Welcome back, readers! I am happy to return for a second year as The Sporting Tribune's fantasy football analyst. If you are new here, my mission is to help fantasy managers with any dilemmas or questions they may have through the course of the season to ultimately win their leagues. For the next 17 weeks, I will produce weekly fantasy content that will go over the waiver wire, rankings, and Start 'Em, Sit 'Em columns.
Being a fantasy manager often means having to make difficult roster decisions, but I aim to take some of the guesswork out of it with my Start 'Em and Sit 'Em column for every position. It goes without saying that I won't include obvious calls like "start Trey McBride" or "sit Tommy DeVito." Instead, I search for players that could be perceived as fringe that could propel your lineups for weekly wins.
As always, if you have any questions or don't see your players here, feel free to follow me on Twitter (X) – @JamesNewell96 and send me a message, where I typically respond in a timely manner.
Start ’Em
Los Angeles Rams Defense vs. LAC (Projected FPTS – 10.0): The Rams’ defense has failed to live up to its preseason hype. However, this week’s matchup against the Chargers is a no-brainer. The Bolts have allowed 11.5 fantasy points per game to opposing defenses, the most in the NFL. The Chargers’ offense has scored the fewest points per game (15) and has a league-most 15 giveaways. Unless they’ve fixed all their issues during the bye week, the Rams’ defense should have a field day.
Cincinnati Bengals Defense vs. TEN (Projected FPTS – 9.3): I believe the Bengals’ defense will finish with the most points this week against the Titans. Cincinnati has scored the fifth-most fantasy points, leads the league in sacks (21) and has an 8.8 percent sack rate, the second-highest this season. The Titans’ offense has averaged the second-fewest points per game and has allowed opposing defenses to average the sixth-most fantasy points per game. Despite Cam Ward being tough to bring down, the Bengals will generate enough pressure to make him commit mistakes under center.
Jacksonville Jaguars Defense vs. IND (Projected FPTS – 10.0): The simplest way to stop the Colts is to bottle up Jonathan Taylor and force Daniel Jones to use his arm. If the Jaguars’ defense can do that, which they should with Indianapolis having traded away All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson on Tuesday, they should have no issues. This season Jacksonville’s defense has allowed the fewest rushing yards per game (72.2) and the fewest yards per carry (3.2). Start the Jags with confidence in Week Eight.
Honorable Mentions: New England Patriots Defense @ MIA; Chicago Bears Defense @ SEA; Pittsburgh Steelers Defense vs. CLE; Atlanta Falcons Defense @ TB; Washington Commanders Defense vs. PHI.
Sit ’Em
Seattle Seahawks Defense vs. CHI (Projected FPTS – 7.5): Last week the Seahawks managed to clamp down on Patrick Mahomes and Kansas City’s offense. On paper, it’s fair to think they could do that again this week against the Bears at home. However, Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson’s offense is a much bigger threat than the Chiefs. Since Williams’ return, opposing defenses have scored just three fantasy points. I don’t recommend dropping Seattle from your roster, but managers should make room for a streaming option in Week Eight.
Baltimore Ravens Defense @ BUF (Projected FPTS – 5.7): During the preseason, the Ravens’ defense was projected to have one of the easiest strengths of schedule in 2026. However, they’ve done pretty much nothing this season. This week they take on Buffalo on the road, which is an automatic must-sit. Josh Allen and the Bills’ offense have scored the most points per game and have the highest percentage of drives ending in points. Buffalo’s offense has also allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses. Avoid the Ravens’ defense and any defense facing Josh Allen.
New York Jets Defense vs. LV (Projected FPTS – 6.6): I was wrong about starting the Jets’ defense last week against the Dolphins, as it scored just one measly point. On paper, their Week Eight matchup against the Raiders could be favorable, but it won’t be. Kirk Cousins has looked fantastic and currently leads all quarterbacks in touchdown passes (15). Las Vegas also ranks inside the top six in points per game this season. Opposing defenses have scored the seventh-fewest fantasy points against the Silver and Black. The Jets have also struggled recently, scoring three or fewer fantasy points in four of its last five games. Don’t start the J-E-T-S JETS!
Lowlights: Philadelphia Eagles Defense @ WSH; Denver Broncos Defense vs. KC; Buffalo Bills Defense vs. BAL; Cleveland Browns Defense @ PIT; Tampa Bay Buccaneers Defense vs. ATL.
KICKERS
Start 'Em
Will Reichard @ DET - Projected FPTS: 9.9
Spencer Shrader @ JAX - Projected FPTS: 8.9
Chase McLaughlin vs. ATL - Projected FPTS: 8.8
Matt Gay @ NYJ - Projected FPTS: 8.1
Chris Boswell vs. CLE - Projected FPTS: 8.9
Chad Ryland @ DAL - Projected FPTS: 8.2
Cam Little vs. IND - Projected FPTS: 8.9
Evan McPherson vs. TEN - Projected FPTS: 9.0
Tyler Bass vs. BAL - Projected FPTS: 8.6
Jason Myers vs. CHI - Projected FPTS: 8.3
Sit ‘Em
Tyler Loop @ BUF - Projected FPTS: 8.7
Jake Elliott @ WSH - Projected FPTS: 6.7
Harrison Butker @ DEN - Projected FPTS: 7.4
Brandon McManus vs. LAC - Projected FPTS: 8.1
Zane Gonzalez vs. NE - Projected FPTS: 6.4
Jason Sanders vs. LV - Projected FPTS: 7.5
Cairo Santos @ SEA - Projected FPTS: 7.8
Ryan Fitzgerald @ GB - Projected FPTS: 7.5
Cameron Dicker @ LAR - Projected FPTS: 6.0
Joey Slye @ CIN - Projected FPTS: 5.9