TST NFL Fantasy Football Week 8 Starts and Sits

Week 8 of the NFL season is here, and it's already shaping up to be another prime week for fantasy managers. From breakout stars to disappointing dud performances, making the right start or sit calls can make or break your lineup, especially with six teams on a bye this week. In this column, I will break down which players you can rely on and which players you can fade from this week's slate of games.  

While looking to help fantasy managers make difficult decisions to their lineup, we won’t be mentioning the players that are obviously no-brainers (ex. Ja’Marr Chase, Josh Allen, Saquon Barkley, CeeDee Lamb, etc.). So instead, we will explore more debatable scenarios. 

Quick note: I know not every player made the cut in this week’s column; I had to draw the line somewhere. This week, I included an additional section of players titled: "Honorable mentions" and "Lowlights". Keep an eye out for expanded coverage in future weeks where I hope to create a full rankings list for every player at their position.

Quarterbacks 

Start 'Em

Bo Nix (DEN) vs. Dallas Cowboys; Proj. FPTS – 21.2: Nix struggled through the first three quarters against the Giants before leading an explosive Broncos comeback. He continues to deliver a steady floor, but his ceiling rises when he uses his legs, rushing for 20-plus yards in five games this season. He now gets a golden opportunity against a Cowboys defense that’s allowed the most fantasy points, passing yards, and touchdowns to opposing quarterbacks, plus over 220 rushing yards, also the most in the league. Nix is a must-start this week.

Dak Prescott (DAL) @ Denver Broncos; Proj. FPTS – 18.3: Prescott has been on a tear, averaging 26.2 fantasy points over his last four games with a spotless 14-to-0 TD-to-INT ratio. Some fantasy managers might hesitate against Denver’s tough-looking defense, but opposing quarterbacks have still found success, including Jaxson Dart, who finished as the QB3 last week. Don’t overthink it. Start Dak.

Drake Maye (NE) vs. Cleveland Browns; Proj. FPTS – 18.2: Like Prescott, some fantasy managers might overthink starting Maye against a tough defense. But the second-year QB has been outstanding, ranking as the QB4 from Weeks 2–7 and averaging 21 fantasy points per game. His deep-ball accuracy continues to fuel that production. While Cleveland ranks near the top in most defensive categories, they’re middle of the pack in passer rating allowed, success rate, completion percentage, and EPA. Don’t get cute, keep rolling with Maye.

Honorable Mentions: Daniel Jones (IND) vs. Tennessee Titans, Aaron Rodgers (PIT) vs. Green Bay Packers, Caleb Williams (CHI) @ Baltimore Ravens, Jaxson Dart (NYG) @ Philadelphia Eagles, Michael Penix Jr. (ATL) vs. Miami Dolphins.

Sit 'Em 

Mac Jones (SF) @ Houston Texans; Proj. FPTS – 13.0: I’m avoiding Jones this week against a Texans defense that’s allowed the fewest fantasy points and third-fewest passing yards to opposing quarterbacks. While he’s helped keep San Francisco’s season afloat, it hasn’t translated to fantasy production. With Ricky Pearsall sidelined for the fourth straight game, Jones’ ceiling remains limited. If you’ve got other options, look elsewhere.

Marcus Mariota (WSH) @ Kansas City Chiefs; Proj. FPTS – 16.9: Even though Mariota has averaged just over 18 fantasy points in two starts, this is a week to keep him on the bench. Filling in for Jayden Daniels, he’ll face a stingy Chiefs defense that’s allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points and passing yards to quarterbacks. Kansas City also ranks among the league’s best in points allowed, total yards, and passing touchdowns. Even with Mariota’s rushing upside, look elsewhere this week.

Tua Tagovailoa (MIA) @ Atlanta Falcons; Proj. FPTS – 12.1: I didn’t expect to write about Tagovailoa after last week’s benching, and with six teams on a bye, there’s no reason to start him against the Falcons. The Dolphins will be without Tyreek Hill, Darren Waller, and possibly Jaylen Waddle, even with them, Tua threw six interceptions in his last two games. Atlanta has allowed the fewest passing yards and second-fewest fantasy points to QBs, while also ranking sixth in interceptions and sacks. No matter how desperate you are, do not start Tua.

Lowlights: Jordan Love (GB) @ Pittsburgh Steelers, Joe Flacco (CIN) vs. New York Jets, Tyrod Taylor/Justin Field (NYJ) @ Cincinnati Bengals, C.J. Stroud (HOU) vs. San Francisco 49ers.  

Running Backs

Start 'Em

Breece Hall (NYJ) @ Cincinnati Bengals; Proj. FPTS – 17.8: Without Garrett Wilson, excitement around the Jets is limited, but Hall gets a juicy matchup this week against the Bengals. Cincinnati has allowed the second-most rushing yards, fourth-most receiving yards, and most fantasy points per game to running backs this season. They’ve also given up the third-most explosive runs, which favors Hall, who is averaging 18 touches per game. With the volume and matchup, Hall is a must-start this week.

D’Andre Swift (CHI) @ Baltimore Ravens; Proj. FPTS – 14.7: Swift has been on fire over the last three games, averaging just over 20 fantasy points per game. Head coach Ben Johnson is dialing up plays that suit Swift’s running style, particularly outside-zone runs, helping him average nearly six yards per carry. The Bears have committed to the run, ranking third-highest in run rate since their Week 5 bye. He faces a Ravens defense that has allowed the second-most fantasy points and is tied for third-most rushing touchdowns to running backs. Swift is entering weekly must-start territory in Johnson’s offense.

J.K. Dobbins (DEN) vs. Dallas Cowboys; Proj. FPTS – 13.4: Dobbins has been held in check over the last two weeks, posting just four and nine fantasy points against the New Jersey teams. It’s been a downturn for the 26-year-old, whose stock looked bullish through the first five weeks. Still, he put up 14 carries for 81 yards against the Giants on Sunday, showing he can still produce. He faces a Cowboys defense that has allowed the fifth-most rushing yards, fourth-most fantasy points, and fourth-highest rate of explosive runs to running backs. I also like RJ Harvey as a potential sleeper in the receiving game against a team that has allowed the most receiving yards to RBs. Start Dobbins, and in deeper leagues, consider Harvey as well.

Honorable Mentions: Rico Dowdle/Chuba Hubbard vs. Buffalo Bills, Rachaad White (TB) @ New Orleans Saints, Jacory Croskey-Merritt (WSH) @ Kansas City Chiefs, Jaylen Warren (PIT) vs. Green Bay Packers, Woody Mark (HOU) vs. San Francisco 49ers.  

Sit 'Em

Chase Brown (CIN) vs. New York Jets; Proj. FPTS – 12.3: Brown showed flashes against the Steelers last Thursday, rushing for 108 yards, but only managed 12 fantasy points. Since Joe Burrow’s injury, he hasn’t found the end zone. Last week’s performance felt like a fluke against a Tyrel Austin-led Steelers defense. This week, he faces a Jets front that allows just 0.8 yards per carry before contact. With his floor and ceiling close together and Bengals RBs averaging 0.3 yards before contact, it’s not a favorable matchup. If you’ve managed without Brown so far, stick with it. If you must start him, good luck.

Tony Pollard (TEN) @ Indianapolis Colts; Proj. FPTS – 9.7: Pollard and his backup Tyjae Spears had nearly identical workloads last week (6-18 & 5-22), though Pollard edged him out in the receiving game with six catches for 43 yards. If the split continues, his upside is limited. Pollard hasn’t recorded a 15-point game and has been held to single digits three times this season. He faces a Colts run defense that has allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points and seventh-fewest rushing yards per game. With Indianapolis likely to lead, expect a one-dimensional game plan, giving Spears more work out of the backfield. Avoid Pollard this week.

Rhamondre Stevenson (NE) vs. Cleveland Browns; Proj. FPTS – 12.4: Stevenson is coming off his best rushing performance of the season, with 18 carries for 88 yards against the Titans. This week, he and the Patriots’ backfield face a tough matchup against the Browns, who have allowed the fewest fantasy points and sixth-fewest rushing yards to RBs. While most are focused on Stevenson’s production, TreVeyon Henderson has surprisingly seen significant work — though coach Mike Vrabel said it wasn’t intentional, just game-script driven. I’m not giving up on Henderson, as he could stabilize his fantasy value and eventually earn a starting role. That said, neither Stevenson nor Henderson are recommended starts this week.

Lowlights: Quinshon Judkins (CLE) @ New England Patriots, Kenneth Gainwell (PIT) vs. Green Bay Packers, Alvin Kamara (NO) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Nick Chubb (HOU) vs. San Francisco 49ers, Brashard Smith (KC) vs. Washington Commanders.

Wide Receivers

Start 'Em

Rome Odunze (CHI) @ Baltimore Ravens; Proj. FPTS – 13.9: Odunze started the season strong, posting 15.7, 31.8, 15.2, and 16.9 fantasy points in his first four games. The last two, however, have been quiet: four catches on 11 targets for 63 yards and no touchdowns. This week presents a get-right opportunity against a Ravens defense that has allowed the third-most touchdowns (10) and fifth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers. Most of Baltimore’s TDs to WRs have come in the red zone, where Odunze has excelled, with 25% red-zone target share and half of the Bears’ end zone scores. Start Odunze this week.

Courtland Sutton (DEN) vs. Dallas Cowboys; Proj. FPTS – 13.8: Last week against the Giants, Sutton caught six passes for 87 yards (not including a successful two-point conversion). He now faces one of the league’s weakest secondaries. The Cowboys have allowed the most receiving touchdowns, second-most fantasy points per game, and third-most receiving yards to wide receivers. Just like I called his QB a must-start, Sutton earns the same designation this week. Expect him to finish Week 8 among the top-5 WRs.

Romeo Doubs / Matthew Golden (GB) @ Pittsburgh Steelers; Proj. FPTS – 12.2 / 10.3: Doubs has established himself as the lead receiver for the Packers, logging at least eight targets in each of the last three games and averaging 17.8 fantasy points over that span. He faces a Steelers secondary that was torched by Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins last Thursday and has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers. Golden could take advantage of his speed against Pittsburgh’s struggling deep-ball coverage. While his volume is uncertain, he has upside and can be a flex option if you need replacements during bye weeks.

Honorable Mentions: Stefon Diggs (NE) vs. Cleveland Browns, Tez Johnson (TB) @ New Orleans Saints, Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) @ Philadelphia Eagles, Elic Ayomanor (TEN) @ Indianapolis Colts, Kendrick Bourne (SF) @ Houston Texans.  

Sit 'Em  

DJ Moore (CHI) @ Baltimore Ravens; Proj. FPTS – 10.7: Moore has completely fallen off this season. I’ve recommended sitting him more than starting him, as his volume has shifted to Odunze and other teammates. He’s gone over five targets and 50 yards just once, with only one touchdown. Even in a favorable Week 8 matchup, there’s not enough volume to justify starting him — just two red-zone targets and three deep targets all season. He’s recorded only one game over 10 fantasy points, aided by a late Dallas touchdown. Do not start Moore this week, and if he fails to meet projections, he may be on the chopping block.

Tee Higgins (CIN) vs. New York Jets; Proj. FPTS – 12.4: Higgins took advantage of a weakened Steelers secondary last week, posting 6 catches for 96 yards and a touchdown, including a deep catch that set up the game-winning field goal. Joe Flacco could help Higgins regain fantasy relevance, but I need to see it happen consistently before fully buying in. Flacco’s familiarity with AFC North defenses likely contributed to last Thursday’s performance, but the Bengals’ O-line remains a concern, especially against a Jets secondary that doesn’t give free releases to their top receivers. New York has allowed the ninth-fewest fantasy points and receptions to WRs, and with their defense getting healthier, protection issues could limit Higgins’ ceiling. If you need him, fine, but I remain skeptical.

Keon Coleman (BUF) @ Carolina Panthers; Proj. FPTS – 10.2: After a 25.2 fantasy point breakout in Week 1, Coleman hasn’t lived up to expectations, recording only one other double-digit outing (with a touchdown). He’s seen 13 targets over the last two games but hasn’t surpassed 30 yards. This week, he likely faces Jaycee Horn, who has allowed a league-low 53% completion rate to outside receivers, where Coleman lines up 84% of the time. Carolina has also allowed the third-fewest fantasy points per game to WRs. Avoid Coleman this week.

Lowlights: Jaylen Waddle (MIA) @ Atlanta Falcons, Marquise “Hollywood” Brown (KC) vs. Washington Commanders, Kayshon Boutte (NE) vs. Cleveland Browns, Jauan Jennings (SF) @ Houston Texans, Xavier Legette (CAR) vs. Buffalo Bills.

Tight Ends

Start 'Em

Tucker Kraft (GB) @ Pittsburgh Steelers; Proj. FPTS – 10.3: Kraft has become one of the most reliable TE starters in fantasy. He’s scored a touchdown four times this season and recorded double-digit fantasy points in each of those games, with a season-high 124 yards in Week 2. Last week against the Cardinals, he posted 5 catches for 58 yards and a touchdown. This week, he faces a Steelers defense that has struggled at the position, allowing the third-most fantasy points and fourth-most touchdowns to tight ends. Against Cincinnati last week, Pittsburgh gave up 4 catches, 44 yards, and a touchdown to Noah Fant. Start Kraft this week.

Dalton Kincaid (BUF) @ Carolina Panthers; Proj. FPTS – 9.8: Kincaid is questionable after being limited in practice Friday, so check the Bills’ inactive list before Sunday. If active, he’s a must-start against a Panthers defense that has allowed the fourth-most receiving yards, touchdowns, and sixth-most fantasy points per game to tight ends. Kincaid has been resurging this season, recording double-digit fantasy points in three of five games, surpassing 40 yards three times, and seeing four-plus targets in all but one outing.

Cade Otton (TB) @ New Orleans Saints; Proj. FPTS – 9.9: With injuries in Tampa Bay’s receiving corps, Otton should see increased volume. Over the last three games, he’s recorded at least five targets and 50+ yards each week, with receptions trending upward. Still seeking his first touchdown, Otton has a great chance against the Saints, who’ve allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to tight ends this season. Plus, with it being “National Tight End Day,” don’t be surprised if Otton and other TEs put up strong numbers. Start Otton.

Honorable Mentions: Dalton Schultz (HOU) vs. San Francisco 49ers, Kyle Pitts (ATL) vs. Miami Dolphins, Harold Fannin Jr. (Or David Njoku, if active) @ New England Patriots, Dallas Goedert (PHI) vs. New York Giants, Mason Taylor (NYJ) @ Cincinnati Bengals, Pat Freiermuth (PIT) vs. Green Bay Packers. 

Sit 'Em

Theo Johnson (NYG) @ Philadelphia Eagles; Proj. FPTS – 9.5: Johnson faces a tough matchup against the Eagles, who have allowed the fewest touchdowns, third-most yards, and fourth-most fantasy points per game to tight ends. Philadelphia held him to 2 catches for 27 yards just two weeks ago, and his touchdown last week against the Broncos came off a fortunate bounce. Find another option this week.

Zach Ertz (WSH) @ Kansas City Chiefs; Proj. FPTS – 9.0: With Jayden Daniels out, Marcus Mariota will start Monday, and Ertz has been far more productive with Daniels (11.8 fantasy points per game vs. 6.5 with Mariota). The Chiefs are a tough matchup for tight ends, allowing the third-fewest fantasy points, fifth-fewest yards, and just one touchdown to the position. Move away from Ertz this week.

Hunter Henry (NE) vs. Cleveland Browns; Proj. FPTS – 9.4: The Browns are middle of the pack in fantasy points allowed to tight ends, but the bigger issue is Henry’s declining production. Since Week 2, he’s fallen under 10 fantasy points four times and recorded five or fewer targets in each of the last four weeks. Last week against the Titans, he finished with 4 catches for 33 yards. With this lack of volume, find another option at tight end this week.

Lowlights: Jonnu Smith (PIT) vs. Green Bay Packers, Juwan Johnson (NO) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Evan Engram (DEN) vs. Dallas Cowboys, Any Miami Dolphins TE @ Atlanta Falcons.

Defenses

Start 'Em

Indianapolis Colts Defense vs. Tennessee Titans; Proj. FPTS – 6.6: Don’t overthink starting the Colts’ defense just because the Titans fired Brian Callahan. Last week, the Patriots defense recorded 5 sacks, 2 takeaways, and a touchdown, totaling 20 fantasy points. Tennessee has allowed 13 fantasy points per game to opposing defenses — the most in the league, and their quarterback has been sacked 30 times. This is a no-brainer start. Start the Colts defense.

Atlanta Falcons Defense vs. Miami Dolphins; Proj. FPTS – 6.7: The Falcons defense has made a notable turnaround in 2025, currently ranked ninth in fantasy. This Sunday, they face a struggling Dolphins team in turmoil under Mike McDaniel and Tua Tagovailoa. Last week, Miami allowed 4 sacks, 3 interceptions, a fumble recovery, and a touchdown, totaling 25 fantasy points. This season, they’ve allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. If you picked up Atlanta on the waiver wire, expect a strong performance.

New England Patriots Defense vs. Cleveland Browns; Proj. FPTS – 5.7: The Patriots defense is coming off a season-high 20 fantasy points against the Titans and could exceed projections this week against the Browns, who allow opposing defenses to average at least 8 points per game. Cleveland will likely rely heavily on the run, which worked last week against Miami, but New England is one of the league’s best run defenses. The Patriots are a sneaky option this week.

Honorable Mentions: New York Jets Defense @ Cincinnati Bengals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Defense @ New Orleans Defense, Cincinnati Bengals Defense vs. New York Jets. 

Sit 'Em

Philadelphia Eagles Defense vs. New York Giants; Proj. FPTS – 5.9: The Eagles defense has been inconsistent this season, with four single-digit fantasy finishes. Two weeks ago, they recorded 0 points against Jaxson Dart and the Giants, and even last week, they managed just 11 fantasy points. The Giants are a tough matchup and have found ways to move the ball despite missing Malik Nabers, even the Broncos defense scored only 5 fantasy points against them last week. Avoid starting Philadelphia this week.

Washington Commanders Defense @ Kansas City Chiefs; Proj. FPTS – 2.0: Avoid any defense facing the Chiefs, who look like Super Bowl contenders. Only the Jaguars have scored more than 5 fantasy points against them this season. Kansas City allows just 2.14 points per game to opposing defenses. With Jayden Daniels out, the Commanders are especially unplayable this week.

Pittsburgh Steelers Defense vs. Green Bay Packers; Proj. FPTS – 3.7: Last week was a miss on the Steelers defense, and this week they’re off the table against Green Bay. The Packers have allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing defenses, and Jordan Love has historically performed well on Sunday Night Football. Once known for their ferocity, the Steelers defense has struggled with creativity and in-game adjustments. Do not start Pittsburgh this week.

Lowlights: Baltimore Ravens Defense vs. Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers Defense @ Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers @ Houston Texans, Denver Broncos Defense vs. Dallas Cowboys. 

Kickers

Start 'Em

Chris Boswell (PIT) vs. Green Bay; Proj. FPTS: 8.7

Chase McLaughlin (TB) @ New Orleans Saints; Proj. FPTS: 8.4

Brandon Aubrey (DAL) @ Denver Broncos; Proj. FPTS: 8.7

Eddy Pineiro (SF) @ Houston Texans; Proj. FPTS: 7.8

Ka’imi Fairbairn (HOU) vs. San Francisco; Proj. FPTS: 7.9

Matt Prater (BUF) @ Carolina Panthers; Proj. FPTS: 8.3

Sit 'Em

Harrison Butker (KC) vs. Washington Commanders; Proj. FPTS: 8.8

Tyler Loop (BAL) vs. Chicago Bears; Proj. FPTS: 8.5

Jake Elliott (PHI) vs. New York Giants; Proj. FPTS: 8.4

Matt Gay (WSH) @ Kansas City Chiefs; Proj. FPTS: 7.5

Evan McPherson (CIN) vs. New York Jets; Proj. FPTS: 8.0

Ryan Fitzgerald (CAR) vs. Buffalo Bills; Proj. FPTS: 8.1