Bye weeks can be a killer for fantasy football, and Week 8 is hurting plenty of managers. With six teams on bye this week, including the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams, setting your fantasy lineup might take a little extra work. Here is your start ‘em, sit ‘em cheat sheet for Week 8.
(All stats are PPR from FantasyPros)
It’s easy to dismiss Caleb Williams after his season-worst performance last week, but don’t give up on him yet. The Bears’ second-year QB is facing the Baltimore Ravens’ defense, which currently ranks dead last in fantasy.
Baltimore’s defense averages just 1.3 fantasy points per game (FPTS/G). They’re dealing with multiple injuries, and the Bears are on a four-game win streak. This is Williams’ bounce-back game, don’t leave him on the sideline for it.
C.J. Stroud has become a fantasy football liability. The Texans’ defense is still playing at a high level, but the offense is downright awful. The third-year QB is currently ranked 18th, averaging 16.5 FPTS/G.
Stroud is going head-to-head with a San Francisco 49ers defense that’s far exceeding expectations. They’re certainly lacking without Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, but they held Baker Mayfield to less than 20 points just two weeks ago.
J.K. Dobbins is in position for a terrific game against one of the NFL’s worst defenses. The Dallas Cowboys have allowed an average of 141.3 rush yards to opponents. It’s fun to see who will tee off on this defense every week.
Dobbins is due for a big fantasy day. He put up four points and nine points against the New York Jets and New York Giants, respectively. The Cowboys’ defense is horrific against the run, and Denver will take advantage of that.
To whoever needs to hear this, if you’re in a redraft league, it’s time to move on from TreVeyon Henderson. The rookie running back has been nonexistent behind Rhamondre Stevenson, despite having a boatload of potential. The Patriots are facing a tough defense in the Cleveland Browns, who are ranked fourth in run defense.
Last week’s matchup against the Tennessee Titans was the perfect time for Henderson to get some touches. He ended that game with two carries for five yards. Keep him on the bench until he actually sees the field.
Rookie receiver Tez Johnson had nine targets in the Buccaneers’ loss to the Detroit Lions. He’s scored more than 10 fantasy points in each of his last three games, and Mike Evans will miss extended time with a broken collarbone.
Johnson has scored a touchdown in each of his last two games. He’s facing a New Orleans Saints defense that allows 206.3 passing yards a game. Baker Mayfield hates the Saints, and Tez Johnson is about to benefit from that.
Terry McLaurin is finally healthy again, but that doesn’t mean he should start right away. The Commanders are once again without Jayden Daniels for this game, leaving Marcus Mariota under center.
‘Scary’ Terry is a terrific wide receiver, but he’s coming off a nagging hamstring injury against the Kansas City Chiefs. Throw everything here into a blender, and it doesn’t spell out a great game for the veteran. Patience is key; don’t chase the ceiling quite yet.
This should be the easiest call of the week. If you have Dallas Goedert on your roster, start him. The Eagles are playing a revenge game at home in Kelly green against a New York Giants team that just beat them two weeks ago.
In the Eagles’ previous matchup with Big Blue, Goedert had nine catches for 110 yards and a touchdown. The Giants’ secondary could be missing key players this week, giving Goedert even more opportunity.
Pat Freiermuth is on this list as a reality check for fantasy owners. The Steelers’ tight end put up 28.1 fantasy points in last week’s loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. He caught five passes for 111 yards and two touchdowns.
Do not chase those points. In each of his first five games, Freiermuth scored 5.8, 6.1, 1.6, 0.0, and 2.1 fantasy points, respectively.
The Steelers are facing a strong Green Bay Packers defense, and Aaron Rodgers has two other tight ends at his disposal, along with D.K. Metcalf. This week will, unfortunately, go back to normal for Freiermuth.
Bye weeks force managers to make some tough decisions. When you’re missing a Jahmyr Gibbs or Trey McBride, turn to a Dobbins or Goedert. Some of these players are every-week starters, while others are just smart decisions in a pinch.
Check out my full Week 8 Preview & Predictions here!
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