Need help with filling out your fantasy football seasonal lineups for Week 8 of the 2024 NFL season? The bye weeks are taking a break for midseason, but there are still plenty of tough decisions to make thanks to injury attrition, especially at wide receiver, especially involving the San Francisco 49ers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Vinnie Iyer is here for you again, back with another version of the Decider, a unique blend of positional rankings and start ‘em, sit ‘em advice. Let's get into breaking down the best and worst plays in redraft based on matchups, usage, and other factors, plus some good price values to target in DFS.
Fantasy Football Week 8 Start 'Em: Quarterbacks
Regular starts
- Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles (at CIN)
- Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers (at JAX)
- Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens (at CLE)
- Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills (at SEA)
- Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders (if he plays, vs. CHI)
- Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons (at TB)
- Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals (vs. PHI)
- Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (vs. ATL)
Stronger starts;;
C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans (vs. IND): Stroud should rebound nicely at home as the Colts have given it up all over the field outside to QBs.
Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs (at LV): Mahomes has been a QB2 all season, but that massive TD game can happen in Vegas.
Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers (vs. DAL): Purdy has been a little rough with turnovers and forcing the action, but he keeps finding a way to compile with both his arm and legs.
Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings (at LAR): Darnold is going back to L.A. and will love seeing a beatable secondary with his immense weapons.
Bo Nix, Denver Broncos (vs. CAR): Nix can keep bringing it wih his legs and arm in a smash spot against a depleted defense at home.
Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears (at WAS): He'll be ready after a bye to let it loose in a hopeful duel with Daniels.
Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins (vs. ARI): If he's back, it should be back to business as usual for his explosive offense again.
Russell Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. NYG): He looked great last week and can light up this team with his mobility to extend pass plays.
Week 8 FANTASY FOOTBALL RANKINGS
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/ST | Kickers
DFS pick
Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers (at JAX, $7,100 on DraftKings, $8,900 on FanDuel): Love is back in this space with a brilliant road matchup as he's bound to throw for more high volume with 3 TD passes likely again vs. a weaker AFC South opponent.
Fantasy Football Week 8 Sit 'Em: Quarterbacks
Weaker starts
Jared Goff, Detroit Lions (vs. TEN): The Titans are tight on allowing passing game points despite what Allen did, so this should be a run-dominated positive game script without a key downfield weapon.
Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals (at MIA): He was fortunate to save his fantasy night with a long TD run on a busted play by the Chargers, but he runs into a tough time as a dual threat here.
Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks (vs. BUF): The Seahawks will need to run and throw to backs to beat the Bills especially with DK hurting.
Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys (at SF): You can't trust him in tougher matchups on the road, which this is.
Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets (at NE): He can easily put up a couple TDs, but game script and matchup says this will be a runaway get-well win.
Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams (vs. MIN): The Vikings can give up yards, but be wary of multiple sacks and turnovers involving him.
Anthony Richardson, Colts (at HOU): There's evidence, running or otherwise, to think this is a comfortable play.
Drake Maye, New England Patriots (vs. NYJ): Maye can have some success throwing short-to-intermediate passes inside, but he cools off big time.
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Fantasy Football Week 8 Start 'Em: Running backs
Regular starts
- Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens (at CLE)
- Kenneth Walker III, Seahawks (vs. BUF)
- Joe Mixon, Houston Texans (vs. IND)
- Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles (at CIN)
- Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons (at TB)
- Breece Hall, New York Jets (at NE)
- Kareem Hunt, Kansas City Chiefs (at LV)
- Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions (vs. TEN)
- Josh Jacobs, Green Bay Packers (at JAX)
- Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams (vs. MIN)
- Javonte Williams, Denver Broncos (vs. CAR)
- De'Von Achane, Miami Dolphins (vs. ARI)
- Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. GB)
- Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts (if he plays, at HOU)
- James Conner, Arizona Cardinals (at MIA)
- Brian Robinson Jr., Washington Commanders (vs. CHI)
- J.K. Dobbins, Los Angeles Chargers (vs. NO)
- David Montgomery, Detroit Lions (at LAR)
- James Cook, Buffalo Bills (at SEA)
- Aaron Jones, Minnesota Vikings (at LAR)
- Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints (at LAC)
- D'Andre Swift, Chicago Bears (at WAS)
Stronger starts
Jordan Mason, San Francisco 49ers (vs. DAL): Keep rolling with him as the 49ers should go run-heavy in a good matchup to take pressure off Purdy.
Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers (at DEN): He's still getting the volume, and you need to run to have any chance of beating the Broncos.
Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. NYG): They should keep delivering as a 1-2 punch after Saquon crushed the Giants on the ground in another positive game script vs. the Giants.
Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots (vs. NYJ): Give him a fair chance to rebound in what could be a more favorable tighter game.
Tony Pollard, Tennessee Titans (at DET): This is a volume-based play because the matchup is otherwise tough.
Braelon Allen, New York Jets (at NE): He should get back to having a key scrimmage game like he did the first time.
WEEK 8 FANTASY ROSTER MANAGEMENT ADVICE
Stock Watch | Trade Advice | Start 'Em, Sit 'Em | Sleepers | Busts
DFS Picks
Javonte Williams, Denver Broncos (vs. CAR, $6,000 on DraftKings, $6,000 on FanDuel): This dude emerged to crush with his immense talent in New Orleans on Thursday night and now gets to attack another weak sauce NFC South front, this time at home.
Kareem Hunt, Kansas City Chiefs (at LV, $6,300 on DraftKings, $8,100 on FanDuel): He's getting massive volume and looked back to his old Chiefs form with his production and TD pop carried over from Cleveland. He goes nuts again in a smash spot.
Fantasy Football Week 8 Sit 'Em: Running backs
Weaker starts
Alexander Mattison, Las Vegas Raiders (vs. KC): The Chiefs become absolutely nasty against the run.
Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns (vs. BAL): This is a terrible power-running game spot.
Raheem Mostert, Miami Dolphins (at IND): He's going to take a big back seat to Achane this week.
Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons (at TB): He could in theory get more work in a positive game script, but it's a major risk.
Austin Ekeler, Washington Commanders (vs. CHI): He's hard to trust in this committee.
Chase Brown and Zack Moss, Cincinnati Bengals (vs. PHI): Brown and Moss are gathering some cancellation in tougher matchups.
Bucky Irving and Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (vs. ATL): This is a brutal split vs. a tough run defense with a weakened overall offense.
Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary, New York Giants (at PIT): This is a tough matchup for a split committee with no good passing game.
Fantasy Football Week 8 Start 'Em: Wide receivers
Regular starts
- Ja'Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals (vs. PHI)
- A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles (vs. CIN)
- Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings (at LAR)
- Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions (vs. TEN)
- Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins (vs. ARI)
- CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys (at SF)
- Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams (if he returns. vs. MIN)
- Jayden Reed, Green Bay Packers (at JAX)
- Drake London, Atlanta Falcons (at TB)
- Stefon Diggs, Houston Texans (vs. IND)
Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals (vs . PHI, inactive)- DeVonta Smith, Philadelphia Eagles (at CIN)
- Garrett Wilson, New York Jets (at NE)
- Davante Adams, New York Jets (at NE)
- Terry McLaurin, Washington Commanders (vs. CHI)
- D.J. Moore, Chicago Bears (at WAS)
- DK Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks (if he plays, vs. BUF)
- Malik Nabers, New York Giants (if he returns. at PIT)
- George Pickens, Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. NYG)
- Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins (vs. ARI)
- Amari Cooper, Buffalo Bills (at SEA)
- Brian Thomas Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. GB)
- Zay Flowers, Baltimore Ravens (if he plays, at CLE)
- Darnell Mooney, Atlanta Falcons (at TB)
Stronger starts
Romeo Doubs, Green Bay Packers (at JAX): Doubs has been feeling the Love with his appropriate first name of late since a team issue and he can keep it up in this great spot.
Cedric Tillman, Cleveland Browns (vs. BAL): Tillman will remain busy with Jameis Winston taking over the offense, and this matchup is as good as it gets.
Xavier Worthy, Kansas City Chiefs (at LV): They should unlock him more as a speedster against the Raiders' defense as a change-of-pace runner and deep receiver.
Christian Kirk, Jacksonville Jaguars (vs.GB): Kirk is being trade-rumored so he could use a showcase game against a team with some slot concerns.
Calvin Ridley, Tennessee Titans (at DET): Ridley can maybe have a real shot at some garbage-time production for Mason Rudolph in a badly negative game script.
Marvin Harrison Jr., Arizona Cardinals (at MIA): The rookie might seem sit-able, but youth can be served against two slowing-down corners.
Jauan Jennings, San Francisco 49ers (if he returns, vs. DAL): They need him more than ever as a supersub before the bye in a must-win situation in a favorable spot overall, inside and out.
Keenan Allen, Chicago Bears (at WAS): The Commanders aren't so good at inside coverage, and he came to life with Williams before the bye.
Jordan Addison, Minnesota Vikings (at LAR): He can provide more solid WR3 work vs. their corners.
Wan'Dale Robinson, New York Giants (at PIT): He actually can get open well as a short-area guy here with Nabers facing the tougher spot.
DFS picks
Davante Adams, New York Jets (at NE, $7,100 on DraftKings, $7,800 on FanDuel): There's no way Adams doesn't push for a hundy and a score in his second game in a plus spot for Rodgers.
Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins (vs. ARI, $7,000 on DraftKings, $7,600 on FanDuel): Hill will enjoy having Tua back to torch the Cardinals for big plays downfield, working the middle.
Romeo Doubs, Green Bay Packers (at JAX, $5,700 on DraftKings, $6,100 on FanDuel): Doubs gets a double-down recommendation here as he might be right up there with Jayden Reed for Love.
Fantasy Football Week 8 Sit 'Em: Wide receivers
Weaker starts
Christian Watson, Green Bay Packers (at JAX): Doubs and Reed are fine; Watson is a high-risk uncertain reward play.
Jaxson Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks (vs. BUF): The Bills' corners are tough, and they can be tougher for him with Metcalf out.
Jalen Tolbert, Dallas Cowboys (at SF): Tolbert may not be so free outside as Lamb eats up targets.
Tank Dell, Houston Texans (vs. IND). Dude, you're getting a Dell out of your lineup after a zero and Kenny Moore lurking as part of the coverage.
DeMario Douglas, New England Patriots (vs. NYJ): You can't go here with their sneaky good slot coverage.
Diontae Johnson, Carolina Panthers (at DEN): He should almost for "Surtain" see tricky coverage from any Broncos corner.
Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts (at HOU): Richardson says no to both, and you should too
Keon Coleman, Buffalo Bills (at SEA): There are some guys who can contain him and Khalil Shakir on the Seahawks.
Courtland Sutton, Denver Broncos (vs. CAR): The other rookies are Nix's bestes now.
Fantasy Football Week 8 Start 'Em: Tight ends
Must starts
- Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders (vs. KC)
- George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers (if he plays, vs. DAL)
- Trey McBride, Arizona Cardinals (at MIA)
- Evan Engram, Jacksonville Jaguars (at GB)
- Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs (at LV)
- Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons (at TB)
- Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens (at CLE) D
- alton Kincaid, Buffalo Bills (at SEA)
Stronger starts
Cade Otton, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at ATL): He's the man for Baker and Liam after posting a hundy in another good matchup with the starting wideouts down.
David Njoku, Cleveland Browns (vs. BAL): He's the man for Jameis and Ken with Deshaun Watson down.
Hunter Henry, New England Patriots (vs NYJ): The Jets really have trouble with downfield tight ends.
Tucker Kraft, Green Bay Packers (vs. JAX): He has a good chance to score with a 5-50 line to join the wideouts in the fun.
Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears (at WAS): The Commanders can give up good downfield yardage with their safety concerns.
Ja'Tavion Sanders, Carolina Panthers (at DEN). He should remain busy as their safest option as a rookie.
DFS pick
Evan Engram, Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. GB, $5,000 on DraftKings, $6,200 on FanDuel): Engram should be seeing the ball plenty all over the field as it's easier to exploit the Packers inside with him and Kirk.
Fantasy Football Week 8 Sit 'Em: Tight ends
Weaker starts
Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions (vs. TEN): Here's hoping for a reverse jinx, and he gets involved in the offense even though this is the most difficult tight end draw in the league.
Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. NYG): He's sharing more work in the passing game and can see limited work from Wilson.
Zach Ertz, Washington Commanders (vs. CHI): He goes back to the bench in a tougher spot.
Tyler Conklin, New York Jets (at NE): He also will cool down after scoring last week as this is a game for the wide receivers to get going.
Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans (vs. IND): In theory, yes. In practice, no.
Isaiah Likely, Baltimore Ravens (at CLE): Andrews has restored some normalcy for them at the position of late.
Fantasy Football Week 8 Start 'Em: Defense/special teams
Stronger starts
Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. NYG): Daniel Jones is reeling, and T.J. Watt is due for a monster game.
Kansas City Chiefs (at LV): They will actually be happy to see Gardner Minshew vs. Aidan O'Connell.
Denver Broncos (vs. CAR): They can put up some Mile High big plays.
Minnesota Vikings (at LAR): The Vikings should make multiple big plays vs. Stafford.
Los Angeles Chargers (vs. NO): They were still pretty good even when losing and giving up one big rushing play to Murray on MNF and now get Spencer Rattler.
New York Jets (at NE): They can cause some problems for Maye.
Detroit Lions (vs. TEN): They are widely availlable to take advantage of the best by-the-numbers matchup.
Baltimore Ravens (at CLE): They can get some turnovers off Winston through his high passing volume.
San Francisco 49ers (vs. DAL): This part of the ball should be A-OK vs. Dak.
Green Bay Packers (at JAX): They are like the Vikings, making the fantasy-friendly plays almost every week.
Houston Texans (vs. IND): They have a shot to wreak some havoc on Richardson at home.
DFS pick
Los Angeles Chargers (vs. NO, $3,300 on DraftKings, $4,500 on FanDuel): The Chargers will shut down the Saints and put Rattler in plenty of uncomfortable situations in the second half.
Fantasy Football Week 8 Sit 'Em: Defenses
Weaker starts
Buffalo Bills (at SEA): The Seahawks' offense is operating too functionally.
New Orleans Saints (at LAC): Not with that ugly tackling.
Chicago Bears (at WAS): Not against a solid running team.
Washington Commanders (vs. CHI): They cool off vs. a much more potent offense led by Williams.
Dallas Cowboys (at SF): You can cut them from consideration if you haven't already.
Get more of Sporting News NFL writer Vinnie Iyer's Week 8 fantasy football advice by subscribing to the Locked On Fantasy Football podcast.
