NFL Fantasy Football: Start Or Sit In Week 8?
Hey guys! Week 8 of the NFL season is upon us, and that means it's crunch time in your fantasy football leagues. Making the right start/sit decisions can be the difference between a win and a loss, so let's dive into some key players to help you set your lineups.
Quarterbacks: Who to Trust Under Center
Quarterback decisions are crucial in fantasy football. Starting the right quarterback can lead to a huge point total, while a poor choice can doom your chances. Let's break down some QBs you should consider starting and some you should consider sitting in Week 8.
Start: Geno Smith (Seattle Seahawks)
Geno Smith has been one of the biggest surprises in fantasy football this season. He's consistently put up solid numbers, and he has a favorable matchup against the Cleveland Browns in Week 8. The Browns' defense has struggled against the pass, making Smith a high-upside play. Smith's ability to make accurate throws and utilize his receiving weapons makes him a reliable option. His connection with DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett provides a consistent stream of yardage and touchdown opportunities. The Seahawks' offensive scheme, designed to maximize Smith's strengths, further solidifies his position as a strong start this week. Don't hesitate to plug him into your lineup.
Furthermore, consider the potential for rushing yards. Smith isn't known for his rushing prowess, but he's shown the willingness to scramble when necessary, adding another dimension to his fantasy value. Given the Browns' defensive vulnerabilities, Smith could find himself with multiple opportunities to extend drives with his legs, leading to additional fantasy points. The game script could also favor Smith, particularly if the Seahawks find themselves in a shootout. In such scenarios, Smith would be forced to throw more often, increasing his chances of a significant fantasy output. With all these factors considered, Geno Smith stands out as a must-start quarterback in Week 8, offering a blend of consistency, favorable matchup, and hidden upside.
Sit: Russell Wilson (Denver Broncos)
It pains me to say it, but Russell Wilson has been a major disappointment this season. He's struggled to connect with his receivers, and the Broncos' offense has been a mess. A matchup against a tough Kansas City Chiefs defense in Week 8 makes him a risky start. Wilson's struggles with accuracy and decision-making have been evident, leading to turnovers and missed opportunities. The Chiefs' defense, known for its aggressive pass rush and opportunistic secondary, presents a formidable challenge.
Additionally, the Broncos' offensive line has had its share of struggles, providing Wilson with limited time and space to operate effectively. This pressure further diminishes his ability to make accurate throws and connect with his receivers downfield. The lack of a consistent running game also puts more pressure on Wilson to carry the offense, which has proven to be a recipe for disaster. Given these challenges, it's wise to keep Wilson on your bench in Week 8 and explore other quarterback options with more favorable matchups and better offensive support. Until Wilson shows signs of improvement and the Broncos' offense finds its rhythm, he remains a high-risk, low-reward fantasy play. It is just not worth the risk!
Running Backs: Deciding Who Gets the Carries
Running back decisions can be tricky, especially with committees and injuries clouding the picture. Let's break down some running backs to consider starting and sitting.
Start: D'Andre Swift (Detroit Lions)
If active, D'Andre Swift is a must-start. When healthy, Swift is a dynamic playmaker with the ability to score points both on the ground and through the air. Swift's explosiveness and receiving ability make him a threat to score every time he touches the ball. The Lions' offense, known for its creativity and aggressiveness, utilizes Swift in a variety of ways, maximizing his fantasy potential.
Even with some lingering concerns about his workload, Swift's upside is simply too high to ignore. His ability to break off long runs and make contested catches out of the backfield makes him a constant threat to opposing defenses. The Lions' offensive line, one of the best in the league, also provides Swift with ample opportunities to find running lanes and exploit mismatches. Monitor his practice participation and game-day status closely, but if Swift is active, he should be in your lineup. His potential for a big game is simply too enticing to pass up, making him a valuable asset in your quest for a fantasy victory.
Sit: Damien Harris (New England Patriots)
The New England Patriots' backfield is always a headache for fantasy managers. Damien Harris has been inconsistent this season, and with Rhamondre Stevenson emerging as the lead back, Harris's touches have been limited. A tough matchup against the New York Jets' run defense in Week 8 makes him a risky start. Harris's lack of involvement in the passing game further limits his upside, making him a touchdown-dependent option. The Jets' defensive front is known for its physicality and ability to shut down opposing running games, which could severely limit Harris's production.
Furthermore, the Patriots' offensive struggles have made it difficult for any running back to consistently produce fantasy points. The team's inability to sustain drives and score points has reduced the number of opportunities for Harris to find the end zone. Given these challenges, it's best to keep Harris on your bench in Week 8 and explore other running back options with more favorable matchups and clearer roles in their respective offenses. Until Harris sees a significant increase in his workload and the Patriots' offense improves, he remains a risky and unreliable fantasy play. Don't fall for this trap, guys.
Wide Receivers: Who to Target Downfield
Wide receiver decisions can make or break your week. Identifying the right matchups and targets is crucial. Let's look at some WRs to consider starting and sitting.
Start: Courtland Sutton (Denver Broncos)
Despite Russell Wilson's struggles, Courtland Sutton has been a consistent target in the Broncos' offense. He's seen a high volume of targets, and he has the potential for a big game. Even against a tough Kansas City Chiefs defense, Sutton's size and athleticism make him a threat to make contested catches and score touchdowns. Sutton's ability to win jump balls and create separation downfield makes him a valuable asset in the Broncos' passing game.
While Wilson's inconsistencies may limit Sutton's overall ceiling, his consistent target share provides a relatively safe floor. The Broncos will likely need to throw the ball frequently in order to keep pace with the Chiefs' high-powered offense, which could lead to more opportunities for Sutton to make plays. Given his target volume and potential for explosive plays, Sutton is a worthy start in Week 8, especially in PPR formats. However, manage expectations due to Wilson's struggles, but his volume keeps him in starting consideration.
Sit: Allen Lazard (Green Bay Packers)
Allen Lazard has been a disappointment this season, and his production has been inconsistent. With the Packers' offense struggling, Lazard's upside is limited. A matchup against a tough Buffalo Bills defense in Week 8 makes him a risky start. Lazard's lack of separation and reliance on contested catches have made it difficult for him to consistently produce fantasy points. The Bills' defense, known for its aggressive coverage and ability to limit big plays, presents a difficult challenge for Lazard and the entire Packers' passing game.
Furthermore, the emergence of other receivers in the Packers' offense has further diminished Lazard's target share. With rookie wide receivers like Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson vying for targets, Lazard's role in the offense has become less secure. Given these challenges, it's best to keep Lazard on your bench in Week 8 and explore other wide receiver options with more favorable matchups and clearer roles in their respective offenses. Until Lazard sees a significant increase in his production and the Packers' offense improves, he remains a risky and unreliable fantasy play. You can do better!
Tight Ends: Navigating the Position's Volatility
Tight end is often a volatile position in fantasy football. Finding a reliable starter can be tough. Let's examine some TEs to consider starting and sitting.
Start: Tyler Higbee (Los Angeles Rams)
Tyler Higbee has been a consistent target in the Rams' offense, especially with Cooper Kupp drawing so much attention. He's a reliable option in PPR formats, and he has the potential for a touchdown. Even against a tough San Francisco 49ers defense, Higbee's target share makes him a viable start. Higbee's ability to find soft spots in zone coverage and make contested catches in the middle of the field makes him a valuable asset in the Rams' passing game.
While the 49ers' defense is known for its ability to limit opposing offenses, Higbee's consistent target volume provides a relatively safe floor. The Rams will likely need to rely on short, quick passes to move the ball against the 49ers' aggressive pass rush, which could lead to more opportunities for Higbee to make plays. Given his target volume and potential for red-zone opportunities, Higbee is a solid start in Week 8, especially in PPR leagues. The tight end landscape is bleak, so ride with Higbee.
Sit: Robert Tonyan (Green Bay Packers)
Robert Tonyan has been inconsistent this season, and his production has been limited. With the Packers' offense struggling, Tonyan's upside is limited. A matchup against a tough Buffalo Bills defense in Week 8 makes him a risky start. Tonyan's lack of separation and reliance on contested catches have made it difficult for him to consistently produce fantasy points. The Bills' defense, known for its ability to limit big plays and shut down opposing tight ends, presents a difficult challenge for Tonyan and the entire Packers' passing game.
Furthermore, the emergence of other pass-catchers in the Packers' offense has further diminished Tonyan's target share. With rookie wide receivers and other tight ends vying for targets, Tonyan's role in the offense has become less secure. Given these challenges, it's best to keep Tonyan on your bench in Week 8 and explore other tight end options with more favorable matchups and clearer roles in their respective offenses. Until Tonyan sees a significant increase in his production and the Packers' offense improves, he remains a risky and unreliable fantasy play. There are likely better options on the waiver wire.
Final Thoughts: Trust Your Gut (But Do Your Research!)
Ultimately, the best start/sit decisions come down to your own research and gut feeling. But hopefully, these recommendations have provided you with some helpful insights. Good luck in Week 8, guys, and may your fantasy teams emerge victorious!
Disclaimer: These are just recommendations, and anything can happen in the unpredictable world of the NFL. Stay up-to-date on the latest news and injuries before making your final decisions.