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I love the NFL so much. The ever-changing weekly storylines, the wild wide receiver trades (hello, DeAndre Hopkins), the yearly surprise teams (Washington), and so much more. It’s an exhilarating and chaotic 22 weeks of football.
Can you believe it’s already Week 8? Every season flies by in the blink of an eye, so cherish it. During the games his weekend, as you scroll through all of your fantasy football lineups, order an extra set of wings, pop an extra cold beverage, hug your loved ones a little tighter during those tense moments in the red zone, and enjoy every single moment of this universal bonding experience.
Without further ado, welcome to the Week 8 Primer. Enjoy.
MIN vs. LAR | BAL vs. CLE | GB vs. JAC | IND vs. HOU | TEN vs. DET | ARI vs. MIA | CHI vs. WAS | NYJ vs. NE | ATL vs. TB | NO vs. LAC | BUF vs. SEA | CAR vs. DEN | PHI vs. CIN | KC vs. LV | DAL vs. SF | NYG vs. PIT
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Fantasy Football Primer
Minnesota Vikings vs. Los Angeles Rams
Pace and playcalling notes
- Minnesota continues to run slow (tenth-slowest neutral pace) while operating with a pass-happy focus (ninth-best in neutral passing rate).
- The Rams remain quick and pass-focused, ranking seventh in neutral pace and tenth in neutral passing rate.
Vikings Players & Weekly Rankings
Rams Players & Weekly Rankings
Must-Start
These are no-brainer MUST starts.
Strong Starts
Here are players that should be in starting consideration for most fantasy teams.
Sam Darnold (QB)
Darnold is a strong streaming option this week. He is the QB15 in fantasy points per game and excels in nearly every per-dropback metric you can find. Among 39 qualifying quarterbacks, Darnold is fifth in yards per attempt, seventh in passer rating, and sixth in CPOE. He is also fourth in passing touchdowns. Darnold faces a burnable secondary for the Rams, who have allowed the sixth-highest yards per attempt, the tenth-highest passer rating, and the ninth-highest success rate per dropback.
Aaron Jones (RB)
Jones continues to surpass any offseason expectations for his 2024 season as the RB11 in fantasy points per game. In his full games played, he has averaged 19.4 touches and 116 total yards. Among 65 qualifying backs, he ranks 11th in explosive run rate and third in yards after contact per attempt. Jones should run wild again this week against a run defense that has allowed the sixth-highest rushing success rate, the fourth-most rushing yards per game, and the fifth-highest missed tackle rate.
Jordan Addison (WR)
Addison has motored along as the WR37 in fantasy points per game with an 18% target share, a 33.3% air-yard share, 2.09 YPRR, and a 24.3% first-read share. He has only one end-zone target this season. The Rams have utilized single high at the fifth-highest rate this season (61.5%). Against single-high, Addison has seen his target share rise to 19.7%, his YPRR drops slightly to 1.85, and his first-read share increase to 26.7%. Addison should post strong numbers this week, working against a secondary that has allowed the fifth-highest PPR points per target and the eighth-most receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers.
Colby Parkinson (TE)
Parkinson has been a matchup-based streaming option this season. The matchup is right this week, so we should consider going back to the well. Parkinson is the TE22 in fantasy points per game with a 16.6% target share, 1.20 YPRR, and a 14.9% first-read share. Minnesota has the highest two high rate in the NFL (71.8%). Against two high, Parkinson has seen his target share bump to 18.4% and his YPRR slightly rise to 1.33. The Vikings have allowed the 11th-highest fantasy points per game to tight ends.
Fantasy Football Week 8 Flex Plays & Fades
Tread lightly with these players who are questionable starts or players I’m fading this week.
Matthew Stafford (QB)
Stafford is an easy sit candidate this week. He is the QB34 in fantasy points per game and hasn’t had at least 16 fantasy points in any start this season. Among 39 qualifying quarterbacks, he ranks 20th in yards per attempt, 34th in fantasy points per dropback, and has the eighth-fewest passing touchdowns. Minnesota has been a pass funnel this season as their run defense has been elite, so they are allowing production with the second-most passing yards per game and the seventh-most passing touchdowns allowed. The per-dropback efficiency hasn’t been there for passers, though, as they have held quarterbacks to the fourth-lowest passer rating and the 13th-lowest yards per attempt. Stafford could post healthy passing yardage numbers this week, but the touchdowns could still go to the ground game. Los Angeles ranks 11th in red zone rushing rate.
Jordan Whittington (WR)
Whittington has been ruled out (shoulder).
Puka Nacua (WR)
Nacua has been activated and will play tonight, per reports. It’s impossible to feel confident in starting Nacua tonight with his snap share and role a mystery. If your team is decimated by injuries, I understand if you’re forced to start him, but I wouldn’t feel great about it. You’re hoping that he spikes a touchdown in what could be a limited snap role in Week 8. The Vikings have allowed the second-most receiving yards per game and the eighth-most fantasy points per game to perimeter wide receivers.
Tutu Atwell (WR)
Since becoming a starter again in the Rams offense (Week 3), Atwell hasn’t finished lower in weekly fantasy scoring than WR35 (WR33, WR35, WR35, WR24). Over this four-game stretch, he has had a 23.6% target share, a 32.1% air-yard share, 2.54 YPRR, and a 32.6% first-read share. Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua’s return will impact these market share numbers, but Atwell remains a decent flex play this week regardless. Minnesota has the highest two high rate in the NFL (71.8%). Against two high, Atwell has a 24% TPRR, 2.13 YPRR, and a 30.6% first-read share. The Vikings have allowed the second-most receiving yards per game and the eighth-most fantasy points per game to perimeter wide receivers.
T.J. Hockenson (TE)
Hockenson has been ruled out for Week 8.
MIN vs. LAR | BAL vs. CLE | GB vs. JAC | IND vs. HOU | TEN vs. DET | ARI vs. MIA | CHI vs. WAS | NYJ vs. NE | ATL vs. TB | NO vs. LAC | BUF vs. SEA | CAR vs. DEN | PHI vs. CIN | KC vs. LV | DAL vs. SF | NYG vs. PIT
Baltimore Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns
Pace and playcalling notes
- Baltimore has the eighth-fastest pace while ranking second in neutral rushing rate.
- The Browns have the 11th-slowest neutral pace while ranking fifth in neutral passing rate.
Ravens Players & Weekly Rankings
Browns Players & Weekly Rankings
Must-Start
These are no-brainer MUST starts.
Strong Starts
Here are players that should be in starting consideration for most fantasy teams.
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.
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.
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.
Fantasy Football Week 8 Flex Plays & Fades
Tread lightly with these players who are questionable starts or players I’m fading this week.
Jerome Ford (RB)
Ford has been ruled out (hamstring).
Nick Chubb (RB)
Last week, Chubb made his 2024 debut with 36% of the snaps played with 12 touches and 32 total yards. As expected, he looked rusty, with only a 9% missed tackle rate and 1.73 yards after contact per attempt. Keep Chubb on the bench this week. Baltimore has fielded one of the best run defenses in the NFL this season. Baltimore has held rushers to the fewest rushing yards per game, the third-lowest explosive run rate, and the fourth-lowest missed tackle rate.
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.
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.
MIN vs. LAR | BAL vs. CLE | GB vs. JAC | IND vs. HOU | TEN vs. DET | ARI vs. MIA | CHI vs. WAS | NYJ vs. NE | ATL vs. TB | NO vs. LAC | BUF vs. SEA | CAR vs. DEN | PHI vs. CIN | KC vs. LV | DAL vs. SF | NYG vs. PIT
Green Bay Packers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Pace and playcalling notes
- Green Bay remains run-balanced, ranking 15th in neutral pace and with the 13th-best neutral rushing rate.
- Jacksonville has the 14th-lowest neutral pace while ranking eighth in neutral passing rate.
Packers Players & Weekly Rankings
Jaguars Players & Weekly Rankings
Must-Start
These are no-brainer MUST starts.
Strong Starts
Here are players that should be in starting consideration for most fantasy teams.
Tank Bigsby (RB)
Last week, Bigsby played a season-high 66% of the snaps with 26 carries and 118 rushing yards. He still barely saw any passing work with only one target (two targets all season), but he did play 47.6% of the passing down snaps, which is a big uptick. He remains a dynamic threat on early downs. Among 66 qualifying backs, he ranks eighth in explosive run rate, 18th in missed tackles forced per attempt, and first in yards after contact per attempt. The Packers aren’t the smash matchup that they once were. Green Bay has allowed the 11th-lowest missed tackle rate, the 13th-fewest rushing yards per game, the 12th-lowest yards per carry to gap runs, and the tenth-lowest gap run success rate (Bigsby 52.2% gap).
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.
Tucker Kraft (TE)
Kraft has been awesome this season. There’s no denying it. Overall, he is the TE7 in fantasy points per game. Since Week 4, he has been the TE3 in fantasy points per game, behind only George Kittle and Brock Bowers. Since Week 4, he has had a 13.1% target share with 1.57 YPRR and an 11.8% first-read share. He’s a YAC gawd. Among 55 qualifying tight ends, he ranks third in yards after the catch per reception and first in missed tackles forced. Kraft should destroy the Jags’ defense this week. They have allowed the second-most yards after the catch in the NFL. Jacksonville has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game and the seventh-most receiving yards to tight ends.
Fantasy Football Week 8 Flex Plays & Fades
Tread lightly with these players who are questionable starts or players I’m fading 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.
Josh Jacobs (RB)
Jacobs has been a solid RB2 as the RB24 in fantasy points per game. He has averaged 19.4 touches and 93.8 total yards per game. Among 68 qualifying backs, he ranks 28th in missed tackles forced per attempt and 20th in yards after contact per attempt. Jacobs ranks 19th in opportunity share, sixth in weighted opportunities, and 12th in red zone touches. Jacobs will sadly be running into brick walls this week. He’ll need all the volume and touchdown equity he can get to pay off for fantasy. Jacksonville has allowed the seventh-fewest rushing yards per game, the fourth-lowest missed tackle rate, and the third-lowest yards after contact per attempt.
Travis Etienne Jr. (RB)
Etienne only managed limited practices all week (hamstring). This was his exact practice participation last week before being ruled out. He has been deemed a game-time decision this week. I lean that Etienne will sit this week again. Even if he suits up, he could be on a snap count or split the passing down work with D’Ernest Johnson while Tank Bigsby handles most of the early down load. The latest news has Etienne as a long shot to play this week.
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.
MIN vs. LAR | BAL vs. CLE | GB vs. JAC | IND vs. HOU | TEN vs. DET | ARI vs. MIA | CHI vs. WAS | NYJ vs. NE | ATL vs. TB | NO vs. LAC | BUF vs. SEA | CAR vs. DEN | PHI vs. CIN | KC vs. LV | DAL vs. SF | NYG vs. PIT
Indianapolis Colts vs. Houston Texans
Pace and playcalling notes
- Indy continues ranking second in neutral pace and sixth in neutral rushing rate.
- Houston is another run-balanced team, ranking 17th in neutral pace and 15th in neutral passing rate.
Colts Players & Weekly Rankings
Texans Players & Weekly Rankings
Must-Start
These are no-brainer MUST starts.
Strong Starts
Here are players that should be in starting consideration for most fantasy teams.
Stefon Diggs (WR)
Diggs is the WR12 in fantasy points per game, ranking 16th among wide receivers in red zone targets. Over the last two games without Nico Collins, he leads the team with a 26.4% target share, 44.5% air-yard share, 1.96 YPRR, and ranks second with a 34.4% first-read share. He is also tied for the team lead in end-zone targets in this small sample. Indy is tenth in single high rate (57.3%). Against single high, Diggs has led the team with a 26% target share and a 30.4% first-read share while posting 2.29 YPRR. He should be C.J. Stroud‘s main squeeze this week. Since Week 6 among 48 qualifying wide receivers against single high, Diggs ranks 11th in separation and eighth in route win rate. Indy has allowed the 12th-most receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers.
Tank Dell (WR)
With Nico Collins sidelined Dell has a 24.5% target share, a 33.9% air-yard share, a saddening 1.04 YPRR, and a team-leading 37.5% first-read share. He was the WR16 in fantasy in Week 6 before getting blanked with zero fantasy points in Week 7. The Texans’ passing offense fell apart last week as C.J. Stroud was under duress all day. Dell has three red zone targets in his last four games. Indy is tenth in single high rate (57.3%). Against single high, Dell has had a 20.6% target share, 1.39 YPRR, and a 21.9% first-read share. This could be a huge bounceback game for this passing attack. Since Week 6, among 48 qualifying wide receivers, Dell ranks sixth in separation and route win rate against single high. Indy has allowed the 12th-most receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers.
Dalton Schultz (TE)
Without Nico Collins, Schultz has had a 17% target share with 1.22 YPRR and a 12.5% first-read share. Sadly, Schultz has only two red zone targets this season and hasn’t seen a look inside the 20-yard line since Week 4. That could change this week against a pass defense that has bled out production to tight ends. Indy has allowed the ninth-most receiving yards and the fifth-most fantasy points per game to tight ends.
Fantasy Football Week 8 Flex Plays & Fades
Tread lightly with these players who are questionable starts or players I’m fading this week.
Anthony Richardson (QB)
Good lawd, it has been bad for Richardson. Since Week 2, in his full games played, he hasn’t eclipsed 13 fantasy points in any start. In those three games, he averaged 39 rushing yards, which wasn’t nearly enough to overcome his passing miscues. Brace yourself for what you’re about to read. Ok, the disclaimer has been issued. Here we go. Among 39 qualifying quarterbacks, Richardson is 38th in passer rating and CPOE with the highest off-target throw rate and the second-highest turnover-worthy throw rate. At this point, Richardson is a sit until his passing improves, or he can compensate with more rushing production. Houston has allowed the second-lowest yards per attempt, the 13th-lowest passer rating, and the third-lowest CPOE to quarterbacks.
Michael Pittman Jr. (WR)
Pittman is the WR44 in fantasy points per game, ranking tenth among wideouts in red zone targets. In Anthony Richardson‘s four starts, Pittman hasn’t finished higher than WR37 in weekly fantasy scoring or surpassed 63 receiving yards. This passing offense has struggled with Richardson under center. Overall, Pittman has had a 21.9% target share, a 23.7% air-yard share, 1.75 YPRR, and a 23.8% first-read share. It’s tough to get excited about Pittman this week as anything more than a WR3/4 or flex play. Houston ranks 15th in PPR points per target and has allowed the 13th-most receiving yards to perimeter wide receivers.
Josh Downs (WR)
Downs has averaged 3.2 fantasy points per game with Anthony Richardson under center. Yep, you read that correctly. He hasn’t finished with more than 22 receiving yards in either of their two games on the field together. Downs’ low aDOT role is doomed weekly without volume. With Richardson, Downs has had an 18.2% target share, which has amounted to four targets and 12.5 receiving yards per game. Downs is a weekly sit candidate until this passing attack displays a pulse. Houston has allowed the fourth-fewest receiving yards per game to slot receivers.
Alec Pierce (WR)
Add Pierce to the must-sit Colts weekly. As Indy’s field stretcher, 57.7% of his target volume has come from downfield targets. While he is currently the best option to outkick volume concerns in this passing attack weekly with big plays, this isn’t the week to consider him as a volatile flex play. Houston has allowed the sixth-lowest passer rating and the third-lowest CPOE to deep passing this season. Sit Pierce.
MIN vs. LAR | BAL vs. CLE | GB vs. JAC | IND vs. HOU | TEN vs. DET | ARI vs. MIA | CHI vs. WAS | NYJ vs. NE | ATL vs. TB | NO vs. LAC | BUF vs. SEA | CAR vs. DEN | PHI vs. CIN | KC vs. LV | DAL vs. SF | NYG vs. PIT
