Start 'Em, Sit 'Em For Week 8 Fantasy Football: Start Stefon Diggs, Bench J.K. Dobbins

Week 8 is here. Bye weeks and injuries are in full swing, so it's time to dive into our Start 'Em, Sit 'Em for Week 8 fantasy football.

This column uses our Fantasy Football Projections Model, Freedman’s NFL Betting Game Model, projected roles, injuries, depth-chart changes, and matchup context to identify the players whose Week 8 outlooks are better or worse than previous weeks.

For "start" options, I will avoid obvious names that everyone is starting and focus on fringe options that might be better than their typical ranking. Mostly, I'll focus on players who aren't usually inside the top 24-48 but are this week. For QBs and TEs, I'll focus on players entering the top 12 or nearly making it for Week 8.

A “sit” is not always a must-bench. It means the player is a downgrade from their rest-of-season outlook or the previous week and may be worth fading for a similarly ranked option in a better spot.

I will also include rankings upgrades (players who get upgrades for a variety of reasons, i.e., high team totals, matchup-related boosts, recent Utilization, etc.) and rankings downgrades (players downgraded for similar reasons working against them). Plus, you will find several players who bombed last week that I am happy to go right back to the well with. It's important to lean on stronger underlying utilization metrics and matchup data rather than bench someone because of one poor performance.

Finally, you will see my positional SICKO starts. These players are for you, deeper-league SICKOS in 14+ teamers or deep bench formats who need to scrape the bottom of the barrel for viable starters.

If you haven't read the Utilization Report yet, it is my weekly piece where I break down usage changes and trends for every team. I covered 40+ players in Week 8. Much of what you see here around Utilization comes from that piece, so go check it out for more juicy nuggets.

Quarterbacks To Start In Week 8 Fantasy Football Lineups

Jacoby Brissett | Cardinals

Brissett hasn't recaptured the magic from 2025, when he finished as a top-12 QB in 9 of 12 starts, averaging 19.6 PPG. In 2026, he has averaged 16.2 PPG and finished top-12 in only 2 of 7 games.

But the last time we saw Brissett shine was Week 5, in a very similar situation to Week 8. He faced the Lions: bad defense + good offense. In Week 8, we get that same combination again against the Cowboys.

Dallas has sanctioned No. 7 QB boost (+2.2 PPG) and is the No. 5 offense (27 PPG). And really, the defense is far worse than that boost shows. Per SumerSports, the Cowboys rank 31st in pass-EPA (0.23) and 29th in pass success rate (50.4%).

The Cardinals are equally bad against the pass, ranking 30th in pass EPA (0.22). The conditions are ripe for a shootout. The Cowboys are 6.4-point favorites, but the Cardinals will move the ball. Arizona has a solid team total of 23.9 (11th).

Fantasy Projections

• Median: 17.5
• Xfinity Best (Ceiling): 22.6
• Floor: 13.9

Brissett is the QB22 on the season, averaging 16.2 PPG. But he is my QB12 against the Cowboys in Week 8.

Week 8 Fantasy QB Upgrades

• Dak Prescott | Cowboys: I don't always call out QBs that are always in the top-12, but Prescott gets a shout this week: No. 1 team total (30.3), No. 3 QB matchup against the Cardinals (+5.4 PPG), No. 4 QB passing matchup (+3.8 PPG). Dak is my QB4.
   
• Kyler Murray | Vikings: Minnesota's No. 1-ranked defense means their offense doesn't have to do much. But this week they face the Lions' No. 2 scoring offense (30.7 PPG). And Detroit grants the No. 2 boost to QBs (+6.3 PPG). Murray has averaged a tart 13.8 PPG in four healthy contests, but his legs have come to life with 30.8 rushing YPG. We just need a game script where the Vikings need to pass. The forecast: 16.8 points with an Xfinity Best ceiling of 22.3. Murray is a borderline QB1.

Week 8 Fantasy QB Downgrades

Jared Goff and Caleb Williams face the two toughest QB matchups: the Seahawks (-6.7 PPG) and the Vikings (-6.4 PPG). Both dropped in my rankings but remain top-12, with four teams on bye. I do like Dak Prescott and Jordan Love over them for Week 8.

• Patrick Mahomes | Chiefs: Mahomes started the season hot with 22.7 and 29.0 points, but has fizzled over the last four: 16.9, 17.0, 11.5, 7.0. This week, expectations aren't high—Kansas City is a 1.2-point favorite over Denver with a 21.2-point team total. The Broncos are the fifth-hardest passing matchup (-2.9 PPG) and could get their top corner, Patrick Surtain, back this weekend. Mahomes threw for 184 yards and 2 TDs in Week 1. But Mahomes—who is scrambling only 5.7% of dropbacks—added a scramble TD to push his fantasy output to 22.7. Mahomes DOWNGRADES to mid-range QB2 territory below Brissett, Murray, and Kirk Cousins.

Running Backs To Start In Week 8 Fantasy Football Lineups

Bhayshul Tuten | Jaguars

Tuten erupted for 24.7 points in Week 6, but his snap share (57%) and attempt share (52%) dipped from previous weeks. But he registered a season-high route share (57%) and target share (10%).

The Jaguars schemed some nice looks in the passing game, moving Tuten around the formation using other routes to clear out space. While he might not have another 2-TD receiving game this year, we love seeing Liam Coen intentionally design plays to get his electric Year 2 RB into space.

We don't know how the touches will divvy up in Week 8, but Tuten has reached 16 opportunities (attempts + targets) in 4 of 6 games—that is his floor. And the ceiling is his Weeks 4-5 workload when he averaged 21 opportunities.

The Jaguars have the fourth-best team total (27.2) and are 7.8-point favorites over the Colts, who are waving the white flag. Defensive lineman DeForest Buckner is now a 49er, and guard Quenton Nelson is a Seahawk. Indianapolis is the No. 10 matchup for RBs (+1.4 PPG).

Fantasy Projections

• Median: 13.2
• Xfinity Best (Ceiling): 21.6
• Floor: 9.7

Tuten is my RB16 and offers high-end RB1 upside in Week 8.

Week 8 RB Upgrades To Start In Fantasy Football

Mid-range RB2s (start in most formats)

• Rhamondre Stevenson | Patriots: I swore I would never have a Patriots RB in the top-18. But injuries, bye weeks, and a good matchup have created an internal feud between my gut and my brain. I don't trust this coaching staff. At all. But Stevenson gets the No. 2 RB matchup against Miami (+5.3 PPG), and +5.2 PPG has come through the air, where Stevenson is the team's clear-cut leader with a 12% target share. He also leads the team in short-yardage snaps (74%) and has handled all of the RB attempts inside the five-yard line. The Patriots are 7.4-point favorites (3rd), and the team is 25.6 points (5th). Stevenson projects for 12.7 points with an Xfinity Best ceiling of 21.7 points—he is my RB17.
   
• Rachaad White | Commanders: With Jacory Croskey-Merritt on IR, White handled 70% of the snaps, 54% of attempts, and notched a 15% target share on a 55% route participation rate in Week 6. He scored 15.7 points with a 79 Utilization Score. Essentially, that role is the same as Ashton Jeanty's over the last two games.

Coming off the bye, the Commanders could change up the rotation, but their depth chart doesn't have anyone clearly deserving more work. White is my RB18 against the Eagles. 

Low-end RB2s (start in 12-team leagues)

• Jordan Mason | Vikings: Mason only scored 6.8 points in his first game back. But he accounted for 63% of snaps and attempts, with a 9% target share on a 37% route share. Aaron Jones left the game with an MCL injury. Before that, Mason had a 55% snap share as the RB1. Jones is day-to-day, so he is still in the projections for now. The Lions are a middle-of-the-pack matchup for RBs (-0.7 PPG). Mason currently projects for 10 points with a 16.4-point Xfinity Best ceiling, assuming Jones plays. He is my RB25. If Jones is out, he moves to mid-range RB2.

RB3s (start in larger formats)

• Blake Corum | Rams: Chasing points from the RB2 in a two-pronged attack can be a dangerous proposition. But Corum plays in one of the better offenses and has tallied three consecutive top-18 finishes with 16.2, 14.0, and 17.1 points. The Rams are 6.6-point favorites (4th) with a 25.1-point team total (7th), which is a favorable combination for Corum. The Chargers give RBs the No. 5 boost on the ground (+3.2 PPG). The third-year RB has 26 attempts for 137 yards and a TD over the last two weeks. Corum is my RB26 in Week 8.
   
• Jonah Coleman | Broncos: Coleman took over the backfield in the second half against the Cardinals, handling 74% of the snaps. He finished the day with 8.9 points on a 50% rush share. Sean Payton is an enigma when it comes to playing time, so we don't know if this is the start of a trend or a blip. But J.K. Dobbins hasn't looked good, ranking 33rd among 39 RBs with at least 50 attempts in yards per carry (3.4). Coleman is a mid-range RB3 option with four teams on bye.

RBs That Bombed Last Week That I Am Starting Again In Week 8

"'Cause I gotta have faith

I gotta have faith

Because I gotta have faith, faith

I got to have faith, faith, faith"

- George Michael

• Chase Brown | Bengals: Brown saw his role shrink in Week 5 after a fumble, leading to speculation we'd see a closer split between him and Samaje Perine coming out of the bye. But that didn't play out. Brown maintained a 75% snap share. His 58% rush share is a bit misleading because Tahj Brooks got all of his attempts on the final drive with a 22-point lead. Prior to that possession, Brown had a 69% rush share. Brown only scored 9.8 points, but still has the role to produce. He has an 81 Utilization Score for the season—his 48 historical comparisons since 2020 averaged 15.8 PPG. The Bengals boast the third-highest team total (28.4) with the largest spread (-10.2) against the Titans. Tennessee has conceded the sixth-biggest fantasy boost to RBs (+2.5 PPG). Brown is a high-end RB2 with high-end RB1 upside in Week 8.   

RB Injury Watch for Week 8 in Fantasy Football

• Breece Hall | Jets → Braelon Allen: Hall (quad) returned to practice last week and was close to returning. Hall got in a limited practice on Wednesday. If Hall gets in a full practice by Friday, he is a mid-range RB2 in the fourth-best RB matchup against the Raiders (+2.3 PPG). If Hall can't go, Allen is a high-end RB2.
   
• Saquon Barkley | Eagles → Elijah Mitchell: Barkley (hamstring/back) was unable to play a full-time role last week against Dallas, picking up a back injury to go along with the hamstring issue. The Eagles don't play until Sunday night, so you will need a backup plan if Barkley is questionable. Dameon Pierce was placed on IR. Mitchell is most likely available on your waiver wire and is an important stash if you have Barkley. Mitchell would be a borderline RB2 if Barkley is out. Barkley is a boom-bust RB2 if active.
   
• Zach Charbonnet | Seahawks → Emanuel Wilson: Charbonnet (ACL) practiced in full last week but didn't play. He is expected to play in Week 8 against the Bears on Monday Night Football, but it remains a situation to monitor the rest of this week. Be sure to watch Alex Cupps and Zain Dhanani on the Fantasy Football is Life channel on Friday for a recap of the latest injury information. Currently, I have Charbonnet projected to handle ~50% of the workload as the team eases him back into action. If he plays, Charbonnet is a low-end RB2. If Charbonnet can't go, Wilson is a mid-range RB2 after consolidating most of the rushing workload over the last four weeks.
   
• Aaron Jones | Vikings → Jordan Mason: Jones (MCL) was playing second fiddle to Mason last week before his injury. He is the change-of-pace option and preferred passing-game weapon when healthy. But Kevin O'Connell could still go with the hot hand after a few drives. Jones is considered day-to-day, avoiding a serious setback, but he did not practice on Wednesday. Jones is a mid-range RB3 if he practices in full by Friday. 
   
• Jeremiyah Love | Cardinals → Committee: Love (ankle) returned to practice on Wednesday and is reportedly on track to play. The Cardinals have a plus RB matchup against the Cowboys (+5.1 PPG), so Love will be in the borderline RB2 mix if active. If Love can't go, the team will likely split the workload between Tyler Allgeier and Bam Knight—both would be RB3 options. 
   
• Kyle Monangai | Bears → D'Andre Swift: Reports have surfaced that Monangai (turf toe) has a chance to play on Monday Night against the Seahawks. But we will have to wait until Thursday for the first official practice report. He wasn't present at Tuesday's walkthrough. If Monagai can't play—which is currently how I have the backfield projected—Swift would be in line for another large workload. The Seahawks are the sixth-hardest RB matchup (-2.4 PPG), but Swift scored 19 points against the Patriots—the fourth-toughest matchup (-2.7 PPG). Swift dominated the backfield, getting 85% of the snaps. Swift is a mid-range RB1 if Monongai is out. If Monangai plays, Swift is a mid-range RB2, and Monangai is a mid-range RB3.

RB SICKO STARTS For Week 8 Fantasy

These players are for deeper-league SICKOS in 14- 16-team or 12-team leagues with 2-3 flex spots. These players are available in over 50% of Yahoo leagues and aren't in many starting lineups, but they offer a ray of hope. You could get lucky.

• Chris Rodriguez | Jaguars: Rodriguez handled almost half of the rushing workload in Week 6, and the setup is ripe: The Jaguars are 7.8-point favorites (2nd) with a 27.2-point team total (4th). Plus, the Colts are the 10th-best RB matchup (+1.4 PPG). Rodriguez has governed 57% of the Jaguars' attempts inside the five-yard line—he is a good bet to punch in a score in Week 8. If something were to happen to Tuten, you would also be pre-rostering one of the hottest waiver wire claims for Week 9. Rodriguez is available in 76% of Yahoo leagues and is a boom-bust RB4.

Running Backs To Sit In Week 8 Fantasy Football Lineups

J.K. Dobbins | Broncos

Dobbins took a backseat to Coleman in the second half of Week 7. That led to season-low snaps (21%), attempts (27%), and routes (6%).

Sean Payton could easily hand the early-down workload back over to Dobbins—most of Coelman's work came with a 7+ point lead. But even if Coleman is just the closer, that would hurt Dobbins, who can't afford to lose any work. He is averaging only 3.4 YPC.

The Chiefs are the eighth-hardest RB matchup (-2.0 PPG), and the Broncos are 1.2-point underdogs with a below-average team total (20).

The markets favored Dobbins early in the week, giving him the lead in attempts. However, things shifted quickly, with oddsmakers now projecting Coleman for a slightly larger workload—which aligns with our projection model (which is getting really damn good at this in Year 4).

Fantasy Projections

• Median: 4.9
• Xfinity Best (Ceiling): 9.1
• Floor: 3.4

Dobbins is a mid-range RB4 against the Chiefs in Week 8.

Week 8 RB Downgrades for Sit Consideration

Low-end RB2s (sit in smaller formats)

• Tony Pollard | Titans: Pollard boomed for 36.5 points against the Browns last weekend. Tyjae Spears (knee) missed the contest, but that wasn't the key to Pollard's success. Pollard's role remained unchanged—Michael Carter took over the passing-down and two-minute work. The difference was Pollard's efficiency in the red zone. He scored a 36-yard rushing TD—his longest run of the season—and punched in two scores inside the five-yard line. He had three carries inside the five—almost half of his total for the year (7). That doesn't seem likely to repeat. The Titans are the biggest underdogs this week (10.2 points) and have the second-lowest team total (18.2). And the Bengals are the fifth-hardest RB matchup (-2.5 PPG). Pollard should be in most lineups, but don't get cute and bench a better option (like Chase Brown) for him in small leagues.
   
• Quinshon Judkins | Browns: Judkins surged to a season-high 23.4 points in Week 7, but he lost a large chunk of the passing-down work to Dylan Sampson. Judkins registered his lowest route (24%) and target shares (3%) of the season. The Browns are 3.5-point underdogs with the lowest team total (17.6), and the Steelers are the second-hardest matchup for RB rushing (-3.6 PPG). Judkins is a rushing TD-dependent RB facing the second-stingiest rushing TD defense (-0.4 TDs per game). Judkins should be in lineups in larger formats, but is benchable in small leagues as a borderline RB2.

RB3s (sit in larger formats)

• Omarion Hampton | Chargers: Hopefully, the week off will prompt Mike McDaniel to re-engage the team's 2025 Round 1 pick with a meaningful role. But we need to see it to believe it. Over the last three games, this backfield has become a disgusting three-headed committee, with Hampton averaging only 8.7 PPG.

Hampton is the lead early-down option (if we can call that a lead role) and third in the pecking order for pass routes. This week, the Chargers might need to pass often as 6.6-point underdogs versus the Rams. The Bolts have the fourth-lowest team total (18.5), and the Rams are the seventh-hardest matchup for RBs (-2.6 PPG). Woof. Hampton is a mid-range RB3.

Wide Receivers To Start In Week 8 Fantasy Football Lineups

Michael Wilson | Cardinals 

Wilson got fantasy managers excited with 25.9- and 16.5-point performances in Weeks 3 and 4, but has disappointed since: 7.3, 7.2, 10.6. Still, he has a 24% target share on the season, ranking 16th in targets (8.5) and air yards (102) per contest. And he is highly active in scoring position, ranking third in endzone targets per game (1.5).

His downturn made me wonder if his role has changed since Marvin Harrison Jr.'s departure. Has Wilson lost the favorable schematic advantages to Kendrick Bourne?

Pre-Harrison trade:

• Average route depth: 8.2
• Slot snaps: 15%
• Motion at the snap: 19%
• Play action targets: 21%
• In-breaking routes: 25%

Post Harrison trade: 

• Average route depth: 9.1
• Slot snaps: 15%
• Motion at the snap: 21%
• Play action targets: 35%
• In-breaking routes: 24%

The route depth is slightly higher, but still in the sweet spot for production. And the rest of the data points align pre- and post-trade. The role remains similar.

That means I want to lean into Wilson in a shootout-potential game against the Cowboys. The Cardinals have a higher team total than usual (23.9) as 6.4-point underdogs. Neither Dallas nor Arizona can stop the pass, opening the door for a track meet.

Fantasy Projections

• Median: 13.1
• Xfinity Best (Ceiling): 20.6
• Floor: 9.7

Wilson is my WR19 in Week 8 against the Cowboys.

Stefon Diggs | Commanders

Diggs is averaging 13.9 PPG with a gaudy 27% targets-per-route run (TPRR), ranking 10th among WRs with at least 125 routes. That puts him in the same company as Matthew Golden, DeVonta Smith, Chris Olave, and Drake London.

With Terry McLaurin on IR, Diggs' weakness—lack of a full-time role—could be corrected. If that happens, he could surprise as a top-24 option the rest of the way.

This week, he faces an Eagles defense that slot WRs have destroyed, where Diggs aligns most often (63%). Philadelphia allows the No. 2 boost to slot WRs (+5.3 PPG).

Even if Diggs' route share doesn't increase, this is a smash spot for the veteran WR—wheels up.

Fantasy Projections

• Median: 12.0
• Xfinity Best (Ceiling): 18.7
• Floor: 8.7

Diggs is a low-end WR2 with WR1 upside against the Eagles. (NOTE: Diggs did not practice Wednesday. Be sure to monitor his status).

WR Upgrades for Fantasy Lineups In Week 8

I don't write about unquestioned lineup locks here, but Zay Flowers deserves a call-out this week. Flowers is averaging 17 PPG, and we could get Lamar Jackson back after a full practice on Wednesday. The Bills provide the No. 1 WR boost (+8.7 PPG), and the Ravens have a strong team total (24.9). Flowers is my WR5 and has an Xfinity Best ceiling of 24.1 points.

Low-end WR2s (start in most leagues with a flex)

• Germie Bernard | Steelers: Bernard let fantasy managers down with 5.7 points after flexing for 14.4 and 25.7 in his first two starts. But his route share (97%) remained elite, and Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson remain on IR heading into Week 8. DK Metcalf could have his hands full with Denzel Ward, creating a potential funnel to Bernard as the underneath slot option. Over a three-game sample, Bernard is averaging 8.3 targets per game—borderline WR1 territory. Bernard is my WR24.

High-end to mid-range WR3s (start in larger leagues with a flex)

• KC Concepcion | Browns: Last week in this column, I noted that Concepcion was due for a blowup game and we got it with 23.2 points. I don't know if he can keep it up, but he continues to play the most favorable role in Cleveland's offense, which means more booms like Week 7 are on the table. Concepcion is my WR28 against the Steelers.
   
• Omar Cooper | Jets: Cooper has eclipsed 22 points in back-to-back outings. In Week 7, his route share came down (85% → 70%), but he played ahead of Adonai Mitchell (55%). Cooper is getting favorable scheme treatment and is attacking all layers of the field from the slot. The Jets play in a game with sneaky shootout potential against the Raiders. The Jets are 0.5-point favorites with a 22.6-point team total. Las Vegas is coughing up the third-largest boost to slot WRs (+3.4 PPG). Cooper is my WR31, but could climb as high as WR25 depending on injuries.

Low-end WR3s & WR4s (start in larger leagues with 3WR + flex or double flex)

• Jordan Addison | Vikings: Addison is playing the same role that has historically delivered booms in the right matchups. He leads the Vikings starters in route depth (10.6 yards), and 33% of his looks come off play action. His 21% target share is strong given his route depth, but Minnesota doesn't need to pass often thanks to a great defense. That means Addison averages only 5.0 targets and 70.4 air yards per game. And only 3.0 targets per game are catchable. But the Lions are the No. 2 offense in the NFL (30.7 PPG), which could force the Vikings' offense out of its shell. Detroit's team total (24.8) is much lower than usual, but still ranks ninth this week. The Lions have authored the second-highest boost to WRs (+5.6 PPG). Addison is my WR34. 
   
• Antonio Williams | Commanders: The Round 3 NFL pick's routes are up over the last three games (74%). With Terry McLaurin out for the season, Williams will vie for the No. 2 role. In Week 4, he played on the outside, earning downfield routes—something we didn't see often from him at Clemson. Whether Williams can capitalize on this opportunity remains to be seen; his 18% TPRR is okay but not at difference-maker level. But Washington will likely give him a chance without any other high-end depth options. Williams will battle Treylon Burks. Williams projects for 9.1 points with a 14.5-point Xfinity Best ceiling. He is a high-end WR4.

WRs That Bombed In Week 7 That I Am Starting Again In Week 8

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, I'm keeping the faith ..." - Billy Joel

• Justin Jefferson | Vikings: Jefferson is still a baller, leading the Vikings with a 31% target share in his four healthy games. But Minnesota's team complexion has changed with the emergence of their No. 1-ranked defense. The old days of slinging the ball around the stadium under Kevin O'Connell are gone. This team appears willing to win close ball games by letting their D lead the way while limiting mistakes on offense. But this weekend, they could be forced out of their new comfort zone against Detroit's second-ranked offense (30.7 PPG). And the Lions provide the second-best boost to WRs (+5.2 PPG). Jefferson remains in my circle of trust in Week 8 as my WR7.

WR Injury Watch For Week 8 In Fantasy Football

• Matthew Golden | Packers → Tucker Kraft & Savion Williams: Golden (shoulder) is questionable for Green Bay's tilt on Thursday night against the Panthers. He is a mid-range WR2 with WR1 upside if active. If Golden can't play, Kraft and Williams could get more looks. Williams would upgrade from low-end WR5 territory to borderline WR4 status. 
   
• Emeka Egbuka | Buccaneers → Chris Godwin & Tez Johnson: Egbuka (concussion) got in a limited practice on Wednesday. The second-year WR was trending up with target shares of 39% and 40% before missing Week 7. The Buccaneers have one of their season's stronger team totals (24.0). Egbuka will upgrade to low-end WR2 territory if practicing fully (he was also listed with a foot issue last week). If he is out, Godwin moves into WR3 territory, and Johnson becomes a boom-bust WR4 against the Falcons.
   
• DeVonta Smith | Eagles → Makai Lemon: Smith (hamstring) didn't play on Monday night and is highly questionable for Week 8. We will have to monitor practice reports, but if he can get in a full practice by Friday, Smith would be in a favorable spot. The Commanders provide the eighth-highest boost to WRs (+2.2 PPG). But there is risk of re-injury. Smith is best thought of as a boom-bust WR3 option if active. With Dontayvion Wicks already ruled out, Lemon would move into WR3 territory if Smith is out. With Smith, Lemon is a WR4.
   
• Rashee Rice | Chiefs: Rice (hamstring) returned to practice with a limited session on Wednesday. Given how poorly the passing offense has performed, Rice could return to the dominant role he had in prior seasons. Denver is the fifth-hardest WR matchup (-3.9 PPG) and is the eighth-hardest slot opponent (-1.3 PPG). And Patrick Surtain is on track to return. If he practices in full, Rice is a mid-range WR3 with WR2 upside. Xavier Worthy remains a WR4 if Rice is out, similar to Seattle last week when he bombed against a good secondary.
   
• Jaylen Waddle | Broncos → Courtland Sutton: Waddle (chest) did not practice on Wednesday. If he is out, Sutton could see a more diverse route tree. But it is hard to get very excited—the Chiefs are the sixth-toughest WR matchup (-3.5 PPG). They are the hardest matchup for outside WRs (-5.5 PPG). Sutton is a high-end WR4 if Waddle is out.

WR SICKO STARTS For Week 8 Fantasy

These players are for you, deeper-league SICKOS in 14-16-team or 12-team leagues with 2-3 flex spots or multiple starting WRs. These players are available in over 50% of Yahoo leagues and aren't in many starting lineups, but they offer a ray of hope. You could get lucky.

• Ja'Kobi Lane | Ravens: Lane notched a 75% route participation rate in Week 7, slightly edging out Rashod Bateman. The Round 3 rookie gets the No. 1 WR matchup against Buffalo (+8.7 PPG) in a potential shootout, with Lamar Jackson likely to return. Lane is available in 84% of leagues and is a boom-bust WR4 in Week 8. If he erupts and plays a full-time role, Lane will be one of the most-sought-after waiver claims in Week 9. 

WR Downgrades for Sit Consideration in Week 8 Fantasy Football

Borderline WR3s (sit in 10-team leagues without 3WRs or flex)

• Denzel Boston | Browns: Boston's deep-pass catch rate has normalized over the last two games, with 2.5 and 5.7 points. He keeps getting targets, but his role remains highly volatile. The Steelers have given outside WRs a +1.1 PPG boost, so Boston could haul in a long one this week, but I prefer to keep him out of my starting lineups in smaller formats. Boston is my WR34. 

WR4s (sit in 12-team leagues without 3WRs + flex or double flex)

• Rome Odunze | Bears: Cole Kmet is out for the season, but that isn't good for Odunze. He has been the primary WR in 13 personnel, where the pass-catching options were less optimal. Now he will have to deal with Luther Burden and Kalif Raymond more often in 11 and 12 groupings. Odunze draws the hardest matchup for WRs against Seattle (-5.8 PPG). He is my WR38 this weekend.
   
• Xavier Worthy | Chiefs: Worthy pooped the bed in Week 7 against the Seahawks (-5.8 PPG vs. WRs), scoring only 4.1 points. Now he faces the Broncos—the fourth-hardest matchup for WRs (-3.9 PPG). Plus, Rashee Rice could return. Worthy is a WR5 with Rice and a WR4 if Rice is inactive. 
   
• Caleb Douglas | Dolphins: Douglas popped off for 21 points in his first game back. But he plays in the NFL's most run-heavy offense (-11% DBOE). He was targeted only three times and caught two TDs. That isn't a sustainable recipe for success. He should be rostered in deep leagues, but this week is a tough spot. Miami has the fifth-lowest team total (18.6), and Douglas could draw Christian Gonzalez in coverage. Douglas is my WR49.

Tight Ends To Start In Week 8 Fantasy Football Lineups

T.J. Hockenson | Vikings

Yes, I am giving all of the Vikings an upgrade against the Lions. But Hockenson has been an active part of the offense. With Murray under center, Hockenson has a 29% TPRR and 2.13 YPRR. Those are elite marks for a TE.

In his last two healthy outings, Hockenson has 41% and 22% target shares with 24.9 and 13.5 points.

The Lions have empowered a ridiculous boost to TEs, with +12.4 PPG.

Fantasy Projections

• Median: 9.6
• Xfinity Best (Ceiling): 14.9
• Floor: 7.1
   

In a game where we could get more passing volume, Hockenson moves from mid-range TE2 territory to low-end TE1 status. He is my TE10.

TE Upgrades Fantasy Lineups In Week 8

Borderline TE1s (start in leagues with 12+ teams)
 

• Dallas Goedert | Eagles: Goedert gets the second-best TE matchup against the Commanders (+8.5 PPG). If DeVonta Smith is out, he could lead the team in targets. Goedert is my TE12.

TE Injury Watch For Week 8 In Fantasy Football

• Tyler Warren | Colts: Warren (groin) returned to practice on Wednesday with a limited session. He missed the last two games. If Warren gets in a full practice by Friday, he will be a low-end TE1 option in an anemic Colts passing game. 
   
• Colby Parkinson | Rams: Parkinson (ribs) didn't practice on Wednesday. If he can't play, Tyler Higbee could return to a full-time role, with Terrance Ferguson still on IR. But the Chargers are the second-hardest matchup for TEs (-4.7 PPG). Higbee moves into mid-range TE2 territory if Parkinson can't go.

TE SICKO START For Week 8 Fantasy

These players are for you, deeper-league SICKOS in 16-team leagues or TE-premium formats with two flex spots.

• Mason Taylor | Jets: The Jets' Round 2 pick from 2025 made two beautiful contested catches for TDs in Week 7. Since returning from injury, he has led the TE room in route share (63%, 70%, 67%) and has target shares of 21% and 23% over the last two. While he is unlikely to reach the 80-90% route-share range we covet with Kenyon Sadiq on the roster, Taylor is a bet on an ascending young talent. The Raiders have sanctioned the fourth-best boost to TEs (+5.7 PPG), so Taylor might stay hot. He is a boom-bust low-end TE2 and could help you in a TE premium format. Mason is available in 99% of Yahoo leagues and 62% of FFPC leagues.

Tight Ends To Sit In Week 8 Fantasy Football Lineups

Greg Dulcich | Dolphins

Dulcich scored 13.6 points in Week 7, which could pull some fantasy managers in his direction. To be fair, he ranks ahead of my SICKO start above—but those are for desperate situations. And Dulcich is only two spots ahead.

Dulcich has seen an uptick in targets over the last two games with 21% and 24% shares with route participation rates of 71% and 69%.

The Dolphins have the fifth-lowest team total (18.6), and New England has been stingy against TEs (-2.2 PPG). 

Fantasy Projections

• Median: 6.4
• Xfinity Best (Ceiling): 10.2
• Floor: 4.5
   

Again, Dulcich is playable in SICKO situations, but he shouldn't be climbing rankings too far and starting over better options. That is my driving point with Dulcich, who has gained some steam across the fantasy industry.

Dulcich is a low-end TE2.