X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

10 Lineup Busts and Avoids for Week 8

Top 10 potential lineup busts to avoid starting for fantasy football. Justin lists NFL players to consider sitting or benching as Week 8 lineup disappointments.

There a lot of bye weeks (six!) this week, which means you have a lot more restrictions when building a lineup. I'll try to reflect that in this week's column by digging a little dip deeper on some of the bust picks, looking at some under-the-radar players who should stay under that radar.

It's hard to tell you some of the things I would say most weeks--like to sit Lamar Miller this week against a tough Seattle team--when you might not actually have anyone ready to go that's better than Miller.

Let's start with a recap of last week's column and then we'll get into this Very Special Edition of the bust column--this is the Bye Week Busters. (Yeah, that was a dumb name.)

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

Recap of Last Week

Quarterback: Philip Rivers had another mediocre game against Denver, but mediocre is better than I was expecting from him. The Chargers defense controlled Denver's offense, which allowed Rivers to limit his mistakes--he didn't turn the ball over, though he only threw for 183 yards. Jameis Winston did a little better against the Bills, tossing three touchdowns on a defense that hadn't allowed that many all season. There was a lot of blown coverage by Buffalo, which allowed tight end O.J. Howard to break free for a pair of scores.

Running Back: Ty Montgomery was an afterthought in the Packers offense this week, with Aaron Jones controlling the ball. Orleans Darkwa was ineffective. Melvin Gordon ran for just 38 yards. It was a surprisingly good week for everyone who listened to me about running backs. I'm probably not going to go 100% every week at the position, though, so don't get used to it!

Wide Receiver: T.Y Hilton had two catches for 27 yards as the Jaguars defense continued to look very, very strong. Sammy Watkins had his third best fantasy game of the season, but that just meant he had three catches for 42 yards. Is Watkins droppable? I did it already! And Davante Adams had two catches for 12 yards in a game where the Packers very clearly missed having Aaron Rodgers. The Packers are in trouble. (Duh. That was one of the most obvious statements I have ever made.)

Tight End: I was wrong on Witten, though! Jason Witten reminds me of the San Antonio Spurs in that I counted them out so many times because of age concerns and was wrong. The Spurs then drafted Kawhi Leonard and now are a lot younger, though, which doesn't have an analogy to Witten because he is going to keep getting older, but cross-sport metaphors are always flawed.

Alright. Let's look at ten dudes who will disappoint you this week now!

 

Top 10 Busts - NFL Week 8

Trevor Siemian (Quarterback, Denver Broncos)

I know this feels obvious, but it's the Ultimate Bye Week Hell Match this week, so some of these are going to be obvious. Example #1: Siemian, who was just BAD last week--he threw the ball 35 times but only ended up with 207 yards and no scores. This week he gets an interesting test against a Chiefs defense that hasn't looked the best on paper so far against QBs, but has been sunk by two explosive performances from Deshaun Watson and Derek Carr. They held Ben Roethlisberger to 11.9 fantasy points a couple of weeks ago.

Alex Smith (Quarterback, Kansas City Chiefs)

I think the Chiefs get back on the right track this week and beat the Broncos, but I'm expecting it be a low-scoring affair, something in the 13-7 range. Smith doesn't have much success in the past against Denver and the Broncos should be one of the toughest defense he'll face this season--they're allowing just 14.6 points-per-game to opposing fantasy quarterbacks. There are better options than Smith this week.

Jalen Richard (Running Back, Oakland Raiders)

Only four teams have allowed less fantasy points to opposing running backs than the Bills. Richard will likely see the most touches in the Raiders backfield this week with Marshawn Lynch suspended, but don't forget about the possibility of DeAndre Washington seeing a handful of touches. I know this week is tough--six teams on a bye plus the suspension of Lynch could leave his owners in a bind, but I'm not sure this backfield is going to be the best place for you to turn.

Tarik Cohen (Running Back, Chicago Bears)

I will admit he gets a juicy matchup against a Saints defense that is ninth-worst against running backs and has allowed 364 receiving yards and a touchdown to backs. But I'm also looking at Cohen's usage last week--he didn't record a single carry and he only had one catch (though it was an impressive one that went for 70 yards) and wondering how fantasy owners can be expected to trust him. Mitchell Trubisky (who would have made this column if there was anyone willing to actually start him) is bound to throw the ball a little more this week, but I just don't see Cohen as a safe call. He could break a huge touchdown! But he's more likely to not do that.

Rob Kelley (Running Back, Washington Redskins)

Washington's run game has struggled all season (outside of any play that has involved Chris Thompson, because those plays all did the opposite of struggled) and it seems like it's just an endless of stream of "maybe Kelley will play well! Oh, Perine instead! No, Kelley! Mack Brown???" going on in Washington. The Cowboys have only allowed two rushing touchdowns all season. Kelley's ceiling is probably 50 yards. Try to find a different direction to go in.

Will Fuller (Wide Receiver, Houston Texans)

Seattle defense? A wide receiver who has been almost completely reliant on touchdowns? On the road? Rookie quarterback (though he hasn't played much like a rookie)? Yeah, sit Fuller.

Terrelle Pryor (Wide Receiver, Washington Redskins)

This has less to do with his match-up and much more to do with how bad Pryor has been. Josh Doctson has replaced him in Washington's lineup, which means Pryor won't be on the field nearly as much as fantasy owners would like. Jordan Reed showed back up last week as well, which cuts even more into Pryor's dwindling share of Kirk Cousins's targets.

Dontrelle Inman (Wide Receiver, Chicago Bears)

The Bears just traded for Inman. Maybe these next two statements seem self-explanatory, but here they are. 1) Inman was just acquired, so there is no guarantee he will even play this week. 2) If he does play, he will likely not be a huge part of the offense yet because he will not know the offense. Add in a third problem: his quarterback, Mitch Trubisky, can't throw the ball very well. This seems like one of those moves you make to be sneaky and hope you get ahead of the rest of your league with, but no, no, no! Don't do it.

O.J. Howard (Tight End, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Go back and watch those touchdowns that Howard had--they were mostly due to blown coverages. He'll continue to be outsnapped by Cameron Brate and he plays the Panthers, who are allowed just ten points-per-game to tight ends. That's fifth-best among teams that are not on a bye this week. Howard could have another big game, but it's more likely he takes a backseat this week.

Jack Doyle (Tight End, Indianapolis Colts)

Speaking of defenses that are strong against tight ends, the Colts get to play the Bengals, who are allowing just 8.4 points-per-game to tight ends. Doyle hasn't had double-digit fantasy points in any game this season and only has two games with more than five points. He isn't a major piece of the Indianapolis offense and should not be trusted this week.

 

More Week 8 Lineup Prep




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Cal Raleigh

Sets Single-Season Home Run Record for a Switch-Hitter
Jayden Reed

Undergoes Clavicle and Foot Surgeries, Out for Foreseeable Future
Bo Bichette

to Miss Rest of Regular Season
Zach Neto

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Hand Injury
Yordan Alvarez

Out on Tuesday, Dealing With "Significant" Ankle Sprain
Aaron Jones Sr.

Vikings Place Aaron Jones Sr. on Injured Reserve With Hamstring Injury
CFB

Diego Pavia Refutes Report of Seeking Seventh Collegiate Season
Christian Kirk

Expected to Return in Week 3
CFB

Diego Pavia Seeking Another Year of Eligibility
Tarik Skubal

on Track to Start Thursday
CFB

Kevorian Barnes Questionable Against SMU
Bo Bichette

has Short-Term Knee Injury, Could Return for Postseason
Tosan Evbuomwan

Joins Knicks
NBA

Kai Jones Links Up With EuroLeague Team
Bismack Biyombo

Returns to Spurs
Bones Hyland

Rejoins Timberwolves
Kobe Bufkin

Moves to Brooklyn
Trey Yesavage

Sets Franchise Strikeout Record On Monday
Yordan Alvarez

To Receive MRI For Sprained Left Ankle On Tuesday
Willson Contreras

Exits Early Monday With Right-Biceps Tightness
Yordan Alvarez

Exits With Ankle Sprain
Brock Bowers

Officially Active on Monday Night
Jauan Jennings

Day-to-Day With Ankle Injury
Logan O'Hoppe

Activated Off Seven-Day Injured List
CBJ

Denton Mateychuk Dealing With Groin Issue
Bo Horvat

Fine for Training Camp
Kirby Dach

on Track to Be Ready for Opening Night
Jose Altuve

Returns Against Rangers
J.J. McCarthy

Expected to Miss 2-4 Weeks With High-Ankle Sprain
J.J. McCarthy

Likely Out for Week 3 With High-Ankle Sprain
Jean Silva

Gets Finished For The First Time In His Career
Aaron Jones Sr.

Unlikely to Play in Week 3 Due to Hamstring Injury
Diego Lopes

Returns To The Win Column
Jayden Daniels

' Week 3 Status in Doubt
Rob Font

Outclassed In The Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
David Martinez

Wins His Second UFC Fight
Jared Gordon

Suffers Brutal TKO Loss At Noche UFC 3
Rafa Garcia

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Brian Thomas Jr.

Dealing with Wrist Injury
Dustin Stoltzfus

Drops A Decision At Noche UFC 3
Kelvin Gastelum

Gets Back In The Win Column
Diego Ferreira

Suffers Second-Round TKO
Alexander Hernandez

Extends His Win Streak With A Brutal TKO
Quang Le

Suffers First-Round Knockout
Santiago Luna

Shines In His UFC Debut
Christopher Bell

Earns his First Bristol Cup Series Victory
Alex Bowman

Falls Short of Advancing Through Cup Series Playoffs
Chase Briscoe

Collects his Third Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Ryan Blaney

Strong Top-Five Bristol Performance Advances him to the Playoffs
Corey Heim

Earns his First Career Cup Series Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Leads Greece to Bronze Medal
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Drops 28 Points in EuroBasket Finals
CFB

Indiana's Lee Beebe Jr. Out for Season with Knee Injury
Dennis Schröder

Dennis Schroder Named EuroBasket MVP
Bryce Eldridge

Giants to Promote Bryce Eldridge
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Progressing in Recovery
Jonathan Kuminga

Receives New Offer From Warriors
Kenneth Walker III

Bounces Back with Big Week 2 Performance
Bijan Robinson

Rushes for 143 Yards in Week 2
Justin Fields

Currently in Concussion Protocol
Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals Calling Around to Available Free-Agent Quarterbacks
Joe Burrow

to Undergo Surgery, Out at Least Three Months
Emil Heineman

Aiming to Take the "Next Step" This Season
Braeden Cootes

Good to Go for Camp
Ivan Fedotov

Blue Jackets Acquire Ivan Fedotov From Flyers
Aaron Jones Sr.

Injures Hamstring During Sunday Night Football
Darren Waller

Not Expected to Play in Week 3
Garrett Crochet

Punches Out 12 in Win
Cole Ragans

to Return on Wednesday
Jameson Williams

Records Long Touchdown in Week 2, Still Limited to Downfield Role?
George Kirby

Strikes Out 14 in Win
Jayden Daniels

Considered "Day-to-Day" with Knee Injury
Carlos Estévez

Carlos Estevez Exits with Back Tightness
Jonathan Taylor

Tops 200 Yards From Scrimmage in Week 2 Win
Joe Burrow

Could Miss Three Months if he Requires Toe Surgery
Quentin Grimes

Still Not Close to a New Contract Agreement
Joel Embiid

"Looking Slender, Spry and in Positive Spirits"
Ty Gibbs

Has Arguably his Best Career Drive, but Only Finishes 10th
Chase Elliott

Despite Crashing Out at Bristol, Chase Elliott Advances to Round of 12
Austin Dillon

Misses Round of 12 After Extremely Mediocre Bristol Run
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Fails to Advance to Round of 12
Josh Berry

Finishes Last in All Three Round of 16 Races to Fail to Advance
Luis Arraez

Takes a Seat on Sunday With Head Injury
Adolis García

Adolis Garcia Activated, Starting on Sunday
CFB

Ryan Williams Explodes In Return To Field
CFB

Drew Allar Plays Mediocre Game In Blowout Win
CFB

LaNorris Sellers Exits Game In Blowout Loss
CFB

DJ Lagway Tosses Five Interceptions In Loss
CFB

Garrett Nussmeier Plays Game Manager in Saturday's Win
CFB

CJ Carr Remains Poised In Narrow Loss
CFB

John Mateer Leads Oklahoma In Rout
CFB

Arch Manning Struggles Against UTEP
CFB

Jeremiah Smith Impresses In Win
Bryan Woo

Records Career-High 13 Strikeouts
Max Muncy

Exits Early on Saturday
CFB

Sam Leavitt Shines As Arizona State Rebounds From Week 2 Loss
Ivan Demidov

Turning Heads in Rookie Camp
NHL

Calvin de Haan Signs With Swedish Team
Samuel Girard

Skates With Non-Contact Jersey
Mackenzie Blackwood

Dealing With Injury Ahead of Training Camp
Spencer Knight

Signs Three-Year Extension With Blackhawks
Chris Buescher

May have Another Solid Run at Bristol
Corey Perry

Out 6-8 Weeks Following Surgery
Kyle Busch

Should DFS Managers Roster Kyle Busch at Bristol?
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Is Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Too Risky to Consider Rostering at Bristol?
Michael McDowell

Could be A Solid Value Option For Bristol DFS Lineups
Chase Elliott

Probably Won't Factor in for Bristol Win
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Not as Strong at Bristol as Other Short Tracks
Alex Bowman

Needs to Win to Make Round of 12
Ross Chastain

has Never Led at Bristol but Has Been Pretty Consistent
Austin Dillon

Richmond Speed Unlikely to Carry Over to Bristol
Josh Berry

Might Run Well at Bristol, but Almost Certainly Won't Win to Advance
Justin Haley

Bristol One of Justin Haley's Few Recent Bright Spots
CFB

Austin Simmons Listed As Game-Time Decision Against Arkansas
CFB

Nico Iamaleava Struggles In Fourth Straight Loss
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Dealing With a "Tweak"
BUF

Alexandar Georgiev Joins Sabres on One-Year Deal
Corey Perry

Injured During Pre-Camp Skate
CFB

Antonio Williams Out Against Georgia Tech
CFB

CJ Bailey Flashes Again in Win Over Wake Forest
CFB

Jaxson Moi a Game-Time Decision for Tennessee on Saturday
Jean Silva

A Favorite At Noche UFC 3
Diego Lopes

Set For Noche UFC 3 Main Event
Rob Font

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
David Martinez

Set For Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
Rafa Garcia

An Underdog At Noche UFC 3
Jared Gordon

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Dustin Stoltzfus

Looks To Return To The Win Column
Kelvin Gastelum

In Dire Need Of Victory
Diego Ferreira

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Malcolm Brogdon

Heading to Knicks on One-Year Deal
CFB

David Sanders Jr. Won't Play Against Georgia
Landry Shamet

Staying with the Knicks
CFB

Dylan Edwards Slated to Return on Friday
Adam Lowry

Aims for Early-Season Return
P.J. Washington

Officially Signs Contract Extension
Lauri Markkanen

Big at Both Ends as Finland Books Place in EuroBasket Semis
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Notches 39 Points in Losing Effort
NBA

Cam Reddish Expected to Move to Europe
NBA

Trey Lyles Joins Real Madrid
Charles Bassey

Signs Exhibit 10 Deal With Hawks
Sacramento Kings

Terence Davis Waived by Kings

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP