Start or Sit: 50 Fantasy Players for Week 8
Week 8 of the fantasy football season is upon us, and with it comes a slew of tough decisions. Do you trust the hot hand, or stick with a proven commodity? Who do you bench in favor of a breakout candidate? Fear not, fantasy managers, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the murky waters of Week 8 starts and sits.
We'll break down 50 players across all positions, offering our expert advice on whether to start or sit them. This isn't a one-size-fits-all solution – your specific league settings and roster composition play a crucial role in your decisions. Use this as a jumping-off point to fine-tune your strategy for Week 8 success!
Quarterbacks
Start:
- Patrick Mahomes (KC): Mahomes continues to be a fantasy juggernaut, facing a struggling Cardinals defense this week.
- Jalen Hurts (PHI): Hurts remains a top-tier quarterback, even with a tough matchup against the Steelers.
- Tua Tagovailoa (MIA): Tagovailoa has been on fire lately, and the Dolphins' offense is clicking.
- Trevor Lawrence (JAC): Lawrence is putting up big numbers, and the Texans are a favorable matchup.
- Justin Herbert (LAC): Herbert is a weekly QB1, even against the Broncos' tough defense.
Sit:
- Derek Carr (NO): Carr has been inconsistent, and the Saints' offense is struggling to find its rhythm.
- Matthew Stafford (LAR): Stafford is still dealing with injuries and facing a tough Buccaneers defense.
- Jimmy Garoppolo (LV): Garoppolo is a risky play against a tough Chiefs defense.
- Aaron Rodgers (NYJ): Rodgers has been underwhelming, and the Jets' defense is no pushover.
- Geno Smith (SEA): Smith is a solid QB, but the 49ers defense poses a significant challenge.
Running Backs
Start:
- Christian McCaffrey (SF): McCaffrey is an absolute beast, and the Cardinals' defense is vulnerable against running backs.
- Austin Ekeler (LAC): Ekeler is a volume monster, and the Broncos' defense is susceptible to running backs.
- Nick Chubb (CLE): Chubb is a dominant runner, and the Bengals' defense is vulnerable against the run.
- Bijan Robinson (ATL): Robinson is a rookie sensation, and the Buccaneers' defense is banged up.
- Rhamondre Stevenson (NE): Stevenson is a workhorse back, and the Jets' defense is struggling against running backs.
Sit:
- Dalvin Cook (NYG): Cook has been inconsistent, and the Giants' defense is tough against the run.
- D'Andre Swift (PHI): Swift is still working his way back from injury, and the Steelers' defense is tough against running backs.
- Miles Sanders (CAR): Sanders' role in the Panthers' offense is uncertain, and the Rams' defense is tough against the run.
- David Montgomery (DET): Montgomery is facing a tough Falcons defense.
- Zeke Elliott (BAL): Elliott is a risky play against a Ravens' defense that is tough against the run.
Wide Receivers
Start:
- Cooper Kupp (LAR): Kupp is a top-tier receiver, even against a tough Buccaneers defense.
- Davante Adams (LV): Adams is a true number one receiver, and he should feast against the Chiefs.
- Justin Jefferson (MIN): Jefferson is a weekly fantasy monster, and the Saints' secondary is vulnerable.
- A.J. Brown (PHI): Brown is a dominant receiver, and the Steelers' defense is weaker than in previous years.
- Ja'Marr Chase (CIN): Chase is a touchdown machine, and the Browns' defense is susceptible to big plays.
Sit:
- Deebo Samuel (SF): Samuel's role in the 49ers' offense is unclear, and the Cardinals' defense is tough against receivers.
- Amari Cooper (CLE): Cooper is a risky play against the Bengals' tough secondary.
- DK Metcalf (SEA): Metcalf is facing a 49ers' defense that is a nightmare matchup for receivers.
- Mike Evans (TAM): Evans is a risky play against the Rams' defense.
- Chris Godwin (TAM): Godwin is a risky play against the Rams' defense.
Tight Ends
Start:
- Travis Kelce (KC): Kelce is the undisputed TE1, and he should feast against the Cardinals' defense.
- Mark Andrews (BAL): Andrews is a touchdown machine, and the Browns' defense is vulnerable to tight ends.
- George Kittle (SF): Kittle is a matchup nightmare, and the Cardinals' defense is weak against tight ends.
- T.J. Hockenson (MIN): Hockenson is a consistent target for the Vikings, and the Saints' defense is vulnerable to tight ends.
- Dalton Schultz (HOU): Schultz is a reliable target in a Texans' offense that will need to throw frequently.
Sit:
- Kyle Pitts (ATL): Pitts is a boom-or-bust tight end, and the Buccaneers' defense is tough against tight ends.
- Pat Freiermuth (PIT): Freiermuth is a risky play against the Eagles' defense.
- Evan Engram (JAC): Engram's production has been inconsistent, and the Texans' defense is tough against tight ends.
- David Njoku (CLE): Njoku is a risky play against the Bengals' tough defense.
- Hunter Henry (NE): Henry is a risky play against a tough Jets' defense.
Week 8 Starts and Sits: Final Thoughts
This is just a starting point for your Week 8 fantasy decisions. Factor in your own league settings, matchups, and injury updates before finalizing your lineup. Remember, the key to fantasy success is to be proactive, informed, and adaptable. Good luck, and may your waiver wire pickups exceed expectations!