Here's a look back at Week 8's action, and fantasy advice for the week ahead:
WEEK 8 RECAP
Ravens 27, Buccaneers 22: I wrote in the preseason I considered Isaiah Likely a handcuff to Mark Andrews, something you usually only consider doing for a top tier running back, but Andrews is that good and his role in Baltimore’s offense is that valuable. After Andrews was sidelined last Thursday night, Likely had six receptions for 77 yards and a TD — he finished as the overall TE3 in standard formats (TE2 in PPR) for Week 8. If you roster Andrews — who is still dealing with shoulder and ankle injuries — you should roster Likely.
Broncos 21, Jaguars 17: Travis Etienne dominated Jacksonville’s backfield usage while gaining 156 yards on 24 carries and scoring a touchdown. Etienne only left the field for breaks after he ran the ball a few times in a row or when he broke a big run. He has top-five potential if this type of volume continues.
Falcons 37, Panthers 34 (OT): I finally caved and recommended sitting Kyle Pitts last week, so it was a stone-cold lock he would produce — he had five receptions (nine targets) for 80 yards and a TD. You’re welcome.
Cowboys 49, Bears 29: Despite a horrific start to the season, Justin Fields is fantasy’s overall QB11 through eight games. He’s actually the overall QB2 since Week 5 — only Joe Burrow has produced more fantasy points. A matchup with the Dallas defense kept most from adding him off the waiver wire. You’ll have no such luck this week. Fields' next three opponents: Miami, Detroit and Atlanta.
Dolphins 31, Lions 27: According to Fantasy Pros, Tua Tagovailoa is seventh in fantasy points per game (19.27) for quarterbacks. Only Josh Allen (28.07), Jalen Hurts (25.18), Patrick Mahomes (24.95), Joe Burrow (23.3), Lamar Jackson (23.09) and Kyler Murray (20.2) are scoring higher on a weekly basis.
Vikings 34, Cardinals 26: Jonny Mundt (Minnesota’s No. 2 tight end), KJ Osborn and Alexander Mattison all scored TDs, likely helping no one.
Saints 24, Raiders 0: No one is happier with Andy Dalton at quarterback than those who roster Alvin Kamara in fantasy. Kamara only produced 119 total yards and no TDs with just five receptions (11 targets) in two games with Jameis Winston under center. In four games with Dalton, he has 581 total yards and three TDs with 28 receptions (34 targets), making him fantasy’s overall RB1 since Week 5.
Patriots 22, Jets 17: Elijah Moore was a healthy scratch after asking for a trade in Week 7 because of his lack of involvement and returned Week 8 to receive one target while playing only 10 snaps.
Eagles 35, Steelers 13: AJ Brown is set to smash his career highs in receptions (70), targets (106), receiving yards (1,075) and TDs (11). His current pace: 95 receptions (155 targets) for 1,600 yards and 12 TDs.
Titans 17, Texans 10: Derrick Henry rushed for 200-plus yards and multiple TDs for the fourth straight time against Houston.
Commanders 17, Colts 16: For the first time all season, Curtis Samuel did not lead Washington in targets.
49ers 31, Rams 14: Christian McCaffrey was the first player since LaDainian Tomlinson in 2005 to throw, rush and receive a TD in the same game.
Seahawks 27, Giants 13: Darius Slayton led the Giants in targets (6) and gained over 50 yards for the third time in four weeks. Slayton is the overall WR31 in standard formats since Week 5 (WR32 in PPR).
Bills 27, Packers 17: Romeo Doubs stepped up with 62 yards and a touchdown after being challenged publicly by Aaron Rodgers, and apparently he’s the only Green Bay wide receiver who can stay healthy. There are multiple favorable matchups on the horizon.
Browns 32, Bengals 13: Harrison Bryant was one of my big waiver wire targets after David Njoku suffered an ankle injury that will probably sideline him for at least a month, but Cleveland altered its offensive attack sans Njoku. The Browns relied on the run game, as usual, but also targeted their wide receivers more often in the passing game. Bryant can be left on the waiver wire.
Follow me on Twitter @UTEddieBrown if you have questions throughout the week.
Here are my best bets for Week 9:
PHILADELPHIA AT HOUSTON
Obvious starters: Jalen Hurts (PHI), AJ Brown (PHI), Miles Sanders (PHI), Dallas Goedert (PHI), Eagles D/ST, Dameon Pierce (HOU).
Who to start: DeVonta Smith (PHI) has at least five receptions, 80 yards or a TD in five of the last six games.
Who to sit: With such a good matchup and potentially lopsided game script, both Kenneth Gainwell (PHI) and Boston Scott (PHI) are dart throws in the deepest leagues, but should remain on your bench otherwise. Reports have Brandin Cooks (HOU) sitting out due to his frustration with not being dealt at the trade deadline. Nico Collins (HOU) will remain sidelined with a groin injury.
Sleeper: Phillip Dorsett (HOU) is a lottery ticket in deeper leagues with Cooks likely out and Collins still hurt.
L.A. CHARGERS AT ATLANTA
Obvious starters: Justin Herbert (LAC), Austin Ekeler (LAC), Gerald Everett (LAC), Kyle Pitts (ATL).
Who to start: Joshua Palmer (LAC) has cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol and will likely see high volume with the Chargers' top two wide receivers possibly out. Marcus Mariota (ATL) is the overall QB8 through eight games — overall QB5 since Week 5. Tyler Allgeier (ATL) has flex value against a struggling run defense that has allowed seven TDs to running backs in the last five games.
Who to sit: I’m fading Keenan Allen (LAC) until we see him produce and make it through a game unscathed. The Chargers D/ST struggles with run-oriented offenses. Since Week 4, Drake London (ATL) is the overall WR81 in standard formats (WR71 in PPR). Caleb Huntley (ATL) remains touchdown-dependent with eight-or-fewer carries in half his games this season.
Sleeper: With Mike Williams and Allen out, DeAndre Carter (LAC) deserves flex consideration against a defense that has allowed six TDs to wide receivers in the last three games.
MIAMI AT CHICAGO
Obvious starters: Tyreek Hill (MIA), Jaylen Waddle (MIA), Justin Fields (CHI).
Who to start: Raheem Mostert (MIA) faces a defense that has allowed seven TDs to running backs in the last four games. Both David Montgomery (CHI) and Khalil Herbert (CHI) are solid flex options with upside in this matchup — Montgomery is the overall RB22 in standard formats since Week 5 (Herbert is the overall RB23 in that span). Darnell Mooney (CHI) maintains WR3/flex value as the overall WR32 in standard formats (WR34 in PPR) since Week 5.
Who to sit: I’m fading Tua Tagovailoa (MIA) on the road against a defense that has only allowed seven TDs to quarterbacks in eight games. Mike Gesicki (MIA) remains touchdown-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in six of eight games. We’re simply not sure how much Chase Claypool (CHI) will be involved this week after being acquired at the trade deadline. Cole Kmet (CHI) remains touchdown-dependent with three-or-fewer targets in seven of eight games.
Sleeper: The Dolphins D/ST is a solid streaming option against an offensive line that has allowed 31 sacks in eight games.
CAROLINA AT CINCINNATI
Obvious starters: DJ Moore (CAR), D’Onta Foreman (CAR), Joe Mixon (CIN), Joe Burrow (CIN), Tee Higgins (CIN).
Who to start: Chuba Hubbard (CAR) will deserve flex consideration if he’s active, while also potentially limiting Foreman’s upside. The Panthers D/ST is the 12th-best scoring defense in fantasy through eight games. Tyler Boyd (CIN) has at least six receptions, 66 yards or a TD in five of eight games. The Bengals D/ST has streaming value against an offense allowing the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing defenses this season.
Who to sit: PJ Walker (CAR) only has value in superflex formats until further notice.
Sleeper: Hayden Hurst (CIN) has at least four receptions or a TD in six of eight games.
GREEN BAY AT DETROIT
Obvious starters: Aaron Jones (GB), Aaron Rodgers (GB), D’Andre Swift (DET), Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET).
Who to start: Allen Lazard (GB) has at least six receptions, 66 yards or a TD in all six games he’s played in this season. AJ Dillon (GB) has flex value against a defense that has allowed 11 TDs to running backs in seven games. Romeo Doubs (GB) faces a defense that has allowed seven TDs to wide receivers in the last six games. The Packers D/ST deserves streaming consideration against an offense that has allowed nine turnovers in the last four games. Jamaal Williams (DET) has scored multiple TDs in four of seven games.
Who to sit: Jared Goff (DET) has one TD against three interceptions since Week 5. Josh Reynolds (DET) is touchdown-dependent with only three receptions (eight targets) for 22 yards and no TDs in two games since the Lions’ bye week.
Sleeper: Robert Tonyan (GB) faces a defense that has allowed at least 54 yards or a TD to tight ends in every game this season.
INDIANAPOLIS AT NEW ENGLAND
Obvious starters: Michael Pittman Jr. (IND), Rhamondre Stevenson (NE), Patriots D/ST.
Who to start: Alec Pierce (IND) has flex value as the overall WR29 in fantasy since Week 3. The Colts D/ST deserves streaming consideration as the seventh-best scoring defense in fantasy since Week 5. Jakobi Meyers (NE) is the overall WR9 in standard formats (WR6 in PPR) since Week 5. Damien Harris (NE) still merits flex consideration if he’s active.
Who to sit: Jonathan Taylor (IND) hasn’t practiced this week. Parris Campbell (IND) took a big step back with Sam Ehlinger (IND) under center. Hunter Henry (NE) remains touchdown-dependent with only three targets the last two games.
Sleeper: Deon Jackson (IND) produced 212 total yards, 14 receptions and a TD in two games with Taylor sidelined earlier this season.
BUFFALO AT N.Y. JETS
Obvious starters: Josh Allen (BUF), Stefon Diggs (BUF), Gabe Davis (BUF), Devin Singletary (BUF), Bills D/ST.
Who to start: Michael Carter (NYJ) maintains flex value as the overall RB26 in PPR formats. Garrett Wilson (NYJ) maintains WR3/flex upside as the overall WR34 in standard formats (WR32 in PPR) through eight games.
Who to sit: Dawson Knox (BUF) remains touchdown-dependent against a defense that hasn’t allowed a TD to tight ends this season. I’d like to see how the Bills plan to utilize Nyheim Hines (BUF) before I’m inserting him into my lineup, but I imagine he’s going to have flex value most weeks in PPR formats. Isaiah McKenzie (BUF) becomes a boom-or-bust option with the addition of Hines. A potentially lopsided game script doesn’t favor James Robinson (NYJ).
Sleeper: Tyler Conklin (NYJ) faces a defense that has allowed 26 receptions for 232 yards to tight ends the last three games.
MINNESOTA AT WASHINGTON
Obvious starters: Dalvin Cook (MIN), Justin Jefferson (MIN), TJ Hockenson (MIN), Terry McLaurin (WAS).
Who to start: Adam Thielen (MIN) has at least four receptions or a TD in six straight games. Kirk Cousins (MIN) maintains streaming value as the overall QB12 through eight games. The Vikings D/ST deserves streaming consideration against an offense that has allowed the seventh-most points to opposing defenses in fantasy. Antonio Gibson (WAS) maintains flex value as the overall RB16 in PPR through eight games. Curtis Samuel (WAS) deserves flex consideration against a defense that has allowed 40 receptions for 575 yards and two TDs to wide receivers in its last two games.
Who to sit: Brian Robinson Jr. (WAS) is touchdown-dependent with inconsistent usage.
Sleeper: Taylor Heinicke (WAS) is the overall QB7 since becoming the starter in Week 7.
LAS VEGAS AT JACKSONVILLE
Obvious starters: Davante Adams (LV), Josh Jacobs (LV), Travis Etienne Jr. (JAC), Christian Kirk (JAC).
Who to start: Trevor Lawrence (JAC) faces a defense that has allowed 15 TDs to quarterbacks in seven games.
Who to sit: I’m fading Darren Waller (LV) until we see him make it through an entire game unscathed with his injured hamstring. Derek Carr (LV) has three TD passes since Week 4. Hunter Renfrow (LV) remains touchdown-dependent with only nine targets in his last three games. Mack Hollins (LV) remains boom-or-bust with three-or-fewer receptions in three of the last four games. Zay Jones (JAC) and Marvin Jones (JAC) remain boom-or-bust options with inconsistent usage despite the favorable matchup.
Sleeper: Evan Engram (JAC) is the overall TE13 in standard formats (TE10 in PPR) through eight games, but he has been an obvious starter at the position since Week 5.
SEATTLE AT ARIZONA
Obvious starters: Kenneth Walker (SEA), DK Metcalf (SEA), Tyler Lockett (SEA), Kyler Murray (ARI), DeAndre Hopkins (ARI), Zach Ertz (ARI).
Who to start: Geno Smith (SEA) is the overall QB7 through eight games. The Seahawks D/ST is the sixth-best scoring option in fantasy through eight games. You’re starting James Conner (ARI) if he’s active. Eno Benjamin (ARI) would maintain flex value if Conner remains sidelined — the Seahawks have allowed the seventh-most points to running backs this season. Rondale Moore (ARI) has at least six receptions or a TD in three of the last four games. The Cardinals D/ST is the eighth-best scoring option in fantasy through eight games.
Who to sit: Noah Fant (SEA) is dealing with a hamstring injury that could sideline or limit him this week. Robbie Anderson (ARI) remains a boom-or-bust option (same as it ever was).
Sleeper: Will Dissly (SEA) faces a defense that has allowed 11 receptions and four TDs to tight ends the last two games.
L.A. RAMS AT TAMPA BAY
Obvious starters: Cooper Kupp (LAR), Tyler Higbee (LAR), Mike Evans (TB), Chris Godwin (TB), Leonard Fournette (TB).
Who to start: Matthew Stafford (LAR) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed multiple TDs to quarterbacks in five of the last six games. Both the Rams D/ST and Buccaneers D/ST are solid options against two underperforming offenses.
Who to sit: I’d only consider Allen Robinson (LAR) a viable option if Kupp is out with an ankle injury. Darrell Henderson (LAR) hasn’t surpassed 47 rushing yards this season. Tom Brady (TB) has multiple TDs only once this season. This is a difficult matchup to trust Cade Otton (TB).
Sleeper: Rachaad White (TB) has at least three receptions in four of the last five games.
TENNESSEE AT KANSAS CITY
Obvious starters: Derrick Henry (TEN), Travis Kelce (KC), Patrick Mahomes (KC).
Who to start: Ryan Tannehill (TEN) would be a sneaky streaming option if he’s active against a defense that has allowed multiple TD passes in every game this season. JuJu Smith-Schuster (KC) has at least five receptions or a TD in five of seven games. Clyde Edwards-Helaire (KC) maintains flex value as the overall RB21 across all formats. Both Marquez Valdes-Scantling (KC) and Mecole Hardman (KC) have flex potential against a defense that has allowed nine TDs to wide receivers in seven games.
Who to sit: Malik Willis (TEN) doesn’t appear to be ready for prime time. Kadarius Toney (KC) is a boom-or-bust option until further notice. The Chiefs D/ST only has streaming appeal against Willis. Isiah Pacheco (KC) and Jerick McKinnon (KC) remain touchdown-dependent with inconsistent usage.
Sleeper: Robert Woods (TEN) faces a defense that has allowed 10 TDs to wide receivers in seven games.
BALTIMORE AT NEW ORLEANS
Obvious starters: Lamar Jackson (BAL), Alvin Kamara (NO), Chris Olave (NO).
Who to start: It’s hard to sit Mark Andrews (BAL) if he’s active — you should roster Isaiah Likely (BAL) just in case he isn’t. The Ravens D/ST will only get better with the addition of Roquan Smith. Devin Duvernay (BAL) has WR3/flex upside against a defense that has allowed six TDs to wide receivers in the last four games and Rashod Bateman out with a foot injury. Andy Dalton (NO) is the overall QB12 since taking over for an injured Jameis Winston in Week 4 — he’s QB3 the last two games.
Who to sit: Taysom Hill (NO) remains the ultimate boom-or-bust option. Juwan Johnson (NO) remains touchdown-dependent with only 12 receptions the last four games. I’m fading the Saints D/ST against one of the most efficient offenses in the NFL.
Sleeper: Kenyan Drake (BAL) should get double-digit touches with Gus Edwards likely out with a hamstring injury.
