Week 8 of the fantasy football season is upon us, and as always, matchups are a critical factor when making those difficult lineup decisions. To give you an advantage over your competition, we’ve analyzed every game and ranked the best and worst matchups at each position. These rankings go beyond seasonal point totals, showing how each defense has performed relative to the difficulty of their schedule. Armed with this information, you can start and sit players with confidence.
Quarterbacks to Target
Our top recommendation for Week 8 is Bo Nix of the Denver Broncos in his matchup against the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers defense has been generous to opposing quarterbacks, allowing the fourth-most fantasy points per game (18.6) despite not facing many top-tier QBs. Nix’s dual-threat abilities give him a high floor in this favorable spot.
Other quarterbacks with appealing matchups include Jordan Love of the Green Bay Packers against the Jacksonville Jaguars and C.J. Stroud of the Houston Texans versus the Indianapolis Colts. Love and Stroud are viable streaming options if you need a fill-in starter.
Quarterback to Avoid
On the other hand, we suggest benching Geno Smith of the Seattle Seahawks in his tough draw against the Buffalo Bills. The Bills have held all but one QB under 19 fantasy points, and Smith isn’t much of a threat with his legs like the one QB (Lamar Jackson) who had success against Buffalo. Smith’s volume keeps him in the QB1 mix most weeks, but the matchup makes him a dicey play.
Running Backs to Trust
Fire up Kareem Hunt of the Kansas City Chiefs as an RB1 against the Las Vegas Raiders. With 41 fantasy points over the past two weeks and a stranglehold on KC’s backfield touches, Hunt draws a Raiders defense that has allowed a 15+ point rusher every single week. Smash the start button on Hunt.
J.K. Dobbins (Los Angeles Chargers vs. New Orleans Saints) and Javonte Williams (Denver Broncos vs. Carolina Panthers) are two other backs with mouthwatering Week 8 matchups. Get them in your lineups.
Running Back to Bench
As hard as it may be, we advise sitting Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts in his matchup with the Houston Texans. The game script may not be in his favor coming off an ankle injury, and Houston has been stingy against the run, allowing the fourth-fewest RB points per game (17.9). You likely don’t have a better option, but temper expectations for Taylor this week.
Wide Receivers to Start
The Jaguars’ leaky secondary sets up nicely for Packers rookie wideout Romeo Doubs to have a big Week 8. Doubs has led Green Bay in routes, targets, and fantasy points since returning from suspension. He has WR2 upside against a Jags defense yielding the fourth-most points to the position.
Darnell Mooney (Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and Jerry Jeudy (Cleveland Browns vs. Baltimore Ravens) are two other receivers who could outplay their rankings based on their favorable draws.
Wide Receiver to Fade
Terry McLaurin has been a solid WR1 with Jayden Daniels throwing him the ball, but a rib injury to Daniels and a date with the Chicago Bears make McLaurin a bust candidate. The Bears have allowed the fourth-fewest points per target (1.49) to wideouts, so you may want to look elsewhere this week.
Tight End Matchups to Exploit
While he hasn’t quite lived up to the hype, rookie Dalton Kincaid could break out against a Seattle Seahawks defense that has struggled to contain tight ends. Kincaid has a 20.3% target share and is due for some positive touchdown regression.
Tight End Matchup to Avoid
Mark Andrews has found the end zone in consecutive games but faces a Cleveland Browns defense allowing the third-fewest points per target (1.19) to tight ends. Andrews is impossible to bench but he may not deliver an elite week.
For more in-depth analysis on every matchup, check the full article above with our detailed matchup rankings by position. Remember, matchups are just one ingredient in the lineup decision process. But in a close call, the right or wrong matchup can make all the difference. Use this information wisely and dominate your Week 8 head-to-head battles. Good luck!
