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After you take the Thursday night game, Sunday morning London game, Sunday night game, Monday night game, and six teams on byes out of the equation, this week's normal Sunday slate is looking pretty light on DFS options. Fear not; we've got you covered.
The goal of this weekly column is to help find the most profitable DFS stacks, while avoiding the duds. Stacking, or pairing multiple players from the same NFL team, is an ideal way to maximize your point production, which is crucial in larger GPP (guaranteed prize pool) tournaments.
Let's take a look at some of the top DFS stacks for Week 8, loosely sorted by salary.
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High-Priced Week 8 DFS Stacks
New England QB Tom Brady and TE Rob Gronkowski vs. Los Angeles Chargers
What's a quarterback's best friend against a stellar pass rush? A dependable tight end, of course. Gronkowski certainly fits that bill, and he should be busy with Brady facing pressure from Joey Bosa (7.5 sacks) and Melvin Ingram (8.5 sacks).
Gronkowski had just three catches for 51 yards last Sunday against Atlanta, but had at least 80 yards with four total touchdowns over the previous four games. That's the kind of Gronk production we know and love. He's a good bet for a big outing against the Chargers.
Dallas QB Dak Prescott and WR Dez Bryant at Washington
The Redskins' defense was just shredded by NFC East rival Carson Wentz, and the secondary could again be without Pro Bowl cornerback Josh Norman (rib). Even if Norman returns, he could be limited, and that certainly benefits the Cowboys' stars.
Prescott has accounted for four touchdowns in each of his last two games, while Bryant has two touchdown catches over that same span. In short, Prescott and Bryant (along with running back Ezekiel Elliott) are red-hot. Take advantage of that.
Philadelphia QB Carson Wentz and TE Zach Ertz vs. San Francisco
Speaking of being red-hot, few quarterbacks are playing better than Wentz. The second-year player leads the NFL in touchdown passes (17) and has emerged as an MVP candidate for the NFL-best Eagles (6-1).
The 49ers are building a foundation for the future, but in the present, they are downright tough to watch. The Eagles should have little trouble winning this game, but who will Wentz connect with for touchdowns? Ertz, who leads all tight ends in yards and TDs, is a good bet, but so too is wide receiver Nelson Agholor, who has scored in Philly's last three games.
Moderately-Priced Week 8 DFS Stacks
Washington QB Kirk Cousins and TE Jordan Reed vs. Dallas
Welcome to the 2017 fantasy football party, Mr. Reed. The Redskins' standout tight end finished with eight receptions for 64 yards and two touchdowns this past Monday night, setting new season highs across the board.
He'll need to remain a consistent producer if Washington is to keep scoring pace with the Cowboys on Sunday. Cousins has been steady this season, but he's rarely had a reliable stacking option. Chris Thompson, Vernon Davis, and even the wildly disappointing Terrelle Pryor have all had moments, but Reed is the best option when healthy. If you're feeling lucky, try pairing Cousins with wide receiver Josh Doctson.
Cincinnati QB Andy Dalton and WR A.J. Green vs. Indianapolis
Green is usually able to produce strong fantasy numbers even if Dalton struggles. That wasn't the case last Sunday as both Dalton (140 yards, two TDs, two INTs) and Green (three receptions, 41 yards) both underwhelmed.
Don't expect a repeat of that this Sunday against the 31st-ranked pass defense of the Colts. Prior to last week's dud, Green had three consecutive games with at least five catches, 60 yards, and a touchdown. Those totals should represent his floor in Week 8.
Los Angeles Chargers QB Philip Rivers and TE Hunter Henry at New England
It's safe to consider the "No. 1 tight end" torch officially passed in Los Angeles. Antonio Gates has just four catches on five targets over the Chargers' last three games. Henry, by comparison, has 12 catches on 20 targets over the same span.
The Patriots rank among the NFL's worst defenses in defending opposing tight ends, which comes as little considering New England still ranks dead last in overall pass defense. The Chargers will likely be trailing, and thus likely passing to keep up with Brady. Keenan Allen and, for a roll of the dice, Tyrell Williams are also options.
Bargain-Priced Week 8 DFS Stacks
New York Jets QB Josh McCown and WR Robby Anderson vs. Atlanta
McCown threw a soul-crushing interception late in the fourth quarter against Miami last weekend, but before that he actually looked pretty good. He finished with 209 yards and three touchdowns, and added another score on the ground.
In a week with fewer options than usual, McCown is an intriguing low-cost DFS play. Anderson has emerged as the team's top deep threat, though Jermaine Kearse and Austin Seferian-Jenkins are better touchdown bets. If you're rolling the dice, stack McCown and Anderson and hope for a long touchdown.
Chicago QB Mitchell Trubisky and TE Zach Miller at New Orleans
Well, I did say your options were limited this week. But hey, if you're looking for a cheap stack, you won't find one cheaper than this. Trubisky has seen his attempts decrease from 25 to 16 to seven over his first three NFL games, and he's yet to pass for more than 128 yards.
Those aren't exactly trends that scream "fantasy upside." In a potential shootout with the Saints, however, the Bears might have no choice but let Trubisky sling it. If that's the case, Miller is a decent bet to catch a touchdown, as he did in Weeks 5 and 6.
