RADIO
Fantasy football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em and lineup advice for all 2025 Week 8 matchups. Joey analyzes in-depth Week 8 matchups via game-by-game breakdowns.
Welcome back, RotoBallers, to our Week 8 matchups analysis and fantasy football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em picks! If you are new to this series, this is our main weekly matchups column where we cover all games. Every week of the season, we will offer in-depth analysis of every player in every game.
This week, there are six teams on bye (Jaguars, Cardinals, Seahawks, Lions, Raiders, and Rams), which means fantasy managers might have to look deeper on their bench. This article is a way to help guide you in making winning start/sit decisions based on juicy matchups to target (or tough matchups to consider avoiding).
So, let's dive in and look at the best starts and sits of the week. Good luck with your fantasy teams for Week 8!
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:- 2025 fantasy football rankings
- Running back (RB) fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver (WR) fantasy football rankings
- Tight end (TE) fantasy football rankings
- Quarterback (QB) fantasy football rankings
- FLEX fantasy football rankings
- Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
- Kicker (K) fantasy football rankings
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
Matchups Analysis - Sunday 1:00 EST Games
New York Jets at Cincinnati Bengals
Matchups We Love:
QB Tyrod Taylor
The Jets will make a switch at QB, meaning Tyrod Taylor will make his second start of the season. Taylor scored 17.7 fantasy points in a start earlier this year against the Buccaneers, and now gets a fantastic matchup against the Bengals in Week 8. Cincinnati has allowed a top-12 fantasy QB finish in five of the past five weeks. That makes Taylor a sneaky QB1 start in 14-plus team leagues.
RB Breece Hall
Breece Hall is currently dealing with an injury, but assuming he suits up in Week 8, he will be a smash start against the Bengals. Jaylen Warren just ran for 127 yards against this defense last week, and Cincinnati has allowed a top-12 fantasy RB finish in five straight games. Therefore, Hall is a must-start RB1 in a fantastic matchup.
TE Mason Taylor
Things haven't been great for Mason Taylor since he caught nine passes for 67 yards back in Week 5 against the Cowboys. However, this is the week fantasy managers should be starting the rookie in most formats. The Bengals allowed three receiving touchdowns to Pittsburgh TEs last week, and this secondary has given up the most fantasy points and yards to opposing TEs.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
QB Joe Flacco
Joe Flacco appears to have fixed this Bengals offense. He has thrown multiple passing touchdowns in each of his starts in Cincinnati and is coming off a game in which he scored 26 fantasy points. Therefore, Flacco can be started as a QB1 in deeper 16 or 18-team leagues this week. The Jets have given up nine passing touchdowns since Week 3.
RB Chase Brown
Chase Brown had his best game of the season last week, running for a season-high 108 yards. Even though he only scored 12 PPR fantasy points in that game, he will still come in as an RB2 play. New York is allowing the 10th-most rushing yards per game to opposing RBs. Just keep in mind, though, that the Jets are allowing the fewest receptions to RBs this year. So, Brown will be a lower-end RB2 option.
Jets WRs
None of the Jets' WRs were viable fantasy options last week with Garrett Wilson out. If Wilson were to miss again, both Josh Reynolds and Allen Lazard would not be playable. However, if Wilson returns from his knee injury in Week 8, he would be a strong WR2 option. Taylor starting might be an upgrade for him, and this Cincinnati secondary is giving up over 144 receiving yards per game to opposing WRs.
Bengals WRs
After Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins tormented the Steelers' secondary last week, both should be in most lineups this week. Sauce Gardner's status is up in the air as he works his way back from a concussion, and WRs like Ryan Flournoy (114 receiving yards) and Xavier Legette (24.2 PPR fantasy points) have had big games against this New York secondary in recent weeks.
That makes Chase a must-start WR1 in all formats, and Higgins will come in as a solid WR2 play.
No. 1 is 1 of 1
CINvsGB on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/5Pj5Utr7ZX
— NFL (@NFL) October 12, 2025
Injuries:
- Breece Hall (undisclosed)
- Garrett Wilson (knee)
- Tyrod Taylor (knee)
Chicago Bears at Baltimore Ravens
Matchups We Love:
Caleb Williams has a fantastic matchup in front of him in Week 8. The Ravens have given up the second-most fantasy points and second-most passing touchdowns per game to QBs this season. With three different QBs finishing top-3 at the position against this Baltimore secondary this year, Williams is a must-start QB1.
Bears RBs
D'Andre Swift is definitely trending up in fantasy. He has rushed for over 100 yards in back-to-back games and finished as the RB6 in PPR formats in both of those contests. Now, he gets a plus matchup on the ground against the Ravens. Baltimore has given up the second-most fantasy points, fifth-most rush yards, and fifth-most receptions per game to RBs. That makes Swift a low-end RB1.
This plus matchup also puts rookie Kyle Monangai in flex territory in 14-plus team leagues. Monangai played a season-high 45% of snaps last week en route to an 81-yard, one-touchdown performance on the ground. Given he saw 15 opportunities last week, the rookie can be a solid flex play in deeper leagues.
With Lamar Jackson (hamstring) likely to return, Derrick Henry will be an RB1 option for fantasy managers again. This is also a favorable matchup for the veteran, considering the Bears have allowed a top-12 fantasy RB in three of their six games this season. With Chicago ranking 28th in rush allowed per game, Henry should be in all lineups.
Bears WRs
Although the Ravens appear to be getting healthier in the secondary, Rome Odunze will continue to be a must-start WR this week. Odunze hasn't done much for fantasy managers over the past two weeks, but you aren't sitting him against a secondary that has allowed the second-most touchdowns to WRs this year.
As for DJ Moore, this is also an excellent matchup for him on the outside. Baltimore ranks 29th in fantasy points allowed, 26th in receptions allowed, and 21st in receiving yards allowed per game to opposing WRs. However, he will be a lower-end flex play in 12-plus team leagues this week. Moore has scored under 10 PPR fantasy points in five of six games.
WR Zay Flowers
Zay Flowers has been a high-floor WR2/WR3 option for most of the year. He has finished as a top-30 WR in four of six games, but has only one top-20 fantasy WR finish this year. Nevertheless, this could be the week that Flowers finishes as a top-20 fantasy WR. The Bears have allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing slot WRs. Therefore, Flowers is a solid WR2 option.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
QB Lamar Jackson
If Jackson returns from his hamstring injury this week, you are starting him in every format. He ranks second among all quarterbacks in fantasy points per game, and his 2.5 passing touchdowns per game rank first. The Bears have also allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing QBs this year. That makes Jackson a QB1.
TE Mark Andrews
It's likely too hard to trust Mark Andrews as a TE1 in most formats in Week 8. He has finished outside the top-16 at the TE position in five of six games, and his low floor makes him a risky option. However, Andrews could be a potential option in 16-plus team leagues this week. The Bears are giving up the second-most receptions per game to TEs. So, he could rack up some catches in this favorable matchup.
Injuries:
- Lamar Jackson (hamstring)
- D'Andre Swift (groin)
- DJ Moore (hip)
- Cole Kmet (back)
Miami Dolphins at Atlanta Falcons
Matchups We Love:
Although Michael Penix Jr. is currently dealing with a foot injury, the expectation is that he will be good enough to play in Week 8. Assuming he does play in this game, Penix is a sneaky QB1 option in 16-plus team leagues this week. The Falcons signal-caller is averaging 19.4 fantasy points in three home games, and the Dolphins have allowed five different QBs to finish top-14 at the position this year.
Bijan Robinson will remain a must-start RB1 for fantasy managers in Week 8. He has finished as a top-5 fantasy RB in three straight games, and now gets a fantastic matchup against the Dolphins. Quinshon Judkins (84 rush yards and three touchdowns), Kimani Vidal (124 rush yards), and Rico Dowdle (206 rush yards) all had big fantasy days against this Miami front seven in recent weeks.
Matchups We Hate:
Tua Tagovailoa is simply unstartable in fantasy right now. He has scored under 10 fantasy points in back-to-back games, and his limited rushing gives him a lower floor than most other quarterbacks. Given that the Falcons have allowed the second-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing QBs, Tagovailoa is a sit even in Superflex formats.
Jaylen Waddle had his worst fantasy performance of the season last week, catching just one pass for 15 yards. Unfortunately, things won't get easier for him in Week 8 against the Falcons. Not only has Atlanta given up the second-most fantasy points per game to opposing WRs, but A.J. Terrell Jr. will likely be on him for most of this game.
Since Terrell ranks fifth in fantasy points allowed per game, Waddle is a riskier play.
Other Matchups:
De'Von Achane will remain a must-start RB1. He has finished as a top-17 RB in every game this season, and his rushing numbers have been better in recent weeks. Achane has rushed for over 80 yards in three of the last four weeks. As a result, the 24-year-old needs to be in all lineups this weekend.
Falcons WRs
Even though Drake London didn't have a big fantasy game last week, the targets continue to come his way. London has seen at least 10 targets in three straight games, and his 31.8% target share ranks fourth among WRs. Therefore, London will be a solid WR1 play this week against a Dolphins secondary that has allowed over 70 receiving yards to a WR in three of the last four contests.
As for Darnell Mooney, he will be more of a low-end WR3 in this game. He hasn't done much for fantasy managers this season, but Penix does tend to play better at home. With six teams on bye this week, Mooney isn't the worst option in 12-plus team leagues. He just totaled a season-high 68 receiving yards in last week's loss.
Pitts continues to do just enough to be considered a potential TE1 this week. He has finished as a top-12 fantasy TE in three of six contests this season and is coming off a game in which he caught seven passes for 62 yards. Given that the Dolphins rank 23rd in receptions allowed and 26th in receiving yards allowed to opposing TEs, the Falcons playmaker is worth a look in most leagues.
Injuries:
- Michael Penix Jr. (foot)
Buffalo Bills at Carolina Panthers
Matchups We Love:
Dalton Kincaid did not appear in Buffalo's last game due to an oblique issue. However, assuming he plays this week, Kincaid will be a solid TE1 option. He has scored above 16 PPR fantasy points in two of his last three games, and the Panthers have given up the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing TEs this year.
Matchups We Hate:
Bills WRs
Both Keon Coleman and Khalil Shakir have difficult matchups in Week 8. Coleman will likely be matched up on the outside against Jaycee Horn -- who ranks 12th among all CBs in coverage rating -- and Shakir will try to work the slot against a Panthers defense that allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points to slot WRs.
That makes Coleman a riskier flex option in 12-plus team leagues, especially since he has scored under 10 PPR fantasy points in four of the past five games. As for Shakir, he will likely still be a potential start in 12-team leagues, but expectations might have to be tempered.
Other Matchups:
QB Josh Allen
If you have Josh Allen, you are starting him as a QB1 in all formats. He is currently the QB3 in terms of fantasy points per game while throwing multiple passing touchdowns in four straight games. The Panthers have also allowed a QB to score over 22 fantasy points in three of the last four weeks, making Allen a must-start.
QB Andy Dalton
With Bryce Young missing two practices to start the week due to an ankle injury, it appears likely that Andy Dalton will make his first start of the season. However, Dalton should only be started in Superflex formats as a last resort. The Bills haven't allowed a QB to score over 15 fantasy points since Week 1.
Panthers RBs
Last week, the Panthers' backfield was almost evenly split. Chuba Hubbard played 54% of the team's offensive snaps while seeing 16 touches, and Dowdle played 46% of the team's snaps while seeing 18 touches. Dowdle was the more efficient runner on the ground and saw more opportunities, but Hubbard played more snaps.
That makes this backfield a mess for fantasy managers. However, both running backs can be solid RB2 starts this week. Buffalo has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to opposing RBs and the third-most rush yards per game. If you happen to have both RBs, Dowdle is probably the better play.
RB James Cook
James Cook hasn't done much for fantasy managers in recent weeks. He scored 4.9 PPR fantasy points in Week 5, scored 8.7 PPR fantasy points in Week 6, and then the team went on a bye in Week 7. Although he has a tougher matchup against a Panthers defense that has allowed only one RB to total over 50 rush yards in a game since Week 2, Cook is still an RB1 play.
Panthers WRs
Fantasy managers have interesting decisions to make about the Carolina WRs this week. Tetairoa McMillan has scored above 14 PPR fantasy points just once since Week 3, and Xavier Legette's big fantasy game last week (24.2 PPR fantasy points) marked the first time all season that he has finished as a top-35 fantasy WR.
Nevertheless, both McMillan and Legette could be potential starts, with Dalton likely starting for the Panthers. Dalton could be considered an upgrade for the pass catchers in this offense, and Carolina might have to lean more on its passing attack in this game. That makes the rookie a solid low-end WR2, and Legette is more of a low-end flex play in 14-plus team leagues.
Injuries:
- Dalton Kincaid (oblique)
San Francisco 49ers at Houston Texans
Matchups We Love:
None
Matchups We Hate:
QB Mac Jones
All signs point to Mac Jones starting once again for the 49ers. However, he will be a risky QB2 play against the Texans. Houston ranks first in fantasy points allowed, first in passing touchdowns allowed, and fifth in pass yards allowed through seven weeks. Given that a QB has scored under 10 fantasy points in four straight games against this Houston defense, it's best to stay away from Jones.
49ers WRs
With Jones having a bad matchup, fantasy managers should likely stay away from the team's 49ers WRs as well. Kendrick Bourne is coming off a bad game, Jauan Jennings hasn't done much since returning from his injuries, and Ricky Pearsall will likely miss another week. Considering the Texans have allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing WRs this year, both Jennings and Bourne are risky WR3s.
Other Matchups:
QB C.J. Stroud
C.J. Stroud hasn't been the most consistent fantasy QB this season. He has finished as a top-12 fantasy QB just once, and his 16.5 fantasy points per game average ranks 20th at the position. Therefore, Stroud will be more of a middle-of-the-pack QB2 option against the 49ers this week. San Francisco has allowed the 12th-fewest fantasy points to opposing QBs.
Christian McCaffrey will remain a must-start RB1 in Week 8 against the Texans. He has scored over 22 PPR fantasy points in every game this season and has been the best fantasy option in 2025.
Texans RBs
With the Texans trailing for most of last week's game, Woody Marks dominated the Texans' backfield. He played 63% of the team's offensive snaps and saw 13 opportunities in that contest. However, his inconsistent workload makes it too hard to trust him this week. As a result, Marks is only worth starting in 12-plus team PPR leagues.
As for Nick Chubb, he should be sat in most cases. He has played under 45% of the team's offensive snaps in three straight games and is only averaging 7.4 PPR fantasy points per game since Week 4.
Texans WRs
There's a strong chance that Nico Collins (concussion) and Christian Kirk (hamstring) miss this week's game. That means Jaylin Noel, Jayden Higgins, and Xavier Hutchinson will see more opportunities in the passing game. Of these three WRs, Noel might be the best option of the bunch. He just totaled a season-high 77 receiving yards, and his 3.0 yards per route run was elite last week.
In his first game back from injury, George Kittle put up a stinker. He didn't catch either of his two targets, disappointing a ton of fantasy managers. However, Kittle will be a solid TE1 play this week against the Texans. The veteran played 81% of the team's offensive snaps last week, and he always seems to rebound following a poor receiving day.
With Collins and Kirk likely missing this week's game, more opportunities could be headed toward Dalton Schultz's way. He is coming off his best game of the season (nine catches for 98 yards), and we could expect another solid fantasy day from him in Week 8. Six different TEs have scored in double figures in PPR formats against this San Francisco secondary this season.
Injuries:
- Brock Purdy (toe)
- Ricky Pearsall (knee)
New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles
Matchups We Love:
QB Jalen Hurts
Jalen Hurts has a prime opportunity in front of him in Week 8. The Giants have given up the third-most fantasy points, fifth-most passing yards, and fourth-most rushing yards per game to opposing QBs this season. Given that Hurts scored 21.6 fantasy points the last time he faced this New York defense, he will be a must-start QB1.
Eagles WRs
A.J. Brown's status is up in the air for Week 8 as he is currently dealing with a hamstring issue. If he plays, though, both Brown and DeVonta Smith will be must-starts. Brown has totaled at least 80 receiving yards in three of his last five games, which included a six-catch, 80-yard performance against the Giants back in Week 6. That makes him a WR1 this time around.
As for Smith, he will be a high-end WR2. The Giants have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to slot WRs, where the Eagles' playmaker plays 61% of the time.
Matchups We Hate:
TE Theo Johnson
Theo Johnson has been a sneaky TE1 option since Jaxson Dart took over. He has three top-14 TE finishes over the past four games and has caught four touchdown passes during this span. However, Johnson should be avoided in most cases this week. The Eagles have only allowed one touchdown to TEs this season.
Other Matchups:
QB Jaxson Dart
On paper, this might seem like a tough matchup for Dart. But he will be a solid QB1 option against the Eagles in Week 8. The rookie has scored above 23 fantasy points in back-to-back games, and Philadelphia just let Dart score 23.6 fantasy points two weeks ago. So, you can start him in most formats as a QB1.
195 yards through the air.
60 on the ground.
And a W.@JaxsonDart aura 📈 pic.twitter.com/QmDDoVpOgM— NFL (@NFL) October 10, 2025
RB Cam Skattebo
Cam Skattebo has been on another level. He has finished as a top-12 RB in consecutive games and continues to be the preferred RB in this New York offense. The last time these two teams played, Skattebo scored 31 PPR fantasy points. Although Jalen Carter will be active this time around, fantasy managers can still start the rookie as a high-end RB2.
Fantasy managers are definitely panicking about Saquon Barkley right now. He has scored under 10 PPR fantasy points in each of his last two games, and the Giants have done a solid job against opposing RBs this year. Only one RB (Omarion Hampton) has finished as a top-20 option against New York's defense since Week 3. Still, you have to start Barkley in all formats.
Things are trending up for Wan'Dale Robinson. He scored 20.4 PPR fantasy points against the Eagles in Week 6 and then followed that up by scoring 15.5 PPR fantasy points last week. That makes Robinson a potential WR2 option in this matchup. Philadelphia has given up the fifth-most receiving yards to WRs this season.
Dallas Goedert didn't have the best fantasy performance last week, catching three passes for a season-low 18 yards. Nevertheless, Goedert can still be trusted as a TE1 this week. He has scored in double figures in PPR formats in five of his six games this season and just totaled nine catches for 110 yards and one touchdown against the Giants' secondary a few weeks ago.
Injuries:
- A.J. Brown (hamstring)
Cleveland Browns at New England Patriots
Matchups We Love:
None
Matchups We Hate:
QB Drake Maye
Drake Maye has been fantastic for fantasy managers this season. He is the current QB4 on the season, and his 21.3 fantasy points per game rank as the QB6. However, this matchup against the Browns is a tougher matchup for the second-year signal-caller. Only one QB (Jackson) has finished as a top-14 option against this Cleveland secondary. So, Maye is a riskier QB1 this weekend.
RB Quinshon Judkins
Judkins exploded last week for 84 yards and three touchdowns against the Miami Dolphins. Unfortunately, things won't be as good for him in Week 8. New England has yet to allow an RB to rush for over 50 yards against them this season. On top of that, the Patriots have only allowed one RB to score above 13.5 PPR fantasy points in a game. That makes Judkins more of a low-end RB2.
Rhamondre Stevenson had his best rushing day of the season last week. He ran 18 times for 88 yards and one touchdown. However, Stevenson won't have success like that on the ground against the Browns. Cleveland has allowed the sixth-fewest rushing yards and the fewest fantasy points per game to opposing RBs. Therefore, the 27-year-old drops to RB3 status in Week 8.
WR Jerry Jeudy
Fantasy managers can't possibly start Jerry Jeudy in any formats this week. He hasn't scored in double figures in PPR formats since Week 1 and has caught three passes or fewer in four of the past five games. With Christian Gonzalez likely to be on him for parts of this game, Jeudy shouldn't be started in really any formats.
Other Matchups:
Dillon Gabriel will be hard to trust in most Superflex formats this week. He has finished outside the top-24 at the QB position in consecutive games, and the Patriots' defense has done a solid job preventing big fantasy games to opposing QBs. New England has given up the 11th-fewest fantasy points to opposing QBs. That makes Gabriel a low-end QB2.
Patriots WRs
Even though the Browns have one of the better secondaries, Stefon Diggs will come in as a low-end WR2. He has finished as a top-24 WR in three of the past four games and continues to be Maye's favorite target in the passing game. Cleveland's secondary has also given up some big games to DK Metcalf (19.5 PPR points), Justin Jefferson (19.3 PPR points), and Amon-Ra St. Brown (26 PPR points ) in recent weeks.
Browns TEs
It remains to be seen if David Njoku (knee) will play in Week 8. If he does, then both Njoku and Harold Fannin Jr. probably fall into TE2 territory. The Patriots have only allowed two touchdowns to TEs this season and are giving up roughly 13.9 PPR fantasy points per game to the position.
If Njoku is out, though, Fannin would be a nice TE1 play. He would essentially have the middle of the field to himself and wouldn't be sharing targets with the veteran. The Patriots have let up a top-12 fantasy TE finish four times this year, meaning the rookie could be started in most formats if Njoku misses.
TE Hunter Henry
Hunter Henry is no longer a viable TE1 option. He has finished outside the top-24 at the TE position in three straight games, and he has seen fewer than five targets in four of the past six weeks. That makes him more of a TE2 this week against the Browns. Cleveland hasn't allowed a top-12 fantasy TE finish in six straight contests.
Injuries:
- David Njoku (knee)
Matchup Analysis - Sunday Afternoon Games
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints
Matchups We Love:
RB Alvin Kamara
Things aren't looking encouraging for Alvin Kamara. He hasn't scored more than 13 PPR fantasy points in a game since Week 2 and has been held under 35 rush yards in three straight weeks. However, Kamara could feast through the air in Week 8. The Buccaneers have allowed the fourth-most receptions and the most receiving yards to the RB position, making him a strong RB2 option.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
Baker Mayfield has been one of the most consistent fantasy QBs this year. He has finished as a top-13 fantasy QB in six of seven contests and will now have a semi-solid matchup against the Saints' secondary in Week 8. New Orleans has allowed multiple passing touchdowns in six of its seven games. So, Mayfield should be started as a QB1 this week.
Spencer Rattler will come in as a low-end QB2 option against the Buccaneers in Week 8. Rattler has finished outside the top-18 at the QB position in five straight games and shouldn't be started in most leagues. Tampa Bay held both Jared Goff and Mac Jones to under 13.5 fantasy points in back-to-back games.
Rachaad White will make his fourth straight start while Bucky Irving nurses a foot/shoulder injury. Although White had a subpar fantasy day last week, fantasy managers should expect a bounce-back performance from him in a much better matchup. The Saints allowed both Bears RBs to finish top-12 at the position a week ago. Given White's receiving potential as well, he is a strong RB2 play.
Buccaneers WRs
With Mike Evans (collarbone) out for the foreseeable future and Chris Godwin (fibula) out for this game, Emeka Egbuka and Tez Johnson will see more opportunities in the passing game. Egbuka will be a solid WR1 as the main target in this Tampa Bay offense, while Johnson is a sneaky flex option in 12-plus team leagues.
Johnson has totaled over 11 PPR fantasy points in back-to-back weeks, and his snap share has hovered around 70% during these two games. That's enough to start him in some leagues in a good matchup against a Saints defense that has allowed eight touchdowns to WRs through seven weeks.
WR Chris Olave
Chris Olave has been a better-than-expected WR option through the first seven weeks. He has scored in double figures in PPR formats in every contest this season and is coming off back-to-back games in which he totaled 98 receiving yards. Given that the Buccaneers have allowed St. Brown (20.6 PPR points) and Bourne (19.2 PPR points) to have big games recently, Olave is a WR1.
Juwan Johnson had his best receiving day of the season last week, totaling five catches for 79 yards. While he likely isn't a TE1 option in most 12-team leagues, he is worth a look in deeper 16-plus team leagues. The Buccaneers have allowed a top-12 TE fantasy finish in three of the past four weeks.
TE Cade Otton
Cade Otton should see more opportunities in the passing game, with Evans and Godwin both out. Considering Otton has totaled at least 10 PPR fantasy points in three straight games, the 26-year-old will be a nice TE1 option in Week 8. Just a few weeks ago, the Saints let Giants TE Johnson score 21.3 PPR fantasy points against them.
Injuries:
- Bucky Irving (foot/shoulder) - out
- Chris Godwin (fibula) - out
Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts
Matchups We Love:
Jonathan Taylor will continue to be a must-start RB1 for fantasy managers. Taylor has been unstoppable on the ground this year, and this matchup is a favorable one against the Titans. Tennessee has allowed the fourth-most rushing yards, fifth-most fantasy points, and the most rushing touchdowns per game to opposing RBs.
Elic Ayomanor hasn't done much for fantasy managers in recent weeks. Nevertheless, if you need a WR in deeper formats, Ayomanor could be worth starting. Calvin Ridley (hamstring) is trending toward missing another game, and the Colts have allowed the most fantasy points to opposing WRs this year. So, the rookie is a dart-throw in some deeper formats.
Matchups We Hate:
RB Tony Pollard
Tony Pollard will enter the week as more of an RB3 against the Colts. He rushed for a season-low 18 yards last week and continues to lose work to Tyjae Spears. On top of that, the Colts have allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing RBs this season. That means Pollard should be avoided in most formats.
Other Matchups:
QB Cam Ward
Cam Ward is not startable right now. He has finished outside the top-21 at the QB position in every game this season and has only thrown four passing touchdowns through seven weeks. Even in Superflex formats, it might be better to look elsewhere. Ward only scored 13 fantasy points in his first meeting against the Colts.
QB Daniel Jones
Daniel Jones will come in as a low-end QB1 option against the Titans this week. He has finished as a top-12 fantasy QB in five of seven games and has thrown at least one passing touchdown in every contest. Although Tennessee is giving up the eighth-fewest fantasy points per game this season, Jones is a worthy QB1 start on Sunday.
Colts WRs
When these two teams played back in Week 3, Michael Pittman Jr. had a solid fantasy day (19.3 PPR fantasy points) and Josh Downs didn't do much (5.4 PPR fantasy points). Although Downs is expected to return from a concussion this week, he will be a lower-end WR3 this week. As for Pittman, he will be a reliable WR2 against a Titans secondary that will be without its top cornerback (L'Jarius Sneed).
TE Tyler Warren
Tyler Warren will remain a must-start TE1 this week. He has been one of the most reliable fantasy TEs to begin the season, with five top-12 finishes at the TE position. The one game he didn't finish inside the top-12 was in Week 3 against the Titans. However, you are still starting Warren in every format.
Injuries:
- Josh Downs (concussion)
- Calvin Ridley (hamstring)
Dallas Cowboys at Denver Broncos
Matchups We Love:
QB Bo Nix
No quarterback has a better matchup this week than Bo Nix. The Cowboys have allowed the most fantasy points, the second-most pass yards, the third-most pass touchdowns, and the second-most rush yards to opposing QBs this season. After an overall QB1 finish last week, Nix should be started as a QB1 again this weekend.
RB J.K. Dobbins
J.K. Dobbins is still the preferred back to own in the Denver backfield. He has a 54.7% rush share on the season and has rushed for over 75 yards in five of the past six games. That rushing should play a significant role, as the Cowboys have allowed the third-most fantasy points to RBs this season. That's enough to start Dobbins as an RB2.
Broncos WRs
All Broncos WRs get a major upgrade in this game. Dallas has allowed a ton of big plays through the air, and that's good news for both Courtland Sutton and Troy Franklin. The Cowboys have allowed the second-most fantasy points and the most touchdowns (12) to WRs this year. That makes Sutton a must-start WR1, and Franklin a sneaky flex option in 14-plus team leagues.
Bo Nix and Courtland Sutton connect for 43 yards 🎯
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/9SX1Smr73H
— NFL (@NFL) August 23, 2025
Matchups We Hate:
QB Dak Prescott
As great as Dak Prescott has played this season, this matchup against the Broncos is not ideal for him. Denver has allowed only two QBs to finish top-12 at the position since Week 3, and this defense has allowed only seven passing touchdowns on the year. So, Prescott is a riskier QB1 option in most formats.
Cowboys WRs
CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens being on this list doesn't mean you should be sitting them. However, expectations should be tempered for both Cowboy WRs. It remains to be seen if Patrick Surtain II shadows Lamb or Pickens in this game. Since Lamb plays a lot of his snaps in the slot, he could be safe from the Surtain shadow.
As a result, Lamb will still be a WR1 this week. As for Pickens, he will be a lower-end WR2. The Broncos have allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to outside WRs this year.
Other Matchups:
Javonte Williams will remain an RB1 for fantasy managers. He has been one of the biggest surprises in fantasy this year and has finished as a top-12 fantasy RB four different times. Although the Broncos have allowed the ninth-fewest fantasy points to RBs, this Denver front seven has let up a top-12 fantasy RB in two of the past three weeks.
Fantasy managers can't possibly sit Jake Ferguson in fantasy for Week 8. He is the current TE1 in fantasy points scored and has finished as a top-12 fantasy TE in five straight games. The Broncos definitely have an elite defense, but this is the same secondary that allowed two Giants TEs to finish top-10 at the position last week.
TE Evan Engram
Evan Engram has certainly seen more involvement in the passing game in recent weeks. He has caught 10 passes for 84 yards over the past two games. As a result, Engram could be started as a TE1 in some 14-plus team leagues. Dallas just let Zach Ertz finish as the overall TE14 in PPR formats in Week 7.
Injuries:
None
Matchup Analysis - Sunday Night Football
Green Bay Packers at Pittsburgh Steelers
Matchups We Love:
QB Jordan Love
Even though Jordan Love has only finished as a top-12 fantasy QB once since Week 3, he will be a solid QB1 option this week against the Steelers. Joe Flacco just torched this Pittsburgh secondary for 342 yards and three touchdowns, marking the third QB to finish with above 20 fantasy points against this defense over the last four games.
Packers WRs
Both Romeo Doubs and Matthew Golden are solid starts in Week 8. Doubs has operated as the team's WR1 in recent weeks, as he has totaled 17 catches for 185 yards and three touchdowns over his last three games. That's enough to start him as a low-end WR2 this week against a Steelers defense that has allowed the most receiving yards to WRs in 2025.
That also makes Golden a sneaky WR3 in most formats. He has scored in double figures in PPR formats in three of the past four games, and his 73.2% snap share last week was a career-high. So, a solid fantasy game could be in store for the rookie.
TE Tucker Kraft
Tucker Kraft will be a strong TE1 play this week against the Steelers. Pittsburgh has allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing TEs this season, and this defense has let up a top-10 fantasy TE finish in back-to-back games. For that reason, Kraft should be in all fantasy lineups. He is coming off a game where he caught five passes for 58 yards and one touchdown.
Matchups We Hate:
RB Jaylen Warren
Jaylen Warren had a fantastic rushing performance last week. He ran for a season-high 127 yards en route to an RB7 PPR fantasy finish. However, Warren could struggle on the ground against the Packers. Green Bay is allowing just 66.5 rush yards per game this season. That makes him a lower-end RB2.
Other Matchups:
We all know that Aaron Rodgers is going to ball out on Sunday night. He is playing against his former team, and it wouldn't surprise anyone if he threw for 300 yards and three touchdowns. Considering the Packers have allowed over 18 fantasy points to a QB in three straight contests, Rodgers could be a solid QB2 in Superflex formats.
RB Josh Jacobs
Josh Jacobs continues to practice in a limited fashion due to a calf issue, but that shouldn't affect his status for Week 8. He will remain a must-start RB1 in all formats. Jacobs has scored two rushing touchdowns in each of his last three games.
WR DK Metcalf
Metcalf didn't do much in last week's loss, catching just three passes for 50 yards. However, he will come in as a middle-of-the-pack WR2 option against the Packers. Green Bay is allowing the ninth-most receptions per game to opposing WRs, and star WRs like Chase (25.1 PPR points) and Pickens (33.4 PPR points) have had big fantasy games against this secondary.
Injuries:
- Josh Jacobs (calf)
Matchup Analysis - Monday Night Football
Washington Commanders at Kansas City Chiefs
Matchups We Love:
Patrick Mahomes should continue to be started in all leagues as a QB1. He has scored at least 26 fantasy points in four straight games, and the Commanders' defense has struggled to stop the pass in recent weeks. Washington has allowed a top-10 fantasy QB finish in back-to-back weeks, making Mahomes a must-start option.
Matchups We Hate:
Marcus Mariota will start for Jayden Daniels in Week 8, as he is currently dealing with a hamstring injury. While Mariota scored 20.3 fantasy points (Week 3) and 17.2 fantasy points (Week 4) in his two previous starts this year, he will be more of a QB2 play against the Chiefs in Week 8. Kansas City has allowed a top-16 fantasy QB finish just once since Week 2.
TE Zach Ertz
Zach Ertz has been a solid TE1 play in recent weeks. He scored 16.3 PPR fantasy points in Week 6 and 12.7 PPR fantasy points last week. However, in his two games with Mariota under center this year, he averaged just 6.5 PPR fantasy points. Additionally, the Chiefs have only allowed one TE to finish top-16 at the position this year. That makes Ertz a risky TE1 option in Week 8.
Other Matchups:
Jacory Croskey-Merritt is still the Washington back to own. He has played above 47% of the team's offensive snaps in three straight games, and his rush share is around 50% in those three contests. But with back-to-back fantasy finishes outside the top-35 at the RB position, Croskey-Merritt is more of an RB3 in Week 8. The Chiefs have also given up the seventh-fewest fantasy points to RBs this year.
Things appear to be trending up for Isiah Pacheco. He has played at least 40 snaps in three straight games and just carried the ball a season-high 15 times in last week's win. With Kareem Hunt's status in doubt due to a knee injury, Pacheco could climb up to RB2. The Commanders have allowed a 100-yard rusher in consecutive games, which included a 116-yard, one-touchdown performance from Javonte Williams last week.
Chiefs WRs
In his season debut, Rashee Rice totaled seven catches for 42 yards and two touchdowns while playing just 40% of the team's offensive snaps. Therefore, he will be a must-start WR1 this week. As for Xavier Worthy, he will be more of a WR3, considering his target share is expected to decline. Still, Worthy could be a start in 12-plus team leagues due to his big-play potential.
Commanders WRs
It appears that both Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel Sr. will be back for Week 8. Both WRs practiced in full on Thursday. So, Samuel will come in as a solid WR2, while McLaurin will be more of a low-end WR3 in his return. The Chiefs have allowed the fifth-fewest receiving yards to opposing WRs this year, meaning this isn't the best matchup for either player.
Still, fantasy managers can trust Samuel enough this week. He has three top-12 fantasy WR finishes this year and scored 20.1 PPR fantasy points in a game with Mariota back in Week 4. As for McLaurin, it might be better to leave him on your bench. He could be matched up against Trent McDuffie on the outside and will likely be on a snap count.
TE Travis Kelce
The return of Rice could hurt Travis Kelce's fantasy value moving forward. He only caught three passes in last week's win, and his target share was just 8.8% in that game. For that reason, Kelce is a lower-end TE1 this week against the Commanders. Washington is allowing the ninth-fewest receptions per game to opposing TEs (4.6), which isn't great news for the Chiefs' playmaker.
Injuries:
- Jayden Daniels (hamstring) - out
- Deebo Samuel Sr. (heel)
- Terry McLaurin (quad)
More Fantasy Football Analysis
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