Fantasy Football Week 8: Start 'Em, Sit 'Em (50 Players)
Week 8 of the Fantasy Football season is here, and the playoff race is heating up! Making the right start/sit decisions is crucial, and this week features some tough calls. Don't fret, we've got you covered with a comprehensive Start 'Em, Sit 'Em guide for 50 key players.
Remember, these recommendations are based on current data, matchups, and potential injuries. Always check for the latest updates before locking in your lineup!
Quarterbacks
Start 'Em:
- Patrick Mahomes (KC): Mahomes is a weekly must-start against a struggling Titans defense.
- Josh Allen (BUF): The Bills have a favorable matchup against the Browns, who have struggled to contain explosive offenses.
- Jalen Hurts (PHI): Hurts is a dual-threat weapon and the Eagles' offense continues to roll, especially at home against the Steelers.
- Tua Tagovailoa (MIA): The Dolphins are on a roll, and Tua has been a top-10 QB in recent weeks. Their matchup against the Lions is favorable.
- Justin Fields (CHI): Fields' rushing ability makes him a high-floor QB against the Patriots, who allow a lot of rushing yards to QBs.
Sit 'Em:
- Russell Wilson (DEN): The Broncos' offense remains stagnant, and their matchup against the Jaguars is a tough one.
- Derek Carr (LV): Carr has been inconsistent this season, and facing the Saints' stout defense is a recipe for disaster.
- Matt Ryan (IND): Ryan has struggled in Indianapolis, and the Colts' offense is far from threatening. The Patriots are a tough matchup.
- Geno Smith (SEA): Smith has been solid this season, but facing a tough Rams defense could limit his upside.
Running Backs
Start 'Em:
- Christian McCaffrey (SF): McCaffrey is a weekly must-start and the 49ers' offense is clicking.
- Austin Ekeler (LAC): Ekeler is a touchdown machine, and the Chargers have a favorable matchup against the Falcons.
- Derrick Henry (TEN): Henry is a volume monster, and the Titans will likely lean on him heavily against the Chiefs.
- Saquon Barkley (NYG): Barkley is finally healthy, and the Giants' offense is starting to find its rhythm against the Seahawks.
- Travis Etienne (JAX): Etienne is averaging over 100 yards per game and has been a consistent contributor. The matchup against the Broncos could be a good one.
Sit 'Em:
- Dalvin Cook (MIN): Cook's workload has been inconsistent, and the Vikings' offense has struggled in recent weeks.
- Rhamondre Stevenson (NE): Stevenson's role has been reduced with the emergence of Damien Harris.
- D'Andre Swift (DET): Swift's injury history and the Lions' inconsistent offense make him a risky play.
- Leonard Fournette (TB): Fournette has been inconsistent this season, and the Buccaneers' offense is struggling.
- David Montgomery (CHI): Montgomery's usage is unpredictable, and the Patriots' defense is stout against the run.
Wide Receivers
Start 'Em:
- Tyreek Hill (MIA): Hill has been dominant in Miami, and the Dolphins' offense is on fire.
- Justin Jefferson (MIN): Jefferson is one of the league's most dominant WRs, and the Vikings will need him to carry their offense.
- Stefon Diggs (BUF): Diggs is a consistent target in the Bills' explosive offense, and their matchup against the Browns is favorable.
- A.J. Brown (PHI): Brown has been a big-play threat for the Eagles, and their offense is rolling.
- CeeDee Lamb (DAL): Lamb is the Cowboys' top receiving threat, and they should be able to move the ball against the Bears' defense.
Sit 'Em:
- DK Metcalf (SEA): Metcalf's production has been inconsistent, and the Rams' defense is a tough matchup.
- DeVonta Smith (PHI): Smith's targets have been limited, and the Steelers' defense is solid against the pass.
- Mike Evans (TB): Evans has struggled with injuries and the Buccaneers' offense is in disarray.
- Christian Kirk (JAX): Kirk has been a solid contributor, but the Broncos' defense could limit his upside.
- Brandin Cooks (HOU): Cooks is a risky play due to the Texans' offense struggles and a tough matchup against the Titans.
Tight Ends
Start 'Em:
- Travis Kelce (KC): Kelce is a weekly must-start and a touchdown machine.
- Mark Andrews (BAL): Andrews is a reliable target in the Ravens' offense, and they'll need him to step up against the Buccaneers.
- T.J. Hockenson (MIN): Hockenson has been a consistent target for the Vikings' offense.
- George Kittle (SF): Kittle is a dominant tight end, and the 49ers' offense is clicking.
- Kyle Pitts (ATL): Pitts has the potential for a breakout game against the Chargers, who have struggled against tight ends.
Sit 'Em:
- Dalton Schultz (HOU): Schultz's production has been inconsistent, and the Texans' offense is struggling.
- Evan Engram (JAX): Engram's role has been reduced with the emergence of other weapons.
- Pat Freiermuth (PIT): Freiermuth's targets have been limited, and the Eagles' defense is strong against tight ends.
- Cole Kmet (CHI): Kmet has been a reliable target for the Bears, but the Patriots' defense is tough against tight ends.
Defense
Start 'Em:
- Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles' defense is playing at an elite level, and their matchup against the Steelers is favorable.
- Buffalo Bills: The Bills have a strong defense that should be able to contain the Browns' offense.
- San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers' defense is a dominant unit and a must-start in most matchups.
- Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys' defense is strong and should be able to generate pressure against the Bears' offense.
- Los Angeles Chargers: The Chargers' defense has been solid, and their matchup against the Falcons is favorable.
Sit 'Em:
- New York Giants: The Giants' defense is inconsistent and a risky play.
- Chicago Bears: The Bears' defense is struggling, and their matchup against the Cowboys is a tough one.
- Denver Broncos: The Broncos' defense is good, but their matchup against the Jaguars' explosive offense is a risky one.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Buccaneers' defense has been inconsistent, and they face a tough matchup against the Ravens.
- Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks' defense is struggling and should be avoided.
Kickers
Start 'Em:
- Harrison Butker (KC): The Chiefs' offense is prolific, and Butker should have plenty of scoring opportunities.
- Jake Elliott (PHI): The Eagles' offense is rolling, and Elliott is a reliable kicker.
- Justin Tucker (BAL): Tucker is one of the league's most accurate kickers.
Sit 'Em:
- Matt Gay (LA Rams): Gay's production has been inconsistent, and the Rams' offense is struggling.
- Ryan Succop (TB): Succop's opportunities are limited with the Buccaneers' offense struggling.
Remember: This is just a starting point. Always check for the latest news and updates before setting your lineup. Good luck in Week 8!