Fantasy Football Week 8 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Advice by Justin Boone – Yahoo Sports

  • November 1, 2026

Transform any ordinary day into an exciting Game Day with the Burger King Game Day Menu. Before diving in, prepare your roster with this week’s essential picks and choices to avoid.

Justin Boone offers a weekly overview of underrated fantasy players worth starting and potential flops you might want to avoid this week.

For more on your lineup choices, reference his Week 8 rankings.

vs. Cardinals

After throwing for three touchdowns last week, Prescott ranked as the QB6 overall. This marked his first game with multiple touchdowns since Week 2.

Now, he encounters one of the softer matchups of his schedule against a Cardinals defense that has allowed the third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, giving up at least two touchdowns to the last six quarterbacks they faced. The Cowboys also boast the highest projected team total this week at 30.75, suggesting another high QB1 performance from Prescott.

Other QBs to start:

  • Jacoby Brissett at Cowboys – Facing the Cowboys, who allow the eighth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Brissett poses some risk but previously delivered a top-10 fantasy finish against an easier opponent. Looking forward to a similar result this week.

  • Kyler Murray at Lions – Murray continues to adjust to Kevin O’Connell’s offensive system, and going up against the Lions should prove beneficial. Detroit’s defense is the most accommodating for fantasy QBs, allowing multiple touchdowns to every quarterback they’ve faced, including at least three touchdowns to four of six. Murray’s recent rushing performance has improved both his fantasy floor and ceiling.

vs. Eagles

Some fantasy managers may underestimate White’s current value as a reliable RB2 with Jacory Croskey-Merritt on IR. Before the Commanders’ bye in Week 7, White played almost 70% of snaps, achieving 57 yards and a touchdown. This marks the third time in four games that White has gathered either 80+ yards or a touchdown. While Washington returns refreshed after the bye, the Eagles, dealing with injuries, will be on a short week following their Monday Night Football appearance. Philadelphia’s once-dominating defense has shown vulnerabilities recently, allowing large yardage totals throughout the past month.

Week

Player

Scrimmage Yards

TDs

7

Javonte Williams

155

1

6

Chuba Hubbard

121

1

5

Bhayshul Tuten

96

0

4

Kyren Williams

146

2

With Austin Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols assuming minor roles, White should emerge as a top-24 fantasy running back for Week 8—and possibly beyond.

Other RBs to start:

  • Bhayshul Tuten vs. Colts – Tuten has displayed impressive consistency this season, hitting at least 87 scrimmage yards in five of six outings. After the bye week, Tuten and the Jags are 10-point favorites against a Colts team that recently traded away defensive tackle DeForest Buckner and guard Quenton Nelson. Consider Tuten a borderline low-end RB1 this week.

  • Jordan Mason at Lions – While Aaron Jones Sr. is expected to play, it’s evident he’s not fully healthy after dealing with a knee injury. Mason had 15 carries for 68 yards last week and is likely to lead the backfield again. So far this year, Mason has accumulated 127 yards and one touchdown on 30 carries within his two appearances.

  • Blake Corum vs. Chargers – Corum has scored in three consecutive games and has recorded at least 60 scrimmage yards in those outings. The Rams are 6.5-point favorites against a Chargers team yielding the ninth-most fantasy points to running backs. This scenario positions Corum to deliver RB2-level production behind Kyren Williams.

at Cowboys

It may seem surprising to suggest Wilson as a starter following his underwhelming performances in the last three weeks since the exit of Marvin Harrison Jr. Wilson has tallied weekly rankings of WR52, WR56, and WR24, with statistics showing 4-30-0, 4-32-0, and 4-55-0 (plus 11 rushing yards). He’s been limited to under eight targets in each of those games, after previously receiving 30 targets before Harrison’s departure.

Now, Wilson will engage in a high-scoring match against a Cowboys defense that allows the sixth-most fantasy points to his position. This could make him a worthy fantasy WR2 this week. However, if you possess Wilson, it may be wise to consider trading him post-performance, as he faces the Seahawks, Rams, and Chiefs for his next three games.

Other WRs to start:

  • DJ Moore vs. Ravens – This season, the DJ Moore experience has been curtailed as he has only played 60% of snaps in two games due to injuries. In those appearances, he accumulated 18 targets, 11 receptions, 167 yards, and one touchdown. The potential remains notable with Moore expected to play again, especially in a game projected for the highest point total of the week at 54.5.

  • Garrett Wilson vs. Raiders – Some fantasy managers are down on Wilson after two quieter weeks, but don’t forget he was the WR12 during the first five weeks. Wilson expressed his frustration over the recent dip in targets on the sidelines during last week’s loss to the Dolphins, which could set the stage for a bounce-back. The Raiders have allowed double-digit fantasy points to six different receivers in the last month, and I anticipate Wilson joining that list.

  • Stefon Diggs vs. Eagles – With Terry McLaurin out this season, the Commanders’ receiving group will appear quite different arriving from the bye. Although Diggs’s role may not drastically differ, he’s likely to see an uptick in targets. That’s significant against an Eagles defense yielding the second-most fantasy points to receivers, the sixth-most receiving yards, and the ninth-most receiving touchdowns. In the last four matchups, six WRs have recorded over 70 yards against Philadelphia.

at Dolphins

Henry has been known for his fluctuating fantasy performance, so I usually remain cautious when he strings together several strong outings. Currently, he’s in the midst of such a stretch, with recent stats of 5-62-0, 3-44-1, 4-48-1, and 7-71-0 over the past month. Luckily, this week he goes against a Dolphins defense that has allowed the third-most fantasy points to tight ends. Miami has given up at least one touchdown to five different tight ends in their last five games. During the only game in that timeframe where they didn’t permit a TE to reach the end zone, T.J. Hockenson still managed to achieve 13 receptions and 119 yards.

Henry confidently stands as a strong fantasy TE1 once again and could even be a candidate for a flex spot this week, particularly with A.J. Brown absent.

Other TEs to start:

  • T.J. Hockenson at Lions – Regarding Hockenson, he is also a suitable choice this week against a Lions defense allowing the most fantasy points to tight ends, including 10 touchdowns surrendered to the position over six games.

  • Brenton Strange vs. Colts – As highlighted in this week’s waiver wire article, Strange ranks sixth among tight ends in target average over the past month and boasts three solid performances of 7-95-0, 7-68-0, and 5-44-0. These include two top-12 weekly fantasy finishes. Follow that volume into a matchup against a struggling Colts team.

at Broncos

Mahomes is the highlighted quarterback to bench for the second week in a row following a disappointing outing against the Seahawks that left him scoring single-digit fantasy points. After starting the season with two consecutive top-10 fantasy finishes, Mahomes has failed to rank within the QB1 tier in his last four games (QB20, QB13, QB23, QB25).

Issues such as injuries to key receivers and the offensive line have compounded his struggles, especially in more challenging matchups. The Broncos represent such a matchup, particularly with Pat Surtain II expected to return from injury.

Other QBs to sit:

  • Caleb Williams at Seahawks – Williams faces the daunting challenge of the Seahawks’ fierce defense this week. Seattle has restricted opposing quarterbacks to the second-lowest passing yards and fantasy points this season.

  • Bo Nix vs. Chiefs – Nix enjoyed a decent fantasy performance in Week 7, mainly due to an unexpected 62-yard touchdown run. I wouldn’t anticipate substantial returns against a Chiefs defense permitting the third-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks, including limiting Nix himself to just 131 passing yards, one touchdown, and two rushing yards during their Week 1 meeting.

at Rams

Prior to the Chargers’ Week 7 break, Hampton scored over six fantasy points only once in four matches. Additionally, the backfield has transitioned into a true three-player, hot-hand committee involving Kimani Vidal and Keaton Mitchell.

It’s conceivable that adjustments made by Mike McDaniel and the coaching staff during the bye week will help resolve their numerous offensive issues, but anticipating these changes against the Rams feels overly optimistic.

Other RBs to sit:

  • Quinshon Judkins at Steelers – Judkins bounced back from injury with his best performance of the season, accumulating 104 yards and two touchdowns against the Titans. Those impressive numbers came while he was only on the field for 53% of snaps, with Dylan Sampson using 46%. Sampson’s return could restrict Judkins’ opportunities in the passing game, pushing him more into a TD-or-bust RB3 category against a robust Steelers defense.

  • Rico Dowdle vs. Browns – Dowdle’s 15-touch, 86-yard game against the Saints should be viewed cautiously, given that New Orleans often plays at a quick pace and allows the most fantasy points to RBs. Consequently, Dowdle’s usual 10 touches increased to 15. With Jaylen Warren firmly the lead back in Pittsburgh, Dowdle carries too much risk to be a reliable fantasy option.

  • J.K. Dobbins vs. Chiefs – In Jonah Coleman’s initial game off IR, the rookie transformed the Broncos backfield into a three-person committee, taking the lead by playing almost 50% of snaps. This left Dobbins and RJ Harvey to divide the remaining 50%. Even though Harvey landed on IR with a knee injury, Coleman has outperformed in his limited chances, while Dobbins has struggled with efficiency. In this challenging matchup against the Chiefs, Dobbins is too unpredictable to trust in your lineup.

at Seahawks

Even though Odunze is a strong receiver in reality, his position in the Bears’ passing game has not translated into significant fantasy returns. Following slow starts, Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland have regained form, while Odunze remains yet to score and has only exceeded 55 yards twice.

Furthermore, the Seahawks defense ranks as the most challenging for receivers, allowing only two wideouts to surpass 60 yards against them this season.

Odunze could potentially make a game-changing play, but this matchup isn’t one I recommend taking a risk on.

Other WRs to sit:

  • Jaylen Waddle vs. Chiefs – Waddle has emerged as a significant letdown throughout the fantasy season and is anticipated to play despite a chest injury. Denver’s primary receiver has managed to surpass 50 yards only once in seven games and holds a single touchdown in a Broncos jersey. This week, he encounters a Chiefs defense known for being a poor matchup for fantasy wideouts, having restricted him to one catch for two yards previously this season.

  • Xavier Worthy at Broncos – Worthy’s deep-threat capability is appealing, but as shown in the previous week, he tends to underperform against tougher opponents. The third-year receiver has never achieved more than 25 yards against the Broncos, and with Patrick Surtain II likely returning, conditions could worsen.

  • Josh Downs at Jaguars – Downs has yet to exceed 50 yards in his previous four games and continues to seek his very first touchdown of 2026. His only path to improving fantasy relevance may be through a trade to a contender.

vs. Browns

Given the injuries at this position and four teams unavailable this week—including key tight ends like George Kittle and Isaiah Likely—it’s tough to recommend sidelining any tight end ranked in the top 20.

However, Freiermuth is being highlighted as a potential sit due to his failure to surpass 50 yards in any match this season. Additionally, he has been limited to 20 yards or less in three out of his last four games. While he does carry the potential for a touchdown, as seen during his Week 4 encounter with the Browns, starting him this week means recognizing that without a TD, he may not deliver the expected return.

Other TEs to sit:

  • Tyler Higbee vs. Chargers – Following a stretch with over 60 yards in three straight games, Higbee has regressed with performances of 4-22-0 and 2-14-0. The Chargers represent the ninth-toughest matchup for fantasy tight ends, though this likely won’t factor into the game plan. The Rams are predicted to have an upper hand and will likely lean on the running game.

  • Mike Gesicki vs. Titans – Gesicki has recorded five touchdowns this season, which has overshadowed some overall uninspiring stats. In the past couple of games, he’s only caught a single short touchdown pass while seeing just three targets in total. This pattern exemplifies a precarious TD-or-bust profile.