Fantasy Football Week 8 Rankings, Grades & Start/Sit Advice (2024)

Welcome to Week 8, friends. As always, we’re here to provide you with some fantasy football Quick Grades (or Start/Sit Grades, if you prefer) for the week.

We tapped into our consensus projections and rankings and Derek Brown’s weekly Primer to generate this week’s Quick Grades. See below for the results and accompanying notes.

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Week 8 Quarterback Start/Sit Grades

Rank Grade Name Team Week 8
1 A+ Lamar Jackson BAL CLE
2 A Josh Allen BUF SEA
3 A Jalen Hurts PHI CIN
4 A- Jordan Love GB JAC
5 A- Joe Burrow CIN PHI
6 B+ C.J. Stroud HOU IND
7 B+ Sam Darnold MIN LAR
8 B Caleb Williams CHI WAS
9 B Kyler Murray ARI MIA
10 B Kirk Cousins ATL TB
11 B- Jared Goff DET TEN
12 B- Brock Purdy SF DAL
13 B- Patrick Mahomes II KC LV
14 C+ Tua Tagovailoa MIA ARI
15 C+ Bo Nix DEN CAR
16 C Aaron Rodgers NYJ NE
17 C Dak Prescott DAL SF
18 C Baker Mayfield TB ATL
19 C Geno Smith SEA BUF
20 C Anthony Richardson IND HOU
21 D+ Trevor Lawrence JAC GB
22 D Jameis Winston CLE BAL
23 D- Drake Maye NE NYJ
24 F Russell Wilson PIT NYG
25 F Justin Herbert LAC NO
26 F Matthew Stafford LAR MIN
27 F Marcus Mariota WAS CHI
28 F Daniel Jones NYG PIT
29 F Mason Rudolph TEN DET
30 F Gardner Minshew II LV KC
31 F Spencer Rattler NO LAC
32 F Bryce Young CAR DEN
33 F Jayden Daniels WAS CHI
34 F Andy Dalton CAR DEN
35 F Derek Carr NO LAC
36 F Joe Flacco IND HOU
37 F Justin Fields PIT NYG
38 F Jake Haener NO LAC
39 F Will Levis TEN DET
40 F Drew Lock NYG PIT
41 F Dorian Thompson-Robinson CLE BAL
42 F Tyler Huntley MIA ARI
43 F Jacoby Brissett NE NYJ
44 F Michael Penix Jr. ATL TB
45 F Malik Willis GB JAC
46 F Tyrod Taylor NYJ NE
47 F Sam Howell SEA BUF

Jameis Winston (QB)

Winston has only 12 passing attempts this season for Cleveland. Yes, I know he has only completed 50% of them, but this is too small of a sample even to begin to dice up. Winston will have plenty more passing attempts this week as the Brown’s starter for us to discuss next week. Let’s instead focus on his matchup this week. Baltimore has been a pitiful pass funnel defense this season, so make no mistake…Winston will be chucking it this week. Baltimore has allowed the most passing yards per game, the third-highest passing touchdowns, the sixth-highest passer rating, and CPOE. Winston is a strong streamer this week.

Trevor Lawrence (QB)

Lawrence has been a middling QB2 this season as the QB22 in fantasy points per game. He ranks 17th in passer rating, passer rating, and fantasy points per dropback. Don’t expect that to change in Week 8. Green Bay has been tough on passers allowing the ninth-lowest passer rating, the sixth-lowest CPOE, and ranking 17th in yards per attempt.

Kyler Murray (QB)

Murray is the QB12 in fantasy. His rushing production is doing the heavy lifting for his fantasy value. Murray ranks 11th in carries per game, third in rushing yards per game, and sixth in rushing touchdowns among quarterbacks. Among 39 qualifying quarterbacks, Murray ranks 21st in yards per attempt, 19th in CPOE, 36th in highly accurate throw rate, and 25th in passing yards per game. We’ll see if Murray’s legs can help him out of another jam against a tough pass defense this week. Miami has allowed the seventh-lowest yards per attempt, the fewest passing touchdowns, and the 11th-lowest success rate per dropback.

Aaron Rodgers (QB)

Rodgers remains a QB2 (QB21 in fantasy points per game) with only two QB1 weeks this season. Among 39 qualifying passers, he has been unspectacular, ranking 28th in yards per attempt, 25th in passer rating, 36th in CPOE, and has compiled the 11th-highest off-target throw rate. It hasn’t been pretty. This week offers Rodgers a matchup to cure what ails him. New England has been a pass funnel for most of this season. They have allowed the ninth-highest yards per attempt and passer rating, the third-highest success rate per dropback, and the highest CPOE. Rodgers could turn back the clock this week and look like “prime Aaron Rodgers.”

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Week 8 Wide Receiver Start/Sit Grades

Rank Grade Name Team Week 8
1 A+ Justin Jefferson MIN LAR
2 A+ Ja’Marr Chase CIN PHI
3 A+ A.J. Brown PHI CIN
4 A+ Amon-Ra St. Brown DET TEN
5 A+ CeeDee Lamb DAL SF
6 A+ Drake London ATL TB
7 A+ Tyreek Hill MIA ARI
8 A Jayden Reed GB JAC
9 A Malik Nabers NYG PIT
10 A Stefon Diggs HOU IND
11 A Cooper Kupp LAR MIN
12 A Tee Higgins CIN PHI
13 A DJ Moore CHI WAS
14 A- Brian Thomas Jr. JAC GB
15 A- Davante Adams NYJ NE
16 A- Garrett Wilson NYJ NE
17 A- DeVonta Smith PHI CIN
18 A- George Pickens PIT NYG
19 A- Tank Dell HOU IND
20 A- Amari Cooper BUF SEA
21 B+ Jaylen Waddle MIA ARI
22 B+ Terry McLaurin WAS CHI
23 B Chris Olave NO LAC
24 B Marvin Harrison Jr. ARI MIA
25 B Jaxon Smith-Njigba SEA BUF
26 B Darnell Mooney ATL TB
27 B Jordan Addison MIN LAR
28 B Jauan Jennings SF DAL
29 B Xavier Worthy KC LV
30 B Tyler Lockett SEA BUF
31 B Diontae Johnson CAR DEN
32 B Ladd McConkey LAC NO
33 B Romeo Doubs GB JAC
34 B- Courtland Sutton DEN CAR
35 C+ Keenan Allen CHI WAS
36 C+ Khalil Shakir BUF SEA
37 C+ Michael Pittman Jr. IND HOU
38 C+ Jerry Jeudy CLE BAL
39 C+ Calvin Ridley TEN DET
40 C+ Christian Kirk JAC GB
41 C Wan’Dale Robinson NYG PIT
42 C Rashod Bateman BAL CLE
43 C Christian Watson GB JAC
44 C Jalen McMillan TB ATL
45 C Cedric Tillman CLE BAL
46 C Jakobi Meyers LV KC
47 C Josh Downs IND HOU
48 C Dontayvion Wicks GB JAC
49 C Rome Odunze CHI WAS
50 C Jalen Tolbert DAL SF
51 C Ricky Pearsall SF DAL
52 C DeMario Douglas NE NYJ
53 C Keon Coleman BUF SEA
54 C- Tutu Atwell LAR MIN
55 C- DeAndre Hopkins KC LV
56 C- Tre Tucker LV KC
57 C- Sterling Shepard TB ATL
58 D+ Ray-Ray McCloud III ATL TB
59 D+ Xavier Legette CAR DEN
60 D+ Allen Lazard NYJ NE
61 D Gabe Davis JAC GB
62 D Troy Franklin DEN CAR
63 D Michael Wilson ARI MIA
64 D Demarcus Robinson LAR MIN
65 D Tim Patrick DET TEN
66 D- Trey Palmer TB ATL
67 D- Zay Flowers BAL CLE
68 D- Alec Pierce IND HOU
69 D- Elijah Moore CLE BAL
70 F Joshua Palmer LAC NO
71 F Darius Slayton NYG PIT
72 F Jalen Nailor MIN LAR
73 F Noah Brown WAS CHI
74 F Devaughn Vele DEN CAR
75 F Kalif Raymond DET TEN
76 F Bub Means NO LAC
77 F Greg Dortch ARI MIA
78 F DJ Turner LV KC
79 F Andrei Iosivas CIN PHI
80 F Tyler Boyd TEN DET
81 F Justin Watson KC LV
82 F Kayshon Boutte NE NYJ
83 F Calvin Austin III PIT NYG
84 F Nelson Agholor BAL CLE
85 F Cedrick Wilson Jr. NO LAC
86 F Jake Bobo SEA BUF
87 F Kendrick Bourne NE NYJ
88 F Xavier Hutchinson HOU IND
89 F Mecole Hardman Jr. KC LV
90 F Ja’Lynn Polk NE NYJ
91 F Jalen Coker CAR DEN
92 F Mason Tipton NO LAC
93 F Adonai Mitchell IND HOU
94 F Olamide Zaccheaus WAS CHI
95 F KaVontae Turpin DAL SF
96 F Simi Fehoko LAC NO
97 F Van Jefferson PIT NYG
98 F Nick Westbrook-Ikhine TEN DET
99 F Luke McCaffrey WAS CHI
100 F Mack Hollins BUF SEA
101 F Lil’Jordan Humphrey DEN CAR
102 F Jacob Cowing SF DAL
103 F Jahan Dotson PHI CIN
104 F Mike Williams NYJ NE
105 F Bo Melton GB JAC
106 F Odell Beckham Jr. MIA ARI
107 F Dyami Brown WAS CHI
108 F Skyy Moore KC LV
109 F Deebo Samuel Sr. SF DAL
110 F Jonathan Mingo CAR DEN
111 F Marvin Mims Jr. DEN CAR
112 F Chris Conley SF DAL
113 F Tyler Johnson LAR MIN
114 F Jalen Brooks DAL SF
115 F Curtis Samuel BUF SEA
116 F Ronnie Bell SF DAL
117 F Malik Washington MIA ARI
118 F John Metchie III HOU IND
119 F Alex Bachman LV KC
120 F DK Metcalf SEA BUF
121 F Quentin Johnston LAC NO
122 F Tylan Wallace BAL CLE
123 F Jalen Reagor LAC NO
124 F Zay Jones ARI MIA
125 F Parker Washington JAC GB
126 F Laviska Shenault Jr. SEA BUF
127 F KhaDarel Hodge ATL TB
128 F Roman Wilson PIT NYG
129 F Allen Robinson II DET TEN
130 F Malik Heath GB JAC
131 F Ashton Dulin IND HOU
132 F Robert Woods HOU IND
133 F Derius Davis LAC NO
134 F David Moore CAR DEN
135 F K.J. Osborn NE NYJ
136 F Jalin Hyatt NYG PIT
137 F Kristian Wilkerson LV KC
138 F Johnny Wilson PHI CIN
139 F Jaelon Darden CLE BAL
140 F Jermaine Burton CIN PHI
141 F Jordan Whittington LAR MIN
142 F Marquez Valdes-Scantling NO LAC
143 F Brandon Powell MIN LAR
144 F Ryan Flournoy DAL SF
145 F Scotty Miller PIT NYG
146 F Jameson Williams DET TEN
147 F Jamari Thrash CLE BAL
148 F Jha’Quan Jackson TEN DET
149 F Tim Jones JAC GB
150 F Xavier Gipson NYJ NE
151 F Ryan Miller TB ATL
152 F Xavier Weaver ARI MIA
153 F Zach Pascal ARI MIA
154 F Dareke Young SEA BUF
155 F Trent Sherfield Sr. MIN LAR
156 F DeAndre Carter CHI WAS
157 F DJ Chark Jr. LAC NO
158 F Charlie Jones CIN PHI
159 F Isaiah Williams DET TEN
160 F Irvin Charles NYJ NE
161 F Mason Kinsey TEN DET
162 F Casey Washington ATL TB
163 F Brenden Rice LAC NO
164 F Devontez Walker BAL CLE
165 F Tom Kennedy DET TEN
166 F Brandon Johnson PIT NYG
167 F Tyler Scott CHI WAS
168 F Bryce Ford-Wheaton NYG PIT
169 F Steven Sims Jr. HOU IND
170 F Ihmir Smith-Marsette NYG PIT

Zay Flowers (WR)

After a down Week 7, Flowers is the WR29 in fantasy points per game. Overall, he has racked up high volume in spurts, ranking 12th in receptions and 16th in receiving yards. He’s the WR17 in expected fantasy points per game, but his one touchdown for the season has hurt his fantasy output. He only has three deep targets and four red zone looks (no red zone targets since Week 2), so the high-leverage usage has also been a problem. Overall, Flowers has soaked up a 24.1% target share and a 29.3% first-read share, producing 2.05 YPRR. Cleveland has the highest single high rate in the NFL (71.2%). Against single high, Flowers has seen his numbers soar with a 30.6% target share, 3.05 YPRR, and a 33.3% first-read share. Cleveland has become a matchup that shouldn’t strike fear in your heart, ranking 15th in PPR points per target allowed to perimeter wide receivers.

Cedric Tillman (WR)

Last week, in his first game as a full-time starter this season, Tillman had a 23.1% target share, a 36.7% air-yard share, 1.80 YPRR, and a 31.3% first-read share. He was battling David Njoku all game as the Browns’ go-to receiving option. Baltimore has utilized single high with 55.0% of their defensive snaps. Tillman ranks second on the team with a 19% TPRR against single high, but he has also only had 0.90 YPRR. Tillman’s lack of efficiency against single high is concerning, but Baltimore could help with that this week. The Ravens have allowed the 12th-highest PPR points per target and the third-most receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers this season.

Rashod Bateman (WR)

Rashod BAEman! Bateman is finally healthy, and everyone is getting a chance to see the player that I loved as a prospect. Bateman is currently on pace for 957 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns after his amazing Week 7 performance. Among 89 qualifying wide receivers, Bateman ranks third in separation score and seventh in route win rate. Those are elite numbers, no matter how ya slice it. Bateman has a 15.1% target share, a 29.1% air-yard share, 2.20 YPRR, and a 15% first-read share. Cleveland has the highest single high rate in the NFL (71.2%). Against single high, Bateman has seen his target share increase to 16.3% and his first-read share shoot up to 18.1%, but his YPRR has dropped to 1.41, so it’s a little bit of a mixed bag for Bateman. Another feather in his cap for this week is that Cleveland has struggled to defend deep passing. The Browns have allowed the fourth-most deep passing yards and have allowed the eighth-highest passer rating to targets 20 yards or further downfield. Bateman leads the team with seven deep targets. Bateman is a strong flex play this week. Cleveland ranks 15th in PPR points per target allowed to perimeter wide receivers.

Jerry Jeudy (WR)

Jeudy has been disappointing this season as the WR70 in fantasy points per game. Overall, he has drawn a 15.5% target share, a 30.3% air-yard share, and an 18.2% first-read share. Cleveland could be moving away from him as a focal point of the passing attack if last week was any indication of his role moving forward. Last week, he had a 7.7% target share and only a 12.5% first-read share. These market shares ranked fourth and third on the team last week. Baltimore has utilized single high with 55.0% of their defensive snaps. Against single high, Jeudy has had a 15.2% target share and a 17.3% first-read share with only 0.96 YPRR. Those are dreadful numbers, but the pass-defense matchup is wonderful this week. The Ravens have allowed the 12th-highest PPR points per target and the third-most receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers this season. Unfortunately, it doesn’t make me more inclined to play Jeudy in Week 8. He has had plenty of juicy matchups this season and squandered them. Jeudy is a sit this week unless you’re truly desperate in a deep league.

Christian Watson (WR)

Last week, Watson had a 44.4% route share and only a 6.1% target share, but I expect those numbers to go up this week with the matchup incoming. Since Week 3, Jacksonville has had the fourth-highest two high rate (55.1%) in the NFL. Against two high, Watson ranks fourth on the team in TPRR (19%), but he leads the team in YPRR (2.91) and FD/RR (0.125). If there was ever a week for Watson to post a juicy stat line, it would be Week 8. Jacksonville has allowed the seventh-highest PPR points per target and the second-most receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers.

Brian Thomas Jr. (WR)

Thomas Jr. is getting REALLY CLOSE to must-start status at this point. He is the WR15 in fantasy points per game and has scored at least 21 fantasy points in three of his last four games. Thomas Jr. has a 20.5% target share, a 29.5% air-yard share, 2.73 YPRR, and a 24.2% first-read share. The Packers have utilized single high on 55.3% of their defensive snaps. Against single high, Thomas Jr. has flourished with a 23.4% target share, 3.12 YPRR, and a 26.3% first-read share. Thomas Jr. should be the focal point of the Jaguars passing attack in Week 8. Green Bay has allowed the 14th-highest PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers.

Romeo Doubs (WR)

Since returning from his one-game hiatus, Doubs has been leading the team with a 21.5% target share, a 35.2% air-yard share, and a 24.4% first-read share. He has posted 2.51 YPRR and averaged 71.5 receiving yards per game. His usage as a focal point in the passing attack likely takes a one-week vacation against Jacksonville. Since Week 3, Jacksonville has had the fourth-highest two high rate (55.1%) in the NFL. Against two high, Doubs is third on the team with a 20% TPRR, fifth on the team with 1.29 YPRR, and third in first-read share (16.7%). Doubs is still flex viable, but don’t expect a stat line like the last two weeks. Jacksonville has allowed the seventh-highest PPR points per target and the second-most receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers.

Christian Kirk (WR)

Kirk’s usage has been so inconsistent this season. It has been maddening. He is the WR54 in fantasy points per game with a 19.1% target share, a 27.5% air-yard share, 1.72 YPRR, and a 24.2% first-read share. Kirk is second on the team in red zone targets. This looks like another week where he won’t be the focal point of the passing attack. The Packers have utilized single high on 55.3% of their defensive snaps. Against single high, Kirk has seen his target share drop to 17.7% with 1.35 YPRR and a 22.2% first-read share. Green Bay has shut down slot receivers, allowing the second-lowest PPR points per target. Sit Kirk if you can this week.

Gabe Davis (WR)

Davis has been a ghost for most of the season, and I don’t see that changing this week. The Packers have utilized single high on 55.3% of their defensive snaps. Against single high, Davis has had a 16.9% target share, 1.01 YPRR, and an 18.2% first-read share. Nothing in those metrics screams that this will be the week that he turns his season around. Drop Davis.

If you want to dive deeper into fantasy football, check out our award-winning slate of Fantasy Football Tools as you navigate your season. From our Start/Sit Assistant – which provides your optimal lineup based on accurate consensus projections – to our Waiver Wire Assistant, which allows you to quickly see which available players will improve your team and how much – we’ve got you covered this fantasy football season.

Week 8 Running Back Start/Sit Grades

Rank Grade Name Team Week 8
1 A+ Derrick Henry BAL CLE
2 A+ Saquon Barkley PHI CIN
3 A Breece Hall NYJ NE
4 A Joe Mixon HOU IND
5 A Kenneth Walker III SEA BUF
6 A Kyren Williams LAR MIN
7 A Bijan Robinson ATL TB
8 A Jordan Mason SF DAL
9 A Jahmyr Gibbs DET TEN
10 A Aaron Jones MIN LAR
11 A- Kareem Hunt KC LV
12 A- De’Von Achane MIA ARI
13 A- J.K. Dobbins LAC NO
14 B+ Josh Jacobs GB JAC
15 B+ James Cook BUF SEA
16 B+ D’Andre Swift CHI WAS
17 B James Conner ARI MIA
18 B Javonte Williams DEN CAR
19 B Alvin Kamara NO LAC
20 B David Montgomery DET TEN
21 B Tony Pollard TEN DET
22 B- Brian Robinson Jr. WAS CHI
23 B- Chuba Hubbard CAR DEN
24 B- Tank Bigsby JAC GB
25 B- Najee Harris PIT NYG
26 C+ Jonathan Taylor IND HOU
27 C+ Chase Brown CIN PHI
28 C+ Rhamondre Stevenson NE NYJ
29 C Rico Dowdle DAL SF
30 C Rachaad White TB ATL
31 C Bucky Irving TB ATL
32 C Alexander Mattison LV KC
33 C Raheem Mostert MIA ARI
34 C Nick Chubb CLE BAL
35 C Tyrone Tracy Jr. NYG PIT
36 C- Austin Ekeler WAS CHI
37 C- Zack Moss CIN PHI
38 C- Jaylen Warren PIT NYG
39 C- Tyler Allgeier ATL TB
40 D+ Devin Singletary NYG PIT
41 D+ Justice Hill BAL CLE
42 D Ty Chandler MIN LAR
43 D Ray Davis BUF SEA
44 D Kimani Vidal LAC NO
45 D Zach Charbonnet SEA BUF
46 D- Roschon Johnson CHI WAS
47 D- Tyler Goodson IND HOU
48 D- Jaleel McLaughlin DEN CAR
49 F Antonio Gibson NE NYJ
50 F Braelon Allen NYJ NE
51 F Emanuel Wilson GB JAC
52 F Travis Etienne Jr. JAC GB
53 F Sean Tucker TB ATL
54 F Blake Corum LAR MIN
55 F D’Ernest Johnson JAC GB
56 F Miles Sanders CAR DEN
57 F Pierre Strong Jr. CLE BAL
58 F Isaac Guerendo SF DAL
59 F Trey Sermon IND HOU
60 F Jaylen Wright MIA ARI
61 F Audric Estime DEN CAR
62 F Ezekiel Elliott DAL SF
63 F Dameon Pierce HOU IND
64 F Zamir White LV KC
65 F Kendre Miller NO LAC
66 F Ty Johnson BUF SEA
67 F Samaje Perine KC LV
68 F Trey Benson ARI MIA
69 F Emari Demercado ARI MIA
70 F Kenneth Gainwell PHI CIN
71 F D’Onta Foreman CLE BAL
72 F Dare Ogunbowale HOU IND
73 F JaMycal Hasty NE NYJ
74 F Carson Steele KC LV
75 F Jeremy McNichols WAS CHI
76 F Kyle Juszczyk SF DAL
77 F Ameer Abdullah LV KC
78 F Jamaal Williams NO LAC
79 F Julius Chestnut TEN DET
80 F Eric Gray NYG PIT
81 F Cam Akers MIN LAR
82 F Will Shipley PHI CIN
83 F Tyjae Spears TEN DET
84 F Khalil Herbert CHI WAS
85 F Jerome Ford CLE BAL
86 F Hassan Haskins LAC NO
87 F Alec Ingold MIA ARI
88 F Patrick Taylor Jr. SF DAL
89 F Patrick Ricard BAL CLE
90 F Hunter Luepke DAL SF
91 F C.J. Ham MIN LAR
92 F Cordarrelle Patterson PIT NYG
93 F Clyde Edwards-Helaire KC LV
94 F Chris Brooks GB JAC
95 F Michael Burton DEN CAR
96 F Ronnie Rivers LAR MIN
97 F Aaron Shampklin PIT NYG
98 F Raheem Blackshear CAR DEN
99 F Isaiah Davis NYJ NE
100 F Jonathan Ward PIT NYG
101 F Tyreik McAllister LV KC
102 F Jonathon Brooks CAR DEN
103 F Craig Reynolds DET TEN
104 F Trayveon Williams CIN PHI
105 F Nyheim Hines CLE BAL
106 F Sione Vaki DET TEN
107 F Chris Rodriguez Jr. WAS CHI
108 F Joshua Kelley TEN DET
109 F Kenny McIntosh SEA BUF
110 F Adam Prentice NO LAC
111 F Dylan Laube LV KC
112 F Reggie Gilliam BUF SEA
113 F Evan Hull IND HOU
114 F Jase McClellan ATL TB
115 F DeeJay Dallas ARI MIA
116 F Frank Gore Jr. BUF SEA
117 F Avery Williams ATL TB
118 F Dalvin Cook DAL SF
119 F Khari Blasingame CHI WAS
120 F Chris Collier BAL CLE

De’Von Achane (RB)

Last week, Achane returned to play 58% of the snaps with 17 touches and 85 total yards. Achane had a 48.6% snap rate on rushing plays, a 67.7% snapshare on passing downs, and a frightening 14.3% snap rate in the red zone. The red zone snap rate I’m not freaking out about too much, as Miami didn’t move the ball well all day, and they only had a total of seven snaps inside the 20-yard line. Achane looked arguably the best he has all season on a per-touch basis, with a 6.7% explosive run rate and a 20% missed tackle rate. He can continue to build upon last week’s encouraging game this week against a run defense that has allowed the seventh-most rushing yards per game, the fifth-highest rushing success rate, and the 13th-highest yards before contact per attempt. Miami’s offensive line had been a bottom-tier unit to being the season in run blocking, but they have at least pulled that up to respectable levels, ranking 15th in yards before contact per attempt. Achane should find plenty of running room in Week 8.

Raheem Mostert (RB)

Last week, Mostert played 33% of the snaps with 11 rushing attempts and 50 rushing yards. He was a zero in the passing game and only had a 29% snap rate on passing plays. He did, however, retain a red zone role with an 85.7% snap rate inside the 20-yard line. Now, it was only a seven-snap sample, so let’s not get carried away here. It was encouraging to see that Achane didn’t hog all the red zone work. Mostert didn’t look a ton better as a rusher last week. Yes, he posted an 18% missed tackle rate, but he had zero explosive runs and only 1.45 yards after contact per attempt. Mostert has seen his fantasy stock water down to be a touchdown-dependent flex/RB3. He could pay off this week, though, with a great rushing matchup that could help fluff his boxscore. Arizona has allowed the seventh-most rushing yards per game, the fifth-highest rushing success rate, and the 13th-highest yards before contact per attempt.

D’Andre Swift (RB)

Swift should have an awesome Week 8. He is the RB16 in fantasy points per game, ranking 15th in opportunity share, 13th in weighted opportunities, and 13th in snap share. Since Week 4, he has averaged 22.3 touches and 134.7 total yards per game. While Swift has been crushing for fantasy, that doesn’t mean that he has been amazing when it comes to breaking tackles. Among 66 qualifying backs, he is 50th in missed tackles forced per attempt and 60th in yards after contact per attempt. He has been greatly helped by his offensive line, who, since Week 4, ranks 11th-best in yards before contact per attempt. Swift should dominate on the ground this week against a run defense that has allowed the second-highest explosive run rate, the third-highest yards before contact per attempt, the second-highest yards per carry to gap runs, and the third-highest success rate to gap runs (Since Week 4, Swift 63% gap).

Brian Robinson Jr. (RB)

Robinson Jr. is the RB17 in fantasy points per game, averaging 15.5 touches and 77.3 total yards. In his last two games played, he has seen his volume cut as he is dealing with a knee issue. He has averaged 36% of the snaps with 9.5 touches and 44.5 total yards per game. Among 66 qualifying backs, he ranks 21st in explosive run rate, 27th in missed tackles forced per attempt, and 20th in yards after contact per attempt. With the volume reduction and the tough matchup incoming, consider fading Robinson Jr. this week. Chicago has held backs to the second-lowest missed tackle rate, the 11th-fewest rushing yards per game, and the seventh-lowest yards after contact per attempt.

Austin Ekeler (RB)

Over the last two games with Brian Robinson at less than full health but active, Ekeler played 41-49% of the snaps with seven touches and 58.5 total yards per game. He was the RB25 and the RB46 in weekly fantasy scoring. This week, Ekeler could play an elevated role again. I don’t expect Ekeler to have much success on the ground against a run defense that has held backs to the second-lowest missed tackle rate, the 11th-fewest rushing yards per game, and the seventh-lowest yards after contact per attempt. He likely won’t find many big plays in the passing game either, as the Bears have held backs to the second-lowest yards per reception. Ekeler is a deep-league flex at best.

Tyler Allgeier (RB)

Allgeier was shoved back into the handcuff-only bucket last week with only 23% of the snaps, six touches, and 45 total yards. Hold him on rosters where you can, but I wouldn’t be looking to flex him this week. If you’re forced to play him, the matchup is quite good, so I get it if you’re in a pinch. The Bucs have allowed the highest explosive run rate and yards after contact per attempt while also giving up the 14th-highest missed tackle rate.

Rachaad White (RB)

The Bucs made good on their proclamation to utilize three backs last week. White played 47% of the snaps overall with a 42% snap share on rushing plays, 50% of the passing down snaps, and 50% of the red zone snaps. He finished with 16 touches and 111 total yards (two scores) with the bulk of his production coming through the air (71 receiving yards). The backfield competition has lit a fire under White who is now excelling in tackle-breaking ranking 21st in missed tackles forced per attempt and 15th in yards after contact per attempt. White should have another productive day as the lead back for the Bucs. Atlanta has allowed the ninth-most rushing yards per game, the 11th-highest missed tackle rate, and top-eight success rates to zone and gap runs.

Week 8 Tight End Start/Sit Grades

Rank Grade Name Team Week 8
1 A+ George Kittle SF DAL
2 A Brock Bowers LV KC
3 A- Travis Kelce KC LV
4 B+ Trey McBride ARI MIA
5 B David Njoku CLE BAL
6 B Evan Engram JAC GB
7 B- Tucker Kraft GB JAC
8 C+ Jake Ferguson DAL SF
9 C+ Kyle Pitts ATL TB
10 C Cade Otton TB ATL
11 C Sam LaPorta DET TEN
12 C- Dalton Kincaid BUF SEA
13 C- Cole Kmet CHI WAS
14 D+ Hunter Henry NE NYJ
15 D+ Mark Andrews BAL CLE
16 D+ Dalton Schultz HOU IND
17 D Noah Fant SEA BUF
18 D Pat Freiermuth PIT NYG
19 D Zach Ertz WAS CHI
20 D- Jonnu Smith MIA ARI
21 D- Isaiah Likely BAL CLE
22 D- Taysom Hill NO LAC
23 F Colby Parkinson LAR MIN
24 F Will Dissly LAC NO
25 F Tyler Conklin NYJ NE
26 F Juwan Johnson NO LAC
27 F Ja’Tavion Sanders CAR DEN
28 F Chig Okonkwo TEN DET
29 F Noah Gray KC LV
30 F T.J. Hockenson MIN LAR
31 F Grant Calcaterra PHI CIN
32 F Mike Gesicki CIN PHI
33 F Johnny Mundt MIN LAR
34 F Erick All Jr. CIN PHI
35 F Theo Johnson NYG PIT
36 F Foster Moreau NO LAC
37 F Lucas Krull DEN CAR
38 F Austin Hooper NE NYJ
39 F Dawson Knox BUF SEA
40 F Josh Whyle TEN DET
41 F Harrison Bryant LV KC
42 F Darnell Washington PIT NYG
43 F Mo Alie-Cox IND HOU
44 F Gerald Everett CHI WAS
45 F AJ Barner SEA BUF
46 F Cade Stover HOU IND
47 F Adam Trautman DEN CAR
48 F Kylen Granson IND HOU
49 F Elijah Higgins ARI MIA
50 F Drew Ogletree IND HOU
51 F Jeremy Ruckert NYJ NE
52 F Charlie Kolar BAL CLE
53 F Nick Vannett TEN DET
54 F Ben Sinnott WAS CHI
55 F Dallas Goedert PHI CIN
56 F Hayden Hurst LAC NO
57 F Jordan Akins CLE BAL
58 F Brock Wright DET TEN
59 F Brenton Strange JAC GB
60 F Ben Sims GB JAC
61 F Luke Schoonmaker DAL SF
62 F Drew Sample CIN PHI
63 F Julian Hill MIA ARI
64 F Will Mallory IND HOU
65 F Tommy Tremble CAR DEN
66 F Josh Oliver MIN LAR
67 F Pharaoh Brown SEA BUF
68 F MyCole Pruitt PIT NYG
69 F Eric Saubert SF DAL
70 F Ian Thomas CAR DEN
71 F Tip Reiman ARI MIA
72 F Connor Heyward PIT NYG
73 F Nate Adkins DEN CAR
74 F Daniel Bellinger NYG PIT
75 F John Bates WAS CHI
76 F Stone Smartt LAC NO
77 F Hunter Long LAR MIN
78 F Durham Smythe MIA ARI
79 F Jody Fortson Jr. KC LV
80 F Geoff Swaim CLE BAL
81 F Charlie Woerner ATL TB
82 F Eric Tomlinson LAC NO
83 F Payne Durham TB ATL
84 F Luke Farrell JAC GB
85 F Chris Manhertz NYG PIT
86 F Jared Wiley KC LV
87 F John Samuel Shenker LV KC
88 F Quintin Morris BUF SEA
89 F Davis Allen LAR MIN
90 F Tanner Hudson CIN PHI
91 F Ko Kieft TB ATL
92 F Ross Dwelley ATL TB
93 F Brevyn Spann-Ford DAL SF
94 F Teagan Quitoriano HOU IND
95 F Donald Parham Jr. DEN CAR
96 F Jaheim Bell NE NYJ
97 F Jack Stoll PHI CIN
98 F Marcedes Lewis CHI WAS
99 F John FitzPatrick GB JAC
100 F Tanner Conner MIA ARI
101 F Anthony Firkser NYJ NE
102 F Shane Zylstra DET TEN
103 F Jake Tonges SF DAL
104 F Dallin Holker NO LAC
105 F Devin Culp TB ATL
106 F Brady Russell SEA BUF
107 F Brayden Willis SF DAL
108 F Colson Yankoff WAS CHI
109 F Josiah Deguara JAC GB

Cade Otton (TE)

Otton stands to get the biggest boost in the passing game with Chris Godwin and Mike Evans out. Since Week 3, he has been the TE9 in fantasy points per game, drawing an 18.9% target share with 1.68 YPRR and a 17.5% first-read share. Otton has seven red zone targets across his last six games. He is a strong TE1 this week with a middle-of-the-road matchup with Atlanta, who is 16th in receiving yards and 14th in fantasy points per game allowed to tight ends.

Noah Fant (TE)

Fant has seen his usage increase since Week 3 with a 10% target share, 1.62 YPRR, and an 11.7% first-read share. He’s had at least four receptions and 60 receiving yards in three of his last five games. The big problem for Fant is that his touchdown equity in this offense is nearly nothing. He hasn’t seen a red zone target since Week 1. This isn’t the week to chase those recent box scores, though. Buffalo has kept tight ends held at bay with the third-lowest yards per reception and the 12th-fewest fantasy points per game allowed.

Pat Freiermuth (TE)

Freiermuth is the TE16 in fantasy points per game, and he hasn’t seen a deep target this season, but he has four red zone looks in his last four games. He has a 14.2% target share with 1.49 YPRR and a 16.8% first-read share. He will remain a TE2 this week against a Giants team that has kept tight ends in check, giving up the eighth-fewest receiving yards and the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game.

David Njoku (TE)

Last week, without Amari Cooper, Njoku led the team with a 26.9% target share and a 31.3% first-read share. He secured ten of his 14 targets with 76 receiving yards and 1.65 YPRR. Njoku has one red zone target since his Week 6 return to a full-time role. He should smash again this week against a pass defense that has allowed the most receiving yards and the seventh-most fantasy points per game to tight ends.

Mark Andrews (TE)

Since Week 5, Andrews has settled into a consistent role. No, it’s not his former every-down role, but at least we know what to expect for fantasy right now. Over the last three games, he is the TE5 in fantasy points per game as he has run hot with touchdowns (three). He has had a 44.4% route share, which isn’t ideal, but he has been hyper-efficient with a 14.4% target share, 3.18 YPRR, 54 receiving yards per game, and a 15.6% first-read share. In saying that, this will likely be a down week for Andrews. Cleveland has stifled tight ends, allowing the seventh-fewest receiving yards and the fifth-fewest fantasy points per game.

Week 8 Defense / Special Teams Start/Sit Grades

Rank Grade Name Team Week 8
1 A+ Pittsburgh Steelers PIT NYG
2 A Denver Broncos DEN CAR
3 A Los Angeles Chargers LAC NO
4 A- Baltimore Ravens BAL CLE
5 A- Kansas City Chiefs KC LV
6 B+ Minnesota Vikings MIN LAR
7 B+ New York Jets NYJ NE
8 B Detroit Lions DET TEN
9 B Green Bay Packers GB JAC
10 B- San Francisco 49ers SF DAL
11 B- Buffalo Bills BUF SEA
12 B- Chicago Bears CHI WAS
13 C+ Houston Texans HOU IND
14 C+ Tampa Bay Buccaneers TB ATL
15 C Washington Commanders WAS CHI
16 C Miami Dolphins MIA ARI
17 C- Arizona Cardinals ARI MIA
18 C- Atlanta Falcons ATL TB
19 C- Philadelphia Eagles PHI CIN
20 D+ Cincinnati Bengals CIN PHI
21 D+ New England Patriots NE NYJ
22 D Dallas Cowboys DAL SF
23 D- New York Giants NYG PIT
24 D- Indianapolis Colts IND HOU
25 F Cleveland Browns CLE BAL
26 F Jacksonville Jaguars JAC GB
27 F Los Angeles Rams LAR MIN
28 F Seattle Seahawks SEA BUF
29 F Carolina Panthers CAR DEN
30 F New Orleans Saints NO LAC
31 F Las Vegas Raiders LV KC
32 F Tennessee Titans TEN DET

 

Week 8 Kicker Start/Sit Grades

Rank Grade Name Team Week 8
1 A Ka’imi Fairbairn HOU IND
2 B Brandon Aubrey DAL SF
3 B Wil Lutz DEN CAR
4 B- Will Reichard MIN LAR
5 C+ Justin Tucker BAL CLE
6 C+ Harrison Butker KC LV
7 C+ Jake Bates DET TEN
8 C+ Chris Boswell PIT NYG
9 C Younghoe Koo ATL TB
10 C Cameron Dicker LAC NO
11 C Evan McPherson CIN PHI
12 C Tyler Bass BUF SEA
13 C Brandon McManus GB JAC
14 C Austin Seibert WAS CHI
15 C Jason Myers SEA BUF
16 C Cairo Santos CHI WAS
17 C- Jason Sanders MIA ARI
18 C- Anders Carlson SF DAL
19 C- Jake Elliott PHI CIN
20 C- Chase McLaughlin TB ATL
21 D+ Chad Ryland ARI MIA
22 D+ Cam Little JAC GB
23 D Joshua Karty LAR MIN
24 D Matt Gay IND HOU
25 D Greg Zuerlein NYJ NE
26 D- Daniel Carlson LV KC
27 D- Joey Slye NE NYJ
28 D- Dustin Hopkins CLE BAL
29 F Nick Folk TEN DET
30 F Blake Grupe NO LAC
31 F Eddy Pineiro CAR DEN
32 F Greg Joseph NYG PIT