Fantasy Football Player Notes
Week 8 Rankings
1.
Breece Hall
RB - NYJ (at NE)
Breece Hall posted his highest weekly fantasy total of the season a week ago. That is the good news. The bad news is that Hall registered fewer than 40 rushing yards for the third time in the last four games. He is now averaging less than 50 rushing yards per game. Hall should have a chance to elevate those numbers this week against a New England defense that ranks 30th in defensive DVOA. The Jets are favored by a touchdown on Sunday. If this game plays out as expected, Hall could benefit from a positive game script. Hall has at least 21 opportunities five times in seven games, so his workload should be secure in a favorable matchup.
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2.
Derrick Henry
RB - BAL (at CLE)
It was entertaining if nothing else watching Monday's telecast and listening to Joe Buck and Troy Aikman try to figure out if there was something wrong with Derrick Henry because of a relatively light first-half workload. By the time the game had ended, Henry had 169 rushing yards and a 13-yard touchdown catch. It was Henry's sixth consecutive top-nine weekly fantasy finish. Fantasy managers should continue to ride Henry until the wheels fall off, even if Baltimore wisely displays more discretion with their star running back. Cleveland's defense has been serviceable in the run game, but there is no reason to get cute and fade Henry in this matchup.
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3.
Saquon Barkley
RB - PHI (at CIN)
Saquon Barkley trounced his former team to the tune of 176 rushing yards last week. He ran for a score and added two catches, finishing as the overall RB2 for the week. The motivation may not be the same for Barkley this week, but the matchup is certainly favorable. The Cincinnati Bengals rank 31st in the NFL in EPA versus the run this season. They have also allowed seven rushing touchdowns to opposing backs. That is tied for fifth-most in the NFL. Barkley should continue to reward fantasy managers with big numbers in Week 8.
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4.
Joe Mixon
RB - HOU (vs . IND)
Fun fact: Derrick Henry is on pace to set the NFL single-season rushing record. He has three top-four weekly finishes in seven games. What does this have to do with Joe Mixon? Well, Mixon also has three top-four finishes despite only playing in four games. One of those games was the season-opener against the Indianapolis Colts. In that game, Mixon carried the ball 30 times for 159 yards. Mixon gets the Colts again in Week 8. Though it is still October, this game could go a long way towards deciding the AFC South. Look for Houston to continue riding Mixon in this matchup, particularly with how their passing game has sputtered since losing Nico Collins.
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5.
Kenneth Walker III
RB - SEA (vs . BUF)
Though not quite as efficient as Joe Mixon, Kenneth Walker III has now finished as the weekly RB9 or better three times in five games this season. Walker III could be in for another big day in Week 8. He faces a Buffalo Bills defense that has allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs this year. Seattle may also be without top wide receiver DK Metcalf in this matchup. His absence would likely cause the Seahawks to lean on the run game more than they have to this point. Walker III is averaging 13 carries per game, compared to 14.6 a season ago. Do not be surprised if Walker III sets a new season-high in touches on Sunday. He hasn't needed that type of volume to reward his fantasy managers, but it certainly wouldn't hurt to see him earn a few additional carries.
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6.
Jordan Mason
RB - SF (vs . DAL)
Unfortunately, it looks like Jordan Mason is limping towards the finish line as his time as a fantasy RB1 appears to be coming to a close. Mason has finished outside the top 24 in three consecutive weeks and four of his last five games. He should be able to turn that around in Week 8 when San Francisco hosts the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas ranks 29th in DVOA versus the run while ranking dead last in DVOA versus running backs as wide receivers. Mason is not necessarily a threat out of the backfield, but he should get all the work he can handle this week. The 49ers are dealing with a litany of injuries and have an upcoming bye. They will probably get Christian McCaffrey back after the bye, which means they can unleash Mason in this game. Mason is dealing with a shoulder injury, so monitor his status heading into Sunday. If he can go without limitations, he could exceed 25 touches in Week 8.
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7.
Kyren Williams
RB - LAR (vs . MIN)
Kyren Williams by the numbers this year: nine touchdowns, five games with at least 21 offensive touches, and two punt returns. Congrats to those fantasy managers who tuned out the preseason noise. Williams is currently fourth in fantasy points among running backs despite the Los Angeles Rams already having their bye week. Even with the imminent returns of Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, it is hard to imagine Sean McVay dialing back Williams' usage much if at all. Williams averages nearly 22 touches per game, which is right where he was at last year. Williams has a difficult Week 8 matchup against a Minnesota Vikings team that is the top defensive unit in the league. But continue to fade Williams at your own peril.
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8.
Bijan Robinson
RB - ATL (at TB)
Is it finally happening? Bijan Robinson has posted back-to-back top-10 weekly fantasy finishes for the first time since the first two weeks of his NFL career. Robinson enters Week 8 as the overall RB6 in total fantasy points, ranking 11th in points per game. He gets a matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the road this week. The Bucs are a better run defense than pass defense. However, Alvin Kamara and Derrick Henry combined for nearly 40 fantasy points over the past two weeks versus Tampa Bay. Keep Robinson locked into lineups as a solid RB1 this week.
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9.
Jahmyr Gibbs
RB - DET (vs . TEN)
Before their Week 5 bye, the Detroit Lions had done a seemingly impossible job of splitting the fantasy goodness almost evenly between its top two running backs. Jahmyr Gibbs had four straight games where he finished between RB9 and RB16, while David Montgomery landed between RB8 and RB18 in all four games. However, things have not been quite as harmonious coming out of the bye. Two weeks ago, Montgomery was the RB5 while Gibbs was the RB23. But last week, Gibbs led all running backs in fantasy points, while Montgomery was the RB35. Gibbs is the safer bet of the two to post RB1 numbers this week, but his floor may be slightly lower than some of the other running backs in this range.
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10.
Kareem Hunt
RB - KC (at LV)
Since taking over as Kansas City's clear starting tailback over the last two games, Hunt has played at least 63% of the snaps weekly with weekly fantasy finishes as RB5 and RB11. He has averaged 26 touches and 100 total yards per game. He hasn't broken off an explosive run yet while posting a 16% missed tackle rate and 2.35 yards after contact per attempt. Nothing in that tackle-breaking profile is great or impressive, but Hunt is getting all the work and will remain a strong fantasy option until that changes (if it does). Las Vegas has allowed the seventh-highest explosive run rate and yards after contact per attempt and the tenth-most rushing yards per game. Hunt should crush again this week.
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11.
Aaron Jones
RB - MIN (at LAR)
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.
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12.
De'Von Achane
RB - MIA (vs . ARI)
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.
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13.
Justin Jefferson
WR - MIN (at LAR)
Justin Jefferson caught his fifth touchdown pass in six games last week, albeit in a losing effort. Jefferson has also surpassed 80 receiving yards five times this season, making him one of the most consistent wide receivers across the fantasy landscape. The Vikings star has a chance to build on those numbers when Minnesota travels to Los Angeles to face the Rams this week. Los Angeles is a bottom-10 passing defense and has allowed seven touchdowns to opposing wideouts this year. Jefferson should continue to roll in this matchup.
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14.
Josh Jacobs
RB - GB (at JAC)
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.
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15.
J.K. Dobbins
RB - LAC (vs . NO)
Dobbins is the RB18 in fantasy points per game, ranking 19th in opportunity share, 18th in weighted opportunities, and 11th in carries. He has averaged 18.3 touches and 92.4 total yards per game. Among 66 qualifying backs, Dobbins ranks 27th in explosive run rate and 23rd in missed tackles forced per attempt. Dobbins should destroy the Saints' run defense this week. New Orleans has allowed the fourth-most rushing yards per game, the third-most rushing touchdowns (tied), the highest yards per carry to gap runs, and the second-highest gap success rate (Dobbins 52.6% gap).
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16.
D'Andre Swift
RB - CHI (at WAS)
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).
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17.
James Conner
RB - ARI (at MIA)
Conner is the RB21 in fantasy points per game and has finished as a top-20 fantasy back in five of his seven games. He ranks 11th in snap share, 13th in opportunity share, and tenth in weighted opportunities and red zone touches. Conner has averaged 17.6 touches and 91.9 total yards per game. Among 66 qualifying backs, he leads the group in missed tackles forced per attempt and is 18th in yards after contact per attempt. He should post another stellar stat line this week against a Miami run defense that has allowed the third-most rushing scores (tied), the sixth-highest missed tackle rate, the second-highest yards after contact per attempt, and the fourth-highest yards per carry to gap runs (Conner 69.7% gap).
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18.
Ja'Marr Chase
WR - CIN (vs . PHI)
Ja'Marr Chase has now scored at least 15 fantasy points in four of his last five games. He has done all of this while only earning more than seven targets once all season. Chase should continue to be a high-upside WR1 in an above-average Week 8 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. This game has shootout appeal which could increase Chase's target share. The Eagles allow the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing wideouts while allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to running backs and the fewest points to tight ends.
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19.
Javonte Williams
RB - DEN (vs . CAR)
Williams has slowly begun to flash his former form in recent weeks, with RB12 and RB5 weekly finishes in two of his last three games. Overall, he has averaged 13.7 touches and 66.7 total yards. He should pile on another banner day for his resume this week. Williams is 14th in weighted opportunities and third in targets among running backs. Among 66 qualifying backs, he ranks 11th in missed tackles forced per attempt and 35th in yards after contact per attempt. Carolina has allowed the most rushing yards per game and fantasy points to rushing while also giving up the 12th-highest yards after contact per attempt and fourth-highest rushing success rate.
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20.
A.J. Brown
WR - PHI (at CIN)
A.J. Brown has only played in half of Philadelphia's six games thus far this year. Yet he leads the team's wide receiver corps in fantasy points entering Week 8. Brown has at least five catches and 89 yards in all three contests. He has also scored a touchdown in all three games he has played. That has allowed him to finish inside the top-seven in each week. It will be hard to bet against him reaching those numbers yet again this week. Philadelphia faces a below-average Cincinnati Bengals pass defense. We could see a lot of scoring on both sides in this game, making Brown a must-start in all leagues.
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21.
David Montgomery
RB - DET (vs . TEN)
Montgomery is the RB13 in fantasy points per game, ranking 17th in carries and seventh in red zone touches. He has averaged 16.2 touches and 85.9 total yards. Among 66 qualifying backs, he is 20th in explosive run rate and 29th in missed tackles forced per attempt. He'll have to rely on his volume and touchdown equity to carry him this week. Tennessee has the third-highest stuff rate while yielding the sixth-lowest missed tackle rate and yards after contact per attempt and the eighth-fewest fantasy points to rushing.
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22.
James Cook
RB - BUF (at SEA)
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23.
Tyreek Hill
WR - MIA (vs . ARI)
Fantasy managers have been waiting for the return to relevancy for Miami Dolphins wideout Tyreek Hill. After scoring 22.5 fantasy points in Week 1, Hill has totaled just 28.5 points over his last five games. Not coincidentally, this dry spell has coincided with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's most recent concussion. Tagovailoa appears ready to return this week, just in time to face Arizona's 29th-ranked pass defense. Tyreek Hill should have a bounce-back game this week as long as there are no setbacks concerning Tagovailoa's health.
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24.
Brian Robinson Jr.
RB - WAS (vs . CHI)
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.
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25.
CeeDee Lamb
WR - DAL (at SF)
CeeDee Lamb enters Week 8 as the overall WR16 in Half-PPR total scoring. If that feels like a disappointment, consider that he was the overall WR22 at this time a year ago. Of course, that does not guarantee that the Cowboys' stud receiver will go on a two-month run similar to the one he went on in 2023. But it should serve as an indicator that not all hope should be lost quite yet. The problem as it relates to this week is that Dallas faces San Francisco. The 49ers are a very tough defense against the wide receiver position. Lamb should get plenty of volume this week, but efficiency may be an issue.
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26.
Amon-Ra St. Brown
WR - DET (vs . TEN)
A disappointing Week 1 performance from Amon-Ra St. Brown has long since been forgotten in fantasy circles. The Lions star wide receiver enters Week 8 inside the top 10 overall on the year. St. Brown should continue to be quarterback Jared Goff's top target this week against the Tennessee Titans. Tennessee has a top-six run defense based on both DVOA and EPA. However, they are in the middle of the pack in terms of pass defense. St. Brown should continue to be a staple of Week 8 fantasy lineups regardless of format.
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27.
Najee Harris
RB - PIT (vs . NYG)
Harris is the RB25 in fantasy points per game, ranking 21st in opportunity share, fourth in red zone touches, and fourth in total carries. Since Jaylen Warren's return in Week 6, Harris has played 46-49% of the snaps overall while averaging 18.5 touches and 112 total yards. He has played 60% of the rushing play snaps and only 38% of the passing play snaps, but he has still dominated the red zone work with a 61% snap rate inside the 20-yard line. Among 66 qualifying backs, Harris is 18th in explosive run rate and 22nd in missed tackles forced per attempt. He gets a dream matchup on the ground this week. New York has allowed the eighth-most rushing yards per game, the fourth-highest explosive run rate, and the second-highest missed tackle rate.
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28.
Tony Pollard
RB - TEN (at DET)
Pollard has surpassed every off-season expectation for him this season. He is the RB20 in fantasy points per game, ranking 15th in opportunity share, 13th in weighted opportunities, 13th in carries, and seventh in targets among running backs. Pollard has averaged 18.7 touches and 81 total yards. Among 66 qualifying backs, Pollard ranks 32nd in missed tackles forced per attempt and tenth in yards after contact per attempt. Detroit has been an incredible run defense, but there's some sneaky hope for Pollard this week when looking at the deeper metrics. The Lions have allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points to rushing, the fifth-fewest rushing yards per game, and the third-lowest yards after contact per attempt. All of that sounds like nightmare fuel, no doubt, but Detroit has also been terrible at defending gap runs. They are elite versus zone concepts, but the Lions have given up the fifth-highest yards per carry to gap runs and the 13th-highest rushing success rate to the run type (Pollard 69.1% gap). If Pollard can break one long run and possibly get into the end zone, he'll likely pay off this week with the remaining volume he'll rack up.
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29.
Chuba Hubbard
RB - CAR (at DEN)
Hubbard is the RB16 in fantasy points per game, averaging 17.8 touches and 90 total yards. He is 12th in snap share and opportunity share while also ranking fourth in weighted opportunities and ninth in red zone touches. Among 66 qualifying backs, he ranks 25th in explosive run rate and 29th in yards after contact per attempt. Hubbard will be skating uphill this week. Denver has brick-walled backs with the 11th-lowest explosive run rate, the tenth-fewest rushing yards per game, the 13th-lowest missed tackle rate, and the 14th-lowest rushing success rate.
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30.
Alvin Kamara
RB - NO (at LAC)
Kamara is the RB5 in fantasy points per game, ranking fifth in snap share, seventh in opportunity share, and first in weighted opportunities. He has been a volume king, ranking sixth in carries and first in targets among running backs, while he has averaged 20.8 touches and 98.6 total yards. He remains a terrible tackle-breaker, but with the volume he sees, it hasn't mattered much. Among 66 qualifying backs, Kamara ranks 51st in missed tackles forced per attempt and yards after contact per attempt. Kamara faces a Bolts run defense that has allowed the ninth-highest missed tackle rate, has the ninth-lowest stuff rate, and has given up the eighth-highest zone rushing success rate (Kamara 72.1% zone).
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31.
Drake London
WR - ATL (at TB)
Another week, another touchdown catch for Drake London. London has now caught a touchdown in five of his last six games. His yardage totals have been relatively modest except for Week 5, where he went off for 154 of Kirk Cousins' 509 passing yards. That game was against Tampa Bay, and the Buccaneers just so happen to be London's Week 8 opponent. While a repeat of their last meeting may be asking too much, fantasy managers should continue to trust London versus a Buccaneers defense that has allowed seven receiving touchdowns from wide receivers in their last four games.
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32.
Jonathan Taylor
RB - IND (at HOU)
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33.
Tank Bigsby
RB - JAC (vs . GB)
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. We still need more news regarding Travis Etienne's status for Week 8 for a final call with Bigsby's outlook. 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).
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34.
Jayden Reed
WR - GB (at JAC)
After finishing as a top-25 fantasy wide receiver in all four of Jordan Love's starts, Jayden Reed posted a 2-10-0 line last week. Yikes. Fantasy managers will just have to chalk it up to one of those weeks. Reed played his normal allotment of snaps, so there should not be anything to worry about moving forward. Reed is back on the WR1 radar for Week 8 when Green Bay faces the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jacksonville has the league's worst passing defense, and they have been particularly generous to opposing wide receivers of late. The Jaguars have given up seven total touchdowns to opposing wideouts over the last four weeks. No NFL team has allowed more. Reed should regain his perch as the Packers' top receiving threat in this matchup.
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35.
Tee Higgins
WR - CIN (vs . PHI)
It took Tee Higgins a while to get going following an injury that cost him the first two games of the season. Higgins finished outside the top 40 in his first two games back but has responded by ranking fourth among wide receivers in fantasy points across the last three weeks. Of course, one of the three receivers ahead of him is on his team (Ja"Marr Chase) but fantasy managers aren't complaining. Higgins has a high probability of keeping managers happy in Week 8 versus the Philadelphia Eagles. Philadelphia has funneled fantasy production to wideouts and both offenses should put up points. All of this makes Tee Higgins an intriguing WR1 prospect this week.
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36.
Cooper Kupp
WR - LAR (vs . MIN)
Cooper Kupp appears to be poised to make his long-awaited return to the Rams on Thursday night. Kupp has been out since Week 2 with an ankle injury. It may not be wise to expect Kupp to earn 21 targets, as he did in the season-opener. But he should immediately become Matthew Stafford's top target against the Minnesota Vikings. Minnesota has the league's top-ranked pass defense per DVOA, but they have also allowed the most fantasy points per game in the NFL to opposing wide receivers. Some of that is because the Vikings jump out to early leads, forcing their opponents to throw the ball often. However, that scenario is in play in this game. Despite the long layoff, fantasy managers should not hesitate to reinsert Kupp into their starting lineups.
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37.
DJ Moore
WR - CHI (at WAS)
Moore remains the Bears' unquestioned WR1 as the WR22 in fantasy points per game. He is 13th in deep targets and seventh in red zone targets among wide receivers. Moore has a 23.6% target share, a 32.8% air-yard share, 1.50 YPRR, and a 28.1% first-read share. Washington is fifth in two high rate (53.6%). Against two high, Moore leads the team with a 23% TPRR and ranks second with 1.65 YPRR and a 25% first-read share. Washington has allowed the ninth-highest PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers.
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38.
Malik Nabers
WR - NYG (at PIT)
Malik Nabers returned from a two-game absence due to a concussion but failed to provide fantasy managers with the level of production he had before his injury. Nabers led New York in receiving but amassed just 41 yards. Down weeks are a part of the deal when you are attached to the Giants' offense. New York is averaging just 14.1 points per game and has been held to seven or fewer points on three occasions. Nabers has a tough matchup versus the Pittsburgh Steelers this week. He should earn enough targets to keep him in the WR1 conversation, but his floor is slightly lower than some other top-12 wide receivers.
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39.
George Pickens
WR - PIT (vs . NYG)
Pickens is the WR34 in fantasy points per game while ranking fourth in deep targets and red zone targets among wide receivers. Pickens has been a volume hog with a 27.4% target share, a 50.6% air-yard share, 2.66 YPRR, and a 35.3% first-read share. The Giants have the sixth-highest single high rate in the NFL (60.3%). Against single-high, Pickens has seen his target share increase to 32.7%, his YPRR increase to 2.92, and his first-read share fly through the roof to 43.1%. Pickens should feast this week against a secondary that has allowed the fourth-highest PPR points per target and the 11th-most receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers.
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40.
Chase Brown
RB - CIN (vs . PHI)
It looks like Brown has taken over as Cincy's leadback over the last two weeks. In Week 7, he played 58% of the snaps with 17 touches and 63 total yards. He had an 80% snap rate on rushing plays and 100% of the red zone snaps while giving way to Zack Moss on passing downs (39% snap rate). Over the last two weeks, he has averaged 60% of the snaps, 14.5 touches, and 58.5 total yards with 100% of the red zone snaps. Among 66 qualifying backs, he ranks 13th in explosive run rate, fifth in missed tackles forced per attempt, and 19th in yards after contact per attempt. Brown could pop off with a huge game this week. Philly has allowed the fourth-highest yards before contact per attempt, the second-highest yards per carry to zone runs, and the third-highest zone rushing success rate (Brown 62.1% zone).
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41.
Stefon Diggs
WR - HOU (vs . IND)
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.
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42.
George Kittle
TE - SF (vs . DAL)
George Kittle failed to find the end zone for the first time since Week 1. He made up for it by setting a season-high with 92 receiving yards. That enabled Kittle to finish inside the top 10 for a sixth consecutive game. Kittle is one of several 49ers skill players who are dealing with injuries heading into Week 8. With San Francisco playing on Sunday night and having a bye next week, fantasy managers may want to come up with a contingency plan in case Kittle cannot play this week. If he plays, continue to treat him like the top tight end in the game.
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43.
Brian Thomas Jr.
WR - JAC (vs . GB)
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.
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44.
Garrett Wilson
WR - NYJ (at NE)
Last week, in Davante Adams' debut, Wilson still led the team with a 23.1% target share, a 45.8% air-yard share, and a 26.9% first-read share. Wilson should remain in the top two of the passing pecking order this week against New England. The last time the Jets faced the Patriots, Christian Gonzalez followed Garrett Wilson on 88.6% of his routes in shadow coverage. I don't think history repeats itself this week. Gonzalez hasn't truly shadowed a wide receiver since Tyreek Hill in Week 5, and I don't think he will shadow either Wilson or Adams this week. Rodgers' top two receivers should each thrive this week against a secondary that has allowed the tenth-highest PPR points per target and the 13th-most receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers.
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45.
Rico Dowdle
RB - DAL (at SF)
In the two games prior to Detroit throttling Dallas, Dowdle played 45-50% of the snaps, averaging 17 touches and 87.5 total yards. He was the RB22 and the RB3 in weekly scoring. Yes, I'm throwing out that Dallas blowout because his usage wasn't typical at all, considering what we have seen the rest of the season and the recent trend line. His tackle-breaking metrics remain a terrible picture to stare at. He hasn't managed an explosive run yet while managing a nauseating 7% missed tackle rate and only 2.25 yards after contact per attempt. These tackle-breaking numbers look like a discount version of Kareem Hunt's numbers. Despite that fact, Dowdle could post another solid day if Dallas feeds him the rock. The 49ers have the 12th-highest missed tackle rate, the eighth-highest yards after contact per attempt permitted, and the 11th-highest zone success rate allowed (Dowdle 52.5% zone).
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46.
Amari Cooper
WR - BUF (at SEA)
Last week, in his Bills' debut, Cooper had a 34.3% route share, a 15.2% target share, 5.50 YPRR, and a 20% first-read share. The usage was encouraging, especially considering the short window of time Cooper had to get up to speed. His route share will increase this week. The question is how much. Cooper walks into a plus matchup against a Seattle secondary that has allowed the eighth-highest PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers.
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47.
Davante Adams
WR - NYJ (at NE)
In his first game as a Jet, Adams had a 90% route share, so the hamstring was a non-issue with his playing time. He had a 15.4% target share, a 20.7% air-yard share, 0.83 YPRR, and a 23.1% first-read share. Adams operated as the WR2 in the offense, but he was peppered early in the game before Rodgers began to turn to Garrett Wilson. The last time the Jets faced the Patriots, Christian Gonzalez followed Garrett Wilson on 88.6% of his routes in shadow coverage. I could say that I think Gonzalez gives Adams this treatment in Week 8, but I lean more that Gonzalez doesn't shadow either player. Gonzalez hasn't truly shadowed a wide receiver since Tyreek Hill in Week 5. Adams should post a strong stat line in Week 8 against a secondary that has allowed the tenth-highest PPR points per target and the 13th-most receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers.
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48.
Rachaad White
RB - TB (vs . ATL)
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.
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49.
Tank Dell
WR - HOU (vs . IND)
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.
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50.
Rhamondre Stevenson
RB - NE (vs . NYJ)
Stevenson opened this week with a DNP (foot). We'll see if he is good to go this week after returning last week from a foot injury. Last week, he played 50% of the snaps with nine touches and 25 total yards. This season, he has averaged 16.5 touches and 70 total yards. Among 66 qualifying backs, Stevenson ranks 19th in explosive run rate, 14th in missed tackle rate, and 11th in yards after contact per attempt. He has arguably been the team's best player all season. While the Jets' pass defense remains scary, their run defense shouldn't strike fear in anyone's heart. They have allowed the ninth-highest rushing success rate, the fourth-highest missed tackle rate, and the tenth-highest yards after contact per attempt.
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51.
Jaylen Waddle
WR - MIA (vs . ARI)
It's tough to take much away from Waddle's small sliver of a usage sample with Tagovailoa under center, but here we go. In the first two games of the season, Waddle had an 11.8% target share, a 19.3% air-yard share, 2.78 YPRR, and a 15.3% first-read share. To be honest, a lot of these numbers check out. Waddle has been a highly efficient player over the last two years, but Tyreek Hill has gotten the bulk of the market share, which has hurt Waddle. Assuming Tagovailoa is under center this week, it's time to fire Waddle back up as a WR2/3 in a wonderful matchup. Arizona has allowed the third-highest PPR points per target. Don't overthink this one.
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52.
DeVonta Smith
WR - PHI (at CIN)
Smith is the WR23 in fantasy points per game, coming off a two-target performance, where he finished with 0.8 fantasy points. Smith has only five deep targets and three red zone looks this season. He hasn't drawn a red zone target since Week 2. This isn't a reflection of his talent. Among 89 qualifying wide receivers, he is 39th in route win rate and 25th in YPRR. The Philly offense has been struggling overall, which has hurt everyone's stock, not name Saquon Barkley and A.J. Brown. Cincy is ninth in single high rate (58%). Overall, Smith has had a 23.2% target share, a 34.1% air-yard share, 2.10 YPRR, and a 31% first-read share. Against single high, his target share has increased to 26.8%, his YPRR has jumped to 2.59, and his first-read share has trickled up to 32.1%. This could be a nice bounce-back spot in a high-scoring game against a Cincy secondary that has allowed the tenth-most receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers.
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53.
Alexander Mattison
RB - LV (vs . KC)
Last week, Mattison fully took over the Raiders' backfield with a 70% snapshare, 26 touches, and 123 total yards. Across the last two games, he has played at least 68% of the snaps weekly while averaging 22.5 touches and 94 total yards. Mattison has a story similar to Kareem Hunt's. He's getting workhorse treatment, but his tackle-breaking isn't anything to write home about. Mattison has a 13% missed tackle rate and 2.28 yards after contact per attempt. Both of these values are snooze-worthy and have backup-level quality. Mattison should retain his heavy workload this week but don't expect results similar to those in Week 7. Kansas City has one of the best run defenses in the NFL, allowing the fourth-lowest explosive run rate, the fourth-fewest rushing yards per game, and the fifth-lowest yards after contact per attempt.
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54.
Raheem Mostert
RB - MIA (vs . ARI)
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.
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55.
Nick Chubb
RB - CLE (vs . BAL)
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.
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56.
Terry McLaurin
WR - WAS (vs . CHI)
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57.
Darnell Mooney
WR - ATL (at TB)
Mooney is the WR24 in fantasy points per game, ranking tenth in deep targets. He also has seen four red zone targets in the last three games as the team tries to get him more involved inside the 20-yard line. Mooney has a 20.5% target share, a 32.4% air-yard share, 1.76 YPRR, and a 26.8% first-read share. He should enjoy a nice week, especially if he and Cousins can connect deep against a secondary that has allowed the 11th-most deep passing yards and the tenth-highest deep passer rating. The Bucs are 16th in PPR points per target and have allowed the ninth-most receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers.
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58.
Xavier Worthy
WR - KC (at LV)
In the two games Worthy has played without Rashee Rice, he has soaked up a 21.2% target share, a 44.2% air-yard share, and a 30.8% first-read share, but he has done little to nothing with volume. He has had only 0.80 YPRR and 22 receiving yards per game. It has been about as bad as you could draw it up for the talented rookie. I don't expect any better results this week against the Raiders' surprisingly awesome secondary, allowing the third-fewest PPR points per target and the eighth-fewest receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers.
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59.
Marvin Harrison Jr.
WR - ARI (at MIA)
Harrison is the WR43 in fantasy points per game, which isn't the way that we all thought his rookie season would play out. In half of his full games played, he has finished as a WR3 or higher (WR1, WR20, WR26). Overall, he has had a 21.4% target share, a 38.8% air-yard share, 1.73 YPRR, and a 25.7% first-read share. He is ninth in deep targets among wide receivers and has also drawn four red zone looks. Miami has utilized single-high on 55.6% of their defensive snaps. Harrison Jr. has been much better against single high this season. Against single high, his target share has increased to 27% while his air-yard share has risen to 41.1%, with his YPRR jumping to 2.75 and his first-read share checking in at 29.9%. The big issue for Harrison Jr. this week is that while the coverage matchup is in his favor, the Dolphin's pass defense has been quite good. Miami has allowed the 11th-lowest PPR points per target and the fifth-fewest receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers. Murray hasn't been a great passer this season, so the tough matchup could hurt his ceiling this week.
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60.
Brock Bowers
TE - LV (vs . KC)
They say that volume is king in fantasy football. And few players are proving that adage true more than Brock Bowers. Bowers has 36 targets over the last three weeks. Only six tight ends in the NFL have more than 36 targets on the entire season. The rookie has posted five top-eight weekly finishes in his first seven weeks as an NFL player. Even more incredible is that he has done all of this while scoring just one touchdown. Bowers now draws a Week 8 matchup with a Kansas City Chiefs defense that has served up the most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends this year. Even if Jakobi Meyers returns to action this week, Bowers should be the top target considering the matchup and the dearth of pass-catching weapons that the Raiders have at their disposal.
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61.
Jordan Addison
WR - MIN (at LAR)
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.
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62.
Tyrone Tracy Jr.
RB - NYG (at PIT)
Last week, Tracy Jr. still retained the lead back role despite Devin Singletary returning to the huddle. Now, the Giants got blown out in this game, so maybe that also had something to do with it. It could also be related to Singletary's health. There are plenty of unknowns in this situation, which makes Tracy Jr. difficult to trust in fantasy in Week 8. Last week, he played 67% of the snaps with nine touches and 32 total yards. He did also have 100% of the red zone snaps, but again, the team only had two snaps inside the 20-yard line, so we're dealing with an incredibly small sample size here. Let this situation work itself out on your bench. The Steelers have allowed the lowest explosive run rate, the third-fewest rushing yards per game, and the ninth-lowest yards after contact per attempt.
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63.
Travis Kelce
TE - KC (at LV)
Just when it looked like Travis Kelce had overcome his early-season woes, he went for 17 scoreless yards versus San Francisco last week. Kelce has a chance for redemption this week against a Las Vegas Raiders defense that ranks 30th in defensive DVOA versus tight ends. But given Kansas City's altered offensive approach, it is fair to wonder if the volume will be there in a game the Chiefs should control. Kelce should continue to be started in all formats, but the possibility of a down week is something managers must factor in.
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64.
Romeo Doubs
WR - GB (at JAC)
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.
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65.
Chris Olave
WR - NO (at LAC)
Olave opened this week with a limited practice (concussion). I'll update his outlook on Friday. We need to see how his practice reports are trending as he remains in the concussion protocol.
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66.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba
WR - SEA (vs . BUF)
Smith-Njigba is the WR39 in fantasy points per game while ranking 16th among wide receivers in red zone targets. He is a strong regression candidate for the rest of the season, as he is the WR23 in expected fantasy points per game. Smith-Njigba has a 19.3% target share, a 21.7% target share, 1.20 YPRR, and a 21.3% first-read share. Smith-Njigba could rack up yardage against Buffalo as they have allowed the eighth-most receiving yards per game to opposing slot receivers, but you shouldn't expect him to be incredibly efficient as the Bills have also held slot receivers to the fourth-lowest PPR points per target.
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67.
Zay Flowers
WR - BAL (at CLE)
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.
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68.
Zack Moss
RB - CIN (vs . PHI)
Moss is a must-sit until his role changes in this backfield. This might be due to his health, but it could also be that Chase Brown has outplayed him this season. Over the last two games, Moss has averaged 47% of the snaps, eight touches, and only 27.5 total yards. He hasn't seen a single snap in the red zone during this span. Moss is an inefficient volume rusher who has now morphed into the team's passing down back without any touchdown equity. Leave him parked on your bench this week.
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69.
David Njoku
TE - CLE (vs . BAL)
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.
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70.
Tyler Lockett
WR - SEA (vs . BUF)
Lockett is the WR41 in fantasy points per game with two WR2 weeks in weekly fantasy scoring this season (WR22, WR18). Lockett has seen his red zone usage tick up lately, with five targets inside the 20-yard line in his last four games. He has a 14.6% target share, 1.69 YPRR, and an 18.6% first-read share. Lockett is best left on the bench this week. Buffalo has kept perimeter wide receivers in check with the third-fewest receiving yards per game and the eighth-lowest PPR points per target permitted.
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71.
Ladd McConkey
WR - LAC (vs . NO)
McConkey is banged up with a hip ailment. He opened the week with a DNP. I'll update his Week 8 status on Friday.
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72.
Diontae Johnson
WR - CAR (at DEN)
Johnson is the WR31 in fantasy points per game and has fallen upon tough times in the last three games with two outings with less than six PPR points. The Panthers' passing attack has been struggling, and it has crushed everyone on the receiving depth chart. It doesn't look much better for Week 8 for Johnson and this receiver group. Johnson has a 24.8% target share, a 37.8% air-yard share, 1.73 YPRR, and a stout 34.6% first-read share. He ranks third in the NFL in red zone targets. Johnson is set for a long day with Patrick Surtain shadowing him. Surtain has shadowed five times this season following D.K. Metcalf, Mike Evans, George Pickens, Jakobi Meyers, and Garrett Wilson on 50-96% of their routes. No receiver in his primary coverage finished with more than 30 scoreless receiving yards. Johnson will get whipped off the board this week if Surtain is in his back pocket nearly all day.
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73.
Tyler Allgeier
RB - ATL (at TB)
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.
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74.
Keenan Allen
WR - CHI (at WAS)
Allen is the WR48 in fantasy points per game with five red zone targets in his four games played. He finally had a get-right game against the Jaguars, where he finished with 41 receiving yards and two scores (WR9 for the week). Overall, he has a 20% target share, 1.21 YPRR, and a 26.4% first-read share. Washington is fifth in two high rate (53.6%). Against two high, Allen ranks second in TPRR (22%) while leading the team with a 30.8% first-read share. This looks like another smash matchup for Allen. Washington has allowed the third-highest PPR points per target and the 11th-most receiving yards per game to slot receivers.
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75.
Khalil Shakir
WR - BUF (at SEA)
Shakir is the WR32 in fantasy points per game, commanding a 17.3% target share and a 20.6% first-read share with 2.53 YPRR. Shakir has been awesome this season when he has been targeted. His lack of high-leverage usage is the big issue with his profile. He has only one deep target and has only two red zone targets (none since Week 3). Seattle has utilized single high with 55% of their defensive snaps. Against single-high, Shakir's usage has remained in line with his overall numbers. Shakir might be on the outside looking in this week of Buffalo's point-scoring bonanza. Seattle has limited slot receivers to the seventh-lowest PPR points per target and the fifth-fewest receiving yards per game.
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76.
Trey McBride
TE - ARI (at MIA)
Trey McBride has been featured heavily in Arizona's passing attack since returning to action in Week 5. He has caught 19 passes on 24 targets across his last three outings. The problem is that none have gone for touchdowns. McBride has yet to score at all this season. That has sadly been an issue that has plagued McBride in his young NFL career. McBride has scored just four times on 143 career receptions. This does not feel like the week for the Cardinals' tight end to buck that trend. The Miami Dolphins rank fifth in DVOA against tight ends and are one of eight teams who have yet to allow a touchdown to a tight end this year. McBride should see plenty of volume, but his lack of touchdown upside caps his ceiling.
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77.
Courtland Sutton
WR - DEN (vs . CAR)
Well, I didn't have Sutton getting blanked in the box score last week on my bingo card. Sutton found himself on a milk carton despite logging a team-leading 69.7% route share. He didn't even draw a single first-read look or target. It was head-scratching and concerning. I doubt this happens again in Week 8, but it does and should give anyone pause when considering him for a lineup. Prior to last week, Sutton was a target hog with a 23.2% target share, a 43.2% air-yard share, 1.53 YPRR, and a 32.6% first-read share. We have a much larger sample of Sutton being an integral part of this passing attack, so I'll shrug my shoulders at last week and toss it in the trash can. Sutton ranks fifth in deep targets and eighth in red zone looks this season. Nix should lean on him in a bounce-back spot this week. Carolina has allowed the highest PPR points per target and the fourth-most receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers. This secondary has also struggled to stop deep passing, allowing the eighth-highest deep passing yards, the seventh-highest passer rating to deep shots, and the fourth-highest CPOE to targets 20 yards or further downfield. Sutton leads the team in deep targets (nine).
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78.
Austin Ekeler
RB - WAS (vs . CHI)
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.
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79.
Calvin Ridley
WR - TEN (at DET)
It's easy to look at Ridley's stats this year and understand why he has been frustrated. He is the WR69 in fantasy points per game with the third-most unrealized air yards and a catchable target rate of 40.7% (95th). I'm not saying it gets much better with Mason Rudolph, but it can't get much worse than dealing with Will Levis. Ridley will remain the clear WR1 in this passing offense, so at least the volume could help him weekly (hopefully). He has had an 18.7% target share, a 47.4% air-yard share, 1.14 YPRR, and a 25.4% first-read share. Ridley could rack up yardage this week if Rudolph can get him catchable targets but don't expect an efficient outing either due to quarterback play or the secondary matchup. Detroit has allowed the eighth-most receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers while also holding them to the fifth-fewest PPR points per target.
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80.
Jerry Jeudy
WR - CLE (vs . BAL)
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.
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81.
Jaylen Warren
RB - PIT (vs . NYG)
Last week, Warren played 51% of the snaps and finished with 14 touches and 59 total yards. While he didn't have any explosive runs and only generated 1.92 yards after contact per attempt, he did have a 17% missed tackle rate, which is encouraging. He hasn't looked like the same player in 2024 that captivated us in previous seasons. That's to be expected with all of the injuries he has dealt with this season, but we could finally be getting closer to seeing the "real Jaylen Warren" soon. Warren is a strong flex play this week. New York has allowed the eighth-most rushing yards per game, the fourth-highest explosive run rate, and the second-highest missed tackle rate.
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82.
Kyle Pitts
TE - ATL (at TB)
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83.
Rome Odunze
WR - CHI (at WAS)
Odunze hasn't managed double-digit fantasy points in five of his six games this season. His blow-up game against the Colts is the only game where he has had more than 40 receiving yards. He has a 15.1% target share, a 30.6% air-yard share, 1.37 YPRR, and an 18% first-read share. Odunze does have six red zone targets in his last five games. Washington is fifth in two high rate (53.6%). Against two high, Odunze is fourth in TPRR (19%), third in YPRR (1.56), and third in first-read share (22.9%) among the Bears main four pass catchers. He's a decent flex play this week against a team that has allowed the ninth-highest PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers.
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84.
Jake Ferguson
TE - DAL (at SF)
Ferguson is the TE8 in fantasy points per game, ranking fifth in deep targets among tight ends. He only has three red zone targets this season, but two of them occurred in his last game, so maybe Dallas is seeing the error in their ways. Ferguson has a 17.3% target share, 1.58 YPRR, and a strong 18.6% first-read share. He faces a 49ers pass defense that has utilized two high at the eighth-highest rate (49.6%). Against two high, Ferguson leads the team with a 23.2% target share with 2.23 YPRR (second on the team) and a 26.4% first-read share. Dak Prescott will be looking his way early and often this week.
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85.
Tucker Kraft
TE - GB (at JAC)
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. Jacksonville has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game and the seventh-most receiving yards to tight ends.
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86.
Dontayvion Wicks
WR - GB (at JAC)
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87.
Christian Kirk
WR - JAC (vs . GB)
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.
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88.
Evan Engram
TE - JAC (vs . GB)
Evan Engram has secured all 15 of his targets since returning from a month-long absence a month ago. But whereas Engram was the overall TE5 in Week 6, he finished just 22nd in fantasy scoring a week ago. The main difference was volume, which could be tied to gamescript. Jacksonville lost to Chicago by 19 points two weeks ago before defeating New England by 16 points last week. Jacksonville is a home underdog to the Green Bay Packers this week. Green Bay also ranks in the bottom 10 in both DVOA and fantasy points allowed versus tight ends this year. As long as Engram experiences no issues with his balky hamstring, fantasy managers should feel confident starting him in Week 8.
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89.
Christian Watson
WR - GB (at JAC)
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.
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90.
Jakobi Meyers
WR - LV (vs . KC)
Meyers opened this week with a limited practice (ankle). I'll update his outlook on Friday. Hopefully, he can return to the starting lineup after missing two games due to the injury.
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91.
Michael Pittman Jr.
WR - IND (at HOU)
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.
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92.
Cade Otton
TE - TB (vs . ATL)
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.
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93.
Jalen McMillan
WR - TB (vs . ATL)
Everyone is speculating who lines up where in this new-look Bucs passing attack. Well, here goes nothing. I don't know if McMillan's role as an outside receiver this season changes much with the shuffling of receivers. He has played 71% of his snaps on the perimeter his season, and in the fourth quarter of last week's game, he played 80% of his snaps from the boundary. I could easily be wrong here, or the Bucs could move all three guys around the formation, but right now, I lean that McMillan will remain an outside receiver, so that's how I'm approaching his Week 8 outlook. McMillan will be thrust into a larger role moving forward, but it's worth questioning how effective he will be in the elevated role. McMillan has had a 7.1% target share, 0.70 YPRR, and a 7% first-read share. Among 109 qualifying receivers, he ranks 89th in separation score. McMillan has five deep targets and one red zone look this season. If possible, I'm sitting McMillan this week to see how this reshuffling of the guard works out. Atlanta has allowed the second-highest PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers while ranking 19th in receiving yards per game allowed. The matchup is good, so if you're willing to embrace the risk and are in a flex pickle for Week 8, I get plugging him into a lineup.
|
94.
Jalen Tolbert
WR - DAL (at SF)
Tolbert is the WR40 in fantasy points per game with the WR3 or better weeks (WR24, WR12, WR34) this season. He has five red zone targets across his last five games. Tolbert has a 13.9% target share, a 23.4% air-yard share, 1.39 YPRR, and a 16.3% first-read share. The 49ers have utilized two high at the eighth-highest rate (49.6%). Against two high, Tolbert has seen his target share increase to 18.2%, his YPRR bump to 1.82, and his first-read share explodes to 27.1%. He should see a volume bump this week, but it's fair to wonder how much he'll do with it. The 49ers have been a horrible matchup for perimeter wide receivers, allowing the fewest PPR points per target and the fourth-fewest receiving yards per game.
|
95.
Jauan Jennings
WR - SF (vs . DAL)
Jennings didn't practice on Wednesday (hip). He might miss Week 8 after missing last week's game against the Chiefs. I'll update his outlook on Friday.
|
96.
DeMario Douglas
WR - NE (vs . NYJ)
Last week, only Hunter Henry and Kayshon Boutte had route shares above 60%. Douglas was ill, so that can account for his drop in playing time. Douglas should see his playing time and usage quickly rebound this week. Douglas has had a 16% target share, 1.55 YPRR, and a 21.3% first-read share. In his last meeting with the Jets, Douglas led the way through the air with a 34.6% target share, 2.46 YPRR, and a 45% first-read share. He secured seven of his nine targets with 69 receiving yards. We could see New England lean on him again in this matchup. Douglas hasn't drawn a red zone target this season. He's a stronger play in PPR formats. Surprisingly, the Jets have been meh against slot receivers, allowing the ninth-highest PPR points per target and the fifth-best passer rating when targeted.
|
97.
Sam LaPorta
TE - DET (vs . TEN)
It has been a frustrating season for anyone who drafted LaPorta this year. He is the TE21 in fantasy points per game, with only three games this season as a TE1 in weekly scoring. Sammy Ballgame has only two red zone targets (one across his last five games). Jameson Williams' ascension has hurt him, but I also question how healthy he truly is. He has only a 66.2% route share, which isn't typical for LaPorta. He has only drawn an 8.4% target share and 8.3% first-read share despite posting 1.71 YPRR. Among 55 qualifying tight ends, he still ranks tenth in separation, so it hasn't been an effectiveness issue for LaPorta. Unfortunately, it looks like LaPorta is headed for another down game against a pass defense that has allowed the fifth-fewest receiving yards and the third-fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends.
|
98.
Rashod Bateman
WR - BAL (at CLE)
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.
|
99.
Wan'Dale Robinson
WR - NYG (at PIT)
Robinson is the WR27 in fantasy points per game who has finished as a WR3 or better in weekly scoring in five of his seven games. He ranks fourth in red zone targets among wide receivers. He is the WR11 in expected fantasy points per game. Robinson has soaked up a 24.9% target share and a 27.7% first-read share while producing 43.3 receiving yards per game and 1.38 YPRR. Pittsburgh is 16th in fantasy points per game allowed to slot receivers, which makes Robinson a decent but not amazing flex play this week.
|
100.
Ricky Pearsall
WR - SF (vs . DAL)
Pearsall's will depend upon who is healthy for the 49ers this week. I'll update his outlook on Friday. In his first NFL action last week, he had an 81% route share, a 16.1% target share, 0.70 YPRR, and a 20% first-read share. If Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, and Jauan Jennings all miss Week 8, Pearsall could operate as Purdy's WR1. If they all play, he's bumped to the fourth option in the pecking order. It's a wide range of outcomes.
|
101.
Cedric Tillman
WR - CLE (vs . BAL)
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.
|
102.
DeAndre Hopkins
WR - KC (at LV)
Hopkins arriving in Kansas City is an awesome development for the outlook of this entire offense. Once up to speed, he should be the clear WR1 of this offense, competing with Travis Kelce for the weekly lead in targets. I'm not sure if he will be active this week with the short timeframe in which he needs to get acclimated to everything. Even if he is, his snap count will be limited. Sit Hopkins this week, but rejoice in his new home and his outlook for fantasy for the rest of the season.
|
103.
Josh Downs
WR - IND (at HOU)
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.
|
104.
Keon Coleman
WR - BUF (at SEA)
Coleman is the WR57 in fantasy points per game with two weeks of WR3 or higher weekly fantasy scoring output. Take out Week 3, when the team benched him, and Coleman has had a 16.1% target share, a 23.9% air-yard share, 2.17 YPRR, and a 21.6% first-read share. Seattle has utilized single high with 55% of their defensive snaps. Against single-high, Coleman has seen his target share increase to 17.7% in that six-game sample with 2.78 YPRR and a 23.7% first-read share. Coleman has seven deep targets and two red zone targets in his last four games. This is a fantastic game to consider flexing Coleman. Seattle has allowed the eighth-highest PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers.
|
105.
Ray Davis
RB - BUF (at SEA)
|
106.
Cole Kmet
TE - CHI (at WAS)
Since Week 2, Kmet has been the TE3 in fantasy points per game, drawing a 16.5% target share and 14.8% first-read share with 2.39 YPRR. He has four red zone targets across his last four games. Washington is fifth in two high rate (53.6%). Since Week 2 against two high, Kmet has led the team in TPRR (22%), YPRR (2.71), and FD/RR (0.143). Kmet is a strong TE1 again this week.
|
107.
Devin Singletary
RB - NYG (at PIT)
Last week, Singletary returned to the lineup, but he only played 21% of the snaps with six touches and 21 total yards. He may have lost his starting job to Tyrone Tracy Jr., but this could also be related to their blowout loss or his health. Singletary is a must-sit this week regardless of however you want to look at his Week 7 performance. The Steelers have allowed the lowest explosive run rate, the third-fewest rushing yards per game, and the ninth-lowest yards after contact per attempt. Even if Singletary were the known starter for the Giants this week, he'd still be a player to sit.
|
108.
Bucky Irving
RB - TB (vs . ATL)
Irving opened this week with a DNP (toe). I'll update his outlook on Friday. This backfield could be a two-headed monster of Rachaad White and Sean Tucker if Irving misses Week 8.
|
109.
Justice Hill
RB - BAL (at CLE)
|
110.
Dalton Kincaid
TE - BUF (at SEA)
Kincaid is the TE18 in fantasy points per game, seeing an 18.8% target share and a 21.9% first-read share with 1.86 YPRR and 38.4 receiving yards per game. Kincaid leads tight ends in deep targets while ranking 13th in red zone looks. He is headed for a wonderful week against a pass defense that has allowed the fourth-most receiving yards and the eighth-most fantasy points per game to tight ends.
|
111.
Tutu Atwell
WR - LAR (vs . MIN)
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.
|
112.
Mark Andrews
TE - BAL (at CLE)
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.
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113.
Puka Nacua
WR - LAR (vs . MIN)
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.
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114.
Hunter Henry
TE - NE (vs . NYJ)
Henry is the TE10 in fantasy points per game, ranking fifth in deep targets and fourth in red zone looks at the position. He has a 16.4% target share, 1.66 YPRR, and a 16.3% first-read share. The Jets are 16th in yards per reception allowed to tight ends. Henry should flirt with TE1 value again this week.
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115.
Gabe Davis
WR - JAC (vs . GB)
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.
|
116.
Tre Tucker
WR - LV (vs . KC)
|
117.
Xavier Legette
WR - CAR (at DEN)
Since assuming a starting role in the offense, Legette has captured a 13.6% target share with 1.04 YPRR and a 17.4% first-read share. He hasn't surpassed 23 receiving yards since Week 4. This isn't the week to consider flexing Legette. Denver has held perimeter receivers to the sixth-lowest PPR points per target and the fewest receiving yards per game.
|
118.
Michael Wilson
WR - ARI (at MIA)
Sit Wilson this week. Miami has utilized single-high on 55.6% of their defensive snaps. Against single high, Wilson has only registered an 18% target share, 1.44 YPRR, and a 19.4% first-read share. Those numbers alone aren't a coffin nail, but add in the brutal secondary matchup and he gets bumped down the flex rankings. Miami has allowed the 11th-lowest PPR points per target and the fifth-fewest receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers.
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119.
Sterling Shepard
WR - TB (vs . ATL)
Since being inserted into the wide receiver rotation in Week 4, Shepard has drawn a 7.9% target share with 0.94 YPRR and an 8.3% first-read share. I could easily be wrong, but I look for him to take over as the team's primary slot option. Shepard has played 61.3% of his NFL snaps from the slot. This season, with Chris Godwin previously owning that role, Shepard had been on the perimeter for 71% of his routes. Atlanta has allowed the 15th-most receiving yards per game and ranked 15th in PPR points per target to slot receivers. Shepard is a volatile flex this week.
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120.
Ray-Ray McCloud III
WR - ATL (at TB)
|
121.
Ty Chandler
RB - MIN (at LAR)
|
122.
Troy Franklin
WR - DEN (vs . CAR)
Over the last two weeks, Franklin has stepped up as the WR2 in this offense with a 65% route share. He really stepped to the forefront last week with a team-leading 23.1% target share, a 31.7% air-yard share, and 2.38 YPRR. His first-read share was only at 10%, which was third on the team, but I think that can change, considering how well he earned volume last week with little first-read action and zero designed looks. Franklin is a sneaky flex play this week with substantial upside. Carolina has allowed the highest PPR points per target and the fourth-most receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers. This secondary has also struggled to stop deep passing, allowing the eighth-highest deep passing yards, the seventh-highest passer rating to deep shots, and the fourth-highest CPOE to targets 20 yards or further downfield. 40% of Franklin's target volume has come via deep passing targets. He is second on the team in deep targets, behind only Courtland Sutton.
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123.
Sean Tucker
RB - TB (vs . ATL)
Irving opened this week with a DNP (toe). I'll update Tucker's outlook on Friday. This backfield could be a two-headed monster of Rachaad White and Tucker if Irving misses Week 8.
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124.
Allen Lazard
WR - NYJ (at NE)
|
125.
Dalton Schultz
TE - HOU (vs . IND)
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.
|
126.
Tim Patrick
WR - DET (vs . TEN)
|
127.
Zach Charbonnet
RB - SEA (vs . BUF)
|
128.
Roschon Johnson
RB - CHI (at WAS)
|
129.
Joshua Palmer
WR - LAC (vs . NO)
Since returning to the lineup in Week 4, Palmer has had a 64% route share, an 11% target share, 1.93 YPRR, and a 15.6% first-read share. Last week, his route share increased to 70.5%, and his first-read share bumped up to 20%. He has drawn two red zone targets in his last three games. He could offer sneaky flex appeal and upside this week. The Saints have the ninth-highest two high rate (49.1%). Among 80 qualifying receivers, Palmer ranks 20th in separation score and 13th in route win rate against two high. New Orleans has allowed the sixth-highest receiving yards per game and ranked 16th in fantasy points per game given up to perimeter wide receivers.
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130.
Pat Freiermuth
TE - PIT (vs . NYG)
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.
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131.
Jalen Nailor
WR - MIN (at LAR)
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132.
Trey Palmer
WR - TB (vs . ATL)
Palmer is the one player in this new Bucs passing attack that I'm fully committed to sitting this week. During his brief NFL career, he hasn't been a high-end target earner. Last week, in the fourth quarter, he ran 70.8% of his routes from the perimeter. I think he'll be Jalen McMillan's running mate on the outside, moving forward until Mike Evans returns. Palmer has had a 14% TPRR and 0.94 YPRR when on the field. Last year was a similar story as he served as the team's starting slot for plenty of weeks with a 15% TPRR and 1.01 YPRR. If you're in deep leagues, I get picking up Palmer, but I'm not playing him in Week 8. I'd rather bet on Jalen McMillan, Sterling Shepard, or Cade Otton leading the passing attack this week.
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133.
Kimani Vidal
RB - LAC (vs . NO)
|
134.
Antonio Gibson
RB - NE (vs . NYJ)
|
135.
Braelon Allen
RB - NYJ (at NE)
|
136.
Noah Fant
TE - SEA (vs . BUF)
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.
|
137.
Isaiah Likely
TE - BAL (at CLE)
|
138.
Elijah Moore
WR - CLE (vs . BAL)
|
139.
Jaleel McLaughlin
RB - DEN (vs . CAR)
|
140.
Emanuel Wilson
RB - GB (at JAC)
|
141.
Alec Pierce
WR - IND (at HOU)
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.
|
142.
Jonnu Smith
TE - MIA (vs . ARI)
Across his last two games, Smith has had a 56.7% route share, a 26.3% target share, 4.16 YPRR, and a 28.2% first-read share. Yeah, if you felt like you were reading a Tyreek Hill usage line, you wouldn't be alone. This type of usage for Smith has been bonkers, but I don't see this continuing with Tua Tagovailoa back in the huddle. With Tyler Huntley under center, Miami's talented wide receivers were marginalized. I don't see that happening again in Week 8 with Tagovailoa. Smith still belongs on the streaming radar with a strong matchup incoming. Arizona has allowed the eighth-most receiving yard and the 13th-most fantasy points per game to tight ends.
|
143.
Zach Ertz
TE - WAS (vs . CHI)
Ertz is the TE14 in fantasy points per game with a 17% target share, 1.58 YPRR, and a 16.4% first-read share. He finally got into the end zone last week and has six red zone targets across his last three games. He's a decent TE2 this week in a tough matchup. The Bears have allowed the ninth-fewest receiving yards and the tenth-fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends.
|
144.
Devaughn Vele
WR - DEN (vs . CAR)
|
145.
Darius Slayton
WR - NYG (at PIT)
|
146.
Colby Parkinson
TE - LAR (vs . MIN)
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.
|
147.
Noah Brown
WR - WAS (vs . CHI)
|
148.
Tyler Goodson
RB - IND (at HOU)
|
149.
Kayshon Boutte
WR - NE (vs . NYJ)
|
150.
Taysom Hill
QB,TE - NO (at LAC)
Hill may return to the huddle this week (ribs). He has missed the last three games as he has been dealing with fractured ribs. It's likely a coin flip for Week 8. Check back for his Week 8 status on Friday.
|
151.
Demarcus Robinson
WR - LAR (vs . MIN)
|
152.
Will Dissly
TE - LAC (vs . NO)
|
153.
Andrei Iosivas
WR - CIN (vs . PHI)
With Tee Higgins back and fully reintegrated into the offense, Iosivas hasn't seen more than three targets or surpassed 39 receiving yards in any game. Since Week 4, he has had only a 5.7% target share, 1.07 YPRR, and a 5.3% first-read share. Over the last two games, Cooper DeJean has taken over as Philly's slot corner, allowing only 13 receiving yards and a 70.1 passer rating to slot receivers in his coverage. Iosivas is droppable.
|
154.
Ja'Tavion Sanders
TE - CAR (at DEN)
I'll update Sanders' outlook on Friday. Tommy Tremble has been out the last two weeks, which has led Sanders to the starting chair. Tremble could return this week, which could hurt Sanders' playing time.
|
155.
D'Ernest Johnson
RB - JAC (vs . GB)
|
156.
Tyler Conklin
TE - NYJ (at NE)
Last week, with Davante Adams on the team, Conklin saw only a 10.3% target share and a 7.7% first-read share. Conklin has fallen down a rung or two on the target pecking order. The passing offense will flow through Adams, Garrett Wilson, and Breece Hall. Sit Conklin against a defense that has allowed the 11th-fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends.
|
157.
Justin Watson
WR - KC (at LV)
|
158.
Isaac Guerendo
RB - SF (vs . DAL)
|
159.
Travis Etienne Jr.
RB - JAC (vs . GB)
Etienne opened this week with a limited practice (hamstring). Doug Pederson stated he was day to day, but then when pressed more, he said, "He'll get some work out there. Not with the team per se, but maybe a little bit of the individual and then work with the trainers after that." That doesn't sound like a player that will return to the lineup for Week 8, but I'll update his outlook on Friday with hopes that we get better news as the week moves along.
|
160.
Deebo Samuel Sr.
WR - SF (vs . DAL)
|
161.
Blake Corum
RB - LAR (vs . MIN)
|
162.
Greg Dortch
WR - ARI (at MIA)
|
163.
Dameon Pierce
RB - HOU (vs . IND)
|
164.
Bub Means
WR - NO (at LAC)
Since assuming a starting role over the last two games, Means has had a 79.2% route share, a 16.5% target share, a 24.7% air-yard share, 1.08 YPRR, and a 24% first-read share. He has one end-zone target in this span. Means has been the WR21 and WR49 in weekly fantasy scoring. Sit him this week. The Chargers have allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points per game and receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers.
|
165.
Tyler Boyd
WR - TEN (at DET)
|
166.
Zamir White
RB - LV (vs . KC)
|
167.
Cedrick Wilson Jr.
WR - NO (at LAC)
|
168.
Audric Estime
RB - DEN (vs . CAR)
|
169.
Juwan Johnson
TE - NO (at LAC)
|
170.
Jake Bobo
WR - SEA (vs . BUF)
|
171.
Mecole Hardman Jr.
WR - KC (at LV)
|
172.
Adonai Mitchell
WR - IND (at HOU)
|
173.
Kalif Raymond
WR - DET (vs . TEN)
|
174.
Ezekiel Elliott
RB - DAL (at SF)
|
175.
Jaylen Wright
RB - MIA (vs . ARI)
|
176.
Chig Okonkwo
TE - TEN (at DET)
|
177.
Miles Sanders
RB - CAR (at DEN)
|
178.
Noah Gray
TE - KC (at LV)
|
179.
Calvin Austin III
WR - PIT (vs . NYG)
|
180.
DJ Turner
WR - LV (vs . KC)
|
181.
Kendre Miller
RB - NO (at LAC)
|
182.
Kendrick Bourne
WR - NE (vs . NYJ)
|
183.
Johnny Mundt
TE - MIN (at LAR)
|
184.
Trey Sermon
RB - IND (at HOU)
|
185.
Xavier Hutchinson
WR - HOU (vs . IND)
|
186.
Mason Tipton
WR - NO (at LAC)
|
187.
Trey Benson
RB - ARI (at MIA)
|
188.
Mike Gesicki
TE - CIN (vs . PHI)
|
189.
Jalen Coker
WR - CAR (at DEN)
|
190.
Pierre Strong Jr.
RB - CLE (vs . BAL)
|
191.
Grant Calcaterra
TE - PHI (at CIN)
|
192.
KaVontae Turpin
WR - DAL (at SF)
|
193.
Van Jefferson
WR - PIT (vs . NYG)
|
194.
Erick All Jr.
TE - CIN (vs . PHI)
|
195.
Olamide Zaccheaus
WR - WAS (vs . CHI)
|
196.
Nelson Agholor
WR - BAL (at CLE)
|
197.
Theo Johnson
TE - NYG (at PIT)
|
198.
Samaje Perine
RB - KC (at LV)
|
199.
D'Onta Foreman
RB - CLE (vs . BAL)
|
200.
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine
WR - TEN (at DET)
|
201.
Jacob Cowing
WR - SF (vs . DAL)
|
202.
Ty Johnson
RB - BUF (at SEA)
|
203.
Ja'Lynn Polk
WR - NE (vs . NYJ)
|
204.
Carson Steele
RB - KC (at LV)
|
205.
Simi Fehoko
WR - LAC (vs . NO)
|
206.
JaMycal Hasty
RB - NE (vs . NYJ)
|
207.
Kenneth Gainwell
RB - PHI (at CIN)
|
208.
Emari Demercado
RB - ARI (at MIA)
|
209.
Luke McCaffrey
WR - WAS (vs . CHI)
|
210.
Lil'Jordan Humphrey
WR - DEN (vs . CAR)
|
211.
Jahan Dotson
WR - PHI (at CIN)
|
212.
Jamaal Williams
RB - NO (at LAC)
|
213.
Quentin Johnston
WR - LAC (vs . NO)
Johnston opened this week with a DNP (ankle). He missed last week's game because of the bum ankle. It wouldn't shock me to see him out again this week. I'll update his outlook on Friday.
|
214.
Ameer Abdullah
RB - LV (vs . KC)
|
215.
Kyle Juszczyk
RB - SF (vs . DAL)
|
216.
Jeremy McNichols
RB - WAS (vs . CHI)
|
217.
Bo Melton
WR - GB (at JAC)
|
218.
Jonathan Mingo
WR - CAR (at DEN)
|
219.
Tyjae Spears
RB - TEN (at DET)
Spears is practicing to open this week (hamstring). He didn't practice at all last week and missed the game. I doubt he will play this week, but I'll update his outlook on Friday.
|
220.
Jerome Ford
RB - CLE (vs . BAL)
Ford missed Wednesday's practice with a hamstring issue. I'll update his status on Friday, but it doesn't look promising that he will return this week.
|
221.
Mack Hollins
WR - BUF (at SEA)
|
222.
Dyami Brown
WR - WAS (vs . CHI)
|
223.
Lucas Krull
TE - DEN (vs . CAR)
|
224.
DK Metcalf
WR - SEA (vs . BUF)
|
225.
Dare Ogunbowale
RB - HOU (vs . IND)
|
226.
Julius Chestnut
RB - TEN (at DET)
|
227.
Eric Gray
RB - NYG (at PIT)
|
228.
Foster Moreau
TE - NO (at LAC)
|
229.
Hassan Haskins
RB - LAC (vs . NO)
|
230.
Curtis Samuel
WR - BUF (at SEA)
|
231.
Odell Beckham Jr.
WR - MIA (vs . ARI)
|
232.
Harrison Bryant
TE - LV (vs . KC)
|
233.
Mike Williams
WR - NYJ (at NE)
|
234.
Chris Brooks
RB - GB (at JAC)
|
235.
Darnell Washington
TE - PIT (vs . NYG)
|
236.
Cordarrelle Patterson
RB - PIT (vs . NYG)
|
237.
Cam Akers
RB - MIN (at LAR)
|
238.
Austin Hooper
TE - NE (vs . NYJ)
|
239.
Khalil Herbert
RB - CHI (at WAS)
|
240.
Michael Burton
RB - DEN (vs . CAR)
|
241.
Will Shipley
RB - PHI (at CIN)
|
242.
Patrick Taylor Jr.
RB - SF (vs . DAL)
|
243.
Josh Whyle
TE - TEN (at DET)
|
244.
Hunter Luepke
RB - DAL (at SF)
|
245.
Jalen Brooks
WR - DAL (at SF)
|
246.
Marvin Mims Jr.
WR - DEN (vs . CAR)
|
247.
Tyler Johnson
WR - LAR (vs . MIN)
|
248.
Aaron Shampklin
RB - PIT (vs . NYG)
|
249.
Dawson Knox
TE - BUF (at SEA)
|
250.
Alec Ingold
RB - MIA (vs . ARI)
|
251.
Patrick Ricard
RB - BAL (at CLE)
|
252.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire
RB - KC (at LV)
|
253.
Malik Washington
WR - MIA (vs . ARI)
|
254.
Ronnie Bell
WR - SF (vs . DAL)
|
255.
Chris Conley
WR - SF (vs . DAL)
|
256.
Jordan Akins
TE - CLE (vs . BAL)
|
257.
Mo Alie-Cox
TE - IND (at HOU)
|
258.
Cade Stover
TE - HOU (vs . IND)
|
259.
Ronnie Rivers
RB - LAR (vs . MIN)
|
260.
Gerald Everett
TE - CHI (at WAS)
|
261.
Zay Jones
WR - ARI (at MIA)
|
262.
Raheem Blackshear
RB - CAR (at DEN)
|
263.
John Metchie III
WR - HOU (vs . IND)
|
264.
Joshua Kelley
RB - TEN (at DET)
|
265.
AJ Barner
TE - SEA (vs . BUF)
|
266.
Dallas Goedert
TE - PHI (at CIN)
Goedert could be out again this week (hamstring). He didn't practice on Wednesday. I'll update his outlook on Friday.
|
267.
Kylen Granson
TE - IND (at HOU)
|
268.
Allen Robinson II
WR - DET (vs . TEN)
|
269.
Brock Wright
TE - DET (vs . TEN)
|
270.
Parker Washington
WR - JAC (vs . GB)
|
271.
Alex Bachman
WR - LV (vs . KC)
|
272.
Sione Vaki
RB - DET (vs . TEN)
|
273.
Nick Vannett
TE - TEN (at DET)
|
274.
Adam Trautman
TE - DEN (vs . CAR)
|
275.
Charlie Kolar
TE - BAL (at CLE)
|
276.
KhaDarel Hodge
WR - ATL (at TB)
|
277.
Elijah Higgins
TE - ARI (at MIA)
|
278.
Ben Sinnott
TE - WAS (vs . CHI)
|
279.
Brenton Strange
TE - JAC (vs . GB)
|
280.
Ben Sims
TE - GB (at JAC)
|
281.
DJ Chark Jr.
WR - LAC (vs . NO)
|
282.
Jeremy Ruckert
TE - NYJ (at NE)
|
283.
C.J. Ham
RB - MIN (at LAR)
|
284.
Luke Schoonmaker
TE - DAL (at SF)
|
285.
Robert Woods
WR - HOU (vs . IND)
|
286.
Drew Ogletree
TE - IND (at HOU)
|
287.
Josh Oliver
TE - MIN (at LAR)
|
288.
K.J. Osborn
WR - NE (vs . NYJ)
|
289.
Jonathan Ward
RB - PIT (vs . NYG)
|
290.
Laviska Shenault Jr.
WR - SEA (vs . BUF)
|
291.
Tylan Wallace
WR - BAL (at CLE)
|
292.
Derius Davis
WR - LAC (vs . NO)
|
293.
Ian Thomas
TE - CAR (at DEN)
|
294.
Jack Stoll
TE - PHI (at CIN)
|
295.
David Moore
WR - CAR (at DEN)
|
296.
Drew Sample
TE - CIN (vs . PHI)
|
297.
Ashton Dulin
WR - IND (at HOU)
|
298.
Hayden Hurst
TE - LAC (vs . NO)
|
299.
Eric Tomlinson
TE - LAC (vs . NO)
|
300.
Jalin Hyatt
WR - NYG (at PIT)
|
301.
MyCole Pruitt
TE - PIT (vs . NYG)
|
302.
Jody Fortson Jr.
TE - KC (at LV)
|
303.
Johnny Wilson
WR - PHI (at CIN)
|
304.
Jameson Williams
WR - DET (vs . TEN)
Williams is facing a possible suspension. It's up in the air if he will be playing in Week 8. I'll update his status on Friday.
|
305.
Julian Hill
TE - MIA (vs . ARI)
|
306.
Roman Wilson
WR - PIT (vs . NYG)
|
307.
Durham Smythe
TE - MIA (vs . ARI)
|
308.
Jaelon Darden
WR - CLE (vs . BAL)
|
309.
Malik Heath
WR - GB (at JAC)
|
310.
Payne Durham
TE - TB (vs . ATL)
|
311.
Jha'Quan Jackson
WR - TEN (at DET)
|
312.
Will Mallory
TE - IND (at HOU)
|
313.
Trayveon Williams
RB - CIN (vs . PHI)
|
314.
Jamari Thrash
WR - CLE (vs . BAL)
|
315.
Adam Prentice
RB - NO (at LAC)
|
316.
Stone Smartt
TE - LAC (vs . NO)
|
317.
Ryan Miller
WR - TB (vs . ATL)
|
318.
Craig Reynolds
RB - DET (vs . TEN)
|
319.
Tip Reiman
TE - ARI (at MIA)
|
320.
Skyy Moore
WR - KC (at LV)
|
321.
Jonathon Brooks
RB - CAR (at DEN)
|
322.
Tim Jones
WR - JAC (vs . GB)
|
323.
Nate Adkins
TE - DEN (vs . CAR)
|
324.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling
WR - NO (at LAC)
|
325.
Evan Hull
RB - IND (at HOU)
|
326.
Pharaoh Brown
TE - SEA (vs . BUF)
|
327.
Jalen Reagor
WR - LAC (vs . NO)
|
328.
Luke Farrell
TE - JAC (vs . GB)
|
329.
Tanner Hudson
TE - CIN (vs . PHI)
|
330.
Tommy Tremble
TE - CAR (at DEN)
|
331.
Jermaine Burton
WR - CIN (vs . PHI)
|
332.
Hunter Long
TE - LAR (vs . MIN)
|
333.
Ryan Flournoy
WR - DAL (at SF)
|
334.
Zach Pascal
WR - ARI (at MIA)
|
335.
Eric Saubert
TE - SF (vs . DAL)
|
336.
Daniel Bellinger
TE - NYG (at PIT)
|
337.
Brandon Powell
WR - MIN (at LAR)
|
338.
Trent Sherfield Sr.
WR - MIN (at LAR)
|
339.
Xavier Gipson
WR - NYJ (at NE)
|
340.
Tyreik McAllister
RB,WR - LV (vs . KC)
|
341.
Tom Kennedy
WR - DET (vs . TEN)
|
342.
John Bates
TE - WAS (vs . CHI)
|
343.
Charlie Woerner
TE - ATL (at TB)
|
344.
Brandon Johnson
WR - PIT (vs . NYG)
|
345.
Charlie Jones
WR - CIN (vs . PHI)
|
346.
Adam Thielen
WR - CAR (at DEN)
|
347.
Connor Heyward
TE - PIT (vs . NYG)
|
348.
Davis Allen
TE - LAR (vs . MIN)
|
349.
Isaiah Davis
RB - NYJ (at NE)
|
350.
Mason Kinsey
WR - TEN (at DET)
|
351.
Isaiah Williams
WR - DET (vs . TEN)
|
352.
Scotty Miller
WR - PIT (vs . NYG)
|
353.
Reggie Gilliam
RB - BUF (at SEA)
|
354.
Jared Wiley
TE - KC (at LV)
|
355.
Geoff Swaim
TE - CLE (vs . BAL)
|
356.
Dylan Laube
RB - LV (vs . KC)
|
357.
Brenden Rice
WR - LAC (vs . NO)
|
358.
Kristian Wilkerson
WR - LV (vs . KC)
|
359.
Brevyn Spann-Ford
TE - DAL (at SF)
|
360.
John Samuel Shenker
TE - LV (vs . KC)
|
361.
Teagan Quitoriano
TE - HOU (vs . IND)
|
362.
Marcedes Lewis
TE - CHI (at WAS)
|
363.
Jase McClellan
RB - ATL (at TB)
|
364.
Dallin Holker
TE - NO (at LAC)
|
365.
Casey Washington
WR - ATL (at TB)
|
366.
DeAndre Carter
WR - CHI (at WAS)
|
367.
Jaheim Bell
TE - NE (vs . NYJ)
|
368.
Irvin Charles
WR - NYJ (at NE)
|
369.
Rakim Jarrett
WR - TB (vs . ATL)
|
370.
Dareke Young
WR - SEA (vs . BUF)
|
371.
Quintin Morris
TE - BUF (at SEA)
|
372.
Kenny McIntosh
RB - SEA (vs . BUF)
|
373.
Bruce Miller
RB - FA (BYE)
|
374.
Chris Manhertz
TE - NYG (at PIT)
|
375.
Xavier Smith
WR - LAR (vs . MIN)
|
376.
Devontez Walker
WR - BAL (at CLE)
|
377.
Jake Tonges
TE - SF (vs . DAL)
|
378.
Tyler Scott
WR - CHI (at WAS)
|
379.
Avery Williams
RB - ATL (at TB)
|
380.
Shane Zylstra
TE - DET (vs . TEN)
|
381.
Steven Sims Jr.
WR - HOU (vs . IND)
|
382.
DeeJay Dallas
RB - ARI (at MIA)
|
383.
Jake Funk
RB - JAC (vs . GB)
|
384.
Bryce Ford-Wheaton
WR - NYG (at PIT)
|
385.
Anthony Firkser
TE - NYJ (at NE)
|
386.
Ihmir Smith-Marsette
WR - NYG (at PIT)
|
387.
Ko Kieft
TE - TB (vs . ATL)
|
388.
Andrew Beck
RB - FA (BYE)
|
389.
Ross Dwelley
TE - ATL (at TB)
|
390.
Robert Tonyan
TE - MIN (at LAR)
|
391.
Tanner Conner
TE - MIA (vs . ARI)
|
392.
Velus Jones Jr.
RB,WR - CHI (at WAS)
|
393.
Equanimeous St. Brown
WR - NO (at LAC)
|
394.
Khari Blasingame
RB - CHI (at WAS)
|
395.
John FitzPatrick
TE - GB (at JAC)
|
396.
Chris Collier
RB - BAL (at CLE)
|
397.
Brady Russell
TE - SEA (vs . BUF)
|
398.
Devin Culp
TE - TB (vs . ATL)
|
399.
Colson Yankoff
RB,TE - WAS (vs . CHI)
|
400.
Josiah Deguara
TE - JAC (vs . GB)
|
401.
Brayden Willis
TE - SF (vs . DAL)
|