans and McLaurin finished with more than 50 receiving yards in his primary coverage. Only Evans and Ridley secured touchdowns against Terrell. Is this a matchup Hopkins can win? Sure, but it’s worth noting, especially considering Hopkins’ quarterback play this week. I don’t know if Levis or Willis will want to test these waters. Week 8 Positional Value: WR3

Treylon Burks: Burks is practicing in full (knee). I expect that he will return this week. Burks is a must-sit this week. If Terrell follows Hopkins, Burks will draw Jeff Okudah (37.5% catch rate and 52.6 passer rating), who has arguably been tougher than Terrell. Also, factoring in the sketchy quarterback play this week for Tennessee, Burks could be hamstrung on multiple levels. It’s not like Burks has been amazing when on the field. He has drawn only a 15.7% target share, producing 1.36 YPRR. Week 8 Positional Value: Sit

Tight Ends

Kyle Pitts: Pitts has an 18.3% target share, a 28.3% air-yard share, 1.50 YPRR, and a 20% first-read share as the TE13. Pitts ranks first in deep targets and 16th in red zone targets among tight ends. Pitts has lined up in the slot on 59% of his routes. Tennessee is 14th in receiving yards and 17th in PPR points per target allowed to slot receivers. Week 8 Positional Value: TE1

Jonnu Smith: Smith is the TE12 in fantasy, operating as the WR3 in this offense. He has a 16.1% target share (14th), a 14.1% air-yard share (13th), and five red zone targets (12th). He has also lined up in the slot on 55% of his routes. Tennessee is 14th in receiving yards and 17th in PPR points per target allowed to slot receivers. Week 8 Positional Value: Borderline TE1

Chigoziem Okonkwo: Okonkwo hype feels like a lifetime ago. He is the TE32 in fantasy with a 15.2% target share, a 10.8% air-yard share, 0.98 YPRR, and a 16.0% first-read share. He hasn’t finished higher than the TE17 in any week this season. With a full slate of tight end options to consider without any teams on bye, there’s no reason to consider starting Oknokwo with suspect quarterback play for Tennessee this week. Week 8 Positional Value: Sit

Cleveland Browns vs. Seattle Seahawks

SEA -3.5, O/U 37.5
Browns vs. Seahawks Player Prop Bets via BettingPros

Pace and playcalling notes

With P.J. Walker operating as the Brown’s starter, they have been third in neutral pace with the 12-highest neutral rushing rate (tied).
Seattle has slowed to 15th in neutral pace, but they are eighth in neutral passing rate.
The touchdowns in this game will likely come from the ground games as the Browns are seventh in red zone rushing rate, followed by Seattle at 12th.

Quarterbacks

P.J. Walker: Walker is a must-sit even in Superflex formats. He has been dreadful as the Brown’s starter. Among 37 qualifying quarterbacks, he ranks 37th in passing grade, 35th in yards per attempt, and 37th in adjusted completion rate. Seattle has been an improving pass defense with the 11th-lowest yards per attempt allowed while sitting at 18th in passer rating and 17th in adjusted completion rate. Week 8 Positional Value: Must sit

Geno Smith: Smith is a worrisome QB2 this week. He has played well this season despite not crossing over to fantasy as much as we would like (QB22). Smith ranks eighth in passing grade, tenth in yards per attempt, and first in adjusted completion rate. The Browns remain one of the best defenses in the NFL despite getting shredded by Minshew last week. They have given up the ninth-lowest yards per attempt, the sixth-lowest passer rating, and the second-lowest adjusted completion rate. They have the highest man coverage rate (44.0%). Against man coverage, Smith has struggled with the lowest yards per attempt (3.7) and the ninth-lowest adjusted completion rate. The Browns also own the fifth-best pressure rate. Smith has had problems against pressure this season, with the eighth-lowest pressured yards per attempt and the eighth-highest turnover-worthy play rate. Week 8 Positional Value: QB2

Running Backs

Jerome Ford: Ford returned to a limited session on Friday (ankle). There’s a shot that he suits up this week, as crazy as that sounds. During his tenure as the team’s starter, he has averaged 14.6 touches and 70.3 total yards. In those four games, he has finished as the RB7, RB24, RB24, and RB10 in weekly scoring. Among 59 qualifying backs, he is 16th in explosive run rate, 20th in missed tackles forced per attempt, and eighth in yards after contact per attempt. As good as Ford has been, there’s no way that he’s close to full health, so temper your expectations. Also, it’s not like he has a cakewalk matchup this week. Seattle has been a difficult run defense for backs to face. Seattle has contained backs with the sixth-best stuff rate and the 12th-lowest yards after contact per attempt allowed. Seattle has allowed the 11th-fewest fantasy points per game to backs. Week 8 Positional Value: RB3

Kareem Hunt: Hunt was limited in practice on Thursday and Friday after opening the week with a DNP (thigh). Since returning to Cleveland, he has played 20-37% of the snaps weekly, averaging 9.3 touches and 37.3 total yards. His tackle-breaking ability has been almost non-existent this season. Among 59 qualifying backs, he is 56th in missed tackles forced per attempt and 54th in yards after contact per attempt. Seattle has contained backs with the sixth-best stuff rate and the 12th-lowest yards after contact per attempt allowed. Seattle has allowed the 11th-fewest fantasy points per game to backs. Hunt is just a middling flex play. Week 8 Positional Value: Low-end flex play

Kenneth Walker: Kenneth Walker didn’t practice on Wednesday or Thursday before returning to a full practice on Friday. He does not carry an injury designation into this game, so I’m treating him as a full go. Walker is the RB8 in fantasy, ranking 13th in snap share, tenth in opportunity share, and fourth in red zone touches. Among 59 qualifying running backs, he is 14th in explosive run rate, 14th in missed tackles forced per attempt, and 18th in yards after contact per attempt. He has simply been amazing and continues to prove he is one of the best backs in the NFL. While the Browns’ pass defense has been amazing, their run defense has quietly been putrid. Cleveland has the third-highest explosive run rate, the highest missed tackles allowed per attempt, and the fifth-highest yards after contact per attempt. This is an absolute smash spot for Walker to get fed all the touches he can handle and for Seattle to lean on him for a win. Week 8 Positional Value: RB1

Zach Charbonnet: Charbonnet missed last week’s game with a hamstring injury. He practiced in full on Thursday and Friday and doesn’t carry an injury designation into this week. He has played 24-26% of the snaps weekly as Walker’s backup. He has averaged 5.8 touches and 30 total yards. Charbonnet remains a stash only. Week 8 Positional Value: Stash

Wide Receivers

Amari Cooper: Cooper is coming off a massive dud in Week 7. He is the WR42 in fantasy with only two top-24 wide receiver weeks in fantasy. He has a 22.0% target share, a 42.7% air-yard share, 1.94 YPRR, and a 29.8% first-read share. Seattle has the highest zone coverage rate in the NFL (85%). His numbers against zone have remained relatively unchanged, besides noting that his YPRR has dropped to 1.75. Since Week 4, Seattle has clamped down on perimeter wide receivers, giving up the lowest receiving yards and the eighth-lowest PPR points per target. Cooper will run about 77% of his routes against Tariq Woolen (72.7% catch rate and 120.5 passer rating) and Devon Witherspoon (48.3% catch rate and 57.8 passer rating). Week 8 Positional Value: WR3/4

Elijah Moore: Moore’s outlook this week looks pretty bleak. Against zone coverage (SEA leads the NFL in zone rate), he has a 19.5% target share, an 18.0% air-yard share, and 1.06 YPRR. Moore faces a secondary that, since Week 8, has allowed the ninth-lowest PPR points per target and the eighth-fewest receiving yards to slot receivers. Moore will run about 54% of his routes against Tre Brown (57.1% catch rate and 79.5 passer rating). Moore is the WR62 in fantasy. Week 8 Positional Value: WR5

Tyler Lockett: Lockett didn’t practice on Wednesday or Thursday before returning to a full practice on Friday. He has been listed as questionable (hamstring) this week. Lockett is the WR40 in fantasy, with only two top-20 fantasy finishes this season. Cleveland has the highest man coverage rate (44%) in the NFL. Against man coverage, Lockett has a 21.9% target share, a 27.7% air-yard share, 1.63 YPRR, and a 26.3% first-read share. None of these are overwhelmingly good numbers to be high on his prospects at less than full health against a secondary that has allowed the eighth-lowest passer rating and sixth-lowest yards per game to perimeter wide receivers. Lockett will run about 61% of his routes against Denzel Ward (50% catch rate and 94.7 passer rating) and Martin Emerson (36.4% catch rate and 47.7 passer rating). Week 8 Positional Value: WR3/4

D.K. Metcalf: Metcalf was a full participant all week (ribs/hip) and hasn’t been listed with an injury designation this week. Metcalf has been Seattle’s weapon against man coverage with a 23.3% target share, a 54.2% air-yard share, and a 29.4% first-read share. He hasn’t been incredibly productive against it this season, with only 1.24 YPRR, though. Metcalf is 20th among wide receivers in red zone targets, with four in his last two games played. He has to tangle with the same corners that have allowed the eighth-lowest passer rating and sixth-lowest yards per game to perimeter wide receivers. Metcalf will run about 82% of his routes against Denzel Ward (50% catch rate and 94.7 passer rating) and Martin Emerson (36.4% catch rate and 47.7 passer rating). Week 8 Positional Value: WR2/3

Jaxon Smith-Njigba: With Lockett and Metcalf active, Smith-Njigba will likely return to his slot-heavy role. However, he could play 50/50 slot and perimeter moving forward like he did last week. Last week, he had a 78% route run rate, a 29.2% target share, a 30.7% air-yard share, and 2.86 YPRR while playing 50% on the perimeter. Smith-Njigba’s aDOT was 10.4. Cleveland is a man-coverage-heavy defense. Against man, Smith-Njigba has a 25% target share but only 0.65 YPRR and a 9.4% air-yard share. Smith-Njigba could be the key to Seattle moving the ball this week, though. The easiest corner of the Browns starting trio to target is Greg Newsome (66.7% catch rate and 124.5 passer rating). Week 8 Positional Value: WR3/4

Tight Ends

David Njoku: Njoku is the TE19 in fantasy, ranking 17th in target share, 15th in raw target volume, and 32nd in air-yard share. He still has zero red zone or deep targets this season. I don’t expect any bounce-back starting this week. Seattle has allowed the seventh-lowest receiving yards and zero touchdowns to tight ends this season. Week 8 Positional Value: TE2 that is better left on your bench

SEA TEs: Seattle continues with their three-way tight end committee. No tight end managed at least a 60% route run rate or 9% target share last week. No tight end on this roster is fantasy-viable.

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos

KC -7, O/U 46.5
Chiefs vs. Broncos Player Prop Bets via BettingPros

Pace and playcalling notes

You really hate to see it, but the Chiefs are a slow-and-throw team now. They have the 11th-slowest neutral pace while ranking fourth in neutral passing rate.
This game will crawl as Denver also has the fifth-slowest neutral pace while ranking 16th in neutral passing rate.

Quarterbacks

Patrick Mahomes: Mahomes continues doing Mahomes things as the QB3 in fantasy. Mahomes ranks fourth in passing grade, fifth in yards per attempt, and eighth in adjusted completion rate. The reality is if you have him, you are starting him weekly regardless of the matchup, but this week’s matchup is a doozy. Denver has given up the second-highest yards per attempt, the most passing touchdowns, and the highest passer rating to quarterbacks. Week 8 Positional Value: QB1

Russell Wilson: Wilson has enjoyed a fairly resurgent season as the QB14 in fantasy points per game. He is 15th in passing grade, 19th in yards per attempt, and seventh in big-time throw rate. The last time Wilson faced this pass defense, he faltered with 4.3 yards per attempt, only 95 passing yards, and a QB24 finish. While I don’t think he fails to cross the century mark again in passing yards, I don’t have much faith that he eclipses QB2 value this week. Kansas City has fielded one of the best pass defenses in the NFL. They have contained quarterbacks with the fourth-lowest yards per attempt, eighth-lowest passer rating, and the fifth-fewest fantasy points per game. Week 8 Positional Value: low-end QB2

Running Backs

Isiah Pacheco: Pacheco is the RB14 in fantasy, ranking 18th in opportunity share, 11th in weighted opportunities, seventh in carries, and seventh in red zone touches. He has averaged 17.6 touches and 83.2 total yards. Among 59 qualifying backs, he is 18th in explosive run rate and 19th in yards after contact per attempt. Pacheco should steamroll a Broncos run defense, allowing the highest explosive run rate, the third-highest missed tackles per attempt, and the second-highest yards after contact per attempt (tied). Week 8 Positional Value: RB1

Javonte Williams: Williams is coming off arguably his best game of the season with a season-high 53% of the snaps played with 18 touches and 96 total yards. Williams could be unleashed this week. Among 59 qualifying backs, he is eighth in explosive run rate and seventh in yards after contact per attempt. Kansas City has been ripped in half by running backs giving up the tenth-highest explosive run rate and the eighth-highest yards after contact per attempt. They have the fourth-lowest stuff rate. If Williams pushes for 20 touches this week, he has RB1 upside. Week 8 Positional Value: Borderline RB1

Samaje Perine: With Williams gaining steam, Perine played only 25% of the snaps last week with five touches and 41 total yards. Even in a good matchup, he’s a sit. Williams is the best back on this depth chart and we are reaching the point of the season where Denver can take the training wheels off. Week 8 Positional Value: Sit

Jaleel McLaughlin: McLaughlin has been lightning in a bottle anytime he touches the ball, but last week he played only 17% of the snaps with six touches that he turned into 46 total yards. He and Perine split the back up role behind Williams. With that backup pie shrinking, McLaughlin returns to stash only territory. Week 8 Positional Value: Stash

Wide Receivers

Rashee Rice: Last week, Rice still only saw a 55% route run rate with a 14.3% target share. He turned this marginal playing time into five grabs with 60 receiving yards and a score. Rice continues to walk a dangerous tightrope that can bottom out in any week. If he doesn’t score, you’re likely disappointed you started him. Overall, he has a 12.5% target share, 33% TPRR, and 2.96 YPRR. Rice is 17th in red zone targets among wide receivers. Rice will run about 58% of his routes against Ja’Quan McMillian (76.4% catch rate and 134.1 passer rating). Denver has allowed the highest PPR points per target this season. Week 8 Positional Value: Dart throw WR4 with WR2/3 upside

Courtland Sutton: Sutton is the WR26 in fantasy with a 22.3% target share and 27.1% air-yard share. He ranks eighth in red zone targets and has three top-24 WR weeks this season. He didn’t see shadow coverage from L’Jarius Sneed during their last meeting, but we can’t rule it out happening in Week 8. He snagged a touchdown the last time he faced Kansas City to finish as the WR22 in fantasy. Week 8 Positional Value: WR3/4

Jerry Jeudy: Jeudy is the WR57 in fantasy. He has been an utter disappointment this season. He has not finished as a WR2 once this season. He has topped 70 receiving yards only once. Kansas City has limited slot receivers to the fourth-lowest PPR points per target and only one touchdown. If you have comparable options at the receiver or flex spots, I would roll with them over Jeudy. Week 8 Positional Value: Sit

Tight Ends

Travis Kelce: Kelce is a Greek god. He leads tight ends in targets, target share, TPRR, and red zone targets. You are never benching him if you have him. We don’t need in-depth analysis here. Play Kelce. End of story. Week 8 Positional Value: Weekly TE1 overall

NFL

MLB

NBA

NHL

The Primer: Week 8 Edition (2023 Fantasy Football)

Houston Texans vs. Carolina Panthers

Atlanta Falcons vs. Tennessee Titans

Cleveland Browns vs. Seattle Seahawks

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos

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