As NFL Week 8 approaches, fantasy football managers are scouring the latest news, injury reports and projections to gain an edge. With several star players nursing injuries and some juicy matchups on tap, setting the optimal lineup is crucial. To help guide your Week 8 decisions, we’ve analyzed the data and identified the players poised to deliver—and disappoint.
Week 8 Fantasy Projections & Matchup Analysis
Our proprietary model projects scores for every NFL game and calculates fantasy points for each player based on their expected usage. The Matchup rating indicates how favorable that player’s opponent is for fantasy purposes, from Poor to Great. Let’s dive into the Week 8 slate:
Minnesota Vikings @ Los Angeles Rams
The Rams limited receivers in recent weeks, making Jordan Addison a shaky play despite his touchdown upside. Fire up Aaron Jones, Kyren Williams, Justin Jefferson and Cooper Kupp with confidence.
Philadelphia Eagles @ Cincinnati Bengals
Start your studs in this potential shootout. DeVonta Smith is a solid WR3 even after two down weeks. With such explosive offenses, the defenses are shaky fantasy plays.
Baltimore Ravens @ Cleveland Browns
Nick Chubb may cede some work in his second game back and faces a brick wall Ravens run defense. He’s a risky flex. Mark Andrews‘ brutal TE2 season continues with this matchup and low snap share.
Tennessee Titans @ Detroit Lions
The efficient yet low-volume Jared Goff is no more than a QB2. Expect any WR not named Amon-Ra St. Brown to be hit-or-miss.
Arizona Cardinals @ Miami Dolphins
If Tua Tagovailoa returns, he vaults De’Von Achane, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle into the elite tier at their positions.
– Mike Clay, ESPN
New York Jets @ New England Patriots
Despite the pristine matchup, recent production suggests Hunter Henry is more of a TD-dependent TE2 than a lineup lock.
Atlanta Falcons @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Fire up Drake London, Darnell Mooney and Kyle Pitts, but Kirk Cousins is a risky start even in a plus matchup. He’s stumbled in several “gimme” spots this year.
Green Bay Packers @ Jacksonville Jaguars
With a banged-up Travis Etienne Jr. potentially out, Tank Bigsby makes for an intriguing flex play thanks to his explosive ability. Still, he rarely catches passes.
Indianapolis Colts @ Houston Texans
Avoid this low-octane matchup where possible. If you must, Joe Mixon and Jonathan Taylor are the top plays, while Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell are acceptable WR2/3 types.
New Orleans Saints @ Los Angeles Chargers
With key Saints receivers sidelined, only Alvin Kamara and maybe Chris Olave can be trusted. The Chargers D/ST is an elite play in this spot.
Buffalo Bills @ Seattle Seahawks
DK Metcalf‘s absence makes Tyler Lockett and rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba priority plays in a fantasy-friendly game environment. Josh Allen and his weapons are elite plays as always.
Chicago Bears @ Washington Commanders
Impressive youngsters D’Andre Swift and Caleb Williams are startable, but the Bears’ cupcake schedule turns fearsome starting this week. Exercise caution and be ready to pivot.
Dallas Cowboys @ San Francisco 49ers
Monitor the 49ers’ fluid receiver situation heading into this Sunday nighter. Jauan Jennings and rookie Ricky Pearsall would see enhanced roles if Deebo Samuel sits.
New York Giants @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Fire up Najee Harris after two strong outings and with the Giants surrendering the second-most yards per carry (5.3) to enemy backs. Malik Nabers and George Pickens are solid WR2 plays.
Week 8 Lineup Recommendations
With those matchups in mind, here are the top lineup locks, sleepers and fades for Week 8:
Lineup Locks 🔒
- QB: Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Jalen Hurts
- RB: Saquon Barkley, Breece Hall, Kenneth Walker III
- WR: Justin Jefferson, Tyreek Hill, Ja’Marr Chase, CeeDee Lamb
- TE: Travis Kelce, George Kittle
Sleepers 😴
- QB: Geno Smith vs BUF, Aaron Rodgers @ JAX
- RB: D’Andre Swift @ WAS, Brian Robinson Jr. vs CHI
- WR: Jaxon Smith-Njigba & Tyler Lockett vs BUF with no DK
- TE: Dalton Kincaid @ SEA, Trey McBride @ MIA
Fades ❌
- QB: Kirk Cousins @ TB, Caleb Williams @ WAS
- RB: Nick Chubb @ BAL, Rhamondre Stevenson vs NYJ
- WR: DeVonta Smith @ CIN, Drake London @ TB
- TE: Mark Andrews @ CLE, Hunter Henry vs NYJ
There you have it – your definitive Week 8 fantasy football playbook. Digest the projections, weigh the matchups, and make the bold lineup calls that bring home the W. Best of luck in your fantasy battles!
